Moon's Blade and the Crystals of Chaos

Chapter 9:
Canterlot

It has been several days since that night that Morgana tried to kill me. Ever since that night none had seen her again. Not much later Fluttershy went missing. She had most likely done what she had promised she'd do. Follow every of Morgana's single step. We were worried about her, but there was nothing we could do.

I spent most of my time working at Sugarcube Corner, to earn some bits. In my spare time I used to visit Rainbow Dash. We had a lot of conversations, races and outings. Why she wanted them, I did not know, neither did I care. As long as I could spend some time with her.

"So..." Rainbow Dash started, "What do you think Fluttershy is doing right now?"

"I don't know," I replied, "But I'm sure she's alright."

I sighed. Even I doubted what I said. "She doesn't seem like the kind of pony that would run right into the danger."

"I guess you're alright. But it still bothers me..."

"What bothers you?"

"I still remember that what we saw inside the tomb. Those corpses."

"You mean the corpses of those hired adventurers?"

"Yes, those. Morgana sent them, didn't she?"

"Yes, but I doubt they were mainly there for feeding the crystal. I guess it was just a coincidence that they managed to feed the crystal with their blood. Morgana just took the advantage of it."

"Aren't you afraid that Fluttershy..."

"Like I said, she's not the kind of pony to run into danger. You know that better than I do, Dashy."

"You're right."

"Let's look at what we can do now. Fluttershy will be alright."

"Yes, but we'll have to find her eventually."

"We will." I sighed, "But we need a clue first. If only we'd know where Morgana went, we'd know where Fluttershy went."

We were silent after that conversation. We watched the sunset together. After sunset we decided to go home.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," I said, "Maybe we'll find out something about Morgana or Fluttershy."

Dash nodded, but she was still concerned. "Goodnight." She said and flew away. I went back to the Library.

The next morning I were awakened by Twilight, which wanted to talk to me.

"What is it?" I said sleepy.

"We've been invited by the princess," Twilight said somewhat stressed, "She's awaiting us at the Canterlot Palace. We can't let her wait."

I got out of bed and looked at Twilight a bit annoyed. "Couldn't you tell me earlier?" I asked.

Twilight responded annoyed as well. "I wanted to, but you were with Rainbow all day long. It's not my fault I couldn't inform you."

I apologized to Twilight, as it was true that she was already asleep when I came back the other day.

We went outside, where the others awaited us and afterwards we went to Canterlot.

Once arrived, we walked straight to the Canterlot Palace. The path to it was made of white bricks with a little bit of gold. In the middle of the road was a small square where ponies, mostly unicorns, gathered. In the middle of that square was a big fountain made out of marble and gold. On the end of the road was a golden gate, guarded by two unicorns in armour.

The guards seemed to recognize Twilight and let us in immediately. Inside the palace we went straight to what seemed to be the throne room. On the throne was a white mare with both wings and horn. It was clear to me that this was none other than the princess herself. Princess Celestia.

"I'm glad you came," the princess started, "I've heard from my student, Twilight, all about your adventures and your quest. You've been through many hardships already, but it is not yet the end. I understood that your friend is missing and that you don't have a single clue where she, nor the remaining crystal could be."

We all responded by nodding.

"There's not much I can do, but I will try to help you as much as I can. First by sharing my knowledge with you."

"Thousands of years ago, when Discord still reigned over Equestria, there was a certain object. A crystal. It was the same crystal you currently seek, only in one part. Discord used this crystal, the chaos crystal, to succumb the chaos he used into power he could use to create even more chaos. By doing so, he'd greatly increase in power. The ponies of Equestria were suffering, though. Back then we, my sister and I, were but goddesses."

She took a deep breath, then continued. "After years of Discord's terror, we could not stand it anymore. We decided to descend from the heavens to put an end to his reign. We used six celestial instruments to destroy the crystal. The elements of harmony. But it seemed that the crystal opposed the six elements, therefore it could not be destroyed. Instead, the crystal's power gained form. It became a creature of it own. The beast, as it's existence is to stay in balance with the six elements, could not be defeated. Therefore, we used the power of the elements to seal it back in the crystal. After that, the crystal split up in seven parts, each contained a fraction of the whole crystal's power."

"After that we defeated Discord, and the years have passed since then. Luna and I feared that the crystals would not stay separated forever, but there's nothing we could do against it. Someday somepony had to arrive who wanted to reunite the crystals and recreate the chaos crystal. That inevitable day is nearing now, and we need you to prevent any further disasters. Therefore I give you these."

She gave Twilight a small box. "Open it when the chaos crystal has been recreated, by the time you need to use its contents you'll know how to use them."

"The second way I'll help you is by sending troops when the time's there. I'm sure they'll take good care of you."

We thanked the princess.

"I'm sorry I can't help you finding the remaining crystals, but I'm pretty sure you'll find them someday."

"It's no problem, your highness." Twilight said smiling.

"Leave it to us!" Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically.

The six of us left the palace and returned to Ponyville.

Back in Ponyville Rainbow and I decided to spend some more time together.

"I wonder what's in that box she gave us." She said, "I guess it's what I think it is, but I'm not sure."

"We'll find out." I responded.

"If only we had a clue to where the other crystals could be..." As soon as she finished her sentence a shadow appeared in the distance.

As the shadow came closer it gained the form of a dragon.

"Whoa, that's amazing!" Dash shouted out loud, but then her smile disappeared. "W-wait, is it coming this way?"

I were about to grab my sword until I realised I've seen that dragon before. "It isn't... Could it be?" I said.

"What's the matter?" Dash asked anxiously.

"Are you afraid of dragons?"

"N-no, of course not!" She obviously lied, "They're a piece of cake to deal with!"

I sheeted my sword. "Well, have fun dealing with him then."

Dash looked at me scared, yet surprised.

"What? I thought you said you could handle them easily."

"It's not like I.... I mean, are you seriously not going to help me?"

"Fine, I'll deal with him myself, then. You just stay here."

"W-wait!" She shouted as I flew towards the dragon.

The dragon descended and so did I. When I approached the dragon I recognized his scarred face.

"So, how have you been?" I asked.

"I've been fine, why you ask?" He responded.

"Look, there's something you have to do for me right now," I said, "Are you willing to help?"

"I am born to serve your people. Of course I will!" He responded.

I whispered in his ear.

I returned to Rainbow Dash.

"So, what did you do?" she asked.

"I tamed him," I responded, "Look at this." I shouted at the dragon. "Naga, come over here!"

The dragon flew towards us. "What can I do, master?" Naga said.

"T-that's impressive." Rainbow said flabbergasted. "B-but I think I'll be off for now! See ya!" And she flew away with high-speed.

"Have I done well?" Naga asked.

"Yes, perfectly," I responed happily, "What is it that you came for?"

"It's about the mountain." He said.

Come to think of it, Naga is our guardian, he shouldn't leave his place unless something truly terrible is happening.