Chapters I stuck an eyepiece into my eye and examined the midnight sapphire with extra care. I balanced the sapphire in my hooves and looked deep into the gorgeous gem. I counted the karats.
Later I was walking home from the gem shoppe when I passed the Ponyville Newstand and stopped to look at the newspapers and magazines. I looked at a magazine and saw a picture of Emerald Blast on it. He was a tan colored stallion, like the color of sand, and his mane was the color of an emerald. He wore huge black sunglasses and he wore a black tuxedo. He was tipping his sunglasses to the camera and you could see his pale creamy green eyes. He was smiling a pearly white smile. Unlike any other celebrity stallion(They're usually earth ponies) Emerald Blast was a pegasus. I rolled my eyes and put down the magazine.
When I opened the shop this morning, I was bombarded by ponies. Even Sapphire Shores! All were demanding jewels for the Gala. I didn’t know what to think, I just listened and gave them my best options. I sold diamonds, rubies, topaz, cobalt, emeralds, sapphires, moonlit opals, and lots of other gems. For some reason there was an abundance of fireheart sunset diamonds and moonlit opals. By the first two hours of being at the shop, I was already tired of selling jewels. So many ponies from Ponyville visited me. I never knew any of these ponies had even been invited to the Diamond Gala.
I was inspecting a few amethysts when the doorbell jingled, signaling the entrance of another pony. I looked up and took out my eyepiece. “Welcome to Ponyville‘s Gem Shoppe. How may I help you?” I asked, as serenely as I could manage. They were both earth ponies, one was a golden yellow with a white mane and the other was sunset orange with a pink mane. They were some of the more bizarre ponies I’d ever seen, but I wasn’t about to judge anypony by their looks. Except Emerald Blast. Those celebrity stallions are all the same: flaky and fake.
The two earth ponies(who were both mares) turned to me and the yellow one said: “So we need jew-AWHOA.” she said, spotting the large and very highly protected glass case, which inside held the Equestria Crystal, the rarest of all gems. It was fireheart sunset diamond, moonlit opal, and pure diamond mixed into one. I’ve always wanted to inspect it, but they never let anypony touch it, for fear of stealing.
“Yes?” I said, and the two mares stopped looking at the Equestria Crystal long enough to notice me again. I slipped the opal I was inspecting onto a mini pillow and slipped the pillow into a tiny glass case. I moved the tiny case into the large glass cabinet below me.
“What can I help you with?” I asked, patiently.
“We were invited to the Gala! Can you believe it?” said the orange mare, excitedly. Simultaneously, both mares squealed in delight.
“So we came here to get fitted out for jewels! Any suggestions? We need to look our BEST for Emerald Blast.” said the golden mare.
“I see.” I said, and looked in my glass case.
After a grueling hour of looking, hoofing, and of course, squealing, I finally got Golden Sunlight(the golden mare) and Cobbler Delight(the orange mare) their gems. For Golden Sunlight I had a Sunlight Ruby, which was a ruby that was a yellow and red marble stone. For Cobbler Delight I found I very nice Amber Star Diamond, which is a diamond that is naturally orange. FINALLY the two ponies left the shop, squealing over their jewels. They asked me about everything, about their dresses, ribbons, horseshoes, and mane styles. I knew a pony who could help them, Rarity, yes, that’s it. She was a designer. I’ve met her myself, and she’s nice.
I gave them Rarity’s address, because she runs a boutique and these mares needed dresses for the Gala. That’s what they were telling me the entire time I was searching for the perfect jewels for them. In fact, it was sort of annoying that they were bothering me about their troubles….but being a shy quiet mare, I’m really shy about giving out personal comments.
After they left, I resumed my usual inspecting of gems. Since the Diamond Gala was coming up, my boss had delivered even more gems for me to inspect, and he left me with the order to polish and put all the gems in cases and sell as many as I could. I told him I would try, but since this morning I thought I was doing quite well on sales.
I grabbed a rag and began to wipe down the glass counter. Though it looked relatively clean, it got dusty very easily. I was about to wipe the counter when I realized Golden Sunlight and Cobbler Delight had left their Emerald Blast magazine on my counter by accident. I picked it up and looked at it. I considered throwing it away because I’m not the type of pony to read magazines. But hey, it was an expensive magazine, and it looked new….and I loved to read…and looking up, I could see there was nopony in the shop….and I had some free time. I couldn’t believe myself. But the ambitious part of me told me to open it. So I did, and the full color photos met my eyesight. Huge colorful bubble writing met my eyes. An article caught my eye and before I knew it, I was reading it.
Emerald Blast is invited to the Princess’s Diamond Gala! This reporter asks, will he support his usual emeralds at the gala? Or will he go for something else? All of you fanmares out there, look out! Here comes Emerald Blast!
So that what was all the fuss about! I wasn’t a fan at all, but I did know that a lot of mares liked Emerald Blast for his money. Plus that and his looks. And other stuff. I just hope Emerald Blast wouldn’t come visit Ponyville. I just don’t need that kind of stress in my life.
Chapter Two: Emerald Blast and Cobalt Star
EMERALD
Everypony was crabby. Even me! Ever since the magazine ponies had told me about their Emerald Blast Diamond Gala magazine special, I hadn’t had a single moment alone. I still had to choose my gems and tux for the Gala and of course, my mother insisted I choose a mare to take too. I wasn’t interested in any mares. I don’t even have one in my life. According to what all those magazines say, I’m a stallion who prefers some major parties and mares.
Those magazines are absolutely right. I don’t know where I’d be without my publicity. I don’t know what I was rambling on about. I guess all these photoshoots are going to my head. We’ve been shooting in Ponyville, and there’s mares everywhere. It’s like a mare fest or something. I couldn’t wait for some time alone from the shoots, so I can go and pick up a date. Plus, Mother says there’s a gem shop near the Golden Horseshoe. That’s the super ritzy hotel that we’re staying in while we’re here in Ponyville.
FINALLY Photo Finish said we were done for the day, and I couldn’t be more excited. I ran off toward the Golden Horseshoe, in search of that gem shop. Everywhere I looked I saw possible dates for the Gala. Spotting a directory, I saw a boutique that made mares dresses, but I figured that whoever owned the boutique could definitely make an exception for me and make me a decent tuxedo. I could rent it too, if I wanted. I spotted the gem shop and trotted over to it. It was a pretty building, with glass windows and a huge store window that said: Ponyville Gem Shoppe on it. In the store window I could see a large pink pillow with numerous gems on it. The awning of the roof was clear blue, like a crystal, and it sparkled in the sunlight. Besides the store window, an old fashioned sign hung just above the doorway bearing the same title as the window. I took a deep breath, put on my best camera smile, and went inside.
There were gems everywhere on glass shelves and they all preened at the sight of me, encouraging me to stop and stare at their beauty. They each had their own tiny glass case with a tiny purple pillow. In the middle of the shop I saw the Equestria Crystal, and I did stop and stare at the sight of that one. There were simply no words to describe it. Towards the back of the store, there was a large glass case with a counter on top of it, and inside the case there were smaller cases, which inside held tiny purple pillows with gems on them.
There was only one pony in the shop with me. A mare. And she was gorgeous. She had a coat of beautiful cobalt and her mane was midnight blue and white and was naturally curly. I couldn’t see her tail, but her mane was tied up in a ponytail, but loose strands were surrounding her face. Her cutie mark showed four precious gems with a violet ribbon under them.
When she spotted me in the store, her sapphire eyes widened behind her violet glasses and she quickly put what she was reading away and began twiddling her hooves nervously under the table. When you have glass counters, you can look through them pretty easily.
“Hey.” I said, and gave my best movie star smile. Bright red hues lit her face.
“Hi.” she said, softly, shyly. “What can I help you with?”
“I’m looking for some….” I gave a slight pause, “Gems for the Diamond Gala.” I said, inspecting my hooves as if I had gone for a hooficure, which I would never do.
“You…you like…..emeralds?” she said, carefully, and blew a bit of her gorgeous mane out of her eyes.
“I do, but….I was looking for something different this time.” I said, leaning on the counter.
“Er….” she said, adjusting her violet glasses.
“What do you suggest?” I asked, looking straight into her sapphire eyes.
“Well, I……um….you see…..I….uh…” she stammered nervously.
I did have that effect on ponies. Speechless, Mother calls it.
“I don’t really have anything interesting in.” she said, finally.
“Oh?” I said, eying her suspiciously.
“I see…..Well I guess I’ll just have to come back tomorrow, I said, tauntingly, turning to leave.
“Uh….um….if you’re sure….” she mumbled, carefully.
Outside I flew into the air happily. Look at me! I thought. I had just found the one I wanted to take to the Gala! That mare was stunning! I had seen pretty mares before, but none that caught my eye like her. Wait till my mother heard! It would be all over the papers and magazines! I can see the headline: Emerald Blast Accompanied to Gala by Mystery Mare!!
My career would skyrocket! I was suddenly thinking that today wasn’t just a huge waste of time. Wow! I was really making progress!!
I flew back to the Golden Horseshoe and stuffed the key into my suite’s lock. I flopped onto my bed, wondering just how I would win that mystery mare’s heart, if I could.
EMERALD
The next morning I was up early, and I thanked Celestia that I had no shoots today. The magazine ponies were writing the magazine by now. Anyway, Photo Finish had some unfinished business in Canterlot she had to attend to, so everypony wasn’t free to take pictures of me. I knew for a fact my mother would sleep in, as she always does, and I would have some time alone from her for a while.
I flew as fast as my wings would take me to the Ponyville Gem Shoppe, where the windows were dark. No one was there yet. I decided to walk around Ponyville until the shop opened.
Ponyville was so pretty in the mornings. But not nearly as pretty as Los Hooves, the city where I lived. I was always a morning pony. I was admiring the scenery when I bumped into somepony. She was a mare, sky blue with a flowing rainbow colored mane. She gave me a dirty look.
“Hey, watch it, buddy!” she said, angrily. “I’m flying here!” Then she recognized me.
“Oh, you’re that celebrity stallion. Emerald Something-or-other.” she said, flicking her tail.
“That I am.” I said, eying her. She was sort of pretty, but not as pretty as the mare in the gem shop.
“Where are you going in such a rush?” she asked.
“I’m clearing clouds. Weather’s been kinda cloudy lately…and Ponyville could use a nice sunny day.” she replied.
“Yesterday was pretty nice.” I commented. “Of course, I had so many important shoots to go to…”
I stayed out a little longer and watched the blue pegasus clear clouds. I wondered what her day was like. It was nothing compared to MY schedule. Clearing clouds? I don’t have time for that. I have better things to do with my time. I am beginning to sound like my mother.
The morning wore on. Ponies were setting up carts and things selling stuff and a few ponies were beginning to occupy the sidewalks. I figured I should head back to the Gem Shoppe right about now. I flew all the way there, only thinking about getting my jewels and seeing the cobalt mare.
Thankfully, the store was open, and she was sitting behind the counter, glasses perched on her muzzle. Her mane was braided today and she was poring over a giant book whose pages were weathered and battered with age. At the sound of the bell, she looked up, then noticed me.
“Hi again.” she said, the tiniest trace of a smile on her lips. She went back to her book.
“Did you get any gems in today?” I asked, trying to sound impatient. Not all celebrity ponies are stuck up. I just do it because…well…I’m not sure.
“No, just the usual shipment.” she said, and without looking up she motioned toward a gray bin filled to the brim with jewels. I tried to keep my eyes from popping out of their sockets.
“How COULD you keep me waiting?” I said, rolling my eyes. I’m a pretty decent actor.
She sighed.
“I’ll have you know that I am a very busy stallion. I don’t have time to wait for you to dawdle.”
“Why must you read when I need help? I will consult your boss and he will fire you.” I said, and I mentally kicked myself because I sounded cheesy.
“I was just looking for some gems for you.” she said, and she showed me the cover of the huge book. Precious Gemstones and Minerals, read the cover.
“I do hope you hurry.” Now I sounded like I was from the 18th Century.
“Sorry I have been a bother.” she said, quietly.
As I left, I was sure I heard her mumble: “Maybe. Just maybe.”
COBALT
But I know for a fact that Emerald Blast has no photoshoots this week and that’s all thanks to that magazine. It turns out they drop hints about his schedule to the magazine editors, and since I have decoded many things, I figured out the schedule. I also know that they are making an entire magazine on his photos at the Diamond Gala. It says that in the magazine too.
Plus, I’ve been actually stalling every time he comes in, just to see if all the newspapers and press ponies have gotten to his head yet. I want to see if he’s really coming in here because he needs his jewels for the camera, or if he just wants to see me. I’m seeing more and more of his true personality every time he comes in. I realize it’s probably all just a sham that his mother Ruby Rain taught him. If anypony’s vain, it’s Ruby Rain. And that rhymes.
I’ve actually figured out the perfect jewel for him to wear to the Gala. It’s super rare. It’s called a Shamrock Sapphire. It’s a sapphire that is naturally green and blue marble colors. The only problem is, it’s only obtainable if you mine it. And the only mine I knew of was in Canterlot and was called, of course, the Canterlot Mine. I wondered if Princess Celestia would let Emerald Blast and I go mine in the Canterlot Mine. Most of the most precious gems come from there, and it is always heavily guarded, because seeing all those gems, a pony could and would get greedy. I would have to get special permission. And I would have to take Emerald Blast with me. I wasn’t looking forward to spending time in a deep dark hole with a celebrity pony, but hey, he wanted his gems, and he will get lots of publicity for wearing such an expensive gem.
I didn’t care. He was shallow, and when he decided to become somepony who didn’t care about all the cameras and all that, somepony would actually like him. Take Golden Sunlight and Cobbler Delight for example. They love him like crazed fans. I meant really loved him. Like…..grow up and get married and have foals and grow old love him. I knew I shouldn’t be bitter.
Today when Emerald Blast came in, I adjusted my violet glasses and tried to look expressionless.
“Well, you’ve found something?” he said, arrogantly.
“I’m very busy today.” he said, and turned his nose up.
“Fine, fine. Whatever. Where is it, then, how much is it….” he said, and I saw him searching for his wallet.
“What?” That got his attention.
“The Canterlot…..but..” he began. “It’s IMPOSSIBLE to get permission.”
“Nothing you couldn’t handle, I suppose.” I said, quietly.
“You don’t want to go?” I asked.
“If you’re asking, won’t Princess Celestia be upset that you aren’t down there when YOU asked her?” I blurted, my fiery insides not helping.
“Whatever. I’ll ask permission.” he said, waving his hooves like it was no big deal.
“Great! I’ll get the shovels!” I said softly, and gave a tiny smile.
I didn’t see Emerald Blast for a few days. I sold plenty of gems in his absence. I hoped that he would keep his promise and go ask the Princesses if we could use the mine. I had acquired some flashlights and shovels to use, and they’d go to waste if we didn’t use them. I wasn’t very excited about going into the mine with Emerald Blast, because he was just a self respecting celebrity stallion and he’d complain about everything.
In my free time I researched all about the Shamrock Sapphire. It turns out, Star Swirl the Bearded wore it to one of the first Diamond Galas and it has been treasured ever since he was seen in a picture wearing it. One book said that the Shamrock Sapphire was said to represent true love, because as different as emeralds and sapphires are, they are still magnificent. Like true love. It doesn’t matter what two ponies look like, it matters what’s on the inside. I believe in all of that cheesy romance stuff, because, as I said before, I have no stallion in my life, and a pony can dream.
I waited for Emerald Blast to show up day by day. I had to get that gem mined, because the Diamond Gala was fast approaching, and I’ve always wanted to go into the Canterlot Mine. I visited that ritzy hotel he’s staying in, The Golden Horseshoe, and I bribed the clerk pony to tell me if he was still staying there. He was. I didn’t mean to be a stalker, but if he’s avoiding the shop and trying to weasel his way out of promising to get permission, then that’s just like a celebrity and I wouldn’t be surprised at all. But maybe, just maybe, he could step out of the celebrity life. Perhaps he could, perhaps he couldn’t. I’d just have to wait and see.
Finally, on Wednesday afternoon sometime, I was inspecting my usual shipment of gems when he came. His muzzle was turned up, but I could see he was excited about something.
“Did you get permission?” I asked, quietly, not looking up from the fire ruby I had in my hooves.
“No. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been busy these past few days. Photoshoots, movies, cameras, newspapers, you know how it is.” he replied.
Why bother coming back if you haven’t gotten permission? my bitter side of me screamed. HUSH, I told it.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have the gem. I told you, we need to mine it.” I said, carefully.
“You know,” He said, taking a step closer to the counter. “I never did catch your name.”
“My name’s Cobalt Star.” I mumbled, still counting karats in the fire ruby.
“That’s a pretty name.” he said, quietly.
“That’s a pretty gem.” he said, quietly still.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go into the mine?” I said, turning to face him. He hesitated.
“I’ll go. But only to get my jewel!” he said, and out he went.
Author's Note
Every time one of the ponies names is underlined, it's them narrating. Just so you know.
Chapter Three: Emerald Blast
EMERALD
Plus my mother would probably get lots of angry mail saying about deadlines, but it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle.
The first morning I had free I got up before the sun and flew as fast as my wings would take me to Ponyville Gem Shoppe, and of course, Cobalt wasn’t there. I borrowed a quill and scrap of parchment and wrote Cobalt a note:
I went back to the Golden Horseshoe for my sunglasses and a black fedora and my bit bag. Then I flew to Ponyville Train Station and bought a ticket for the seven a.m. train to Canterlot. I had to sit in the station for a bit, but I bought a cup of hot grass juice and sat enjoying it.
The train finally got to the station and it was surprisingly all empty. The only other ponies there were an old stallion with a polka dot bow tie and glasses and a mare and her sleeping foal. I found an empty train car at the front of the train and sat down. I had nothing to do so I laid down right there on the train seat, and though it was a short journey to Canterlot, I took a little nap. Before I knew it, the conductor pony was saying we had reached our stop; Canterlot.
I was the first off the train and into Canterlot Train Station. The grand city was just waking up, and I knew Princess Celestia would be raising the sun very soon. I hoped nopony would spot me and recognize my black fedora. I had once confided in a reporter pony that I always wore a black fedora when I was out in public. That’s how so many fans could spot me because my favorite hats were fedoras, and I had a green fedora, but today I had opted for black.
I grabbed a taxi and the taxi pony quickly took me through Canterlot up to the castle, where there were guard ponies everywhere. I paid the taxi pony some bits and got off. The taxi pony and his taxi sped off in the direction of the city. I was alone with all those burly guard ponies, who eyed me, suspiciously. Great. Now what? I was here, but there was no way I would get an audience with the princesses unless I requested it. I’m not sure if she’d see anypony this early. I trotted up to one of the guards.
“Excuse me, do you know where I could see the princesses?”
The guard looked at me before responding gruffly:
“Uh, no.” I said, squeezing my hoof.
“Where might I go to get an appointment?” I asked.
“Okay, and where might THAT be?”
“Thank you.”
From the castle I decided to save my bits and walk to the flower shop, but since I’ve never been to Canterlot…I had to get another taxi. I counted two buildings until I reached the second, which was a grand white building with purple designs and a golden turret. I went inside.
There was a long entryway, and a big desk near the end of the hall. I walked all the way down the hall to the big desk, where a mare in a suit with a Hooftooth was looking at something on her desk that was invisible to me. I cleared my throat. She looked up, spotted me, and then remained expressionless and businesslike.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“Okay, the next appointment with their highnesses is in six hours. You can wait there.” she said, pointing a white hoof over to a row of velvet seats.
“But there’s nopony here! What could the princesses be doing for six hours! I can’t sit there! I have plans and other things!” I protested. She looked at me, and rolled her eyes.
“I’m sorry, sir. But the princesses have important business today. Their only shred of free time is in six hours. Take it or leave it.”
“Fine. I’ll take it. I’ll return in six hours.” I said, turning to leave in a huff.
“What name should I put you under?” she asked.
“THE Emerald Blast?” she said, and I detected a hint of giddiness to her voice.
“Yes.” I said, and began to trot out of the building.
“How many hours do I have to wait?” I asked, turning and ready to whip out the celebrity attitude.
“No wait,” she said, and handed me a slip of paper with purple scribbles on it. “Go right to the castle.”
“Thanks,” I said, and gave her my best smile. I turned to leave.
“Before you go,” she said, and I heard rummaging in the desk. “Can I have your autograph?”
I found my way back to the castle. I was used to that treatment. Once that pony knew I was famous, they let me right in. Just an ordinary treatment, as a matter of fact.
I was in front of the surly looking guard I had spoken to earlier. I had only been at the Canterlot Offices for about an hour. Thirty if you don’t count me giving that pony autographs on all the Post-It notes she had in her desk, and there were quite a lot of them. I only wrote my autograph on five, the rest I just wrote random phrases like ‘Hello’ or ‘Cheese’ or stuff like that. I’m sure that pony will sell them no matter what they say.
“I have an appointment,” I said, and showed the guard my slip. He took it from me and read it.
“Go right in,” he said, and his horn glowed. The grand doors opened.
Once I was inside, the doors shut with a great bang and scared me right out of my fedora.
“May I help you?” asked a majestic voice from across the room.
I turned to face Princess Celestia and Princess Luna on thrones across the room. I trotted over in front of them and bowed.
“Your majesties,” I began, removing my fedora and sunglasses.
“Ah, Emerald Blast. What brings you to Canterlot?” asked Princess Celestia.
“Yes, very much, your majesty.” I said, turning to Luna.
“Your highness, as you know, your Diamond Gala is coming up.” I began again. The princess nodded.
“I was searching for the perfect gem to wear to your gala in the Ponyville Gem Shoppe, and the mare there, Cobalt Star, told me the perfect gem for me was the Shamrock Sapphire. The only possible way for me to get the gem is to mine it, and it says in the mineral book that it can only be mined in the Canterlot Mine. I came to Canterlot to ask you if I may mine with Cobalt in the mine for my jewel?” I finished, and looked at the princesses.
They looked at me. Then they looked at each other. They seemed worried.
“Would you kindly excuse my sister and I for a moment?” asked Princess Celestia. The two spread their wings and flew behind their thrones. I couldn’t hear much of what they were saying, because they whispered heatedly. After what seemed like hours, they came back and resumed their places on their thrones.
“You see, Emerald Blast, that mine…it is very old. It has been around since Star Swirl the Bearded’s time. There are a lot of deep dark trenches that if you fell down, it would end your life if you weren’t a pegasus. It is very dangerous….” said Princess Celestia, her face full of worry and seriousness.
“The only reason we are granting you permission to go into the mine is so you can get the gem. I haven’t seen a Shamrock Sapphire in ages!” said Princess Luna.
“I hate to think about what might happen to you. I badly do not want you to go into the mine, but you are a pegasus, and you are taking a companion. But I am giving you this.” said Princess Celestia, levitating two things to me with her magic.
One was a cord. The other was a pretty chain. Each held the same crystal shard that was glowing green, pink, and blue tightly onto one another.
“If anything were to happen to you or your companion, you are to squeeze this shard and my sister and I will come rescue you. If you are going into the mine, I will send extra security down with you. But you must promise that whatever happens, you will be extra careful in that mine. Do you understand?” said Princess Celestia.
“Yes, your majesty.” I said, carefully.
Back in Ponyville, I was on my way to the gem shop to tell Cobalt we were going mining when I bumped into my mother, whose face was filled with anger, worry, and stress.
“Just WHERE in Equestria WERE you today?” she cried, angrily.
“I told you I was going to Canterlot for the day!” I protested.
“Do you have any idea what I’ve been doing all day?” she cried. Before I could answer, she shouted: “LOOKING FOR YOU!”
“I have been searching everywhere, running all over the daylights looking for you! I wanted to know where you were, because you missed ALL of your appointments and I have gotten some very angry calls from ponies who wanted to see you!”
“Mother! I am not a colt anymore. And its also time for you to retire from your manager’s job, because I simply CANNOT have you as my manager any longer. You know what? You’re FIRED.” I said, and flew off. I thanked Celestia again silently for being a pegasus so I could fly away from my earth pony mother, who was still screaming at me to come back and how could I fire her.
It was my company. I could replace her easily, because lots of mares and stallions have offered to be my manager, but my mother always declined because she was. But the truth was, it was always sort of decent to have my mother around, even if she was really annoying. She has done a few things in my career that have really ticked me off, though. For example, the first time I got to shine on the red carpet was when my mother made me wear something other than a tuxedo, and since I was just starting out, the only thing in my wardrobe that was fancy was an orange velvet suit. To this day I am still referred to as ‘The Pumpkin’.
I was in the shop before Cobalt could process my entrance. She wasn’t doing much of anything, just staring into space, her violet glasses askew.
“Cobalt!” I said, completely out of breath.
“Canterlot castle.” I replied.
“Oh no. Really?” I asked.
“An inferno ruby?”
“I fired her today, anyway.”
“Yes. If you haven’t ever seen some of the things she’s made me do in public….”
“Yes.” I had forgotten about that one. That was even worse than the orange velvet.
“Anyway, I got permission. The princesses say that she’s sending extra security down with us, and she gave us these.” I said, holding out the necklaces.
“What are they?” she asked, looking at them in wonder.
“They’re crystal shards that we can squeeze and the princesses will come rescue us if we’re in trouble.” I explained, and gave her the pretty chain.
“It’s…beautiful.” she said, slipping it on. The crystal looked gorgeous against her cobalt colored coat.
“We meet the princesses tomorrow at the entrance of the mine, wearing these.” I said, and pulled out the shard with the cord and slipped it around my own neck.
The shards vibrated ever so slightly, and glowed strongly before calming down.
Cobalt looked at me with her dazzling sapphire eyes, and I felt attracted to her. She was so pretty.
“Well…um…see ya tomorrow!” I said, and whizzed out of the shop.
COBALT
The next morning we were both up early. I had the shovels flashlights and my minerals book and he had the food, water, smelling salts, and those cool hats with lights on them. We caught the eight a.m. train to Canterlot, and on the way there we sat across the aisle from each other. We took a taxi to the Canterlot Mine, because neither of us had ever been there before. It was exciting and creepy at the same time.
The princesses were waiting for us at the entrance of the mine. There was no pavement. There was only dust and a few plants that grew low to the ground. There were about twenty guards there, all dressed in gleaming golden armor. They all looked at Emerald Blast and I, and we stared right back. I adjusted my violet glasses. I’m so glad I decided to wear them today.
“Emerald Blast! So wonderful to see you again.” said Princess Luna, cordially.
“Your majesties.” we both said, bowing.
“Good. Guards! Do not let these two ponies out of your sight.” said Princess Celestia, and turned to us. “Remember: squeeze the shards if the smallest thing goes wrong.” The guards parted to reveal a deep, dark hole with a crude metal thing with a cage around it on top of the hole. It was tethered there by strong iron pulleys, and there was a similar pulley attached to the metal thing.
“This is the only direct way down into the mine. Be careful, and we will stay here if anything should happen to you.” said Princess Celestia, motioning toward the metal thing.
Twenty guards plus Emerald and I squeezed onto the metal thing and the cage closed around our heads. I felt as if we were in a crab trap.
A guard near the pulley on the thing grabbed a lever on it and pulled it down, causing the lever to make a creaking noise. Before we whooshed down the hole, I took one last look at the princesses, and the sun. I knew that I wouldn’t see it for a little while.
Author's Note
Emerald Blast mainly narrates in this chapter. Cobalt narrates for a little bit at the end.
COBALT
You couldn’t see much, but the flashlights made an improvement.
“Where should we go first?” I asked, and pulled out my Minerals book. I had brought it along only to research the stone a little more. I turned to the Shamrock Sapphire page, and read it, and the only information it offered was that Shamrock Sapphires were originally found in the Canterlot Mine in a damp place.That didn’t give us any leads, considering the entire mine was damp.
I lit my horn and performed the gem finding spell. We weren’t getting anywhere without it.
I began to trot down the long tunnel. The captain of the group of guards divided all the guards in half, half stayed, half went, just in case we were caved in and needed more help, help could be provided. As I walked, little patches of magic showed hazy images of gems, stones, expensive minerals, and jewels. I recognized all of them, and noticed that there was no gem that was more plentiful than all the others. I spotted a heart shaped piece of cobalt, I stopped and grabbed my shovel and used my magic to dig it up. Levitating it over to Emerald, I asked, “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes, it is.” he said.
The smell of dirt filled my nostrils and made me cough, but it couldn’t be too far.
We were soon far away from the other half of the guards. The only light was our flashlight hats, my horn, and the captain’s lantern. Other than that we saw miles and miles of pitch black earth. The lack of noise was neither peaceful or comforting. It was eerie and unforgiving, and there was quiet behind me and in front of me. Nopony said anything. In fact, the only noise was everypony’s hooves on the dirt. I didn’t see it coming.
EMERALD
I was the one who heard it. It was a low dull sounding noise, like somepony’s stomach was rumbling. A rock fell down and hit me on the head, and when it fell on the dirt floor it rattled. Then the noise grew louder, as if the entire ground was angry at us for being there. That’s when the ground began to shake. My eyes were shaking in their sockets and I was sure my head was going to hit the ceiling of the mine. The guards around me were shaking too, and I couldn’t see Cobalt anymore I was shaking so badly. The ground bounced us up and down as if we were in a bouncy house for foals.
I vaguely remember seeing the Captain of our group of guards dive down and pull Cobalt to the ground. The rest of the guards followed suit and the ones not near me began diving on the ground, which was still shaking violently. However, one guard near me grabbed my neck and pulled me to the ground, giving me a face full of dirt. The pain shot up my hip, and I knew I had just gotten a dirt burn, or whatever you get when you rub your coat against hard dirt. Once I was on the ground, the guard who had pulled me there put both hooves above my head, as if protecting it. I never thought of squeezing the shard, but before I knew it, the ground stopped shaking and the dirt stopped cascading over our heads. All was quiet again. We laid on the ground for a few more precious minutes and we listened carefully before getting up on our hooves. We were all covered in a thin layer of brown dirt, but we were alive.
“Thank you.” I told the guard who had pulled me down on the ground.
“Don’t mention it.” he said, gruffly, and went to go check on the captain.
The captain was up and Cobalt was too, her hat askew and horn not glowing. She adjusted her hat and glasses.
“Is everypony okay?” she asked, looking at all of us. There was a chorus of yeses and I’m Okays. I managed a feeble yes.
“Thank you for saving me, Captain.” she said, and he gave her a nod.
The captain’s walkie talkie buzzed on his belt. A scratchy and faint voice came out.
“Captain! Captain! Do you copy? Over!”
“Be careful, captain! You and those ponies only have…..forty five minutes left, over.” said the voice, and the captain said yes and returned the walkie talkie to his belt.
“Shall we continue?” asked Cobalt.
We began to move farther and farther deep into the mine. No sign of any Shamrock Sapphires. I took a canteen from my saddlebag and took a gulp of water. The guards did not eye me enviously, but stayed close to me in case of the unspeakable. We all knew that if there was a cave in, that no amount of wings would save us. Perhaps….if I were to fly, I could dodge the falling dirt. But most of the ponies here were unicorns, including Cobalt. We had our shards, to be sure. I decided not to squeeze it until we got closer to the end of the mine. The captain, and seven other guards besides me were pegasi. The rest of them and Cobalt were unicorns. Heck, even three were earth ponies. There was the ever present feeling of fear and foreboding.
COBALT
We walked farther. Farther. Farther still. I was still ahead of the group, and I noticed the guards had formed a box formation around Emerald. Which was odd, but I knew only that they wanted to protect as many ponies as possible. The captain was on my hooves while I walked, in case of another scare. We’d walked all of seventeen minutes, but it felt like years. Years and years and years and years of walking in the dirty, smelly, earthy mine. I’d had no luck, unfortunately. There were no Shamrock Sapphires. There just weren’t any. I checked the book again, and found nothing. It only said what it looked like, how many karats it was known to have, and of course, how it had been found in damp places in the Canterlot Mine. Oh, and of course, it said that it had been found: “In the place where ponies collect water.”
Of course, there were no natural springs I knew of in the mine, and from what I gather nopony had found one. Plus there was no secret civilization down here anyway, or else Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would have discovered it. They’ve been down here many times, they said. There was nothing to go on, once again, so we kept walking. I was glad I double checked, though. I couldn't really be sure of anything right then.
We all sat down and took a break and had water and berries. It wasn’t high class nourishment, but it was something, and since we’d traveled over a mile down into the mine, we’d figured we’d made good time. All the guards were allowed a sip of water and two large berries. All of us had brought water and I had picked plenty of berries in case we were stuck somewhere. We weren’t, but I’m sure some of the ponies were beginning to think this was a lost cause.
It wasn’t! I’d seen lots of gems, but not the one we were looking for! I was getting more and more determined to find it. If we didn’t….then what would he wear to the Gala? Those gems, after they’re used, they go to charity and ponies who are in need. They’re melted down and the money taken from them goes to ponies in need and charities and orphanages. Money for the needy. Don’t worry, I told myself. We’d find it soon. We had to. We were running out of time.
We were off again without any delay. We packed up our water bottles and I re-performed my spell and my horn lit itself once again. “Are you sure you haven’t found it yet?” asked the Captain, checking his digital watch. “We only have thirty more minutes.”
It came from the right. A low rumbling sound, just as before. Then everything began to violently shake. We all stood motionless for a few seconds, unsure of what to do.
“On the ground!” yelled the Captain over the noise, and the guards tried to pull Emerald Blast to the ground, but he fought. The Captain reached out a hoof to trip me, and my horn faded.
Then the debris came. Big chunks of the ceiling came down on our heads. I was knocked off my hooves and onto the cold hard ground, holding my hooves over my head as a shield. I saw Emerald coming at me from my right, and a big chunk of earth hit him on his lower back, by his wings. He yelped, but over the noise it sounded like a squeak. A large piece of debris was coming at me, but I saw a sand colored hoof knock it out of the way.
The last thing I remember before I blacked out was the floor giving out under our weight and the Captain yelling ‘NO!!’.
Author's Note
This, like Chapter Two, features both Cobalt and Emerald Blast. Hope you enjoy!
The Captain scanned the room, and saw nothing. He lit a lantern, and yelled out. Several voices came from under big chunks of earth. Everything was quiet. He helped dig out his soldiers, and then brushed himself off.
“All well here, Miss Cobalt. We are ready to proceed.” he said. There was no answer.
“Hello? Anypony here?” he asked, and again he was met with silence. He walked around slowly for a bit and then saw it.
It was a hole, about seven feet wide, and looking into it, he didn’t know how deep. All he knew was the celebrity was gone, and so was Cobalt. In their places was a trench that was black as night.
“We must go down there!” ordered the Captain, and got to work with rope. Little did they know, under all the debris, a cord with a glimmering crystal shard around it was glowing with an incoming call of concern.
EMERALD
I stretched out my hooves, and my back and front legs. Then I stretched out my wings, and a bolt of pain shot through me. My wing! The pain was from my wing. I stood, and almost fell over again. I was covered in dirt and everywhere I could see was dirt. Dirt in chunks and dirt in fine powder. I felt as if I had just been run over by a taxi pony.
I walked around as best I could, but the dirt was so deep it was like snow. There was nopony I could see down with me. All I could remember was blacking out and falling down deep, deep, then finally hitting something soft and warm, yet damp and felt sleepy. Who was with me? Oh yes, I remember…Cobalt. And the Captain and the guards. I had fought because…because I didn’t want Cobalt to get hurt.
Cobalt! That’s it. If she fell by me…but if she was unconscious…then she must be nearby…I had to find her. Wait until the papers heard about this! I imagined the headlines: Emerald Blast Trapped In Mine with Mystery Mare! Will He Fight For His Life?
I walked slowly around until my muzzle hit something hard and sturdy. A wall! Of dirt. We were in some sort of deep trench/well. I motioned my light around and saw it curved down lower into a mini tunnel. I got on my belly and crawled like a snake.
I looked around, and heard the faint rush of a waterfall, and there was a waterfall in the corner of the room. Clean, clear water was running down a colossal crystal and into a circular shallow trench in the floor. But the water was overflowing and was leaking in a straight stream onto the floor. I stood gawking for what seemed like hours. It was stunning.
I stopped, and looked down, panting. There she lay. Cobalt.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. She…I couldn’t say it…I didn’t dare. She…could be…the unthinkable. Tears pricked my eyes. I barely knew her and yet…I…
“She will wake,” said a soft voice ahead of me. I couldn’t see anypony with my head bowed, but my head snapped up as quick as a wink.
My eyes met a pony, a stallion, with a turquoise mane and on his flank a golden hourglass was painted, with gold powdery sand in it. Beside the hourglass, a quill and sparkles surrounded the glass. He was wearing a long robe and hat, with bells on the end, and a snow white beard covered his face. His mane was equally white and was sticking up in all directions. His eyes were like Cobalt’s, except his were like the color of midnight sapphires. He was a unicorn, and his horn was pointed and long. Wrinkles were etched in his face, yet he looked jolly, and relieved. On the end of his muzzle he wore spectacles that looked like full moons cut in half. He stood on stairs that were made of crystals. Behind him, a door and a wall made out of crystal stood proud. I couldn’t help but notice the pendant around his neck. It was a tiny golden hourglass, with gold powdery sand in it.
“She will wake, lad. Don’t worry.” he said, and started down the stairs. His voice was jolly sounding, yet powerful. I watched him. Then my lips formed the words.
“Who are you?” I asked, carefully, my voice dry and raspy.
“Oh, it doesn’t matter who I am,” he said, with a small chuckle. He motioned to Cobalt, and said: “You want to revive her?”
“Yes, sir. More…more than anything. You see…I…” I stammered.
“I sense that you have a deep feeling for this mare,” he said, as if reading my mind, and smiled. “She’s sweet, you know, and has a strong sense of intellect.”
“How do you know? She….she could be…”
Inside the patch of magic I saw images of our group, walking. There was Cobalt, ahead of us all. There was me, being enclosed by the guards. Then I saw a recollection of the accident. I watched the guards try to save me, but I fought…I saw the Captain miss Cobalt, and I saw a piece of debris hit her and knock her out cold. Then I saw myself veering toward her, and I saw the chunk of earth hit me… After that I saw the floor give in and us both, falling, without knowing it.
“How….How did you…” I stammered. I have always been fascinated with unicorn magic. The magic disappeared, and the stallion turned to face me.
“I can’t believe you found my secret sanctuary.” he said, and trotted over to Cobalt and I.
“Your what?” I asked, carefully, like Cobalt.
“Do you have something to help her?” I asked, desperately.
“I don’t. But you do.” he said, and smiled.
“Yes. The only way to revive her case…” he said, and used his magic to levitate her over to a hammock made out of crystals, where a mattress and a purple pillow and a purple blanket were. She lay there, her eyes still closed.
I trotted over to where she lay, and the old stallion followed me, and used his magic again to gather Cobalt’s saddlebag and her glasses and levitated them over to where we were.
“Again, the only way you can revive her…is to kiss her.” he said, carefully.
“What?” I asked. I…loved Cobalt but… to KISS her?
“Yes, lad. True love…is the most powerful thing in the world. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know that. She will wake if you do.”
“I’ll give you two a moment alone,” he said, and turned away. It was just Cobalt and I.
I stared at her lifeless form. She looked peaceful. I looked down at her, and thought if my mother could see me now…if anypony could see me…but that didn’t matter.
I hadn’t kissed her for five seconds before her body was outlined in a strong cobalt colored glow.
Her eyes were still closed, but my eyes weren’t, and we were rising up, up, higher still, and below I saw the old stallion was smiling.
Then I saw that I was glowing a bright emerald green and gasped in surprise. Then I was filled with power like I never knew before. We were circling each other, I looked around and couldn’t see the bottom any longer, for we were inside a huge cobalt and emerald colored bubble of magic.
A rumbling noise was heard, but this time not from the mine. It was from us. I was frozen in midair, then there was a brilliant flash of white light, and I closed my eyes. Then there was a big explosion, and when I opened my eyes, we were moving slowly down, and there were cobalt and emerald colored sparkles everywhere.
When our hooves touched the ground, her eyes were still closed, but…she was beautiful. Utterly beautiful.
She was clothed in a beautiful dress, that was a flowing gown of beautiful cobalt, sky blue, and midnight blue. She wore silver horseshoes on her hooves, and her mane was down and sparkled as if someone had weaved magic through it. On her head she wore a silver tiara, with a cobalt colored heart on it that was swirly.
Then I looked down at me. I wore an emerald tuxedo, that was sparkly. On my hooves I wore silver horseshoes similar to hers. I felt something on my head. I took it off and looked at it. It was a silver crown, with an emerald heart on it that was blocky. I returned it on my head.
My wings…there was no pain in them. I stretched them out, and smiled.
I looked to her, and stared at her for a moment, before slowly, her eyelids began to move. Then, they fluttered open, and her gorgeous sapphire eyes looked into mine.
“Wha-What happened? W-Where…am I?” she asked, groggily, and sat up. She looked around, questionably.
COBALT
I got up, and he helped me. Then I spotted the old stallion across the room.
“Who are you? Where are we?” I asked again, and then felt something on me. I looked down to see a beautiful gown on me, a mixture of cobalt, sky blue, and midnight blue. It was beautiful, and floaty. My mane was down, and glossy, as if I just washed it. There was something on my head. I levitated it down from my head and brought it to my eye level. It was a silver tiara with a cobalt heart that was swirly attached to it. It looked like something a princess would wear.
“Here you are, my dear.” said the old stallion, and used his midnight blue magic to levitate the tiara back on my head. “Perhaps you are both wondering what happened just now,” said the stallion, and smiled at both of us, warmly. He then explained about how I got to be where I was, the explosion, the dress, the tiara, and some other things.
“Emerald Blast and Cobalt Star, congratulations.” said the old stallion.
“You have created something that an old pony like me thought he’d never see. I’m sure that you know the Elements of Harmony, don’t you?”
“Yes,” said Emerald and I together.
I looked at Emerald. He looked at me. The old stallion chuckled.
“Now, I believe this is yours.” he said, and levitated a chain with a crystal shard on it over to me, and slid it around my neck. It was flashing.
“The Princesses and those guards will be wondering about you,” he said, and using his magic, levitated a thing that looked like an enclosed chariot over to us. There were seats inside, and a few buttons, but not much else.
“It’s time you left my sanctuary. I’m glad I got to meet the both of you. Good luck,” he said, and smiled again, and we got inside. He handed us our supplies. The minute we sat, the chariot began to move upward.
“Wait!” I called, looking down at the ground we were fast leaving.
We were out of the crystal room and back in the mine. We landed on soft dirt and the bubble stayed intact. I saw the Captain and guards tying rope around a root growing by the side of the trench.
“Captain!” Emerald yelled, and they all looked up. And started to cheer.
Then our eyes met brilliant sunshine.
Author's Note
It's not over yet!
COBALT
I blinked a few times, just to make sure we were out. Sure enough, we were. The guards were all covered in earth, but Emerald and I were clean as a whistle. I was still in shock from discovering an entire new set of Elements, and discovering that Emerald Blast was my true love. I mean, that’s a lot for a pony to handle! But one look into his creamy green eyes, and something clicked inside me. Something told me that yes, it was true. And that's when my heart completely succumbed to the idea and I fell head over hooves.
Of course the Princesses were pacing when we arrived. Princess Celestia was in a deep faze of concern, and Princess Luna looked worried. We got out of the chariot, and a look of surprise washed over the princesses’ faces.
“Are you both alright?” asked Princess Luna, carefully.
“I am quite surprised…” said Princess Celestia. “I never got one call from the crystals…I must say you gave my dear sister and I a scare.”
“I’m so sorry, your highnesses. I promise, we won’t go down there ever again,” I assured them.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna hugged Emerald and I, out of pure happiness and relief that we were safe.
They enjoyed the story, and I saw them exchange a glance.
“Yes, it has,” I said.
“Captain, I just wanted to thank you and your men. All of them, for helping me. You, especially. You saved my life! Well, sort of. But I owe you my gratitude.” I said, and smiled.
“You’re welcome, Miss Cobalt. Happy to be of service.” he said, and I gave him a hug. He smiled at me, and blushed.
I joined Emerald in the carriage, and the pegasi lifted the carriage off the ground. I continued to watch the ground shrink lower and lower, and I saw the Princesses were just beside us in their carriage. I smiled, and soon clouds blocked the Captain, his men, and the entrance to the mine out of our view for good.
EMERALD
Before I, Cobalt, or the Princesses knew it, it was time for the Princesses’ Diamond Gala. As a special treat, the Princess invited Cobalt along, so I ditched my mother to go with Cobalt. My mother wasn’t happy about this, and said she’d be going back to Los Hooves immediately. She also said I could come back whenever I wanted. Well, she didn’t exactly say that. We got in a big fight, and in the end, we came to a compromise.
The night of the Gala, Cobalt and I wore the same outfits we wore down in the crystal room. To tell you the truth, we never did find the Shamrock Sapphire. But what we did find was an amazing crystal sanctuary, and true love. But Cobalt did find some gems worthy of wearing. She found an emerald for me and that piece of cobalt she found in the mine for her. Which was neat, because both these gems matched our names.
We were escorted to the Gala in a golden chariot, pulled by two pegasi that were green and blue. Of course, the hooferatzi bombarded me the minute we got to the grand castle, but Emerald shoved them off for the night by telling them we weren't available. Which I think, is a major improvement. He's starting to let go of his fake celebrity act!
The Gala was amazing. I met a lot of ponies and they gave me comments about my work and things like that. They commented on Cobalt, who was blushing pink at the attention. After the talking, the Princesses came out in floor length gowns. Princess Luna’s looked amazing in a midnight sapphire gown with twinkles of white sequins on it. And Princess Celestia wore a golden gown with orange sequins on it. Princess Celestia wore a fireheart sunset diamond, and Princess Luna, a moonlit opal. Each were in a golden necklace with their gems inside around their necks.
There was live music, and I was sure I spotted a mare I knew from Ponyville. Octavia. She was conducting a stallion with a cello, a mare with a violin, and another mare with a viola. A stallion played a huge grand piano.
They were playing a waltz. I took Cobalt’s hoof, and she blushed again, and smiled a shy smile. We glided across the polished marble floor, and all signs of other ponies disappeared. It was just her and I.
After the dance, Cobalt said she needed some fresh air, so we went out onto a private balcony. On the French doors leading out, I noticed there were curtains tucked on the outside of the doors. I pulled them down. Privacy much? Cobalt was looking straight up into the stars of the night, but was facing the edge of the balcony. I walked over to her. I almost bumped into the marble bench that was stationed there as well.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“So are you.” I said. She blushed profusely again. There was silence. The night was warm, and a soft breeze combed itself through Cobalt’s mane.
“You know this is crazy, right…” she said, softly.
“I just…never imagined…I’d fall for a stallion.” she said…looking at me, her sapphire eyes huge. She walked over to the bench and sat on it.
“As opposed to a werewolf?” I cracked, grinning. She giggled, then her face returned to it’s seriousness. I sat beside her.
“I always thought I’d end up alone…that I’d never fall for anypony…but now that I have you…” her voice trailed off.
“That’s right. You’ll always have me.” I said, and put my hoof around her and pulled her close.
“Cobalt.” I said, breaking the ice.
“Living in the big city, I’ve never found the perfect mare for me. I’ve always been hounded by fanmares. I’ve…never been in a relationship, no matter what the magazines say. But then you came along, and you turned my world upside down. I realized something in the mine, that day, when we were there.” I said, looking at her.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“I love you too.” she said softly.
It was then I knew…all we ever needed…we had. We had each other, and that’s all we ever needed.
Author's Note
Another combined narrated chapter for you all.
The End?
Deep within in the Canterlot Mine…there is a legend.
A legend that many mares and stallions refuse to believe because…in some cases, believing is seeing. The legend told of a room that was filled of untold riches of crystals and a natural water spring. If somepony found this room, they’d be blessed with powers beyond imagination. Legend also had it…that a legendary being lived there.
Of course, many ponies thought it to be absurd, but since lots of controversy arose, Princess Celestia decided to go and investigate the mine.
Two days later, Princess Celestia returned, and said there was nothing in the mine of sorts. But she did not tell anypony that indeed, there WAS a legendary treasure. And the being was real. The Princess was given a gift…the Elements of Harmony, with these instructions: use them well.
She bestowed them on six ponies… bestowing the Elements in the ponies when they were born…but the being also said that there were not only one set of Elements. Though the Princess urged for information, the being did not say more. The Princess came back from the mine clean as a whistle, and it didn’t look like she had been deep in the mine. Why the Princess lied about the things she had found…is unknown.
So the mysteries of Canterlot Mine…are open to anypony who seeks answers…anypony who wants untold riches…and any two ponies…that have discovered more than just love.
Author's Note
This is my very first FIM Fiction. I welcome your suggestions, comments, compliments. I would love an opinion on this question:
