Comet's Tale

The Crystal Empire

The train's wheels screeched against the metal tracks as it pulled into Canterlot Station, billowing steam rising to mingle with the early morning fog. The doors slid open with a pneumatic hiss, and eight weary travelers disembarked onto the platform.

"I still don't understand why we couldn't just teleport here," grumbled Soarin, stretching his wings that had been cramped during the long journey. The weather patrol pony rolled his shoulders, wincing as several joints popped audibly.

"Because my teleportation spell can only handle three ponies at most," Comet Tail replied, his horn glowing faintly as he levitated their luggage beside them. "Besides, I've been working on a new stellar mapping calculation and needed the quiet travel time."

"Quiet?" Cheese Sandwich exclaimed, bouncing on his hooves despite the early hour. "That was one of my most entertaining train performances yet! Did you see how I balanced that cupcake on my nose while juggling those rubber chickens?"

"Hard to miss, considering one of them landed in my mane," Time Turner remarked dryly, still picking bits of frosting from his chestnut-colored locks.

Spike yawned widely, revealing his sharp dragon teeth. The last two months had been particularly eventful for the young dragon. His journey to the Dragon Lands had been eye-opening, to say the least. Meeting other dragons his age had helped him better understand his heritage, though he'd ultimately decided that his home was with his pony family. The small purple dragon had grown perhaps an inch taller since the Canterlot wedding, but otherwise remained wingless and firmly in the awkward phase between hatchling and adolescent.

"I still think this 'utmost importance' business could have waited until after breakfast," he complained, his stomach growling loudly enough for nearby ponies to turn and stare.

Braeburn adjusted his hat as they began walking toward the castle. "Green Leaf ain't one for exaggeration, little partner. If he says it's important, you can bet your last bit it is."

Twilight Sparkle trotted alongside Comet, her saddlebags filled with books on ancient Equestrian history. She'd spent the previous evening frantically packing every tome that might prove useful, though without knowing the nature of their summons, her selection had been somewhat haphazard.

"I just hope everything's alright with Princess Luna," she said quietly to Comet. "She's been carrying the burden of both the moon and sun since Celestia disappeared."

Comet's expression softened as he glanced at Twilight. "She's stronger than most give her credit for, but you're right to be concerned. Nopony should have to bear that much responsibility alone."

The mention of Princess Celestia brought a somber mood to the group as they made their way through Canterlot's pristine streets. The search for the missing Princess of the Sun had consumed much of their attention over the past two months, with frequent magical experiments and research sessions yielding frustratingly little progress.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they approached the castle grounds, with Spike recounting their recent encounter with Rainbow Dash's foalhood griffon friend, Gilda. The griffon's visit to Ponyville had been memorable, though not entirely pleasant. Her rude behavior and relentless pranking had grated on everyone's nerves, particularly Fluttershy's, whom Gilda had reduced to tears with her harsh comments. In the end, even Rainbow Dash had been forced to acknowledge that her old friend wasn't as cool as she remembered. Spike had been particularly unimpressed, having expected griffons to be more majestic and less mean-spirited.

The castle guards recognized them immediately, snapping to attention as they approached the main gates.

"The Princess and Royal Advisor are expecting you in the throne room," the guard on the right informed them, gesturing for them to follow another guard who had appeared to escort them.