The Crystal Empressby Mystic SunriseChaptersA Princess' ThoughtsArrival and MeetingsRoyal CrystalingA Princess' ThoughtsIt was not every day that a Crystaling happened in the Crystal Empire, and the crystal ponies couldn't be more excited about the occasion. This was one that was even more special than usual, for it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Twice if you happened to live long enough. A Royal Crystaling. While a normal Crystaling happened when a filly or colt was a newborn, a Royal Crystaling only happened only when the Crystal Heart believed the current Crystal Princess was ready to truly step into her mother's shoes. This didn't mean of course that the Crystal Empress was about to step down in favor of her daughter, or that she was about to die. But it was the first sign that her daughter was ready. Empress Rose Quartz, the current ruler of the empire, knew the moment she awoke that one morning, that it was time. Soon the news had gone out that the Royal Crystaling was soon to take place. News that was greeted with much joy. Princess Mi Amora Amicitia, or Twilight, as her friends called her, was much loved around the empire. There just seemed something about her that made it easy for ponies to love her. Not just as their princess, but as a pony. Twilight made friends so easily that some foals were jealous. Not that they ever hated her for it of course. Even if hate was something few in the empire knew of, there was just something about the young princess that made it hard for ponies to not like her. But there was more than just her title and her family that made Amicitia stand out amongst ponies her age. And it was this last part, that convinced her mother to do something that surprised many of her advisors. She invited Princess Luna of Equestria to the Royal Crystaling as well. Many had heard of the young nation to the empire's south and the princess who ruled them, but few had ever been there, and even fewer from Equestria had come to the Crystal Empire. The empire did not turn away those that came to their realm of course, but many still remembered the racial hatred that had nearly destroyed them all, only a few years earlier. While the Crystal ponies counted earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns amongst them, all three had lived in harmony for so long that most found the so-called Three Tribes Era disgraceful to all ponies. Princess Luna was even more of a mystery to most. None would deny that she was kind, beautiful, strong, and the kind of leader Equestria needed, but none could understand what kind of pony she was. Some said she was an alicorn, a pony that embodied all the best traits of all three kinds of ponies, but none knew for sure. Empress Rose though, for all she still had suspicions of some in Equestria, knew that Luna was a kind and fair ruler, one that she was happy to have to deal with in the few time the two had met. And now that her daughter was about to come of age, she felt it only right that she was invited to the Crystaling as well. After all, she and Amicitia shared much in common. As she watched the ponies below her set everything up for her Crystaling, Twilight sighed, as she plopped her head down on the window sill of her room. It was not a very princess thing to do, but she was not in the mood at the moment to care. She still was not sure how she felt about all of this. Oh, she had known her whole life that this day would come. But that did not mean she was ready for it. For crying out loud, her mom was still young! She still had stallions knocking on the door, looking to try and score with her. A feeling that Twilight knew rather well, as well. She'd had more stallions, and not a few mares as well, try and hook up with her. And while she could appreciate that most meant it, she did not doubt that more than a few only cared about her title and what it meant for them. And if there was one thing Princess Mi Amora Amicitia disliked more than anything else, it was flank kissers that only cared about her title and what it could do for them and their own family. More than one stallion had literally been kicked out of her room when that became clear that was all they wanted. Her wings fluttered at the thought, making Amicitia turn and look at them. She'd had grown used to their doing that as she grew up. It came naturally, as her mother had explained to her. And while she would not be winning any awards, Amicitia considered herself a rather good flyer. She wondered if what made her so different was why Princess Luna of Equestria had been invited to the Royal Crystaling as well? Twilight had never met her, of course, as she turned back to the scene outside her window. But she had always heard good things about her from her mother. Amicitia's ears twitched as she heard somepony come to her door. Her mother's calming presence told her who it was, even before she felt a wing wrap around her. She smiled as she pulled herself closer to her mom. Rose smiled as she looked down at her daughter. "I thought I might find you up here. I cannot count the number of times I have found you like this. Why so glum? This is a big day for you." Amicitia sighed. "I am just. Thinking. About how much will change after today. I cannot just be another pony in the crowd after this. What about my friends? Will this drive us apart? I do not want that. I do not want to lose them." Rose sighed. She had thought this might come up. "Mi Amora Amicitia. Do you really think so little of your friends that they would do that? I have never seen a closer group than what you have." Twilight shook her head. "Mom, please. Do not call me that." Rose shook her head. "It is your name, Amicitia." Twilight gave her mother a flat look. "Yes. My Throne Name. One that will not really matter until I take the throne." Rose sighed. This had been a recurring argument between the two of them for some time now. All members of the Royal Family had two names. Their Throne Name, which was used in any official capacity, and a Personal Name, which they could use at their leisure and among their friends. For instance, Rose's full and official Throne Name was Crystal Empress Mi Amora Venus, while her Personal Name was Rose Quartz. While her daughter's was Mi Amora Amicitia, while her Personal Name was Twilight Sparkle. Mi Amora was a holdover from the very first pony to be the Crystal Princess when the empire had been founded. The names fit as well. Rose's coat was a beautiful shade of rose red, while her mane was as blue as the sky while Twilight's coat was lavender mixed with pink at the edges of her wings, while her mane was a navy blue with three colors streaks of dark purple, blond yellow, and Fuschia. Of course, Twilight's Personal Name did not really seem to make much sense when compared to her Throne Name. And the same could be said for Rose Quartz as well. But neither had ever really cared either way. Nopony would deny that Rose was beautiful and that her Throne Name of Venus was well earned, though few knew where that name had come from. The same was said of Twilight and her Throne Name. Amicitia meant Friendship in the Elder Tongue, and very few would say that it was not a well-earned name, for the young princess was well known for being one of the friendliest ponies in the Crystal Empire, and that alone was saying something, for crystal ponies were generally friendly all around. Rose sighed, as she pulled her daughter closer, Twilight snuggling closer as she did. "Twilight. Today, of all days, do not shirk away from who you are. I will not be around forever." She gestured at the Crystal Empire outside the window. "One day, I will be gone, and all of this will be yours. The crystal ponies will look to you for help and guidance, and the Crystal Heart will need your love and compassion to keep the empire safe in the years to come." Twilight gasped, as she pulled away and looked at her mother with mounting horror. "You're not, dying are you?" Tears gathered in her eyes, as she hugged her mother tightly. "Mom, please! I am not ready. You can't go. You can't leave me. Not like this." Rose chuckled as she held her daughter close and let Twilight cry onto her shoulder, just as she had done ever since she was a little filly. She gently stroked Twilight's mane. "I am not dying, Twilight. I still have many more years left in me before I go to the Summer Glens." She lifted her daughter's chin with a hoof. "But Twilight. Today, of all days. You have to be strong. If not for our subjects, then for me. Can you do that, my Little Star?" Twilight hiccuped, smiling at the use of the old fillyhood nickname her mother had for her. For all they might argue about some things, she still loved her mother, and she knew that she was loved just as much, if not more so. "For you, mommy. I will." She smirked. "But I am going to complain about it anyway. I am making it a Royal Order as well." Rose smiled, as she kissed Twilight's forehead. "Thank you, Twilight." She smirked as well. "And you can complain all you wish once the ceremony is over. I do not know how Crystal puts up with it." Twilight giggled. "What can I say? It is one of the reasons I chose her for my Life Guard. All of the girls in fact." Venus's smile widened knowingly. "Oh? I thought it was because she was cute? I have seen how you look at her flanks, Amicitia. I do not need to be your mother to know why that might be." Amicitia's blush lit up the room. "I. I do not know what you are talking about!" Venus giggled. "I'm sure you don't dear. Here is a piece of advice your grandmother gave me when I was your age. Something that helped me with your father. Do not let her go. The two of you have something few others do. Crystal is more than your Life Guard, honey. She is your friend. All of your Personal Guard is. I have seen how some of them look at you." Amicitia gave her a confused look. She had an idea of what kind of looks those might be. "Then why don't they say something? The girls know they can come to me about anything." Venus shrugged. "That is something only they can tell you, dear. They may fear that if they do anything, then you will cast them out, or worse. Crystal fears it the most. She has not said anything. But I can feel it deep inside of her. It grows stronger every day." Twilight thought about that for a moment. It might explain a few things she had seen from her Life Guard. For the most part, she had thought it was only the rigors of her station. Could it be something else though? But that could wait for later. For the moment she sighed, as she all but melted into her mother's arms. That sat like that for some time, even as at the border of the Crystal Empire, another visitor made her way to the capital city. Author's Note So, time for a story I've had in my mind for a long time now. This is a huge Alternate Universe from the Friendship is Magic we know and love. Let's start with the obvious. This is set before the first rise of Discord, only a few years or so after Hearth's Warming Eve. Princess Celestia doesn't exist in this universe and never has. Luna is an only child. And yes, Twilight is now a member of the Crystal Empire's Royal Family. By birth as well, not adopted. Princess Amore did exist, but now as Rose's mother. One other thing. Despite what the cover art says, Twilight is not a fusion of her and Cadance. Nor is Luna one of her and Celestia. They just look like it. In this universe at least. Arrival and MeetingsAs her chariot landed with a soft thump, Princess Luna sighed. Standing, she stretched her wings for all they were worth, before stepping down, her Royal Guard escort falling into line around her. It was a long flight from the Everfree Castle to the Crystal Empire. How the mail carrier had made it was a miracle in of itself. She made a mental note to commend the stallion when and if she had a chance. Captain Steel Wing, the leader of Luna's escort, gave the city before them a cold look. "I still believe this to be a mistake. We do not know much of this place or the ponies that live here. This could be a trap." Luna sighed. This had been a recurring argument between the two of them for some time now, and it didn't appear to be ending anytime soon. "Be that as it may, Captain, we are here, and I have given my word that I will appear. I will not make Equestria look bad by going back on that." Steel Wing frowned but kept his tongue. His was not to question his princess's orders or decisions. But that didn't mean he had to like them and made that clear with his demeanor. For her part, Luna wasn't sure how to proceed with this any more than her escort was. Very little was known of the Crystal Empire. Not through any deliberate isolation on the country's part, but the empire had done very little to get to know Equestria. What was known, was that the empire viewed the racial hatred and outright warfare between the three types of ponies, with disgust and scorn. From what Luna had learned from Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane, and Chancellor Puddinghead, the Crystal Royal Family had refused for many years to recognize the leaders of the three tribes in any way, shape, or form. Not even King Buillion had been recognized. With the establishment of Equestria however, that had begun to change. More and more crystal ponies had begun to be seen in Equestria, and even a few Equestrians had seen the Crystal City itself. And while Luna had spoken to Empress Venus on an informal basis, mostly as one ruler to another, much was still unknown about the Crystal Empire. So Luna had been surprised to receive a formal, and a not so informal, invitation to Crystal Princess Amicitia's Royal Crystaling. Whatever that was. And maybe, just maybe, finally open up real relations between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Luna hoped so anyway. Though Luna would be the first to admit that she was curious as to what this celebration was all about. Luna watched as a squad what she could only assume was the Imperial Guard approached. Compared to her own guard detachment, the Imperial Guard squad was all mares, which raised a few eyebrows amongst her squad. Luna could only chuckle before she turned serious and gave her guards a look that brokered no arguments. "Whatever you may think of the Crystal Empire or why we are here, for as long as we are, we are their guests. You will treat them well and with courtesy. Or it is permanent latrine duty for all of you, for the rest of your carriers. Am I understood?" The guards all gulped in fear, but kept their faces straight and nodded. Luna smiled as she turned back to the mares that had come to greet them. The mare leading them looked rather young, a teenager if Luna had to guess. Her milk-white coat stood out against her blue and pink mane. Despite her age though, she carried herself like a seasoned professional. "Princess Luna. I'm Captain Crystal Dawn. Personal guard of Princess Amicitia herself. I will be your guide while you are here." Luna was rather taken aback by the young mare's forwardness, but she was also glad. Too many made a fool of themselves when they first met her. She also seemed to not be shocked at what kind of pony Luna was. But she held off her questions for now and merely bowed her head. "Then please, lead on Captain." Crystal nodded, and with practiced ease, she and her squad formed an escort around Luna and her own squad. Again, Luna was surprised at how easily it came to them. Clearly, they knew what they were doing and were not just for show. Crystal saw Luna's look and rolled her eyes, as she fell in beside the princess. "Despite what it looks like, it is dangerous around the empire. I've had to save Amicitia's flank more than once. I think she does it purpose sometimes, just so I can save her." Luna giggled. "You are comfortable using her name like that, though? Does the princess know about this?" Crystal sighed. "Amicitia insisted that I use one of her names, instead of her title. "I want you to do this, not because you've been ordered to. But because you want to, Crystal. I don't want you to just be my guard. We have enough of those. If you're going to be assigned to me like this, I want us to be friends," is how she put it to me when I got the duty." Luna could see the merit in the idea. Being the princess's personal bodyguard was one thing. But it meant, even more, when the pony who did so, fulfilled her role not only because of her duty but because she cared about her charge. Not just as her princess. But as her friend. Steel Wing, while still surprised by all of this, could also see the merit behind it. He was curious about one thing though. "The princess has more than one name?" He asked. One of Crystal's companions nodded. "She has several, in fact. Her Throne Name, which is what she is known by in all official capacity and rolls, and which most ponies know her by, and her Personal Name, a much more private name which only those closest to her, her family and closest friends, know. Only the princess herself can tell you her Personal Name." Luna found that a little odd. She herself only had the one name, and she was more than happy to keep it that way. But this was another nation. Things would be different here of course. She was curious though, as she looked at the mares around the group, as they finally entered the city proper. "Is all the Imperial Guard mares?" Crystal shook her head, looking smug at something. "No. It really depends on the pony in question. Empress Venus has more than a few stallions in her guard. But Princess Amicitia insisted her guard detachment be all mares. It's her choice after all. What happens when she one day ascends to the throne herself, I do not know. But we are proud to serve her for however long she deems." Crystal and her squad clashed the butts of the spears against the ground at this, a fierce fire burning in their eyes. Luna could not help but admire it. She would count herself lucky if any of her guards felt like that about her. Oh, she didn't doubt their loyalty. More than once, they had helped her against something from the Everfree Forest. But she now wondered how much of that was because they cared about her as a pony, and not just as their princess? A question for later, perhaps. As they passed down the street, Luna and the others looked around at the city around them. It wasn't called the Crystal Empire for anything it seemed. Everything seemed to be made out of crystal. Even the ponies themselves were almost see-through. Everypony it seemed was going in the same direction. In the distance rose a single spire, presumably where the Royal Family lived. If it was possible, it was even more crystally than the rest of the city. Few ponies paid them much attention, though a few looked at Luna odd, a sight she was used to by now. She got that look all the time from ponies who had never seen her before. It came with being an alicorn, she supposed. But why did it seem nopony was shocked to see an alicorn at all? The looks seemed more about how much she stood out. Odd. Maybe it was something she could look into later. For now, though, their escort made it easy for them to move to the front of the huge crowd that was gathering at the base of the spire. At the base, a crystal heart floated seemingly on its own, between two pillars, one from the ground and one from the ceiling. While the sight intrigued Luna, her eyes were drawn to the two ponies who stepped forward to meet them. Empress Venus was in full regalia, its crystalline color standing out as a nice contrast to her rose-red coat and sky blue mane. The fact that she was a Pegasus surprised Luna, but she hid it well. She had heard that the Royal Family had contained every kind of pony, each one going on to rule the empire in time. Next to her could only be her daughter. Amicitia was a contrast to her mother in some ways, but Luna could also see the resemblance in her mane and the slight pink tone on parts of her body. What surprised her the most, however, was that Amicitia did not yet have her cutie mark. Strange. Most ponies her age had gained theirs by now. Pushing the thought aside, Luna bowed, as did Venus and Amicitia. "Your highness. Thank you for letting me come to your fair city. May it lead to more in the future," Luna intoned. Venus smiled. "And I welcome you, Princess Luna of Equestria, to the Crystal Empire. I have heard great things about you. I too hope that this may lead to better things between us in the future." Together, the three of them stood and faced each other again. Venus pushed Amicitia forward with a wing, her smile growing. "And this is my daughter, Amicitia. I'm sure the two of you can get along." Luna chuckled, while the younger princess gave her mother a flat look before she looked back at Luna. Namely, at her horn. "They were right. We do have something in common," she finally said. Luna blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" Amicitia smiled as she spread her wings and brushed her mane from her forehead, revealing what had been hidden by her crown before now. Luna felt her mouth drop in shock at what was revealed. A horn. Amicitia lit her horn, the appendage glowing blue as she removed her crown. "How many ponies do you know of that have both wings and a horn?" Luna blinked in shock, as did her guard escort, while Venus and Amicitia's own guards giggled. Luna finally found her voice. "You're. You're an alicorn?" Twilight and her mother shared a confused look, before turning back to Princess Luna. "I'm a what now?" Twilight asked. Luna shook her head, trying to contain her surprise. "An alicorn. A pony that embodies all three tribes in one. The strength and stamina of an earth pony, the flight and weather manipulation of a Pegasus, and the magic of a unicorn." She pointed at Twilight's blank flank. "It would also explain why you do not have your cutie mark yet. Alicorns gain their cutie mark much later than most ponies." Twilight tapped her chin. That explained a few things about her. Her horn and wings had been a part of her since the day she had been born. It was only when she had met other foals her age had she had seen how different she was. Empress Venus, on the other hoof, was still surprised by one thing in particular. "I thought alicorns were nothing but a myth? Until I saw you, I believed Amicitia was one of a kind." Luna shook her head, more than happy to tell as much as she knew. "Alicorns have never been a common type of pony. Very rarely will one be born to parents of any of the three tribes, for no apparent reason. There is no known way to know if a child will be one or not." Venus gave her daughter, who appeared to be deep in thought, a worried look. "Is it a bad thing that my daughter is much like yourself, Princess Luna? She has never been one to try and stand out in a crowd. Whether ponies want her too or not." Amicitia nodded, frowning slightly. "I envy the citizens of the empire sometimes. They don't have to worry about the things I do. About one da ascending a throne I am woefully not ready for. I don't think I ever will be." Luna and Venus shared a knowing smile, Lifting the young princess's head with a hoof, Luna's smile grew. "And that, young one, is why you are worthy to one day take that throne. No true ruler who ruled well ever thought they were ready or worthy of their position. Those that believe it is their right and destiny to rule? They tend to be the worst kinds." Venus nodded, draping a wing over her daughter. "And never, ever think, that you are not worthy, Little Star. The empire loves you, and I know you love every one of the ponies in it. You will make a fine ruler one day." She chuckled. "Hopefully, not anytime soon. But I believe in you." That did more to raise Amicitia's spirits than she had ever thought possible. Her doubts about her ability to one day rule in her mother's place still remained, and a part of her knew that they always would, but her confidence in her ability to do so had grown. Was this how her mom had felt before she had ascended the throne herself? It was something she would ask her about later. Luna chuckled, before looking back at Venus. "Onto another subject, what exactly is all of this about? Your letter was not forthcoming with what all of this is for or means." Venus nodded. "It is Amicitia's coming of age if you will. Normally, a Crystaling is done soon after a filly or colt is born. But for one of the Royal Family that is destined to one day take the throne, it is done at a time that is seemingly chosen at random by the Crystal Heart." Luna looked again at the heart that floated behind the group. She guessed that is what Venus meant by the Crystal Heart. She had heard rumors of it. That it was powered by the love and warmth of the crystal ponies and kept the empire safe. Amicitia saw Luna's look and nodded. "I'm sure you've heard rumors of what the Crystal Heart is and what it can do. That our love and warmth help to power it, and it helps to protect the empire. Well, they're right. It's a bit more complicated than that. But that is the short version of it." Luna nodded. She could feel that there was more to it than that but kept her questions to herself for now. "And what does this, Royal Crystaling entail then?" Venus looked back at the heart as well. "It is the moment when the Crystal Princess forms her own unique bond with the Crystal Heart. How they do so, and what form that bond takes, changes from one pony to the next." Amicitia and Venus shared a knowing look, leaving Luna slightly irritated that she wasn't in on whatever passed between the two. "There is more that happens as well. But that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?" Amicitia said with a smirk. Luna sighed. She wasn't getting any more out of them, it seemed. Though she counted herself lucky she had learned this much already. Was it always like this? Or was it just her being an outsider? Royal CrystalingVenus turned to look at her daughter, her expression becoming dead serious. "Are you ready, Little Star?" Amicitia's anxiety shot back up through the roof. "No. No, I'm not! Can't we do this in, like, a week? Like a week from never?" Everypony within earshot giggled, and even Luna couldn't keep a straight face. "And that was what I was hoping you would say. I said the same thing when the time came for me to take this. A part of me still feels that way," her mother said kindly, wrapping a wing around her. Amicitia gave her a surprised look. She hadn't expected to ever hear that from her mother. "Really? But you're always so calm and collected. What do I even do?" Venus's smile grew as she pulled her daughter close. "I am not above having doubts or insecurities, Amicitia. I am not perfect. Nopony is. That is what makes us who we are." Kissing her daughter's forehead, Venus released her and stepped back toward the crowd of ponies around them, motioning Luna and Amicitia's own guards to follow her. "Approach the Crystal Heart. The rest will fall into place after that. From here on, we cannot help you." Amicitia gulped but tried to put on a brave face as she turned to face the Heart itself. She had no idea of what could happen from here on, but her mind was filling with all of the worst possibilities. She could be found unfit, she wasn't ready, her mom had made a mistake. She could get vaporized. That last one was a bit of a stretch, Twilight admitted, but she knew the tales. Of what had supposedly happened to a pony in this same position when her grandmother had been Crystal Empress and her mother hadn't even been born yet. Whether they were true or not, nopony knew. But that didn't stop her from thinking the worst. Before she knew it, however, Twilight found herself standing before the Crystal Heart. The Heart was glowing, and it seemed especially aimed at her. The warmth and love it always radiated seemed to be even more so now, and no matter how she felt, Twilight smiled at the feeling. Not knowing what else to do, and feeling foolish with nothing else coming to mind, Twilight placed a hoof on the Crystal Heart. The glow of Heart grew brighter That was all she could see before her vision faded to white. *** When she could see again, Twilight found herself floating in what seemed like a white void. All around her was nothing but white. Despite that, however, she had never felt more safe or secure. Wherever this was. "Hello? Where am I? What is this place?" She asked nopony in particular. "A safe place," a voice replied, making Twilight jump out of her feathers. "Don't worry. You're safe here." Before Twilight could ask what that meant, a form began to take shape before her. Vaguely pony shaped, yet no features could be made out on it. Twilight squinted at it. "Who are you? What are you?" The figure giggled. "Come now, I'm sure you can figure it out. You are a part of me at the moment." Twilight's eyes widened in shock. "You're the Crystal Heart? How? How did I get here? Why am I here?" The Heart shook her head, for the figure was definitely female. "Only when it comes time for a Royal Crystaling will someone see me like this. Your mother saw me like this, as did your grandmother." The figure leaned closer to the younger mare. "The question is, then. Who are you?" Twilight tried not to flinch under the gaze she was getting, but it was easier said than done. "You know who I am." The figure seemed to smile. "Maybe I do. And maybe I don't." Her smile softened. "Do not be afraid. I will not hurt you. But please, what is your name? We have never met before now, and it's rude not to know each other's names." Twilight couldn't argue with that. Holding her head eye, she met the Heart face to face. "My name is Princess Mi Amora Amicitia. Though that is only my Throne Name. My Personal Name is Twilight Sparkle." The Heart's smile grew. "Then I welcome you, Princess Amicitia and Twilight Sparkle. A fitting name as well. Amicitia, meaning Friendship in the Old Tongue. I hear you are one of the friendliest ponies in the Crystal Empire. Never letting your station dictate who you make friends with, though knowing when your position must be used. Things all good rulers must possess if they are too rule wisely." Twilight blushed at the praise, but her worries returned in full. "But I'm not a ruler. Not yet, and I don't think I ever will be. Nopony can replace mom. I'm not a leader. I'm not someone who can make decisions that will affect the lives of so many ponies. I'm just, me. What if I screw up? I could decide to do something, and ponies could die. I never want to have to bear that." The Heart smiled gently as she lifted the young princess's head with a hoof. "Your mother said much the same thing, as did your grandmother. A wise ruler never believes themselves above making mistakes. It is how you rise above them and correct them, that is the true mark of a great ruler." She shook her head. "There will come times when you must make hard choices, ones that would never seem right under other circumstances, but ones that have to be made." Twilight sniffed, wiping her eyes with a hoof. "Then how do I stop myself from becoming a tyrant? I don't want to be that. Equus has had enough of those. I don't want to be like that." The Heart's smile seemed to grow if it was possible. "Remain true to who you are, Amicitia. Never abandon your friends and the bonds you all share. A true ruler never stands alone. Keep them close, and they will stand beside you no matter what." Twilight smiled, her heart lifting at the thought of her friends, who were even now probably worried about her. "Will, I ever feel like I'm ready for this? Or worthy of taking the throne? I don't think I ever will be." The Heart giggled. "Only you can know that for sure. That you worry about what kind of ruler you will be, tells me that you will be a fine Crystal Empress one day. May that day be many years in the future." They both giggled at that. The Heart soon turned serious, however. "Are you ready? To take the next step in your journey?" Twilight thought about it for a moment. Was she ready? Her head was saying no, that this was still a bad idea. But her in her heart, she knew the truth. She could never be as great as her mother, but she would still make her proud when the time came. "I am." The Heart nodded. Extending a hoof, she bowed her head, until it was almost touching Amicitia's horn. Amcitia bowed her head as well, touching her horn and hoof to the Crystal Heart, before closing her eyes, as a swirl of magic surrounding them. *** Outside, ponies waited anxiously. Very few remembered the last time a Royal Crystaling had happened, so few knew what to expect. Amicitia seemingly being absorbed by the Crystal Heart was a shock to everypony. Even Venus was surprised. Was this was what had happened to her? She had never thought to ask what it had been like to be on the outside looking in at her own Royal Crystaling. Luna, even more, confused than the rest of the crowd, was not too worried. Something told her that the young princess would be fine. It took a lot to put an alicorn down, let alone hurt them. She knew that from experience. The worst off, though, were Amicitia's guards. They couldn't hide their worry and fear that something was deeply wrong with their princess, and there was nothing they could do to help her. Crystal seemed to be the worst off of the group, chewing her lip and constantly shifting from one hoof to the other. Just as the group seemed about to burst, the Crystal Heart began to glow brightly. Before anypony could say anything, a pillar of light shot from the top of the Heart, empowering the spire above them all, before exploding outward in a sphere of magic that engulfed them all. As the magic passed through the crowd, they all gained a new crystalline appearance, even Luna getting one as well, as the spire top shown in all the colors of the Aurora. From the Heart, a new form began to take shape. Pony shaped, but almost as large as Empress Venus, the form spread her wings, even as the crowd saw the horn the poked from her mane. Venus approached the figure, concern etched on her face. "Amicitia?" The figure smiled and nodded, before seemingly shrinking back down to normal pony size, even as the light faded, revealing that it indeed was Princess Amicitia, who seemed to positively shine with the light of the Crystal Heart. The Heart itself returned to normal, as the princess opened her eyes, looking a little woozy. "What a rush," she mumbled. That was all Venus needed to hear. Not caring who saw them, or even about proper decorum, she scooped her daughter up in the biggest hug she could, ignoring Amicitia's indignant squawk of protest. "I knew you could do it, Little Star." Twilight tried to fight her way out of her mother's grasp, but it was a futile effort. "Mom! I'm not a little filly anymore. You're embarrassing me in front of everypony!" Venus just giggled and kissed Twilight's forehead. "It's my job, honey. You may no longer be my little filly anymore, but you’re never too old to be publicly embarrassed by your mother.” Twilight just grumbled, even as the entire crowd giggled at her expense. Even Luna could not keep a straight face. After a moment, Venus finally let her daughter go with a smile. "How do you feel? Do you still feel you are not worthy?" She asked. Twilight thought of it for a moment, before shaking her head. "A little. I don't think it will ever go away. But I feel more confident now. I can never be as wise or good as you. But I will make you proud when that day comes. Hopefully not for a long time yet." Venus nodded, her smile softening. "You have already made me proud, Amicitia. Never think you will not cease to make me proud. I know that one day, you will be a great ruler. I know so." Twilight blushed, as her guards and Princess Luna came to join them. Crystal couldn't hide her look of relief, and Twilight couldn't blame her for it either. Luna, though, seemed more interested in something else, one that made her smile. "I see that you have gained more than just confidence, Princess Amicitia." Twilight blinked in confusion, even as the others saw what Luna meant, and their own smiles grew. "What do you mean?" Luna simply pointed at her flank. Looking back, Twilight felt her eyes widen and her own grin grow even wider. A pink starburst, surrounded by five smaller Crystal Hearts, now proudly adorned her flanks. She could just make out a white star behind the pink starburst. Twilight didn't bother to hide her excitement, jumping a good ten feet in the air, as she squeed. "My cutie mark. Yes! Best. Day Ever!" The whole crowd cheered, as the news passed along to those who couldn't see it all from the front, as Amicitia did laps around their heads, no longer caring if others saw how excited she was. Empress Venus could not have been more proud of her daughter. All of her hopes and dreams for her daughter were coming true. She knew at that moment, that Amicitia would make a great Crystal Empress when that day came. There would be bumps and changes along the way, for the future was never set in stone. But she now looked forward to the future with happiness. Author's Note That is that. I'd always planned for the Royal Crystaling to be the final chapter of this story. And now we've come to it. But that's not the end of this universe. Not by a long shot. I have a prequel in the works that will show more of Twilight's life before this story. Expanding on the world-building that was shown and hinted at here. This is what the crowd saw. This is meant to be Amicitia's adult look. Her bonding with the Crystal Heart in this chapter allowed her to assume this form for a little bit, but not for good. Eventually, she will grow into it fully. But that won't be for a few years, in-universe, yet. Both this and the cover art were done by Abbi--Arson.
A Princess' ThoughtsIt was not every day that a Crystaling happened in the Crystal Empire, and the crystal ponies couldn't be more excited about the occasion. This was one that was even more special than usual, for it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Twice if you happened to live long enough. A Royal Crystaling. While a normal Crystaling happened when a filly or colt was a newborn, a Royal Crystaling only happened only when the Crystal Heart believed the current Crystal Princess was ready to truly step into her mother's shoes. This didn't mean of course that the Crystal Empress was about to step down in favor of her daughter, or that she was about to die. But it was the first sign that her daughter was ready. Empress Rose Quartz, the current ruler of the empire, knew the moment she awoke that one morning, that it was time. Soon the news had gone out that the Royal Crystaling was soon to take place. News that was greeted with much joy. Princess Mi Amora Amicitia, or Twilight, as her friends called her, was much loved around the empire. There just seemed something about her that made it easy for ponies to love her. Not just as their princess, but as a pony. Twilight made friends so easily that some foals were jealous. Not that they ever hated her for it of course. Even if hate was something few in the empire knew of, there was just something about the young princess that made it hard for ponies to not like her. But there was more than just her title and her family that made Amicitia stand out amongst ponies her age. And it was this last part, that convinced her mother to do something that surprised many of her advisors. She invited Princess Luna of Equestria to the Royal Crystaling as well. Many had heard of the young nation to the empire's south and the princess who ruled them, but few had ever been there, and even fewer from Equestria had come to the Crystal Empire. The empire did not turn away those that came to their realm of course, but many still remembered the racial hatred that had nearly destroyed them all, only a few years earlier. While the Crystal ponies counted earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns amongst them, all three had lived in harmony for so long that most found the so-called Three Tribes Era disgraceful to all ponies. Princess Luna was even more of a mystery to most. None would deny that she was kind, beautiful, strong, and the kind of leader Equestria needed, but none could understand what kind of pony she was. Some said she was an alicorn, a pony that embodied all the best traits of all three kinds of ponies, but none knew for sure. Empress Rose though, for all she still had suspicions of some in Equestria, knew that Luna was a kind and fair ruler, one that she was happy to have to deal with in the few time the two had met. And now that her daughter was about to come of age, she felt it only right that she was invited to the Crystaling as well. After all, she and Amicitia shared much in common. As she watched the ponies below her set everything up for her Crystaling, Twilight sighed, as she plopped her head down on the window sill of her room. It was not a very princess thing to do, but she was not in the mood at the moment to care. She still was not sure how she felt about all of this. Oh, she had known her whole life that this day would come. But that did not mean she was ready for it. For crying out loud, her mom was still young! She still had stallions knocking on the door, looking to try and score with her. A feeling that Twilight knew rather well, as well. She'd had more stallions, and not a few mares as well, try and hook up with her. And while she could appreciate that most meant it, she did not doubt that more than a few only cared about her title and what it meant for them. And if there was one thing Princess Mi Amora Amicitia disliked more than anything else, it was flank kissers that only cared about her title and what it could do for them and their own family. More than one stallion had literally been kicked out of her room when that became clear that was all they wanted. Her wings fluttered at the thought, making Amicitia turn and look at them. She'd had grown used to their doing that as she grew up. It came naturally, as her mother had explained to her. And while she would not be winning any awards, Amicitia considered herself a rather good flyer. She wondered if what made her so different was why Princess Luna of Equestria had been invited to the Royal Crystaling as well? Twilight had never met her, of course, as she turned back to the scene outside her window. But she had always heard good things about her from her mother. Amicitia's ears twitched as she heard somepony come to her door. Her mother's calming presence told her who it was, even before she felt a wing wrap around her. She smiled as she pulled herself closer to her mom. Rose smiled as she looked down at her daughter. "I thought I might find you up here. I cannot count the number of times I have found you like this. Why so glum? This is a big day for you." Amicitia sighed. "I am just. Thinking. About how much will change after today. I cannot just be another pony in the crowd after this. What about my friends? Will this drive us apart? I do not want that. I do not want to lose them." Rose sighed. She had thought this might come up. "Mi Amora Amicitia. Do you really think so little of your friends that they would do that? I have never seen a closer group than what you have." Twilight shook her head. "Mom, please. Do not call me that." Rose shook her head. "It is your name, Amicitia." Twilight gave her mother a flat look. "Yes. My Throne Name. One that will not really matter until I take the throne." Rose sighed. This had been a recurring argument between the two of them for some time now. All members of the Royal Family had two names. Their Throne Name, which was used in any official capacity, and a Personal Name, which they could use at their leisure and among their friends. For instance, Rose's full and official Throne Name was Crystal Empress Mi Amora Venus, while her Personal Name was Rose Quartz. While her daughter's was Mi Amora Amicitia, while her Personal Name was Twilight Sparkle. Mi Amora was a holdover from the very first pony to be the Crystal Princess when the empire had been founded. The names fit as well. Rose's coat was a beautiful shade of rose red, while her mane was as blue as the sky while Twilight's coat was lavender mixed with pink at the edges of her wings, while her mane was a navy blue with three colors streaks of dark purple, blond yellow, and Fuschia. Of course, Twilight's Personal Name did not really seem to make much sense when compared to her Throne Name. And the same could be said for Rose Quartz as well. But neither had ever really cared either way. Nopony would deny that Rose was beautiful and that her Throne Name of Venus was well earned, though few knew where that name had come from. The same was said of Twilight and her Throne Name. Amicitia meant Friendship in the Elder Tongue, and very few would say that it was not a well-earned name, for the young princess was well known for being one of the friendliest ponies in the Crystal Empire, and that alone was saying something, for crystal ponies were generally friendly all around. Rose sighed, as she pulled her daughter closer, Twilight snuggling closer as she did. "Twilight. Today, of all days, do not shirk away from who you are. I will not be around forever." She gestured at the Crystal Empire outside the window. "One day, I will be gone, and all of this will be yours. The crystal ponies will look to you for help and guidance, and the Crystal Heart will need your love and compassion to keep the empire safe in the years to come." Twilight gasped, as she pulled away and looked at her mother with mounting horror. "You're not, dying are you?" Tears gathered in her eyes, as she hugged her mother tightly. "Mom, please! I am not ready. You can't go. You can't leave me. Not like this." Rose chuckled as she held her daughter close and let Twilight cry onto her shoulder, just as she had done ever since she was a little filly. She gently stroked Twilight's mane. "I am not dying, Twilight. I still have many more years left in me before I go to the Summer Glens." She lifted her daughter's chin with a hoof. "But Twilight. Today, of all days. You have to be strong. If not for our subjects, then for me. Can you do that, my Little Star?" Twilight hiccuped, smiling at the use of the old fillyhood nickname her mother had for her. For all they might argue about some things, she still loved her mother, and she knew that she was loved just as much, if not more so. "For you, mommy. I will." She smirked. "But I am going to complain about it anyway. I am making it a Royal Order as well." Rose smiled, as she kissed Twilight's forehead. "Thank you, Twilight." She smirked as well. "And you can complain all you wish once the ceremony is over. I do not know how Crystal puts up with it." Twilight giggled. "What can I say? It is one of the reasons I chose her for my Life Guard. All of the girls in fact." Venus's smile widened knowingly. "Oh? I thought it was because she was cute? I have seen how you look at her flanks, Amicitia. I do not need to be your mother to know why that might be." Amicitia's blush lit up the room. "I. I do not know what you are talking about!" Venus giggled. "I'm sure you don't dear. Here is a piece of advice your grandmother gave me when I was your age. Something that helped me with your father. Do not let her go. The two of you have something few others do. Crystal is more than your Life Guard, honey. She is your friend. All of your Personal Guard is. I have seen how some of them look at you." Amicitia gave her a confused look. She had an idea of what kind of looks those might be. "Then why don't they say something? The girls know they can come to me about anything." Venus shrugged. "That is something only they can tell you, dear. They may fear that if they do anything, then you will cast them out, or worse. Crystal fears it the most. She has not said anything. But I can feel it deep inside of her. It grows stronger every day." Twilight thought about that for a moment. It might explain a few things she had seen from her Life Guard. For the most part, she had thought it was only the rigors of her station. Could it be something else though? But that could wait for later. For the moment she sighed, as she all but melted into her mother's arms. That sat like that for some time, even as at the border of the Crystal Empire, another visitor made her way to the capital city. Author's Note So, time for a story I've had in my mind for a long time now. This is a huge Alternate Universe from the Friendship is Magic we know and love. Let's start with the obvious. This is set before the first rise of Discord, only a few years or so after Hearth's Warming Eve. Princess Celestia doesn't exist in this universe and never has. Luna is an only child. And yes, Twilight is now a member of the Crystal Empire's Royal Family. By birth as well, not adopted. Princess Amore did exist, but now as Rose's mother. One other thing. Despite what the cover art says, Twilight is not a fusion of her and Cadance. Nor is Luna one of her and Celestia. They just look like it. In this universe at least.
Arrival and MeetingsAs her chariot landed with a soft thump, Princess Luna sighed. Standing, she stretched her wings for all they were worth, before stepping down, her Royal Guard escort falling into line around her. It was a long flight from the Everfree Castle to the Crystal Empire. How the mail carrier had made it was a miracle in of itself. She made a mental note to commend the stallion when and if she had a chance. Captain Steel Wing, the leader of Luna's escort, gave the city before them a cold look. "I still believe this to be a mistake. We do not know much of this place or the ponies that live here. This could be a trap." Luna sighed. This had been a recurring argument between the two of them for some time now, and it didn't appear to be ending anytime soon. "Be that as it may, Captain, we are here, and I have given my word that I will appear. I will not make Equestria look bad by going back on that." Steel Wing frowned but kept his tongue. His was not to question his princess's orders or decisions. But that didn't mean he had to like them and made that clear with his demeanor. For her part, Luna wasn't sure how to proceed with this any more than her escort was. Very little was known of the Crystal Empire. Not through any deliberate isolation on the country's part, but the empire had done very little to get to know Equestria. What was known, was that the empire viewed the racial hatred and outright warfare between the three types of ponies, with disgust and scorn. From what Luna had learned from Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane, and Chancellor Puddinghead, the Crystal Royal Family had refused for many years to recognize the leaders of the three tribes in any way, shape, or form. Not even King Buillion had been recognized. With the establishment of Equestria however, that had begun to change. More and more crystal ponies had begun to be seen in Equestria, and even a few Equestrians had seen the Crystal City itself. And while Luna had spoken to Empress Venus on an informal basis, mostly as one ruler to another, much was still unknown about the Crystal Empire. So Luna had been surprised to receive a formal, and a not so informal, invitation to Crystal Princess Amicitia's Royal Crystaling. Whatever that was. And maybe, just maybe, finally open up real relations between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Luna hoped so anyway. Though Luna would be the first to admit that she was curious as to what this celebration was all about. Luna watched as a squad what she could only assume was the Imperial Guard approached. Compared to her own guard detachment, the Imperial Guard squad was all mares, which raised a few eyebrows amongst her squad. Luna could only chuckle before she turned serious and gave her guards a look that brokered no arguments. "Whatever you may think of the Crystal Empire or why we are here, for as long as we are, we are their guests. You will treat them well and with courtesy. Or it is permanent latrine duty for all of you, for the rest of your carriers. Am I understood?" The guards all gulped in fear, but kept their faces straight and nodded. Luna smiled as she turned back to the mares that had come to greet them. The mare leading them looked rather young, a teenager if Luna had to guess. Her milk-white coat stood out against her blue and pink mane. Despite her age though, she carried herself like a seasoned professional. "Princess Luna. I'm Captain Crystal Dawn. Personal guard of Princess Amicitia herself. I will be your guide while you are here." Luna was rather taken aback by the young mare's forwardness, but she was also glad. Too many made a fool of themselves when they first met her. She also seemed to not be shocked at what kind of pony Luna was. But she held off her questions for now and merely bowed her head. "Then please, lead on Captain." Crystal nodded, and with practiced ease, she and her squad formed an escort around Luna and her own squad. Again, Luna was surprised at how easily it came to them. Clearly, they knew what they were doing and were not just for show. Crystal saw Luna's look and rolled her eyes, as she fell in beside the princess. "Despite what it looks like, it is dangerous around the empire. I've had to save Amicitia's flank more than once. I think she does it purpose sometimes, just so I can save her." Luna giggled. "You are comfortable using her name like that, though? Does the princess know about this?" Crystal sighed. "Amicitia insisted that I use one of her names, instead of her title. "I want you to do this, not because you've been ordered to. But because you want to, Crystal. I don't want you to just be my guard. We have enough of those. If you're going to be assigned to me like this, I want us to be friends," is how she put it to me when I got the duty." Luna could see the merit in the idea. Being the princess's personal bodyguard was one thing. But it meant, even more, when the pony who did so, fulfilled her role not only because of her duty but because she cared about her charge. Not just as her princess. But as her friend. Steel Wing, while still surprised by all of this, could also see the merit behind it. He was curious about one thing though. "The princess has more than one name?" He asked. One of Crystal's companions nodded. "She has several, in fact. Her Throne Name, which is what she is known by in all official capacity and rolls, and which most ponies know her by, and her Personal Name, a much more private name which only those closest to her, her family and closest friends, know. Only the princess herself can tell you her Personal Name." Luna found that a little odd. She herself only had the one name, and she was more than happy to keep it that way. But this was another nation. Things would be different here of course. She was curious though, as she looked at the mares around the group, as they finally entered the city proper. "Is all the Imperial Guard mares?" Crystal shook her head, looking smug at something. "No. It really depends on the pony in question. Empress Venus has more than a few stallions in her guard. But Princess Amicitia insisted her guard detachment be all mares. It's her choice after all. What happens when she one day ascends to the throne herself, I do not know. But we are proud to serve her for however long she deems." Crystal and her squad clashed the butts of the spears against the ground at this, a fierce fire burning in their eyes. Luna could not help but admire it. She would count herself lucky if any of her guards felt like that about her. Oh, she didn't doubt their loyalty. More than once, they had helped her against something from the Everfree Forest. But she now wondered how much of that was because they cared about her as a pony, and not just as their princess? A question for later, perhaps. As they passed down the street, Luna and the others looked around at the city around them. It wasn't called the Crystal Empire for anything it seemed. Everything seemed to be made out of crystal. Even the ponies themselves were almost see-through. Everypony it seemed was going in the same direction. In the distance rose a single spire, presumably where the Royal Family lived. If it was possible, it was even more crystally than the rest of the city. Few ponies paid them much attention, though a few looked at Luna odd, a sight she was used to by now. She got that look all the time from ponies who had never seen her before. It came with being an alicorn, she supposed. But why did it seem nopony was shocked to see an alicorn at all? The looks seemed more about how much she stood out. Odd. Maybe it was something she could look into later. For now, though, their escort made it easy for them to move to the front of the huge crowd that was gathering at the base of the spire. At the base, a crystal heart floated seemingly on its own, between two pillars, one from the ground and one from the ceiling. While the sight intrigued Luna, her eyes were drawn to the two ponies who stepped forward to meet them. Empress Venus was in full regalia, its crystalline color standing out as a nice contrast to her rose-red coat and sky blue mane. The fact that she was a Pegasus surprised Luna, but she hid it well. She had heard that the Royal Family had contained every kind of pony, each one going on to rule the empire in time. Next to her could only be her daughter. Amicitia was a contrast to her mother in some ways, but Luna could also see the resemblance in her mane and the slight pink tone on parts of her body. What surprised her the most, however, was that Amicitia did not yet have her cutie mark. Strange. Most ponies her age had gained theirs by now. Pushing the thought aside, Luna bowed, as did Venus and Amicitia. "Your highness. Thank you for letting me come to your fair city. May it lead to more in the future," Luna intoned. Venus smiled. "And I welcome you, Princess Luna of Equestria, to the Crystal Empire. I have heard great things about you. I too hope that this may lead to better things between us in the future." Together, the three of them stood and faced each other again. Venus pushed Amicitia forward with a wing, her smile growing. "And this is my daughter, Amicitia. I'm sure the two of you can get along." Luna chuckled, while the younger princess gave her mother a flat look before she looked back at Luna. Namely, at her horn. "They were right. We do have something in common," she finally said. Luna blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" Amicitia smiled as she spread her wings and brushed her mane from her forehead, revealing what had been hidden by her crown before now. Luna felt her mouth drop in shock at what was revealed. A horn. Amicitia lit her horn, the appendage glowing blue as she removed her crown. "How many ponies do you know of that have both wings and a horn?" Luna blinked in shock, as did her guard escort, while Venus and Amicitia's own guards giggled. Luna finally found her voice. "You're. You're an alicorn?" Twilight and her mother shared a confused look, before turning back to Princess Luna. "I'm a what now?" Twilight asked. Luna shook her head, trying to contain her surprise. "An alicorn. A pony that embodies all three tribes in one. The strength and stamina of an earth pony, the flight and weather manipulation of a Pegasus, and the magic of a unicorn." She pointed at Twilight's blank flank. "It would also explain why you do not have your cutie mark yet. Alicorns gain their cutie mark much later than most ponies." Twilight tapped her chin. That explained a few things about her. Her horn and wings had been a part of her since the day she had been born. It was only when she had met other foals her age had she had seen how different she was. Empress Venus, on the other hoof, was still surprised by one thing in particular. "I thought alicorns were nothing but a myth? Until I saw you, I believed Amicitia was one of a kind." Luna shook her head, more than happy to tell as much as she knew. "Alicorns have never been a common type of pony. Very rarely will one be born to parents of any of the three tribes, for no apparent reason. There is no known way to know if a child will be one or not." Venus gave her daughter, who appeared to be deep in thought, a worried look. "Is it a bad thing that my daughter is much like yourself, Princess Luna? She has never been one to try and stand out in a crowd. Whether ponies want her too or not." Amicitia nodded, frowning slightly. "I envy the citizens of the empire sometimes. They don't have to worry about the things I do. About one da ascending a throne I am woefully not ready for. I don't think I ever will be." Luna and Venus shared a knowing smile, Lifting the young princess's head with a hoof, Luna's smile grew. "And that, young one, is why you are worthy to one day take that throne. No true ruler who ruled well ever thought they were ready or worthy of their position. Those that believe it is their right and destiny to rule? They tend to be the worst kinds." Venus nodded, draping a wing over her daughter. "And never, ever think, that you are not worthy, Little Star. The empire loves you, and I know you love every one of the ponies in it. You will make a fine ruler one day." She chuckled. "Hopefully, not anytime soon. But I believe in you." That did more to raise Amicitia's spirits than she had ever thought possible. Her doubts about her ability to one day rule in her mother's place still remained, and a part of her knew that they always would, but her confidence in her ability to do so had grown. Was this how her mom had felt before she had ascended the throne herself? It was something she would ask her about later. Luna chuckled, before looking back at Venus. "Onto another subject, what exactly is all of this about? Your letter was not forthcoming with what all of this is for or means." Venus nodded. "It is Amicitia's coming of age if you will. Normally, a Crystaling is done soon after a filly or colt is born. But for one of the Royal Family that is destined to one day take the throne, it is done at a time that is seemingly chosen at random by the Crystal Heart." Luna looked again at the heart that floated behind the group. She guessed that is what Venus meant by the Crystal Heart. She had heard rumors of it. That it was powered by the love and warmth of the crystal ponies and kept the empire safe. Amicitia saw Luna's look and nodded. "I'm sure you've heard rumors of what the Crystal Heart is and what it can do. That our love and warmth help to power it, and it helps to protect the empire. Well, they're right. It's a bit more complicated than that. But that is the short version of it." Luna nodded. She could feel that there was more to it than that but kept her questions to herself for now. "And what does this, Royal Crystaling entail then?" Venus looked back at the heart as well. "It is the moment when the Crystal Princess forms her own unique bond with the Crystal Heart. How they do so, and what form that bond takes, changes from one pony to the next." Amicitia and Venus shared a knowing look, leaving Luna slightly irritated that she wasn't in on whatever passed between the two. "There is more that happens as well. But that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?" Amicitia said with a smirk. Luna sighed. She wasn't getting any more out of them, it seemed. Though she counted herself lucky she had learned this much already. Was it always like this? Or was it just her being an outsider?
Royal CrystalingVenus turned to look at her daughter, her expression becoming dead serious. "Are you ready, Little Star?" Amicitia's anxiety shot back up through the roof. "No. No, I'm not! Can't we do this in, like, a week? Like a week from never?" Everypony within earshot giggled, and even Luna couldn't keep a straight face. "And that was what I was hoping you would say. I said the same thing when the time came for me to take this. A part of me still feels that way," her mother said kindly, wrapping a wing around her. Amicitia gave her a surprised look. She hadn't expected to ever hear that from her mother. "Really? But you're always so calm and collected. What do I even do?" Venus's smile grew as she pulled her daughter close. "I am not above having doubts or insecurities, Amicitia. I am not perfect. Nopony is. That is what makes us who we are." Kissing her daughter's forehead, Venus released her and stepped back toward the crowd of ponies around them, motioning Luna and Amicitia's own guards to follow her. "Approach the Crystal Heart. The rest will fall into place after that. From here on, we cannot help you." Amicitia gulped but tried to put on a brave face as she turned to face the Heart itself. She had no idea of what could happen from here on, but her mind was filling with all of the worst possibilities. She could be found unfit, she wasn't ready, her mom had made a mistake. She could get vaporized. That last one was a bit of a stretch, Twilight admitted, but she knew the tales. Of what had supposedly happened to a pony in this same position when her grandmother had been Crystal Empress and her mother hadn't even been born yet. Whether they were true or not, nopony knew. But that didn't stop her from thinking the worst. Before she knew it, however, Twilight found herself standing before the Crystal Heart. The Heart was glowing, and it seemed especially aimed at her. The warmth and love it always radiated seemed to be even more so now, and no matter how she felt, Twilight smiled at the feeling. Not knowing what else to do, and feeling foolish with nothing else coming to mind, Twilight placed a hoof on the Crystal Heart. The glow of Heart grew brighter That was all she could see before her vision faded to white. *** When she could see again, Twilight found herself floating in what seemed like a white void. All around her was nothing but white. Despite that, however, she had never felt more safe or secure. Wherever this was. "Hello? Where am I? What is this place?" She asked nopony in particular. "A safe place," a voice replied, making Twilight jump out of her feathers. "Don't worry. You're safe here." Before Twilight could ask what that meant, a form began to take shape before her. Vaguely pony shaped, yet no features could be made out on it. Twilight squinted at it. "Who are you? What are you?" The figure giggled. "Come now, I'm sure you can figure it out. You are a part of me at the moment." Twilight's eyes widened in shock. "You're the Crystal Heart? How? How did I get here? Why am I here?" The Heart shook her head, for the figure was definitely female. "Only when it comes time for a Royal Crystaling will someone see me like this. Your mother saw me like this, as did your grandmother." The figure leaned closer to the younger mare. "The question is, then. Who are you?" Twilight tried not to flinch under the gaze she was getting, but it was easier said than done. "You know who I am." The figure seemed to smile. "Maybe I do. And maybe I don't." Her smile softened. "Do not be afraid. I will not hurt you. But please, what is your name? We have never met before now, and it's rude not to know each other's names." Twilight couldn't argue with that. Holding her head eye, she met the Heart face to face. "My name is Princess Mi Amora Amicitia. Though that is only my Throne Name. My Personal Name is Twilight Sparkle." The Heart's smile grew. "Then I welcome you, Princess Amicitia and Twilight Sparkle. A fitting name as well. Amicitia, meaning Friendship in the Old Tongue. I hear you are one of the friendliest ponies in the Crystal Empire. Never letting your station dictate who you make friends with, though knowing when your position must be used. Things all good rulers must possess if they are too rule wisely." Twilight blushed at the praise, but her worries returned in full. "But I'm not a ruler. Not yet, and I don't think I ever will be. Nopony can replace mom. I'm not a leader. I'm not someone who can make decisions that will affect the lives of so many ponies. I'm just, me. What if I screw up? I could decide to do something, and ponies could die. I never want to have to bear that." The Heart smiled gently as she lifted the young princess's head with a hoof. "Your mother said much the same thing, as did your grandmother. A wise ruler never believes themselves above making mistakes. It is how you rise above them and correct them, that is the true mark of a great ruler." She shook her head. "There will come times when you must make hard choices, ones that would never seem right under other circumstances, but ones that have to be made." Twilight sniffed, wiping her eyes with a hoof. "Then how do I stop myself from becoming a tyrant? I don't want to be that. Equus has had enough of those. I don't want to be like that." The Heart's smile seemed to grow if it was possible. "Remain true to who you are, Amicitia. Never abandon your friends and the bonds you all share. A true ruler never stands alone. Keep them close, and they will stand beside you no matter what." Twilight smiled, her heart lifting at the thought of her friends, who were even now probably worried about her. "Will, I ever feel like I'm ready for this? Or worthy of taking the throne? I don't think I ever will be." The Heart giggled. "Only you can know that for sure. That you worry about what kind of ruler you will be, tells me that you will be a fine Crystal Empress one day. May that day be many years in the future." They both giggled at that. The Heart soon turned serious, however. "Are you ready? To take the next step in your journey?" Twilight thought about it for a moment. Was she ready? Her head was saying no, that this was still a bad idea. But her in her heart, she knew the truth. She could never be as great as her mother, but she would still make her proud when the time came. "I am." The Heart nodded. Extending a hoof, she bowed her head, until it was almost touching Amicitia's horn. Amcitia bowed her head as well, touching her horn and hoof to the Crystal Heart, before closing her eyes, as a swirl of magic surrounding them. *** Outside, ponies waited anxiously. Very few remembered the last time a Royal Crystaling had happened, so few knew what to expect. Amicitia seemingly being absorbed by the Crystal Heart was a shock to everypony. Even Venus was surprised. Was this was what had happened to her? She had never thought to ask what it had been like to be on the outside looking in at her own Royal Crystaling. Luna, even more, confused than the rest of the crowd, was not too worried. Something told her that the young princess would be fine. It took a lot to put an alicorn down, let alone hurt them. She knew that from experience. The worst off, though, were Amicitia's guards. They couldn't hide their worry and fear that something was deeply wrong with their princess, and there was nothing they could do to help her. Crystal seemed to be the worst off of the group, chewing her lip and constantly shifting from one hoof to the other. Just as the group seemed about to burst, the Crystal Heart began to glow brightly. Before anypony could say anything, a pillar of light shot from the top of the Heart, empowering the spire above them all, before exploding outward in a sphere of magic that engulfed them all. As the magic passed through the crowd, they all gained a new crystalline appearance, even Luna getting one as well, as the spire top shown in all the colors of the Aurora. From the Heart, a new form began to take shape. Pony shaped, but almost as large as Empress Venus, the form spread her wings, even as the crowd saw the horn the poked from her mane. Venus approached the figure, concern etched on her face. "Amicitia?" The figure smiled and nodded, before seemingly shrinking back down to normal pony size, even as the light faded, revealing that it indeed was Princess Amicitia, who seemed to positively shine with the light of the Crystal Heart. The Heart itself returned to normal, as the princess opened her eyes, looking a little woozy. "What a rush," she mumbled. That was all Venus needed to hear. Not caring who saw them, or even about proper decorum, she scooped her daughter up in the biggest hug she could, ignoring Amicitia's indignant squawk of protest. "I knew you could do it, Little Star." Twilight tried to fight her way out of her mother's grasp, but it was a futile effort. "Mom! I'm not a little filly anymore. You're embarrassing me in front of everypony!" Venus just giggled and kissed Twilight's forehead. "It's my job, honey. You may no longer be my little filly anymore, but you’re never too old to be publicly embarrassed by your mother.” Twilight just grumbled, even as the entire crowd giggled at her expense. Even Luna could not keep a straight face. After a moment, Venus finally let her daughter go with a smile. "How do you feel? Do you still feel you are not worthy?" She asked. Twilight thought of it for a moment, before shaking her head. "A little. I don't think it will ever go away. But I feel more confident now. I can never be as wise or good as you. But I will make you proud when that day comes. Hopefully not for a long time yet." Venus nodded, her smile softening. "You have already made me proud, Amicitia. Never think you will not cease to make me proud. I know that one day, you will be a great ruler. I know so." Twilight blushed, as her guards and Princess Luna came to join them. Crystal couldn't hide her look of relief, and Twilight couldn't blame her for it either. Luna, though, seemed more interested in something else, one that made her smile. "I see that you have gained more than just confidence, Princess Amicitia." Twilight blinked in confusion, even as the others saw what Luna meant, and their own smiles grew. "What do you mean?" Luna simply pointed at her flank. Looking back, Twilight felt her eyes widen and her own grin grow even wider. A pink starburst, surrounded by five smaller Crystal Hearts, now proudly adorned her flanks. She could just make out a white star behind the pink starburst. Twilight didn't bother to hide her excitement, jumping a good ten feet in the air, as she squeed. "My cutie mark. Yes! Best. Day Ever!" The whole crowd cheered, as the news passed along to those who couldn't see it all from the front, as Amicitia did laps around their heads, no longer caring if others saw how excited she was. Empress Venus could not have been more proud of her daughter. All of her hopes and dreams for her daughter were coming true. She knew at that moment, that Amicitia would make a great Crystal Empress when that day came. There would be bumps and changes along the way, for the future was never set in stone. But she now looked forward to the future with happiness. Author's Note That is that. I'd always planned for the Royal Crystaling to be the final chapter of this story. And now we've come to it. But that's not the end of this universe. Not by a long shot. I have a prequel in the works that will show more of Twilight's life before this story. Expanding on the world-building that was shown and hinted at here. This is what the crowd saw. This is meant to be Amicitia's adult look. Her bonding with the Crystal Heart in this chapter allowed her to assume this form for a little bit, but not for good. Eventually, she will grow into it fully. But that won't be for a few years, in-universe, yet. Both this and the cover art were done by Abbi--Arson.
