Twilight, Soldier of War

Dear Princess Celestia,

I’m pleased to report that we have finished furnishing the new castle, the girls have been a big help making this place feel like home. After the Golden Oak Library was destroyed I lost everything I owned, most of which can be replaced, but there was a few books I’m sad to say were one of a kind.

The reason for my letter is that Pinkie Pie somehow found a stairway in the library, I didn't notice on my earlier inspections, by “trying to find a good place to hide the party cannons.” The stairway leads to a small basement that holds what closely resembles the Crystal Mirror from the Crystal Empire. The little I remember about them is that they were used as aways to communicate across large distances, but due to the difficulty manufacturing them as well as the maintenance requirements they were quickly abandoned. I'm very interested in what it is doing under my library and was trying to find out more information on crystal mirrors. Would you mind sending me any information you might have to help me on my research?

Your ~~faithful student~~ fellow princess,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Thank you for sending me, “Starswirl the Bearded Study and Exploration of the Crystal Mirrors.” I have to say, this book is amazing and I have already read it three times. I thought Starswirl's book, “Study of Teleport Based Magic,” was my favorite before this one. The way he describes how the inner workings of magic needed to power it and link the mirror together is fascinating in its simplicity. It does make me wonder why this book isn’t more well-known…

Sorry, Spike said I’m getting off track…Yes, write that too. Anyway, while researching ways to reactivate the Crystal Mirrors I stumbled upon some new theories that if they are proven correct could lead us to a way to open a portal between the mirrors. I still need to speak with Princess Cadence about this, but if I’m right we could have instant travel, just think of the possibilities. I still have some experiments I want to run, so I will let you know when we have any major updates.

Your fellow princess,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Princess Celestia,

After a week of testing, mostly Cadence and I throwing small objects back and forth, we believe the Mirror to be safe for pony travel, and I have volunteered myself to be the first one to step through. I will not have anypony other than myself take this risk. I don’t know what I would do if somepony got hurt because of my experiment, not that I think anything bad is going to happen.

I was planning to try the portal today, but Cadence insists we wait for the day after tomorrow so she could set up a welcome ceremony. So I guess until then I will just be running a few more tests. I must admit this is getting pretty nerve racking, but I have my friends with me so I know I will be fine.

Your fellow princess,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,

Thank you for keeping me informed of your progress. Reading your letter these last few weeks, I can’t help but to be reminded of Starswirl, for he would often tell me of his many discoveries. I can’t help but feel a certain amount of pride at being your mentor, and I‘m pleased to say I will be attending Cadence’s welcome ceremony. Sadly Luna will not able to attend as some foreign delegates will be arriving in Canterlot the same day, nothing serious mind you it’s just they tend to feel they are being looked down upon if a princess is not there to meet them.

I know that after the Tirek incident we have not had much time to speak with you settling into your new role as the princess of friendship, but when the ceremony is over hopefully we can find a quiet place to have some tea together.

Princess Celestia

Twilight held her pocket watch in a hoof, carefully watching the second hand tick by. She would occasionally glance up into the mirror as its reflective surfaces twisted into a bright blue pool, and enjoyed its magical hum. But, much to Twilight’s annoyance, the pleasing sound was drowned out by the increasing rhythmic tapping of a hoof. Twilight glanced over to Rainbow Dash, who was standing on her back hoofs with her front hooves crossed. “Is there something wrong, Rainbow?”

Rainbow huffed and flitted as high as she could without hitting the low ceiling of the basement. “Well, for starters I hate being underground,” She said, swiping a hoof around to the blueish crystal walls of the cramped basement. “And shouldn’t we have left already? I’m starting to think it would have been faster to have left with Fluttershy and Spike on the train.”

“Just a few more minutes, be patient!” Twilight answered, stressing the last word.

“Oh, simmer down there, Rainbow,” Applejack said, pushing her brown stetson back to get a better look. “A few more minutes aren’t going to hurt ya.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “If you say so. But what’s with the picnic basket? We’re going to a party so you don’t need to bring food.”

Applejack flipped open the basket lid and let the smell of a fresh apple pie waft out, before saying. “It’s not a proper party without one of Granny Apple’s pies.”

“It’s true!” Pinkie Pie called, hopping over. “I never have a party without at least one apple pie.”

Rarity trotted next to Twilight. She was wearing a dress she had made specifically for this event: a light purple dress with matching shoes and a small hat. It went along well with Twilight’s dark blue dress with a star edging. “Twilight, I know you said it was safer for Spike to take the train to the Crystal Empire, but couldn’t you have cast some spell on him so he could cross the mirror?”

Twilight didn’t look up from her watch as she answered, “It took us weeks to verify that the portal was safe for pony travel, and its likely going to take months to do the same for dragons. Until then I can’t risk sending Spike through.”

Rarity gave a contented sigh, and looked over at the other three. All of whom lacked her sense of high society, and had turned down her offer to make them a dress. ‘At least I manage to get Fluttershy to wear one.’ she thought.

“How much longer do we have to wait.” Asked Rainbow Dash.

“Just…a little…” Twilight began saying as the seconds ticked down on the clock. “Bit…NOW!” Twilight turned to face her friends. “Cadences should have activated her mirror five minutes ago.”

“Five minutes ago!” Rainbow cried

“Well, I wanted to make sure they had plenty of time to set up.” Rainbow Dash just faced hoofed.

“All right!” Pinkie cried, as she pulled out her signature canon from seemingly nowhere and fired off a blast of confetti. “This is going to be the best 'Congratulations Twilight on the Greatest Invention Ever’ party.”

Twilight stepped to the portal as her friends looked on. She took a deep breath and raised one hoof to enter. “WAIT!” Rarity shouted. Twilight froze in place, slowly she turned her head to face Rarity.

“Yes, Rarity, what is it?”

“I almost forgot to give you this,” Rarity said. She used her magic to pull a crown from her bag; it was golden with five jagged points, each with a red ruby. “Now I know you don’t like wearing this, but you need to look your part sweetie. You are a Princess after all.” Rarity levitated the crown over and slid it on her head. Reluctantly, Twilight allowed it.

“Fine, is there anything else?”

“No, that’s all. Good luck.”

With another deep breath Twilight stepped through the portal.

***

Nobles mingled in the normally sparsely-filled throne room of the Crystal Empire, as they waited for Twilight’s grand entrance. Guards stood silently next to the Crystal Mirror, which had been moved from its storage area for the ceremony. Tables of food had been set out for this event and Fluttershy was helping herself to a plate. She made sure nothing spilled on Rarity’s designer dress: a yellow form fitting dress with a blue ruffled lining. When her plate was full she looked up to the ice sculpture of Twilight with her wings stretched out. “How do you think they got this sculpture made so quickly?” She asked, as Spike stepped to her side, holding a bowl of gems.

“From what Shining Armor told me, they keep extra in storage.” Spike said between bites.

“Really?”

“Yeah, apparently they have them of all the princesses, in case of a last minute party.”

“May I have your attention,” Princess Cadence called out, in her yet unrefined Royal Canderlot Voice. She stood from her throne as she addressed the crowd, while Prince Shining Armor and Princess Celestia set on either side of her. “Thank you all for coming to this wonderful event. If you would all gather at the Mirror I’m sure Princess Twilight will be arriving any moment now.” Cadence set back down as the nobles began shuffling into place.

“She certainly taking her time.” said Shining Armor.

Cadence sighed in response, “You should have seen her during testing. I had to send three letters to Spike just to get her to throw one object through.” Celestia gave a small chuckle to this. “But the thought that we could see Twilight every day if we wanted. We get to see her so little as it is.”

The portal rippled as something flew out, impacting the ground and sending a loud ‘ding’ singing through the halls. It slid to a stop a few feet from the throne. “Is Twilight doing more testing?” Celestia asked. Until her eyes fell upon the object: a golden crown with five jagged points. The murmurs of the crowd started almost immediately. Slowly, Shining Armor rose from his seat and stepped toward the object, as he grew closer he could see the steam rise from the charred black crown. He gripped it with his magic, and brought it closer. A wide-eyed look of dread crossed his face as he turn to the princesses.

“It's Twilight's crown.”

***

Three Years later

Night had fallen and Luna had taken up her duties. She entered the throne room to open night court as she does most nights, and was greeted to the sight of Celestia, sitting at the throne and reading over a scroll. “Greetings, sister, what keeps you up this late?” Luna asked stepping closer.

“I received a letter from Rarity. She and the others will be visiting Twilight’s grave and would like to know if I will be joining them.”

“I see, so that time has come once again,” Luna said, taking in a breath before continuing. “I think you should go, Tia, it will do us both some good to be there.”

Celestia set the scroll down. “I keep thinking I’m going to get another one of her reports anytime now. I’ve been reading some of her old friendship reports, especially the last ones she sent. I should have never sent her that book.”

“Tia, we have been over this!”

Celestia raise a hoof to cut her off and spoke softly, “I know, Lulu, no one is to blame for what happened. I think I will go. It will be nice to see Ponyville again.”

***

The light had just broken through the sky and the early rising ponies were getting shops set up for business. Applejack slowly walked down the path to Fluttershy’s cottage were Pinkie Pie had been spending most of her time. Much to her displeasure, she wasn’t setting up her apple cart, instead she and Pinkie Pie had court duty today. She and the other four element bearers had taken over the duties at the Friendship Court, doing their best to solve any friendship related problems brought to them. They had established a simple system: two of them served on the court at a time, allowing the burden to be shared among themselves.

Applejack knocked on the door and waited as the sound of bangs and clatter echoed from within. “Hey, Applejack,” Pinkie Pie said behind Applejack, a smile beaming on her face.

The startled pony gave a small yelp as she turned, “Pinkie, where’d you come from, and who’s makin’ all that racket in there?”

“Oh that’s just Gummy. He’s cleaning the house for me.”

“Why would ya—”Applejack stopped herself as she thought. 'That's one jar of worms I don’t want anywhere near.’ She readjusted her stetson before asking, “So ya ready to go?”

“Sure thing,” Pinkie said, trotting after Applejack as they made their way to the castle. “You seem down, Applejack.”

“I guess I’m not looking forward to this afternoon. I’m little surprised you’re so energetic today.”

It was quiet between them as they walked for a few minutes, “I’m not as energetic as I look, but I don’t think Twilight would want us to be sad.”

“Yeah, I know you’re probably right, but it’s just hard to go there, ya know?”

“But that’s why we’re going as a group, and Spike got a letter last night saying that princess Luna and Celestia would be coming.”

“Speaking of Spike. Is he going this time?”

Pinkie Pie hung her head at that. “Spike is more stubborn about this subject than you are on apples.” To that, Applejack just gave her a questioning look. “You know what I mean, he still thinks Twilight is alive somewhere. Fluttershy said he’s obsessed with keeping Twilight's old room exactly how it was before… before the accident.”

A scream bellowed through the streets as the two mares turned the corner just in time to see a cream colored mare with a purple and pink mane racing up. “What in tarnation is goin’ on, Bon Bon?”

“A creature from the Everfree is in the town!”

“What kind of monster is it and where did it go?” Applejack asked quickly.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like it before! It was tall, walked on two legs, white all over with a few black spots. A-And last I saw it was walking in the direction of the castle.” Bon Bon pointed to the towering Castle in the distance.

“OK, Bon Bon, I need you to make sure everypony is indoors. Can you do that?” Bon Bon gave a quick nod. Applejack turned her attention over to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, get to the guard barracks and get them over here.”

Pinkie raised her hoof in salute, “Yes sir!” and hopped off in the directions of the barracks. Applejack broke into a dead run heading straight for the castle.

As she ran Applejack racked her brain as she tried to figure out what this creature could be. As far as she knew there were no two legged creatures in the Everfree, but Fluttershy would know more about that then she would. She really hoped this wasn’t another case of jumping to conclusions. Zecora had been understanding about it, but she didn’t know how somepony else may react.

Applejack raced down the road. She had yet to see the creature and was quickly approaching the castle. “APPLEJACK!” a voice from above called to her. Applejack looked to see Rainbow Dash flying in close, sporting her wonderbolts outfit. “I ran into Pinkie Pie with the guards behind her and she filled me in. So where is this monster at?”

“Ah haven’t seen it yet, it’s got to be close to the—” Applejack was cut off by what she saw. Standing right in front of the castle entrance was the creature. It looked exactly like how Bon Bon described it. It was bipedal and standing taller than the two guards in front of it, at least five and a half feet tall. It had hands like that of a minotaur and was covered from head to toe in what looks like white armor, while the joints were colored black. It carried a bag on its back as well as a long metal-looking object slung over its shoulder.

The two guards were yelling at the creature with their spears pointed at its chest. As if not hearing the guards the creature took a step forward. One guard took charge and lunged his spear at it. At that moment a shield rapidly expanded around the creature, knocking the guard back and a moment later the shield was gone.

“What was that!?” Applejack yelled still running at the creature.

“Enough of this, Applejack, cover me!”

Rainbow curved around before angling her body to dive straight into the creature's side as Applejack ran straight for its back. As Rainbow ripped through the air the creature raised a palm to face her as a small shield rapidly expanded from it. Rainbow couldn't react in time and slammed into the shield full force and was bounced back several feet. Applejack and the remaining guard attacked at once. The guard thrust his spear while Applejack turned to buck it. The shield expanded again, but this time it spun in place. The guard's spear was ripped from his hooves and Applejack was sent rolling.

“The cavalry has arrived!” Yelled Pinkie Pie, as she pushed a cannon with ten guards flanking her on either side. The creature payed her no mind, instead taking another step. Without another word pinkie took aim and fired her party cannon, but like before its shield expanded knocking the confetti away. The creature turn to look in Pinkie Pie's direction. Applejack got to her feet and was about to make another attack when she heard the creature speak.

“Pinkie Pie?”

At first Applejack thought she misheard it, but soon the creature turn to look at Rainbow still laying on the ground. “Rainbow Dash?” It asked before facing Applejack. “Applejack, is that really you?”

A look of confusion was on the three mare's faces as a silence fell. No one knew quite what to say until Applejack spoke up “W-who are ya?”

In response the creature brought its hands to each side of its helmet and removed it, letting the helmet fall to the ground. Her skin was pale with purple eyes. Her long dark blue hair was matted in spots and she had two strips of pink and purple running through her hair.

Applejack would swear up and down that she had never seen this creature before, yet something about her was so familiar. Maybe it was her eyes or the way she smiled down at her, but Applejack knew she had seen this creature before, yet this was the first time she had ever seen...whatever this creature was, that at least she did know.

“Miss Pinkie, stop it’s dangerous,” One of the guards called out, drawing everypony’s attention.

Pinkie Pie’s ever present smile had been replaced with a cold hard look, that looked so wrong on the party mare. She slowly trotted past the guards growing more determined with each step, as she approached the creature.

Rainbow Dash seem to have recovered her senses when she spotted Pinkie Pie’s charge. “Pinkie, What are you doing? Stay back!”

But Pinkie pressed on only stopping when she was mere feet from the creature. Pinkie looked into her eyes and the creature stared back. And time seemed to stop. No pony so much as dared to breathe, only the sound of wind rustling through the trees filled the empty silence. Finally, when Applejack wasn’t sure how much more she could stand, Pinkie spoke up. “Twilight, it’s you, isn’t it?”

“Yes it’s me, I’m back,” Twilight spoke in a lifeless tone.

“Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story and I'm really tired. I’m going to go get some rest.” She walked to the castle door stripping off her bag, letting it fall to the grounds.

“Twilight!” Rainbow managed to choke out, but if Twilight heard it she didn’t show any signs. The three mares sat in shock as a mixture of joy, confusion, and sadness overtook them. They glanced at each other and, as if sharing the same thought, shot up from there spot and rushed for the door. “Stay out here!” Rainbow yelled at the guard.

It wasn’t hard for them to follow Twilight, the trail of her armor pieces led the way. They followed upstairs and just as they turned down another corridor they spotted Twilight as Spike was approaching her. “Excuse me,” Spike called out, unaware of the onlookers. “Guest are not allowed on the upper floors. If you have an appointment then please wait in the audience hall.”

Twilight tilted her head to the side as she looked at the drake and said, “You’ve gotten big Spike.” In the three years since Twilight’s accident Spike had nearly doubled in height, now being as tall as the other ponies. He was lengthier than before, and his spines were a bit longer as well.

Spike looked at her dumbfounded, “Do I know you?” He asked, as she spotted the mares coming around the corner. “Applejack, who is this?”

Before Applejack could collect her thoughts Pinkie answered. “IT’S TWILIGHT!”

“Pinkie, we don’t know that for sure.” Rainbow argued.

“It is though. I got a itchy ear and twitchy hoof, and that means I was going to meet an old friend.”

Spike looked at Twilight with wide eyes, as he asked, “Is it true? Are you Twilight?”

Twilight let out a sigh that was more a mixture of annoyance and fatigue, “Yes it’s me,” she answered as she stepped past him. “My room is still in the same place isn’t it? It doesn’t matter, I’ll find it. I think I remember where it was.”

Spike could only watch her walk away, tears streaming down his face. “She’s finally back,” he murmured from behind his hands. “She’s finally back.”

“Spike,” Applejack said, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “I need ya to send a letter to Princess Celestia, can ya do that?”

This snapped Spike to attention. He gave a few frantic nods before heading down the hall. The three mares made their way down the hall stopping in front of a now ajar door. Small cries could be heard coming from it. Pinkie Pie slowly stepped to the door and looked through, and her puffy hair quickly deflated. Twilight laid in a bed far too small for her; her armor was gone and now only a dark blue jumpsuit covered her. Twilight’s face buried into the pillow, as the sound of muffled cries of pain filled the room. Pinkie Pie closed the door and turned to the others, “I think we should just leave her be for now.”

Applejack and Rainbow shared a look before nodding. “I’m going to go let Fluttershy and Rarity know what’s going on,” said Rainbow Dash before taking off.

***

Celestia stood over the sleeping form of Twilight. The light was out and only the sunlight from the window kept the shadows at bay. Celestia brushed a strand of hair from her face, as she examined her more closely. She shared many similarities with the Twilight she remembered, but Celestia needed something more concrete than superficial details. Celestia flowed her magic into her horn, making sure to keep the glow at a bare minimum as she cast her spell. A soft smile came to her lips as the spell finished; she leaned down and whispered into her former student’s ear, “Welcome home, my dearest Twilight.”

Celestia made her way down the stairs to the castle's throne room where the element bearers were waiting. As she approached the door she leaned in close, but if there was any conversation it was far too quiet for her to hear. She pushed the double doors open and trotted inside. All eyes were on her but no pony said a word. “I can confirm that it is, in fact, Twilight,” Celestia said, breaking the tension in the room.

“But how?” Rarity spoke up. “We all saw the remains of her crown how could she have survived?”

Fluttershy’s meek voice picked up after Rarity, “And what is she? I’ve never seen a creature like that before.”

“I don’t know,” Celestia answered honestly. “Neither how she survived or what she has become, but I promise you we will find out. The Archmage has been studying the Crystal Mirrors for sometime now, so I will see that this becomes his top priority.”

Rainbow Dash looked between her friends looking far more confused then the rest of them, “So what now?”

“For now all we can do is wait. Spike, once Twilight is awake please inform me.” Spike gave a quick nod, as Celestia continued. “I must return to Canterlot. I left in quite the hurry and now it seems I have much that needs to be done.” With a blinding flash of light Celestia was gone.

The others set there for a moment not quite knowing what to do that is except for Pinkie Pie who was busy writing down a list. When Spike’s curiosity became too much for him to bare he asked, “What are you writing Pinkie?”

“A list of supplies for the party,” she answered quickly as she wrote.

“What party?”

Pinkie looked up and shot Spike a look of surprise, “Why Twilight’s party of course. Do you have any idea how many parties she’s missed?”