Crystal Chronicles: Story 1: Like Father, Like Son

If there was ever a time for worry, this would probably be it.

As if there couldn't be more to do, this, of all things, had to happen. Princess Celestia shook her head. Not that she really cared all too much, but the nobles did. For the past few months before Twilight's coronation, all she heard about was the Crystal Empire, and she was sick of it. "Will we have open borders with them?" "How much food do they need?" "Can Cadence and Shining Armor rule properly?" At one point, she had an idea in mind to completely erase the little city out of existence. And now, of course, the little city decided that Celestia couldn't have a moment's peace. A rebellion. Because the Crystal Empire just can't be content for a day, Celestia grumbled to herself. Slap on your happy face. An instant smile spread across her face, one that looked incredibly uneasy and forced, but one that she'd learned to use. She was interrupted when Twilight busted through the door, a look of deep worry on her face.

"My brother! Cadence! Are they alright? Will they be okay? Can yo-"

"QUIET, TWILIGHT," the princess spoke forcefully. Luckily it was enough to keep her pupil silent for a bit. "Your brother and Cadence will be fine. I'm sure of it."

"How can you know, Princess? They're not safe there! Please, help them get out of there! You have to-"

"Twilight, silence," she spoke again, relaxing as she stared out the pane glass windows of the throne room. Memories passed her, temporary calms only soothing the aching problem she eventually had to face. "No, it is not safe there, but we can get them out. This rebellion is far from violent; you have no reason to worry. Your brother is a strong stallion. I have no doubts that he can protect himself should he need to. But now is a very bad time to be asking questions. I mean, I just got up." Twilight relaxed. Celestia was right, as usual.

"Princess, if you don't mind me asking, how DO we get them out?" Celestia groaned as quietly as she could. I JUST asked you to stop, she said to herself. Happy face, remember your happy face.

"Well, ever hear about diplomatic maneuvering?"

"Yes?"

"That's what we do. We make a deal, they get what they want, and we get what we want."

"But, they want to control the Empire, and so do we." Celestia smiled, turning to face her student.

"In this case, they don't get what they want. We just tell them they will, and then BAM! Restrictions and stuff, our leaders move back in, and we win." Twilight recoiled a bit. This wasn't like the princess.

"That seems a bit harsh, don't you think?" Celestia sighed.

"I'm doing this for the good of Equestria, Twilight. If I don't, then things could get blown out of proportion very fast. I can't go into detail now, but this is something I have to do." I guess she's right, Twilight thought. As she prepared a response, a beige colt ran threw the door, breathing heavily.

"Princess! They've...." he started, gasping for air, "taken one of our nobles." Celestia turned to face him, a distraught look on her face.

"What?!"

"The one you sent....for communication..." Celestia slapped a hoof to her face. Of course. "They're making threats now. They're very serious abou-"

"I know. Don't send any more of them out. I have to deal with this another way." She turned to Twilight. "I have to leave now." Twilight stood there, unmoving as Celestia darted out the door.

Steel Hex was taking his leave. He had done enough for today, and he looked forward to a time where he could rest. When you work for a princess, you don't have a schedule. Take it as it comes, get your work done, and hope to Celestia herself that you'll have a moment's rest. And today, Steel did. He had finished the models he was working on, ground-breaking work he was excited to present. His office in the Canterlot Castle was small and dimly lit, but it was enough for the beige-coated colt to work. Brushing aside his silver mane, he picked up his bags and was about to pull the door open when Celestia ran in. Steel jumped back, dropping his stuff out of fright.

"Your Highness! Sorry, you startled me there. Did you come to see-" The princess shook her head.

"No," she said, a stern look on her face. "I came here because I need you to do something. Something very important." Steel sighed. Dammit, he thought. I need my sleep.

"What would you want?" he asked sleepily, unaware to the situation at hand.

"I need you to travel to the Crystal Empire. Take your blueprints, and convince them that what they're doing can only end violently. As long as-"

"WHAT?!" he nearly screamed. "The Crystal Empire?! That's at least a 3-hour train ride, and I..." Steel stopped short. Celestia was frowning at him, which seemed a bit silly, considering Steel was only a few inches shorter than her. "Sorry. But why do you even need me to go? Send one of the bureaucrats or something."

"That's the problem. The one I did send is being held hostage there. Listen, we already know your capabilities. Show them that what they're doing is not a good path to be on. I know it's hard on you, but if you don't, then there is nothing stopping them, and I don't want to use force." Steel frowned, but it looked as though he didn't have a choice.

"Fine, but don't expect much." With that, Celestia left, and Steel was left in the dim light of his office, his papers scattered and his bags open and spilling their contents onto the floor.

"Seriously, I need a new job..."