Fallen Star

Chapters

Train Ride
Black Crystal
Recovery
Discovery
The Message
The Attack pt. 1

Train Ride

Twilight Sparkle, famed student of magic and frequent organizer of, well, all that things could be organized, needful or not, sat atop a plump cushion in front of a table in her tree-house library when the familiar sound of hiccup-woooooosh came from upstairs. Ignoring the interruption for the moment - Spike would bring the message down to her - she continued to focus on the scroll in front of her.

She was levitating a small, well-used quill whose tip was far along the way to becoming a useless nub. Being a frequent user of lists, letters, checklists, double-checklists, and more, her home was well-stocked in quill, parchment, and ink. Indeed, in the case of the last item, a certain merchant pony who stocked the pigmented liquid had seen his business improved greatly since Twilight's arrival, to his glee. Her horn glowing a soft hue of purple to indicate her use of magic, she dipped the quill in the nearby inkwell, slipping it alongside the well to brush away the excess ink.

An aged tome lay to the side, a light cobalt-colored page-holder keeping the worn leafs from shuffling to some random page. Dragonsteps sounded on the circular staircase that led to the room where she and Spike slept; the Library proper was, in theory, a public place. She laid the quill's tip to the paper to finish a sentence. "... is why the author of Magyckal Practyce believes it is possible to secure a spell such that the caster need not continue channeling to maintain it."

Spike appeared at the foot of the stairs, holding up a parchment of his own, unrolled but curling at each end. "Twilight, a letter from the Princess!" he announced. The dragon was one of Twilight's fastest links to Celestia with his ability to both send and receive letters in a puff of green fire. She'd never found out just how the flammable material survived such a trip (not to mention traveling so many miles in mere seconds), but she'd never spoken long enough with any other adult dragons to question them about it. Spike, an orphan she had cared for since she was a filly, accepted the talent as an inherent ability and could provide no meaningful answer. Didn't Zoological Notes on Sentient Creatures have a section on dragons she hadn't yet read? She made a mental note to check its index and explore further, though she had many other books to study now at Celestia's recent request.

Spike's parchment waved almost in front of her face. "Just a moment, Spike," she said sternly. Held down by a few paperweights, her writing was safe enough to leave as the ink dried. The quill floated gently to a small sink, where Twilight washed out the remaining ink before plopping the quill into a clear glass bowl. Satisfied that everything was in place, she looked at her scaled friend. She focused once more, and the parchment left his grasp and floated in front of her.

Backwards. She blushed and saw the beginnings of a grin on Spike's face, but he wisely stifled it and returned to an expression of interest. The paper spun around.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle," the letter began. "My faithful student, I know that soon it shall once again be your birthday. How time flies in these exciting days! You have been working admirably hard on the assignments I have given you, and I believe you have earned some well-deserved rest. It would be my pleasure to host a small celebration on your behalf here in Canterlot. Please extend this invitation to Spike and your Pony friends, as well - your old tower has been cleared and cleaned and awaits the seven of you. Your teacher, Princess Celestia." Below the writing was Celestia's mark.

"Are we going?" asked Spike hopefully.

"Of course!" It didn't take long to complete a suitable reply, accepting for herself and on behalf of her friends, who would no doubt leap at the chance. "Now we just need to... "

"Don't say it... "

"...make a list of what to bring!"

"... argghh," the dragon lamented, scooping several clipboards off the pegs on the wall.

Several hours later, the clipboards were lined carefully along a table. Her birthday was a few days away still, so she would tell her friends about the invitation and shop for a few missing items (her book-bag had gotten so worn, she had to get something sturdier!) in town today. Spike stayed behind, rolling his eyes and hauling empty baggage out to stuff with their belongings, but Twilight left to seek out her friends.

Her first stop was the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's fashion workplace and shop. The bell tinkled a sweet melody as Twilight stepped through. The fashionista appeared to be embroiled in an argument with another pony as they stood beside a large crate. "Twilight, hello! Just a moment, darling," Rarity called out as she noticed her friend's entrance.

Twilight smiled and moved to the side of the shop, inspecting some of the displays. Beautiful fabrics had been expertly sewn into various designs, some with sharp, eye-catching lines and others with soft, flowing curves that seemed to sigh with their ripples. Rarity had apparently taken a liking to rubies this season, as one deeply red dress sported dozens of the gemstones.

"No, no, no! That will not do," huffed Rarity, stamping the floor in exasperation. "I specifically ordered Burgundy satin, not Chestnut! You can't possibly expect me to 'make do' with this."

The other pony, a unicorn with a soft olive coat sporting his cutie mark of a box with an up arrow within it, started to speak, but was headed off by Rarity. "Anyway, I already have plenty of Chestnut. Please," she batted her eyelashes at the stallion, "take this back and see that they fill the order properly?"

The deliverypony faltered in the face of Rarity's little pout, and soon had the crate levitated and heading out the door. Smiling at her victory, the designer moved to greet Twilight with a happy clasp of hoof to mane in a pony hug.

"So good to see you, Twilight. What can I do for you?"

Twilight returned the hug. "Well, you probably know it's my birthday later this week."

"Oh yes," Rarity answered. "I just know you'll love my gift."

"Princess Celestia has invited all of us to come to Canterlot for the party!" Rarity's eyes widened and lit up at the mention of the star-studded capital. "I thought we could take the afternoon train tomorrow, if you would like to go."

"Would I? Would I?! Of course, darling, I should love to join you." Rarity sparkled with delight.

"Great... I was hoping to get a new bookbag before we go. I don't know if you have any accessories that might fit?" She shouldered down the sad, ragged pack that had served as tome transport, and Rarity flashed a horrified look for just a moment as it hit the floor.

"Why... yes. I have just the thing. Something in a light blue, I think, with the most adorable buckle... "

"Something simple is fine," said Twilight.

"Nonsense... "

After accepting a new bag at Rarity's insistence, Twilight left the shop before Rarity eyed her up for a makeover or dressing, and continued on to find her other friends. She found Rainbow Dash happily dozing in the shade of a tree; the pegasus accepted the invitation with a query. "I don't suppose we'll be traveling with an incredibly delicious multistory icing-covered cake again, will we?" she asked with her mouth watering. Twilight just shook her head.

She continued through her, heading for Sugarcube Corner next. "Ohh, we'll have to bring a totally tasty cake towering with tons of icing!" said Pinkie Pie in high-pitched glee as she bounced in circles around Twilight.

"I'm sure the Princess will have somepony making a cake so we don't have to transport one," said Twilight.

Pinkie paused, then started bouncing again. "Oh they'll have cakes and pies of every shape and size... " Twilight fled before what was obviously going to be a song got into full swing. Pinkie didn't mind - the Cakes still got to hear.

Down at her cottage, Fluttershy accepted the invitation without incident. "Oh, it'll be so nice to have a nice, quiet party with you and the Princess and the others," she said, spinning in a little twist with her wings. Twilight accepted a hug from the excited pony, then, pausing for a moment, nodded her head when she confirmed that Sweet Apple Acres was her last place to visit.

Twilight caught Applejack as the Apple family was sitting together for lunch. Her friend was a little hesitant. "Aw hay, Twilight, I don't know. I figured we'd have your party here in town. I don't know if I can spend a week away from the farm just now, we've got a lot of chores 'bout this time of year."

Applejack's younger sister, Apple Bloom, had been happily munching on a hay sandwich. She spoke up, spraying little bits of it onto the wood table. "I can help, sis! I'll do your chores."

Applejack looked wary. "Now I appreciate that, sis, but that's a lot of work for a young filly like you."

"Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo can help too, I'm sure of it! Especially since Rarity and Rainbow Dash are going and we all like helping our big sisters."

The older sister ruffled Apple Bloom's mane with a smile. "Well heck, we sure are lucky to have such lovin' sisters. That sound okay to you, Big Mac?" she asked her muscular brother.

"Eeyup."

With all the invitations passed out and accepted, and a brand-new book-bag at her side (she could swear she had heard Rarity mutter something about 'burning this old horrible thing' when she had left the old one behind), it was time to return home. She found Spike curled atop one of her travel trunks, snoozing, but she let him be for now. She picked up a clipboard and began ticking off items.

~ ~ ~

The night passed without incident, though all across Ponyville certain mares struggled to sleep with heads filled with excitement about the upcoming trip.

The next day, the friends met for breakfast at Ponyville's cafe. Sipping on hay shakes and nibbling bits of biscuit, they discussed the upcoming trip and celebration.

"Where shall we be staying, Twilight?" questioned Rarity.

"Do you remember the ivory tower that I used to stay in?" said Twilight. "I showed it to you the night of the Gala." The ponies nodded. "Well, the main bed and some spares should keep us all cozy there; the Princess said the place had been cleaned and would be set up for us."

"Mmm, I bet it has quite the loveliest view," murmured Rarity.

"Who cares about the view?" snickered Rainbow Dash. The two began an argument, but Twilight turned to Fluttershy as the quiet pony tapped a hoof to Twilight's shoulder.

"Do you think... we can visit the gardens together, Twilight?" asked Fluttershy.

Twilight smiled. "I'm sure we can, Fluttershy, we'll have a few days to visit all the city."

"Oh, good!"

Breakfast done, the ponies parted ways and agreed to meet in a few hours to catch the train to Canterlot.

Twilight entered her home, and was immediately accosted by Spike. "Twilight, I don't know what books you want me to pack."

She thought about it, but patted the dragon atop his head with her hoof, gently. "No study books, Spike. The Princess knows its a break from my studies and we'll be busy having fun. I've got a new bag," she indicated the shiny acquisition, "but I'll just take a few light fiction books."

Spike faked collapsing to the floor, one claw over his eyes in exaggerated response. "No books to study, she says! I must have gotten a fever... I'm becoming delirious... "

Twilight nudged the fallen dragon, who rolled once across the floor before hopping back to his feet. "Very funny, Spike. Now, I need my checklist... " He groaned.

Afternoon arrived and Twilight set out from home, several bags and cases laden on a small cart which Spike pushed alongside her. Applejack and Fluttershy were already at the station chatting as she approached. They both smiled at her and she returned one, passing by to approach the ticket booth. She showed the letter from Celestia with the mark on it to the stallion manning the booth - he spared it only a cursory glance. Twilight was a familiar passenger by now, and he was happy to issue seven tickets gratis. She thanked him, whisking the tickets into her little pack. Returning to her luggage, she helped Spike roll it over to the Bag-pony. He looked over the belongings, writing out some symbols upon little tags which he affixed to the cases before nodding at several burly ponies who hefted the luggage into the train's storage. Applejack, Fluttershy, and now Rainbow Dash came forward, getting their own bags into the queue.

Just before three o'clock, all the ponies (and one baby dragon) comfortably seated in one of the passenger cars, the train's whistle sounded and the conductor pony called out "All aboard for Canterlot!" three more times. He spared a last glance at the station before trotting up the ramp and hopping the little gap to the train, signaling the engineers to depart. The whistle's shrill tone pierced once more, and with the grinding protest of metal against metal the train began to pull away.

They chatted a bit again, but they'd already spoken about most of the news each had to share so conversation waned after a short time. The trip to Canterlot was an overnight one; each of the friends had brought something to occupy their time. Rarity acquired a hot towel from one of the staff and placed it over her face ("Must keep the complexion clear", she quipped), relaxing on the cushioned seat while Fluttershy brushed the unicorn's purple mane. Twilight and Dash grinned at each other when they both pulled out the same novel from the Daring Do series. Pinkie Pie had bounded to the next car over, wanting to meet the other passengers, and Applejack pulled up her legs for a snooze. Spike had already beaten her to that activity.

They shared supper in the dining car, exchanging words with some businessponies that Pinkie Pie introduced to the group. The businessponies were inventors, they told the group, and were traveling to Canterlot all the way from Fillydelphia to meet with Celestia at her request. The two ponies wouldn't say just what they had invented, but only smiled slyly and said "it was sure to change things in Equestria."

Twilight and the others eventually returned to their passenger car, and as night came, they began to yawn, and one by one each retired to a small, private bunk. Twilight tucked Spike into his bunk before yawning and slipping under the soft linen covers of her own. The great big pillow sank under her head and sleep came quickly.

She rose fairly early the next morning; only Applejack, so used to farm hours, was up before her, sipping a warm morning drink. "Mornin', Twilight," came the greeting, which she returned. Twilight walked over to the window, looking out at the wide open plains they were passing through. She could see the engine at the front as the train followed a gentle right curve across the land. They rumbled over the tracks loudly, and she felt her teeth vibrating within her mouth.

Applejack had brought a tray of biscuits back from the dining car, and Twilight took a bite of the warm treats.

"This track sure seems rougher than the last time we came this way," noted Applejack. Behind her in the sleeper area, Rainbow Dash had rolled out from the curtained bunk and was yawning and stretching in the hallway.

"Yes, it does, I... " Rumble. The droning and vibrating of the train suddenly rose to an even greater level. Twilight's teeth started chattering as if the air had turned frigid. "Must be... a bad... patch," she struggled to get out.

"Hoofbrain!" cursed Dash from the sleeper section; Fluttershy had been vibrated straight out of her bunk and down onto the surprised pegasus. "I'm so sorry!" cried Fluttershy, scooting off and trying to straighten Dash's feathers.

Twilight was about to speak when she caught something from the corner of her eye and turned to the window. She gasped, nearly unbelieving.

Perhaps a mile in front of the train's path, a massive cloud of dust obscured the tracks and the landscape behind it, but something dark loomed within the cloud. Twilight saw an expanding ring of dust trembling across the plain, and she shouted out, "Brace yourselves!" They flung themselves to the floor as a quake struck the train, threatening to derail it. Cushions fell to the floor; the plate holding the biscuits slid off the table and cracked on the floor, spilling the goods all over the carpeting. There were shrieks from the other passenger car, and a few yells of surprise from the bunks. One voice called out "WoooooOOOOO what a ride!" Miraculously, the train stayed on the rail.

As the quake passed, Twilight got back to her hooves to peer out the window again. By the sun's light... she thought. The huge dust cloud above the tracks had dissipated just a little, enough to reveal a towering structure of what looked like black crystal. It jutted out from the land; she could see a piece of the metal railway hanging, broken, from one of its dark outcroppings. They were headed straight for it. The engineers had hit the brakes, but they were going fast, too fast.

"Everypony come here, quick!" shouted Twilight. Rarity, Pinkie, and Spike flew from the bunks and crowded beside Twilight. Her horn glowed brightly and she forced herself to focus as she brought a shielding spell into being. Her heart sank as she realized she only had time enough to cover her friends. She could only hope the train's employees and the other passengers could protect themselves the same way.

The train was slowing, but still struck the crystal with thunderous force. Metal buckled and collapsed, and the group of ponies was flung to the side and tipped end over end as their car was swept off the track.

Twilight struck her head on something, and knew only darkness.

Black Crystal

The first thing Twilight became aware of after that was a terrible, pounding ache at the back of her head. It pulsed in time with her heartbeat, echoing through her as she fought to regain consciousness. A noise at the edge of her hearing rose in volume, becoming an anguished groan, and she realized she was the source of it. Her eyelids didn't want to respond; she could only see the insides of them, which the noonday sun attempted to pierce.

Her sense of balance clicked into alignment all at once, and with that came the realization that she was lying almost face down in the dirt, one cheek against it, dust choking her throat through her open mouth. She couldn't close her mouth; she couldn't even waggle her tongue; Twilight felt paralyzed. Her eyelids, though, gave in to the commands from her brain and flipped open together, revealing the awkward angle she had... landed? Something didn't seem right about being in the dirt, but the why not wouldn't compute.

The rhythmic pounding of her head sent aches down her entire body - with the pain came the sense that muscles might obey again. Grunting, she shifted her weight and tried to free one of her pinned legs from beneath her, but didn't have enough momentum to succeed. Her breaths came out in a pant, sending little puffs of dust away. Changing tactics, she lifted her neck - argh - until her chin was level.

Not much help. It just revealed a wider view of the dusty plains.

She summoned what strength she could and attempted another roll. Though it sent another angry wave of pain coursing through her, she was able to free her front leg. Moving both legs now, she pushed up, pulling her hind legs in and standing up. Her knees threatening to buckle, she stood for several moments waiting to see if she would stabilize or collapse entirely. Thankfully, she remained standing. With her front left hoof, she massaged the leg that had been pinned, grimacing but ignoring her body's protest. She repeated the task, swapping legs, and when that was done she did the same with the hind set.

Satisfied that nothing was broken (though surely bruised), her thoughts turned to her friends as a feeling of intense worry arose. She spun around, and almost did collapse when a wave of dizziness struck. She closed her eyes and let the feeling diminish.

She saw the train wreck at last, and realized what had first bothered her. How could I have been thrown out here? The thought came in clearer form, but she ignored it for now. Where were her friends?

She trotted closer to the wreck with the sun beating down on her back. The black crystal loomed at the very front; the engine had nearly been crushed by the impact. Since they had been on a gentle curve, most of the trailing cars had been swung out in a long line to the left, and Twilight was standing near the middle of the arc. Some smoke poured from the engine; that would be the the coal-burning furnace upset by the spill.

If she had survived that, her shielding spell must have held out long enough to protect the other ponies, or at least she hoped. Picking up speed, she galloped over to the fallen passenger car. It lay on its side, windows shattered and glass spilled across the ground, showing a glimpse of a surreal landscape built from a realm turned ninety degrees over. She picked her way carefully over the fallen glass - the stuff might pierce her hoof if she trod too hard on it, and she had enough troubles as it was. "Hello?" she called out.

Having reached the series of window panes, she avoided any still-attached shards and peered inside. Nopony was there. How can that be? There were only two passenger cars, weren't there? Her memory seemed to toy with her as she tried to picture the bunks and what the next car back had been, but she couldn't recall. Pulling back, she took in a deep breath.

"Hello? Is anypony there?"

Nothing. No reply, not even the sound of wind blowing. If she closed her eyes and ignored the smell of smoke, she could have been enjoying the solitude of a quiet library wing, for all she could tell.

She followed the arc towards the train's rear. The next car revealed itself fully; it had no windows. Obviously not one of the passenger cars, and she had no way to check its contents. Moving back the way she had came, she tried to scoot through the glass-strewn area again.

The second passenger car, the one the businessponies had been in, revealed the same thing as the first. Shattered glass, spilled belongings, broken trays, no ponies. What the hay is going on?

Twilight retreated to a patch of dirt bare of glass, and sat her haunch down to think. The bothersome line of questioning returned. How could she have ended up far out in the dirt like that?

Assume the shielding spell held long enough before I struck the ground and was knocked out. That would explain how I wasn't cut to pieces flying through the window. But if I had done that, there should have been glass around where I landed, and it was clear. Could I have blinked past? That didn't seem likely; she had been focusing all her magical power on the protection spell, blinking would have moved or cancelled it and left them all vulnerable. I couldn't have been thrown clear in a crash like this anyway - most of this wreck slid to a halt.

And where was everypony else? She was absolutely, completely, one hundred percent certain that none of her friends would have left her in the condition she had been in, and she would have been clearly visible to anypony emerging from the wreck. There was just no way she could make any sort of logical... Ah-ha.

It didn't make any sense! The only place things could not be logically reasoned out, she knew, was in a dream!

The whole scene looked different under the gaze of her discovery. That's why nopony was here; that explained how she had ended up outside the wreck .

Still... it was extremely... vivid. Her pains really did hurt. The air smelled of smoke and dust and she could feel the sun heating the back of her coat. It felt far, far too real.

She turned to look at the towering black structure that had caused this whole mess, even if it was just a dream representation of it. Twilight stood up, then galloped towards it. The dark, black crystal shone in the sunlight, revealing lines and cracks showing how the crystal had...grown? It looked like obsidian but, she tsked, she knew from her reading that obsidian was not crystalline. She saw a thousand Twilight Sparkles running towards her as the mysterious stuff showed her reflection on as many surfaces.

Twilight...

She skidded to a halt and froze. Had she heard somepony? Troubled, she glanced around, but no one was there, only the crystal. Her gaze slipped back to it. All the Twilights mocked her confusion, laughing as they shook in the reflections.

Where are all the broken pieces? she wondered. The massive weight of the train had struck the crystal head-on, but the tower had not apparently suffered any damage. All the cracks and planes appeared to be missing nothing that showed as debris. She knew the concept of the immovable object, but...

Enough! This is ridiculous. If this is a dream then I will wake myself up. Twilight allowed to haunch to rest on the ground once more as she closed her eyes and controlled her breathing. Deep intake, hold it..., long, steady exhale. With the same focus she used to cast her magic, she willed herself to awaken. Nothing happened; she continued her breathing, clearing her mind and picturing only darkness from which she would wake to the true world. She opened her eyes.

The crystal stared back. The Twilights laughed once more. She stamped the ground in frustration, all semblance of meditation lost. Snorting, she charged the crystal tower, spun around, and delivered a swift hind kick against the shiny surface.

"What... is... this... stupid... thing!" she shrieked, punctuating each word with a strike.

Twilight... That time she knew she had heard a voice. It had said her name. It sounded like...

A sudden rumbling from the object interrupted that thought, and Twilight gasped in surprise as a massive crack appeared at the place she had attacked it, opening a wide gash that raced along the side. She stepped back, almost tripping on herself as the sound intensified and a blackish dust and pieces of the tower began crumbling away from it. Entranced by the sight, she didn't move as an enormous shelf of crystal broke apart and crashed down, most of it striking the smoldering engine car.

She blinked. A perfectly aligned, winding staircase had appeared in the remains of the crumbling side of the structure.

This just gets weirder and weirder... she thought. As the dust settled, a thousand Twilights stared back at her again. The blackness above suddenly seemed much more ominous as she approached the bottom step.

Twilight... the voice sounded once more - it had Applejack's voice. Twilight shivered as the wind brought a chill through her coat.

Wait, what wind? she wondered. The air had been perfectly still before, but now a heavy breeze was blowing. Had it started while she was meditating or when the crystal cracked? It felt like it was blowing down from the tower itself. Smoke from the nearby engine was being whipped into a whirlwind that trailed a corkscrew around the tower. She suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable out in the open. The Twilights stared. She leaped past the first step, hitting the next one and speeding up the staircase.

...wake up. she heard the voice say. No! She couldn't yet. Trying to leave earlier was a mistake. Something waited for her at the top. She had to reach it, but the wind picked up strength and she slowed as she fought to continue.

She could hear laughter. The Twilights were gone; now nothing reflected at all. The crystal looked hazy; Twilight felt a spark of fear. She wasn't alone here, something was below, something terrible, and it was coming. She had to reach the top, it was the only safe place. The sharp, biting odor of smoke mixed with dust filled her lungs; the sky blackened and she could barely see as she ran in a blind panic upwards.

Twilight crested the top of the strange tower. Twilight, wake up! said Applejack. Not yet... she had to find...

A blinding glow made her recoil, and she was forced to turn her head and look at the periphery. Carved into the top was some sort of bowl-shaped depression.

She gasped and opened her eyes to see Applejack looking down at her with an expression of worry.

~ ~ ~

Twilight shrieked, sending Applejack into a surprised backwards hop, legs stiffening.

"Good golly, Twi," the startled pony said. "It's just me, Applejack."

"I'm...sorry," Twilight sputtered. The throbbing pain in her head and body-wide aches were back. "I was having... a nightmare." Once again, she lay on her side in the dirt with a view of the dusty plains in front of her. She made to stand up.

"Now just hold on," Applejack soothed, laying a hoof firmly against Twilight's shoulder. "You took a nasty blow in that accident. Just lay still and get your bearings."

"Okay, just tell me what happened - is anypony hurt?"

"We're fine, thanks to you," Applejack reassured her. "Nothing but some bruises and mussed-up manes thanks to your shielding spell. Looks like you got the worst of the lot when we hit the thing - struck your head on a table or something. Whole place toppled on its side after it struck, but just skidded to a stop in this here dirt afterwards."

"What about the other car? What about the engineers?"

"Look. Help me turn ya over." Applejack nudged and helped Twilight swap sides.

The wreck looked much the same. The cars had swung out in the same arc she'd seen in the dream. Glass littered the ground in front of the two passenger cars, and smoke billowed in front of the crystal tower. She lifted her head to get a better view; she saw some of her other friends and the sight made her relax a little.

"Train staff always has a trained unicorn on duty. Engine took the worst of the hit but they were okay. One of 'em got a nasty burn from the coal, hard part was getting 'em out the door - thing got all twisted up. Think they're on the other side tryin' to get some of the cars open for supplies."

"And the other passengers?"

Applejack hesitated. "Didn't do as well. Don't think they had any protection. One's bleeding pretty badly. Other got tossed about like a lone apple in a bucket. He's been out cold, same as you. We carried all three of ya'll out."

Twilight started to stand again, and this time Applejack didn't protest. Wavering a bit, but not as unsteady as in the dream, Twilight moved towards the wreck and her friend followed.

Both of the businessponies lay on the ground in a space that had been quickly swept of broken glass. One had his head propped up on a small cushion; his eyes were shut and his mouth hung open slightly. The other was close by, eyes open but face contorted in a grimace. Fluttershy stood above him, her eyes narrowed in concentration, using some sort of red-colored cloth to wrap one of his hind legs, which was oozing blood. The makeshift bandaging covered the wound, the color looking just like the fluid that soaked into it. Spike was holding a roll of the stuff, using his clawed hand to tear portions of the material.

"I found some more!" Rarity came from the rear of the train at a canter, horn glowing, another roll of fabric floating beside her, bits of glass being thrown to the sides as she used her magic to part the sea of debris.

"Yes, that's good. Hand it to Spike, please. There, there," the shy pony murmured at the stallion. "Help will be here soon, you try to relax."

Spike... Twilight almost called out to him. No paper. Can't send a message. She had some in her bags, but...

"Where's Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie?" Twilight turned to Applejack to ask.

"Pinkie's trying to get at our things in storage. She says she packed a party cannon and some fireworks she can use for signal for help. I think we're too far away from either end for that to work," she shrugged, "but maybe it'll do. Rainbow Dash took off once we had ya'll moved, she's fixin' to bring help. Long ways off, though. I've been watchin' you; you were knocked out but I could see you strugglin' around and workin' up a sweat."

Twilight nuzzled her friend in a brief hug, then started walking with a determined look settling onto her face. Applejack stood still for a moment, then rushed to catch up, but nearly ran into Twilight when the unicorn stopped only a few feet out.

All along the land from here towards the crystal tower were globules of some black substance, as if somepony had taken cupfuls of tar and thrown them down at the ground. The splashes were thinly spread out this far away, but closer to the tower they grew in number until the very base of it looked entirely coated. Twilight turned, looking towards the passenger cars where her friends were tending the wounded. Her mind must have glossed over the stuff before; she could see one or two splashes in that area, too.

Applejack noticed her looking. "Don't know what that gunk is. Couldn't be from that crystal thing, could it? Stuff looks like black melted wax. You even had a bit of it on ya, cleaned it off when we brought you out. Good thing it didn't hit Rarity, huh?"

Twilight nodded absently. "Applejack, something is not right about this. I dreamed about this spot, but it was different."

"What happened?"

"I was alone - nopony else was here, though I looked for you. I walked toward the crystal, but... there was no debris from it at all, certainly nothing like this. I kicked the thing and it cracked to reveal a staircase to the top. I started to climb and suddenly I got very scared - I could hear your voice, but it felt like something was chasing me. It felt like something very important was up there. It didn't even feel like a dream at the time - it was so real."

Applejack's face scrunched up in a look of concern. "That's... you know, Twi, lifelike nightmares, huge crystals appearing from the ground. Doesn't this remind you of somepony?"

"King Sombra and the Crystal Empire," Twilight spoke softly. "But that's miles and miles away! What's one of these things doing right here, right in our path? Did anyone else touch this goop?"

"Don't think so," Applejack shook her head. "It's all around the engine car, but we avoided the stuff."

Twilight thought. "Okay. Keep your hooves ready. I'm going to experiment."

"You sure that's a good idea?" Applejack looked worried.

"No, but we've got to learn what happened here." Twilight stepped towards one of the black splashes, lifting a hoof. She paused for a moment, then brought the hoof firmly down into the substance. The goo made a squelching noise and pooled around the hoof as it sank a little.

She looked at Applejack, who eye her warily. Nothing happened. Twilight brought her hoof out and shook off the clingy black tar. "Well, that didn't do much. Whatever it is, it seems inactive, unless it takes longer than that to have an effect. I don't think anypony should touch it all the same. Applejack, I still feel like something's on top of that tower that I should see."

"Well, what about Fluttershy? She could look without touching the stuff."

"You're right," Twilight nodded. The two of them moved back towards the others. Rarity was pulling cushions and blankets from the bunks of the passenger car, piling them up outside. Fluttershy had finished bandaging the bleeding stallion; she was kneeling next to him, speaking soothing words to him in her soft voice, though he looked dazed.

"Will he be okay?" asked Twilight.

"It's... pretty bad, Twilight, but we've held off the bleeding. He's being a very strong stallion," she said, stroking the stallion's mane.

"Fluttershy, I think there's something on top of that tower that is.... of importance to learning why this thing is here."

"You want me... to fly to it?"

"Yes, please, but be careful - don't touch that crystal or the goo. We're not sure just how dangerous it is apart from causing this wreck."

"Oh... okay, Twilight." The pegasus fluttered her wings, hovering for a moment above the ground before wooshing off towards the crystal tower.

Pinkie appeared from the rear of the train, absent her usual bounce. She had bags hanging from her sides, piled on her back, and one balanced precariously atop her head. "Cannon's broke!" she announced. "Some thingamajig snapped off the doohickey in it, so I grabbed a bunch of our stuff instead." She dropped the top bags and shimmied out of the rest, the whole set making a series of thumps on the ground.

One of Twilight's cases was there. "Paper!" she said.

Spike perked up at the sound, and caught on right away. "We can send Princess Celestia a message!"

"Look inside for the quill and ink, spike. Oh, I hope I stoppered them properly, I knew I should have checked again."

Spike rummaged through the sack. "Quill, quill, here we go, no, that's broken... ahhh... there! And some ink... gotcha. Okay," he said, setting a small inkwell on the ground and pulling out the stop with a pop. "Anything specific I should include?"

"Tell her the Ponyville-Canterlot train crashed into an unknown crystalline object midway through the trip. We have several hurt ponies who need assistance ASAP, but nobody was mortally injured."

"Got it." He inhaled, then blew out a wisp of green dragon-fire. The hastily-written letter vanished with a puff.

The sound of flapping turned the group skyward. Fluttershy was returning. She had something dangling in her mouth. She drew closer, landing in front of them, the force of her wings sending up a small cloud of dust as she braked. She was biting down on a small strap which was attached to both ends of a long, cylindrical object. Twilight's horn glowed and she floated the tube towards her.

It was a scroll-case.

Recovery

Twilight inspected the object. It looked typical for a scroll-case, at least on the outside. It was an inch or two in diameter and had two sections of long copper tubing, joined in the middle where the case could be connected or rotated apart. Several decorative rings of polished silver appeared at the ends and at intervals along the length, and flowery designs were etched in twirls throughout the metal.

"This is what was on top of that thing?" Twilight wondered aloud.

"Yes, Twilight," said Fluttershy, glancing over at the wounded ponies. Twilight, caught up in this new puzzle, didn't notice the glance, but Applejack did. "The top was shaped like... like a bowl, and that was lying inside it. I grabbed it without landing or touching anything else." She pawed at the ground.

"Go on, Fluttershy, tend to 'em," said Applejack kindly. Fluttershy gave her an appreciative smile, then trotted away, kneeling beside the bandaged pony and soothing him again.

Hiccup-woooooosh! The scroll popped from Spike's mouth. Caught off guard, he tried to catch it as it fell, but fumbled. He quickly bent over to grab it, unfurling it to read. "From Princess Celestia," he announced; everyone nodded expectantly, but they were unsurprised.

"Twilight Sparkle," it began without preamble, "remain where you are and give the injured what aid you can. We are leaving immediately to come help. Signed, Princess Celestia," Spike finished.

"I think Fluttershy's giving the bestest help we have," piped Pinkie Pie. "Should we open the scroll-case?"

Twilight turned her attention back to the strange case. "I think we should, yes."

Applejack put a hoof to Twilight's shoulder. "This is all pretty strange, Twi. Maybe we should let the Princess look at it first."

Twilight considered that, but shook her head. "Whatever this is, Applejack, it's all very strange. I dreamed about this thing while I was unconscious; or at least, I knew something was up there. But none of it makes much sense. What was this doing up there; how could there be a bowl cut into crystal that just burst from underground? No, I need to see."

She aimed her magic, levitating the case, holding one section of the tube steady and giving the other a firm twist. It slid along the carved channels, spinning around until it came free with a little pop. She pulled that section away.

Inside was a scroll, but one that was heavier than normal. As Twilight unrolled it, something else appeared from the bottom of the roll, dropping onto the ground. They all looked closer, but whatever it was wasn't immediately clear. Twilight levitated it up in the air as well. It was a small piece of... some material, about six by six inches big; it had been tucked in with the scroll. The edges looked ragged and frayed, and in the middle it seemed like somepony had once drew or painted something on it. Although it looked as if it had once been darker, over time it had faded greatly, obscuring whatever it was meant to show.

"Looks like old canvas or something," said Applejack. "Maybe somepony's artwork?" None of them painted, so they couldn't hazard any better guesses.

The scroll itself revealed no useful information either. Like the other object, it had faded considerably, though the paper itself had remained sturdy enough not to crumble. It had obviously had writing of some sort on it once, but it was indecipherable now, especially under the bright sun. Moving it to Twilight's shadow didn't make it legible.

"Looks like you were right, Applejack," she said, re-rolling both items and tucking them back in the case. "We'll have to see if Princess Celestia has any idea what these are."

Rarity had finished whatever scavenging she had intended, and called out to them with a "yoo-hoo!" from over by Fluttershy and the two businessponies. She had taken the corners of some of their bunk blankets and tied them to the wooden pieces that separated the now-absent window panes of the fallen passenger car. The opposing corners were tied to long, thin poles from who-knows-where which she jammed as far out in the ground as the blankets would stretch. The whole thing served to shade the injured ponies, and Rarity beckoned the rest of them over.

"We should stay as cool as possible," she said as they walked to the makeshift shelter. "I don't think any drink containers would be unbroken here. Do we know if help is coming?"

"Yes," nodded Twilight, sitting down along with Applejack and Spike, laying the scroll-case next to her. "We got a letter to Princess Celestia and she responded. If they go at normal velocity, well, actually somewhat faster..."

"Good, good, darling," interrupted Rarity hastily. From the rear of the train, the line's staff appeared. One of them limped painfully, trying not to use a leg that was blistered and scorched, presumably from the burning coal as Applejack had mentioned. The other engineer and the conductor were carrying a few cases which they set on the ground as they joined the rest of the ponies in the shade.

"Some food in those, but not much," the unburnt engineer said. He looked at the group, not knowing who had taken charge.

"Help is on its way," said Twilight, before they could ask. The three of them looked visibly relieved.

"How badly are they hurt?" asked the conductor, indicating the two injured ponies.

Fluttershy spoke up, a look of concern on her golden face. "He's been knocked out," she pointed at the unconscious pony, "I don't think we can do anything more than keep him cool. The other one," she said, gently touching the moaning, bandaged one, "he's been cut badly... he'll need stitches... "

Rarity leaped to her hooves. "Stitches? Fluttershy, my kit! I brought needles and thread; you never know when a dress will need a quick touch-up. Pinkie Pie, our things?"

"You betcha!" Pinkie cried excitedly. "I know just where it is." She nearly dove into the pile of pony packs she had brought from the wreckage; clothing and personal items and packs flew aside as she dug into them.

Fluttershy looked dubious. "Rarity, I don't know. Shouldn't the medic ponies... "

"We don't know exactly how long til they arrive, Fluttershy... "

"As I was trying to say, if they go at least 60, no, 65 hoofs per minute... wait, they're flying, so... "

"... aaaand if he keeps bleeding through our bandages," Rarity trailed off the thought.

The pegasus gave a little sigh, but looked down at the blood-soaked leg and steeled her resolve, changing to a look of determination. "Okay, somepony will have to help hold him still... "

"You got it." Applejack moved to the injured pony's side.

"... and thread the needle... "

"Here it is!" Pinkie bounded back with the kit in tow.

"Allow me, Fluttershy." The kit popped open as Rarity's horn glowed a soft blue. Numerous compartments slid out with needles and many hues of threads showing within them. She pulled out one needle and a spool, quickly threading the end through the needle and tying it off, then levitating it towards Fluttershy, who grabbed the non-pointy end in her mouth.

Twilight held onto the stallion's leg while Applejack pressed her weight on his body. Spike, at a word from Fluttershy, used his claw to slice away the accumulated bandaging. Blood welled up from the wound, though not as strongly as before. Rarity, flinching just a mite, patted at the wound with a bit of cloth, trying to wipe it clear. Pinkie Pie had broken off the tail of one of the fireworks she had packed, placing the wooden stick in the stallion's mouth for him to bite down on. She sat near his head, and the two of them touched hoof to hoof as she smiled at him.

Fluttershy inhaled, then let out part of her breath. She lowered her head, biting down to keep the needle steady, piercing the pony's flesh at one end of the long gash, pulling the needle through along with a long trail of the attached thread.

After several minutes of patting down the wound and trailing v's of thread across it, Fluttershy let another breath out in a big puff. The bleeding had greatly diminished, though the injury still looked rather unpleasant. She stood up, visibly shaking but looking pleased. Rarity and Spike measured, cut, and wrapped fresh bandages around the leg while Twilight held it up.

The ponies opened up the food cases and split some hay sandwiches between them, leaving second servings for all of them and two for the unconscious stallion, if he should awaken. They nibbled and swallowed the food appreciatively. All they could do was wait.

~ ~ ~

The sun continued to blaze down, inching across the sky, but the ponies stayed relatively cool in the shadow of the blankets. They lay on the cushions Rarity had brought out, and some of the ponies rested their heads and their eyes.

Suddenly, Pinkie called out. "There! They're coming!" Roused by the noise, the ponies got to their hooves, trying to look where the piny pony pointed, and they moved out from under the shelter.

Three specks in the sky took form, drawing closer and showing themselves to be three chariots, each pulled by two pegasi in royal guard armor. The first chariot landed; it was empty of ponies but had a few cases tied down to it. The second chariot had three ponies sitting abreast; they wore white outfits brightly emblazoned with a red medical cross. As their chariot landed, they bounded from it, hastening to the first one to grab the cases. They approached the group, two of them rushing to the side of the bandaged stallion who was visibly injured. Fluttershy spoke to them, her quiet voice explaining the severity of the situation.

From the third vehicle stepped the graceful co-ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia, lacking her customary smile and charm, instead appearing deeply troubled. Rainbow Dash had been sitting beside the Princess; Dash leaped out, using her wings to drift down to her friends. At the chariots, the six royal pegasi guards huffed heavily, worn from the fast pace, and sat on the ground to rest.

"Ran into them while I was flying for help," said Dash.

Spike and the ponies, except for Dash (who had arrived with her) and Fluttershy (who was intent on the wounded), gave the Princess brief but respectful bows, stretching their front legs to lower their heads.

"Twilight," said Celestia, looking over the group. "Tell me about the injured before we discuss anything else."

"There's two businessponies who took the most damage," said Twilight. "One's been out cold this whole time; the other was badly cut, but we helped Fluttershy stitch it up. Hopefully good enough for a first try," she added.

"This is well done, actually," called out one of the medics. "We may only have to adjust it a bit."

Celestia walked closer to the shelter, and the group followed. "Fluttershy, thank you for your kind action."

Fluttershy blushed a light pink. "Any... anypony would have done the same," she murmured.

"One of the engineers was also burned by the coal furnace," Twilight continued, but the engineer was already being attended to by the third medic. "Everypony else was only bruised up."

"Medics, please load the wounded onto two of the chariots when you feel they are safe to move," commanded the Princess. "There are three more coming that will carry the rest of us and your things," she explained to Twilight and the others, "but slower, since we had to get here quickly for the injured ponies. Twilight, will you explain what occurred here?"

The pair ambled apart from the group as the others went to help move the stallions and gather up belongings.

Twilight explained to the Princess what had happened: about the sudden quake; how the black crystal had sprung from the ground and destroyed the track, causing the wreck; how she had shielded her friends and been knocked out. She hesitated, but skipped telling the Princess about the dream, although she wasn't sure why she did so. She settled for relating their efforts to care for the hurt ponies, to find food or water, to build the shade-providing shelter, and lastly she spoke of the discovery Fluttershy had brought down to the group.

The Princess looked very concerned, but Twilight added one more thing. "Princess Celestia... this tower - it looks like something from the Crystal Empire, only... not quite. It's not the only thing, either, there's this... goo. Could King Sombra somehow be responsible for this?" She pointed at the ground which led to the tower, over which the splashes of black crud had landed.

"Twilight, my faithful student... I must be honest when I say I have never seen the likes of this before. The crystal resembles those he controlled, yes, but as for this - substance, I cannot give you an answer. I have faith that the King was banished by the actions of you, your friends, your brother, and Princess Cadance. Even if that were not so, the Crystal Empire is far, far away to the north. Tell me about this scroll you recovered."

Twilight eagerly twisted open the scroll case, levitating the scroll and canvas piece out of it.

The Princess stared for a moment at them, but shook her head. "I cannot make manes or tails out of this. The artistry and writing has faded too much from both."

Twilight's head drooped. "So we don't have any answers or explanations, then."

"Do not despair so soon, young one." The Princess raised a hoof to gently lift her student's head back up. "There may be a spell that can help in the Canterlot library. If," she raised an eyebrow and a little grin, "you are up for some research?"

Twilight almost reared up in excitement, but bowed to the Princess again. "Absolutely, Princess!"

"That's what I like to hear," smiled Celestia. She turned to the wreckage. "Before we left, I sent a messenger who will inform the Ponyville branch about this incident. Unfortunately, until we learn more about this crystal and why it has shown up here, we will have to keep the line closed. I do not want to risk anypony tampering with it yet. I will see about assigning some more ponies to aid in recovering what salvage is left here."

They rejoined the group just as two of the chariots took off, each one bearing some of the medics and the injured. The other engineer, the conductor, and Twilight's group remained. They sat in the shade once more, speaking with the Princess to pass the time, explaining their versions of the events in greater detail. Most of them kept giving anxious glances towards the tower or the sky, but they had only about fifteen minutes to wait before the rest of the chariots arrived.

The nine ponies split up into three of the chariots, placing the bulk of their possessions into the fourth before departing.

Discovery

The chariot ride to Canterlot took about an hour; Twilight sat in the seat, trying to work the odds and ends of the problems that had arisen today. Rarity and Princess Celestia shared the ride with her; the Princess spoke about this and that with Rarity, giving no sign of the unease that Twilight felt. Normally, Twilight would have been ecstatic to have as much as an hour of nearly-private time with her trusted mentor, but she was feeling reluctant to discuss the events further. Once more, she considered telling the Princess about the prophetic nightmare, but something was still holding back the words. Instead, she watched the landscape pass by below the airborne chariot.

The dusty, arid plains began to change from a dull brown to a lively green as grasslands once again appeared. Far ahead, the mountainside spires and lights of Canterlot grew clearer. Beautiful towers rose from the streets of the city, looking like ivory-clad horns. Not so long ago, Twilight had resided in one of those towers, before the Princess had tasked her with learning about friendship. She certainly had done so; together with her five close friends, they represented the Elements of Harmony, a force that Celestia herself had once wielded in defense of the lands.

Twilight had wanted to visit around the city with her friends, but a pall had been cast over everything. Of course, there was still her birthday celebration in two days - she wasn't about to put a stop to that (Pinkie would have fits) - but it didn't feel very important in comparison. Right now, she just wanted to get everyone settled in the tower and catch a good night's sleep so she could get up early and get to Canterlot's library. The place was an incredible reservoir of scrolls, tomes, and knowledge. Portions of it were open to the public, of course, but some sections were reserved only for the staff, the Princesses, or privileged students such as herself.

She considered how to handle the fading of the writing and artistry from the scroll and canvas. There really were lots of questions to answer. Had the items been created long ago and only recently stored, or had they been placed inside as soon as they were completed? How had the case been placed underground? Was it placed on top of the crystal, or had the crystal emerged and caught the case on its way up? She even considered whether the case's arrival might simply be coincidental - a relic of some ancient time caught in the accident - but dismissed this thought. How could she have dreamed about it? Although... she hadn't actually seen the glowing object in the dream, she'd come awake before she could discover what it was.

Still, there were too many connections to ignore or to shrug it off as a weird coincidence. No, she would have to act as if the case, the crystal, and the train wreck were connected somehow, and the two items were the only lead to follow. Well, not the only lead...

"Princess Celestia?" said Twilight.

The Princess, whose conversation with Rarity had drawn to a close a few minutes ago, turned to regard her young student. "Yes, Twilight?" she asked.

"I think we should ask Shining Armor and Cadance if anything strange is happening in the Crystal Empire."

"I agree, Twilight. I will do so as soon as we return to Canterlot, though it will take some time before we receive a reply, since they do not have the fortune to have magical dragon messaging available. I suggest you focus your efforts on learning what you can about the objects you found. The resources of the Library are, as always, at your disposal. I must keep watchful eyes on the injured; if you or your friends experience any strange or adverse effects from today, please let me know."

Twilight swallowed guiltily. "Of course, Princess."

"And we shall still have your birthday party, of course! Barring any more incidents." She gave Twilight an amiable hoof-tap. "It is just for your friends and I, and perhaps my sister, if she is able to join us."

The ride continued on, and soon they soared over Canterlot itself, passing over shops, streets, and skyward-gazing ponies of many shapes and styles.

Rarity gasped and clapped her hooves in delight. "Look, Twilight, a new art exhibit!" She cried, pointing towards the new banners hanging in front of a gallery as the chariot flew overhead. "We shall have to visit."

"You should, Rarity!" smiled the Princess. "Mr. Ponet has recently done a wonderful rendition of water lilies."

"Ohhhhh..."

They reached the castle grounds at last; the pegasi pulling the chariots drifted downwards, landing one after another outside the carriage house. Two other chariots had already arrived, bringing the total now to six, but the medics had taken the injured away.

"I shall leave you to get your friends settled in, Twilight. Please join me tomorrow morning in the castle for breakfast."

Twilight nodded and the Princess hurried into the castle. Twilight's friends were hopping from the other chariots, stretching out their legs.

"Okay, everypony, grab your packs," she said. "We'll see how the tower's been set up."

"I hope the spare beds have proper cushions," said Rarity.

"Why is that, Rarity? Hoping for a proper pillow fight?" teased Rainbow Dash, imitating Rarity's voice. Pinkie Pie gave an appreciative giggle; Rarity just sniffed, turning up her horn.

From the last chariot, they retrieved their things, most of which were in a fairly sorry state, owing to the crash and Pinkie's rummaging, but after some back-and-forth arguing, they sorted out whose pack was whose, and headed away from the castle. The streets outside the castle were laid with closely-interlocked stone of a deeper shade than the ivory towers. The shops, museums, and galleries advertised treats and delights of many sorts. The homes and mansions of a few lucky ponies were interspersed with the merchant buildings; Rarity oohed and ahhed at the sights.

On their left, the shops and homes gave way to a sight known well to Twilight: Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, where she had spent much of her youth. Her former tower, in fact, sat on the grounds of the campus itself; she supposed that the faculty or perhaps another student had occupied it after Twilight had moved to Ponyville. She hoped that their stay wasn't inconveniencing somepony.

Classes were probably still in session, but nopony had taken the opportunity to hold class outside in the sunlight, so they didn't run into anypony. They crossed the warm grass, following a small path that led to the tower residences, passing by large stone plant stands holding rare flowers and trees. The group ascended the sloping ramps that marked part of the tower's design, the thin, curving balconies shading them as they entered the tower that Twilight had called home.

"Twilight, this is really... pretty," said Fluttershy when they entered. Twilight wondered if perhaps the tower hadn't been used, after all; most of the room remained as she had last seen it. Astronomical devices of varying shapes were strewn about the place, but the walls were decorated with tasteful pictures, and the carpet looked freshly cleaned. Twilight smiled, pawing at one of the old telescopes she had used to study the night sky.

The first floor was normally a study area, but against one wall, three beds had been placed. To the ponies' delight, the mattresses, sheets, and cushions were of exceptionally luxurious quality, and Rarity immediately flopped down onto one, wriggling on the silk sheets. "Oh, lovely, perfectly lovely. This one is mine," she said in a tone brooking no disagreement.

Pinkie leaped onto the adjacent bed. "Ooh, springy!" she said excitedly, bouncing up and down on the springs.

"Who wants the third bed?" asked Twilight.

"I'll take it, if that's okay," said Fluttershy, and when nopony objected, she moved over and placed her things at the foot of it.

Dash, Applejack, Spike and Twilight walked up the stairs past the second floor, which housed most of the bookshelves, and continued to the third floor, her old quarters. The huge, four-post bed sat in the middle, and two of the lesser spare beds had been placed on either side.

"I don't have to take the main bed, if somepony wants pampering," offered Twilight. "Just don't, er, tell Rarity."

"Aw heck, Twi, these are already enough spoiling," Applejack grinned. 'You go ahead and take your old bed." The trio of ponies set down their packs. Spike happily flopped down into the small baby dragon's bed at the foot of Twilight's four-poster, and sounded as if he could snooze immediately.

With everypony's gear stowed, the first and third floor ponies met up in the library on the second floor, sitting down on one of several cushioned chairs and couches.

Twilight got everypony's attention. "I know some of us are tired from what happened, but others want to head out into the city right away."

"Guilty!" cried Rarity, and Dash too looked eager to explore.

"I suggest everypony stay here or go out as they please, instead of us staying grouped up." The ponies all nodded. "There's a number of restaurants not far from the entrance to the campus, or the chef here does some good food - the school's cafeteria is at the south end of the building, and anypony is welcome to dine there. I'm going to stay here for now and start research on these things," she said, indicating the scroll-case she had placed on a table.

"Well, I'm going out for sure to check the list of events - might be a Wonderbolts show while we're here," said Dash. "Want some grub brought back here for you, Twilight?"

Twilight nodded. "Thank you, Rainbow Dash, anything is fine."

The ponies split up, heading for quiet time and naps or into the bustle of the city as they desired, but Twilight stayed in the library. She was torn between organizing her investigation and galloping straight down to the Library proper, but steeled herself and brought out fresh paper, quill, and ink. With precision, she began creating a list of what she intended to research.

Much later, she started when a sandwich landed on the pages of the tome she was reading, Rainbow Dash snickering behind her at the half-leap of surprise. "Take a break, egghead," admonished the pegasus. "I'm hitting the hay, myself."

Twilight gave her friend a playful tap, but thanked her for the delivery, and Dash headed upstairs. Standing up, Twilight gave her body a nice stretch, then turned her attention to the sandwich. Night had taken over while she had read and written; she realized she was quite tired as well. She went downstairs first, though, to check on the others. Pinkie and Fluttershy had swapped spots, apparently; the pink pony was already snoring in the third bed, but Rarity and Fluttershy sat on theirs, facing each other. They had little hooficure kits out and were polishing each others hooves. Twilight wished them both good night, then walked the long steps to the third floor quarters.

Applejack had similarly gone to sleep already. Dash lay under the bed covers, propped up against a pillow and relaxing with a Daring Do novel in hoof. Twilight smiled to herself - Dash was as hooked as ever - and went to the bathroom to brush up before sleep.

When she slipped under her covers, sleep came quickly.

~ ~ ~

In the morning, the ponies woke and took turns cleaning up in the bathrooms on the first and third floors. When teeth, mane, and tail had all been brushed, they set out to meet Princess Celestia for breakfast at the castle. Although Twilight had roused Spike, he had groaned and expressed his desire to sleep late before turning over and plunging his head deep into the pillow again.

As the ponies approached, the royal guards saluted for Twilight, then turned and opened the immense wooden doors that marked the royal environs. The group passed through several lesser passages before entering the Grand Hall. Depictions of past battles and noteworthy events lined the hall, done up in stained glass through which shined sunlight. They all paused in front of the window showing the six of them first acquiring the Elements of Harmony; they exchanged several quick hugs and nuzzles at the memory before walking on.

Instead of entering the throne room, they turned through a door to the side. A much less grand, but cozier room greeted them, a long dining table in the middle, flanked by dual fireplaces. Princess Celestia was already there; she stood and greeted each of them in turn, touching hoof to hoof and offering a polite welcome.

They sat down, and the Princess nodded to a uniformed stallion who stood at a second doorway. With a bow, he turned and stuck his head through the doorway, clapping his hooves before returning to attention. From beyond, several similarly uniformed unicorns emerged, levitating large platters with metal coverings, as well as trays bearing steaming rolls, and several pitchers.

They nibbled and sipped, mixing in touches of conversation with the Princess, who asked how they fared and if they had gone out last night. Twilight phased out the discussion fairly quick; she was too eager to get to the library. She stared at the wood of the table, wondering whether the librarians had altered the scrolls-sorting system yet again since her last visit. It seemed like every time she returned, they chose a different ordering, swapping from alphanumeric to chronological to topical at a whim; it was infuriating.

Food and speech both ended, at last, and all the ponies stood. The Princess bid them good day as they filed out, but caught Twilight as she passed by. "Remember, my faithful student, tell me when you discover something of use." Twilight bowed.

Out in the hall, she turned to the group. "I'm going to the Library to see what I can learn."

"Is there anything we can do to help?" asked Applejack, but Twilight shook her head.

"If I think of anything, I'll get a hold of you. You ponies go enjoy the city, okay?" They looked a bit dubious at the idea of not assisting, but eventually took off.

Twilight headed down side passages towards the library. It had its own entrance from the castle grounds, but could also be reached from within. It didn't take long for memories to surface and remind her of which ways to turn, though she almost got lost when what she thought was a connecting passage turned out to be a room full of dusty old chairs stacked together. Without other mishaps, though, she found the iron doors indicating the library.

With the scroll-case and her notes in tow inside the sack she carried, Twilight approached the massive scroll catalog. Row after row of drawers lined an entire wall. She peeked at one of the labels affixed to the front of a drawer - thank the sun, they were still arranged topically. She opened the sack, pulling out her checklist. Scrunching her face, she looked the list over, then walked to the drawer on which the label read Anaconda through Aether, flipping cards over until she reached Ancient.

"Ancient Pegasus Sculptures, no... Ancient Hydra, Myths of the, no... Ancient Writings, Care and Restoration! There we go." She noted the location; it was in the Starswirl the Bearded Wing, which was unusual. Only the rarest and oftentimes dangerous magic was stored there - ponies needed Princess Celestia's permission even to enter it. Luckily, Twilight counted herself amongst that few.

She trotted down the hall, approaching the barred gate marking the S.T.B. Wing. A few guards were on patrol nearby; she called out to them, and they sauntered over.

"That wing is for authorized staff and students only," said the first guard with a glare. He must have been new.

"This is Twilight Sparkle," the second guard chastised him. "Personal protege of Princess Celestia. Of course you may enter, Twilight," he said, bowing to her and pulling out his set of keys, unlocking the gate.

"Thank you both," she said to spare the first guard his embarrassment, then hurried inside.

The world's most unreliable, dangerous, rare, or powerful scrolls lined the shelves, as well as numerous old and irreplaceable tomes. Repeating to herself the notation she had looked up, she found the book on ancient writings tucked away next to a scroll explaining how to turn common earthworms into fifty-foot long frenzied beasts.

She pulled out the book, choking a bit on the accumulated dust that spilled into the air, then took it over to the table. Twilight looked at the index, then turned halfway through the book; The seventh chapter looked promising.

It took a while to find a passage that offered to solve her problem, and she read it aloud. "When ink from thy olde tome begins to fade with the passage of tyme, a spell of colour enhancement may serve to refresh the itemes... Perfect! Color enhancement, hmm, hmm." That wasn't a spell she knew, so she'd have to look it up as well. She pressed her hoof to a small button set to the wall; the gate was designed to self-lock whenever it closed, but this swung it open when somepony was inside.

Back to the catalog; she left the scroll-case behind with the tome. This time, it was between Elephants and Enigmas, though she wasted time looking for Color - Enhancement first instead of Enhancements - Color. With the location of this spell found, she tracked down the scroll that detailed how to perform it, and she found it in one of the regular wings. A nearby desk provided some ink and paper; she scratched a few meaningless scribbles on it, then attempted the spell.

Success! The black ink practically glowed with power, contrasting perfectly with the paper. She returned the supplies to the desk and tossed the scribbles into a trashcan, then rushed back to the S.T.B. Wing. Flagging down the guards once more, she got the first one to come over; he kindly unlocked the gate again for her.

She twisted open the case and spread the two items on the table, staring in excited anticipation at them. Which one to do first? She studied the canvas piece; it seemed likely to be less complicated than whatever was written on the scroll. A good choice to solve the smaller mystery first. She moved it slightly to the side so the scroll was out of the way, and focused her magic towards it. The piece of canvas shimmered, and the faded colors deepened, the artwork on it becoming clear at last.

The sight of it simply didn't process at first. Then a feeling of horror grew all at once in her chest and she recoiled from the table, backing up several feet until her flank struck the wall, the glow around her horn flashing out.

That thing wasn't canvas. It wasn't artwork painted on it.

It was her cutie mark.

The Message

Twilight's throat felt dry; she swallowed, trying to wet it, but the gulps seemed to stick. Trembling, she approached the table and the cursed object. Without her magic channeled into it, the color had faded from it, returning to its indecipherable state. She felt great unease, but cast the enhancement spell once more.

The colors deepened; most of it turned a light purple, but in the middle, the contrast made clear the sight she had recoiled from: A rose-colored, six-pointed star with five lesser stars arranged around it. She levitated the object, turning her head and bringing it about to her flank. She placed it side-by-side her cutie mark. It matched perfectly; she felt as if her head were spinning and she was seeing double.

"How can this be?" she said to herself. Is it a fake? she thought. She lay it back on the table, then pressed a hoof against the material. If the mark were real, that meant it was on... a coat. Her coat? She wanted to be sick at the idea. She had to consider the possibilities.

It can't be a magically-made false mark on a real coat. Trying to apply a cutie mark through magical means could make one appear, but only briefly before it would wink out. It would have vanished before the... skin could be cut away.

Painted, then, or drawn on? That she could check with Bright's All-Purpose Erasure Spell; she used it frequently in her studies, it would take off ink, pencil, paint, and even make-up, for some reason. She focused, conjuring the spell, aiming it towards the flap of skin, but... nothing happened. It appeared to be real.

How could that be? She stamped the floor in irritation. That just isn't logical! she fumed. A real cutie mark, her own cutie mark, cut away and placed in some ancient scroll-case to be found by her because of a train wreck? It was a ludicrous series of events.

Ignore its arrival. Assume it is real. Consider its origin. She tried to achieve calmness and apply reason. However improbable, it was here. What could the source of it be? Well, it had to be... her. How could it be her, if she was here looking at it, flank intact? There would have to be another her. Another Twilight.

She had actually met herself - Future Twilight - once, and as her future self met Past Twilight. But that possibility could be eliminated: the time travel spell that Starswirl the Bearded had written could send a pony only once into the past, and only for a brief period. She'd only had long enough to say a few things to herself. Ugh. Even thinking about that conundrum was starting to give her a headache.

There was the Mirror Pool, but she had personally seen it blocked off. She couldn't imagine why she would decide to uncover it and use the pool to make a copy of herself, given the dangers involved. Even then, that wouldn't explain how the mark had ended up where it had been found.

This is a dead end. She shook her head; she would have to set aside the problem of the mark and look to the paper. Perhaps it would offer an explanation.

She moved the mark aside, her stomach turning queasy at the touch. With the paper in clear view, she channeled again, repeating the color enhancement spell. The paper shimmered, and line after line of black ink coalesced. Impossible! This was not turning out according to plan!

Twilight Sparkle,

I address this to you, but as you must have seen, I am you and you are I - the mark we bear, I have stripped from my side as the only proof I can offer of the truth of these words. We met ourselves once, long ago - through Starswirl's spell, we sought to save ourselves the troubles of a week's worries. I beg you, I plead with you - listen with the greatest intensity you can give, for all the problems and villains we have faced before pale in comparison to this.

The future - your future - is in grave danger. From where I write, it has already died... in this dead world live only a few broken remnants such as myself. All that is love and friendship; all that is good in the world has passed on. This must not be!

Two great evils struggle for dominance of your world. One you have already faced and triumphed over, but it persists, and will do anything to return. The other... I have fought, but failed, and it was my failure that led to the unmaking. I offer my knowledge, my assistance in correcting this failure. Events will soon unfold, and you must be told of them before it is too late. I remember the crystal tower - it marks the beginning of the end.

Starswirl's spell is the key. You could not know, but I - I have had years to make the attempt, for there has never been greater need, but there has never been the ability before, either. This dead world... magic has changed. Things that before were impossible may be... tweaked... to the bare edge of possibility now. With all my power, I could send this letter and my mark, enclosed in a case, to lay in the Earth awaiting the crystal's rise, but I could not travel there myself. The spot I marked well - the crystal remains there still - but I could not know with precision when the case would arrive. I pray only that it has not been disturbed, should it lay there for millenia.

There is one more possibility. The spell - it can be reversed, but in a peculiar way. You must come to see me, Twilight. Shield yourself, and use the spell, but focus all your willpower on reversing the effect! If you can maintain both spells, the shield will keep you safe as all the world advances, and you will come to my time. I believe you will 'sleep', as it were. Cast these spells from the observatory on the mountains above even high Canterlot. It is one of the last vestiges of life remaining to this place, and is where I stay. At the center of the floor's star, I shall have a spell-breaker cast to interrupt your channeling.

I cannot tell you not to consult the Princess, our longtime mentor, but she will not provide the answers or aid you need to save us, your friends, or our home.

Ask her of Dawnstar.

Twilight was utterly flabbergasted. The world, dying or already dead, destroyed because of her, because of some failure? It seemed unthinkable. She stopped the spell, and the words of the letter faded away.

Evils. One she had faced before sought to return. Nightmare Moon had become Princess Luna again, the power of the Elements of Harmony striking goodness into her heart after her long banishment in the moon. Twilight believed the redemption fully; Celestia's love for the younger sister shone through in the pride and fondness the Princess displayed when speaking of Luna and her return as guardian of the night. I will die before doubting Princess Celestia! vowed Twilight in a surge of determination. The two Princesses ruled together again, and Twilight would trust in both.

For the same reason, she had to dismiss Discord as the evil mentioned. He had been a pain in the flank to be sure, but... evil? He reveled in chaos, a trickster and mischief-maker at heart, but that was not the same as evil. He'd been overthrown by the two sisters an age ago, when they first came into possession of the Elements. He might have been a possibility, except Princess Celestia had tasked Twilight and her friends with reforming the Draconequus, explaining that his chaos powers could be turned towards good. Twilight harbored her doubts about Discord's 'reformation', but Fluttershy and Celestia both believed in him, so she would not dishonor them by doing any less.

Queen Chrysalis? The insect-like shapeshifter and her changelings had been ousted from the realm before they could complete her plan to seize control, but they had not been killed. It was certainly in her nature to try again. Like Discord, though, Twilight wasn't sure that the Queen was truly evil; it was her nature to feed and seek that end through her methods, treacherous though they may be, but destroying the world would mean her own death.

There had been other opponents, mild to annoying, but she arrived at what she had felt since the wreck might be the true answer.

Sombra.

The King had once claimed the power of the Crystal Empire, and might have dominated all of Equestria, save for the actions of the Sister Princesses. Banished once, he had managed to return a thousand years later... and though Twilight, her friends, her brother and Princess Cadance had defeated the mad King, had he truly been destroyed, or banished, or... what? The crystal tower and its black substance had appeared extremely far from the Empire, and it remained a mystery how or why. In his desperation for taking power, he might go too far.

But there was still this second, unknown enemy, one that Future Twilight had... that she, here and now, would soon fail against. She had failed at things before, of course, but not of the magnitude that the letter claimed. Things had... gotten out of hand once or twice; she blushed to remember the 'Want it, Need it' spell that had affected the town when she'd had a bout of... worry about making her friendship reports. Aided by the Alicorn Amulet, Trixie had once bested Twilight at magic, but she had turned to her friends and their strength to defeat the lone unicorn.

The Princess will not provide the answers you need, the letter had said.

Twilight thought of her friend, Rainbow Dash, and the strength of loyalty that the pegasus represented. Twilight would let her friend be an example - she would show her loyalty to the Princess! If Celestia could not be trusted, nopony could. Her Alicorn mentor had taken a personal hand in Twilight's life since she was a filly. The Princess had entrusted her with the defeat of enemies; with the powers of the Elements; with love, knowledge, and responsibility. She certainly would talk to Celestia, no matter what the letter said.

She considered the mark and the paper. She rolled them up and stuck them back in the case, then slid it into one of the alcoves. No safer place to keep it, anyway, she reasoned.

She hit the button to open up the gate, then hurried out.

The iron door gave way as she moved from the library to the castle. She followed the twists and turns of the passageways within, heading to the throne room, where the Princess was apt to be conducting the day's business. More of the stained-glass windows rushed past with their stories of old battles waged when Twilight galloped through the Grand Hall, heading this time for the archway at the end.

Oops. The Princess was in there, yes, but somepony else was speaking with her, a stallion, some sort of official. Twilight's galloping hoofbeats drew a look from the pair; embarrassed, she slowed to a walk and stopped a dozen or so lengths away from them. Twilight saw the Princess shake her head slightly as the official looked this way. Twilight moved to a cushion off to the side, and the pair resumed their conversation in low key; she couldn't hear what they were saying... not that she meant to.

After a few minutes waiting, the stallion bowed to the Princess and turned to trot out, giving Twilight an expressionless look before passing through the archway. Twilight walked, but did so briskly, over towards Celestia.

"Twilight," said the Princess. "I take it from your pace in arriving here that you have learned something about the recovered objects."

Yes, Princess. It says the world is in danger, that I will fail and cause its destruction. That you can't help. That a great, unknown evil comes, and one that we have defeated before is returning.

That's what she intended to say. But something... something held her back, just like she hadn't mentioned her dream. Why wasn't she telling the Princess everything?

The Princess noted the pause. "Twilight?"

"Princess, who is Dawnstar?"

The color drained from Celestia's face almost immediately. "Twilight... where did you hear that name?" She took on a stern look after that, speaking almost roughly at the young student. "Did the scroll mention h... it?"

She almost said 'him' or 'her', noted Twilight. "Yes, it did, but it didn't explain who or what that is."

Celestia stood fully; she looked as if, for once in her life, she would yell at her faithful student. She deflated, though, and briefly looked sad. "Walk with me, Twilight."

Obediently, she fell in step with the Princess, and they slowly left the throne room. Twilight thought they might head to one of the window panes for an explanation, but the Princess led them out to an open balcony which overlooked Canterlot and much of the land of Equestria far below. They approached the railing and stood there. The Princess remained silent for at least a minute before turning to Twilight.

"Twilight, I have known you for the better part of your life, now. It was my pleasure and my honor to take you on as my personal student after witnessing the potential you displayed at the school entrance exam. Like all students, you have learned, struggled, and applied your knowledge to a great many situations. Through your friends, you have learned one of the deeper truths of our world - the power of friendship, and the magic it brings. I have learned from you, as well - learned to trust you, to let you face the evils that exist out there, to shine through and achieve greatness. It is humbling, in a way, but also dangerous. I cannot let you face too much, too soon."

"Both Luna and I have kept close watch on you since her return. There are... greater magics and things to learn that await you, but only when we believe you are ready. Dawnstar was... is... one of those things."

"But Princess," protested Twilight. "If the scroll mentions this, should I not be ready to learn more about it? How can I just abandon it now? Am I supposed to sit around, celebrate my birthday, and return to Ponyville with this scroll and the crystal unexplained while you consider how long til I'm ready?"

Celestia sighed. "Twilight, I know your passion for knowledge, and I know you get fixated on a problem. I hold by my statement, but if it will put you at ease, I will explain the meaning of that name - but only if you promise that you will leave the matter alone until I request your aid."

Twilight hesitated, but bowed acceptance. "Yes, Princess."

Celestia turned back to look over Equestria. "Dawnstar is a name. A pony - unicorn, to be specific."

"A unicorn? How is that earth-shattering?" Twilight said in frustration.

"Because you have met him," the Princess said without turning.

"I have? W... who?"

"Dawnstar is King Sombra."

The Attack pt. 1

"S..Sombra?!" sputtered Twilight.

One you have already faced.

"Yes, Twilight. Sombra was... a unicorn, talented and powerful, known as Dawnstar. He did not always seek the power and control that he hungered for in the Crystal Empire. He was... ambassador there, once, but he chose a new path, one of domination and tyranny. He set aside his old name and took one of shadow when he seized his crown."

"But what would cause him to do this?"

"I cannot say more than this, Twilight."

She will not provide the answers you need.

"But you know more!" Twilight almost stamped a hoof.

"Yes, Twilight, but please. You will know all you must know in time, you must trust me in this. There are dangers in knowing even this much! I have guided you in your studies and watched you develop your friendships. I have tested you... "

I have fought, but failed...

"... but only when I judged you ready and able to succeed."

"It's just... if you are sure that Sombra was defeated, then we still don't know what caused the accident. It's so... close to what he's done before, but even in my dream, it was not quite... "

"Dream?" Celestia's head snapped towards Twilight, the Princess' eyes ablaze. But also... afraid? "Twilight, what dream? I asked you to tell me of anything unusual."

"I'm sorry, Princess. It... I dreamed of that crystal... "

It marks the beginning.

"Twilight, this - "

A massive quake rocked the balcony, interrupting the conversation, throwing Twilight to the floor, and knocking the Princess against the railing. The echoing noise of cracking stone and shifting earth resounded in Twilight's ears as she lay there, stunned. The Princess braced herself against the balcony's edge, a soft glow from her horn appearing to encase the pair in a magical shield, just before another quake shook the floor again.

"It's another one! Another crystal!" shouted Twilight above the rumbling as she struggled to her hooves.

"No natural earthquake could strike here!" yelled Celestia in agreement. Alarm bells from Canterlot began ringing, and the distant shouts of citizenry added to the pandemonium of noise started by the quake. "We need to find Princess Luna, Twilight!"

"Luna? But - "

"Canterlot can handle a quake - it is you who are in danger!"

They could not move, however, as continued rumblings left them shaking and barely steady behind Celestia's protective shield. With a sharp crack, a line appeared in the floor from the doorway to the balcony's edge, leading straight under Twilight's hooves. She saw the danger immediately.

"The balcony's breaking apart!" she cried. Another quake stumbled the two ponies and lengthened the break; now the crack had split and sent itself halfway up a nearby wall. "We have to get out of here!"

"Agreed!"

Princess Celestia focused her magic intently, boosting her voice until it matched the quake in intensity.

"Citizens of Canterlot! Abandon the Castle! Get yourselves to the safety of the city! The Castle is under attack - evacuate it immediately!" Her voice spread from the ledge, drowning out all other sounds, though she had thoughtfully used a muffling charm on Twilight. "Twilight," she said, her voice lowered back to normal, "On my back." The Princess lowered her hind legs, spreading her white pegasus wings wide.

Between quakes, Twilight, assisted by the protective spell, managed to ease herself onto the Princess' back, wrapping her front hooves about Celestia's shoulders. The Princess flapped her large wings, lifting them both into the air with a rush of wind. The magic bubble moved with the duo.

As Twilight watched in horror, the entire balcony shifted, and the huge crack split wide open, now running the entire length of the wall. With a great creak and groan, the mortar and bricks gave way to the strain, and the ledgeward side of the crack broke apart. The flowery metal design of the railway was torn in half as several tons of balcony, where they had just been standing, fell to the plains below.

Celestia flew further up and further out, and soon Twilight could see the rest of the castle. The whole thing was tilted, as if the ground had sunk on one side, but she could see the reason why. In a semi-circle twining around the castle between it and the rest of the city, dozens of towering black crystals had sprung up, cracking the ground, tearing up streets, and destroying adjoining buildings. Scattered ponies in uniforms and guard's armor rushed out from the castle, dodging between the black towers wherever they could to escape the castle grounds. Celestia rushed herself and Twilight towards the city beyond the menacing ring.

Dozens of the royal guards, including the Captain, were gathered in a tree-lined street beyond the crystals, where Celestia landed. Twilight hopped down, and the Princess folded up her wings. Maids, librarians, cooks, and other dwellers of the castle continued to stream through the narrow passages made by the crystal obstructions.

"Twilight, don't go anywhere," the Princess ordered. Twilight nodded meekly, and the Princess, pausing for a moment to see she was obeyed, turned to the Captain.

"Captain! Form squads - I want every guard, servant, and visitor to the castle found, accounted for, and taken to safety!"

"Yes, Princess!" the Captain saluted with his right hoof.

Twilight looked at the row of crystals. The deep, obsidian surface shimmered back at her. Something glimmered...

There was another boom that sounded, yet this one came from the sky, not the earth. Twilight and most of the other ponies turned to see a rainbow streaking head-on towards the castle. Within seconds, Rainbow Dash had appeared, slowing from dizzying speeds to alight on the cobblestone street next to Twilight.

"Twilight... " the pegasus called out excitedly between huge puffs of breath. "What in the... hoof is going on?! The whole town shook, I... took to the air and saw the castle... slipping! I told the others, they're coming!"

"It's some sort of attack, but we don't know what for!" Twilight responded as they looked at the ring of crystals.

"You just... " Rainbow huffed, "Point me to what needs to be done!"

"Rainbow Dash," said Celestia. She pointed to the Captain. "Please assist the guards in finding anyone stranded or trapped at the castle."

"You got it, Princess!"

Dash, the Captain, and the other pegasi amongst the royal guard took flight, speeding over the crest of crystal towers and heading back to the castle grounds to search for ponies.

No more crystals had appeared; the quakes had stopped and the rumbling diminished. The castle refugees were lining up into groups, most of them shaking or trembling, a few of them sitting or lying in the street.

Twilight, at Celestia's beckon, joined the Princess and the two ponies moved closer to one of the crystals.

"If this is a strike against us, I do not see its purpose beyond mere surprise and disarray," said Celestia, shaking her head and sending waves rippling through her mane.

Twilight moved closer to the glossy black surface. As in the dream, hundreds of reflections of her face appeared in the many planes of the tower, seeming to taunt her with twisted expressions that were somehow... off.

"Twilight, we need to find Luna, but... explain to me what it is that you dreamed."

The purple unicorn turned away from the reflections and looked into the eyes of her longtime mentor. She looked back at the tower, and a thousand eyes looked her way.

"I saw... one of these crystals... " One of these? Or this one? Did it not look just like this one? She looked to the left along the ring of towers, then the right, and gasped. All of the crystals were alike, exact duplicates, down to every outcropping, every shimmering surface where Twilight after Twilight showed shock and awe to mirror her own.

"I came near, looking at the reflections it showed. I thought I was dreaming; I knew it had to be so, and I decided to wake up, but even when I focused, I couldn't manage it. I got so frustrated, and I turned and kicked it, then it... "

Crack.