When I woke up the next morning, Sunset Shimmer wasn’t in the room. I stretched and rubbed my eyes, trying to wake up. I left the room and walked down the hall, stretching out my legs. The lamp fires shimmered off the crystal walls, giving a soothing glow. I suddenly heard a loud male scream and a boom. I jolted awake and flew out of an open window. As I looked around the Crystal Empire I saw smoke coming from the train station. I bolted to the station and landed. The train conductor and engineer were outside, splashing water on the flames.
“What happened?” I asked.
“The engine blew up,” the conductor said. “Just, without warning, exploded.”
“We’ve called the Crystal Guard,” the engineer said. Sunset Shimmer suddenly ran up.
“Braveheart!” she cried. I ran up to her and we embraced.
“Thank Celestia you’re all right,” I sighed. “I thought you were caught in the accident.”
“I was getting some breakfast when I heard the explosion,” Sunset said. "I ran outside and saw you fly to the station, so I followed you.”
“I’m just glad you’re all right,” I said with relief. I turned to the engineer. “When do you think the train will be fixed?” I asked.
“We’re going to have to make and install a whole new engine,” the conductor said. “This one’s beyond repair.”
“So we can’t get back to Canterlot?” Sunset asked.
“I guess not,” I shrugged. “We’ll just have to stay here for a while. Surly we can find something to do.”
“Yeah,” Sunset said. “I don’t care what we do, as long as you’re with me.” We embraced for a moment and walked throughout the Crystal Empire, admiring the scenery. As we passed a market, I noticed a small jewelry stand, and a red crystal necklace caught my eye. Sunset was occupied with another stand, so I quickly made my way over to the jewelry stand.
“Hi there,” the salespony said. “What can I do for you?”
“How much for the red crystal necklace?” I asked.
“Ah, the Romantic Ruby,” the mare realized. “That’s 50 bits.” I paid the mare for the necklace, and she slipped it into a gift bag.
“Thank you,” I said, taking the bag.
“Have a nice day,” the mare cheerfully said. I hid the gift bag in my saddlebag and turned back to Sunset. She turned away from the stand she was at, an innocent smile on her face.
“What’s that look for?” I asked. Sunset turned away, smirking.
“Nothing,” she said. I rolled my eyes and shook my head with a smile. I caught up with Sunset as we continued through the Crystal Empire. As I looked at the scenery, I crashed into somepony.
“Ow,” I groaned. I looked to see who I had hit, and it was Shining Armor.
“Sorry about that, Braveheart,” Shining Armor said.
“It’s all right,” I said, rubbing my head.
“Sorry about the train incident,” Shining Armor apologized. “We’re working to get that fixed as soon as possible.”
“Don’t rush yourself,” I said. “You can take your time. I’ve got nothing going on in Canterlot, as far as I know, anyway.”
“Will do,” Shining Armor nodded. “Enjoy yourselves.”
“We will,” I said. I turned around and didn’t see Sunset. I looked around the area. I couldn’t find her. I took to the skies to get a better leverage point. I spotted Sunset near the Crystal Tower. I dove down and landed next to Sunset. She jumped at the sight of me.
“Oh, hey Braveheart,” she said. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Sorry,” I said. “I lost you in the crowd. Were you heading back to the room?”
“I was,” Sunset nodded. “I need a shower.”
“All right,” I said. “I may as well head back too.” Sunset and I walked back to the Crystal Tower and to our room. As Sunset stepped into the bathroom, I flopped onto the floor for a nap. I dozed off to the sound of running water.
“Fate is unchanging,” a dark voice hissed. “Fate is unforgiving.”
“Shut up,” I said in my sleep. “Leave me alone.”
“Fate will consume you,” the voice continued. “Fate will murder you.”
“Damn it,” I said. “I said to go away.”
“Fate has been decided,” the voice said, louder. “Fate has sealed your doom.”
“No,” I yelled. “No, No, NO!!”
“Braveheart!” Sunset cried. I woke up, shaken. “Are you OK?” Sunset asked. I looked at her with a worried look. Her mane was wet and hanging down. I took some deep breaths to calm down. Sunset noticed how pale I had gotten, and that I couldn’t speak. She sat down next to me and put a hoof over my shoulder.
“You can talk about it when you’re ready,” Sunset said. We stayed silent for a few minutes, before I spoke up.
“I heard a voice,” I began. “It was a deep, raspy hiss, and it kept mentioning a terrible fate for me. It said things like, ‘Fate is unchanging,’ and ‘Fate has sealed your doom.’ Now I’m kind of worried.”
“It’s just a nightmare,” Sunset assured. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
“I don’t know, Sunset,” I sighed. “The voice seemed pretty threatening and real. I…I suddenly don’t want to go back to Canterlot.”
“Hey,” Sunset soothed. “If you want to go take a walk, feel free to. I’ll just be here.”
“All right,” I nodded. “It does help.” I stood up, put on a scarf and goggles, and flew out of the Crystal Tower to take a walk through the Frozen North. I landed at the train station, where the magic of the Crystal Heart reached its limit. The conductor and engineer were removing the destroyed engine.
“How’s it coming?” I asked.
“We’re doing all right,” the conductor said. “The engine seemed to be destroyed by magic. Dark magic.”
“Odd,” I muttered. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be taking a walk through the Frozen North.”
“Be careful,” the engineer said. “I’ve heard some ugly things about the Frozen North.”
“Stop trying to scare him,” the conductor scolded. “The only thing ugly about the Frozen North is that it’s really cold.”
“OK, then,” I shrugged. I stepped out of the barrier of the Crystal Heart and was met with a chilling wind. I slipped the goggles over my eyes and walked out into the Frozen North.
