Equestria Girls: A Black Rose by any Name

A Black Rose by any Name...

Chapter 11: A interesting Visit to Crystal Town

The motorway full of cars, lorries and buses going on their travels to different parts of the country with the roaring of all vehicles on the six lanes of road, a people carrier drives down the slip lane and turn at the roundabout down a countryside road to Crystal Town with a sign saying 32 miles, the road lead through a thick forest with deers, rabbits and other forms of wild life watching as cars and other moods of transport go through this dense forest to the valley clearing that the town sat in.

Inside the people carrier driving it was Flash Sentry and in the passenger seat was Rainbow Dash with her fellow friends in the back seats including Sunset Shimmer all finding the journey to be a great time to talk about what they gong to do, what they done and such.

“Flash have you ever been to Crystal Town?” Rainbow Dash turn to him as he drove.

Flash keeping a eye on the road replied “A few times, one for that awesome game you played in and won for Canterlot High and the other was for the opening festival for the Crystal Heart, going for a plan visit for a few days, not really”

“Same here, I am hoping to see if I can find this one guy called Electuroo, I heard he was down with the flu when our game happened and that our match would have been tougher if he was playing” Rainbow Dash put her hands behind her head thinking about it. “It would have been awesome playing par against someone that is awesome as me”

“And I bet you would love to challenge him to a one on one to settle the rumours?” Flash turn his eyes for a second to Dash and back to the road.

Rainbow Dash chuckled “Sure would, it most likely be a blast too”

Applejack spoke in turn “Well ah am thinking about going to see my cousin Braeburn at the Orchard, he might be a bit of a loud mouth at times but his still my cous”

“Isn't he friends with this Electuroo fellow darling?” Rarity recalling the name she heard about.

“Sure is sugarcube, ah even met him, he was at the new year family reunion party right here in Crystal Town and woowee it was sure a lot of fun, wasn't sure about him being there at first since he isn't really family but from what ah heard from mah aunt and uncle he spend so much time around there with Braeburn even helping out with the chores that call him part of the family” Applejack said recalling what her aunt and uncle said and how true friendship is between Braeburn and Electuroo where.

Sunset Shimmer decided to speak “my interest is these statues that was put into the museum a few days ago, something about them really odd and might perk all of your interests too”

“What do you mean Sunset?” Fluttershy was given the newspaper clipping and saw what look like five equine statues with gems in them. “Wait aren't those the crystals that was stolen by Black Rose?”

“They sure are and those statues are pony guards part of Equestria, unicorn in the middle, two pegasi and two earth ponies, all with royal armour on.” Sunset said pointing to each as she spoke.

Pinkie Pie giggled “That really cool since your a unicorn pony from that world too right?”

“Indeed that how I knew these in a heart beat, but the question is... why are there statues of equestrian ponies in this world” Sunset Shimmer gave the clipping to Rarity.

“Oh my they look really dazzling with those crystals in them, maybe we can find out by checking it out after we checked into our hotel, I heard that it the best in Crystal Town and so are their spas too” Rarity thought about relaxing in a spa with a sigh.

Rainbow Dash took the clipping next “That awesome and all but why do we have to go to some crummy museum?”

“Come on sugarcube if it about Twilight and Sunset's world wouldn't you want to know a little it more about them?” Applejack said taking the clipping from Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah that true and the pegasi do look really awesome though” she thought back about the wings she had “Wish I could of kept those wings though, it was amazing to fly around and pure awesome when I gave Scoots a ride on that dance”

Pinkie Pie points out “Girls and Flash look at that!” the car slows and parks in a lane they all got out just in time to see the sunset as it shined into the spire in the distance “Wow look at all those colours!”

Sunset Shimmer looked to the sky as the crystal spire did it usually sunrise and sunset job “Now that something to see, it almost as if magic excises right there in that town” She looked up at the aurora formed by the Crystal Spires Crystal Heart. “So that what they meant by the heart of the town shines at dusk and dawn... quite the light show!

“I got to admit that is pretty neat to see” Flash said and saw it die away and was gone just as fast as it appeared “Alright girls let get going before we late for our check in” they all nod and got back into the car and it drives off down the road to the town.

Morning...

At the Crystal Town Mall the girls and Flash sat together in the restaurant called 'Crystal Corner Dinner' and it was a big one at that, it was only morning and it was almost packed with the local people and those that come into work at the business district of the town all to enjoy a good breakfast.

“Wow this place is packed, I am glad we got here when we did” Rainbow Dash said seeing how full it was. “Guess this is the best joint” she took her soda and drunk some.

Rarity eating her eggs on toast with bakebeans enjoyed the taste as well the style they made it on the plate “Not only that they are great with detail and the right amount a girl needs to start the day.”

Flash noticed a lady with a yellow shirt with black trousers with black shoes, she had long silver hair and taking some of the trays away from customers and talking to them with smiles “They also customer friendly too and got to admit these Double Chocolate Supreme donuts really got a sweet taste to them, no wonder they the best sellers around these parts including this hot chocolate with whipcream and white chocolate sprinkles” he enjoying his desert as he already had his breakfast.

Pinkie Pie put a hand out “Hi ya miss”

“Hello how can I help you?” she said with a smile

“Oh I want to know when they will start selling those Apple Fritters, I heard the apples that used are grown here in Crystal Town” Pinkie Pie beamed

Stardust look to her watch “Well I say about ten minutes miss, but if you order now, one of the staff bring it right over”

“Thank you Stardust” Pinkie Pie said with a big smile. “Oh and this place is super cool, I never seen so many people happy to eat in a restaurant what your secret?”

Stardust shrugs “Nothing really miss, just a good smile, good service, good food and nice music, it all soon adds up and hope you enjoy your stay in Crystal Town” Stardust walks off going back to her duties.

Sunset Shimmer walk by her and sat with the others “Sunset I saved you this, hope you don't mind” Fluttershy gave her a tray with some toast on it with a bowl of fruit salad and a drink.

“Thanks Fluttershy, ever since that incident nine months ago I been trying my best to make amends to what I did to all of you... I really happy that you all could forgive me... it been one of the hardest things since I left Equestria”

Stardust heard this turning her head slightly “Equestria?” she whispered “She must be one of those ponies...” Stardust frown a little “Those statues of course” she came back to the table and spoke “Your from the alternate world aren't you?” she knelt down and whispered making them all turn to her with shock. “I finish in about a few hours, meet me at the Museum” with that Stardust leaves making them all stare at Sunset Shimmer then back at the lady walking away.

Rainbow Dash slap herself in the head “Of course now I remember where I saw her, she the one that push the button with the major two years ago”

Rarity tapping her folk on the plate “That was rather odd don't you think? She didn't seem to be phased by the idea of Sunset shimmer being a pony...”

Sunset was also wondering that too “I guess that means we all are taking that trip to the museum after all”

Flash was curious now “you don't think there something more to this town then meet the eyes is there?”

“Well you do have those funky ruins to the mountain ridge, I bet it something to do with those statues” Rainbow Dash said and went on to drink her soda.

“Ah wouldn't put it pass ya on that one Rainbow” Applejack ate her apple.

“Well we not going till I had my Apple Fritter, I heard they really tasty and want to see if it true” Pinkie Pie said and they all just laughed with her afterwards finding it amusing.

Afternoon...

A few hours later they arrived at the museum and waiting there in casual clothing was Stardust. “Sorry about the short word but when I heard from you young lady about Equestria I knew you must be from there and the events that took place nine months ago must be connected some how since Black Rose did steal a crystal from Canterlot High at the same time the crazy light show happened”

Sunset Shimmer was stunned by this “Wait your telling me that this Black Rose Character, that crystal thief used what I was doing as a distraction to get a crystal from the school?”

“Indeed” she step up to them with a hand out “My name is Stardust” they each took turns shaking her hand.

“My name is Rarity darling”

“Name Rainbow Dash”

“Pinkie Pie!”

“Fluttershy”

“Flash Sentry ma'am”

“Sunset Shimmer”

“Applejack ma'am and nice to ya again, how Electuroo?”

Stardust sighed “Wish I knew, it been over a week since I last heard from him, he off on a big adventure with my sister Daring Do”

“Daring Do? Your sister!?” Rainbow Dash gasped with surprise “I watched every movie she ever made!”

Stardust smiled “Sound like she got a big fan” they walked up into the museum with her “Funny thing is Daring Do been to Equestria about 100 years ago to be exact”

“That not possible” Rarity spoke and turn to Pinkie whom was giggling “Pinkie?”

“It is so possible Rarity it just took some weird magic to do that to Daring Do and it was a big oof a dozzy trap that took her 100 years into the pony past and spent 20 years as a explorer for the sun Princess. right?” she turn to Stardust.

Stardust stared at her “How the heck did you know that?”

“Just a hunch” Pinkie Pie walked by her leaving Stardust with a raised figure and open mouth to figure it out.

Sunset Shimmer thought about it “Come to think of it, there was written novels of Daring Do back in Equestria as well historic facts about the real deal Daring Do being one of the best archaeological ponies that worked under Princess Celestia herself in some cases. If I remember correctly” they continued to walk down the hall and through exhibits with people walking and chatting the historic items on display.

“Did you say Princess Celestia? But I thought she a principle” Fluttershy looked a bit confused by this.

Sunset shimmer put her hand on her head “There a Princess Celestia and Luna in Equestria and believe there other versions of you girls there too, didn’t I explain this last time when you lot ran into the Twilight of this world?”

“Oh yes you did, sorry I kind of forgot”

“It ok Fluttershy but the question I got is Daring Do is a fictional character in both worlds but here she real and both been the real deal explorer and actor doesn't that mean she the only one and true Daring Do? How does that work?” Rainbow Dash rubbing her head a little with her hand. “A bit weird if you ask me”

Pinkie Pie shrugged “It most likely something to do with the fact they the blood line that held the Stardust Crystal all the way about 6000 years go and they been a bit of both worlds”

Stardust was getting really creeped out by Pinkie Pie “Ok seriously stop doing that...”

“Doing what?”

“Knowing things that you shouldn't even know” Stardust replied rubbing her head “You know what forget it... let just go to the exhibit before I just lose it”

Rarity sighed “I think your freaking out the poor dear Pinkie Pie...”

“Sorry I just wanting to help...”

“There helping Pinkie and there just plan crazy weird you can pull, just tone it down for now ok?” Rainbow Dash put her hand on Pinkie's shoulder.

“Okie dokie loki” She replied with a grin.

Rarity stopped at a case of crystals “oh my stars... these are to die for... they so pretty and perfect...” the crystals was in one of each slot of a old looking gold relic

“That the crystals of harmony, during the fourth year of the crusaders they came across this relic without a temple in Europe, they only on display for a short time here in Crystal Time before being shipped back to the London Museum in the UK” Rarity look to the elderly lady standing by her. “I always enjoy coming here and looking at history even when I was young, it brings piece to mind knowing that a relic like this can tell you a story of belief, hope and unity to those that held these crystals as if magic itself existed”

“That amazing” Rarity was stunned by the story of these beauties before her. “Thank you for telling me this”

“Anytime youngster, 'live in the here and enjoy it with friends and family' I always say, have a nice day young lady” the lady walks down the hall.

Fluttershy turn to Stardust “Who was that?”

“Oh that was our librarian, she very sharp for her age and wise, many go to her for advice when they have problems and she uses historic references to put forward a point, in fact she the one that discovered the only piece to tell the story of the 'fall of the Crystal Empire' and what a tale that is” Stardust said walking on with the group.

Flash Sentry looking around was quite amazed at the collection of artefacts, bones and other historic relics that sit within the halls “I am guessing that most of this place has items from the Empire ruins right?”

“Indeed Flash and here we are” they stood before the statues

Flash looked at the middle one with the red horn on it “That some ruby... who is that?”

“No one knows the name but he was a tyrant that came to our world and killed the queen of the Crystal Empire from what the tale goes by...

Across the void he did come

Came to conquer Crystal Empire

Upon the storm of attack

She stood tall and protect her kin

She may have fell but her heart still shines

Protecting one and many of all...

That is the rhyme that I heard, not quite sure what happened but the one tale stated that magic poured through the arch and into our world turning human to pony kind but then the magic was pulled back in and with a lashing of roar and quake the land around that shook and fell upon the day all nature striked the once kingdom of the Crystal Empire fell in one short fall and thous end that day they wonder endless till one tale was left...” Stardust said staring at each of the statues

Sunset Shimmer was stunned “If I heard that right this arch that spoken of is a gate between our worlds one here and one there between the two Crystal Empires a unity of some sort between ponies and humans but then this pony king the one in the middle must of conquered his empire and turn into a hellish nightmare then turn on this empire on this world and stuck hard and fast destroying not only hope and love but the queen herself... then he found a way to reconfigure this world...” Sunset Shimmer shivered at that thinking this dark being was off his rocker for sure.

Rainbow Dash yawned “Yeah yeah, magic energy from Equestria turning people into ponies I get it...”

Flash frown a little “Wouldn't that upset the balance between the two worlds?”

“I believe it would Flash” Rarity looking to the statues “Talk about creepy that gem is making me feel cold for some reason...”

Stardust put a hand on her shoulder “Rarity everyone has that feeling when looking at this statue that why the east wing ruins was sealed... but since it was all destroyed a week ago the statues was moved here for further studies and to be viewed by the public, both, me, Sombra, Shining Armour and Cadance all agreed with the family at Sweet Appaloosa Orchard to put it here and we pretty much have the most influence on stuff like that”

Applejack sitting against the wall looking to the statues with a nod munching on a apple then swallowed “Ah can agree with that since mah aunt and uncle do supply pretty much everything that sound here in Crystal Town in organic means, also the mayor have that power and with the backing of the school principal and vice-principal it definital make sense why it here”

“And Stardust would have some say as well since she was the one that made that awesome crystal heart I checked out earlier, it really cool how the light show happens too” Rainbow Dash looking to the statues “But I liking the look of those pegasi, they look mean and cool”

Sunset Shimmer turn to Stardust “You said something about Black Rose, these crystals, all of them they the ones that was stolen...”

“Yes Miss Shimmer they are” Stardust saw them looking at her “She stole all the crystals to place in these five statues to open a gate way to Equestria” the all gasped at this point “That where my son, Braeburn and Daring Do are at the moment... all because she stole the Stardust Crystal...” she look to Pinkie Pie “That is why our bloodline is been going on for 6000 years... your hunches are really creepy”

Pinkie Pie just kept that happy go look “I know, sorry about that Stardust, so what happened to the gateway?”

“Destroyed, it collapsed soon as they cross the rift. So we have little or no information on their progress...” Stardust sat down by Applejack. “Just telling someone else about the current problems is a bit relieving...”

“It strange... but I think that statue is alive...” they all turn to Sunset Shimmer. “Look at that king statue and tell me what you see...”

They all looked at it and suddenly a cold wind whipped around. Stardust felt unease with many people starting to back away from it she turn seeing their fear and look to it she saw what seem to be smoke coming from it and a pair of red eyes in green... “That ruby horn must something to do with this...” Stardust run by the girls “Flash help me!”

Flash jumps up and grab hold of the horn with Stardust and both pulling “This thing stuck”

“Just pull!” they pulled it out almost falling over and the smoke disappeared and the eyes.

“Wh-what was that!?” Fluttershy hiding behind a display with fear with Rarity whom was also spoked

“How did you know how to stop it darling?”

Stardust look to the red ruby horn in her hands “I don't know... I just felt that was the connection... and decided to jank it out”

Flash got down and helped her “Either way it was a good thing, whatever that creature was it not bothering us now...”

“I better put this somewhere safe... something about it just don't feel right” Stardust look to the horn

“You me both sister” Pinkie Pie stared at it “It gives me the shivers just staring at it”

Crystal Shield standing by the doors leading to items that never on display but being studied saw Stardust with the seven students coming his way “Stardust what going on? I got a call on the radio about you ripping off a horn from one of the equine displayed statues”

“This thing you mean?” he look to it “If I didn't, something bad would of happened... we all saw a pair of creepy glowing green and red eyes stare at us laughing evilly too... it was some sort of shadow creature and this horn is somehow connected to it...”

Crystal Shield felt uneasy “So the rumours are true... I knew those voices I heard wasn't my imagination” He sighed “I will let you through Stardust but I can't allow them to come, I will lose my job if I did...”

“Understood, kids I be back in a moment ok?” they nod and she walks through the doors as he let her through unlocking it with his key card.

Crystal Shield closed it and turn to the seven students “So how your stay been in Crystal Town part from that little scare?”

“It would be more divine darling if it wasn't for knowing what we know now” Rarity sighed “and that creepy eyes was damn right scary”

“Yeah what up with Daring Do taking off with those two boys Electuroo and Braeburn?” Rainbow Dash stood against the wall looking to the police officer that was doing guard duty in the museum.

Crystal Shield chuckled “One Braeburn is and always Electuroo's closest  friend and two Electuroo is as stubborn as Daring Do, Angel and Stardust... so when he called her Stardust knew there was no stopping Electuroo and just gave them all her blessing as a mother, sister and a friend to the Apple family” Crystal Shield closed his eyes with a sigh “And finally Mayor Sombra agreed to it, he loves Stardust and the family... he cares deeply for them that why on New Years he proposed to her and she said yes”

“How so romantic... I wish I was there to see that day... so when the wedding?” Rarity was delighted in such romance

“It was suppose to be next week but we put it on hold till all of their safe return” they all turn to see the mayor himself standing there with a smirk. “So what crazy magic have I missed this time?”

“Spoken eyes and a dark evil laugh in some crazy black and green smoke, other then that nothing” Pinkie Pie replied with a smile. “Could I prepare the party after you two tied the knot please!”

Mayor Sombra put his hand out “Of course, I heard from Shining Armour that Canterlot High personal party planner is the best around and a lot of good music and such, just only you get that band of yours and that DJ then it perfect”

“SURE!!!” Pinkie Pie put her hand on his and shook on it. “Yippy! I got to plan a awesome party and I got all my friends to help!” she gave three of them a big hug “Right!?”

“Sure Pinkie” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

Stardust came out through the door “Sound like someone planning the party after the wedding”

“Sure am Stardust! I am sooooooo happy!” Pinkie Pie dancing around with glee

“That girl sure have a lot of energy... wish I still had that” Stardust chuckled. “But it will have to wait though”

“Oh course darling your son and the other two return right?” Rarity replied

Sunset Shimmer walk to the window looking out with Flash by her “Something the matter?”

“No Flash... I just wonder about my old home that all... and about the past nine months... I worked so hard to make mends for my mistakes yet I feel incomplete” Sunset Shimmer crossed her arms staring out to the Crystal Spire.

“You done well Sunset and that we all can say for sure and you came along way” he put his hand on her shoulder “One step at a time right?”

“Yes one step at a time...”

“What in tarnation is this thing?” Applejack held up a black crystal that she just found.

Sombra frowned “That is one weird looking crystal...” suddenly as the Crystal Heart was hit by the sunset the light beam hit the crystal and it shattered to dust and then nothing. “Ok...”

Applejack look at her hand then to the window “Wow that something, it almost as if the Crystal Heart was defending us...”

“That impossible all it is a massive crystal that I and five others hand crafted, we took heart, time and care to make it including putting the magnets into it... and the light effect is all to do with the prisms through the spire” Stardust stated

“One that I designed personally” Sombra added putting his hand on Stardust's “We worked together on the project with everyone in this town putting a bit of their hearts into it”

“That the magic, friendship, unity and love... you all worked together for a common goal to fulfil your dreams on creating that landmark in the centre of the town and didn't you realise the town is circular too?” Sunset Shimmer point to the map of the town showing the way it was built. “Here the town hall, the school, the orchard, the mall, homes and even the business district all within a circular radius”

“Come to think of it, you do have the forest around the town over to the north part of the valley and the ruins just over there” Fluttershy points “It does kind of look like a circle now you think about it”

Sombra blinked “I never realised... amazing...” he put his hand on the map “Think of that Stardust quite the sight when you look at all the roads and how they laid out”

“Indeed your quite the artiest” she kissed him on the cheek

“Gross” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue and the others just laughing in response.

“How about we all get a bite to eat? My treat” Sombra suggested and everyone cheered “Crystal Shield keep up the good work”

“I will sir and may join you later, my duty finishes in a ten minutes” Crystal Shield replied as he watch them all leave talking to each other with smiles all round.

He stood against the wall with arms crossed “What a day... but I wonder if that crazy ruby horn is the reason behind all that creepiness in the ruins...” He thought about it “Yep for sure” he sighed heavily “Never a dull moment here in Crystal Town that for sure...” he smirked and wait for his shift to end...