Stolen Memories

Chapters

More Questions Than Answers
History Repeats Itself
Clouded Dreams
Crystal Hearts
Memory
Look to the Stars
For Sake of Love
A Journey's End

History Repeats Itself

Sunrise, the break of dawn. Such a thought was a simple thing to most ponies, being the start of the day and little more. Yet, high above Equestria, in the realm of the pegasi, it was so much more than that. The sun, peeking just over the horizon as it began it's ascent, cast hues of fiery orange and calm yellows, painting the clouds in a myriad of patterns. It was almost as though a grand artist had passed a brush across the sky and left wonder in it's wake. It was among the most beautiful scenes one could hope to ever see.

Breaking what would otherwise be a still silence, twin propellers droned on in a heavy hum, driving a sizeable airship onward with due haste. As large as they were, these propellers occasionally caught an errant cloud, setting it in a magnificent spiral that cast the most amazing of colors when touched by the morning sun. Greater than these, however, was the airship they pushed, an elaborately painted craft that could easily be the largest of any that appeared at Canterlot's landing. It was colored with nightly hues, hints of a starscape laced across it's hull. This was the Polaris, the North Star, and it was serving as home to the Mane Six.

Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were all arrayed around a circular table that served as the 'strategic' center of the Polaris. Situated to the rear of the ship, it sported an arcing window that allowed a fantastic view of the morning light trailing behind the ship, a view the friends had been rather enjoying as each had let their minds wander. In light of recent events, it was easy to forget the simple pleasures of the world, and this was serving as a reminder of that fact.

Whatever her friends might be dwelling on, Twilight's mind was stuck on a single, resonating thought. Of course, she had been considering all angles to this problem since she had first been told, especially once they were aboard the Polaris and she'd had time to mull it over. The situation as a whole was unsettling, no doubt, but the words of that pegasus, Thundershot, stuck in her mind like a bad smell lingers on the air.

"It made me feel empty..."

As simple a statement as that may have been, it spoke volumes to the alicorn. Magic was a power unto itself, but unless it was targeted to affect the way one felt, it never created an emotional 'feel' like he had said. As such, if what he claimed was true, there had to be more to it than just 'magic'...didn't there? She couldn't wrap her mind around the idea. It had been enough, to learn that friendship, in it's own way, was magic. This, however...it had to be something more. Something terrible, and she shuddered to think of it.

"Somethn' on yer mind, sugarcube?" Applejack had a way of being straightforward, not to mention speaking when it was needed, de-railing the train of thought that had been running circles in the purple mare's mind. Blinking as if just waking up, she finally shook her head and smiled at her orange friend, extending the gesture to all of her friends in turn.

"Nothing new, no," she finally replied, turning to face the table, and the myriad of papers, forms and books that adorned it. She placed her hoof upon a particular book, a guide to Trottingham itself, which Luna had made sure to place in the hooves of Captain Starsight. It had already proved valuable in directing their intended activities when they would reach Trottingham, and that was exactly what had brought them here at this moment. Review and reminder, as they were barely an hour away from their destination.

All of the other ponies began to shift idly, as if nervous, or in anticipation. When Twilight didn't immediately speak up, it was, of all ponies, Fluttershy that said something. "Uhm...Twilight? You said you needed to see all of us here?" she queried in her meek, but perhaps cute, manner.

"Yes," she said in a manner of one that had just been snapped from a deep thought. "I just wanted to go over the plans again. We need to be as quick as we can, if this situation is going to be as far-reaching as Celestia seems to believe." She distinctly avoided saying 'fears', not wanting to make matters worse among her perhaps anxious friends. "So, let's review. Applejack?" she says while pointing a hoof at the stetson-topped mare.

"Me n' Rarity are gonna help ya check the grand library, an' see if anypony knows any books what explain this whole mess," said Applejack, Rarity nodding in agreement, as it seemed redundant for her to repeat the same. With a nod, Twilight's hoof moved on to Rainbow Dash.

Wings flaring out, the blue pegasus grinned broadly. "Do what I do best! Keep tabs on everypony from the air, and let Captain Starsight know if there's any trouble." Another nod and Twilight continued.

"Check with the ponies and see if any word's come around about Tailwind Dale!" called out the all-too-cheery pink pony. "Oh-oh-oh! And do it...." she crouches down, making as if to cover all but her eyes. "Sneaky like...."

Five raised eyebrows and a moved hoof later, Fluttershy continued. "See if I can find anything strange among the animals, or if there are any clues leading up to this spell...or whatever it is."

Nodding in satisfaction, Twilight set her foreleg back down. "Sounds like we all know our parts. Hopefully, with some luck, we'll find what we're looking for."

"Who needs luck when you're with the most awesome ponies in Euqestria?" came Rainbow's comment, as boisterous as ever for her. At least it included all of them this time; she was getting better about that. Twilight couldn't help but smile, the others even giggling at her enthusiasm.

"Well, let's hope you're right, Rainbow. We could certainly use it." She didn't give voice to the fear that this incident, whatever it was, was going to happen again. Perhaps sooner than later, too, though they thankfully had not heard from Discord yet. She hoped that in this case, no news was good news. As this thought crossed her mind, another pony entered the room, an earth pony of black hue with a silvery mane. She bore a cutie mark that depicted a sextant, backed by a trio of bright stars arrayed in a triangle, the topmost of which was larger than the others.

"Captain Starsight," began Twilight, setting everypony's eyes on her. "What brings you here?"

"My ship?" she replied with a raised eyebrow before she broke into a grin. "Thought the lot of you should know, we're just arriving at Trottingham. Hope y'got your plans together, princess. It's time to set it in motion!"

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Starsight had brought down the Polaris just outside of Trottingham, as the city lacked a proper landing to accommodate an airship, much less one of it's size. Twilight and her friends had set out on their tasks almost as soon as the crew had moored the vessel, lending proof to the importance of their mission. Of course, the captain had let them know that she would keep the ship ready, in case they needed to make a hasty exit.

Once they had disembarked, the group set out to their various tasks. Pinkie was having a wonderful time pestering the townsfolk, and oddly, Fluttershy was just about the same, though few could understand the creatures she spoke to. However, it was Twilight's task that would prove most important this day as she lead the way to the grand library, Rarity and Applejack in tow. With prior review of the city itself, it was easy to be very objective in their destinations, and as such, they had spared not a moment in reaching the library. Twilight was indeed rather anxious to find out anything she could about this mystery, and what it implied for not only Equestria, but magic itself.

"A good morrow to you," came the voice of a friendly looking green pegasus, who greeted the trio as they entered the foyer to an immense library. It would be easy to assume she was the librarian. For her part, Twilight was about as stunned as when she first set foot in the library at the Crystal Empire; this one could rival it for scale and volume, and perhaps even surpass it. Books lined every wall, every nook and cranny. If there was room for it, there were shelves full of books to be had. Arched ceilings and high walls allowed for that much more room, making for a grand repository of knowledge. Celestia had been right. Trottingham did indeed have a great deal of history within the city, and not merely by virtue of age.

"Thank ya kindly," Applejack replied, tipping her hat to the pegasus. Rarity offer a smile in turn.

"Might I help you find anything?" she pressed on, lending more credence to the idea that she was the librarian here. Rarity shook her head.

"Thank you, but no. We are in search of nothing specific as of yet, so we will be fine, such as we are."

With a nod and a smile, the pegasus returned to reading a book she had apparently been browsing through before they entered. With that managed, Applejack trotted up alongside the alicorn, giving her a nudge with her hoof. "Twilight? I know y'all can be fascinated with a place like this, but we need t'focus, y'hear?"

It was then that she shook her head, appearing as if recovering from a dream or some such, before she spared the orange mare a sidelong glance. "Er...right! Right. Let's see..." Taking a few steps forward, she began to read the signs indicating the various sections, until she spotted history. "There," she finally said, pointing a hoof to the sign in question. "We'd probably do best to start off there. If anything might indicate this has happened before, that's where it should be."

That settled, the three trotted their way into a section that in itself was as large as Twilight's entire library at home. Probably larger, in retrospect. Without a word between them, they split up, each setting upon a different wing of the area. With so many books, SO many, Twilight had the nagging sense that they would be at this for a very long time. That was a bit concerning, given that time was at such a premium if they wanted to solve this mystery. Regardless, it was all they could do but search.

Perhaps a bit unfairly, both Rarity and Twilight could use their magic to levitate books, allowing them to look through large numbers in rapid succession. Applejack was stuck with good-ol' hoof power, having to handle things a bit more directly. Each of the friends searched ever onward, moving their way slowly across each section as they painstakingly checked each and every book. Every so often, one would stop to take a closer look, but apparently finding nothing of note, would put these books back without comment. Twilight even began to wonder if this search would be fruitless as the time drug on.

For nearly an hour they searched, long enough that all three were starting to worry, until Applejack came across an unusual tome. This one was housed amidst books that were noted for further history, some covering times over a thousand years past. Most had a small layer of dust upon them, given their lack of use, and the seemingly limited staffing of the grand library. However, this one stood out. Not because it was fancy, pretty, or made in any particular way. The first thing she had noticed, in fact, was a distinct lack of dust upon it. Pulling it from the shelf, she looked over the cover, which was hoof written by a pony with elaborate, flowing script.

True Magic: The Price of Love

"Twilight!" she finally called out, drawing not only the alicorn's attention, but Rarity's as well. "I think y'all should see this." At those words, the others converged on the orange mare, meeting up with her moments later. When she held up the book, it became encased in the soft, purple glow that was Twilight's magic as she slowly drew it to herself, looking over the title.

"Huh...this seems a bit odd," she said flatly, then working to open it up. Inside, the script was much the same as on the cover, delicately, perhaps even lovingly written. The author had taken a great deal of time and effort to write this, that much was certain. At first she merely browsed the pages, scanning for anything that might lend clues to the crisis they were now facing. However, the longer she looked, the more she was drawn in by what she read. There was something else here, something more than mere words. This book told a story, in a way, of something that was both familiar...and yet completely unknown.

"Are you quite alright, dear?" came the familiar voice of Rarity. When Twilight looked up, she could see mildly concerned expressions on both of their faces. It appeared she had gotten a little more into reading this book than she had thought. Smiling sheepishly, she cleared her throat, closing the book for the moment.

"Sorry about that, girls. This book is just...it's something else. The author has a grasp of something, an idea that...well, it's hard to explain." Before either of them could ask, she opened the book back up, and began to read aloud.

Magic. This is a power all unicorns are familiar with. They all wield it to some extent, some great, some lesser, but they all wield it by their adult lives. Many understand some of it's intricacies. Some dedicate entire lives to unraveling it's deeper mysteries. Yet, such ideas rarely fall outside of the interests of the unicorns themselves, as no other type of pony has this ability.

Or do they?

I have begun to unravel something mysterious. Something powerful. I have been graced with the good fortune to study the newly discovered Crystal Heart, and the pony it is now bound to, Queen Emberheart. What I have discovered is most telling. Believers in the powers of harmony have often cited that friendship is magic, or at the least, a form of it. I have become a believer of this idea...a believer and more!

The Crystal Heart has shown me so many things about magic. We have barely scratched it's surface! This artifact takes the love and joy in the hearts of the people, and focuses it into a force so powerful, so grand, that it can repel the greatest evils we have seen. It can even be seen across all of the lands, or so we've been told. More than this, however, is what it implies to me. What it compels me to believe. If friendship is indeed magic, then love...love must be the greatest of all magics.

However, just as friendship has it's opposite in the form of an enemy, so, too, does love. If love is indeed the truest form of magic, what, then, is it's opposite? If our Crystal Heart can take the love within us and protect an entire empire, what could hate or it's like do? Magic is balance; there are always two sides to it. I dread to think what this might imply for us, or for our beloved Crystal Empire if these ideas come to light in the wrong hooves.

It was at this point that she stopped reading, sparing a concerned look to her friends. Both Applejack and Rarity had similar expressions on their faces, though neither fully comprehended the ideas it mentioned. Ever the straightforward one, it was Applejack that spoke up first.

"S'all well an' good there, Twi, what ya found, but..." She lifted a foreleg, rubbing absently behind her head with a hoof. "But ah don't see how this is gonna help us."

"I have to agree, Twilight," Rarity chimed in. "It has some rather...unusual implications, but nothing it has mentioned seems to apply to disappearing cities."

Twilight frowned somewhat, looking down at the open passage she had just read from. "This book speaks of true magic. A power stronger than just friendship. If an entire city has disappeared, it stands to reason this might apply. I mean, come on girls, has anyone ever heard of magic that does THAT?" The mares were forced to both shake their heads. That much was true; none of them had ever heard of such a thing in magic before. Maybe they WERE on to something here.

Silence fell upon them as each pony looked to their own thoughts on the matter. What Twilight had said was making sense, and it was a bit unsettling. Not because she might have been right, but for what it implied. A magic stronger than anything seen before? Stronger than friendship? Was that even possible? Questions were mounting faster than answers, and it showed across each of their faces as one looked to the next. Twilight made as if to speak, but as she opened her mouth to do so, she felt something, and it made her blood run cold.

Empty....

Her eyes widened so quickly that both of her friends looked on in shock. "Twi? Y'all ok?" Applejack asked, a touch of concern evident in her voice. It was only a moment later that she felt the same thing, as did Rarity. It was a deep feeling, a sense as much as an emotion. A feeling that no matter what you did, what you had, or who you knew, you could never fill your heart. An emptiness that clawed at the edge of awareness, threatening to drag one down into a despair that would never end.

"We...we have to go!" Twilight finally announced, sounding a bit hoarse against the dryness that had taken hold of her mouth just then. Her two friends agreed wordlessly, all three turning to leave the library with all due haste. Levitating the book, Twilight took it with her, getting the feeling that it might have more answers if she took the time to read it.

"Wait, you have to..." began the pegasus at the entrance, but she was promptly cut off by Rarity as the trio galloped by.

"No time to explain! You need to leave, now!" Looking rather perplexed, she watched as the mares left the library with startling haste, perhaps too dumbstruck to offer comment or objection.

As they reached the outdoors, the sense they had felt began to build. To expand. The hum of magic was becoming increasingly easy to detect, and it was the that Twilight had no further doubts that ANYpony could feel this. It was enough to send chills up her spine, and a quick glance to her friends revealed much the same. They looked every ounce how she felt. Alarmed. Confused.

Afraid.

Just then, Rainbow Dash swooped in, gliding a few feet overhead as she looked down at the trio in concern. "What's up? You look like you're in a hurry!" She either hadn't felt it yet, or wasn't paying it any mind. Whatever the case may be, Twilight refused to let up the pace, a look of grim determination coming across her face.

"We have to get out of the city! There's no time to explain right now. Tell Captain Starsight to get the Polaris ready. We need to go, now!" Though she looked ready to object, Rainbow apparently thought better of it, and with a curt nod, shot off into the sky once more, making her way back to the Polaris.

As large as Trottingham was, the trio was moving at an impressive pace, nearing the fringes of the city in short order. It was a good thing, too. As they drove on, surprising the townsfolk as they passed, Twilight could perceive, almost SEE reality itself bending and twisting at the edges of her vision, as if something was attempting to wrench control of the very fabric of the world free. If she were not here to witness it for herself, she'd never have believed such a thing possible, much less actually believe it was happening.

The three mares cleared the edge of the city moments later, none of them so much as sparing a backward glance. That empty feeling was strong, almost overwhelming, and it served to drive them onward in a desperate bid to escape it, more than the outcome that was sure to follow. As if on cue, there was a sound unlike anything they'd heard before, like the air itself was being...torn. There was no flash of light, no show of power, nothing. In the blink of an eye, Trottingham was suddenly just gone, right on their flanks as they escaped the city limits.

One would have assumed the ordeal over, but not quite. With a sound not unlike a thunderclap, air suddenly rushed in with hurricane force, moving to fill a void left by the now missing city. So great was the force that it threw all three of the ponies down, driving them back toward the crater left behind for several feet before each found purchase on the ground with their hooves, waiting out the brief but intense rush. Even the Polaris strained against the pull, it's mooring ropes pulled taut as the trees that anchored it creaked in protest at the might of the pull. Thankfully, they held against the torrent of air, which ultimately lasted only a few seconds.

As it passed, Twilight began to rise shakily to her feet. She didn't know what she felt just then. Fear, worry...awe. Whatever they had just experienced was beyond the scope of any magic she was familiar with, any magic she had ever even HEARD of. This was a league of it's own, and it was almost terrifying. Her eyes turned to the enormous crater that served as the only mark that Trottingham had ever been there, the act of which sent a shiver up her spine. They had almost been a part of this...

"Oh my gosh!" she finally said aloud, turning to Rarity and Applejack, the two taking a bit longer to recover from the disaster. Both of their eyes turned on her, their shock rather evident. "The others! Did they make it out?" Worry passed between the friends just then as they cast their gazes about, hoping to see signs of the rest of their group.

It was then that Rainbow Dash appeared, hurtling through the sky like a meteor before she landing in their midst with a heavy thud. Even the blue pegasus looked alarmed at what had just happened, though whether out of confusion or ignorance was debatable. "You three alright?" she almost demanded, her assertive nature kicking in at the threat of disaster. Each in turn gave her a solemn nod before fixing the pegasus with pleading gazes. If anyone would know, it had to be her.

For a moment, Rainbow looked confused, mostly that they were all staring at her so intently. After a moment or two, she started to whip her head around sharply, as if looking for something important. "Wait, where's Pinkie? And Fluttershy?" At those words, Twilight felt her heart sink to a low she'd not known since their first encounter with Discord. Looking back to the crater that marked what once was Trottingham, tears began to well up in her eyes.

"They..." she murmured softly, unable to finish more than that one word. The others caught on all the same, following her gaze back to the crater as well, each alone with their thoughts for moments that seemed as if to stretch on forever. The disappearance of an entire city was tragic, to be sure, but to lose a friend, much less, two....

"What....what do we do now?" Rainbow asked, her tone far shakier than normal, given the current events. All eyes turned to Twilight, the mare that usually had the answers they needed, even if they didn't always listen, but this time? She looked completely lost. She didn't have an immediate answer. She had ideas before, of course, but the loss of not one, but two of their number stung in ways words couldn't express. She felt numb...

Empty.

Vaguely, Twilight became aware of voices, muffled as they seemed to be, as though they were background noise against an unfathomable silence. Slowly, awareness came back to her, prompting her to blink rapidly, as if awakening from a dream. She suddenly became acutely aware of the worried looks on her friends' faces.

"Twi? Twi! Y'alright? C'mon girl, say somethn'!" Applejack's familiar voice was a cool reminder to ward off that feeling that had nearly overwhelmed her moments before. The orange mare had a hoof to each shoulder, as if she'd been shaking the alicorn, watery eyes showing she was on the verge of tears. The others looked on with every bit as much concern, but were waiting to see. When Twilight's eyes began to move once more, relief showed on their faces, a relieved sigh escaping the earth pony.

"Ya had us worried there fer a minute, Twilight," said Applejack, using a hoof to briefly touch her friend's cheek. "Y'all went all silent on us after what y'said...'bout..." she trailed off at that, letting the thought sink back in. Indeed, it seemed Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy hadn't escaped the city before it vanished, and though Twilight's heart sank for it, it was clear her friends were suffering just as much for it as she. "D'ya think...are they...?"

"No," she said sharply, surprising even herself as she stamped a fore-hoof down. "I can't believe they're truly gone." I can feel it... she quietly mused to herself. "There's something else at work here, something...dark. I don't know what yet, but the cities can't be truly gone. I won't believe that!" She almost shouted that last part, and with such conviction that it shocked the others, each watching her with a bit of disbelief. She wasn't usually so...assertive.

A few moments of silence passed before she spoke up again, this time in a calmer manner. She felt horrible for the disappearance of their friends, but she couldn't let that guilt stop her now. They had a reason close to the heart to solve this now. "Where's the book? The one Applejack found?" She asked, sending the group looking this way and that. Rainbow, however, stepped forward, clutching the sizeable tome in hoof and foreleg.

"You mean this one?" she asked as Twilight took hold of it with her magic, pulling it over as the pegasus let it go. "I saw it on the edge of the crater when I caught up with all of you. Figured it might be important."

Nodding absently, Twilight touched a hoof gingerly to the book, as if it had become the most precious thing in the world. "I have a feeling we'll find out more about what's going on in this book. I'll need time to look it over, but..."

"Princess!" That voice was unmistakable as it called out across the field. Captain Starsight was galloping up to them with a purpose, Hotplate, the ship's cook, in tow. "Thank the stars above you're alright! Did you see that? The entire city just...just gone!"

Starsight and Hotplate both looked to be in awe. As terrible as the events might be, they were still a marvel to behold. To see magic like this, such raw power, was...unique. "We're fine, Starsight, but..."

"But not all of us will be continuing on with you," Rarity continued, finishing the thought. Though she looked confused for a moment, the distinct lack of two of their number filled in the gaps for her. It dawned on her that not everypony made it out of the city after all.

"Discord was here, just after you left," she said, picking back up on some semblance of a conversation. "He just said Celestia was in Couldsdale, and that we should meet up with her next. In light of these events, that might be a good idea. We could use more supplies, too, seeing as we can't get 'em here anymore."

Twilight glanced between her friends after the captain spoke, getting solemn nods in return. As hard as it was to press on, especially now that two of their own were missing, it was now imperative that they find out what was going on. Though they might be gone, NONE of them would abandon their friends. With a look of grim determination, she nodded to the captain. "Sounds like a plan. Are we ready to go?"

Starsight grinned in response, motioning for Hotplate to head back. "Ready an' waiting, princess. We can hit the air as soon as all of ya are aboard." With that, and a wink, she turned as well, shouting across the field to get the small crew started on releasing the moorings that anchored the ship. Sparing one last glance at the crater, Twilight shuddered before she made to follow, her three friends in tow.

This was going to be a pyrrhic victory for them. They had found the book, or at least, a book that seemed to have some ideas, but they had lost two of their own. Even if it wasn't truly permanent, their loss would still wound the group as a whole. When one was so close to their friends, it was easy to be stung by their unexpected absence.

As she trotted along behind Starsight, she brought the book up again, looking over it's cover with intensity, as if this alone could answer any of her multitude of questions. "Don'cha worry, Twilight. Y'all'll figure this out. Ya gotta...for their sake." Applejack said this with a bit of a forced smile, evidence of tears still clearly visible in her wet eyes. Twilight managed a weak smile in return.

"I will do my best, Applejack. I won't give up on our friends. Not so easily."

Clouded Dreams

Endless shadow stretched as far as the mind could perceive, one's sense of sight being utterly useless in the darkness. With it came that same empty feeling as before, the gnawing doubt that anything could be right again. That nothing you knew or loved had ever existed. A sense of despair began to grip at the alicorn's mind as she struggled just to remember, to believe that life, HER life had been anything but this shadow of doubt. She tried...and she failed.

Twilight Sparkle felt herself slipping away, as though she were sinking into the ground, to become a part of this...this darkness. Awareness of what was happening clung to her mind, but she was powerless to fight back. She even opened her mouth as if to scream, but no sound escaped. It was as though the world itself had forgotten her, and the realm beyond had laid claim to one more for the shadows.

Broken. Forgotten. A shadow of the self.

Closing her eyes, a single tear rolled down her cheek as the despair, the emptiness finally had claimed her. She had failed...Celestia, friends, family. All of this effort, and she had drawn no closer to the truth than she started. Maybe it was for the best...

'A price we all must pay...'

The voice echoed through her mind like a raspy whisper, it's message ringing through to her very core. Even as she surrendered, those words carried with them a truth that was as inescapable as it was potent. Just what that truth was eluded her mind, but it seemed so important just then. Like knowing you CAN save a life, but you can't remember how.

Just then, a spark shone in the distance, drawing her eyes the way a sunflower is drawn to the sun. As if a mirror to this light, she felt a spark within herself, the drive to fight back against this darkness. To strive, to love...to survive. As rapidly as the spark of light grew, so did the spark within her, and with a hiss the darkness began to draw back, releasing it's hold upon her. Soon, she felt hope and joy, love and kindness like she had only known in the presence of her friends, and she all but beamed with it. If any could have witnessed it, they would say the light shone strongest from her.

'What price comes without reward?'

This voice was different. Softer. Kinder. To hear it was to know that whoever it was that spoke did so with nothing but love in their heart. It was utterly infectious, more than mere words. Even as she heard them, she could FEEL it, spreading like a warmth from head to hoof. She felt more love than she could ever have dreamed just then, and it made her feel as though nothing was beyond hope.

In darkness born of hate's desire

Hearts shine forth, ignite the fire

Love shines bright as darkness knows

Banishing shadow as our love grows

Slowly an image, or rather, a pony came into view but a few feet away. A stallion, more accurately, with a rust-colored coat and a flowing, shock-white mane. He looked lean, perhaps even bookish, with a kind face like a loving father, and a light that shone from within with such intensity it was almost blinding. Twilight struggled to keep her eyes on him, but the light that shone was so strong it threatened to blind her. Just as all vision was swallowed by pure light, she saw him smile...and it carried with it the greatest sense of peace she'd ever known.

Slowly eyes fluttered open, realization following that she had only been dreaming. Groaning softly, she could immediately feel that this was a most restless sleep, her position being far too awkward to be otherwise. Slowly she rolled upright, flexing a wing she'd stretched perhaps too far when she'd rolled atop it, working out various kinks and aches as she drew her mind back to reality. Much to her surprise, that dream lingered, like a memory burned into her mind. Curious...

As her eyes adjusted, she became aware of the darkness. It had to be the middle of the night, as there was very little light to guide her at that moment. With a soft sigh, she set her horn glowing, which was followed by a small but bright light issuing forth from it, allowing her to see with greater detail. Slowly recollection came back as her eyes fell upon the heavy tome that lay on the nightstand beside the bed. Reaching out, she gently placed a hoof upon it's cover and worked to recall the previous day's events.

They had reached Trottingham without much incident, but that was the end of their luck, such as it was. They had found this tome, or more correctly, Applejack did, but almost immediately afterwards, Trottingham had been claimed by the same disaster as Tailwind Dale. To make it worse, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had failed to escape the city before it vanished, leaving their group short on two of it's members. All of them suffered for it; the girls were heartbroken, even if there was the belief they could be found and saved. It was, perhaps, the reason they had all gone to bed early, to hopefully recover enough to carry on despite their losses. Even Twilight had done so, but she had spent some time reading from the tome, and it was...insightful.

The author, whoever they were, had a grasp of magic that exceeded Twilight's by an almost infinite degree. To read it had shown her so many things that she felt like a child before Celestia, it was so drastic. The answers were painfully obvious when one actually saw them. They had believed love is magic at it's purest, and the more she read, the more she had come to believe it to. After all, friendship itself was a form of love. It tied together with the idea that friendship was magic, but this was even more.

As she had read on, it was alluded that love is everywhere, which was easy enough to imagine. It went on to explain that for those that knew it, that had love in their hearts from many a friend, family or even a lover, magic was limitless, powerful...and dangerous. It also pointed out that just as there is love, and with it magic, so, too would hate be it's rival, and just as powerful. This is where she had stopped, to mull over these ideas just before sleep had claimed her, and with it, that dream came.

Breaking from her reverie, Twilight finally got out of bed. Despite the late hour, she knew she wasn't going back to sleep any time soon, and given the speed the Polaris boasted, they likely would approach Cloudsdale before morning. With that in mind, she slowly opened the wooden door that marked one of only two private cabins aboard the ship, the other belonging to none other than Captain Starsight.

Stepping out into the narrow hallway, she noted that softly glowing lamps lit the way, spaced just enough to keep the brightness to a minimum, but not so far apart as to leave large gaps of darkness. Sighing softly to herself, she made her way toward the lower decks, the galley being set just below the private quarters. It seemed like a good idea to get something to eat, now that she was awake. It would give her time to think, too.

The clop of hooves rang out like thunder against the silence that permeated the ship. It really wasn't THAT loud, but it sure sounded like it when there was nothing else to hear. Just as she reached the steps, her nose picked up a familiar scent, one she would have guessed came from Sugarcube Corner, that is, if she didn't know she was aboard an airship. Curiously she made her way down to the galley, and with a sweep of her eyes, spotted Hotplate in the small kitchen, humming softly to himself as he tended to the oven.

"I thought I'd be the only one awake," she mused aloud as she reached the deck floor, casually strolling to the low table-like window that served as a view between the kitchen and dining table. Hotplate didn't seem to startle easy, nor lose focus, chuckling softly as he hunched down to pull a cake from the oven. Gingerly setting the confection on the counter, he smiled at the alicorn.

"Aye, I get that sometimes. I tend to wake up 'afore anypony else to start on breakfast, y'know," he finally commented, offering the purple mare a smile. Even as he spoke, he'd collected up the materials he needed, starting to add frosting and a bit of decoration to the cake. continuing to hum as he went about it. If Twilight didn't know any better, she'd have assumed he knew nothing about recent events. He just seemed so...happy.

"How is it you stay so...so cheery?" she finally asked, giving voice to thoughts as she watched the cake go from a plain old confection to a veritable piece of art under his careful hoof strokes. The brown earth pony just chuckled to himself.

"Just gotta find happiness in the little things. It makes it a little easier to get past the hard stuff." Setting aside the frosting, he looked over his work for a moment before giving a curt nod, picking up the cake as he made his way around to the table. setting it down before he continued. "That, and y'gotta believe things can get better. I can't imagine what it's like for you, princess, seein' as you're one of the heroes we look up to 'round Equestria, For us, though...for us, we can always believe you'll help us see it through. Y'always do."

At his words, Twilight couldn't help but smile. He genuinely believed things would get better. Not could, would. It was also a bit humbling to hear that she and her friends were the ones so many ponies looked up to. She'd never fancied herself a hero before, just a student. That made his words strike quite the chord, right to her heart. It was one of those warm feelings you never forget. "Thanks..." she murmured softly, casting a somewhat sheepish look downward before she looked back up at him.

Grinning broadly, Hotplate set himself to slicing the cake, or at least, getting two slices free, setting each on small plates, a stack of which he'd set on the table before he started on the cake. Twilight watched in silence, privately marveling at how the earth ponies handled things she would easily take for granted. It almost seemed as though they were worlds apart, seeing as unicorns, and by extension, alicorns tended to use magic to achieve so many mundane tasks. No wonder the earth ponies had a greater appreciation for the value of hard work.

"Here," he said as he set one of the plates in front of her, earning a somewhat surprised look from the new princess.

"Cake? Really?" she began, as if to object to the idea of a sweet first thing in the day...er, night? Was it really morning yet?

Chuckling softly, Hotplate shook his head, picking up the second plate as he moved to the opposite side of the rounded table. "Chocolate has a way of making y'feel better, princess. All good cooks know that. Give it a try."

At first, Twilight gave the stallion an incredulous look; as if a flavor could make someone feel better! Still, she'd seen and learned enough not to scoff at seemingly far-fetched ideas, so she at least humored him. After all, it's not like eating cake was going to be a bad idea anyway. With that in mind, she took a few bites, and found herself pleasantly surprised. This was a cake easily the rival of anything the Cakes could make back in Ponyville, and over the next few moments, she got a sense of what the stallion was talking about. Sadness just kind of...leaked away.

Blinking a few times, she appeared as if confused, staring off into the distance. Hotplate just chuckled, tucking into his own slice with perhaps a bit more zeal than Twilight had. Silence hung on the air for a few moments longer before she shook her head as if to clear a clouded mind. "Alright...I have to admit, you were right Hotplate. I do feel a bit better," she says while offering a smile. He just beamed in reply, as if to say he'd known all along, not wishing to speak with his mouth full, after all.

Once he'd swallowed, he just kept right on grinning at the alicorn, which looked rather good for him, or so she thought. "Hey, any cook worth their salt knows these kinda things," he retorted. "I know you've a lot on your mind, after all that's happened. Figured you n' your friends could use a bit of a pick me up. Can't imagine you're trip's gonna be any easier when we hit Cloudsdale in a coupla' hours."

Having finished her own slice, she made her way around the table, heading toward the steps that would take her to the upper decks again. She had decided to wait out the remainder of the trip looking over that book again. She'd need it fresh in her mind if she was going to talk about it to Celestia, after all. Glancing back, she smiled at Hotplate. "You're absolutely right. We really could. Thank you for that."

With that said, she trotted on up the stairs, leaving the cook to whatever struck his fancy. Finishing his own slice, he chuckled to himself, collecting up the dirty plates. "Easy to forget the little things..."

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Twilight sat to one side of a small rotunda, a nervous feeling creeping through her body just then. She let her eyes slowly traverse the locale, but there really wasn't much for searching to reveal. The room itself was simply, crafted from the clouds much like everything else in Cloudsdale. To that end, she considered the oddity that she no longer needed magic to be able to visit this place. Absently stretching out her wings, she reflected on the changes they brought. It was more than JUST flying, after all.

Her mind began to wander on the events that lead up to this point, that is, waiting for Celestia. That short time spent with Hotplate had served to clear her mind, and it wasn't much longer before they had actually reached Couldsdale. Of course, she'd needed to wake up her friends, at the very least so she could make sure all of them were able to cloud walk.

Rainbow Dash had decided to visit family, for lack of much else to do while Twilight spoke with Celestia. Applejack had gone with her, and Rarity was...well, Rarity. She had mentioned wanting to look into what was local fashion for the pegasi. Perhaps a bit odd, for them to relax, but she had figured it was necessary. Having witnessed, and even felt, what happened at Trottingham, and with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy now missing, they could use anything that took their minds off of it, if only for a short time.

They even had more luck this time. Being a cloud city, Cloudsdale had accommodations for the Polaris, and that would make it easier to load up the supplies they needed. At the least, Starsight had seemed happy to find a full fledged dock designed just for airships.

A flow of color caught her eye just then, snapping her back from her recollection. Celestia had made her way into the rotunda, and though she spared her a smile, her face quickly adopted a more somber look. Were things really so grim?

"I'm afraid Trottingham isn't the only one. Three more have disappeared since we began, and it's possible it may be picking up in speed," Celestia began, looking almost...weary. This concerned Twilight more than anything, as she wasn't one to wear down...like, ever.

"That...that doesn't surprise me, actually," Twilight finally admitted after a moment of reflection. However, she didn't dwell on that fact, instead picking up the book she'd brought with her, but with her hooves this time, displaying the title to Celestia. "Have you ever heard of this before?"

The white alicorn narrowed her gaze at the book's cover, seeming to be lost in thought for several painstaking moments before she slowly nodded. "I've...heard of it, I can say. It has been a very, very long time, though. It's author, Abacus, told me of it when he had begun to write it."

Twilight made an immediate mental note of that name, as the book had yet to name it's own writer. Were she not aware of Celestia's seemingly immortal state, she might have questioned how she could have known the author at all. Clearing her throat, she continued on her last thought.

"Well princess, the things I've read in here so far have been both inspiring...and a little scary. Abacus, as you've called him, seemed to have a remarkable grasp on magic, especially since he doesn't seem to have been a unicorn. His ideas are...well, incredible! If what's in this book is true, it might even explain the events we've been seeing, but I shudder to think what it may imply."

At those latter words, Celestia raised an eyebrow. "What does it imply, Twilight?" she asked in a level tone. The smaller alicorn frowned.

"He believed love is the source of all magic, but he also believed in it's opposite. If love is truly as powerful as he claims, I can't imagine that whoever is doing this has done so out of love. That would mean that the counter...that..." She found the idea difficult to speak of, seeing as it was such a harsh concept to any in Equestria. Taking a deep breath, she pressed on. "That hate...if wielded by the right, or maybe, the wrong pony, could be what's fueling this magic. I have no other explanation yet."

Silence followed as the flowing-maned princess seemed to consider her words. For her part, Twilight felt a tad nervous. This was Celestia, after all, and she always seemed to know a great deal more than she let on. That even SHE hadn't known what was going on at the onset of these disasters had been an unsettling idea. To think that it might be herself lending ideas to the Princess of Canterlot was...unsettling, in a way.

Eventually, Celestia nodded slowly, opening eyes that had been shut whilst she mulled the thought over. "It seems as good an idea as any, and at least has some evidence to support it. Perhaps Abacus knew more than even I believed..." She trailed off, a small and rare frown gracing her features.

Twilight sighed in frustration, setting the heavy tome down as she lowered her gaze. "Pity, really. It would have been great to actually talk to him. I get the ideas he speaks of in this book, but it feels...incomplete. Like he didn't finish it. It's given us clues to what may be going on, but I have no idea where to start to solve it."

Looking a bit bemused, Celestia blinked at her. "Why couldn't you?" When Twilight looked up to give her an incredulous look, she just smiled. "Twilight, Abacus is a crystal pony. I wouldn't be surprised if he was back in the Crystal Empire, now that it has returned from Sombra's curse."

Slack-jawed with surprise, it was a few moments before Twilight shook her head, clearing a muddled mind. "He...he's still alive? Really?!" Her tone picked up sharply, a mark of the surprise she felt. The white princess simply gave her an affirming nod, which set the smaller mare standing almost immediately. "Oh my gosh! That means I may be able to find out...we might be able to figure this out!' She felt that familiar twinge of hope once more, that not all was lost despite the dire circumstances they seemed to face at every turn.

Celestia made to smile, but the action was cut short as she adopted a more concerned expression. She suddenly looked distant, as if staring at something far off in the distance. The look was so intense that Twilight actually looked behind herself, as if to check just what she was so intent upon. Finding nothing, or at least, nothing she could see, she spared the princess a confused look. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, it crept it's way into her own consciousness.

Empty...

She was immediately up on her hooves, a rather alarmed expression on her face. "We have to go!" Breaking from her wistful manner, Celestia turned her attention back to Twilight, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Pardon?" she asked, her tone a bit incredulous. After all, Twilight was known for overreacting to many a scenario, and this was looking like it. However, the smaller mare lent her an almost pleading look, setting even her nerves on edge.

"That feeling, that sense you just had? It's the same every time a city disappears," she explained hurriedly, almost instinctively starting to flex her wings. "Don't you see? Cloudsdale is next. Right now!"

Even Celstia appeared shocked, but Twilight didn't have time to pay it any mind. She almost leapt out of the rotunda, wings flaring out as she shot into the air. Behind her she could hear feathered wings flare, then beat to even measure, reassuring her that Celestia had followed suit. In the back of her mind, she hoped her friends had felt it, too, or they could suffer the same as before...

No. There's no time to dwell on that! Twilight thought to herself as she focused on the measured beat of her own wings. She had no idea how much time they had, and it was all she could do but race back to the ship as fast as she could, and hope for the best from her friends.

Hope...there was always hope.

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"Hey, careful with that!" Starsight shouted at a rather clumsy pair of pegasi who nearly dropped the crate they were carrying. "Those spares are delicate, an' they won't be doing me any good if y'break 'em before they even get aboard. Sharply now!" The pair grumbled amongst themselves at her abrasive manner, but continued about the task with a good deal more caution then before.

Nodding in satisfaction, Starsight made her way across the gangplank that connected the ship to the landing, briefly reminding herself to thank Twilight for her use of that cloud walk spell. Normally, she wouldn't be able to so directly oversee a load like this, but now that she could leave the ship, it was easier to keep the clumsy loaders in line. At the least, it would mean fewer broken parts or bruised fruits and vegetables.

"Oi! Givin' the folks a hard time are ye capn'?" Called down a yellow pegasus as she alighted on the deck of the ship, fluttering her wings briefly before she retracted them to her sides. She gave the black mare a wry grin. "An' 'ere I thought you'd learnt t'play nice with others."

"Nice is such a subjective term," she replied with a grin on her face, before turning to face the landing, the pegasus moving to stand alongside her. "Don't suppose you've seen anything of concern, Lightheart?" Shaking her head, the other mare flexed her wings once more, as if preparing to take flight again.

"Not yet, capn'. Not much up 'ere can give us pause for thought, aye?" She winked at Starsight before she simply stepped off of the deck, diving down a good twenty feet before her wings flared out, catching the rushing air with a suddenness that sent her shooting back up into the air.

"Showoff..." Starsight murmured before she chuckled to herself, eyeing the loaders as they brought the last crate of supplies aboard the ship. With a self assured nod, she started to mull over the idea of actually getting everything stored properly, an weary sigh escaping her. "Never ends. Get one thing done an' it makes a hundred more for ya..."

Turning to tend to that very task, she stopped dead in her tracks, a twinge of something brushing across her mind. She didn't know it yet, but Twilight had just experienced the same thing elsewhere in Cloudsdale. Something terrible was about to happen...

Whipping sharply around, Starsight immediately started barking out orders, her voice carrying rather far. "Everypony, clear the landing! Looks like Cloudsdale's next in the dissapearin' act!" she announced, bounding forward to land just shy of the gangplank. "Hotplate, Daredevil, get yer flanks on over to the moorings! Get this beast loose! We gotta get clear of the landing NOW!"

At her sharp orders, the two ponies she'd named leapt to action, rushing to the mooring ropes as they worked to release the ship. Given her shouting, Lightheart had wheeled around in the air, coming down on the landing as she moved to assist the other two without question. At the least, her own crew would act with dedication, something of a source of pride for the captain, even in such dire circumstance. However, with that dread feeling building, she definitely felt they weren't moving fast enough.

"Daredevil, get on the helm. We gotta be ready to move as soon as we're free." At her order, the orange stallion dropped his task and immediately rushed across the gangplank, sketching a quick salute at the captain as he passed. "Get us free you two! Faster!" she continued, shouting at Lightheart and Hotplate as they struggled with the myriad of knots the Cloudsdale pegasi had used to secure the ship.

"We're tryin' captain! This isn't so easy as it looks!" Hotplate called back at her, eliciting a huff from Starsight.

"It sure as hay is. Cut the darn ropes!" This she shouted whilst pulling a knife from it's mounting along the ship's hull, the blade oft used to whittle imperfections on the rails. Crossing the gangplank in a single bound, she made a sharp, hacking swing at the rope Hotplate had been working on, the blade biting into the thick, wound material that made the rope. Two more sturdy swings, and it surrendered it's hold with a loud snap, at which Starsight tossed the blade to the pegasus. "Cut that one, too!" she called out, pushing Hotplate ahead of her onto the ship as Lightheart hacked at the remaining mooring rope.

As soon as the second snap rang out, the ship reeled back, the gangplank dropping from the sky as they were separated from the landing. "Daredevil! Move it!" she called back to the helmspony, who gave the wheel a veritable spin at the order.

"Got it, capn'!" he called back to her, holding the wheel steady as the ship turned a rather sharp 180 despite it's mass. Propellers came to life with a heavy thrum, Starsight feeling a bit more at ease as she felt the familiar vibration beneath her hooves. That dread sense was almost unbearable by now, but it looked like they'd make it. But...

"The others..." she whispered to herself, turning her gaze back to the city. Her wandering eyes almost immediately caught sight of the rainbow blur that streaked across the sky, rather distinct from the other pegasi that were fleeing the city. Rainbow Dash, but not alone it seemed. Pulling up a spyglass to confirm it, she could see that Rainbow was indeed the pegasus in question, and she was carrying Applejack with her. It looked like they would make it, but they weren't the only ones!

Continuing to search through her spyglass, her eye eventually crossed the unmistakable path of Princess Celestia. Of course, white wouldn't stand out much on it's own, but that flowing mane was one sight NO pony would ever miss. With her was Twilight Sparkle, though the latter was apparently falling behind. Clearly Celestia was the more experienced flier here. Dropping the spyglass, she glanced back at Lightheart as she landed on the deck once more, anxiously keeping her wings outstretched as she watched the two princesses approach. "I don't see Rarity..." Starsight mused aloud, eliciting sharp frowns from the rest of the crew. What could they hope to do from here?

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"Celestia, I...I can't...keep up!" Twilight cried through clenched teeth, struggling to keep pace with her mentor. Privately she cursed her lack of experience in flying, her wings aching with the strain she was putting on them. It had been quite the feat when she flew to Canterlot but two days ago; she was clearly pushing too hard now.

More than this, however, was the sense of emptiness that was almost tangible by this point. Any who hadn't been fleeing before was starting to consider it by now, as much out of fear as anything else. Just as in Trottingham, the very air began to warp and twist, the fabric of reality fighting back against whatever terrible power was trying to wrest the city free of it's hold. Celestia could see it just before she glanced back at Twilight, and she was forced to make a decision.

"There's no time, Twilight!" she called back, a touch of worry in her voice. Before the purple mare could respond, Celestia stopped in mid air, hovering as her horn took light, glowing with a brilliant intensity. Twilight's eyes went wide with surprise as she felt an incredible pull around her entire body, just before she was literally hurled like a hoof ball, sailing past the white alicorn at breakneck speed.

"You'll have to carry on without me, Twilight. Good luck."

No sooner had Celestia uttered those words before the very sky was torn, that same horrific noise she'd heard in Trottingham. That parting image of the princess smiling warmly at her was burned into her mind just as it happened. Before she could so much as blink, Cloudsdale, like every city before it, was gone. Just as before, air was forced to rush in to fill the void left in it's wake, yanking the mare hard in the opposite direction, sending her spinning head over hoof. As she spun through the air, she could just barely make out the Polaris, the crew clearly struggling to keep it steady against the hurricane-force winds.

Flaring out her aching wings, Twilight finally broke free of her spin, just as the air began to calm. Hovering for a few moments to catch her breath, she felt a numbness overtaking her as awareness crept back into her mind. Another city gone, and Celestia...

"Twi! Oh, thank Celestia you're alright!" Rainbow Dash's incorrigible manner shone as she shot through the air, throwing her forelegs around her friend in a tight hug, though she let up quick enough not to drop them both out of the air. "I was worried you weren't gonna make it there for a moment." As soon as she said that, she began to look around. "Where's Celestia?"

With a distant look in her eyes, Twilight spoke in a subdued tone, sounding almost crestfallen. "She...she saved me..." It wasn't long before Rainbow got what she meant, a frown crossing her features for the briefest of moments. Once it had passed, she nudged her purple friend with her hoof, steering her toward the Polaris.

"No point dwelling on that now, Twilight," she finally said, just as the alicorn began to follow her indications to head back to the Polaris. "We need to get our hooves back on the deck, sort this out once we've figured out what we're doing."

Without a word, Twilight just nodded in reply, following Rainbow's lead as they glided back to the Polaris, which was slowing to a stop. Not a surprise, really; the captain had no bearings yet on where they were going to be heading, and most likely was more concerned with their well being first.

It wasn't long before the two landed on the deck amid the flutter of wings. Twilight still looked and felt drained after the disaster, Rainbow looking a bit on edge, but otherwise in better shape than her bookish friend. Starsight trotted up to them relief written all over her face, which was much the same for Applejack, who was accompanying the captain.

"Oh my stars, it's good t'know y'all made it!" came the familiar drawl of the farm pony. Rainbow managed a quick nod, Twilight smiling weakly in turn.

"Celestia didn't make it. She made sure I did..." She trailed off as she allowed herself a moment to scan the deck, noticing a distinct lack of white beyond Celestia's missing form. Swallowing hard against a lump in her throat, she spoke in a bit shakier tone when she continued. "Rarity? Did she...?"

All three ponies looked between each other before Starsight slowly shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Princess. She didn't get back to the landing in time."

Twilight looked on the verge of tears, and her two friends fared little better as this realization dawned on them. All ponies gathered hung their heads in silence as they dealt with such a raw feeling. First Pinkie and Fluttershy, and now Rarity? This was horrible.

Suddenly, the alicorn's head shot up, a look of sharp resolve set upon her features. "Captain. Set a course for the Crystal Empire. Hopefully we can get there before it's claimed as well. There's somepony we need to find if we're going to solve this once and for all."

"Make it so, Daredevil!" she called back to the helmspony before she nodded back to the Princess. "We should be able to make it in a few hours. I sure hope you can find what you're looking for before we lose them, too."

Nodding solemnly, Twilight began to make her way toward the living space of the ship. "We have to. There's no other choice now. If we're going to save our friends, or anypony else, we can't fail in this." Sparing a glance at each other, Applejack and Rainbow fell in behind their friend, following her cautiously into the living area.

"Y'alright, sugarcube?" asked the orange mare, netting a soft sigh in reply.

"I'll...be fine, Applejack. It's just hard to lose anypony close to you, even if it's not forever. I'm sure you both feel the same." She glanced back to see both of them nod their replies. "Celestia told me the book's author was Abacus...and that we might be able to find him in the Crystal Empire. I hope she was right. He may be the only pony that can explain what's going on."

I sure hope she was right...for all of our sakes...

Crystal Hearts

Hoofsteps echoed seemingly without end in the arched halls of the crystal palace, the very heart of the Crystal Empire. It wasn't surprising, of course, given that the palace was made entirely of...well, crystal. It did lend to a fantastic view, though. Crystals of all colors lined the halls, floors, and archways, refracting light in brilliants patterns and shades that lent to a beauty that was hard to put into words. It was perhaps the very reason Rarity loved this place.

Rarity...

Remembering just her name was enough to sting the Princess at that moment as she struggled to keep a straight face. Twilight had been trying to be strong for the sake of her remaining friends, but it had been hard. Half their number was missing, and each one of them was enough to break her heart. To lose three of them, even as they had struggled to find answers to this mystery? It was almost more than she could take.

She lead the way to the throne room at that moment, not risking a glance back to Rainbow Dash or Applejack. She might have maintained her composure, but she knew that pain was written across her face just then, and she didn't want them to see it. Not because she believed they'd think her weak for it. No, such a thought would never dawn on any of them. Rather, she worried they would reflect that sting, and they all needed to carry on if this was to ever end in any way other than a disaster. She needed to keep it together!

"Looks like we're here, sugarcube," came that familiar twang that could make anypony smile, even under these circumstances. Taking a deep breath, Twilight managed to smile back at her orange friend just as they reached the massive, arched doors that marked the entrance to the throne room. The doors themselves lacked guards, as it always seemed Cadence relied more on Shining Armor than anything else, a sharp contrast to the heavily guarded nature of Canterlot. Perhaps they had a great deal of faith in the Crystal Heart as well. Regardless of such thoughts, Twilight's horn lit up, and with a telekinetic 'tug', she pulled the doors open, leading the way into the massive chamber.

Across the way sat two weary looking ponies. Princess Cadence was obvious; her pink coat, and the wings and horn, were unmistakable. She looked worse for wear, with a frazzled mane and barely visible bags under her eyes, but Twilight could see it was more than that. Not just her body, but her heart is weighed down by this... she mused to herself before she noted the second pony, a familiar white-coated, blue-maned unicorn. The latter perked up almost immediately when he spotted her.

"Twili!" he cried, all but jumping to his hooves before he launched himself her way, closing the gap in a few short bounds before he embraced his sister in a hug that could make an Ursa Major jealous. As he'd drawn near, she could see the puffiness in his eyes; he'd clearly been crying, and it was easy to guess why. Of course, she returned the gesture, though perhaps not so overwhelming as his own embrace, which he held for quite some time before he let her go.

Cadence began to close the distance just then, trotting slowly as Shining Armor drew back, sniffling sharply as he ran a foreleg across his eyes. "Sorry Twili..." he began, working to regain his composure. "When I heard Canterlot was gone, I thought..." he trailed off, the implication being more than enough to make his line of thought clear. No wonder he seemed so broken up!

"Wait, Canterlot's gone, too?" Twilight finally asked as the realization struck her. Cadence, having reached the group, sighed softly and nodded, their traditional greeting foregone under the circumstances.

"Indeed it is, Twilight. Disappeared just before Cloudsdale, or so reports claim. Cities seem to be disappearing at a faster rate. It's rather...unsettling." Cadence let out another weary sigh, sitting down alongside Shining Armor. "I'm not sure if the Crystal Heart can save us from the same. It's worried me..." she glanced sidelong at her husband. "Us...to no end."

"You're not alone there," Rainbow Dash started, hovering a few feet off of the ground as was her tendency. "We've seen it first-hoof twice now, and...well..." She gestured to the group as a whole, or rather, the lack of a few of them. Shining Armor grimaced as the realization followed.

"There's more than that now," Twilight chimed in, moving her attention from Rainbow and back to her siblings. "We're in search of a pony. A crystal pony, from what Celestia told me, by the name of Abacus. We came straight to you in hopes that you might know of him. He wrote a...well, a rather unique book that may have answers to what's going on, but he may know more than we can find in the book."

Cadence looked thoughtful for a few moments, Shining Armor watching her with some measure of affection, something that Twilight rarely missed. She couldn't help but smile. A few moments later, the pink princess frowned, Twilight copying the gesture even before she spoke. "I know of an Abacus that lives near the palace...he even dabbles in writing, from what I've heard, but he's no crystal pony. I actually thought he was researching something as a visitor when I first met him."

Twilight felt her heart sink just then. Given what Celestia had said, this didn't sound quite like the right pony. Could they have run out of luck? "Great, so where's that leave us?" Applejack queried, glancing between the two alicorns. Cadence shrugged helplessly, not wholly sure of what was going on, but it was Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, that spoke next.

"What, you're not giving up on this, are you? C'mon Twilight! You were way more dedicated to finding out about Pinkie's Pinkie sense, and you couldn't even prove it existed! At least this pony has the right name, and seems to write, right?" She blinked a few times at those last two words, which of course sounded like some kind of oxymoron when said together. Shaking her head, she pressed on. "I mean, seriously, what've you got to lose?"

Everypony else, she mused to herself but didn't say out loud, instead sighing at her rainbow-maned friend. "I suppose you have a point there, Rainbow."

"Course she does," Applejack added, managing a grin. "Y'all should check in. Would kinda be an odd coincidence ifn' two ponies shared the same name an' work, right?"

Groaning in mild annoyance, Twilight was forced to admit they at least had a point. Coincidence or not, it might merit looking into. Options were at a premium, after all. "Fine, but you two stay here." When they both gave her a skeptical glare, she continued. "It will be quicker if I deal with this alone. I need you two to keep my brother sane...and everypony prepared if the city starts to disappear."

"Wait, starts?" Shining Armor chimed in, clearly confused by the statement. "How does that even work?"

"You'll know when it happens," Rainbow replied before his sister had a chance to do so. "Trust me. You can't miss that...feeling."

Satisfied with that explanation, Twilight nodded to all ponies present, making as though to leave. "Captain Starsight kept the Polaris up this time. We're not taking any chances with losing the ship now. So if disaster strikes us here, just get out of the city as fast as you can. We can meet up later under such circumstances. Starsight will know what to do to find us."

Having said that, she focused her attention on Cadence. "Now, tell me where I can find this Abacus you spoke of."

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It was a surprisingly unassuming residence she found herself approaching at that moment. The home itself was built of crystal, much like everything else in the empire, but it was cut and trimmed in such a way to reduce the dazzle effect so many other building had. As if it's occupant wished to be a bit inconspicuous. Twilight was unsure if that was the measure of a pony who wished to live in peace, or one that was up to no good. As she reached the door, she took a deep breath and tapped upon it with a hoof. Time to find out.

A few moments later, she was greeted by a mare with a rusty-red coat, and a lengthy, blonde mane that had traces of a deep gray streaking through it. She was clearly a little younger than Twilight, and of course was immediately perplexing. She hadn't expected to find a mare here...

"Er...hello," she began a bit awkwardly, but clearing her throat, she regained her composure, the mare just smiling at her all the while. "I was here looking for Abacus. Might you know of him?"

"Oh, yes," she replied rather cheerily. Motioning for the alicorn to follow her, she turned to lead the way inside, which was when she caught sight of her cutie mark; an open book, behind which was a pair of crossed lances. Just what it implied was a bit beyond her just then as she followed her inside, glancing around to take in the new surroundings.

"Abacus, you've a visitor today!" she called out, trotting on toward a lone archway across the room. There was little else to see. The room itself had a pair of bookshelves flanking the door they'd come in through, with a couple of chairs nearby, and a lamp alongside each. Clearly just for reading.

"Already?" came the reply, a male voice that sounded almost fatherly, bearing a kindness that was almost tangible to it. It seemed almost familiar to her, but she couldn't place it just then. "I'll be right out."

Smiling back at her, the mare nodded toward the archway. "He's coming. Feel free to make yourself comfortable." Without waiting for a response, she trotted through the archway and disappeared from view. With that, she glanced around once more, then decided to simply take a seat, having nothing better to do as she waited. It certainly wouldn't help getting anxious about it.

It wasn't long before he appeared. Like the mare before, he had a rusty-red coat, but his mane was a startling shock-white. His features looked a bit worn, like he had been through a great deal, but also did well to smile despite it. In fact, his was so warm it was almost infectious; she couldn't help but smile to herself when she saw it. His own cutie mark was much like his namesake, an abacus.

Having entered the room, he briefly bowed to her, that smile never leaving his face. "Ah, had I known I was expecting a princess, I would have done a better job of accommodating your visit. Welcome to my humble home," he said as he moved to take the other seat, keeping his attention on her as he went.

Bowing her head in return to his gesture, she cleared her throat as she often did when gathering where to start. This was unorthodox, but her friends had been right. For all they knew, this was who they were searching for. Of course, she opened with a bit of a lighter question. "Was that your daughter?" she queried, having noticed the similarities between them.

At her question, he only chuckled softly, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He slowly exhaled, the act not unlike what Cadence taught her about clearing her mind, which prompted her to cock her head to one side curiously. Opening his eyes again, he affixed a piercing gaze on her. "I'm sure that's not why you've come here, Princess Twilight."

She gasped softly despite her best efforts to suppress it when he spoke her name. Of course, many HAD heard of her before, but she still hadn't expected it. This only seemed to elicit a knowing chuckle from the stallion. "I take it that you know of me, then?"

"Oh, I know a great deal more than that, my alicorn friend," he continued, his tone gentle and kind in a way that was hard to describe. "We all know that you and your friends recovered the Crystal Heart, and ultimately saw the defeat of King Sombra with it. I know that you've come here about a book, one you believe will help you discern what is happening to Equestria." He chuckled once more when the princess went slack-jawed, bowing his head and closing his eyes. "My special talent has always been to calculate the odds. I knew you'd come looking for me as soon as these...disasters began. It was only a matter of time. And before you ask, yes, I am the Abacus that wrote the book. I was also a crystal pony when I wrote it."

That last sentence caught in her mind just then, or at least, did so more than anything before it. "Wait, was?"

Nodding solemnly, he fixed a more somber gaze upon her, seeming to become a fair deal more serious than he had been, though not in a menacing manner. "I'm going to tell you a story, Twilight, and I want you to listen very closely, for it is the same story that taught me what I wrote in that book. As you may have guessed, it is incomplete...it had to be, to get somepony to find me when it would matter. I knew something would come to pass someday, just not what it was..."

Without a word, Twilight shifted a bit in her seat, making herself a bit more comfortable before she nodded to Abacus, listening with the intensity only a bookish student could muster. He just smiled and carried on, the wistful look in his eyes making it seem as though he were dreaming his memories as he spoke them.

It began more than a thousand years ago, in a time fogged over by the passing of the ages. Our empire was not always as it is. We were naught but a collection of villagers and settlers, merely wishing to survive day to day. We did not live richly, but we were happy, if simple ponies. All of that changed with Emberheart.

She was one of our own, a kind, loving, and very outspoken individual who wanted to do what she could for us, and the world as a whole. As I was perhaps the most learned of us at the time, she often spoke to me for lessons in history, ideas of what the other lands were like. However, more than I, she spoke to Sombra, who had long been her mentor...he was very different then from what you know him to be. It was he that put her to task in finding what was to become the Crystal Heart.

He spoke of crystal that had a power and a mind all it's own, that in the right hooves it could change this very world. She became so enamored by the idea that she gathered myself and a few of her closest friends to search for such a crystal. Many thought it foolish, and even I had my doubts, but it was only a few days into our search that she found it, and our lives changed for the ages.

We returned with the relic when we realized it's nature. It had immense power, so much so that even those of us with no sense of magic could feel it resonate through our beings. It was just a crystal when we found it, but Emberheart was the first to touch it, and when she did, it...changed, adopting it's current form, that of a heart. I tell you, Twilight, I have never felt a love like I did at that moment, and I don't doubt that everypony else felt it. I could see it on all of their faces.

Over time, we discovered it took the love and kindness in us and powered itself with it. No thing of evil or darkness could come near it without rebuke, and the more of us that fed it, the stronger it became, to the point that it cast a beautiful aurora across all of the lands. It was...breathtaking.

It was then that our empire was founded, and Emberheart, for better or worse, was elevated to the status of queen. Knowing her myself, I don't believe she really wanted the title, but she did not wish to disappoint the ponies. We built up the city itself rather rapidly after the fact, and soon established the Crystal Empire as you know it.

Things might have been perfect, save for one thing; I knew the odds. Sombra had dark thoughts in his mind, and I learned of his prying about the heart. I believed he had begun to search for the heart's counterpart, a black crystal heart that I had no doubt he would use to dark ends. Sombra had been Emberheart's magic advisor for a few years, but he eventually disappeared, and when he did, I left the empire to search for answers, in hopes that I could stop him.

That was the greatest mistake I have ever made.

My research yielded nothing but dead ends, proving to be nothing more than wasted time. Nothing I found could confirm what I believed he was after, and after two years of searching, I finally returned home empty hooved. It was then that I found out what had happened..

Sombra had risen to power and bent them all to his will. He drew the ire of Celestia and Luna, and they eventually turned the might of the Elements of Harmony against him, banishing him in shadow and ice, but not before he cursed the empire to disappear so long as he did.

Before this had happened, I had spent my time helping to save all I could. I would move in during the night, helping some to escape, but eventually it was gone, just as I said. It very nearly broke my heart to see it...to realize everything I had known or loved was gone.

My mistake had been what I believed he was doing. There IS no black heart. Like all of us, the Crystal Heart is capable of great love...and great hatred. Because Emberheart was the first to touch the heart, it was inextricably bound to her. Her love for her people was reflected in the heart, and the love we had for her empowered it. Sombra wished to corrupt the heart, but to do so, he had to corrupt her...and she would not break. She loved one so greatly that she would not surrender it for anything in the world, nor for anything he could do to her. He was ultimately forced to hide it away, waiting for a chance to try to corrupt it again, but not before he was defeated.

I discovered, as time went on, that the crystalline nature the Crystal Heart had given to us had other effects. I no longer aged. It was then that I dedicated my life to research and study, to learn everything I could about Sombra's power, the Crystal Heart, and the true source of magic; love.

The Crystal Heart was capable of incredible feats of magical power, and was fueled by our love. If love could bear such power, what could a pony who knew nothing but love do, I had wondered. Or worse still, one who's heart was gripped by hatred? That is when I realized the source of Sombra's power. He already had hate in his heart, but it must have grown to impossible strength when he could not break Emberheart.

I realized that they would come back, eventually. As such, I committed most of my research to a book, to lure the one who might be able to best wield the lessons it taught, what it spoke of, for there are two lessons in it that are incomplete. I believe you are the only one that may be able to use them as I hope they can be.

The first is that love, as powerful as it is, comes with a terrible price. We all pay it, some sooner, some later, but it is a price paid by all who have love in their lives. If you have not yet guessed it, it is that all we know and love eventually pass on, and for those that live to see a loved one die, even under the best of circumstances, it wounds the heart in a way that those who have not felt it can never understand. It is the way of things...love, however, does not cease with this, it merely passes on to those who remain.

That is the second. Love is like...a river of magic. Or perhaps an ocean. It ebbs and flows. It surrounds us, embraces us, it is even a part of us if we allow it to be. Most ponies know some measure of love, but you, Twilight...you have been touched by more of it than I have ever seen, ever dared dream. You and your friends have touched so many lives, aided so many ponies, done so many great deeds, that the ponies' love for you is without equal.

This power is so great that even one who is not a unicorn could wield it if they knew how. You will have to teach yourself to listen for it, Twilight, as it is the only thing strong enough to defeat this...thing. Whatever is doing this is not intrinsically evil, but it wields power beyond my ken, and you may be it's only match....

Slowly, the pony lowered his head, offering the princess a small, almost weak smile. When she regarded him with a bit more reverence, she could see the tears in his eyes. Clearly these memories had carried weight on his heart.

For a time, she was silent, carefully considering the story. It explained in greater detail what had happened to Sombra, and the Crystal Empire, but she wasn't sure it completely defined what was happening now. The implication was that love and hate were the greatest of powers, so it had to be, HAD to be somepony behind it who knew how to wield this magic. But who, and why? That Abacus hadn't mentioned such led her to believe he did not know, but then, where would she start?

"Even if I could do this," she began in a slow measure, as if speaking on a thought as it was forming. "Where would I even look? We've been at this for days, and still have no idea where to truly go to find who is behind this."

Offering a knowing smile, his response was as simple as it was obvious. "Look to what remains to find them."

Blinking a few times, confusion briefly graced her features, just before they lit up with enlightenment. What remains...of course! Whatever was happened, they likely weren't doing it to themselves. The one advantage of the disappearing cities was that it would narrow down what remained. Eventually, they would single themselves out. All that was left was whether or not she could face them.

Grimacing, she focused once more on Abacus, who had begin to bear a pained expression on his face, as though he were very intently focused on something. He made no mention of this, though, instead fixing her with an approving gaze. "I knew you could figure it out."

Of course, one more question did dwell in her mind, though it was perhaps less important. "You said you were a crystal pony. What did you mean by that?"

He chuckled despite his pained expression, cocking his head toward her lopsidedly. "Exactly what it sounds like. I was. I have lived over a thousand years, Twilight Sparkle. I have seen many things, some remarkable, some terrible. I have endured a broken heart for far too long. As such, I surrendered my crystalline nature a number of years ago. I have no wish to live forever. If all I have learned of love is true, I will eventually return to the world. Love and life do not end, Twilight, they simply moves on."

Just as he finished speaking, he rose to his hooves as one might expect an elderly pony to, his movements seemingly pained and slow. By now, his coat was visibly dampening, as if he had been working as hard as Applejack, and his pained expression was intensifying. Before she could ask about it, he spoke in a stretched tone, as if he were exhausted. "You must go now. I've stalled it as long as I can, but as I said, I am not powerful enough to defeat this myself."

At first, his words were confusing, but just then, she felt the brush of that familiar sensation, of that emptiness that gnawed at the heart, but not as intense as before. It seemed odd for the briefest of moments until it struck her. "You...?"

Grimacing, he nodded in response, clearly struggling to maintain what composure he had left. "I can wield it, Twilight, but I don't have your degree of power. I could merely delay, and I fear I have done so as long as I can. You need to go. To escape. You can wield the power it will take to put an end to this, for better or worse...as such, it cannot end here."

"But, my friends! My family!" she protested, looking shocked at the sudden shift in events. She had experienced the transition of a disappearing city before, but this was sudden. There had been far less warning than before, aside from the strained appearance of Abacus, and she hadn't made that specific connection. As soon as she spoke, he scowled, clearly at the limit of his ability.

"No time, Twilight Sparkle. For what happens next, I am truly sorry..." She opened her mouth as if to ask what he meant, but as soon as he spoke, she felt a familiar ripple of magic, but on a scale beyond what she had touched. Before a peep could pass her lips, she perceived a flash reminiscent of her own teleport, just before she realized she HAD been teleported. She found herself outside of the Crystal Empire, staring down at the palace mere moments before it vanished. It was almost like blinking away a mirage, the transition from being there to being gone. So much so that her mind even questioned it for a moment before she shook her head. Staring down at the crater that remind, she could feel the familiar hum of that empty magic...but also the touch of whatever Abacus had done, a complete opposite to it.

As sense crept back into her mind, she flared out her wings in the same unconscious manner that Rainbow Dash often did, casting her gaze around as she tried to find anypony who may have escaped. Consequently, she felt her heart sink to a new low when she spotted none. Not a single pony had escaped aside from her.

On the verge of tears, she bowed her head down, struggling not to cry as her wings slowly drooped to the ground. She very well may have, too, save for that familiar thrum that vibrated in the air; the Polaris was approaching. When she saw a yellow pegasus streak by overhead, she knew she'd been spotted by the crew. Sighing wearily, she straightened up, sniffling a few times as she worked to keep her emotions in check. Don't mourn what isn't lost, she thought to herself. They're depending on you now.

With a self assuring nod, she spread her wings out more steadily before launching herself into the air, making her way back to the airship with all due haste. Everything that Abacus had told her was going to change the outcome, that much she new. Now it was time to begin the hunt, to save her friends...and all of Equestria.

Memory

Silence. It was a disquieting feeling, were one to actually be there. A silence so utterly complete, one could hear their own breath, listen to their heartbeat when it would otherwise be unheard. Even the dust settled upon the air before it was shifted about at the slightest gust, even the tiniest of motions. Time itself seemed as if to pause here, having forgotten it's passing in such a forlorn place.

Slowly but surely, one could feel a thrum in the air. It was not something that could be heard, or truly felt. It was the illusion of a feeling, created by a mind that was brushed by the touch of magic, hovering on the very edge of perception. Since magic was connected to the deep emotions of the world, love and hate, sorrow and joy, sensing it's presence tended to lend those emotions, depending on the magic's purpose. It was with this in mind that one could feel something that had become commonplace in the recent events across Equestria.

Emptiness

From the shadows that swallowed the expansive locale like a hungry fish devours a worm emerged a solitary figure, a pony, to be precise., this one being adorned in resplendent armor. Though it had dulled with the appearance of age, it was clear it had been lovingly crafted, intricate patterns and designs lacing it's entire form. Most of this pony's body was hidden by the armor's thorough coverage, revealing very little of it's wearer's features, save for piercing green eyes that focused intently on something before them.

As the thrum of magic began to fade from the air, a dull glow lit the center of an immense chamber, so large, in fact, that the light issuing forth failed to reach it's outer limits. As it dimmed like a dying star, one could make out a crystalline ball, not unlike a snow-globe in appearance, but with shockingly impressive details. Within this particular one was nothing less than what appeared to be a life-like copy of the Crystal Empire, beautiful beyond expression, forever suspended in it's utter perfection.

Green eyes narrowed intently as they focused on the orb itself, seeming as if to stare through it. Slowly the pony's hardened expression began to soften, an almost wistful look coming to what features could be seen beneath their helmet. Images tugged at the corner of their mind, the way one might struggle to recall something, like a distant memory, only to have it continually slip just out of reach. Closing their eyes, the pony seemed as if to concentrate with all their might, struggling to catch hold of just one of these images.

A sharp intake of breath broke the silence, sounding almost like a strike of thunder against the imposing stillness that permeated the chamber. Eyes went wide with a mixture of fear and awe as their mind lit up with color and sound, a myriad of images flashing through their mind. They opened their mouth, even worked their tongue as if to speak, but no words came forth. It was as though they had fallen into a fathomless lake, struggling for air yet unable to find it as memory rushed back in a torrent so great it brought them to their knees.

I...I...remember...

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It was...eerily clear that day. Like a sense of foreboding hung on the air, grasping at the very edge of my senses, but easily overlooked. The skies were clear, and given the late spring season, the flowers were even in bloom. As the sunlight struck the structures in our crystal city, it cast brilliant rays of light of every color and form, lighting our city in a splendor few can imagine, and fewer still can match. Of course, I had little mind for such things, for as vigilant as I was, it was easy to understand how I could have overlooked the finer details, not to mention that sense that eluded me at the time. It was always easy to miss such things...when she was here.

I was...a royal guard. Captain of the guard, to be exact. I had been elevated to the status soon after the Crystal Empire was founded, when we returned with the Crystal Heart. The ponies had something to rally behind, a purpose, a greater calling. It drove us on to be more than we once were, and my heart swelled with pride to know I had been a part of it. However, more than pride, I felt love. Love unlike any I had ever felt before. True, to be touched by the Crystal Heart itself is to feel a connection to all ponies it touches, a kind of love that takes your breath away and leaves you gasping for more, even as you struggle to make sense of it...but this? This was more.

She was...well, I would say beautiful, but no word I know could describe it. Emberheart was everything one could want in a mare. Of course, the shallow became enamored of her outer beauty, which she did have, to be sure. I had seen that all along; we grew up together! She had a coat the color of the most azure waters you could imagine. Her mane was like gold, as if it had been kissed by the sun, and shone with such radiance that I would have believed such a thing had she claimed it. to be so. Her eyes were the deepest violet you could imagine, like amethysts yet undiscovered beneath the mountains, untouched...unblemished. She was perfection to behold by the naked eye, and most would have loved her merely for that...but once again, I knew her for more.

She had a heart that burned with love and kindness, charity and devotion. So fierce was this that it had even been what earned her the cutie mark she had become known for; a ruby heart emblazoned with wings of flame. I once told her, upon seeing it, that my heart could soar on passion's wings simply by knowing her. She just smiled and shook her head as sweetly as she every did. That was her way...kind, sweet, caring. She loved the ponies so intensely that she sought out the Crystal Heart when Sombra made mention of it and it's power, that it could use our love to strengthen our people, our bonds, and perhaps do the same for all of the world.

Sombra...to even think that name leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that refuses to be subdued. He was...no, IS a unicorn of remarkable power and skill. He was once one of us, though now I am unsure if he was every truly one in heart and soul. He seemed to be, showing the same care and consideration as Emberheart herself. He did much to direct her to great ends. Discovering the Crystal Heart, learning it's abilities, even founding our great empire. He was even first to voice the idea that Emberheart should become our queen. That had been a tragic moment for me. She would make such a queen as to be the envy of all of the world, but...it would also mean I could lose her forever. I could not bear such a thought, for you see...

I loved her. With every inch of my heart, I loved her.

Things changed at a meteoric rate after that. The empire itself was founded, and Emberheart was chosen to be our queen. I don't think she truly desired to be, but she wanted the ponies to be happy. That was always her way. She always wanted to be there for the ponies, and so she silently agreed to the status. I was crestfallen, knowing that her newfound position in the empire would be an impossible void between us, and in desperation, I sought a way to still be close to her. It is why I applied to become one of the royal guards. Imagine how I felt when I not only became a guard, but the guard captain. I couldn't help but think she had a hoof in that, and it made my heart soar, to believe she could care about me in turn.

Dark times followed after the first few months. Sombra, initially her advisor in all things magic, became more brooding as they days drew ever on. When confronted about it, he was always evasive, answering questions as if they were riddles, giving half-answers that didn't truly address the questions you asked. Not long afterwards, he disappeared entirely, for reason we didn't yet know. Emberheart instructed us to remain vigilant for his return, and so I was sure to keep several of the guards on the lookout for him. Of course, I had no idea just how terrible his return was going to be...and what it would cost us.

It was that very same day, where this story started, with the foreboding feeling I had easily overlooked. I was foolish, blind...and it cost us, cost HER dearly. So enamored of Emberheart was I that I overlooked the signs that day until it was too late. I had spent most of the day talking to her. Just...talking, like we hadn't done in a great while. It had been such a welcome change over the usual rigor of royal duties that I had become lost in conversation, or perhaps, lost in her eyes. I cannot wholly remember, but I do remember what happened next.

Nightmane burst into the throne room unannounced, and with such fear writ upon his face that I didn't immediately scold him for the brash intrusion. He spoke gibberish at first, both trying to talk too quickly and winded beyond measure. Needless to say, we were confused until he had calmed enough to better explain it; Sombra had returned, and was laying siege to the empire! According to Nightmane, the city was surrounded by shadow, and Sombra himself marched upon the palace unimpeded. The guards were proving ineffectual at slowing him, which only alluded to the power he had gained.

I quickly began to organize a defense, with the purpose of covering for Emberheart's escape. My blood ran cold that day, when she refused to simply be whisked away. I should have known...her love for the ponies was so great that she would never abandon them. Her fate would be the same as theirs, and though I loved her for it, I feared I would be unable to stop Sombra. Magic was a terrifying force on a good day, but in the hooves of one such as he? I shuddered to think of what he was capable of. My only hope was what Abacus had taught me, about true magic and the strength of the Crystal Heart. I hoped it was enough even as he assaulted the palace itself.

He spared little time in breaking our defenses. None could stand before him, and even I began to fear the power he had come to wield. He was strong before, but now? It seemed as nothing could slow him, or so much as give him pause. He was upon us in minutes, shattering the throne room doors like so much glass, leaving only our elite guard between him and the conquest of the empire. I could see it on his face just then, that smug certainty that the day was already his. I cannot say why, but that enraged me more than anything should have, and I barked out the order to attack even as I charged into the fray, my lance at the ready.

They were cast aside as a heavy boulder parts water that crashes against it, sending my best guards sprawling across the chamber. I leveled my lance at him and readied for what was to come, focusing inward in hopes that I could draw on whatever power it was Abacus had tried to explain to me. Imagine my surprise when Sombra failed to cast me aside moments later...or, perhaps, his own when he realized he couldn't. For but an instant, fear gripped at his heart, and I roared like a manticore as I struck at him. He stepped to the side just in time to avoid my killing strike, but I wounded him, even badly damaged his armor, just before I wheeled around to deliver as powerful a kick to his head as I could muster from my hind legs.

Staggering back, Sombra was clearly dazed, clearly unprepared for a pony that could combat his magic. Little did I realize that I had still lost. That fear in his eyes was replaced by a hatred I'd never seen before, never even imagined when he glared at me. I could almost feel my soul wither before such a piercing gaze, but I tried to fight. However, when next his horn glowed, I was powerless against him as he hurled me back, slamming me to the floor with such force that the crystal itself cracked. I felt the wind knocked from my lungs, my lance separated from my armor as it slid across the chamber, out of my reach. I struggled to get upright even as every muscle in me ached, but he was on me in a flash.

With eyes that glowed an intense, angry red, he glowered at me. Though I felt my resolve withering before his hate, I snarled back at him, defiant to the end. That was going to cost me, or so I discovered.

With enough force to light my vision up with colored sparks, he struck my face, the motion of his blow knocking my helmet off. I even heard Emberheart gasp at the strike, which only steeled my resolve. I even managed to spit in his face despite the pain in my own, but he didn't seem to notice or care. That actually unnerved me more than anything. When next he brought his hoof up, he had a crystal so black it seemed as if to rob light from the very air.

"Let this remind you of the cost of your defiance," he muttered to me as he pushed a jagged edge against my face. Starting above my right eyebrow, he carved a long, crescent cut around my cheek and jaw line, a wound deep enough to scar visibly. I clenched my teeth against the pain, and even managed not to cry out in pain. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction, and I didn't want to break in front of her...not in front of Emberheart. Of course, my silence only seemed to anger him further; he eventually threw the crystal aside, drew his foreleg back and struck me across the face once more.

I managed one last look at her before it came to an end. Emberheart...my beautiful queen. She looked so crestfallen just then that I felt my own heart sink, and what was worse was that HE saw it. He saw me look at her, and his lips curled into a most vicious grin. Those last words echo in my mind whenever I close my eyes...

"You think you've won some little victory today? You think what you've tried here will reflect upon you in any light? Darkness claims us all, just as it will claim you." Then, he touched that accursed horn of his to my forehead, and I could feel it...pulling. "Love is a memory and nothing more. I can strip you of it as easily as I have cast aside your defenses. You will serve as a reminder to the rest...a reminder of the price of defiance." He grinned in such a way as to send chills up my spine, even as I felt myself being torn away. "Darkness take you!"

I glanced once more upon the face of my beloved Emberheart, only to see that she had bowed her own head in defeat. I had failed her, failed the empire, and what's more, I had no idea what Sombra was planning to do now. I soon discovered it would not matter. Mere moments later there was nothing.

I felt...empty inside...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Slowly life returned to the features of the armored pony as they began to blink, what little light was to be found casting deep shadows on their pallid face. Slowly they brought a hoof up, removing their helmet with slow purpose, allowing their gray mane to spill out from beneath it. Rust-colored features made the majority of his coat, save for a lengthy scar that formed a crescent on the right side of his face. Glistening in the light, a single tear rolled down his cheek as he stared intently at the small globe that held the Crystal Empire.

He stole them from me. My memories...my life...my love...

Gazing for a long while at the globe, he seemed as if lost in deep thought, eyes refusing to budge as he clung to ghosts of memories brought back by the sight of the empire. Eventually, he brought his hoof back up, slowly adorning himself with his helm once more as his expression returned to a more somber state. Once his hooves were free again, he gently took the crystal globe in hoof, making his way to the outer reaches of the massive chamber, toward one of many pedestals that lined it's furthest walls, just out of the light's reach.

Gingerly setting it upon the pedestal, he gave the globe a final, longing look before he turned back, slowly moving away from the pedestal as he murmured something softly under his breath.

"Never again. Never again..."

Author's Note

A bit shorter than prior chapters, but it didn't need to be lengthy for it's part in the story. I see it as a bit redundant to fluff for length when what it says as it is will do.

Look to the Stars

Sunset had come to it's conclusion with little to no fanfare that day. To be sure, it was no less beautiful than it ever was. Clouds painted in hues of orange and red, reflecting the colors of the sun itself. That giant ball of light descending on the horizon, beautiful to behold, but impossible to stare at, leaving one with that longing to see what perfection may be. Despite all of these things, though, it went largely unnoticed. Although the occupants of the Polaris were unaware of it, there were very few ponies left to witness it.

Amid the fluttering of wings, a dark-hued alicorn alighted upon the deck of the ship, the sound of their arrival drowned out by the heavy thrum of the engines as they pushed the craft ever onward, though to no particular destination at the time. Moments later, the new arrival was joined by Equestria's only known draconequus, who oddly was flying as a pegasus might, which was assuredly unusual for Discord. As he arrived, a familiar yellow pegasus caught sight of them on the deck, trotting up to the pair with a look of awe on her face as her gaze locked on the alicorn.

"Princess Luna!" she declared, kneeling down on her forelegs before a nod from Luna made her rise once more. "S'good to see not everypony's been taken by this...this curse, whatever it is. Capn' will be thrilled to know you're here; she named the ship in yer honor, after all."

Luna at first simply smiled, though her expression appeared worn, as somepony who has worried a great deal would appear. Taking a deep breath, she made to speak, working to maintain composure despite dire circumstances. "It is pleasing to be honored in such a way," she replied with a smile. "I would like to make time to speak to your captain, but first, I am here to see Twilight Sparkle. We need to know where we stand in these...events."

At first opening her mouth to speak, Lightheart quickly shut it, as if she thought better of it. With a quick nod, she trotted off. As she disappeared below decks, Discord adopted a more dour expression. "I hope she has more answers than we have found. I don't much care for being unable to use my magic. It makes things so dreadfully dull." He snapped his fingers as if to conjure up on of his usual effects, but when nothing happened, he sighed wearily, shaking his head. No dice, it seemed.

Luna's expression actually softened a bit as she offered a smile to her companion. "Believe it or not, I would rather you have them back as well. For all of your mischief, you've also proven of great aid to us since your release from stone. For what it is worth, I am sorry you're stuck like this."

Though he offered a small smile in reply, Discord stood with sagging shoulders, clearly leaned toward a depressed state of mind. "Thank you, Luna. It's good to have...friends now." That word, friends, he said with some trepidation. The concept remained fairly new to him, and it was once a word to be his bane, not his ally. Of course, perhaps it was in the very nature of chaos to change so drastically, wasn't it?

Moments later, a purple alicorn appeared on the deck, looking perhaps a bit worse for wear. With a frazzled mane, unkempt fur, and clear tracks running lines down her cheeks, it was no guess that she had been crying. With the absence of her friends, it wasn't hard for them to guess why, and even Discord frowned at the prospect. "Fluttershy...?" He asked tentatively, still showing a deal of favor toward the first pony to befriend him. Twilight slowly shook her head as she approached, leading to a rather crestfallen look on the draconequus.

"I'm sorry Discord," she began, her voice sounding a little broken, another clear indication of the tears she had shed. "She...we lost her when Trottingham disappeared. We've...I've lost all of them..." She looked about ready to break into a new batch of tears just then. Simply mentioning the loss of her friends weighed heavily on her heart, so much so that she stopped a fair distance from the pair as she struggled to regain what little composure she had left.

As Twilight struggled with her fractured heart, Luna and Discord spared a sidelong glance at each other before the latter gestured toward the distraught alicorn, indicating she should be the one to help her. Luna simply nodded before slowly approaching Twilight, who stood with shaking knees, struggling so that she would not simply break down. She had been able to stay strong before, keep a straight face, but that was for her friends' sake. With them gone now, what was she holding on for?

"Hope."

That word rang out like a clarion call to her, breaking her free of the clutches of her sorrow. Slowly lifting her head, her gaze fell upon the smiling princess. Bringing a hoof up, Luna gently shifted Twilight's mane, straightening it up a bit before she continued. "There is always hope, Twilight Sparkle. So long as even one of us remains, there will be hope. I understand how you must feel, now that your friends are no longer with you, but do not let that defeat you. Remember what it is they have done for you, and let that be your strength as you carry on. I am certain we will need you to solve this, after all."

Twilight sniffled against tears that struggled to be free, wetting her eyes to the point that she absently wiped them away with the back of her foreleg. "Thanks," she murmured softly, clinging to those words with fervor. Luna was right, of course. She needed to keep in mind what it was they meant to her. Everything they had done together, what they had done for her, and she for them. There was no true certainty they, or anypony else, were gone for good. It was easy to forget that, though, when you were left alone to face all of the world and it's troubles. It seemed so daunting...

"It's easy to forget the little things," Luna continued, jarring the younger alicorn that much more. Hotplate had said much the same thing toward the beginning of all of this, hadn't he? It seemed to be a recurring theme, and no less true. It WAS easy to forget in the face of tragedy like this. "Just remember what it is you are trying for. Your friends will need you...in fact, I believe everypony does now." This she said with a small smile, trying to bring some measure of calm to Twilight's troubled mind.

Slowly Twilight moved her gaze from Luna to Discord, the latter offering a goofy smile and a wave. She began to pick up on his more subdued manner, which apparently showed on her face, as Luna chuckled softly. Discord himself absently rubbed at his arm, turning his gaze away. Perhaps embarrassed? "Yes, he's a bit more...subdued," Luna commented, bringing light to the thoughts that had passed through her mind just then. "It appears that whatever power is behind these disasters is also nullifying his own. Even I have felt it's effects." Having said that, she frowned in a way that made Twilight all the more nervous. "It is unsettling to think such a power even exists, much less that we've had to face it. I shudder to think of the trials ahead."

Trials? Of course, the idea passed through her mind moments later. If there was indeed a great power behind all of this, something so potent it could quiet even Discord's remarkable power, what kind of an opponent would they be? Could she really stand up to somepony that could wield such ability? What chance could they have against that? Her thoughts began to run with the idea, bringing worry to her face as she considered the implications. Every time she thought too much on it, the situation seemed so...hopeless.

Of course, then she remembered Abacus, and all he had tried to explain to her. Of the idea that love was true magic, that it was the key to...well, all of this. Indeed, she'd even seen it at work. Well, sort of. Abacus had clearly been straining against something, and if he had indeed delayed the disappearance of the Crystal Empire, that itself was a marvelous feat. He had even teleported her out of the city, and he wasn't even a unicorn! If that was possible, maybe, just maybe...

"Twilight?" The firm, baritone voice was unmistakable against the backdrop of her thoughts, and it quickly snapped her from the reverie. Blinking a few times, she found herself almost eye to eye with Discord, who pointed behind her with a smirk as she drew herself back to the waking world. "We have company."

Turning slowly around, she saw the Captain approaching, Lightheart in tow. The former bore a stern, somewhat determined expression, like she knew she had to face something, but didn't want to. As she approached, she spared the trio a quick nod, avoiding the formalities the princesses oft saw in others. "Beggin' yer pardon folks, but we have a few things t'be addressed. Namely, we're flyin' blind here. I can't keep us idle in the air forever, an' we're not doin' anypony any good doin' just that. I need bearings ifn' we're gonna do any good."

Of course, all eyes went to Twilight at that comment. Swallowing hard against a sudden lump in her throat, she looked from one pony to the next, as if seeking some cue from them. When each gave her that expectant look, she drew the rather simple conclusion; this was her task now. As much as had happened, as many ponies as had been lost, all that were left now believed that she was the one to end it all. It suddenly felt as if an enormous weight had been placed upon her back, and it made her weak in the knees. She had known responsibility before, but this?

"So far, we have not uncovered anything of use in our endeavors," Luna commented, a nod from Discord accompanying this. "With the loss of Discord's magic, we have been unable to report on this until now. We were hoping that your luck has been better."

It has and hasn't, she mused to herself, sighing softly as she looked out across the sky to no point in particular. Nevertheless, all eyes followed her own gaze, as if hoping to find something, anything. For a time, the whole group stared out at the last vestiges of the day giving way to the night. It was a calming moment, and something she needed terribly. Clearing her mind, Twilight took a deep breath before turning back to the group gathered, steeling herself for the next steps.

"I have ideas as to what is happening, but no clear idea where. All Abacus could offer was to look to what remains to find the culprit. So all we need to do is find someplace that remains, somewhere that hasn't been taken. It's our only lead."

Those gathered averted their various gazes as they considered her words. It made sense, the idea of it, but then, each was use to whatever cities they already knew, and all of them were gone now. So many taken the same way as the rest, just gone. As each mulled over their thoughts, it became clear that ideas were in short supply. Even the adventurous Captain Starsight seemed lacking in any suggestions, and that unnerved Twilight more than any other. This wasn't looking good...

Suddenly, Luna perked up, a dawning look crossing her face. She turned to face the edge of the deck, staring out at the stars that had begun to peak through the last of the dying light of day, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I have an idea..."

Every pony gathered hung on those words like moths around a flame, almost perceptibly leaning in as they waited for her to continue. Each held bated breath as they watched her with such intensity that she could burst into flame. Just as her silence had pushed them all to a breaking point, she continued, finishing with but two words. "The observatory."

Twilight sighed wearily, bowing her head down as if in defeat, the others not faring much better. "Canterlot's gone, Luna. So is Ponyville at this point. Any observatories I know of would have been there." At her words, Luna turned her attention back to the smaller alicorn, an almost forlorn look upon her face.

"There was another one...a long time ago," she began, her tone low enough that everypony had to strain to hear it. "Celestia had one built on the other side of the mountain, where prying eyes could not easily see it. She meant it as a gift to me, a place where I could admire the heavens, or study them if I so chose. This was around the time I...." She trailed off, the indication clear enough. They all knew the tale of Nightmare Moon, and Twilight had even played a part in helping to recover the princess from her fate. The implication was no less powerful, though, Twilight's face lighting up like a holiday tree in Canterlot.

"So it's possible there's a location none of us knew of, that could still actually be there?" she asked, her voice laced with a guarded hope that they might actually have a solution. Luna nodded solemnly in reply.

"Though it was completed, I was gone, unable to use it. It has remained there ever since, seemingly forgotten until you reminded me of it a few moments ago. Or, perhaps, I reminded myself. It seems a likely place to hide if you wish not to be found, doesn't it?"

Nodding vigorously in reply, Twilight couldn't help but smile. True, they had no idea if it was still there, but it seemed the most likely idea right now, and she had to hold out for hope, didn't she? The little things might count the most, or so she'd heard. Turning to Starsight, she adopted a rather assertive nature, clearing her throat before she spoke. "You heard the princess, Captain. Set a course back to Canterlot with all due haste! We have a job to do."

Although perhaps a bit put off by the change in demeanor, Starsight played along, offering a quick salute to the purple alicorn before she turned to head back to steerage, barking out orders as she went. "Daredevil! Get a course laid in for Canterlot proper! We've got our bearings!"

As she went about the task of managing the ship, Twilight returned her attention to Luna and Discord, adopting a more resolute demeanor. "If this is indeed where our culprit is, we need to be ready for the worst. This magic is unlike anything we've ever seen or heard of before, and I am a bit concerned what that may mean for us."

She paused at that thought, as she was starting to sound a bit rehearsed. How did they even know a pony was behind it? Well, that seemed to be Abacus' implication, anyway, though he didn't seem to know who. Or did he? That was a question she should have addressed sooner, in retrospect. It didn't matter now, though. Truth was, she had no idea what they'd be walking into even IF this was the right place, and that made her more than a bit nervous.

"Twilight? Are you alright? You look a bit..." Luna began, apparently looking for the right word.

"Worried," Discord finished with a sage nod, Luna copying the motion. Twilight simply sighed.

"Truth is, I've no idea what to expect. It could be anypony, anything. Maybe this power has nothing to do with how they could stop us. I just...I have no idea what we're getting into if this is indeed the source...and it worries me."

Oddly, it was Discord that chimed in next, quickly drawing both of their attention. "Well I, for one, will be happy to get this over with. All of this solemn quiet and somber atmosphere is absolutely suffocating! And without my magic, it's just so dull. How do you ponies even survive?" Both stared at him a few moments, unblinking. "Is there something on my face?" he suddenly asked, patting around as if in search of the offending item.

"He's right, you know," Luna chimed in, eliciting shocked responses from both of them. "It is rather...dull. All concerns aside, we could do with some good new, I should think. Whatever we discover there, Twilight, you will not be alone."

Those words gave the smaller alicorn more comfort than they should have, and she smiled at the elder princess for it. "Thank you," she replied simply before turning to head below decks. Glancing back to the pair, she nodded toward the stairs. "We should at least try to get something to eat, and maybe some sleep along the way. If we are to face anything there, I suspect we will want to be ready for it."

"Now that's an idea I can get behind!" Discord replied, perhaps too cheerily, getting the other two to laugh despite the severity of their situation. It was perhaps desperately needed. As the three disappeared below decks, the ship began a slow, winding turn to get on course to the observatory Luna had mentioned. It was time to see if Luna was right, and if so, to put an end to this.

Author's Note

Again, not a huge chapter, but I can promise that things will get more interesting soon. Bear with me on this...and apologies on my somewhat dry writing. Still working to improve.

For Sake of Love

It was just past daybreak when it came into view as the Polaris rounded the mountain. A remarkably large structure, built into the side of the rocky spire, supported by a myriad of strategically placed struts and supports that artfully held the structure level. It appeared to be built as a ring, though a portion of it was buried within the mountainside, leaving that idea to pure speculation on the observer's part. Lastly, in support of Luna's previous claim, a massive telescope protruded from the top of the structure, dead center of what would be the ring that made it. This particular device was oddly pointed straight up at the time of their arrival, though if this was by somepony's design or pure happenstance was anypony's guess.

"I got a bad feeling about this place..." Starsight muttered aloud, standing alongside Daredevil as he navigated the ship ever closer to the observatory. Unsurprisingly, it boasted a landing large enough to accommodate perhaps two airships...or one Polaris, given this particular ship's size. As the helmspony pulled back on the throttle control, the thrum of the propellers began to dim, replaced instead by the whistle of winds that were hardly uncommon at such altitudes. While normal on any other day, they provided a sense of foreboding at that moment that only added weight to Starsight's observation. It made most everypony else a bit edgy.

"Do you really think somepony's in there...? That they're actually behind this?" Twilight asked, staring intently at the structure as they made their approach. She, like everypony else on the ship, had gathered in the navigation room, intent on seeing what happened as it unfolded. Of course, that intent only extended as far as actually getting here; only Twilight, Luna and Discord would actually be heading in from here. They were the three most likely to actually accomplish anything against what they feared they'd find. Not to mention, as Twilight had put it, they might need to make a quick escape, which had smoothed over any offense the captain took at being left out.

"I...do not know," Luna replied, still holding to a tendency to avoid contractions. Old habits and all. "We are all in the dark when it comes to expectations, Twilight Sparkle." Her tone was rather somber, belying some of the nervousness that must have clung to her as it did to everypony else. Even Discord looked out of sorts, though Twilight would have bet it was more out of his suppressed magic than any real dread of what they faced. When unhindered, he could pretty much do anything he wanted, which made it rather remarkable that anything could hold him back. It was part of what had made the newest alicorn princess so nervous herself; what could be so strong as to halt the march of chaos?

Conversation came in short snippets such as these. With everypony on edge, most warred with their own concerns regarding their arrival at this place. As they drew closer, details became clearer. Being metallic in nature, rust had begun to work to claim the structure. Or, perhaps it was all along. If what Luna said was true, this building had to be over a thousand years old, and had been unused since it's creation, given what had followed between Celestia and Luna. Such knowledge lent an almost haunting sense to the observatory, like it was out of place in time. It was rather unsettling.

The silence was broken by the ring of the throttle control as Daredevil brought the ship to a halt just over the landing. His expression was grim as he nodded to the Captain, wordlessly conveying their arrival. It was, instead, Starsight that made light of it. "If you haven't guessed it by now, we're here. Time to see what we're made of, eh?" That last comment was made with an empty smile, like she was trying to put on a strong front but was just as nervous as the rest of them felt.

Sighing softly, Twilight turned to face her last two companions, Luna and Discord. With a quick nod, she began to make her way out toward the deck of the Polaris. "It's time to find out if this is truly the place," she mused aloud, not bothering to look back to see if she was being followed. In her own way, she knew they would. They were friends too, weren't they? A friend would always have your back.

Stepping out onto the deck, she was immediately struck by the strong gusts of wind that permeated the area. This alone gave her pause for thought, a mental note to praise Daredevil's skill in piloting following that moment. It had to be quite the feat to maneuver a ship so large to the landing without incident. Spreading her wings out, she glanced back to see Luna and even Discord mimic the motion, behind whom stood Starsight. "Good luck to the lot of ya. I hope you can fix this...I really do." With those words and no more, the trio took to the air, making the short trip from the deck to the landing itself.

Buffeted by sharp, whistling winds, even this short trip proved a bit problematic, especially when Twilight herself was nearly swept below the landing, though she did well to correct her course. The other two had far less trouble, though they were clearly more experienced fliers to begin with. When all hooves met the metallic ground, each surveyed the others, and gave a nod of affirmation. All were ready to face whatever may lay in store, and with that, Twilight lead the way inward at a steady trot.

Dead ahead was a massive archway that likely once was a pinnacle of splendor, though time and weather had dulled it considerably. Housed here was a pair of ornately crafted doors, depicting the starscape the observatory was built to watch in the first place. Though she may have marveled at it at any other point, Twilight was too preoccupied to pay it any mind today. With a soft glow of magic from her horn, she pried the massive doors open as they approached, the task proving a bit easier than she'd anticipated. Almost like somepony had been here recently.

"Be ready for anything," she spoke over her shoulder, eliciting nods from Luna and Discord. Taking a deep breath, she ducked her head down and moved onward, passing through the archway with little trouble. Once inside, though, she truly felt as though it were a place caught in time.

A faint glow emanated from the center of an immense chamber, though it's source was yet unidentifiable. The chamber itself was so massive that the light failed to reach it's outermost edges. From what she could see at a glance, the upper reach of the walls was lined by a platform that encircled the entire interior, along which was lined numerous pedestals, each barely touched by the light. Atop most every pedestal was a small crystalline globe, barely identifiable at this distance, but clearly there as one or two occasionally reflected the dim light from their surfaces.

After spending a few moments evaluating their surroundings, she turned to Luna and Discord, a deadpan look upon her face. "Not much here, so I think we need to take a look at those pedestals up top. Split up between them, see what you can find." With those words, she spread her wings and took to the air, the sound carrying rather well in the still setting, which seemed to only amplify sound. Luna followed suit, heading in another direction to the platform above, whereas Discord remained firmly in place, touching his index fingers nervously together.

"I'll uh...see what I can find down here," he mused aloud, before slowly walking toward the center of the room, and thus toward the soft glow that provided the only light in the chamber. Twilight didn't seem to catch his statement, alighting on the edge of the platform as narrowed her gaze, trying to determine what exactly was on the pedestal, if not merely a crystal. As she drew slowly toward it, she could begin to make out details within a crystalline orb; a seemingly blue 'sky' within, with a large collection of buildings that looked older in fashion, but newer in construction. Something about this locale seemed oddly familiar, but she couldn't immediately place it, not until she drew close enough to peer in at the most minute of details. It seemed so real this close that she felt her breath catch in her throat. I don't believe it...

"Trottingham...this...this is Trottingham!" she called out, her tone elevating with each word she spoke. Glancing back across the way, she could barely make out Luna's form against the dark, unable to wholly tell what she was doing. A moment later, though, and she heard the princess' voice call back.

"This looks like Canterlot! And over here is Manehattan! This is..."

There was an echo that sounded like thunder just then, interrupting the exchange. At first, their eyes were drawn to Discord, who shrugged sheepishly as if to proclaim his innocence. Looking further, their gazes eventually fell upon a lone pony who stood somewhere between them on the platform. This new figure appeared to look from one to the next among them, though it was hard to tell with the helmet they wore. The figure sported elaborate but dulled armor that looked not unlike the jousting armor they had seen in the Crystal Empire. Before anypony could voice a question, they spoke up in a rather commanding tone.

"You don't belong here. Get out. Now."

The voice bore a commanding tone, as a pony who knew authority. His very demeanor implied that he was trained in martial prowess. However, none of these traits came into play just then, as he simply turned around, walking back to one of the orbs that he had been gazing into, seeming as if to dismiss them as one dismisses a troubling thought.

Twilight looked first to Discord, who appeared to be rather nervous. Unsurprising really, seeing as he was far too use to having his potent magic at his disposal. It was likely he knew how a fish out of water must feel at this point. Turning her gaze to Luna, the princess appeared to be keenly watching the new pony, but had yet to act in any way. None of them were sure what this may imply. Was he the one behind all of this? Or a keeper of whatever was? Curious...

Speaking of curiosity, this was a trait Twilight most assuredly possessed in greater quantity than Luna or Discord. As such, she slowly made her way around the ring platform, inching toward the pony with painstaking caution. She wasn't sure what he might do if they ignored his warning, but she was curious as to what he was staring at...and why. If these orbs were all of the missing cities, which one was it that held his attention so strongly that he had dismissed their presence on a whim?

As she drew closer, she could start to make out the details of the orb he was gazing into. In fact, he was so intent on it that he either didn't notice her approach, or didn't care. For her part, Luna had drawn closer as well, but was giving Twilight a worried gaze, attempting to caution the younger princess against her approach. She didn't stop, though, drawing ever closer as she looked upon the orb herself, wherein a crystal spire nearly reached the top of it. That had to be the Crystal Empire!

A new kind of hope clutched at her heart just then, the idea that they might have a chance if they could just free the cities...even ONE city. Abacus had been in the Empire when it vanished, and he seemed to have some grasp of the magic at work here. He would be a grand ally against this, not to mention Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The thought of those two alone sent tingles up her spine, and brought a small smile to her face. Memory alone was a powerful thing.

The armored pony continued to act oblivious to their presence, which only seemed to embolden Twilight in her efforts. Of course, she wasn't wholly sure what they should be. She didn't exactly know a counter spell to...to whatever this was. This was magic on a scale unheard of, to turn so many cities into what appeared to be snow globes. As she pondered the predicament she now faced, she recalled the words of Abacus and what he had tried to tell her. What his book had explained.

If love is magic, there has to be a way.

Her heart ached in the absence of her friends, and it reminded her of the love they shared as friends. Abacus had described love like an ocean that ebbs and flows, ever changing, never ending. If that was true, all the power she could ever need was already here.

Just need to focus...

Closing her eyes and bowing her head, Twilight focused inward, searching for this...magic that Abacus had described. If love was in all things, then it couldn't be that hard to find, could it? After all, she had seen it herself; Abacus, a regular earth pony when she met him, not only suppressed the disappearance of the Crystal Empire, but had teleported her as well! If that wasn't magic, what would be?

It was then that she felt it. A thread, a strand to pull at, or so she would have described it if asked. Brow furrowing in concentration, she started to pull. Not with strength, but with will. As she did so, something felt familiar, a sense she'd known well, especially since she met her friends. As she grasped at that feeling, she suddenly felt a rush, so strong, so profound that she actually gasped out loud, her eyes shooting open in surprise.

I can feel it...

It was nothing like she expected. A warmth that flowed from within, just like he described it. Ebb and flow, ever changing, never ending. A sense that the world was alive with love, that no dark thing could exist behind so much of it. Though Luna and Discord looked upon her in confusion, given her sudden gasp, she paid no mind as she closed her eyes once more, concentrating on actually using this newfound magic. Tipping her horn toward the orb that represented the Crystal Empire, she began to focus with all of the mental prowess she could summon, willing for the magic to work.

Moments passed without activity, but it wasn't long before her horn adopted a soft, yellow glow, unlike the normal lavender that went with her magic. The glow rapidly intensified, building so quickly that it nearly blinded those present, until a brilliant flash dominated the immense chamber. She felt a rush through her unlike anything she could describe, as if all of that power just rushed forward, as if taking her direction at the crystal orb. In that moment, she knew that Abacus spoke the truth; this was magic at it's very core. Raw, powerful, and pure.

As the flash faded from everypony's vision, she opened her eyes, and immediately noticed that the crystal orb was gone. It was then that she felt drained, as if a part of her had been pulled away. So strong was this that she even became weak in the knees, though she managed to remain upright. The pony that had been gazing into the orb, however, fared perhaps worse. They continued to stare at the empty space, but his jaw was dropped, an expression of horror on his face. "I'm sorry...," she murmured softly. "But you cannot keep the world in a prison like this..."

Luna watched tentatively, whilst Discord remained uncertain, lacking in his own magic. Both watched with bated breath as they waited to see what would happen next. As they did so, the armored pony slowly, painstakingly turned to face her. His horrified expression began to twist and contort, warping what was visible of his face into a look of utter hatred, so strong that she could almost feel it.

"No....NO! I won't let you take them! Never again!" he cried out, and without warning, lunged at Twilight. With a shout of surprise, she leapt from the ledge, wings flaring out in a bid to distance herself from the flightless pony. He was rather quick, however, and leapt after her in a fury, striking her full in the back as she took to the air. Both of them were sent tumbling through the air in different directions.

"Twilight!" Luna cried out, her own wings expanding out in reflex as she leapt from the ledge. It was Discord, however, that came to the rescue, diving forward in a manner only he could pull off as he slid across the metallic floor, catching the stunned alicorn before she struck the ground.

"Out!" he cried, as though in a game of baseball, as he stood and held her aloft in one hand. Of course, disappointment quickly appeared as he scowled, lowering his arms. "Right. No magic," he muttered under his breath as he set Twilight down, the alicorn still a bit disoriented. The armored one wasn't fortunate enough to be caught, striking the ground with a metallic ring of metal on metal. However, he appeared to use the momentum of his fall to roll to his hooves when he did strike, snarling at the collected group.

"They're mine. Mine! Stolen from me! You can't have them!" he cried out, his voice sounding as if it were about to break. However, he didn't immediately charge again, rather, he took off toward the outward edge of the lit ring, towards what being anypony's guess. Twilight looked up at Discord in confusion, unsure what to make of this sudden action. He just shrugged at her, but kept a concerned appearance, just as Luna landed alongside them.

"I doubt he's done, Twilight. I've so rarely seen desperation like that before...we should be ready for anything." His tone was far more serious than she'd EVER heard from him, and that made her nervous more than being jumped on by the offending pony. She had freed at least one city now, so they knew it could be done, but at what cost? They were soon going to find out.

Bellowing a roar that sounded like it came from a manticore, the armored pony charged from the darkness, a lance now attached to his armor. That was going to be a great deal more dangerous, and gave Twilight pause for thought. She looked torn between running or flying just then, both instincts firing off at the same time. Luna almost immediately launched herself up into the air, but Discord remained alongside her. In fact, as the lunatic approached, he stepped forward, and shoving Twilight aside, spread his arms out, a vicious grin on his face.

"So you like to play with pointies, do you?" he commented sardonically as his 'opponent' charged. Twilight tumbled a few feet from the shove she'd received, but as she stopped, it was all she could do but watch with jaw agape. Was he insane?

Their assailant seemed unamused, lowering his head as he lead into the charge with enough power to impale a pony. Discord continued to grin, waiting until the last moment before he made to step aside, taking a swipe at the pony with the claws of his lion paw. His opponent, however, was experienced in fighting, and was quick to correct his aim even as Discord moved. His lance didn't wholly hit it's mark, but managed to gash Discord's elongated side, even as claws met armor with a metallic ring.

Shouting in pain, the draconequus stumbled a step or two before he fell to one knee, clutching at his side as he glanced back at the armored pony. For his part, the attacker slid to a halt, turning back as he prepared for a killing charge. He was definitely playing to win, such as it were, as he spared no time charging once more. Injured as he was, Discord didn't have reflex enough to avoid another strike. "Discord!" Twilight cried out as she realized he wasn't going to move in time.

"Yeeeeeeehaaaaw!"

The familiar call rang out across the still air of the chamber, unmistakable in it accentuation and tone. With a gasp, Twilight snapped her attention to it's source, even the armored figure skidding to a halt at the sudden outburst as he, too, searched for the one who cried out. In fact, all eyes turned to find not one, but two ponies.

In a blur of rainbow colors, Rainbow Dash shot through the archway like a rocket, wings pumping furiously as she propelled herself at remarkable speed. Her forelegs were slung under the legs of none other than... "Applejack! Rainbow Dash!" Twilight called out excitedly, wings flaring out as a reflection of this. Their assailant turned to assess this new threat, holding his lance at the ready as he barred his teeth,

"Get 'im, Applejack!" the rainbow-maned pegasus shouted as she released her grip on the orange earth pony. Dropping from the air like a missile, Applejack easily caught their assailant off-guard. As she hit the ground, she tucked herself into a roll, coming up under the armored pony just as she launched a furious kick into his belly with her hind legs, sending him airborne, and into Rainbow's waiting hooves. "Lights out, pal!" she added, just as she flipped and delivered a similar hind-legged kick to his side, sending him soaring across the chamber before he struck the ground with a metallic ring, sliding off into the shadows once more.

When the figure didn't immediately emerge from his hard landing, Applejack turned to her friend, smiling so broadly it looked like it would hurt. Her eyes even took on a shine, like one gets when they're on the verge of tears. "Y'alright sugarcube?" Twilight smiled with equal vigor, nodding in reply, before her gaze shifted to Discord, who still knelt with a hand clutched to his side.

"I'm alright, but Discord was hurt when he..." she trailed off a moment as realization of just what he'd done sunk in. "When he protected me."

"Well doesn't that just beat all?" the farm pony replied, trotting toward the unusual form of Discord. "Let's have a look at that, shall we?"

"ENOUGH!"

The voice rang with fury so great it seemed as if to shake the very walls of the observatory. Following in it's wake was the ring of hooves against metal as their assailant came charging from the shadow one more, lance at the ready as he made for Applejack this time, clearly more than furious at her attack.

"Hoo doggy, y'all better be ready for a fight!" she exclaimed as she spread her legs out into a widened stance, readying herself to deal with the charge. Rainbow Dash seemed largely unnoticed, and used it to her advantage to wheel around, ready to dive in and follow up on Applejack's next move. She expected much the same as they'd just dealt, teamwork! She was always awesome that way, wasn't she?

However, this pony proved to be as cunning as he was dangerous. As he drew in close, Applejack tensed up, preparing to deliver another vicious kick, but when she wheeled around to strike, he ducked down, sliding across the floor, and thus right under the strike. The farm pony managed a look of surprise just before he sprung up and delivered the same kick squarely in her chest. It was her turn to be sent flying, the wind knocked from her lungs, as he steadied himself for a follow-up he clearly anticipated.

"Applejack!" the pegasus cried as her friend was sent launching across the chamber. "Yer gonna pay for that, buddy!" she continued as she dove in at nothing less than stunning speed. She expected to catch him purely by means of it; after all, what pony could react faster than she could fly. Hah! This was in the bag!

Disbelief, and even horror, followed in the next few seconds. Just as she drew in, the armored pony crouched before launching himself with a powerful leap. Rainbow hadn't been ready for that, and it quickly got worse. Just as they were about to collide, he swung his lance up, catching her under the left wing and knocking the both of them from the air. With hooves braced against her chest, he rolled back, sending her first into the ground with a heavy thud and a grunt from Rainbow. Before she could even gather her thoughts, he followed up by planting a forehoof at the uppermost joint of her wing before cruelly and sharply twisting his lance. The action was met by a severe snap as the pegasus' wing broke, forcing even her to cry out in pain. "My wing!"

With tears welling up in her eyes, Rainbow could hear her friends calling out in desperation as their attacker raised his lance once more, leveling it on her head. "It's over for you, whelp." Though she struggled against him, her efforts proved fruitless, but just as he struck, he was sent flying with a heavy grunt, having been rammed by none other than Abacus, his red fur and white mane unmistakable.

Rainbow looked on in a mixture of shock and pain as the older pony glanced down at her with a grimace. "Are you alright?" he asked in a surprisingly kindly tone, wherein Rainbow gently wiggled her broken wing. Glancing back to Twilight and Applejack, he spoke with a clarity that was surprising in such a dire situation. "Tend to your friend. I will keep him busy as long as I can."

"Abacus, be careful!" Twilight found herself calling out, even as Luna and Applejack moved to aid their now injured friend. "He's definitely aiming to kill if he can!" The rusty-red pony just nodded his head, fixing his gaze on the other figure that was rising to it's hooves, almost quaking with rage.

"You...you'll not stop me any more than they can," he began, his tone as sharp as a razor's edge as he glared daggers at his new opponent. "They're mine. MINE!"

Just as he shouted, Abacus charged, perhaps aiming to catch him off-guard. It perhaps mildly worked, but his reflexes were honed by training, evidenced as he quickly leveled his lance at the charging pony. However, just as Abacus reached him, he artfully sidestepped, the armored pony attempting to turn in pursuit as he ran by. In a twist, Abacus planted his forehooves on the ground, skidding forward even as he bucked up, delivering a powerful kick to their assailant's head, which sent him staggering back as his helmet was thrown off, exposing his face.

Wincing, he righted himself as he scowled at Abacus. His fur, at a glance, was eerily similar to his opponent's, though his mane was grey in color. He also sported a deep scar that ran in a crescent around his right eye, the telling mark of an old injury. His eyes told so much more, though; a gentle green, they looked almost sad and hopeless despite the rage that was plastered across his face. With a bellowing roar, he charged back in, lance at the ready once more.

"Great, now two of our own are down, an' we're trustin' our lives to a pony that looks like he's never seen a fight in alla his life." Applejack commented dryly as she tried to help Luna with setting Rainbow's wing. The pegasus herself was quiet, a look of grim determination on her face as they did so. It was a painful experience, and she was doing her best not to simply cry out in pain.

"We don't have many options, Applejack," Twilight responded as she examined the gash Discord had acquired in her defense. "This is a pony clearly trained to fight. I don't know what we're going to do, but I hope Abacus had a plan when he showed up. It's the only real chance we might have." That comment hung like a pall upon the air, implying that even she had a rather desperate outlook on their situation. Indeed, it was hard to see it otherwise, with how soundly he'd beaten all of them in so short a time.

For his part, Abacus managed to hold his ground for a time, trading blow for blow with his opponent, and managing to avoid that deadly lance as they fought. In the back of his mind, he knew he wasn't going to be able to fight him for long; this one was just waiting for an opportunity, a mistake on his part, and he knew it'd be trouble when that happened. As was his style, his mind worked countless calculations and outcomes, searching feverishly for an answer he could not find. He could always predict the odds...it was his talent, after all, but he did not like the odds on this situation. They were looking rather grim.

As if to add to the thought, his opponent finally found the opening he was searching for when Abacus stumbled whilst side-stepping another strike from the lance. Seizing upon the now widened-stance Abacus bore, his attacker ducked down and slid forward, passing under him in one fluid motion, where he delivered a ferocious kick with his hind legs, sending Abacus launching into the air with surprising velocity. Rolling back to his own hooves, he crouched down and leapt after him, a satisfied look upon his face. He knew he'd beaten this one.

With hardly a moment to consider the outcome, Abacus was caught in the air by his assailant, who latched onto him with his forelegs as he rolled the both of them over in the air. Planting his rear hooves on Abacus' belly, the armored pony kicked out, sending him rocketing back to the floor with enough force to stun on impact. Indeed, Abacus was stunned when he struck the ground with a heavy, metallic thud, the others looking on in horror when he simply groaned out loud, as opposed to scrabbling to his hooves.

Time seemed as if to come to a stand still just then as Abacus slowly opened an eye, looking up to see his attacker finish his roll, leveling his lance down a his now prone form. He watched with something of a detached manner, as if this was a dream in passing, even as his mind began to wander.

I have always loved you. Since the day I first saw you, I have loved you.

A grin broke out across the armored pony's face as he began to descend, believing he'd beaten his opponent for good this time. This was going to end on his terms, and his alone.

I always had such hope for you. You dreamed such wild dreams that they could have lit the sky on their own. You could achieve anything your heart desired, but it desired the one thing you never seemed to catch...

The armored figure descended with building speed, adjusting the aim of his lance as he readied what could only be a final blow.

I can always tell the odds. I knew it would come to this...that it had to be this way. There was no other way. Not if I was going to save you. Never forget that. No matter what, never forget that I love you. With every inch of my heart, I love you.

He could hear the others cry out, everypony knowing what was coming, but desperately trying to stop it. He knew they couldn't, but it warmed his heart all the same knowing that they'd try. Closing his eyes, he waited for and end he'd always suspected, yet never had faced before.

This is it...

With a sickening crack, the lance found it's mark, striking with such force that the weapon broke in two, causing the armored pony to slam into the ground with almost as much force as Abacus had. Abacus' eyes shot open just then as he tried to cry out, though his breath caught in his throat. The others looked on, horror transfixed on their faces as the horrible event came to pass; Abacus had been run through.

It was surreal to him. He didn't really notice the pain, nor did he really hear the cries of the others as they witnessed his fate. All he could do was fix his gaze on his assailant, even as the red pony rose to his hooves, shaking his head before he fixed his gaze on the fallen figure, a satisfied smirk coming to his face. Abacus worked his mouth as if to speak, but found he couldn't breath, or rather, couldn't take a breath. Struggling all the same, he used what air he had left in him to utter but a few words. "Sentry....b-brother..."

"I...am....s-sor...ry..."

As those last words escaped him, he lay his head down and let the darkness claim him, the spark of life fading from his eyes as his last breath escaped him. Everypony else looked on in shocked disbelief, save for the now-named Sentry, who stood over the fallen pony with his back to them. All gathered remained speechless as each tried to process what had just happened.

"No..."

The voice that spoke was gruff, but softer, lacking the edge it had carried only moments before. Slowly, Sentry sat down beside Abacus' body, lowering his head as he did.

"No...no! Abacus! Y-you...you can't leave me! Not like this..."

With a choked sob, Sentry wrapped his foreleg around his brother's neck, gently lifting his still form as he buried his face in his neck. "Don't go, Abacus..." he continued meekly, his voice weaker than it had begun, fading to little more than a whisper. "I remember....I remember..."

Sentry wept softly as he slowly rocked back and forth, clutching the still form of his once-beloved brother tightly to him. Twilight couldn't help but feel heartbroken, even in light of everything that had come to pass. Turning her gaze to Discord, she didn't even try to hide the tears in her eyes. "Please, tell me you can save him." Discord lowered his head, tears evident even in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Twilight. He's gone..."

Every pony gathered, even the injured Rainbow Dash, couldn't help the tears that came at the heartbreaking event. It would seem Abacus had expected this, had even planned it. Twilight was putting the pieces together in her mind even as they all looked on. He actually suspected what was going on, but didn't want to reveal his own brother until he had a chance to right it himself...and so, he did just that in the only way he knew how. He gave his life to save his brother's shattered mind. For sake of love...

Love comes with a terrible price, and we must all pay it someday.

The thought rang through her mind as though it weren't her own, making the purple alicorn blink in surprise. After a moment, she closed her eyes and concentrated, grasping at the threads of whatever that thought had been.

But love does not end with death. It is like an ocean...ever changing, ebbing and flowing. Where one life passes on, another is just beginning. Loves does not end in death, Twilight Sparkle. It merely begins anew.

Slowly she reopened her eyes as a look of awe came across her face. So profound was it that it drew the attention of her friends, everypony, in fact, save for Sentry. As realization dawned upon her, she closed her eyes again, and slowly reached out for that same feeling she'd had when she freed the Crystal Empire. If what Abacus had said before was true...

"I...I can feel it..."

In the wake of his death was something more. Something immense. She had felt that connection to love, to it's magic, as it had been described before, but in the wake of this disaster, she felt it on a level that defied comprehension. It was as if all of the love in the world was there at that very moment, swept ashore to be discovered by one who only looks for it.

As the others gave her curious looks, she began to pull at that magic, just as she had before, and this time? This time, the sense it brought with it threatened to overwhelm her. It was a rush beyond anything she'd ever dreamed, a feeling of love, of euphoria the likes of which she'd have never believed existed. Like knowing that there was nothing in all of the world that could be tragic, sad, terrible or cruel. There was only love, and love was everywhere.

Everypony gathered gasped as light began to emanate not merely from her horn, but from her entire body as she worked to focus the magic Abacus had left behind. He must have known, she mused to herself, drawing the conclusion that he knew his death would also bring about the magic they'd need to undo Sentry's work. The glow intensified as she continued to focus, until it became so intense it was all anypony could see.

Time to set this right...

A Journey's End

Has it really only been a week...?

Sentry mused the idea quietly to himself as he trudged through the streets of the Crystal Empire. The sun had just about finished it's decent by that point of the day, casting long shadows that mirrored the lone pony's mood. Most of the citizens had returned home for the evening, to eat their dinners, spend time with their families. The kinds of things that stung him to think of.

He...he's really gone...

He'd hardly let up on that thought since that day. No matter what the conditions, no matter his state of mind, he still couldn't come to terms with it. He had killed his own brother, and nothing anypony said could change that. It may have been true that Abacus faced that end to save him, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Time heals all wounds, they say. That adage echoed in his mind, but was of little comfort. It had been a week, but it felt like an eternity to him. All of the activities and events that had followed all were little more than a blur in his trouble mind.

Twilight Sparkle had used the magic his brother had taught her to free the cities. All of them. Sentry couldn't have done it himself anyway. Whatever warped state of mind that had enabled him to perform such a feat left him when Abacus broke Sombra's curse on his memory. After that, they had done what they could to comfort the heartbroken soldier, but it was of little aid to him. He couldn't even determine if it was a gift or an insult that he had been spared judgment for his part in all of this.

Perhaps they think my brother's death is punishment enough, he thought dryly, finding such a thing rather hollow. Of course, it wouldn't have mattered either way. Nothing he could endure now would ease the burden or the guilt. He hadn't been able to take part in the celebration they'd held in Canterlot upon Twilight Sparkle's return, along with everypony that had been lost. To a small extent, he was happy they had all be reunited in light of what he had done, but that easily became lost against the overwhelming guilt. It was getting harder with every passing day...so hard that he had almost considered joining him.

It was Twilight once more that had saved the day, or so her friends claimed. Of course, this time they referred to Sentry himself. She had spoken to him when he was at his lowest, and insisted that he should visit the Crystal Empire before he was to do anything else, even the worst. She pushed the issue to the point that she wouldn't leave him alone until he swore an oath over it. However, when he'd asked what was so important that he had to see it himself, she would only say that it mattered enough to see it. Cryptic.

As such, he found himself here, making his way back to his brother's home within the Empire, dreading what he might find there. Memory. He almost scoffed at the idea now. The very thing that had driven him to desperation to begin with was now going to be his curse. Memory was all he had of his beloved brother, or of Emberheart, the queen he'd loved so greatly. Poetic justice really, that the thing he had sought so desperately would now be his curse. It was only fitting, really.

As such thought swirled within his troubled mind, he found that time had passed a little too quickly; he had arrived at the home his brother had once occupied. Looking up at the small, two-story home, he felt his heart sink to a new low. It was highly likely that a trip in here would only help remind him of Abacus, remind him of the terrible things he'd done, and what it had cost not only him, but every pony in all of Equestria. All for the sake of a lost memory...

Taking a deep breath, he struggled to push those thoughts aside, instead focusing on what Twilight had told him. There was something here he needed to see, so much so that she had insisted on it. Little did he know that he wouldn't have to search. It was going to find him.

Before he could reach for the door, it slowly opened, much to his surprise. This was multiplied perhaps a hundred fold when he saw who had opened it. A young mare, sporting that familiar, rusty-red coloration both he and Abacus were known for, but with a fiercely blonde mane that shined even in the fading light, even though it was streaked with deep gray. She had calm, green eyes that focused intently on him, which he found almost unnerving after a moment or two. She seems so innocent...

Fidgeting after a few moments, he took a long, deep breath, ready to bring voice to the very idea that weighed so heavily on him. "Are you...is Abacus..." He found it difficult to ask, and silently cursed Twilight. If this is what she expected him to find, it was worse than anything he could have done to himself. He had not only killed his own brother, but destroyed a family, too? What little heart he had left was quickly abandoning him, and it showed on his face despite his best efforts to maintain a somber expression.

Much to his surprise, she just smiled at him, a smile so warm that it managed to still his tumultuous thoughts for a moment. "I know a lot about you, Sentry," she began, seeming as if to dismiss his attempted query. "Abacus spoke rather fondly of you all the time." Sentry felt his mouth dry out and his throat constrict when she said those words. That would have been like him.

"I'm sorry, but he...he's..." he croaked out, though she abruptly held up a hoof to silence him. With that same gentle expression, she smiled once more before turning to head back in. Glancing back over her shoulder, she tilted her head to imply that he follow.

"There's something you should see," she said in an even tone, which made her unreadable to the older pony. While hesitant over his state of mind, he felt compelled to do as she said. If his assumption was correct, he owed at least that much, if not more. After all, what price could be paid for the loss of a loved one? As such, he followed her into the home, and thus into the same room Twilight had entered when she visited.

With the general lack of decor, there wasn't much to look at. This was well and good, as the mare turned to face him, then gesturing to one of the seats. Glancing toward it, he then gave her a quick nod before he sat down. He wasn't about to argue, after all. Once he was seated, she moved to the closer bookshelf, and retrieving a small, carefully folded note, move to hand it wordlessly to him. Sentry gently accepted it, giving her a somewhat confused look as she simply watched him, that same smile on her face, though it took on a more 'knowing' appearance. Hesitantly, he opened the note, and immediately spotted a familiar, flowing script, which on it's own brought tears to his eyes. "Abacus..."

My dearest brother,

I know that by the time you read this, I will be gone. The odds have played out to this end, and it is the only outcome that may save you from the curse Sombra has placed upon your mind. I know not his strength when he did so, but I do know that love alone, and the magic it bears, can break you free of it. As I was fond of telling you, love does come with a terrible price, and to free you, I will be the one to pay it. It will be power enough to save you, and perhaps all of Equestria in Twilight's capable hooves.

Keep in mind that I know you, brother. I know you will be burdened by this turn of events, but always remember, it was my choice. All that has come to pass is that you've truly learned what that terrible price is; a broken heart. You have taught all of us that a broken heart is incredibly dangerous when it is allowed to fester. You were capable of what you did to the cities not because of hate, but because of a warped sense of love. Your memories took with them your beloved, but your heart ached for the loss, and you desperately wished to know why. Do not become this monster again, not after what I have paid to free you of it.

Know that I love you, brother. It does not end with my death, nor will it end with yours. I will love you forever and always, and I hope you carry that with you for the rest of your days. I am sorry it came to this, for I know what it must have done to you, but I would encourage you to remember that all things happen for a reason, and this is no different.

I am sure you met the mare that has been in my care since she was but a tiny foal. I will trust her to reveal her name in good time, but I know what the first thought that crossed your mind when you saw her was...and no, she is not. I have been like a father to her, yes, but I am not in truth such a thing. She knows this too, for I have never lied to her or taught her any less than everything I know to be true.

Take care of her in my absence, brother. She is the greatest treasure in the world to you now. Know that I paid this price so that you, nor she, would have to.

Abacus

The soft 'pap' of a droplet of water striking paper was the only sound that broke the long silence that followed, accompanied by a sniff as Sentry struggled in vain to keep his composure. Lowering the note, he emitted a choked sob as all the memory, thoughts, love and emotion flooded his mind, overwhelming whatever resistance he'd used to keep himself functional up to that point. He didn't care anymore if anypony saw it. He had loved his brother, and he would no longer hid that fact. That, and there was something more.

Even as tears streaked down his face, he looked upon the mare that had been silently watching him, a more calm expression writ upon her features as she looked on. For a time, not a word passed between them, she clearly waiting, and he unable to speak for a time as he worked to calm himself. When he finally spoke, it was in a low, somewhat gravelly tone, the kind you'd expect from somepony who'd been crying. "So...not Abacus, but...but..."

She just smiled that warm smile of hers, and in light of the note he'd read, he was suddenly reminded of somepony he once knew, the one he once loved. Awe took light upon his face as his jaw slowly fell open with realization. Memories he'd yet to recall flooded his mind at that moment, reminding him of just what it was Abacus had implied, just what he had told him.

"No, Abacus was my uncle," she said in a calm, almost lyrical tone that sounded eerily familiar to Sentry. She paused for a moment before she continued, as if collecting her thoughts. "My name is Memory. Abacus said it was fitting when my mother chose it for me. I cannot claim to remember such a thing, but he told me about it. Sadly, she passed on soon after...uncle Abacus said it was a broken heart.

"Emberheart..." he whispered hoarsely, feeling a jab at his very heart as she uttered those words. She was gone, and it had been because of what Sombra did to him almost an eon ago. Learning just that would have been enough to shatter him but an hour ago, save that now...now things were coming together in a new light. Twilight had sent him to find something here, something she believed he needed to see for himself...

"Abacus told me about you because he loved his brother. He told me who you were because you are my father." Even though he'd figured it out by now, it was still jarring to hear that word, 'father'. He had never thought himself to be one, nor did he expect he would have been back in those days. What surprises life could hold for you. To be fair, he did not dislike the idea. He was more shocked at the suddenness...and the lost time. She was already a grown mare, and he was only just now meeting her for the first time.

"I...I'm so sorry, Memory..." he murmured meekly, bowing his head as if he had become unable to look upon her, and indeed felt that way. "I've missed so much of your life now, haven't I? Abacus was far better a father than I..."

Silence followed, and for a moment, he feared that she had simply walked away. Yet, after a time, he felt a hoof against his chin as she slowly lifted his gaze. As his head came up, she smiled once more before she simply gave him a gentle hug, which caught him rather off-guard, his breath catching in his throat. At that very moment, he felt every dread, fear, heartache and sadness he carried simply melt away, and it was all he could do but return the gesture, tears springing anew in his eyes as he leaned into her neck. "I'm so sorry...so sorry..."

After what felt like an eternity, Memory slowly pulled away, placing a hoof upon his chin once more as she looked upon him. Of course, he was surprised to see that tears had begun to form in her own eyes, though the why was soon to follow. "There is one thing you can do for me, father. The one thing even uncle Abacus couldn't, if you really wish to make this all up to me." Sentry sniffled softly, rubbing at his reddening eyes as he worked to regain his composure. It would be easier to talk if he didn't spend the whole night crying, after all.

"Anything, Memory. I would do anything to make it up to you." At those words, she smiled softly, shifting idly in place before she lowered her head, collecting her thoughts. Her expression became more somber when she looked back up, though her eyes never lost that soft touch Emberheart had always claimed of his own.

"Tell me about my mother...?"

Sentry felt a wrench in his heart just then, but this time, it wasn't a pain. It stung a little, to be sure, but this was different. It was sad, really; she didn't know either of her parents, save what Abacus had told her, and he knew Abacus hadn't known Emberheart nearly as well as he did. Taking a long, deep breath, he finally offered his daughter a warm smile, feeling the last of his trouble thoughts fading away. He would have been loathe to think of her even an hour ago, but now? This was going to be different.

Gesturing to the other seat, he settled in better as she moved to sit down. Taking another deep breath to clear his mind, he began. "Your mother was...somepony special. She loved everypony with all of her heart, and everything she did was always to better those around her. She never truly thought of herself, and that was what I loved the most about her. She was such a caring soul. That would be the first thing I'd say about her...."

"I love her. With every inch of my heart, I love her."