Rags To Riches

The Crystal Brick Road

The hot water of the shower burned my weathered body. The years of mining added muscle to my frame and then scars on that muscle. The few lasting whip marks could still be seen along with other cuts burns and now the lightning scars. All bad experiences but they made me the person I am. Stepping out of the bathroom the steam rolled out after me. My towel wrapped tightly on my waist I walked across my blue and gold room. There was a sudden rattling of the door knob and before I could barrel roll for cover Spitfire was in my room. We stared into each others eyes the awkward tension was stronger than iron.

She turned towards the door, " Sun you have a mission debrief in 15 minutes be ready."

"Okay sounds good. " She left with much haste, I swear I saw her turn a little red. Throwing on my Black cargo pants, Rainbow Dash jacket and shirt, I walked towards the door grabbing my boots on the way out. I made my way to the debrief room.

Entering the room the spinning hologram of the crystal empire sat in the middle of the round table. All princesses, elements of harmony, and Spitfire were around the table debating on the details of the mission. I pulled out a chair and slouched down figiting with the zipper of my jacket. The conversation suddenly turned to me. Celestia's eyes said she had said something and wanted my opinion. I had lost the conversation after king Sombra's dark tower and restless spirits.

"I think you're right." I gave my best confident smile that was meant to show I was paying attention. Most of the elements of harmony started to giggle at my obvious lack of understanding Rainbow giving me a little wink at noticing my jacket.

Celestia sighed, "Sun pay attention the problem in the Crystal empire will truly put you in the spotlight as either a hero or a failure, this will be hard and you will discover that it might be easier to stop your journey and quit but no matter the cost you must fight. You're not the first human to be in the position to challenge the status quo, many have failed."

My smile melted, " I understand and I will perform to the highest of my ability."Celestia's face finally broke the serious tone and she smiled, " We all know you will. You're leaving for the Empire tomorrow morning. "

"Sounds good to me." Everyone began to get up and I just slowly rested my head on the table.

I fucking hate the cold. I could feel it already the slow death of my nerves starting at my fingers then moving towards my chest. So many frozen nights in my snow covered hammock only my fire magic kept my alive. My little moment was cut off as Cadence poked at my head." Sun I would just like to say you will be welcomed in with open arms by everyone from my kingdom and you may find it so nice you don't want to leave."

I looked up at her smiling face, " I'm sure I will princess."

Luna's Room

I sat in the middle of Luna's room in the middle of the moon themed carpet playing chess with myself. The sudden crash from the enormous closet was Luna's doing.

"Luna are you okay?" She walked out holding a semi casual blue and black dress.

"Yes I am I was just thinking you need a good night on the town before you leave for this mission and it won't hurt for ponies to see you before you leave either."

" Can some of the others come it seems unfair to not invite them."

" I was thinking the same thing Sun." The Moon princess gave a semi devious grin, "I herd about the Ponyville festival and your way with the mares it only seems appropriate to invite the mares in your life."

My face was a blazing red as Luna teleported from the room laughing all the while.

" It's going to be a long night."