Crystals Grow on Rainbows

Part Six: The Princess of the Crystal Empire.

In comparison to the train that took several hours from Ponyville to Canterlot, the Canterlot to Crystal Empire track took three times as long, at least. Fortunately for the occupants, they had plenty of preparations that could be done on the way to occupy their time. Soon to be crowned Princess Opal Flame had turned sixteen the previous month, and now that the proper Ponyville farewell had been given, it was time for her to assume the Crystal throne.

The Crystal Ponies themselves were eagerly awaiting her arrival. She had spent time there as a filly to become familiar with the history of the city, and its previous rulers, anticipation was high as she was making her return. Nothing of her memory during the incident had returned however, which she didn't consider too much of a problem. It wasn't unexpected for there to be nightmares after all, nothing to worry herself about.

"Sit still dear, I know you really want to be a Princess who lives among the ponies, but they all have very stylized manes. You can't just walk in looking like a lightning bolt struck you." For once, Opal wasn't complaining against her mother's wishes. Sky Dancer yawned in her own adorable way at that moment. Coloured white with a mane identical to her mother's, she was fast asleep in Rainbow Dash's hold.

Pinkie bounced through the car on one of her oversized rubber balls. Between making each other look good for the ceremony, sleeping, and just watching Pinkie Pie, boredom was non-existent. At least it should have been. Opal had to sit there while her mother continued to 'formalise' her mane, and without Icing or Cherry to make funny faces for, anything she could do for fun was out of reach.

Another yawn came; both pegasi did so in an identical fashion. Sky had the personality of her mother, just like Opal. And Rarity was fine with that. After all, one Rarity was enough for anypony to handle. At last, she stepped back from Opal, encouraging her to stand up once more. "Just wait there a moment; I've got a mirror ready." Her horn glowed for a moment as a tall mirror rolled over to them.

Her azure hair had been splayed to either side to give the impression of a lively fountain; with the rainbow highlights, the effect was complete. It had the wild and untamed flair, without being messy. Opal was surprised with the care Rarity had put into it. She actually did like how it looked, far from the pretty and frilly fashion statement she had been fearful of.

"Thank you. I was worried for a moment that you'd go for the whole Crystal Headdress. Or Mom's hair when she was here before I was around." Dash opened one eye at that moment; it wasn't something she had thought about. And the implication that her crystallized mane style was 'uncool' was in fact 'uncalled for'. Admittedly, she wouldn't find herself wearing it anywhere else, but there wasn't a reason to mock it either.

"Hey, I can always ask Rarity to do just that y'know." Rarity winked back before making a few final adjustments. Dash settled back down to sleep with her filly again. While she had mixed reactions about being pregnant, it helped develop an appreciation for Rarity's side of things, at least that's how Twilight put it. It did mean a few years away from the Wonderbolts, but she did return as the captain anyway.

Rarity had moved onto testing how an imitation tiara sat with Opal's mane. It would be terribly awkward and inconvenient for the crowning to be halted due to hairstyle of course. "So dear, anything else you'd like before we arrive?" Much to her delight, the tiara settled into place flawlessly. As if to compliment that, Opal closed her eyes for a moment as a burst of magic transformed her body into crystal.

"Whew, that felt a little weird, but still cool. Just remember Mom, I'm a mare now, not a filly. And please try not to cry, it's really embarrassing." Rarity nudged her daughter with a smile. "Especially the nudging! It makes my shoulder itch whenever you do it!" Opal nudged back anyway. Giggles eventually spread between them; neither of them noticed the smile that formed on Rainbow Dash's face.

*

Standing on the large balcony in her last few minutes alone before the ceremony would begin proved to be an enlightening experience for Opal. In less than an hour, she would be the Protector and Overseer of the city. A seventeen-year plan, and it was coming to its key completion, here and now. All relying on her to stand there for a little while, say the appropriate vows, nod her head, and accept the role. And of course activate the Crystal Heart. No problem.

It was winter again, beyond the dome that protected the city from being enveloped in snow; the weather was wild and fearsome. Just like she wanted to be. Though the fact she was now a full Crystal pony didn't help that desired image too much. It certainly had a lot of the resident ponies excited, a few of the stallions she seemed to notice out of others.

"Opal, they're ready for you. Are you ready?" She turned to Celestia with a confident smile. Apprehension was very strong at that point, now more than ever, a show of bravery would be key. The silent walk beside her aunt into the main hall felt daunting. There were a lot of eyes trained on her at that point; every pony was excited from the Fair. So close now, the moment her whole life had been leading to, both the good and the bad.

Soon the chatter became murmuring, and finally faded into silence. The Elements of Harmony stood to either side, supporting her as Celestia had assured her. And now, it was her chance to support them in return. Opal took her position in front of the Crystal Throne, smirking at the sight of Spike in his top hat and suit. He had been given the task of carrying the crowning tiara up, but he still looked a bit silly. "What? This what I wear to every formal occasion."

Celestia smiled before beginning the ceremony. "Opal Flame, daughter of Rarity and Rainbow Dash of Ponyville, and ascendant to the Crystal Throne. The Crystal Empire is gathered here today, to witness and consent to the crowning of the first Crystal Princess in over a thousand years." Three crystal ponies stepped forward, the representatives of the city's population.

"On behalf of the Crystal Empire, we consent, and approve of the ascendant. May the light she provides never fade, and our faith and support never perish." Celestia nodded formally in response. As the only pony present to have participated in a coronation before, it was vital to ensure that Opal knew the routine too. Rainbow Dash was gagging to herself, something that the Princess couldn't help but smile at.

"And do you, Opal Flame, agree to take up the responsibility that is to be bestowed on you? To lead and protect the Crystal Empire, under any and all circumstances?" Both had decided that nodding would be suitable enough; Opal didn't feel confident that she could speak without faltering. Celestia nodded again, turning to Spike who held up the tiara. "Then, Opal Flame, I now pronounce you Princess of the Crystal Empire."

As the tiara floated through the air, the new Princess lowered her head in preparation to accept it. Eyes brought into line with the door, they quickly contracted down into tiny points. "Celestia! Move!" A thick black fog was rushing right towards the throne from the open space, two bright green eyes strong in the apparition. Opal didn't have any more time to react before what could only be King Sombra had enveloped her. A moment of guttural laughing shook the room, before the cloud vanished altogether. Opal was nowhere to be found.