Within the Amulet

by Crabs_of_steam

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Romance, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, King Sombra, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Gore
Length: 21665

An inventor named Bright Light has been imprisoned within the Alicorn Amulet for a 1,000 years. If freed how will he live in this new age of Equestria and reconnect to his past?

While examining the Alicorn Amulet, Twilight Sparkle soon finds herself talking to a soul trapped within the amulet who calls himself Bright Light, The Master of Fire. Twilight then agrees to go on a quest to free Bright from his 1,000 year imprisonment. Being free is just one of Bright's thoughts, will he have to reintroduce his most dangerous invention to the world in Equestria's time of need, and how will he ever fix the mistakes he made in the past?

Authors note: This is my first story so any constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Published 2013-07-31 18:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-24 02:03:36 UTC

Chapter 1: The Prisoner

Chapter 1: The Prisoner

It was another hot summer afternoon in Ponyville. There were no clouds to provide shade which resulted into the entire town being layered with heat. This wasn't new news, Ponyville has been having high temperatures the past week.

Yet, the streets of Ponyville were still filled with activity. Ponies bustled through the streets lugging around building materials and tools. All the ponies of Ponyville were repairing the damage caused by Trixie's shenanigans.

Everypony knew that Trixie always was egotistical until that magical confrontation when Twilight hoodwinked her into swapping the Alicorn Amulet for Zecora's door knob.

Everypony accepted her public apology but still, can't help but be mad at all the damage she caused. In her small reign Trixie had painted the entire town in her own image, erected numerous statues of herself, and had all the wheels in Ponyville destroyed. All because of the Alicorn Amulet, thankfully, now in the hands of Twilight Sparkle.

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Golden Oak Library, Ponyville

Twilight was in the library's basement studying her newest piece, the Alicorn Amulet. She made a request to Princess Celestia permission to study the Amulet and learn it's magical properties. She was thrilled when the Princess accepted her request.

Twilight now looked closely that the amulet realized something. Despite being an amulet of great power the amulet wasn't ancient, the designs of the Alicorn Amulet looked like it was made 1,000 years ago after the era of the three pony tribes. Twilight levitated the object focusing on finding the source of the amulet's power. She then focused her magic on the large red crystal in the center, that was when she heard a faint voice.

"Hello?"

Twilight immediately jumped at the voice and let out a small squeal. she looked around finding nopony in the room. Twilight remembered that she closed the library for the day to study the amulet in private and sent Spike out to do some errands. Twilight looked around room seeing nopony. Twilight then looked at the amulet which had fallen to the ground. Twilight face was of pure shock, but it was slowly replaced with a smile.

Twilight then let a small giggle. "For a minute I thought that you.-" Twilight's giggle then turned to an all out laugh "-Oh! I'm having a conversation with enchanted jewelry!"

Twilight then recomposed herself and resumed studying the Amulet. Again she focused her magic on the crystal.

"Yeah like that would ever happen," Twilight snorted.

"You're damn right!" Shouted a voice. "You're not talking to an amulet but to a pony inside-"

The voice was cut off as Twilight dropped the Alicorn amulet again on the floor. She was having a hard time fathoming what she just heard. The amulet no, a pony (whom she assumes is a male) inside the Amulet and he just spoke to her. There was silence, . Twilight couldn't hear anything except herself breathing heavily.

Twilight theorized that the only way to communicate with this pony inside is to have a magical link with the amulet. Twilight then focused her magic on the amulet. "Hello?"

"Ah, you're a quick learner Twilight Sparkle," spoke the voice, " most ponies that have ever wielded the amulet aren't as intelligent as you."

Twilight was flattered but tried her best not to show her blushing. "How do you even know my name?"

"The previous wielder of the Alicorn Amulet, Trixie, always speaks ill of you whenever she has the chance. While at night or alone her personal opinion about you is quite the opposite." The voice then finished with an quirky laugh.

"I don't understand why would Trixie change her opinion of me so often?" asked a confuse Twilight

"That doesn't matter right now," interrupted the voice trying to make the situation less awkward than it already is. "What's important is that I haven't even introduced myself. Hello, my name is Bright Light, but you can call me Bright."

Twilight could hint the jovial tone in her new acquaintance. This Bright Light sure is ecstatic talking to somepony who he just met in the most strangest situation. Twilight decided to respond. "You sure seem excited to have a conversation...... Bright."

"Why yes, I haven't had a hearty conversation for over two hundred years."

"Two hundred years, "Twilight's eyebrows went up in shock. "How long have you been inside the Alicorn Amulet?"

There was a sudden silence in the basement. Twilight instantly regretted asking the question. Her eyebrows soon reduced to a small frown.

Silence was finally broken when Bright spoke. "I've been trapped inside this amulet for over a thousand years." Bright's tone now became dreary as he spoke. "I've been separated from my family, my friends, and the love my life. All because I wasn't there for a friend that needed me in his time of need. This is my punishment"

For someone she just met Twilight felt sympathy for Bright. Being trapped in the amulet not being able to anything but observe as the world around you change. Knowing your friends will never discover your fate, and the love of your life heartbroken. Here she was talking to a poor soul who has suffered that same fate. The most Twilight thought she could do was provide comfort to Bright.

"Bright, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Twilight, you didn't know."

Bright was happy she couldn't see him in person, because if he was you would see tears running down. He hated when ponies who hardly knew him felt sorry for him, but it was a great relief to tell somepony about his issues.

Suddenly, there was spark inside that reignited Bright's hope. Another chance to escape this prison that had demented his very sanity. He could return to the life he once had, start anew, and make reconciliations to his past and fix them.

"Twilight?" traces of Bright's grief disappeared.

Twilight looked up to the amulet. "Yes?"

"Could I ask a favor from you?" Before Twilight could respond Bright spoken. "Can you free me from my prison so that I may return to my life in Canterlot?"

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Canterlot, 1,018 years ago

"Bright , wake up my sleepy apprentice," Spoke a hoarse voice. "We're finally here."

A young stallion by the name of Bright Light awoken with a drowsy yawn. "Thank the Goddess the train ride is over. I thought I was gonna die of boredom."

"Yes," The voice replied. " It was so boring that you died just within two hours of our train-ride to Canterlot. Now go to the restroom and fix yourself up, Bright, we must look handsome if we are to present ourselves to the Princesses."

"Yes Clockwork."

Bright Light gave out a chuckle as he got up and left the confines of his and his mentor's room. He looked out one of the train's windows and nearly blinded from the instant exposure of sun. When he recovered he gazed at Canterlot, the city made on the side of a mountain. It was right next to river that came down from the mountain, which provided fresh water and a natural defense. Bright watched the city still being made as he saw scaffolds blanketing the tall buildings. Bright's eyes finally rested on the castle. The center of Canterlot and Bright Light's new home.

Bright resumed his walked to the restroom. when inside Bright saw himself in a mirror an Earth pony with dark green fur, a brown mane riled up from sleep, tired brown eyes, and a cutie mark which showed a illuminating lantern. He looked at a toilet and the sink, and was thankful that these appliances were invented, he was sick of using chamber pots. He then started to wash his face and combed his hair. Bright preferred to leave his hair by itself, but he and his mentor was being addressed by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Inventors have started to gain more notoriety in the recent years. It was all because of Clockwork's introduction of the aqueduct system that they are both here now. Canterlot is the capital city of Equestria, and intends on being the highest example of a good city, so streets being layered with pony feces isn't gonna help. Celestia has appointed his mentor, Clockwork, to lead the construction of Canterlot's waste system, and may even appointed as Grand Maester.

Bright contemplated these thoughts and looked at a lantern which had a candle inside. His nonchalant converted to a face of fear as he watched the candle go out. Complete darkness covered the room.

Despite the darkness Bright's pupils shrunk in fear. "No, no, no, no, no!"

Thoughts of being crushed and suffocating went through Bright's mind. Bright immediately looked for the handle of the restroom. Once he found it, Bright hastily charged out of the pitch black restroom and stumbled onto the floor.

Sprawled on the floor, tears started to form in the corner of Bright's eyes until he wiped them away."No, gotta stay strong," - Bright picked himself up from the floor- "that was the past."

Bright returned to his booth to see that Clockwork and their possessions are gone. Presuming that his mentor left with their luggage Bright decided to exit the train.

As Bright exited he saw the team of Stallions that were pulling the, they all looked exhausted. Bright's face formed into a face of curiosity. He noted that during his ride how often the train had to stop because of their fatigue. Hiring a team of stallions wasn't cost effective. If there was an alternative then there would be more room for passengers, train tickets would cost less, and the train ride could be more safer (Bright remembering the fact that Canterlot was on the side of a mountain). Bright let out a light smile. This is why Inventors are becoming well respected, they strive to improve the lives of everypony. Bright wanted to find a way to improve railway system, but first he got to find his mentor.

Canterlot train station filled with ponies of all kind. Both rich and poor coming to visit it's capital city and get a chance to see the princess.

"Bright!"

Bright turned around to see his mentor next to a carriage waving at him. He was Unicorn, his fur a a dark shade of blue, his purple mane combed back to show a level of intelligence, his purple eyes which had bags under them, and his cutie mark which shows a five gears and cogs connected together.

"Come on, get your flank over here!" shouted Clockwork. "The princess has sent us a chariot. she's expecting us."

Sensing the impatience in his mentor's voice Bright quickly trotted over to him, and stared at the chariot.

It was beautiful chariot. Wood white like snow made up the frame while gold layered the edges and the wheels. On the front of the chariot it showed Celestia's cutie mark, a blazing sun. In the back there was a compartment en which Bright Light presumed that's where his baggage is stored. In the front were two Pegasai guards who were in charge of pulling the
chariot.

They were doned with golden armor each containing a jewel chiseled into the shape of star. One of them was grey with a silver mane while the other was white with a blueish mane.

"Master Clockwork, are you both ready to depart to the castle?" spoke the white guard.

Clockwork turned his head towards the guard and smiled. " Why yes, me and my apprentice are ready." all traces of his raspy voice was gone as he continued to speak. "And please, just call me Clockwork."

Clockwork climbed onto the chariot followed by Bright and they were on their way to the castle.

Bright spent most of ride on the back of the chariot trying to avoid any eye contact of any ponies gawking at them. Bright looked at his mentor having a friendly conversation with their escorts, Then at the ponies walking the streets. Most of the ponies he saw were Unicorns, adorned with robes of exquisite design to signify to others that they are high-class. When Bright saw Earth ponies none of them wore fancy apparel, only helmets to protect their heads when working on the buildings. Seeing this tied knots in his stomach.

He was an alien in this city. He was an apprentice to a Inventor, a job more suitable for a Unicorn. As an Earth pony he was expected to do laborious work. To die face down on the fields you worked so hard to cultivate or die in the darkness of the mines while mining for resources. This is how Earth ponies in Equestria usually die while working at their craft, and Bright Light wanted none of that. He didn't want to depart from this world like his ancestors and his parents.

Bright wanted to prove to all ponykind that an Earth pony can do more than just physical labor. He wanted to soar through the skies and touch the clouds like Pegasai, and he wanted to be mental inspiration like all the Unicorns he had read about. He wanted to become a legend, but now he was having doubts.

Bright feared he would be rejected by society, not being able to live up to the works of his mentor. If he failed at being an inventor he would be viewed by both Unicorns and Earth ponies as a lazy imbecile.

Bright turned his face away from the sidewalk and looked down. his mane covered his eyes but his mouth showed revealing a pained expression. In his softest voice he muttered to himself, "Why am I even here?"

"Because you're an inventor," Clockwork answered with a stern voice, "If you don't believe me, then think about how you got your cutie mark in the first place."

Bright remembered how he first got his cutie mark. He saw himself now as a little colt. He finished what would be his first creation ever, the very first lantern.

Bright looked up to see his mentor looking down on him. Clockwork showed a light smile to him and rested his rump right next to Bright's.

"I remember going through the local cave to look for gems to sell when times were tough for us. One time when I didn't you used the lantern to go through the caves to look for me. That's really brave of you since you're afraid of the dark." Clockwork's smile widened to an all out grin. "And there you found me unconscious on the cold stone floor knocked out because of a falling stone. Not only did you save my life, but you made a good amount of bits too by making and selling lanterns. That was how you got your cutie mark"

Bright Light remembered those times he was filled with joy when he made Clockwork proud.

Clockwork then put his fore hooves on Bright's shoulders and turned him towards his direction Clockwork's purple eyes staring into Bright's brown eyes. Clockwork's voice turned into something that of a military general giving a speech before battle and rose in volume as he spoke. "Bright just because you're an Earth pony doesn't mean you're not capable of doing great things. You have so much potential to do great things. Don't let it go to waste because of the opinions of other ponies. Inventors face ridicule from everypony everyday because they believe in the impossible and the questionable, but in the end their perseverance made them endure and they were able to prove themselves correct. Now Bright" - Clockwork's voice was finally calming down- "remember what I have told you."

Bright was touched as he was shocked. Just when his passion for inventing was extinguished from fear Clockwork was there giving him support, immediately rekindling the fire in his heart.

Knowing that words wouldn't be enough Bright exploded with energy and gave Clockwork a hug enveloping his fur with his own. Tears of joy and gratitude cascaded down Bright's face as Clockwork returned the hug.

Their physical affection ended when one of the guards spoke pretending that he had never heard the whole conversation. "We're close to the castle."

Bright Light was awestruck by what he saw. It was much more beautiful up close. The Castle was by far the biggest landmark he has ever saw. The castle had its own private garden filled with species both common and rare. He saw towers which anyone of them could be his future residence. Bright's mouth watered at the thought of the extensive collection of books within the Royal Library. Bright was now prepared to live in this new home where he plans on being the best inventor Equestria has ever known.

Author's Note

Well this is the first chapter of the story. Inform me of any mistakes I have made so that I may fix them, and if you could, could you provide hints on grammar (I always feel uncomfortable when writing dialogue). Thanks for reading and I hope you will come back for the next chapter, I'll be working on.

Chapter 2: The Crystal Head

Chapter 2: The Crystal Head

Present day, Province of the Crystal Empire

It was early in the morning when a squad of guards were sent to check on the status of one of the numerous villages in The Crystal Empire.

General Shining Armour stepped up onto to the hill and gazed on the village below. " Goddess be damned! Not another one."

The village Shining looked at was completely abandoned. Devoid of all pony life. This was the second village this week which added to the total of five abandoned villages.

Ever since the defeat of Sombra the. The Windigos that thrived off Sombra's hate left the land revealing fertile soil. This launched the Crystal Empire into a golden age, the Empire's population had had boomed as settlers from Equestria came and established villages all over the province.

It was now Shining Armour's job to protect the developing settlements. He had garrisoned troops in all the villages to maintain order, but never to defend against an attack.

Shining Armour and his squad of thirteen pony guards walked down to the village. There were a random sorts of items that litter the floor, from food to valuables they were scattered throughout the entire area of the village. As they continued the dirt roads they walked on were painted crimson from the blood of the fallen guards on the streets. The corpses consisted of both the Equestrian Royal Guard and the guards of the Crystal Empire.

Shining Armour pointed to the squad he was leading. "Identify the bodies,and gather them here so they may be cremated. Once done search for any survivors and look for clues to the whereabouts of the missing ponies."

Shining walked over to the body of a fallen guard. One thing that he first observed was that the pools of blood were still moist this must mean that they have died recently, perhaps a few hours ago or at the latest, a day ago. Shining looked at the source of the blood, a deep slash wound on the chest. Shining then levitated and examined the deceased guard's spear. The blood of the guard painted half the spear, but one thing that caught Shining Armour's eyes was the spearhead. It was dented and bent to the point of uselessness. "Who ever this enemy may be he possesses powerful armor that was enough to break this spear"Shining thought. He then looked at the fallen guard he stood over. The dead guards showed an expression of pure terror, his pupils were size of pinprick.

Shining would've been scared out of his wits too if he had been in the dead guard's place.

"General Shining Armour!" Shouted one of the guards of the squad. "We've found a survivor."

Shining Armour walked over to see the remains of a guard tower. As Shining Armour walked over debris he found his squad circled around what he presumes is the survivor.

The survivor was a Unicorn and the member of the guard. The survivor looked right he visited Tartarus. He was bruised and bloodied and his armor was torn revealing his cutie mark image of a telescope. There was so much fear in the eye's that half the squad quivered in fear as if they saw horrifying images reflect off his eyes.

Shining Armour broke unsettling silence and spoke first keeping a stern voice. "Soldier, identify yourself."

"Private Spectrum, of The Royal Guard," muttered the shaking guard.

"Could you explain the events of what happened to the village private?"

Spectrum's pupils sunk to the size of pinpricks as recalled what had happened on that night. "They came during the night when all was quiet. It was my turn to keep watch so I was in this tower when this all started. Like a horde of locust they came in large numbers from out of nowhere. We tried to fend off so that the villagers, but to no avail." Our spears had no effect, they only bent and broke when we tried to lance them. We used our magic on them but they only seem to reflect off them. I watched from the tower as my squad mates died." Spectrum looked at Shining Armour and said, "What I'm about to say may seem unbelievable but, believe me when I say this. these enemies heavily resembled ponies."

Shining Armour as well as the rest of his squad were shocked. Not only were they immune to almost every known attack, but that they're ponies waging war on their own kind. Shining Armour was angry, his red puffed cheeks made it public to everyone.

"What makes you think that we would all believe in such a crazy theory!" shouted Shining

Spectrum's eyes wasn't focus on Shining but the object behind him. he lifted his hoof to point at it. "That."

Shining as well as the rest of his squad turned around to see a red oddly shaped ball of a crystal, but as they looked at they realized that this ball crystal looked like the head of a stallion. At this realization some of Shining Armour's men went pale or became a sickly green.

The crystal head had the features of a regular pony but was distorted. The head was jagged and sharp, the mane was practically a solid block with it's ends pointy like spikes. The only thing that contrasted from it's violent appearance was it's eyes. The eyes showed a level of terror, the same look on a pony's eye just before they die a gruesome death. It was the closest thing that resembled a pony and yet it was the scariest.

Shining Armour's eyes shrunk in fear of this enemy. He thought to himself, "Should I even call this thing a pony? Perhaps this abomination used to at once be a pony, but I'm not sure,"

Shining then recomposed himself masking his fear then spoke" You didn't explain as what to happened to the inhabitants of this village, and what happened to the tower?"

Of all the buildings within the village the Guard's tower was the only one destroyed.

Spectrum's eyebrows went down to form a saddened expression. "Captured and taken I don't know where to, As for the tower I don't know. I tried to go down to assist my squad mates as the tower collapsed."

Shining Armour knew there wasn't much geographical variation in the Crystal Empire. Other than the Crystal Mountains the entire land under the empire was mostly flat lands with small hills. The only thing that would provide an effective hideout would be the crystal caves. Caves dotted around all over the province and could be linked together to form a giant underground network.

"Is there any caves around here?" Shining asked

"Yes, there's one a few miles down south from here," responded Spectrum.

For a moment Shining was silent. He Couldn't sacrifice an entire army of guard just to save a village worth of ponies. He didn't want to abandon the poor souls that has been captured, but he had to protect what he an his wife Cadence had left.

After contemplating with these thoughts Shining finally spoke to his squad, "Let's return to camp, we're not gonna save the village inhabitants," As he spoke Shining voice began to tremble. "There's, nothing we can do for them."

Shining's squad hold an expression shock on all of their faces, their own general afraid? They weren't surprised their courage had already wavered.

Shining turned his head to Spectrum and asked, "Can you walk?"

Spectrum nodded and slowly got up to his hooves. He was very lucky to survive the collapse let alone, still have the ability to walk.

Before they all departed Shining bagged the crystal head. One last thing that he noted from the crystal head is that though they may be immune to spears and magic they are susceptible to blunt weaponry ,presuming the crystal abomination perished from the collapse. Once done studying it he will send the crystal head to Princess Celestia so that she may provide any knowledge of its race and its weaknesses.

For the remaining villages Shining Armour will have no choice to evacuate the villagers into the Crystal City where defenses are being set up right now.

Shining and his men walked away from the village and the burning black column of smoke from the cremation of the fallen guards. Shining never fought any of these things first-hand and he was already afraid of them. Never had he met an adversary that were more frightening than the Changelings. Shining had a fear that the end was nigh.

Canterlot, The Royal Castle, one day later

Princess Celestia sat upon the golden throne as she re-reading Shining Armour's letter. There was worried look on her face.
She then looked at the crystal head on top of a small platform. The features of the red crystal sent shivers down her spine as she gazed at it.

Celestia hadn't slept in days when she heard of disappearances of entire village communities. She was stressed and her body didn't lie. Her eyes were red and had bags under them, Her bright ethereal mane was beginning to dull and lose its bright hues.

She seems to be failing at her royal duties too. Nobles came to her throne room to complain that the sun was too low and was killing some of their exotic plants. Celestia couldn't care less for some plants, but she had agreed that her fatigue was interfering with her work. But still, Celestia was more worried by the contents of Shining Armor's letter.

Shining Armour's letter stated that these "Crystal Abominations" resembled ponies and are immune to most form attacks. This made the white Alicorn worried, that would make the all of Royal Guard's Unciorns' attack spells obsolete as they merely reflect off their armor. Pegasai under the Royal Guard wouldn't fair any better any better as their spears would only break when lancing the Crystal Abominations. The only possible weakness for this adversary is to have them crushed by high amounts of force, but ponies didn't have the physical strength to break them even with blunt weapons.

She had her top scientists research any background information on these "Crystal Abominations" but they found no known manuscript that would provide any information. What made her and her team of scientists the most perplexed is how this race could even come to be, as well how can it move its limbs if its entire body is made of crystals.

The letter also mentioned that Shining had to evacuate all the surviving villagers into the Crystal City and requested supplies to help fight attrition that will inevitably take place. Of course she would give them supplies, Princess Celestia wouldn't want her Niece's people to starve.

Princess Celestia still had to worry about her own kingdom. 'What if they expanded and went from terrorizing the Crystal Empire to waging all out war with all of Pony kind? If they do begin a full scale invasion, what hope do we all have of defending ourselves-'.

Celestia's thoughts were quickly cut short when there was a sudden flash of blue light followed by the appearance of her younger sister, Luna.

The Princess of the Night stood maintaining an imposing stance. with a stern expression said, "Sister. I'm very concerned about your health!"

Celestia recoiled at the sudden exposure of light. Her patience was running thin already and was at wits end. She was thankful that her sister learned not to use the Canterlot Voice. Still, that didn't stop a migraine from occurring in Celestia's head.

While rubbing her head Celestia said, "Luna, I thought I told you to never to teleport into right in front of me, you know how easily startled I can be."

Luna gave out an apologetic smile and responded, "Sorry."

Luna wasn't oblivious to what was going in the world around her. She knew of the events that were taking place in the Crystal Empire. The raided villages, the disappearances of hundreds of ponies, and recently the crystal head.

"What is it my sister?" asked Celestia her head head hidden behind both her fore-hooves which were busy rubbing her throbbing headache.

"the Nobles. They're complaining again that the sun is to low. I came here to fill in your position and take the responsibility as Princess of the Sun so that you may rest."

"So, who gave you the authority to takeover?" asked Celestia.

"Me." Luna's turned into that of a begging little filly and begged in her lightest voice, "Pwease sister, you're in need of west."

Celestia rolled her eye's as she spoke "fine." Celestia swore that Luna had a cuteness that no-pony could resist, and was so childish she could convince others that had a stone heart to do what she please.

Luna's eye 's sparkled with excitement and a smile the size of a watermelon appeared on her face.

Celestia stood up from her pillow throne and descended down the steps. "Don't let the Kingdom go to ruin while I'm gone! Oh yes, and please don't play with the Crystal Head"

Celestia turned to see her sister lounging on the throne tossing the Crystal Head up into the air and catching it. As soon she realized that she was being watched, Luna grabbed the head with her magic and hid it behind her back. Her expression was that of a cheeky smile.

Clestia smiled and resumed her walk to her room. "Oh Luna, I hope you never change."

When she was close to exiting the throne room scroll materialized in front of her. "It must be Twilight," Celestia thought, "I wonder what she had learned from the Alicorn Amulet?"

Celestia unrolled the scroll so that she may read it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Thank you for allowing me to study the Alicorn Amulet. I've been able to learn much of its magical properties. Not only does the amulet enhance the magical prowess Unicorns, it increases the physique of Pegasai, and grant immortality to all Earth ponies. I haven't been able learn this from testing on the denizens of Ponyville, instead I was told from a soul within the amulet.

This soul claimed he was a pony named Bright Light and that he have been inside trapped inside the amulet. He requested that I bring him to Canterlot and meet Princess Luna.

I write to inform that I'm on my way to Canterlot via train. When there I will give the Alicorn Amulet to you, so that you may learn more from him.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Princess Celestia eyes were wide opened when she finished the letter. "Bright Light?"

her eyes went from looking at the letter to looking at the countless stain glassed windows. Her eyes searched through the glass windows foretold the historic events of Equestria. Her eyes stopped at one glass window.

It showed a green field and on the field showed a dark green Earth Pony that bore a face of bravery and tenacity atop a hill. This Earth Pony was donned with Royal Guard armor. The armor was golden to and had a golden saddle to signify his rank as a commanding officer. He was standing up right on his back hooves while wielding a strange weapon device on his fore hooves and aimed to the upright corner. On other end of the device was a trail of smoke and a small flying object that headed in the direction of shapes that resembled Griffons. The bottom portion of the window showed other members of the royal guard doing the same thing as their commander, using their strange weapons on the Gryphons. Lastly the top left of the corner was a crimson red circle, inside was the image of a black lantern with a candle inside while in the background there was a pattern of orange and red flame.

Nopony who had ever gazed upon this strange image couldn't understand the meaning of this. Most of her subjects asked many questions such as this: Who was this pony, What is that strange device in his fore hooves, how come an Earth Pony is in the Royal Guard, and what does the image of the top left mean? When her subjects would ask she would answer them to the first and last question, "Why, that is Bright Light the Master of Fire." For the other questions she wanted to keep that a secret.

Memories of Bright Light came suddenly to Celestia's mind. memories of the names of his device his past creations his time here in Canterlot and the Vault. "The Vault!" gasped Celestia.

"Is there something wrong dear sister?" asked Luna. She stopped playing with the Crystal Head and looked at her, Her eye brows showing that of concern.

Celestia responded holding a sheepish smile on her face, "Nope nothing is wrong."

Luna resumed playing with the Head unaware of her sister. Celestia still kept her false smile, but it was suddenly shattered when another memory came to her mind.

Her new expression showed that of guilt and pity when she gazed on her sister. She then remembered why she was leaving the throne room and went to retire in her quarters.

When she was at the door of the throne room She looked one last time at her younger sister and thought to herself, "Oh Luna, It has been so long,are you even prepared when he confronts him?"

Chapter 3: The First Supper

Present day, train en route towards Canterlot

Twilight was sitting in the one of the many private rooms in the train looking out at the windows at the endless fields and farmlands that dot Equestria. Right next to her on next was the Alicorn Amulet that contained the soul of a pony named Bright Light.

They were both in a commercial class room. The walls had wallpaper that featured patterned image of roses, there were two booths on both sides of the walls, its upholstery matching the color of roses on the wall paper. On the roof there was light fixture. On one of the booths was her knapsack which she always takes with her whenever she leaves the library.

As Twilight looked out from the window she her thoughts were only of Bright Light. Twilight never expected meet Bright when investigating the magical properties of the Alicorn Amulet. In the first few minutes of meeting him, Twilight thought of him as a strange entity of evil that has been trapped inside to, which would explain why anyone who wore the amulet was corrupted. But, As she continued talking to him she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. When Bright told her to assist him in being freed that's when her opinion in him reached a stand still. Twilight wasn't sure if she could trust him but she agreed. What was most confusing is that first before trying to be free, he wanted to visit Princess Luna.

Still, Bright was a stranger she just met. Twilight wasn't really going to bring Bright to Luna, instead she planing on first bringing him to Princess Celestia to judge Bright's intentions herself.

Twilight hadn't talked with Bright Light in a day since their last conversation. Twilight thought it was good idea to talk with him to learn more about him.

Twilight turned her head towards the amulet and levitated the it towards her direction trying her best to be casual. " So Bright, what did you do in Canterlot before you were um..... trapped?"

Bright responded, "Well Twilight, I help improve the lives of other ponies by making new devices that change the way we think about life and science."

"So you were once an inventor?"

"well I would prefer to be called the pursuer of innovation," said Bright, "But, inventor is fine."

Twilight giggled at the remark. "Since you're an inventor can you name one thing that you invented?"

Bright then spoke with a sense of pride. "How bout instead of naming an invention of mine, I'll show it to you. There's one thing that I know what was based on my creation. Come on! I'll tell you where to go."

Twilight lifted herself from the the booth went outside. She levitated the amulet as she left the room. Following Bright's instructions she entered the train engine car.

There were two Earth Ponies operating the train engine one was shoveling coal into a hole of fire while the other was pulling a pulley and getting the reaction.

"CHOO! CHOO!"

Bright shouted with enthusiasm when they arrived. "Behold! The descendant of my invention, the train engine!"

Twilight giggled at Bright's enthusiasm and said, "If you really did invent the train engine then I guess you wouldn't mind explaining how it works." Twilight finished with a smirk on her face.

"Well, I was just gonna explain it so don't worry Twilight." Bright was excited to explain the design of the train engine. "Okay the train engine has two compartments ,one to that contains water and the other that is used to convert water into steam. You see the Pony shoveling coal into that hole and the other with the pulley?"

Twilight gave out a nod to confirm.

"Coal is used as the enitire fuel source for the train, and the pulley will allow the steam to travel through the pipes to the pistons and at the same time make the iconic sound, wait for it."

"CHOO! CHOO!"

"Oh! That never gets old! Ahem, anyway continuing what I was saying the steam is the power and it pushes pistons back and forth, back and forth, which provides the energy for the Train to move. Oh man! Talking about my own invention really brought back some good memories."

Twilight was amazed by Bright. She couldn't believe of all the ponies that would share a similar intellect as well as having the same interests would be a stranger trapped inside the Alicorn Amulet. "Wow. how did you learn to invent the train engine?"

"Well living inside The Royal Palace of Canterlot does have its perks, The Canterlot Archives, how I miss that place. No doubt that since your Celestia's protege you have unlimited access to the archives."

"How do you know so much about me?" asked Twilight.

Bright retorted at the question saying, "Twilight, come on. You're a celebrity. I may be trapped inside this amulet but that doesn't mean I hear news. You saved Equestria three times. From eternal night, from Discord, and From a Changeling invasion. I only saved Equestria once! Now you're here to help me as if the Goddess sent you. Oh, if I was in my physical form right now I would riddle you with kisses!"

Twilight was not used to this of praise. Her face turning hot and red as she spoke, "Please Bright, you're giving me too much credit I wouldn't be able to do anything without my best friends...."

Twilight stopped when she noticed that the two train Ponies gawking at her.

They both gazed at her with looks of confusion plastered on their faces until the coal shoveling pony spoke, "Um miss? Me and my partner can't help but notice you having a conversation with a piece of jewelry. Are you feeling okay?"

Twilight's very own pupils shrunk while she was forcing to keep a smile and her face turning into to the color of a cherry. After a strange period of silence she finally spoke but in her lightest voice, "Yes, I'm fine. Goodbye!"

She then ran from the the from the Train Engine car with the Alicorn Amulet in her magical grasp, leaving the two puzzled Ponies to their work. She didn't running until she was in her room.

Bright gave out a hollering laugh at Twilight's expense. "Oh Twilight, I'm sorry that happened," said Bright still laughing, "but still the look on your face. For a moment I feared you were gonna turn into a fruit."

Twilight frowned at the amulet. Bright may be awkward and mysterious, but she couldn't deny that he was an intellectual. He was really nice to her too. He acknowledged the all the times she saved Equestria except the time when Spike and Cadence saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra. She also noted how he saved Equestria once.

Twilight's eyebrows went up in surprise and turned her head to the amulet. "You saved Equestria before?"

"Well yeah, I did save the Kingdom on one occasion." Bright cursed under his breath. "Have I ever told you the title the ponies of Equestria given me? I was called Bright Light The Master of Fire."

Twilight still maintained her face of surprise and said, "How come I didn't remember before! You were the green Earth Pony on the one stain glass. When I lived in Canterlot I remember always asking Princess Celestia about that one stain glass window in the throne room, because I knew the meaning of every other window. The only thing she would tell me was the name of that stallion, your name." Twilight had a huge a grin on her face and clapped her hooves. "I want to know all about you, your inventions, the meaning of the window, why you were named The Master of Fire, and why you would want to visit Princess Luna."

Bright watched Twilight get a notepad and quill from her knapsack. Bright was not prepared for the sudden barrage he was about to receive from Twilight. He would be more than happy to talk and answer some of her questions, but to some he promised himself never to talk about them.

Twilight sat herself on the booth. "Alright, let's discuss about the window about you. You mentioned that you once saved Equestria, does that have anything to do with the meaning of the window?"

Bright remembered the actions he did for him to be immortalized in the decorative windows of the princesses' throne room, he was not proud of those actions. He did not want to mention his most dreaded invention and the vault it remains in. Bright would rather stall her and keep her from knowing his shameful achievement.

Bright said, "Twilight, instead of me answering your questions, how about I tell you about my life in Canterlot? You'll still receive the answers you want."

Twilight pouted and sighed, "Fine."

"Alright then, now where to start?"

Canterlot, The Royal Palace, 1,018 year ago

"Announcing the presence of Clockwork and his apprentice, Bright Light."

Bright was awestruck by the pure vastness of the throne room. He felt that the entire population of Canterlot can fit in this room.

Bright looked and saw the stain glassed windows telling the history of Equestria from the three Pony tribes to the end of Discord's reign. As he continued he saw regular glass windows waiting to be replaced for the next telling of Equestria's history.

"Someday," thought Bright.

He and his mentor Clockwork stopped looking up to see Princess Celestia sitting on the pillow throne. Her physical appearance was both magnificent and friendly. She had fur white as snow, a bright pink mane, and the image of the sun as her cutie mark.

Clockwork ,followed by Bright, kneeled before the sun princess. "Your highness," spoke Clockwork, "It's an honor to be in your presence."

Celestia giggled, "And I'm grateful to have one of the greatest minds in my court."

Clockwork chuckled, "I promise you I will be of great service to you and the ponies of Canterlot. When I install the the water system chamberpots will be a thing of the past."

"Well Clockwork, we shall have plenty of time discuss about the water system tomorrow at the first ever Grand Galloping Gala."

"Ah yes a party, I love parties, so many ponies to have a conversation with." Clockwork turned his head towards Bright. "Do you like parties my apprentice?"

Bright was busy looking at the red carpet. All he could muster to the question was, "ummm well I like books." He ended with a cheeky smile.

Clockwork face-hooved while Celestia giggled. "Well Bright if you like books, perhaps you should visit The Royal Archives."

Brights face lit up his ears poked up. "I would like that very much."

"Well good, my guards will escort you to your personal quarters where you will be staying."

Clockwork looked up at the princess and bowed. "Thanks again Princess."

Just when they were about to leave Celestia called them. "Oh wait! One more thing. You're invited to dine with me and my sister Luna for dinner. I'll let you go to your quarters first so that you may settle in,In less than an hour I will send someone to fetch you both."

The duo followed their escorts to their rooms both of them were amazed by the sheer size of the Royal Palace. The hallways felt like a labyrinth and if either of them would wander they would get lost.

"Here we are. Mr.Clockwork, Bright Light, your rooms," said one of the guards.

Bright went to his room. There wasn't much to say about it, Despite a four poster bed, a table along with two chairs, a wardrobe, a nightstand, and a book shelf this room lacked any personality to it. There was a darkroom which Bright presumed is the bathroom. The only thing that caught Bright's attention was the doors leading to the balcony.

Bright went through the two doors and was instantly greeted by a cool breeze. He stopped at the rails of the balcony and took up the scenery. The view was breath taking as Bright could see the beautiful dimly lit buildings of Canterlot, the endless mountain stream that would lead to a waterfall of mist, and the mix of forests and green plains. It only got better when Bright watched the sun descend. The colors, oh the colors! Orange sky, green terrain, and the combination of yellow, white, and purple made the scene more memorizing.

Bright was frozen gazing at the sun until it vanished behind one of the many green hills slowly bringing forth the darkness. He rushed to his baggage to retrieve his lantern. once found he lit it and rested it on the table.

Bright spent the next few minutes organizing his things: putting his books away in the the shelf, Hanging his few articles of clothing in the wardrobe, and getting one of his most valuable possession.

In Bright's hoofs was an uncut emerald. it was rough and jagged but it still sparkled from the light illuminating from the lantern. It was gift from Bright received as a gift from his father when he was just a colt.

Quartz was his name. Bright could remember how his father looked; A purple stallion with a mane of Bright orange mane completed with brown eyes and the cutie mark of a pickaxe and a white crystal.

Bright now remembered the cottage he once lived in with his parents. He would remember times sitting on the chair watching his mother cook and waiting for his father to return from his day of work at the mine at the village.

His mother's name was Ruby Shard. She looked liked she was born from the forest with her brown mane curls from the bark of trees and fur that resembles the leaves of trees of the Everfree Forest. The only thing that differentiated from her forest appearance was her maroon red eyes and a ruby as her cutie mark.

Bright could remember her watching over him since he was born. Ruby Shard once worked as jeweler before she had Bright ,making jewelry for any of the neighbors or any traveller using gems and crystals that Quartz snuck out with from his work.

Bright would remember her calling him by his name ,his original name, when she was done with dinner. "Gleaming Emerald". A name he only bothered to remember in memory of his parents.

Bright placed the emerald on the table. He continued to looking at the emerald with an keeping a expressionless look on his face. He continued eyeing his gem until he heard a knock on his door.

Finally freed from his trance Bright went and opened to see what he guest must be one of Celestia's servants. He was grey Unicorn with clothes that made look like he was working in a formal party

"Dinner is ready master Bright Light. Allow me to lead you to the dinning room."

"Master?" Bright couldn't help but be a bit flattered hearing it from a well dressed stallion, while he himself is naked.

Bright looked back at Clockwork's room. "Where is Clockwork?"

The grey stallion responded, "He already left to dine with the princesses. I've been knocking on your door for several minutes."

Bright had a guilty smile on his face as he spoke, "Yes, sorry about that."

"There is no need to apologize, I've waited longer for Lords and Ladies who just had to fix their hair. Considering my experiences your the quickest one yet."

Bright continued to follow the servant to the Dining room. The room itself was a hall with plenty of space as if it was meant to hold grand feasts. The floor was layered in white tiles similar to Celestia's throne room. There was a red carpet right next to the doorway that leads to the table where everypony was eating.

"Bright!" shouted Clockwork flailing his arms to get Bright's attention. "You're just in time to dine with us."

Bright trotted over to his mentor sat in the chair right next to him. When he seated he looked around his surroundings. He looked to his left and saw Princess Celestia on one end of the table adjacent to Clockwork. To the princess's left Bright saw another Alicorn.

Celestia spoke, "Bright, I'd like to introduce you to my younger sister,Luna. She serves as Princess of the Night."

Bright continued gazing at Luna for he has never saw a more beautiful mare. She was like the night as every part of her body was colored blue. Her mane unlike Celestia wasn't ethereal, but Bright didn't care. Her short mane made her look so young and pretty. The darkest shade blue was an area of fur that surrounded her cutie mark, which was a crescent moon. that same cutie mark showed in in her necklace. Her teal eyes was something Bright could look at for eternity.

Bright was looking prettiest mare in all of Equestria. "Come on Bright, first impressions, " thought Bright. Bright tried to sound impressive and masculine, but his confidence cracked as well as his voice as he said, "Heeello!". Bright then forced a smile that looked obviously false.

There was awkward silence as everyone looked at Bright with a confused look on their faces. Then Clockwork and Celestia exploded with laughter, but not the Moon Princess. To Bright Luna's silence made it even worst.

"So much for first impressions," thought Bright as mentally punched himself over a hundred times.

Bright spent the rest the dinner listening to a conversation between Celestia and Clockwork. He would occasionally look up from the plate he was eating from and look at her. This cycle continued on until Celestia called his name.

"Bright Light?"

"Yes Princess?"

"I wanted to know, will you be attending the Grand Galloping Gala? Everyone will be at attendance: My, My Sister, the nobility of my kingdom, and all sorts of guests. I believe that since you and Clockwork will be staying here you might as well enjoy what Canterlot can offer."

Bright Light eyes lit up at the mention of Luna. He gave her calm nod and spoke at a calm level, "Yes, I would be honored to attend.". Bright then ended with smile of accomplishment.

Bright couldn't help but look at Luna to find her staring at him. Their eyes were locked on each others. For Bright, the dining room around her seemed to melt around her as if it fails to compete with her. Luna's face had the same level curiosity as Bright's. They continued staring until Luna finally broke off, a small blush in her royal blue face. Bright found himself in a similar position, he too looked away to hide the red blush that easily complimented his forest green face.

For the rest of dinner Bright was comforted with the belief that Luna had some interest in him. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Dinner ended as everyone started to leave starting with Luna. Bright second to leave left to avoid any awkward conversation with Clockwork and Celestia. He wanted to follow Luna and talk to her, but he feared the possibility of being lost in the castle. Bright concluded it would be a better idea just to return in his quarters and sleep for the night.

once Bright returned to his bedroom he took the lantern from the table and placed it om the nightstand. Bright then rested his body on the bed. The bed was really comfortable as if the mattress and the pillow were made of clouds. He was about to drift to sleep when he heard a knock on the door.

"Ugh. Come in," spoke Bright too tired to care.

Through the door came Clockwork. Without a word he took a chair from the table and brought it to the side of Bright's bed. Bright couldn't help but be scared as he saw a creepy grin on Clockworks face.

Clockwork sat down on the chair still with that grin in his face. "Come on Bright, admit it you have a crush on The Princess of the Moon."

Bright was at first shocked, but he wasn't surprised. It would be idiotic at this point to refuse Clockwork's statement. Bright looked down with a smile on his face. "Yes that is true, she does look really cute."

Clockwork gave out a laugh as he said, "Oh Bright, I knew it!" He continued laughing until he chocked on his own saliva. "Ahrm! Bright I bet you wouldn't muster the courage to talk to Princess Luna. I remember a time when I used to date other mares. I was dated and sampled so many mares that I was called The Mare-Breaker."

"How were you even friends with my father?" asked Bright with a tone of disgust in his voice.

Clockwork maintained his grin as he said, "Quartz was a good stallion. He would always help me when I landed on my rump. I finally made it up to him when he was in a relationship with your mother, Ruby Shard. Without me your father would've never courted your mother, So your welcome."

Bright Light gave him grin and asked, "Alright, but what does all this have to do with me?"

"Isn't it obvious, I'm here to offer you advice on dating! You want the honor to talk to Luna?"

"Yes."

"Well you have to be more confident, more assertive. Talk to her."

"Is this the same advice you once gave my father?" asked Bright with a quizzical expression on his face.

"Yes, you'll never know anything about her if you never talk to her. Tomorrow you'll have your chance to talk with her at tomorrow's Grand Galloping Gala. Wear your best clothes Bright."

Clockwork yawned soon Bright did the same. Clockwork stood up from his chair and ruffled Bright's mane and left for the door.

"Goodnight Bright."

"Goodnight Clockwork."

As Clockwork closed the door Bright turned to his side and watched his lantern that was still on the nightstand. As the flames slowly brought him to sleep Bright thought about visiting the Royal Archives tomorrow to think of another invention. Bright closed his eyes drifting into sleep with images of Luna in his head.

Author's Note

Yes Chapter three! Sorry if I took so long, there's something wrong with my computer so I had to use other peoples' computers. Not something I'm really proud of, but the story must go on!

Chapter 4: A Not so Grand Gala

Chapter 4: A Not so Grand Gala

Canterlot, The Royal Palace, 1,018 years ago

Tonight was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala the biggest party in all of Equestria. All the nobility of the kingdom came as well as any other pony blessed with a golden ticket. The party had the most exquisite food that were to die for, as well as the most talented musicians in the kingdom.

Bright didn't care for all that he just wanted a chance to talk to Luna. He scoured the entire castle from the castle gardens to the countless halls inside the castle. Bright's hope was wavering. He paused his search as he came to a table serving wine.

"Why not. It's not like I'm having the time of my life," he thought gripping the cup of wine

Bright took his fifth cup of wine in his hooves and was about to take a sip when he Saw the Luna. Brights mouth dropped and touched as he saw the Moon Princess. She was beautiful in a dress. Her dress was dark like the night and was decorated in stars that sparkled in the light.

Bright had to talk her, he guzzled down his refreshment and trotted toward her. Then Luna was crowded by three well dressed stallions each having plans on being her suitor. Bright's face turned red and hot to the point where even a dragon could be scalded by the heat.

"Damn you fools! The Princess is mine!" Shouted Bright.

Bright's gentle trot turned into a full charge. The three stallions realized this act aggression and was shaking in fear of what their fate will be. Bright was now closer to the three Stallions. He struck the stallion in the center with his fore hoof, going from his abdominal up to the chest he shot into the air. The force of his blow was so powerful that it launched all three of the stallion suitors into the air. They broke a hole in the roof of the castle and was sent into the darkest corners of space.

Everyone had the look of bewilderment on their faces. They were trying to comprehend what just happened.

They all turned their eyes to Bright dreading what he might do next. Fearing something more nonsensical than the last they were confused yet relieved to see the renegade stallion bowing to their co-ruler.

Bright took Luna's hoof and gave it a kiss. "Oh Luna I must profess myself as your most ardent admirer." Bright looked up to Luna's eyes as he spoke. "I only wish to dance with you on this fine night."

Luna giggled and had a violent blush on her face. She took Bright's hoof as she made her response, but instead of actual words there was only a knocking sound coming from her.

Bright's eyebrows arched all the way to his mane as he asked, "What!?"

Again, those same sounds came from Luna's mouth.

In an instance Bright risen from his bed sheets. His pupils shrank from the sudden exposure to the light coming from the windows. Bright could still hear the same sound that interrupted his dream, it was coming from the door.

"Master Bright! Time for breakfast!"

Bright got up and left the bed to answer the door. "Dammit. I was having a good dream."

Bright opened door to see the grey butler from last night. He gave Bright a small bow, "Good morning master Bright Light! I'm here to escort you for breakfast." The butler looked up to see Bright's riled mane. "Oh. Apologies if I just waken you I shall leave you to rest."

Bright shook his head. "No need for apologies. Clockwork complains that I sleep too much anyway, besides you did mentioned breakfast and I'm quite famished myself."

The grey butler lead Bright through the many hallways of the castle, but instead of entering the dining room like before. Instead he was lead to the Canterlot Gardens.

The garden was a real beauty. Statues were spread all over the area, woodland critters would be seen enjoying the rich abundant of food coming from the fertile plants, and the Canterlot Garden Maze that went as far as Bright could see. Bright could see some of the residents of the city come over to enjoy the peace and quite of the garden. Bright finally came to a gazebo, It's design similar to the city with its use of purple, gold, and white, and the roof shaped like a dome similar to the castle's. Inside was Clockwork and Celestia sitting around a round table.

Bright took his seat next to his mentor and enjoyed himself to an orange. Princess Luna then came to the table to join the breakfast. Her strained eyes a sign of her responsibilities as Princess of the Moon.

Clockwork nudged Bright constantly making suggestive faces at him. Bright only shook his head. He'll have plenty of time to talk with her in the Gala, besides he was looking forward to giving the Canterlot Archives a visit. Clockwork made a frown and resumed to eating his breakfast.

After he felt he that eaten enough Bright excused himself from the table and looked for his butler. He didn't have to look for long for the butler for he was waiting for him outside.

"Master Bright! I trust that you enjoyed your breakfast?"

"Why yes I did," responded Bright, "Hey I'd hate to address you as butler so may I ask what your name be so we may properly introduced?"

"My name is Silver Platter and it is my duty to serve the guests of the castle." Spoke Silver with a level of elegance

"And my name is Bright Light, I served under Clockwork as his apprentice. Now I have aspirations of becoming an inventor."

"Well master Bright let me say what an honor it is to serve someone who is this nice."

"One thing Silver. Please, just call me Bright. I would rather be seen as a friend than a 'master'. Oh! Can you lead me to the Canterlot Archives?"

Silver smiled and said, "Follow me Bright."

"Beautiful."

That was all Bright could say as he looked upon the vast number of books and scrolls that inhabit the library. He took breathed in the smell, it was the familiar heavy smell of ink and paper. All of the most up to date collection of literature, and he is free to read it. Just the thought brought a tear to Bright's eye. Bright tried his hardest to maintain his wits and trying not take all of these written works.

"Silver Platter I'm gonna be here a while. So you are excused," said Bright giddy with excitement

Silver Platter only smiled as he said, "Well Bright, I fancy myself something to read like yourself, besides what if you need me?"

Bright couldn't answer cause there was already a book between his teeth, but he responded with a roll of his eyes and gave out a nod. For the next few hours reading this collection of books.

Bright still wanted to improve the railway system in the kingdom. Manual powered trains can bring a pony to places, but it had its flaws Bright recalled. What Bright wanted to make was a self-propelled train that wouldn't require to be pulled by a team of stallions, but for that to happen he would need a power source.

Bright took a seat on one of the many chairs in the archives. He gently placed the book on the table, Designs of Modern Machinery it was titled. Bright then quickly read through the book learning the design of trains of today. Bright started reading books that could give him insight on what kind of power source to use he. he took enough books to make his own miniature fort.

After a few hours of reading Bright thought it was best if he stopped. His brain throbbed with vast amount of knowledge he obtained in such a short time. He felt if his head were to crack open he would see the written text imprinted on his brain.He turned to look to see Silver Platter asleep using the book he was reading as a pillow.

Bright prodded Silver with his hoof. Silver snorted until he finally awoke.

Silver yawned, "Mmmmm. Bright did you learn what you needed to know?"

"I acquired a lot of information regarding trains and their design, I just got to find a way to power a train." Bright replied, " But I gotta return to my quarters and prepare for the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Oooo! What form of attire will you be wearing and what color will it be?" After not receiving answer Silver asked another question his face with a look of concern. "You do have formal attire do you, Bright."

Bright had a guilty look on his face as he spoke, "No, I was planning on attending the gala like this."

Like he fierce a predator, Silver pounced upon Bright. With the helpless prey in his hooves the gray beast bawled at him, "You're going to attend the first ever Grand Galloping Gala in the nude? I'm sorry, but master Bright! Really!? I must Bring you to a-"

Silver was cutoff when a Unicorn with ebony fur and a jet black mane and tail came in."Hey! Would you be quiet? This is a place of learning and study."

"Ahh yes, I'm sorry I don't know what came over me."

The red-eyed pony didn't say a word. he left with a look of annoyance on his face.

Silver Platter spoke as he left, "Yes I'm very sorry. A thousand apologies............................................... smart-ass." Silver then turned to Bright this time more controlled. "Bright, I'm sorry. It's just that the Grand Galloping Gala is a formal event. All the nobility in Equestria will be there, as well as dignitaries form the other races. Not to mention a certain princess."

Bright's cheeks heated up at the mention of Luna. "bu-bu-bu-but how?"

"Your mentor Clockwork told me before going to bed. Shared a good laugh. You should follow his advice and talk to Princess Luna, so it wouldn't be so bad to look like you are part of her class."

Bright had no choice but to comply. He craved the chance to talk with Luna and the Grand Galloping Gala was that chance. He has to not screw up and get this right.

Bright sighed as he said, "Fine, do whatever you must."

Silver clapped his hooves ecstatically. "Splendid Bright! Follow me I shall get you some lordly attire. We should also work on giving you bath."

Silver ran out of the Archives followed by Bright. Bright's face had the only the look of amusement with a quirky smile as he thought, "The things I have to do just to talk to a mare."

Canterlot, night of the Grand Galloping Gala

Tonight was the night of the first ever Grand Galloping Gala. All the nobility of Equestria was in attendance as well as anypony else fortunate enough to receive a golden ticket to the grand event.

There was also the delegates of some the other factions that neighbors next to Equestria. There was the Griffons, A warrior race that lived in the Talon Mountains south of Equestria. The Diamond Dogs the subterranean species that prides themselves on it's expansive labyrinth kingdom and their grand hoard of crystals.

The Grand Halls of Canterlot was bright and so full of life. The guests dressed in elaborate clothing with enough colors to make a rainbow. Conversations between guests and music played by Equestria's finest musicians filled the air and pleased the ears. The staff of the castle drifted aimlessly throughout the castle delivering drinks and appetizers to the guests.

Bright Stood watching the party ongoing. He wore a red coat, its embroidery made of silver. Next to him was Clockwork wearing a similar coat but with a hue of dark yellow. Bright had an unsettled look on his face.

"I feel like I'm being constricted by a hydra," spoke Bright as he pulled on the collar line of his coat that has been chafing his neck. "Not to mention that I'm the only Earth Pony attending as a guest."

Clockwork only laughed and patted Bright on the back. "The only Earth Pony so far. Besides There are many guests here you could have an intriguing conversation with. I know the reason of why your here, but that doesn't mean you can't interact with anyone else. Make some friends!" Clockwork started to walk away from Bright.

Bright looked at him with the eyes of a shy little colt. "Are you just gonna leave me here?"

"You're an adult. I can at least trust you to act civil through the entire duration of this festivity."

Bright watched as his mentor disappear into a large group of party guests. Bright could only sighed and looked around the halls for Luna, she was nowhere in sight. Bright could have a glass of wine to help past the time, but he didn't want to risk being intoxicated by the time he sees Luna. Bright had only one other option, follow Clockworks advice and associate with the other party guests.

Bright meandered throughout the large of scores of guests debating within his mind which conversation circle to join. Everywhere he looked everypony (or everybody in this sense) was in a conversation of their own. So many choices to choose from.

Bright wondered if he can have a friendly conversation with one of the Diamond Dogs. He watched a conversation circle that had a group of them. They were easily twice the size of Bright. their massive forearms, canines, and dark fur serving as proof of their countless generations spent underground. The Diamond Dogs weren't enthusiasts of fashion compared to the others since their only articles of clothing was a vest and a jewel encrusted collar and bracelets.

Bright came closer to hear the Diamond Dogs' conversation. After hearing nothing but personal boasts about their large amount wealth they all had Bright thought it was best not to enter lest he be annoyed by such pettiness as wealth.

Bright Then looked at a party of Griffons. They were much more majestic compared to the Diamond Dogs. The upper body of powerful bird while a lower body of a fierce predator. Griffons were quite literally weapons themselves, Their talons and their powerful hind legs could easily incapacitate or worse maim anypony that ever cross their race. It was easy to feel the aura of dominance that the Griffons seem to emit.

Though they were intimidating, Bright had a feeling he would hear interesting tales from the Griffons. The Griffon Kingdom lead by the notable house, Iron Claw, leading the entire kingdom through wars and crusades such as the ancient war with the dreaded Changelings.

Bright gallantly trotted to a circle that contained a number of Griffons while thinking, "I think this will be the night I might actually make..."

Bright stopped his thought when he a servant of the castle trip and fell into the party of guests he was gonna enter. The tray wine that the mare had in one of her fore hooves fell directly on a very regal looking Griffon. Drenched in red wine the Griffon's nonchalant face had melted into something of a pure beast.

Before the poor mare realized she was on the floor the Griffon pounced on her. Now that she was in his grasp the Griffon screeched an incomprehensible sound from its beak. After that was a series of shouts and curses. The Griffon shouted until the poor mare fainted from the sudden distress.

Bright froze and back trotted away to avoid any backlash from the Griffon. He noticed that the music stopped from the sudden interruption and the party guests were staring at the source of the commotion. After the seconds of awkward silence the musicians resumed to playing their music and the Guests resumed to their idle conversation.

Bright still back trotted until his rump bashed into another's. "Watch where you're going I almost spilled my wine!" The voice shouted jokingly.

Bright turned around to apologize to see the black unicorn from the archives. "I'm so sorry there was this..... Haven't I seen you at the Royal Archives."

The ebony unicorn drunk his entire glass of wine and smiled. "Ah! You were the Earth Pony," He jovially said, "I see that you took your captor's advice and decided not to attend the party nude."

Bright could only chuckle at this now cheery stallion. "I remembered you that you were bit aggravated the first time we met."

The Unicorn tilted his empty glass at Bright. "fortunately for you I'm under the influence to some of the best wine in Canterlot." the Unicorn chuckled and stretched his hoof to Bright. "Nightfall."

Bright stretched his hoof and clashed his hoof with Nightfall to complete the hoof-bump. "Bright Light, but you can just call me Bright"

Nightfall lowered his head and asked, "Bright I must inquire, what brings to the fair city of Canterlot? I don't mean to be rude I just wanted to sate my curiosity,you being an Earth Pony and all."

Bright in turn responded trying to keep a confident smile. "If you must ask I came here to make a name of myself. I want to change the way ponies think about themselves. I want to prove to everypony that anypony can be able to do anything regardless of race. That is why I'm staying here in Canterlot, to be an inventor and to prove a point."

Nightfall could only nod his head as he spoke. "A respectable aspiration indeed, Listen since you're an inventor feel free to come to the Archives anytime. I work there and I could possibly help you, or provide an interesting conversation."

Bright's very eyes lit up like a candle. "You work at the Library?"

"Yes." Muttered Nightfall almost regretful of his proposition.

"Then do you know about the works of Gregor Peapod?"

Nightfall remembered the name of the founder of Genetics, and put up a vivacious smile. "Of course I know about his works, Oh have you ever heard about Fallen Apple?" asked Nightfall to which Bright answered with a quick nod. "Well, I believe we're gonna make the best of friends."

The two talked for hours, Bright and Nightfall discussed about the many great minds of Equestria, philosophers from older times such as Question Mark, whom believed in democratic values, to more modern times to ponies such as Charles Trotwin. They discussed about each of their theories and debated against each other on their, but in the end they both ended laughing. Bright was having such a good time that he actually forgot the whole reason he attended the Grand Galloping Gala.

while sipping upon a glass of wine that was held between his two hooves Bright asked, "Nightfall, can you tell about yourself? Like how you came to be in the Capital?"

In an instant Nightfall's smile evaporated. It wasn't because he was so protective of his personal life. Nightfall would gladly answer his new-found friend about his origins, the problem was that he didn't know the answer. As he was trying to think of a response Nightfall was interrupted by a peach colored Unicorn who staggered between him and Bright.

His cheeks were puffy and red and the collar of his coat smelled of wine. His voice was slurred as he said, "Iffff it isn't the Stallllioon himself! You hic! Youuuu, I have heard sooooo muuch about you. Is it truee you can't be, be harmed?"

Bright watched this companion. They both shared a face of bewilderment at this Unicorn who in Bright's opinion was seemingly spawned from the depths of Tartarus just to pester Night. "Excuse me, but I was having a conversation."

The Unicorn only looked with his dazed eyes at Bright from the bottom to the top and said, "I must sayyy you are the most wellll dresssed servant I have seen in thisss entire festivvvvity. You're not suppose to talk to the guessts. Go! Looook for something to fffix!"

Bright blood's was now heated. He wanted to punch him into the void like he did to those stallions in his fantasy dream. Trying to maintain control he spoke forcing a jovial smile with an equal level of voice. "I find it rude to correct others, but I must clear some things. I'm party guest, same as you, same as my companion." Bright offered his hoof to the Unicorn. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Bright Light but my friends just call me Bright."

The Unicorn almost seemed to sober up, because he violently backed away from Bright with an expression of disgust on his face. "I am of noble bloood! I will not have it tainted by the touch of commoners, especially the dirt blood of an Eaarth pony who dares to criticize me."

Bright's blood now started to boil. His hot blood traveled to his face, If anypony were to touch his face they'd be surprised that there's no steam escaping from his ears. "Then please, leave me be." took a step closer to the Unicorn and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

That turned out to be a major mistake as the Unicorn scowled and in a raging fit punched Bright dead on the eye. Bright backed up keeping a hoof on his now swollen eye. His own personal control burned up like paper in the fire and he quickly returned the punch with one of his own.

What followed was brawl between two drunk ponies. Everyone's head was turned as they watched .The pony party guests were flabbergasted, the Diamond Dogs had their eyebrows raised, and the Griffons, they were enjoying the spectacle of violence before them.

The Unicorn gripped a bottle of wine from a passing servant with his magic and swung it over the head of Bright. Bright fell down on his forelegs. Feeling victorious the Unicorn laughed at his triumph of the one with "dirt blood", But Bright stood up and spat out blood stained saliva. "You know for someone with noble blood you're really cheap when it comes to fighting!"

Bright ran one hoof across the Unicorn's face. He hit the noble with such force that he landed on his back. After a few minutes the dazed Unicorn finally gotten up and sputtered, "I sh-shall concede defeat." He suddenly pointed his bruised fore hoof at Bright." But I s-swear I'll make your life a living hell! You'll regret the niight you crosssed with Gavel-ummph!" The Unicorn held a hoof over his mouth, after a few seconds he spoke again. "Gavel-blaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrgghhhh."

Bright dodged the river of brown vomit that was meant for him. Not everyone was as fortunate, as the vomit landed on the same Griffon who had wine spilled on him. Enraged once again he grasped a bottle of wine from which he was drinking from and threw it at the Unicorn. Unfortunately at the last second the Unicorn passed out and fell into a pool of his own vomit, The flying bottle of wine crashed into the face of a Diamond Dog.

His nose became was swollen and the Diamond Dog spoke in a nasally voice. "Yousss shall payss!" Shouted the Diamond Dog as he charged at the Griffon.

What turned to a petty fight between two drunks turned into a massive brawl between three races. Griffons, Diamond Dogs, and Ponies unfortunate enough to be caught in this brawl fought with anything they could use. An arrangement of items were flying in the air: bottles, furniture, even musical instruments. The music was now replaced with cursing, screams, and the breaking of objects. With so much happening at once Discord himself would laugh himself to pieces at such a scene.

Nightfall picked up Bright whom happened to trip when he dodged the Unicorn's bodily fluids. He placed him on his legs and shouted to him, "Can you still walk?" Bright's only response was a weak nod. Nightfall released his grasp from Bright and watched him struggle to keep his balance. Nightfall shouted into his ear again, "The Grand Galloping Gala is really lively, but I don't want to stay here when Royal Guard arrives. Their famous for killing parties such as these."

"Take to my room please," spouted Bright trying not yelp with every step he took.

Nightfall escorted Bright out of the lower halls of the Castle joining some of the fleeing party guests. After following directions given by a now heavily fatigued Bright the pair finally made it to a familiar looking pair of doors. The two trotted through the doors. Bright went straight towards his bed while Nightfall closed the door. Disregarding the option of taking off his ruined coat Bright just tumbled onto his bed and let out a massive yawn

Bright contemplated his thoughts. He didn't see Luna the entire time while he was at the Gala, but considering the fact that he was in a fight with a drunken noble Bright was glad she wasn't there to see that. The only good thing to come from this party was meeting Nightfall.

Bright turned his head to see Nightfall standing over him. Nightfall's clothes were also ruined with stains that could be anything and holes that riddle his coat, yet he didn't even on him. With a weak smile Bright whispered "Nightfall, thanks you've been really nice. I hope you don't have to drink wine to be this way more often."

Nightfall chuckled. "Only when I'm working at the Archives. I hope to see you tomorrow Bright. Good night."

"Good night"

Nightfall trotted through the hallways of the castle which were now dimly lit. Nightfall felt a feeling that was unfamiliar to him. He tried to comprehend what this feeling was. Was it satisfaction, gratitude, or maybe amusement? Whatever it was this feeling of having a friend made Nightfall for the first time in his life.

Author's Note

Again I apologize for how long it took, but I have school and that has to come first.

Chapter 6: Father

Within the darkest caves hidden underneath the Crystal Mountains a young Unicorn held his younger brother in a tight embrace. "No, no, no. Don't leave me, you're all I have left, please," The Unicorn sobbed while tears were cascading from his face and landing on his brother.

The Unicorn held this position until something pulled him from his younger brother. Without support the younger brother fell on his side. "No! No!" the Unicorn screamed, "He needs me! let me go!"

In response the one holding him back grunted, "No, they'll kill you too. There's nothing you can do for him!"

The Unicorn finally calmed down and stared at his brother. The younger brother's peach colored fur was discolored by his own blood coming from a deep stab wound in the center of his chest. His mouth was ajar as if trying to either call for his brother or scream from the intense pain he felt, he didn't make a sound. He was only able to stare at his older Brother with his bloodshot eyes as he laid in a pool of his own blood.

The older Unicorn looked down at himself to see that his khaki colored fur was painted with his brother's blood. He looked at the pony holding him back to see a Earth Pony with silver fur with a grey mane and beard. behind him was a mare who was holding a foal within one of her hooves, they were both red. "I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do." The Unicorn answered with a silent nod forcing himself to be numb. The Stallion looked up from him and spoke, "He's coming with us, please don't hurt him."

The Unicorn looked up to see his brother's killer withering like a dying plant. A walking mass of jagged red crystal made to poorly resemble a pony. It was devoid of all life yet it stood straight. No feeling of guilt or remorse as if it was oblivious to the crime it just committed. The closest thing to be considered an emotion was perhaps the monster's face. It looked like the face of a young mare, what made it horrible was that its face was frozen in a expression of a scream . its right forehoof was misshapen looking like a jagged blade, and it had blood on its tip.

The crystal mare heard the stallion and looked at him with its daunting face. its right forehoof changed its shape, making numerous cracking sounds, back into a hoof and stood on it as if it was never a blade.

The silver pony talked to the Unicorn again. "Come on, don't make it change its mind."

"Yes please." The red mare spoke while still holding her foal. "We've all seen enough death."

The Unicorn walked with his group followed by the crystal mare. He forced himself not to look back at where his brother was or else he would risk losing all form of self control. Walked through the dark caves where the only source of light came from torches attached to the wall.

The Unicorn thought back to how he and his family got captured. His family was among the many ponies that settled in the fields of the Crystal Empire in hope of making a fortune. Many farmers came and settled the land, followed by miners and tinkerers that came to mine the jewels and ores under the Crystal Mountains ,that were rumored that there was enough to construct Canterlot twice. Where ever settlers flocked merchants were sure to follow, merchants like himself and his family. Soon, the Equestrian Guard appeared to protect the many villages that sprouted like weeds.

Life was easy for the Unicorn's family, Miners came for supplies, farmers would come for seed and tools. A simple pattern followed on a daily basis, until they started to lose customers. At first it was the miners, everypony wondered how they just vanished. Was it some unfortunate accident, was there a cave collapse that caused every prospector to perish? Or perhaps they discovered the rumored vein, extracted it, and galloped passed the town to cash-in their findings in Canterlot? The Question was never answered because days later the walls of every building were cloaked by posters with bold letters "Missing" with images of ,foals, loved ones, entire families. Every night somebody disappears and the next day, there would be a new poster.

The entire village was in fear. Everypony wanted to flee to avoid being the next one to vanish, but they couldn't uproot their lives, they spent so much to settle. Everyone had no choice but hold out.

The Unicorn remembered the night the monsters came. He remembered that in the beginning there was just a rumbling sound coming from the distance. Quickly, the sound escalated into a roaring stampede. He delved into this and looked outside and saw a massive flood of red that seemed to glistened under the moon coming to towards him. To what happened next, he could only recall the screams, the blood, and the jagged hooves that were reaching to grab him.

Everypony that didn't had the misfortune of being killed were like him and his family. Taken to the caves of the Crystal Mountains where everypony was stuffed in a holding cell. The unlucky few that couldn't fit in cell we're taken away. For what seemed centuries the Unicorn and his family stayed in the cell where there was hardly any room to breath. Then the crystal monsters came back to take more prisoners away, within minutes there was enough room for everypony to sit. When they came back again, the Unicorn's parents were taken away. Now here he is being led away to suffer a miserable fate that had befallen Everypony around him.

*Click!*

*Click!*

It sounded liked glass. The Unicorn as well as his imprisoned companions looked down to see that they were all walking on crystal. As they continued they reached a massive cavern where they were all shocked with disbelief.

"Well, tickle my beard," gasped the stallion, "The rumors were true."

An entire cavern layered with crystal. Their disbelief soon turned to horror as they looked down to see that the cavern floors were littered with countless pickaxes that clutter the floor, Numerous lanterns hung askew, and carts containing only a blanket of dust.

The group kept walking until they reached a massive chamber made of crystal like the cavern before where they were stopped by the presence of two crystal beasts. They both looked like muscular stallions, each with their own unique frozen expression of terror. Within the center of the chamber was a lone pointed piece of crystal that stick out from the floor.

There the group captives waited with their captors unsure of what was to become of them, But soon they heard sounds coming from where they came from.

*Clunk!*

*Clunk!*

*Clunk!*

As the heavy hoof steps got closer, it became accompanied by the rattling of metal.

*Clunk!*

*Clunk!*

*Clunk!*

The shadowy figure appeared. "Greetings." He spoke in a glib tone. The figure then made a horrendous laugh as he approached revealing ebony fur, a jet black mane, a red curved horn, and a devilish smile.

"B-b-but you were killed," sputtered the stallion, "How?"

"You can never kill a Dreadlord." Spoke Sombra, "But let's not focus on details let's-"

"You!" Screamed the Unicorn, "It is because of you that my brother is dead!" Tears were streaming down his cheeks as his horn began to glow.

Sombra looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean the young colt that I so happened to pass by?" He then smiled and ended with a chuckle.

The Unicorn growled like a caged beast. "You bastard! Go to hell!" He aimed his horn at Sombra and fired.

In an instant Sombra's lower jaw exploded and transformed to a pink mist. His tongue hung barely attached to what was left of his mouth. He laughed it off as if it was nothing. "Hagh! Hagh! Hagh! Yeee aeen op-" Sombra stopped as his tongue plopped on the floor.

In unison all three of the prisoners screamed and the foal that the mother began to cry. The mother tried to calm her foal trying to shield her daughter from Sombra. Then another voice spoke, "Calm my children."

Everypony looked around for the source of the voice then looked at the recently maimed Sombra. his tongue began to burn and evaporated within seconds, soon red crystal began to materialize and cover his wounds. The crystal formed to where his mouth was. Soon, it began to fall apart and revealed Sombra's snout. It looked liked it was never harmed.

"His snout i-i-it just grew back." shrieked the stallion. The Unicorn just looked at Sombra in disbelief.

The voice came again. "Settle." Soon the lone standing crystal in the center seemed to be brought to life as it began to move and grow bigger in size. It seemed to grow closer to the Unicorn. It spoke in a soothing fatherly voice. "Young one, I know why you're so troubled. Your brother was harmed by one of my acolytes. He has failed failed to follow my plan and his ignorance has cost him his life. But, I have offered him a second chance because of his youth. You will be joining him as well as the rest of your kin."

The Unicorn felt relieved hearing some form of good news, but he was just holding his brother who was dying in his hooves a moment ago, his brother's blood was still fresh on his fur. How could he be sure this was true? "Can I see my family, or at least my brother?"

"Of course." said the hulking mass of crystal.

Everyone turned their head to where Sombra came from to see another crystal monster. It was Unicorn, small in size and it's eyes were half opened. It came closer to the Unicorn. He was confused. "I asked for my brother?" There was only silence as everyone knew who the crystal monster was. The Unicorn wanted to deny it and tried to avert his eyes. He believed his brother was dead, he would prefer him dead than be one of those monsters, but as he looked again and again he couldn't deny it any further and exploded with a flurry of tears. His face was muffled by his hooves but could still be heard as he shouted, "What did you do to him?"

"I have saved him from his suffering, like everyone before him and you will all walk the same path as he."

The Stallion looked at the mass of crystal with pupils the size of pinpricks. "What are you?"

"A father who cares only for the well being of his children." The crystal mass formed a lone eye as it stared back at the Stallion. "I am the Father." the crystal eye then turned to the mare with her foal. "It is time to be born anew."

As the crystal finished talking the Mare's hooves were encompassed by crystal. It began to build up slowly freezing her in place. Still being held in her last free leg the foal still wails, unkowing of the fate that will befall her and her mother. The mare gently nuzzeled her head against her foal. "Hush now my little one," she cooed. "Mommy's here." She kept on holding the position as both her and her foal were both frozen in crystal.

The Stallion was already frozen halfway when he was watching the mare. He squirmed using every ounce of energy and free appendage he had left. "No! Not like this anything but this!" He craned his neck upward and was stuck as the crystal was building up to his face. "Noooooooo-"

As the crystals were building around his body the Unicorn hugged his crystallized brother. "I'll never leave you. not again."

When the Unicorn was completely frozen Sombra spoke out while keeping a straight face, "Father, I have just received word from my informant in the Crystal Empire. He is telling us that the Equestrian Guard-"

"Is transporting an item of great of importance to the Crystal Empire, I'm very aware of the subject. In fact, you and I are both aware that this object will be finding its way here. All we have to do is wait."

Sombra smiled. "Why wait, I'm too excited to simply wait. Especially if I'm gonna be reunited with an old friend. I say we give him a warm welcome back."

Author's Note

Whoop! Whoop! I am glad I'm on Christmas Break! I Think I could squeeze another chapter before my break will be over. Merry Christmas!

Chapter 5: Old Troubles Return

Chapter 5: Old Troubles Return

Present day, Canterlot

"Yes, a petty romance, fighting a belligerent noble, and making my first real friend, and that was just my first two days in Canterlot. Do you have any questions Twilight?" Asked Bright.

Twilight sat in her booth listening trying to find a trace of malevolence in Bright Light's past and intentions. For the past few hour she jotted down notes in her yellow flip book. All she learned from the mysterious stallion was how quirky he was and how to test the quality of wine. This still didn't answer of how Bright became trapped in the amulet in the first place. "Patience Twilight, you'll know when you bring Bright to Princess Celestia." spoke Twilight silently to herself. Other then the facts, Twilight learned how Bright was both aggressive and intelligent. She fantasized what kind of intellectual discussions she would have with Bright.

Twilight looked out the window to see that the train has finally exited the last tunnel and is approaching through the opened gates of Canterlot. The Train finally started to slow down as their was a screeching sound from the brakes. As soon as she heard the voice of the conductor stating that they arrived to their destination Twilight started packing her belongings. she finally levitated the Alicorn Amulet into the side of her knapsack, not saying a word. Fortunately for Bright, Twilight left the pocket he was in open so he could still look outside. Bright felt relieved, he never could get over being in complete darkness no matter what physical state he was in.

Twilight left among the many passengers exiting the train to the familiar train station Bright once walked on a millennium ago. She maintained a brisk pace as she trotted through the streets. For Twilight she was returning to her home, but for Bright he felt that he was in another world.

Bright looked everywhere at once trying to absorb what he was seeing. Everything was so different and alien: the old cobblestone roads were replaced with a smooth pavement, signs that capture the sun and the colors of the rainbow and trapped into text that would say "open",and ponies walked the streets each wearing attire of different fashions.

"By the Goddess, how am I to adapt when everything I knew changed?" Bright looked again at the denizens of Canterlot and noticed among the ponies that wore clothes that were both lewd and questionable, there was group wearing formal clothing and walking in a noble fashion aiming their faces at the sky. Seeing them made Bright happy as he said to himself, "Seems like Canterlot was able to maintain it's old charms. I can't believe I actually miss these pompous cloud-kissing braggarts."

Princess Celestia resided in her throne room alone, expecting Twilight to come in any minute with the long lost pony, Bright. She didn't know what to say or how to express her feelings when she see.

There's so much that she had remembered about Bright. He was pain in her rump when he ruined the First Grand Galloping Gala. Bright though a pain he might have be, He saved Equestria. He saved the entire kingdom from being sacked by the Griffons in the Crystal Wars.

Celestia also thought of Clockwork, the one who brought the first water system to Canterlot. She would remember the moments of she had with him. Celestia her cheeks heat up, he was always a conversationalist, and a persistent lover. She was glad that of all the workers she employed she was glad it was him.

The double doors opened and out came one of the Royal Guard. "Princess Celestia!" He made a quick bow. "Your student, Twilight Sparkle, has arrived."

Behind the stallion was Twilight. The Guard left leaving only the two mares in the vast room. Twilight then charged Celestia and gave her a hug. Celestia spoke with a warm smile. "My star pupil, it's good to see you."

Twilight smiled as she said, "Princess, I brought you the Alicorn Amulet, I already started gathering notes on Bright." She levitated her notepad towards Celestia. "Inside it states the things I learned from Bright regarding his past and his personal trai-"

"Twilight." Celestia cut her off. "You don't have to tell me anything I already know about Bright. Where is he?"

Twilight blushed at her stumble. "Oh yes." She levitated the Alicorn Amulet from her knapsack into the air in front of the princess. "Just focus your magic on the amulet and he can communicate with you if have a magical link with him."

Celestia focused her magic on the amulet and talked to it feeling really silly, "Bright? Are you there." Celestia twisted her head in confusion and then angled her eyebrows. "Bright?"

She soon heard a voice that she seemed to be inside her head. "Yes Celestia. I was staring at your mane. It's been a millennium and all you did was change the color of your mane? Anyway nice to see once again Princess."

Celestia heard the voice, still she couldn't trust if this pony really is Bright. "Are you really Bright?"

"Since I am in amulet of dark powers I could understand," said Bright, "I was once a resident of your castle along with my guardian Clockwork, I know that the first Grand Galloping was ruined by a drunken brawl started by the party guests, yeah, and my involvement in the Crystal Wars against Darius, King of the Griffons. Did that answer your question?"

"So, you've been inside the Alicorn Amulet this whole time?"

"Yes trapped, only able to watch and be incapable to do anything, Ever since I was imprisoned by a sorcerer named Sombra."

Twilight's eyes lit. She didn't expect hear that name. "King Sombra!?"

Brights voice started to sound more depressed as he said, "Yeah he fancied calling himself one. Thankfully He's gone, banished into the cracks of the earth."

Celestia and Twilight both shared a look of worry as they looked at the floating amulet. Twilight broke the silence as she said, "Sombra returned as well as the Crystal Empire. He was close to retaking the the Empire but he was stopped by Princess Cadence and my assistant ,Spike, by using the Crystal Heart."

Bright was initially shocked,but at this point he shouldn't be surprised. Still this was Sombra, the one who imprisoned him in this monotonous hell. He must know what happened to him. "What ever happened to him?"

Twilight spoke. "He um, exploded."

"He's dead?"

Twilight lowered her ears. "Yes."

Bright was having a hard time comprehending this. Sombra, dead. No this can't be I've seen him get stabbed and he would just shrug it off.

Celestia interrupted Brights train of thought and said."Twilight, Bright, Equestria is in danger."

"Equestria in danger?" Twilight sputtered. She was shocked, the kingdom in trouble, again!

Celestia furrowed her brows. For a moment her horn turned away from the amulet and she levitated a pedestal hidden under a red sheet. She turned her head back in the direction of Twilight and the amulet. "This." She levitated the red sheet to reveal the Crystal Head. "This is all that was recovered."

In an instant Twilight recoiled while Bright watched in disbelief. They both looked at the jagged red body of Crystal that was positioned on the pedestal. They both were disgusted when they realized that the large mass of crystal resembled the head of some stallion. Twilight felt sick and she held a hoof over her mouth. Bright wished to touch it to confirm that this was fake.

Celestia resumed speaking. "This was found in the remains of a village inside the Crystal Empire. Besides that a living member of the guard stationed at the village was rescued. The survivor gave a description about our adversary stating that it's impervious to the spears of the Royal Guard."

Twilight was shaking from the tip of her horn to the end of her tail. When she finally recovered from the visual shock she went closer to the crystal head and levitated it into the air. She asked Celestia, "Can they be stopped with magic?"

Celestia responded with a frown on her face. "No. The survivor also stated that this adversary is immune to all forms of magic," she pointed with her hoof at the crystal head, "Their crystal bodies would only reflect magical spells."

Twilight was frightened at this revelation. A new enemy, impervious to both the arms of the Royal Guard and magic. She questioned if the Elements of Harmony would even work. Every fiber in her body twitched. Bright on the other hoof had a dreadful feeling what was going to happen next. He knew what the next words that were gonna part from Celestia's lips.

Celestia looked at the amulet as she said,"Bright, I need to open-"

"No. I won't do it," interjected Bright, "I'm not gonna open the Vault."

Celestia shouted at the amulet. "Have countless years made you selfish? Are you really not gonna save the kingdom you've been longing to return to?"

"By leaving that damn vault closed I would be saving everypony. You even agreed to keep those accursed things away! We made a promise!"

"Watch your tongue!"

"Ooooh! I would be minding what I speak oh princess if I even had a tongue to speak of! I'm an old soul who's been trapped in a piece of jewelry for goddess knows how long! Now that I've finally returned I've been asked to release my creation upon the world once again! What's wrong Princess? You look distressed. Are you distraught from being refused by a talking amulet, or that I didn't bring cake for our reunion? Better that I didn't, your caboose has gotten bigger the last time I saw you."

Celestia needed to stop him. she needed Bright for those weapons they were the only things left that could actually stand a chance. She remembered how they were successful in the battle at the Trotting Hills which ended a war between her kingdom and the Griffon Kingdom. She needed to know from Bright the location of his key to the vault. The Vault had two locks and can only be unlocked with two different keys. She had her's while Bright had his. Not only will she need him to use his key to unlock the vault but to train the Equestrian Guard on how to craft it and utilize it on the field against those crystal abominations. He's the only soul that can save Equestria from an unknown enemy and here he is making fun of her rump. Losing all form of self-control Celestia shouted in her Canterlot Voice, "IF YOU REFUSE TO HELP SAVE YOUR KINGDOM I WILL INSURE THAT YOU'LL NEVER SEE LUNA! I AM THE PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA!"

Twilight, scared out of her wits, dropped crystal head from the sudden explosion of sound. As it crashed on the floor it made it exploded into a hundred pieces and scattered all over the floor. She looked down at what was left of the head. She then turned her attention to her mentor who was glaring down at the amulet with her teeth bare.

Bright's mischievous mood popped in an instant. For awhile there was silence in the throne room. He didn't know what he could do? There was nothing he could, especially in his physical state. "Alright Princess, you have my full attention," He spoke bitterly, "I'll Curse another generation to save your kingdom. Why did you have to use your own sister as leverage? Even after a thousand years you still show little respect for Luna."

Celestia bit at her lip regretting what she exploited her own sister. She lowered her head to the amulet's level and spoke in an apologetic tone. "Bright I'm sorry I know you don't wish to open the Vault but I need to protect my subjects. It's a responsibility I've been burdened with for so long. You understood this and even helped out by making the dragoon, So please give me your key so that I may open the Vault."

"I'm sorry princess but what is the Dragoon?" Asked Twilight. She focused her horn on the amulet to become linked once again to Bright.

Celestia could only answer with a quizzical stare while Bright gave out an exasperated sigh. "Twilight remember that window you were once fascinated by? Well It's time I teach you some old Equestrian history, something not recorded down." Twilight nodded with excitement and cantered toward the window with the amulet while Celestia slowly trailed behind them.

Bright looked at the window that was dedicated to him taking in the details: His cutie mark, the Equestrian Guard, the Griffons, and himself with his weapon. He could only feel a deep sense of regret as he recounted how it came to be.

"Bright?" Asked Twilight wanting her Curiosity to be sated.

Bright had to force himself to talk about his window. "Yes, yes I was going to get to that. Long ago Equestria was at war with the Griffon Kingdom which was under the leadership of King Darius. The whole war was started by him by claiming the crystal veins of the Macintosh Hills as part of his kingdom which cause the war to be known as the Crystal Wars. This image shows the Battle of Smoke and Brimstone fought on the Trotting Hills south of Canterlot. The lantern on the top left is my cutie mark, and that green pony in the center of this image is me, But I presume you already knew who that pony was. What you really want to know is what is in my hooves and why I was named the Master of Fire, is that correct?" Bright waited for a response from Twilight en which he only got a nod. "Well it's a device more powerful than any spear that could ever be produced and manufactured to be used by anypony and I should know, I created it. Like a dragon my device would emit smoke and produce flame, thus I named it the Dragoon. In the war Griffons were already superior in strength and agility, to add to that their entire army were equipped with enchantments that warded all magic making Unicorns as ranged unit virtually obsolete. With The Equestrian Guard automatically losing half of its power it stood little to no chance against Darius's army. That was until I introduced the Dragoon. What was left of the Equestrian Guard were marched to the Trotting Hills to stop Darius and his army from invading the capital, each one was equipped with the Dragoon. When that battle came, In the end, The Equestrian Guard were the victors. The Griffons even with their physical strength and enchantments they didn't stand a chance. Darius died on that battle as well as most of his army. With such a tremendous loss the Griffons had to give up in the war and surrender all claims on the mines as well as pay for the damages done unto Equestria. With such a major victory I was celebrated as a hero, for my works and creations I was called by all the Master of Fire. Now I wish not to be so rude but let's go back to the subject where I have to save Equestria again or even better, let's discuss on how to get me out of this accursed amulet. Twilight, can you tell me about crystals and their magical properties?"

Twilight was still jotting down notes when Bright made his request. Happy that she was asked about her knowledge of magic she let out a smile as she spoke, "Crystals, There many of them all over Equestria. There are a wide vary of crystals each one having their own unique properties. Some are used to conduct electricity or heat ,some are used to make to store recorded information, but there are a few that can be used to conduct and absorb magic. These few crystals can absorb magic and can be used as enchantments."

"Indeed." Interjected Bright, "Crystals are used to carry enchantments. They function like the devices you ponies today call bat-bat-batteries. Like the batteries crystals can only hold so much power."

"They're also very unstable, "Twilight spoke" if an enchanted crystal were to so much as receive crack it the enchant would escape and release a wave of energy, otherwise known simply as an explosion."

"That would mean if we destroy Alicorn Amulet at this moment not only would my soul be lost but the massive amount of energy stored within the amulet would escape at such a high speed that would result in the destruction of most of Canterlot."

Celestia ended her long period of silence and said to the amulet, "Are you proposing that we send you off in search of a way to free yourself?"

"Yes Princess, there is a chance that I could be free." There was a sense of optimism in Bright's voice. "Crystals are used to contain magic correct? We could use the same type of crystal that is used within the Alicorn Amulet and use it to construct a new body for me. This is definitely the most ironic as well as laughable idea I have ever concocted, but I know a spell to construct something that could serve as a host. It is within a book somewhere within the archives The Starswirl the Bearded Wing."

"Of course!" Shouted Twilight "It holds all the spells that have been discovered by Starswirl. The spell you're looking for has to be in there."

"Princess," Bright spoke, "It's no secret that I oppose opening the Vault but for the sake for everypony I have no choice but to accept. I will help, but I need to be free. If I'm not allowed to see Luna, just allow me to disembark on my mission to be free. It's all I ask in return."

the mouth Celestia began to frown feeling the sense of gloom that Bright seemed to emit. Celestia looked down at her prized pupil who was watching her, wondering what her mentor's next action would be. She needed him here to remake his weapons, yet how effective could he be in his current state? Celestia could only wonder what her subjects might think. The Princess receiving ideas from an amulet that is known corrupt others? That sentence alone would cause panic among her jittery subjects. Still, her subjects would be protected from the crystal abominations with Brights weapons. If she were to send Bright to be she would not only be deprived of a useful asset but risk forever losing it, It wasn't worth the risk.

Celestia raised herself and was about to say no until a question came up as if fate would have it. What would Luna think of this? Celestia cringed from shame of the lack of concern for her own sister. How would Luna react if she found out that Bright was still among the living hidden away in plain sight all along these thousand years? How would she react if she discovered that her older sister knows of his condition or much less open the vault with the key entrusted to Bright? Yet again, how would Luna react if she suddenly sees Bright in the flesh? It was obvious to Celestia a secret like Bright couldn't be hidden for long. She would know that at some point she would have to reveal Bright to Luna and to the rest of the kingdom to explain the dragoons and the crystal abominations.

Celestia lowered her head her eyes at the same level with the red crystal of the amulet. "Fine," she spoke calmly masking her frustration, "I'll permit you to leave Bright, if you'll tell me the location of your key."

Bright was hoping to avoid giving out the location, but he was glad that at last he has support on being free. "The key? It's closer than you think Celestia. Do you remember that pendant I made for Luna, the one made with silver and Emerald? Look inside the pendant and you'll find what you need.

Celestia thought back and scoured through the vast archive of her distant memories. He crafted it after the Crystal Wars with the Griffon Kingdom was ended and all of Bright's weaponry were stored in the vault. Her thought of the pendant changed to her sister and she asked herself: does Bright know what has happened to Luna these past one thousand years, does he know that Luna was once Nightmare Moon, did Twilight even tell him? Celestia chose not to ask Bright of this and instead forced out, "Thank you Bright."

"Thank you Princess. Twilight, I want to thank you for the time you sacrificed to help me, but I'm afraid this is where we part ways."

Twilight jumped. "Why are you saying this Bright?"

Bright sighed. "Please Twilight just go back to Ponyville."

Twilight was angered by Bright wanting to be left alone. She wasn't sure why she didn't want to be separated from him either because of her desire to learn the secrets he hide, the feeling of sympathy she holds for him, or maybe because she was attracted by Bright's intellect, whatever reason she didn't want to leave Bright. Twilight blushed as the red made her purple face into magenta. "I'm not leaving you behind Bright," Twilight shouted, "I'm not gonna leave a friend behind."

Bright didn't expect to hear such an outburst from such an orderly mare such as Twilight. She's unwittingly risking her life for me, a disembodied soul she calls friend. Most Unicorns Bright ever encountered wouldn't even help a foal if it meant dirtying their robes. "Okay, okay, If you really wish to come with me then I can't stop you. I do happen to be in need of a certain intellectual to assist me."

Twilight shook her head and shouted, "Then why do you not want me to go with?"

"That's simple." returned Bright using the best of his abilities to maintain his patience. "To find the same type of crystal as the one of the Alicorn Amulet we have to go to the Crystal Mountains of the North. One would be concerned after hearing about crystallized ponies terrorizing the North. So Twilight, are you still interested?"

Twilight stood there still maintaining her expression showing that of valor as she wanted to free Bright ,and perhaps get a new lab partner. "Yes," she spoke.

"Then if Celestia would allow, let us depart to the Star Swirl the Grey-Beard Wing I, I mean we have a kingdom to save."

Twilight packed her notes and Bright into her knapsack. She galloped merrily out of the throne room as she shouted to Celestia, "Goodbye Princess, wish us luck!"

As soon as they disappeared behind her doors Celestia returned to her throne and sat. She gave out a tired sigh as she buried her face in her hooves. She wanted to take a nap but there was still so much on her mind. How is she gonna get the pendant from her sister? Does she even have it after all these years? There's also Twilight risking her own life again for Bright, how is she is gonna react to him once she learns more from him?

within Canterlot Archives all was quiet and peaceful. In one of its many hallways stood a snoring guard protecting the doorway to the Starswirl the Bearded Wing . The silence was disturbed as Twilight cantered through hallway, past the still sleeping guard, and into the wing.

Twilight stopped and gasped for air. She was so excited she that she forgot that she could have teleported. "Bright," She huffed, "We're...... Oh sweet Celestia........ We're here." Still drenched from sweat Twilight took Bright from her knapsack giving a pained smile. "Now let's look for that spell"

"Yes Twilight, I'm sorry I'm putting you through this." Spoke Bright both thankful and embarrassed.

"No need to worry Bright I've been in this part of the Canterlot Archives before, in fact I came here to look for a spell as well."

"Really," spoke Bright suddenly interested, "mind if I pry into the subject?"

Twilight only responeded with frown. She didn't want to tell Bright about her biggest blunders like when she believed an apocalypse was coming when it was only herself from the future who tried to tell herself not to worry, or even when she was worried about being late with her reports to Celestia and ended up having almost everypony fighting for her doll, Smarty Pants.

Bright could sense the embarrassment and tried to make her feel better. "Twilight there's no reason to fret, everypony isn't perfect. I mean haven't I just told you a how I clouted some scoundrel who thinks himself as an elitist because he addressed me as if I were some uncouth bumpkin! Ohhhhh!" Bright had to compose or end up mindlessly cursing almost everypony with a horn. "Anyway, what I was trying to explain is that whatever mistake you have made in the past is all in the past. Don't be brought down by your past mistakes, instead look back and laugh at them as they are just the markers in life that change our character for the better." Twilight returned a warm smile which became a high point in Bright's return to Canterlot. "You don't have to tell me of your experience if you don't want to. Besides I can bet a hundred bits that my tales are more outlandish than yours."

Twilight only answered with a silent nod followed by smile and carried on.

Twilight placed Bright on the ground and as fast as a sonic rainboom gathered a number of texts and scrolls and assembled them into pile separate piles each organized in alphabetical order. She started from the a-pile and selected two scrolls from the top. As she unraveled them she brought Bright closer to her to accompany her in their search. "I have organised a way for us to go through most of the spells. If we each read through twenty manuscripts for every hour we may be able to go through one aisle by sunrise."

Bright's mind couldn't help but collapse on itself as he listened to Twilight's plan. "By all the nine levels of Tartarus this mare is insane!" Thought Bright, "I wouldn't do this even if I were drunk off all the wine in Canterlot! And I thought I was studious."

"Alright Bright let's get started!" shouted Twilight ecstatically as she dived her head into the scroll

"No!" shouted Bright, "Uh, I meant to say that I have a different solution." Twilight twisted her head in confusion. "The hourglass, would you kindly flip it to it's side." Twilight used her magic and balanced the hourglass on its side, the grains of sand sunk to the bottom of each side. “Now, I want you to say the word break” After whispering the words to Twilight, the mare spoke silently almost mouthing the words. “No!” shouted Bright, “With more gusto!”

“Break!” Shouted Twilight.

The hourglass obeyed and the glass containing the sand within broke raining unto to floor followed by the sand and what was left of the hourglass. Twilight looked at mess scared out of her wits that she just destroyed an important part of the Canterlot Archives. Her fears were cut short as the fallen sand had come to life and travelled to all corners of the room, immediately blinding her. Twilight could only cough and hack at the sand cloud that was trying to dig into her lungs. Once she felt that her throat was no longer being chafed she opened her eyes found herself in complete darkness.

She didn't have to use her horn to light the room as their was already a red glow. She tried to move around but quickly realized that she was contained in room, with walls that had a texture similar to sand. The room was devoid of any doors and windows. The only sound that were being made came from the sound of Twilight breathing .She looked down see what was in front of her and she saw a small table. On top of it a book and a red crystal.

Twilight looked at the book, its bindings were torn and smelled of a strong sour odor. She then looked at the at the red crystal, It was jagged piece of earth that was giving off light. "It must have just been enchanted to emit light." thought Twilight. She ignored it and refocused on the book

Twilight was tried to make out the writing. She then peered inside the book flipping the covers using only her magic. Inside there were more text as well as a series of drawings and sketches, She found a spell book! Perhaps the one Bright needs. she looked inside reading the headings of each page and soaking up each piece of knowledge she could receive, twilight did this until she heard a voice.

"Interesting is it not?" Spoke an ominous voice "I'm delighted that you you hold an interest to the past."

"That didn't sound like Bright," thought Twilight she looked around the room for him but he was nowhere to be seen. She then looked at the red crystal with disbelief. "No."

"Yes you are having a conversation with a crystal, but there is no need to fret for I am here to help you."

"Why should I even trust you. I don't even know you."

"True, true. You have no knowledge of what I am, but you will learn in time. But for now," said the crystal while it changed its shape to resemble an eye while at the same time making the sounds of broken glass, "Look into the eye and I'll show you where you need to go."

Twilight tried to avert her eyes from the hideous eye, she was afraid that she would die in if she glanced at the eye for even a second.

"Look into the eye." Spoke the voice with a more commanding tone.

Though Twilight tried her best to avert her eyes she soon found herself looking into the eye. One moment she was the dark room the next she was in a open plain in the middle of a day. She looked around her surroundings behind her in the distance within a small valley was or whats left of it a village. In front of her was a cave. She wanted to get as far from the cave as possible but she soon found herself walking towards it.

the Cave was pitch was pitch dark, to see Twilight had to use her horn as light. For what seems like hours she traveled the cave making random turns and climbing rock mounds feeling compelled to walk every step. Her journey finally came to and end when she finally reached a large room covered with crystal so clean that she could her own reflection.

Twilight wanted to leave but couldn't move a muscle. She heard screams coming from where she came from. Now she really wanted to leave, but she still couldn't move. she could only turn her head toward the sounds that were getting closer

"Where are you taking us? I want to know where your taking us!"

"I'm not going anywhere with you freaks! I'm getting outta here!" After that, all that were heard were more screams.

"I'm glad to see that your here." Twilight turned around to see a massive crystal eye, it's jagged looking pupil staring at hers. "Now you know where to go to save Bright, but I can't allow him to know of my existence, not yet. I'm that'll have to take some of your memories, but you'll still have the ability to find your way here."

"Who are you?" Asked Twilight.

The eye spoke, "I'm just someone who cares for the well being of his as well as his sister's creation. You'll learn in time, but for now to sleep with you."

Twilight obeyed and fell on her side atop the cold smooth ground. When she opened her eyes she found herself back in the Starswirl the Bearded Wing. She groaned as she picked herself up, her neck was sore. She looked at the hourglass, it looked like it never received a scratch. She looked down to see the old spell book before her. She turned around and there was the amulet on the floor waiting for her.

She levitated first the book then Bright on the pedestal that hold the hourglass. She felt like she was gonna collapse if she didn't support herself, so she rested her head on the pedestal while the rest of her body went limp and drooped to the floor. "How did you knew on where to find the book?" she yawned.

"A friend showed me, someone equally as inquisitive as yourself. Are you okay?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because you're in the exact same state he was before, are you okay?"

"Yes, yes I'm fine. I got the spell book so we can depart tomorrow in the morning. Bright? What was the name of your friend?"

"Nightfall, he was the one of the few Unicorns back in the day who's face I wouldn't beat in. We were close friends."

Twilight let out a light chuckle. "Coming from you he sounds nice." Twilight let out another long yawn. "Goodnight Bright."

"Twilight!" Bright shouted, "Look for a place to rest." But it was pointless as Twilight was already asleep, dreaming of the Crystal Mountains and the cavern within.

Author's Note

Yes! Finally done! It's five in the morning and I'm a bit late to say this, but Happy Thanks Giving! Right now I'm thankful I have the whole week off.