The Orb of Revelation

The Orb of Revelation
By Sam Cole
Chapter 1: What do we have here?

“Princess,” The royal librarian smiled, bowing low for the ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Of course my friend. What seems to be the trouble?” Cadence smiled.

“We found something, deep in the library. I don’t know what it is, no pony does.” The librarian frowned. “After Sombra, we thought all of our memories had returned, but we know nothing of this. That- that scared me, your highness.”

“It’s alright my dear,” Cadence softly spoke, calming her worried friend. “These things tend to happen. Why don’t we look at this together?”

Twenty minutes later, the Princess’s former enthusiasm was gone, replaced with confusion. “Maybe it’s a bowling ball?”

“No holes,” The librarian noted. “A snow globe?”

“Too big and it’s solid. A crystal basketball?”

“That would shatter the first time anyone used it,” The librarian again noted. “I give up. No pony could ever hope to figure this out. You would need a complete recluse, one with no life.”

Those words sparked an idea in Cadence, as she smiled, and turned to the mare. “I happen to have just the pony in mind.”

“So what is this thing?” Spike asked as he unpacked the box from the Crystal Empire, and marveled at the giant crystal globe.

“That’s what Cadence has asked us to discover. She says it’s stumped their best minds and that I’m the only pony she could think of with the knowledge needed to unlock the secrets of this object,” Twilight proudly said.

“Maybe it’s like a giant jawbreaker...” Spike said, licking his lips.

“No Spike!” Twilight scolded, pulling the sphere away magically. “At least not yet. If we can’t figure it out then sure.”

“Twilight, I hope you never solve this mystery,” Spike said as his eyes followed the ball.

“Spike. Stop it. If I find one scratch on this thing,” Twilight warned.

“Okay. You can count on me Twilight,” Spike saluted sharply. “So what are you thinking of doing with it?”

“Well, it’s the same magic amplifying crystals as up north, so I think it’s a magical artifact,” Twilight guessed. “Cadence is one of two ponies up there that have any magic to speak of. That’s probably why they never thought of trying to put magic into it.”

“That sounds hard,” Spike mumbled.

“Not really. It shouldn't be any worse that charging up Tank’s flight pack,” Twilight mussed, setting the orb in a stand on her table. She focused her magic into a fine beam, and began to pour it into the orb, which began to dance and shine with several colors, swirling about as Twilight gave it more power.

“Oh wow!” Spike cried in glee, watching the rays of rainbow light dance across the ceiling. “Twilight, that’s amazing!”

“I haven’t even done anything with it though. That’s just the magic mixing inside of it...” Twilight recoiled. Magical artifacts that took no effort were a bad thing if Twilight was correct. But it seemed to just be sitting still.

“It kinda looks like a fortune tellers crystal ball, doesn't it?”

“I don’t think this can tell the future,” Twilight giggled. “But it is calling out. Listen.” When Spike did, he heard a ring of glass, so low pitched it was almost non existent, but it was a call true enough. The orb was calling to something, and the thought scared Twilight. What if this was one of Sombra’s evil inventions? What if this orb was calling him back to life? Or-

“Hey look, it’s the bedroom,” Spike said staring into the ball. Sure enough, the magic inside had stopped mixing and swirling to show Twilight’s bedroom, as it looked right now. The image was so clear, Twilight could read the title of the book on her nightstand actually.

“I have to check something,” Twilight mussed, running upstairs. Spike momentarily saw Twilight as she came into the bedroom, until she grabbed his view. When she lifted whatever it was, the picture went out, and Twilight returned moments later carrying a crystal vase.

“I saw you in the orb Twilight! Till you grabbed that thing,” Spike noted to his ward.

“Yeah, I figured it out. The crystals resonate together, and allow the image from one to be shown in the other. I could see you in the vase upstairs.”

“Huh, so what do you think this thing was used for?” Spike mussed.

“If I had to guess, it allowed the royal member’s of the Crystal Empire to put out information to all the citizens,” Twilight shrugged.

“That’s pretty cool!” Spike said. “I could see the Canterlot Spurtans Hoofball games then, every week!”

“Well, yeah... I guess it could be used for that...” Twilight thought. She had not considered the object having entertainment value. “But I don’t think this will work all too well. It was an accident that it worked with my vase. I have to run some tests, see if I can make it communicate with other crystal objects.”

“Yeah... What?” Spike asked.

“It’s nothing Spike. Now I need to go talk to the girls about this, see if they’re willing to help me.”

“Okay, I’ll just-”

“You’re coming to Spike,” Twilight called as she opened the door, and Spike grumbled.

“Thanks for meeting up with me girls,” Twilight said to Rainbow, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Pinkie and Rarity had been unable to come, and the latter of those worried everypony. She seemed rather down in the dumps for about a week now, and no pony could get through to her.

“Yeah, sure thing Twilight,” Rainbow half heartedly replied.

“Anytime sugarcube,” Applejack chimed in, to the same extent as her multi colored friend.

“You’re all worried about Rarity, aren't you?” Twilight guessed, noticing her friends unease.

“I’m sorry Twilight,” Rainbow sighed. “It’s just not right, ya know.”

“Pinkie’s working up a huge surprise for her. Ah don’t think it’ll work though,” Applejack frowned.

“I really wish she would feel better,” Fluttershy sighed. “If only she would open up to one of us, we could help her.”

“I know,” Twilight nodded solemnly. “I really wish I could help her. I would give anything to see her happy again.”

“I’m sorry Twilight,” Rainbow said shaking her head. “You asked for some help, and here we are talking about Rarity. What’s up?”

“Oh,” Twilight said as Rainbow shifted her mind back to the topic at hoof. “It’s nothing major. I really wanted some help with this magic artifact I got from Cadence, but I don’t know anymore. It just seems wrong to work on this while Rarity is so...”

“Yeah, Ah hear ya Twi. That doohickey will wait a day er two, let’s go talk to Pinkie. Maybe all of us can lift her spirits together.”

“Oh that’s a great idea,” Fluttershy smiled. She walked over and grabbed a picnic basket, then had a thought that gave her pause. “Um, do any of you have any wine? She really likes a red chardonnay or zinfandel.”

“Yeah, I have a few bottles at home,” Twilight smiled, liking this idea more already.

“Heya Rarity!” Pinkie sang as Rarity opened the door for her six friends. They all wore festive hats that Rarity had made for them last year, and held up a small basket of fruit and wine. “How about a pick -me-up-picnic?”

Rarity’s hair looks horrible. She’s not wearing any make up either, though I must admit, she looks better without, Twilight thought to herself. Everypony was thinking similar things, though none would ever say it. “Here Rarity, I brought you some daisy's. Roseluck said they help to cheer ponies up.” Twilight offered with a smile.

“Thank you, darling,” Rarity said flatly, taking the flowers and setting them in a vase by her door. “They look great.” She lied. She sounded so cold, so lifeless. Pinkie’s usual smile faltered as she looked to the defeated mare. “I don’t feel like a picnic right now girls. Maybe... maybe later.”

“Sure thing Rarity,” Twilight nodded, “I’ll see you again soon, okay?”

“Sure,” Rarity calmly replied, as if Twilight had just asked her for the time.

“Spike, I’m really worried about Rarity,” Twilight said as they walked back into the library together. “She seems so hurt. I can’t stand to see her like this.” She set down the dragon and went straight to making lunch for them, seeing as the picnic fell through.

“Yeah,” The small dragon muttered as he poked around the sandwich Twilight had made. “I feel bad cause she feels bad...”

“Yeah,” Twilight muttered, sitting down next to Spike. A glimmer caught her eye, as she looked over to the orb, shining brightly for some reason. Twilight remember the fated words of her friend right then and there.

‘If only she would tell one of us how she feels.’ Fluttershy’s words echoed in her mind. She thought back, and was pretty sure Rarity was using a crystal vase exactly like hers too... No! That’s so wrong of me! Rarity is my friend! I have no right to snoop into her private life!

The thought stuck with Twilight though, all day and all night, despite her works with the orb or helping Spike off to sleep. As the lavender mare stood that night in her steam filled bathroom, the thought nagged at her. And nagged. And na-

“That’s it! I can’t take it anymore,” Twilight growled, throwing down her tooth brush. She walked out, and focused her magic into the orb, finding the song it had to play for her. Had she never used crystal magic before, she would have never been able to augment the frequency, or know how to direct it. Though the first two times she tried, she was greeted to some unusual sights, like Mrs Cake enjoying a back rub from her husband...Oops! That’s not a back rub... Her next volley fared no better, as she came face to face with a very surprised goldfish.

“Who the hay uses a crystal bowl for a fish tank?” Twilight giggled as she tried again, and this time, she hit home.

Though Twilight could not hear, she could tell Rarity was crying. Her diary lay open on the floor, and though it was stained by tears, Twilight could make out some writing. ‘-No pony cares about me. No pony wants to be around me. My friends only tolerate me. They don’t love me. No pony loves me-’

“Oh Rarity,” Twilight cried. It was so sad. Rarity thinks our help is just pity... She doesn't think we love her... Twilight watched Rarity, as the mare magically pulled over a bottle of pills, and a large glass of wine. “No! Rarity!” Twilight cried, bolting out the door. As she left and the magic faded, it became clear Rarity was just taking her vitamins, though Twilight never saw that. Spike saw that, as he sadly watched the image fade.

“Twilight, you didn't,” The small dragon groaned. “I’ll start the letter about jumping to conclusions and respecting one’s privacy then?” He asked Owlowiscious, who hooted his support.

“Rarity!” Twilight screamed, pounding on the mare’s door. “Open up! It’s me, Twilight! Please! I-” Twilight was cut off as Rarity, surprised by the sudden show, opened the door for her friend, who rushed in and hugged the mare tight.

“Twilight! Whatever is the meaning of all of this?” Rarity asked. “It’s 11:30 at night.”

“I know, and I’m sorry, but what I have to say, it can’t wait,” Twilight whispered, stroking Rarity’s mane. “I wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. How I think you’re wrong, because somepony does care. I care. I love you, Rarity.”

“Twilight,” Rarity shakily said. Her understanding, her patience, her willingness to do anything for me at the drop of a hat. She brought me flowers today for crying out loud... She... She does love me... Rarity thought to herself, feeling the warmth of Twilight pressed against her. Could it be? She would not have said anything because of Spike’s feelings for me, but what if she just couldn’t take it any longer... Oh, I am such a fool. I...

Rarity returned her hug now, and began to cry. “I love you too Twilight! I love you.” Twilight pulled back, a smile on her face as she prepared to tell Rarity how much she meant to everypony, when the white mare did something Twilight never saw coming. Rarity quickly closed the distance, and kissed the lavender mare. It was unlike anything Twilight had ever felt before, but that was not to say it was entirely welcome, or unwelcome. It just was, and Rarity really seemed to enjoy it - Is that her tongue? In my mouth? Oh horsefeathers, I never finished brushing my teeth...

Rarity gasped, pulling back for air, and for a second, Twilight realized that she was still moving her own lips as if in a kiss, making Rarity giggle. “I’m sorry my love, I don’t think you were expecting that, were you?”

“Um, no. No I was most certainly not...” Twilight nodded.

“I’ve been such a fool my love. Of course you love me, and I was a blind mare to not see it sooner,” Rarity lamented.

“Um...”

“Oh how gloriously wrong I was! You were so kind, so polite to wait, but thank you Twilight. Thank you for working up the courage tonight, of all nights. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Rarity smiled.

“A-”

“I love you, my little Twinkle! I love you, and I want the world to know. Tomorrow, we’ll tell all of our friends we’re dating!” Rarity squealed, hugging Twilight tight again.

“Dating?” Twilight stammered.

“I know, you never saw this coming my love, but yes. I love you as well darling! I know. I know how you feel, and it is so wonderful. And I have you to thank for this, Twilight,” Rarity smiled, letting go of her hug. “I love you.”

“I- I love you too, Rarity-”

“Oh yes, I know. But it does the heart so many rich wonders to hear it,” Rarity smiled. She leaned in again, as Twilight realized another kiss was coming. At least this time she got to avoid having Rarity smash her lip into her own teeth again, but she was being kissed. Again. By her best friend.

And it felt so... wet? I don’t think I care for wine tasting second hoof, Twilight mused. But, I kinda like this... This must be why Shining likes to kiss Cadence so much, it feels really good actually, Twilight thought as Rarity bit her lip a tad, sending shivers up her spine in a wholly pleasant way. Twilight was really getting into this idea, and was starting to play with Rarity’s tongue inside her mouth, when the white mare pulled back for air again, and Twilight only just realized how badly her lungs hurt from the lack of fresh air.

“Oh my! Twilight! You are a marvelous kisser!” Rarity laughed, playing with her mane.

“Just a natural, I guess,” Twilight laughed back nervously.

“I wonder, what else are you a natural at?” Rarity asked with lidded eyes, as she stood and tried to pull Twilight along.

“What?! Whoa, slow down Rarity!” Twilight stammered. She was willing to kiss a bit, that was harmless, but That?!

“Oh my stars! I’m so sorry,” Rarity apologized, seeing the error of her idea. “Oh dear, you must have the worst impression of me. We only just moments ago decided to start dating, and now I’m trying to drag you off to my bed. Oh my gosh, I am so terrible at this.”

“No, it’s just- This is all so sudden...” Twilight stammered. She didn't want to hurt Rarity’s feelings, and she did enjoy the kiss, but this was going too far now.

“Yes, yes I agree. We should both get some sleep,” Rarity nodded. “We’ll take this as it comes my love. Tomorrow, we’ll tell the girls. We can even have that little picnic you wanted too earlier,” Rarity smiled, nodding.

“Yeah, that- that sounds great...” Twilight thought. “Tomorrow at one?”

“It’s a date my love. Oh my stars, our first date,” Rarity squealed, tapping her hooves in joy.

“Yeah. I’ll- I’ll see you there, lo-love...” Twilight managed.

“Oh you are too cute darling, be bashful about saying it. It’s alright. I love you, and whatever pet name you want to give me,” Rarity smiled.

“Okay, b-beautiful,” Twilight ventured, and if Rarity was happy before, she was off the charts now.

“Oh why did I never think of this?” Rarity asked, hugging Twilight again.

“Just fate I guess.” Twilight was happy that right now, her nervousness was not visible to Rarity.

“Yes, glorious fate. Thank you my love. I can’t wait till tomorrow afternoon.”

“Hehehe, same here my- Beautiful Rare Bear?”

“Ah, Rare Bear,” Rarity squealed, crushing Twilight in a hug. “My daddy calls me that. It’s so special to me. Of all the things that could have happened tonight, this is the Best Possible Thing!”

As Twilight closed the door to the library, she was just about ready to pass out. But a small laugh caught her attention, as she looked up the stairs to Spike as he giggled and laughed at Twilight.

“So how silly did you feel when you saw Rarity was fine and you jumped to conclusions?” Spike asked, pointing to the crystal orb.

“Oh horseshoes, I forgot about you,” Twilight muttered. “Spike, we need to have a little talk...”

“Is everything okay? You were gone a bit? Is Rarity alright?” Spike worried, as he hurried down.

“Yeah, she’s great. But um... how do I say this? Spike, I think I’m dating Rarity now...”