Rising Hope: Birth Of The Transcendents

''Twilight, calm down, it's not that big of a problem.'' Spike's voice echoed the human's ears. Regaining his vision from the book slamming into his face, he looked to see Twilight running around the library with a frantic look on her face. Books were strewn about, papers shredded as quill and ink bottles in her levitation field found their way to the unicorn's overloaded saddlebag.

''Flash cards, flash cards!'' Twilight had an epiphany. ''I'll need flashcards!'' Rushing back and forth between checking dates, getting scrolls, and just procrastinating put a damper on everyone's well-being.

''Come on Twi, so what you've been called to take some test, but knowing how you-'' Rainbow held a hoof to her face. ''take things too seriously is bumming us all out.''

''Just a test?'' Twilight crept to Rainbow, a look of insane confusion as she spoke low. ''Just a test?!'' She snorted. ''This is not just a test!'' Twilight grew agitated.

''Same thing you said when you had that friendship letter issue. Something about your life depending on it, the last time I saw somebody who needed to suck was when Bon Jovi played in that vampire movie. '' the human's imaginary friend, now psychical brother in arms admitted from his place on the stairs.

''Who is Bon Jovi?'' Fluttershy and his marefriend, Lavender asked.

''Oh, just some second rate douchebag or something like that.''

''Mommy, are you okay?'' Amethyst Sparkle nudged her mother's leg.

''I'm fine sweetie, it's just I have a test to take your aunt Celestia and Luna has for me and it's kinda getting to me.''

''Twi, I assure you that no matter what they throw at you, you'll come out on top. Besides them, you may just be the 3rd most powerful mare I can possibly know besides-'' Jamir embraced his lover in a hug. - ''who else can you think of to be more qualified to take it?''

''I guess me.'' she sighed. ''but what if I fail? What about-

''You won't.'' he assured.

''B-But-

''You won't.''

It always brought a comforting feeling to Twilight's heart to hear Jamir's words of assurance whenever she felt doubtful. No matter when the tables turned on them, he always remained positive in some way that so happened to grow on Twilight to have more faith in herself. With Discord trying to divide and conquer, Yevon resorting to intimidation, the friendship letter situation and most recent: the wedding. Not once did he ever give in and admit defeat. His determination was just one of the many reasons that she loved him.

''Thanks, you always know what to say. Alright, we should get going, best not keep the princesses waiting.''

Meanwhile in Canterlot:

The halls of the Canterlot medical wing rarely was filled with a few pained shouts and pleas for aid, however that record as of a a month ago was broken. Ever since the invasion of Canterlot and the changeling queen's trial, changelings have been showing up to the medical wing injured, paranoid, and most of all: dying from loss of love. Just last week, one came in complaining of strange visions along with the ever so swelling in his chest before he figuratively and literally had the life sucked out of him as he slumped to the ground.

Looking to the multitude of her subjects suffering at the loss of love made Chrysalis consider her options. Besides the human whom she set out to destroy sparing her life along with lightening her sentence to just below community service had the queen elated, but another issue arose. One that forced her to swallow all self-pride and consider this one choice of Celestia and Luna.

''We, along with the high council may have agreed to remove the death penalty from the table, but have set another condition as reparation. Your plea for assistance has been accepted as we will aid your subjects in survival. However, the proper payment must be met accordingly. After conversing with Shining Armour, Princess Cadence, The High Council, Valiant Barrier, Twilight Sparkle and our mate, the decision was unanimous that you would be responsible for the following if you wish our aid. 1: as we prefer non-violence over all, we require your complete and total alliance. It was decided that you would do better with us than against us. The changelings will be integrated into Equestrian society. 2: you must complete your community service. And 3: you must take on the same task as young Twilight has: to learn the importance of friendship. Your task will begin when everypony else is present. If you wish to truly start anew then you will do what must be done...''

''What suggestive words.'' Chrysalis muttered. ''However small, a chance to redeem myself is one that I cannot waste.'' Turning around, her limited choices put her in a place where complaints will not be tolerated. Her next objective was to meet up with the princesses for further instructions.

Halls Of Canterlot:

Jamir, along with Twilight, Spike, Valiant, Iron and Frank progressed through the castle with a sense of worry, seeing as Twilight made it that way with her shaking and inconsistent babbling about linear equations put Jamir in his paces for the coming assembly. Everyone wished to come, even Amethyst wanted to see her favorite aunts, but Celestia and Luna chose who to come. Before hand, he met with the princesses to discuss the test. Yes, to a degree he at least knows the basics of this, though that is not to say this was not a surprise to him. Coming to a door with a image of a small crystal embedded in the center, this was the place.

''So why do you think we're needed here? Not like we can do much of anything with four of the most powerful magic users I know against one little queen.'' Frank saw no real point in coming, then again he is correct.

''True, but on that note why wouldn't they? I'm sure they have a reason for doing so.'' Spike reasoned.

''At any rate, this is of some importance.'' Jamir pushed the doors open to see Celestia at the edge of the room, gazing to a crystal standing inside of a glass case while Luna greeted her mate in a kiss.

''Princess.'' Valiant and Iron bowed.

''Luna.'' Frank nodded.

''Princess, I've come prepared with my materials and am ready to- Luna held a hoof in the air, silencing her.

''This test is not like most you have taken Twilight Sparkle...this is one that cannot be solved with quill and parchment. Sister?''

Coming over and joining her sister in delving into a kiss with the human, a face of of care and comfort was replaced by seriousness.

''Please, tell me something all of you: what do you know of the Crystal Empire?''

''Uh, what?'' Spike asked, confused.

''Beats me.'' Iron shrugged.

''Same.'' Valiant agreed.

''A Crystal Empire...right?'' Frank was hesitant.

''Oh, that's...um, It's somewhere in my notes.'' Twilight scrambled with her parcel.

''I wouldn't expect any of you to know.'' Celestia cast a extra long look to Jamir's direction. ''There are few that still know of its existence, and yet my knowledge of it is limited.'' her horn came to life, bringing the crystal to the center and striking it, bringing forth a holographic map of a place that looked to be a haven of sorts.

''But what I do know is that a great magic lies within. 1000 years ago, King Sombra, a unicorn king whose heart is as black as night enslaved the Empire.'' the images showed a vision of ponies, shackled and chained up as they were forced to work in cruel conditions, all monitored by a black unicorn, clad in armour with a devious smile.

''Though he was defeated and  turned to shadow, banished to outer reaches of the arctic north, he was not able to be cast away without first placing a curse upon the empire: one that made it disappear.''

''Uh, suspense much?'' Frank whispered to the side.

''If the Empire is filled with happiness and love, those things are reflected across Equestria. However.'' Celestia's eyes darkened, almost turning akin to a demon's as it struck the crystal once again, a dark presence overtaking the room as literal darkness spread around them only to have crystals of darkness jut from the floor as everyone immediately got distressed. However, before the full effect of wigging out could be put through, Celestia's magic prevented that.

''As Luna said, this is a different kind of test, one that I am certain that you will pass, Twilight.''

''Me? Y-You want me to protect an entire empire? B-But I couldn't possibly do that on my own.''

''You won't have to: that's why we're here, right?'' Jamir asked a rhetorical question.

''Aye, your Ponyville friends will be assisting in this matter, so you have no need for concern.''

''Where do I start?''

''By meeting up with Shining Armour and Princess Cadence in the Crystal Empire.'' Celestia returned the crystal.

''My brother's there?''

''Yes.'' Luna smiled. ''but there is  one more guest we have arriving that will also be assisting you in this matter.''

''Who could that-

''Chrysalis?! What the fuck is she doing here?'' Franks readied his gauntlets.

''At ease, Frank: you know as well as I that Chrysalis has apologized for her actions, which we all know how that came to light and is currently serving her punishment. Besides, do you not see the inhibitor ring on her horn?'' Jamir set his friend to rest.

''Yea, sorry about that: just a little jumpy.''

''I know how...vexing it must be to be facing the one who did away with you some time ago, but I can assure you that Chrysalis is genuinely trying to make amends for her actions, seeing as the fate of her entire race may be in jeopardy should she not. We urge you to put aside your previous hatred as she could be a valuable ally.'' Luna urged.

''Ally? As in in our inner circle of friends and everything?'' Valiant cringed.

''However unlikely that scenario is as of now, every sentient being deserves an opportunity for redemption. We learned that the hard way.'' Celestia admitted.

''However, what good can she do with that ring on her horn?'' Jamir gestured to the queen. ''At most, she could-

''Excuse me, if I may interrupt. I have something to say.'' Chrysalis showed hesitance in her voice, which the sisters picked up on.

''Go ahead.'' Celestia approved.

''I know you must be seething with rage and I offer my deepest apologies, I only wish to make up for my actions, for a second chance.'' Chrysalis bowed her head.

Those words shook Jamir to his very core, filling his mind with rather painful flashbacks of his time in prison, the Dragon Outlands and even when his mind was nearly consumed to the darkness. All of this had to be a gyp, but how could he be for certain? How would he be able to process another series of doubts and conflicts. Since when did-

''Love.'' Luna's voice echoed in the human's mind. ''We can feel your distress, what is the matter? Do you not trust her words, they are the truth, we can verify for you.''

''I agree as well: you feel...defensive, we are right here besides you.''Celestia cooed. Damn, why did they always have to pry like that? Jamir's emotions are strewn about as is, but they make a valid point.

''It's just...a tad unnerving to see one of my greatest enemies beg for forgiveness. I mean, how would you react?''

''We have experienced a few times where a surrender or plea for help from those who wished harm upon others, time and time again.'' Luna huffed. ''...but even we have no clear answer to that question, love.''

Great, back to square one. At any rate, it seems like Chrysalis poses no real threat with that ring on her horn. Not to say this whole thing has everyone mildly contemplating Celestia and Luna's decisions. Still, would you want to be in their position making all these decisions?

''Chrysalis.''  the human spoke after a short interval. ''If you truly wish to make peace for your previous crimes then look me in the eyes and tell me that you meant every word.'' Jamir moved over the queen who raised her head to maintain eye contact with the human's red and gold trimmed eyes.

''I meant every word.'' Chrysalis firmly stated. ''I have already sworn the allegiance of my subjects and myself to you and-

''Wait, me?'' the human interrupted.

''Yes.'' Chrysalis continued. ''to pay back Princess Celestia and Luna's kindness of allowing my subjects to survive and take residence here, I have also been tasked with learning about the magic of friendship and make friends, like Twilight.''

''Really?'' Spike wondered.

''Yes, and to emphasize my point even more, I am joining you in your expedition to the Crystal empire to assist any way possible. And I am to remain by your side at all times as insurance.''

''How do we know she's not able to contact her hive and plot aerial attacks or use guerrilla tactics?'' Iron brought up a valid point.

''Please, everyone: we urge you give her a chance, Chrysalis has a lot to lose from this, but also much to gain if done right. This discussion must be put aside for another time: the train leaving for the arctic does not wait so slovenly.'' Celestia reminded. Heading outside, the princesses had one more piece of advice to give.

''And Twilight?'' Luna called.

''Yes?''

''In the end, it must be you and you alone who assists Shining Armour and Cadence in restoring the Crystal empire. While you have the support of your friends, the test is solely based on your performance. I have every confidence that you will succeed in this endeavor and then I will know you are prepared to move on to the next level of your studies.'' Celestia said, a small smile on her face.

''But what if I fail?''

''You won't.'' Celestia assured.

''But what if I-

''You won't.''  Jamir hopped in. ''Have a little faith, ok?''

''Right.'' Twilight said as the group left out. Waiting for them to be out of earshot, the sisters heard a voice echo penetrate their minds.

''Are you certain about this?''

''Yes, love.'' Luna nodded. ''but do not lose sight of the fact that this is so much her test as it is yours.''

Arctic North:

The chilling harshness of the vast sheet of the arctic snow spanned for miles. The light of the bright sky long was covered by the growing darkness of night as the cold winds pierced the skies in a flurry of swipes, dives, and curves, filling the air with screeches and whines. For hours, no creature disturbed the maelstrom of the cold: birds soon turned back, ceasing to fly as their silhouettes did not grace the eye of the snowstorm. The train's wheels soon contacted the frozen ice, shattering the once still fragments. A light shone in the front of the train, paving the way for even more to come.As the brakes screeched to a halt, the train slightly jerked to the uneven plane. The door opening, every bit of the cold slapped Jamir's face, forcing him to curse under his breath as frost immediately covered his eyebrows.

''Shit, this is why I hate the c-cold.'' he stated, wrapping his scarf further around his neck. No matter what he did, nothing persuaded him away from the thought back in Canterlot.

''This is as much Twilight's test as it is yours...when the times comes do not doubt yourself.''

Putting that on the backburner, everyone certainly bundled up before stepping onto the platform, the cold picking up by the minute. In the middle of the raging blizzard, a voice shouted from ahead, a figure approached.

''Twily!'' Shining Armour took off his protective mask. ''It's so good to see all of you again, how's my niece been doing?''

''She's been good.'' Twilight hugged her brother. Walking over to Jamir, he looked actually pleased to see the human.

''Jamir, I trust you've doing good.'' Shining embraced his brother in law into a hug.

''Besides this fucking cold and the fact you no longer want to wring my guts out, I have been right as rain.'' Jamir scratched his head. Normally they would be at each other's throats, but with a little talking, relating, and a few training exercises with him, Shining Armour displaced his 'hate' for Jamir and grew to have the kind of relationship he has with Frank: a brother in arms type of working, though they do have their fair share of arguments.

''I trust Princess Celestia has debriefed you on the situation before we got here sir?'' Valiant asked.

''Yes, we've been informed about the situation: all of it, but that can wait until we get to the empire...there are things we do not want to run into after dark.'' his face turned grim.

''W-What kind of things?' Fluttershy panicked.

''Yetis?'' Frank answered.

''Let's just say the empire isn't the only thing that has returned.''