Knocking on the front door of the castle felt weird to Sky. He had been so used to just walking in with his mother that he nearly ran into the door thinking it would open itself like it usually did. The oddity sparked the blue pegasus’ curiosity. Twilight usually kept the front doors unlocked and open to anypony. Just as he began to think of different possibilities, a small slot opened in the middle of the door and a pair of grass green eyes peered through the peep hole.

“Who goes there?” A low, powerful voice came from the other side of the door, startling Sky Knight.

“Um.. My name’s Sky Knight, I’m here for..” Sky stopped mid sentence as he realized how familiar that voice sounded to him, “Wait, Dying Light? Is that you?” He didn’t get the response he was looking for.

“That is none of your concern. State your business.” The pony behind the door boomed. Sky was very unamused by the act.

He sighed, “ I am here to pick up Twilight's niece, Crystal.”

“Who is that?” The pony replied, making Sky even more frustrated.

“Really? She is living here for the summer! Twilight’s niece?!”

“Ah, you mean Amor Crystallum?” The pony’s response irritated Sky further as his frustration showed.

“Yes, her, can you just let me in?!” Sky growled.

“Are you getting hostile with me?” the pony said with a threatening voice.

“No, I-” Sky Knight was cut off by the sound of snickering coming from behind the door. The snickering became outright laughter as the eyes disappeared from the peep hole in the door. Sky Knight, both baffled and confused took a step back from the door. After a brief moment of just laughter coming from inside the castle, Sky walked up to knock again. However, before he did, the door swung open and an all white, pegasus royal guard stood in front of Rainbow Dash’s son.

The guard, tears in his eyes from laughing so hard continued chuckling. “Dude, you should’ve seen your face! Haha!”

Sky Knight wasn’t very amused, “For Celestia’s sake, Dying Light, why didn’t you just let me in?”

“Hehe, because, it was funny. I haven’t had a laugh like this since being stationed here.” Dying Light wiped a tear away and became a bit more serious. He continued, “Plus I’m under command to not let anyone in without special permission until further notice. An up in security for some reason.”

“Do you know the reason?” The aspiring guard asked.

“Well, from what I’ve been told, it has something to do with that mare, Crystal. I have more details, but it’s classified at the moment. And as far as I know, you’re not a guard yet, so you don’t have clearance yet.” Dying Light got a sad nod from the blue pegasus.

“Yes, I’m not a guard yet. I wish my trial was sooner, but it’s not until next week.” Sky explained with a sigh, “Nerves are setting in and I just want to get it over with.”

“Bro, you’ve got this. Hell, you’re the one who helped me with my trial. If I can make it through, so can you.” The white guard reassured Sky.
“Thanks, man. Anyways, can I go get Crystal?” Sky Knight asked, getting a sigh from his guard friend.

“Unfortunately not, I’m under order not to let anyone in except the elements and royalty until further notice. Even if they’re kin of the elements.”

Sky Knight grumbled at Dying Light’s response, “That is so stupid..”

“I agree, and I think Twilight agrees as well, that’s why she’s holding a meeting with my commander. Anyways, I’ll be back with your date.” Dying Light sped off before Sky Knight could reply. Though Sky Knight was not going to just reply with words. Clinching his hooves, Sky Knight sat at the door of the castle, waiting for Crystal.

Meanwhile, up four levels in a large, crystal blue bedroom, Crystal sat in front of the mirror with her blue hoodie on. Streaks of her mane laid across her face, visible to anypony. She tried to hide it all and became frustrated when it kept falling into the same spots. She let out a groan and slammed her head into the desk in front of the mirror. She then heard a small giggle come from the door across the room.

“Don't get frustrated, a little mane showing.” Twilight said, leaning against the frame of the door.

“But, my mother clearly stated no ma-” Crystal was cut off by her aunt.

“Well Cadence isn’t here now, is she? No pony will realize you’re an alicorn, let alone recognize you.” Twilight walked over to Crystal and patted the white alicorns shoulder in an attempt to relax her.

“B-but mother will be furious if she found out.” Crystal looked back to the mirror in worry.

Twilight sighed, “I wish she would go back to her exciting self like she was before…” She muttered under her breath. Crystal looked back at her aunt and tilted her head.

“Did you say something, auntie?” She said, not hearing what the princess of friendship muttered.

“Nothing kiddo, just try to relax. I want to teach you how to have fun and make friends, and covering your mane won’t do that.”

“Is that why you let Sky and his friends see me?” Crystal questioned, remembering how she was hiding her anxiety when they first met with the three ponies in the lounge.

“Kinda, I believe they are good candidates for your friends. They always seem to have a great time together. However, that’s not the reason I let them see your wings.” Twilight’s niece became more confused, prompting Twilight to continue, “Sky Knight is going to be a royal guard soon, and from what I’ve seen, he’s going to be a high ranking one at that. Plus I’ve heard the other two ponies and a few more of his friends are going to the trials as well, so I decided it wasn’t worth hiding your true self from them when they will gain security clearance in the coming weeks.”

“I guess that makes sense.. I honestly thought you had broken your promise to mother on our first day.” Crystal awkwardly giggled.

“Oh no, I would never break a pinkie promise. I’ve seen first hoof what happens when somepony breaks one of those.” Twilight explained, thinking back to the fire in Pinkie Pie’s eyes when they found Applejack in Dodge Junction. Twilight did not want to be Applejack at that moment.

Feeling a bit nervous, Crystal asked, “W-what happens?”

Twilight thought for a moment before responding, “Just.. make sure Pinkie doesn’t find out. Anyways, I should get going, Commander Swiftstar is probably waiting for me. Have fun with your new friends.” The purple alicorn walked out of the room and out of sight. Crystal nodded and attempted to put her mane under her hood again, to no avail. She sighed in defeat and looked down.

“I’ll try auntie, I’ll try.” She mumbled, wishing she could just spend time with her favorite aunt. Maybe I can figure out why I feel like I know that pony, Sky Knight. She started to go into deep thought when a loud knocking came from her door. She bit back a yelp of surprise and turned to see an all white, pegasus guard standing at the frame of the door.

“My apologies, ma’am. I didn't mean to startle you.” The guard apologized in a monotone voice.

“I-It’s fine, I was just zoning out is all. Do you need me for something, Dying Light? Also, you know what auntie said.” Crystal curiously asked.

“Sorry, but Sky Knight is waiting for you at the entrance.” Dying Light’s answer surprised the white alicorn. It can’t be noon already. She looked at the clock on the wall where the small hoof pointed just before the 12 and the large hoof pointed at the 54th dash. I guess he likes being early. Fair enough.

She looked back at the waiting guard, “Alright, lead the way, soldier.”

Dying Light nodded and turned around and started walking down the hall in the opposite direction that Twilight went, towards the stairs.

Meanwhile at the entrance, Sky Knight was explaining to a filly that she could not go into the castle.

“But Twilight always lets me see her!” the little filly complained.

“I’m sorry, but the castle is not open to the public for a little while. Plus Twilight is in a meeting right now, she’s busy.” Sky tried to explain, but to no avail.

“I wanna see Twili-” the brown little filly was cut off by a warm, soothing voice.

“Don’t worry, little one. You can see the princess soon.” Sky turned to see the white alicorn he came for in her blue hoodie looking at the filly. She walked up to the filly, “and she’s working on letting you in.”

“Really?!” The filly said with a bright smile on her face.

“Of course, just wait a little bit longer, young one.”

“Thank you miss!” The filly smiled and turned to Sky Knight, sticking her tongue out before running off. Sky was initially irritated by the young filly’s behavior, but let it go.

“I see you’re good with kids, I envy you.” Sky turned to the hooded alicorn.

“It comes naturally, I guess. My mother always told me to be kind and gentle to the young ones.” Crystal sighed after mentioning her mother. Sky read the room and turned away from the castle.

“Well, shall we get going? Knowing Vi, she’s already there reserving a table for all of us.”

“Sure, let us go.” Crystal walked with Sky away from the castle, leaving the white pegasus alone to guard the door.

“Have fun on your date you two!” Light said with a small snicker.

“Date?!” Crystal stopped in her tracks blushing at the thought of dating somepony.

Shy Knight turned around to face the guard and give him the middle feather. “No a date you scrub!”

“Yeah, uh-huh, have fun.” Dying Light went back to his post and closed the door of the castle.

Sky Knight rolled his eyes and sighed, “Just ignore him, he likes making jokes about me getting a date.. Like everyone else..” He turned to the still blushing alicorn. Sky motioned his head forward, “C’mon, let’s head out.” She nodded shyly and the two continued on through town.

After a few silent moments of walking, the duo reached the entrance to Sugar Cube Corner. She looked up at the desert looking bakery in awe. Her counterpart smiled and looked up with her.

“Like it? This has been our hangout spot for Celestia knows how long. Some very good memories here.” Sky explained, reminiscing in the memories him and his friends have had in the bakery. Crystal nodded in agreement.

“Yes, my Auntie has told me of many stories her and her friends have had here. I have been wanting to go with her at some point.” She said with a hesitant voice, though she tried to cover up her upset mood. Despite her efforts, Sky could tell she had something on her mind.

“You wanted Twilight to come with you, didn’t you?”

Crystal sighed, “Yes.. though it’s not possible. If I am seen with Twilight too often, ponies might become suspicious of my true identity. My mother made it very clear that my existence be a secret until the time comes..” Sky Knight was baffled at Cadence’s decision to do that. The way his mom always described her, the princess of the Crystal Empire would’ve held her child up high and been proud to do so.

“That doesn’t make any sense to me. Why would she do that?” Sky wondered.

“She said it is because she wants me to focus on becoming a great princess and leader. Though I think it has something to do with..” She stopped her sentence at the thought of finishing it. Bad memories crept into her mind and she became nervous again. Sky Knight saw Crystal begin to shiver and acted quick.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to bring up something you didn’t want to talk about. Why don’t we head inside to see if everyone's there already. Maybe that’ll cheer you up.” he suggested, however, before Crystal could respond, a cheerfully bombastic voice came from behind them.

“Yeah, why are you two just standing there? The party is in there!” The two jumped in surprise and turned to see a pink pony standing behind them with a huge smile on her face. Crystal was baffled by the puffiness of her darker pink and graying mane. Crystal thought that the pony looked familiar to her, however, she couldn’t put her hoof on the identity of the mystery pony. Before she could figure it out, she got her answer from a shocked Sky Knight.

“Pinkie Pie! You scared us out of our hooves!” Sky told her, however, Pinkie Pie did not change her expression.

“Well, you two were just standing at the entrance, I thought you were nervous to go inside!” She explained, looking at Crystal. The white alicorn looked at the earth pony in awe. So this is the pony Auntie Twilight had many crazy stories about. She stuck out her hoof and introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Pie. My name is-”

“Amor ‘Crystal’ Crystallum, daughter of Princess Cadence and secretly an alicorn on a visit to Twilight!” Pinkie Pie interrupted with a huge smile, “Also, it’s Mrs. Pie.” Crystal was frozen with shock that the bombastic pony recognized her so quickly.

“H-how…”

“Well, Twilight told me you were coming to Ponyville and told me you were hiding your wings, so when I saw Sky Knight with a mysterious mare, I had assumed it was you because he can’t get a date.” Pinkie explained, getting an annoyed look from the blue pegasus. “Anyways, your party is waiting inside, you might want to go inside and say hi!”

“T-thank you, Mrs. Pie.” Crystal thanked.

“Just call me Pinkie.” The pink pony tilted her head and kept her ear to ear smile.

The two ponies turned around and started towards the door.

“I have never been able to figure that pony out.” Sky muttered to Crystal as the opened the door for her.

“She seems nice, though.” Crystal responded.

“Oh yeah, one of the nicest ponies around. She’s just kinda.. Weird.” Sky Knight followed the alicorn in and started looking around, “Now where are-”

“They’re over here!” Crystal was shocked to see the pink pony they left outside waiting on the group of ponies near the left wall of the bakery. She stood frozen in place as Sky Knight smiled and started towards the group waving.

“H-How did she..” Crystal stuttered, completely speechless from surprise and shock.

Sky shrugged, “It’s Pinkie Pie, don’t question it. You’ll just become more confused.” Crystal was about to object, but she decided against it and proceeded to follow the blue pegasus. As they approached the table, a familiar purple unicorn stood up and greeted the two ponies.

“Hey, Sky. Crystal, it’s good to see you again.” Violet bowed her head slightly.

Crystal raised her hoof, “Oh, no, y-you don’t have to-”

“Don’t worry, she does that with everypony.” Sky interrupted with a whisper. Crystal let out a soft ‘oh’ as she relaxed as much as she could at the moment. Before she could return the courteous unicorn’s greeting, a just as familiar green pegasus jumped up and stood face to face with the alicorn in hiding.

“Why hello there, we meet again.” Volt said with a seductive tone. Crystal became very uncomfortable with how close the green pegasus was, which became clear to Sky. The blue pegasus backed the other pegasus away with his wing.

“Personal space, heard of it?” Sky said as he pushed Volt Speed back in his seat.

“Not with pretty mares.” Volt’s comment made Crystal blush slightly, but more of an uncomfortable blush then embarrassed blush. She started to back away when a voice came from the table that she had not heard before.

“Don’t worry about dolt over there, he’s harmless when we’re around.” Crystal turned to see a yellow pegasus mare sitting next to a saturated purple pegasus mare. The yellow mare that spoke waved to the undercover princess to be, “Name’s Primary Shades, but just call me Prime. Nice to meet ya!” Prime said with a smile. As she tilted her head and smiled, she stuck an elbow into the side of the purple mare beside her. That mare then sat up and looked a bit surprised.

“Oh, uh, hi. My name’s Puzzle Key.” She then looked back down at her cupcake and covered her face with her long, purple and pink tipped mane. Primary Shades rolled her eyes and smiled in reassurance at Crystal.

“Don’t worry, she tends to be.. Reclusive around new ponies, but once you get to know her she’ll be more outgoing.” Prime reassured, getting a nod of agreement from Sky Knight.

“Sometimes just as bombastic as you, Prime.” A grey bat pony sat next to the yellow pegasus. She looked familiar to Crystal, and for a moment, Crystal couldn’t remember where she had seen the bat pony, then a light bulb went off in her head.

“You must be Flitter Rose.” Crystal stated looking at the bat pony. She got a nod in response.

“Yes, it is nice to meet you, princess.” Rose’s greeting struck fear and anxiety into Crystal. She wasn’t supposed to know who she was. She began shaking in place, enough so that Sky noticed and patted her back in comfort. Sky leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“She doesn’t know who you are. She calls all unicorns princess when she doesn’t know them yet.” Sky’s reassurance helped Crystal relax and take a sigh of relief.

“Crystal, my name is Crystal.” Flitter Rose looked at her for a moment and shrugged.

“Nah, you look like a princess to me. So Princess will do.” Sky rolled his eyes and hinted at the chair he was pulling out, offering it to Crystal. She nodded in thanks and sat in the chair next to the empty chair Sky was going to take and Violet Strike. As Sky took his seat, Violet began to talk to Crystal.

“It’s nice to see you again. How’d you like the race?” The purple unicorn asked curiously.

“Oh, it was.. Intense. You were really good out there, Ms. Flitter Rose.” Crystal complimented.

“I guess, I honestly don’t know how I did so well.” The bat pony claimed, getting a scoff from the blue pegasus next to Crystal.

“As if, you did amazing, don’t be so modest. You did exactly what you needed to do to stay in the race.” Sky said, getting a head shake from Rose.

“That’s the thing, I didn’t. I wasn’t thinking I needed to move to the inside. My body just.. Moved. Like I wasn’t controlling it.” The wonderbolts statement sent a shiver down Crystal’s spine. It made her think back to the moment her and Twilight felt that surge of magical energy. That was the exact moment that Flitter Rose was talking about. The hiding alicorn looked at the pegasus next to her who looked as if he was searching for an explanation.

“Must’ve been muscle memory. All of those long training days with my mom must have payed off.” Sky explained as Flitter Rose shrugged.

“Oh well, next time I’ll know to do that on my own.” the bat pony stated as she tossed the last bite of a cupcake in her mouth. Crystal kept looking at Sky Knight with suspicion. She couldn’t shake this weird feeling she had about him. Why do I feel like he’s hiding something? She thought, taking into account the situation with the magic and the feeling that she should know him. What Volt Speed said next confirmed it for Crystal.

“I find it funny how she did it as soon as you yelled down to the track.. Like you said you wouldn’t do!”

“Hey, when you’re raised like i was, it’s hard not to!” Sky defended himself while Crystal thought about who Sky Knight really was, or what he is. She decided that she needed to talk to Twilight about the situation. Crystal must have been too obvious with her thinking as the quiet Puzzle Key showed some concern for the alicorn.

“Are you alright, Crystal?” The grey pegasus asked quietly, surprising Crystal to the point that she jumped up a bit at the sound of her soft voice. This raised the attention of the entire group, making Sky Knight look most concerned. She awkwardly smiled at Puzzle and nodded.

“Oh, yes, I am fine. Don’t worry about me.” She reassured, “Just.. thinking about some things. No need to worry.” Crystal thought quickly, wanting to change the subject. Just then, a shiny object caught her eye. Around Key’s neck was a glimmering, green pearl with a musical note in it. The white ‘unicorn’ stared at it for a moment before opening her mouth to speak, “Where did you get that?” She pointed at the necklace, making Puzzle blush with embarrassment. Puzzle Key tried to hide her blush with her long mane, however it was very obvious. Crystal waited for a response, however one never came from the shying pegasus. Instead, Primary Shades spoke for her.

“That’s from her booooyfriend.” She said with a sly smile, causing Puzzle to blush even more. Crystal tilted her head in curiosity.

“Oh, so you have a boyfriend? Might I ask his name?” Crystal asked, getting no response yet again from the grey pegasus. Crystal felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Violet getting ready to respond.

“She won’t say. Not even we know.” Violet explained further, “He’s a pin pal boyfriend whom she hasn't met personally yet.” Crystal became very curious. Her mother never told her that those types of relationships existed. She wanted to ask more questions, but she decided not to because it was obvious Key didn’t want to answer. Crystal sat back in her seat as Flitter Rose made a statement.

“Not a real relationship if ya ask me.” In response, se received a glare from Violet and Prime. The bat pony looked a bit offended by the looks she was given, “Hey, what’s with those angry eyes? She hasn’t met the guy. For all we know, he could be a 40 year old virgin living in his mother's basement.”

“It is a real relationship, Flit, and you know it.” Violet spat, defending the shying Puzzle Key.

“Have you met the guy? Didn’t think so, all I’m saying is that if no one has met him, not even Key herself, it’s not a real relationship.” The bat pony responded.

“Like you’d know a real relationship, you don’t have a guy wanting any of your flank!” Violet retorted.

“Hey guys, let’s settle down. There’s no need to argue like this.” Sky interrupted.

“Yea, Vi,” Volt started, “You know, you should lighten up, and maybe you'll be able to get a stallion to actually like you.” Volt spat. Everyone’s eyes widened and moved to Violet, whom was staring at the track, her eyes looked as cold as ice. Sky sat up, ready to intervene if necessary. For a moment, the group laid silent, the pressure between the two ponies was too great for anyone to breathe, let alone speak. Volt’s eyes widened when he finally realized what he said. They became filled with fear, he backed away from her slowly as much as he could.

“Uh, V-Vi? Y-you-” He was cut off by the purple unicorn jumping across the table preparing to attack the cocky, green pegasus, whom was scurrying for cover. Sky Knight leaped onto the table and opened his wings, creating a barrier between the quarrelling ponies. Violets angry eyes turned to shocked eyes as she looked up at Sky Knight and realized what she was doing.

“Alright, that’s enough you three. You’re scaring Puzzle Key.” Everyone looked over at the gray pegasus who was nearly crying into the side of Primary Shades. Violet slumped back into her seat and sighed.

“Sorry, emotions got to me.” She said looking down at her hooves.

Sky nodded and looked down at the cowering Volt Speed, “Get up, Volt. You wanna be a guard, right? So don’t cower like that at the sign of danger.”

The green pegasus cracked a small, unconvincing smile and sat back up in his seat, “I-I wasn’t cowering! I was… getting to a defensive position! Yeah, I was doing that.” He said with an awkward laugh. Sky rolled his eyes and folded his wings again. Crystal looked up at the towering pegasus in awe. His power seemed to be radiating from his body and the respect that the group had for him was uncanny. His aura seemed to be that of someone very strong and powerful. Someone who could lead an entire army into battle. She looked in awe for another moment when it struck her. This power.. It’s so familiar to me.. Like the feeling I had when I first met Sky. Why am I getting these feelings?It’s as if I’ve known him all my life. She pondered for a moment, not realizing that the mood at the table changed as quickly as it got bad. Volt Speed and Sky were laughing about something and Puzzle Key was sitting back up normally. Crystal became confused as to how they could all forgive each other so quickly. She then felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked over to see Violet with a concerned look facing the white alicorn.

“Is something the matter, Crystal? You seemed to space off for a moment there.” The purple unicorn asked. Crystal searched for the most believable white lie she could tell.

“O-oh, yeah, I’m fine. Just.. thinking about things,” She started, “But.. how did you all forgive each other so quickly? Your were about to tear each other's throats out and now you are all laughing again.” To Crystal’s surprise, Violet giggled and put a hoof on the hooded alicorns shoulder.

“Wow, your mom must not let you go out much,” Violet joked, “It’s simple. We’re friends, friends forgive each other no matter what.”

“Exactly,” Crystal turned around to face a smiling Sky Knight, “Yes we quarrel, but we will never stop being friends.” Everyone at the table nodded in agreement with Sky Knight. This prompted Crystal to crack a smile that she had not felt in a long time. A genuine, friendly smile. Sky chuckled, “I guess that’s one less lesson your aunt has to teach.” He said quietly enough so only Crystal could hear. She giggled as she felt joy radiate from the group once again. Her chest warmed up to her surprise. She hadn’t felt this feeling since her times as a child with her one friend she was allowed having. She enjoyed every second of it.

The hours flew by as the group shared different stories and played games, which may have lead to Blue Wrench getting a cupcake to the face. They had also left Sugar Cube Corner to have some fun and show Crystal around town. She had fun at every place they stopped, but none took her breath away like the view of the stadium from the top of town hall. Something about the wonderfully detailed architecture blending with the orange and yellow of the beautiful sunset made Crystal feel comfortable. She was having so much fun that she nearly forgot about the suspicion she had for Sky. As the orange turned to gray, signaling the start of Luna’s beautiful night, the party began dissolving as ponies went home. It dissolved until there was only Sky Knight and Crystal left.

“Would you like me to walk you home, Crystal?” The blue pegasus offered. She nodded and the two began to trot together to the castle. As they neared the castle, the alicorn in hiding began to feel sorrow now that the fun day was coming to a close. This was the most fun she has had since she was a filly and she didn’t want it to end, but it had to. They stood at the front doorway and faced each other.

“Welp, guess this is goodnight then. Hope you had fun.” Sky happily said, making Crystal grin.

“Yes, I hope we can do this again sometime.” She replied, turning to the doorway.

“Oh wait, we never really got to know you, did we?” Sky stopped her in her tracks.

“N-no, we didn’t, but it’s fine.” She said.

“No, it’s part of friendship to get to know each other.”

“I guess..”

“I'm sorry we didn't take the time to get to know you. Maybe we can change that. Goodnight." Sky Knight finally said.

“Good night.” Crystal said as she walked through the door. As the door closed, something dawned on her. That last phrase Sky Knight said to her, it sounded familiar to her. Almost like someone close had spoken it before. Then the suspicion of Sky came flooding back as she rushed to Twilight’s room to tell her what had happened.

Author's Note

Wow, almost 4 months... Sorry to anyone who actually wanted to continue reading this. I hope to post more in the future. The school year is nearly over so hopefully I'll have more time soon.