Crystal Apprentice

Chapter 1. Sad Story

A young black and white stallion poked his head through the heavy red curtains covering the back stage of a grand music hall.

"Ms. Sad Story, you're on in five," He said to the young, light yellow pegasus mare behind it. She had a light sea foam green mane and tail, both falling in loose waves cascading down to the ground. She was wearing a dark red dress, outlined in black, with black shoes on.

"Thank you Sound Check," The mare said, her red eyes turning to look at the stallion.

"No problem," Sound Check said with a smile on his face.

Sad Story took a deep breath.

"Okay Sad… just another routine concert. Don't worry about having a princess in the crowd…" she muttered to herself. "Nothing will go wrong."

Sad walks out, her mane shining in the stage light as she made her way over the stage, her cutie mark barely peeking out from under the hem of her dress, the red circle with a music note in it vines spiraling out from the circle in a graceful way captivating the audience.

"Hello every pony! I hope you're ready for tonight's concert!" She spoke into her headset, a smile on her face. "We have some special ponies in the audience tonight!"

The ponies in the crowd cheered happily as Sad's gaze landed on the purple princess of friendship, feeling the jitters once again.

'You can do this!' She thought before queuing the music.

"Pictures in my pocket

All faded from the wash

I can barely just make out your face

Food you saved for later in my refrigerator

It's been too long since later never came

I know one day eventually

Yeah I know one day I'll have to let it all go

But I keep it just in case

Yeah I keep it just in case

In case you don't find what you're looking for

In case you're missing what you had before

In case you change your mind I'll be waiting here

In case you just want to come home

Strong enough to leave you

But weak enough to need you

Filly enough to let you walk away

I took that dirty jacket

From the trash right where you left it

Cause i couldn't stand to see it go to waste

I know one day eventually

Yeah I know one day I'll have to let it all go

But I keep it just in case

Yeah I keep it just in case

In case you don't find what you're looking for

In case you're missing what you had before

In case you change your mind I'll be waiting here

In case you just want to come home

In case you're looking in that mirror one day and miss my hooves

How they wrapped around your flank

I say that you can love me again even if it isn't the case

You don't find what you're looking for

Ohhh

You're missing my looooove

You don't find what you're looking for

In case you're missing what you had before

In case you change your mind I'll be waiting here

In case you just want to come home

In case

Yeah," She sang, her voice ringing out clearly.

Every pony stomped their hooves at the end of her song, some with tears in their eyes. Sad Story smiled happily.

"Do you want another?!" She asked the crowd.

"Yeah!!!" All of the ponies cheered.

"Okay this song is called Alicorn of Darkness," Sad Story smiled as the music started.

"Alicorn of darkness

Alicorn of darkness

The world is in your hoof

But I will fight until the end

Alicorn of darkness

They'll follow your command

But I will fight and I will stand

When darkness falls

Pain is all

The alicorn of darkness

Will leave behind

And I will

Fight

*panting*

All love is lost

Beauty and light

Have vanished from all of the night

The dreams are gone

The night has come

The darkness is our new kingdom

Yeah yeah

Alicorn of darkness

The world is in your hoof

But I will fight until the end

Alicorn of darkness

They'll follow your command

But I will fight and I will stand

*music*

Hurt will form deep in the night

Time to pray

Down on your knees

You can fight for the eternal light

Until my last breath I will fight

I will fight

now I realize

The stars they die

Darkness has fallen paradise

But we'll be strong

And we will fight

Against the creatures of the niiiight

Alicorn of darkness

The world is in your hoof

But I will fight until the end

Alicorn of darkness

They'll follow your command

But I will fight and I will stand

Yeah yeahhhhhh" she sang, smiling as she finished. "Okay every pony, I've got to take a little break!"

"Awww!" The crowd sighed.

"Don't worry every pony, I'll be back in a few minutes!" Sad Story said, exiting the stage.

"That was great Sad!" Sound Check smiled, greeting her as she stepped behind the curtain.

"Thanks Sound." Sad smiled.

"So um…" Sound started. "There's some ponies here to see you…"

"Huh?" Sad asked, turning to look at him. "In the middle of my concert?"

"Yeah, they said it was urgent."

"Oh…" Sad said, her face looking quizzical. "Wonder who it is…"

Just then a unicorn pony entered the dressing room. She had a long red mane and tail, a light grey coat, and her bright green eyes were shining behind her half moon glasses. On her flank was a crystal ball. She smiled as she walked over to Sad Story.

"My name is Mystic, and I am here to tell you some very good news, Ms. Story." She said.

"What good news?" Sad asked wearily.

"Well it wouldn't be much fun just to tell you. I'll show you." Mystic said as a bright light filled the room. When the light cleared, Sound Check could no longer see Sad Story or Mystic anywhere.