//------------------------------//
// In a Somber Perspective 
// Story: Like it was Yesterday... 
// by Sparkler-iFIC 
//------------------------------//

~Sombra's Perspective~

Twilight would already have a firm grasp on this city. The Crystal Empire was it's own kingdom, not part of Equestria. Its beginnings were a legend all its own, refugees across the frozen north, a great sorceress among them, blessing them and the land to shine against the chilling snow. The survivors, themselves changed into beings of pony and gemstone could linger in the cold weather, but the enchantment upon them echoed throughout the land, turning every blade of grass, every animal and drop of water in living crystal. Blessed with such wealth and such beautiful components to work with, the Empire was born. The culture changed into one of artistry and craft, and the ponies became deeply attuned to their own emotions and desires. An entire city of artists, poets, crafts ponies and dreamers would welcome the purple unicorn. Though it would be quick to be noticed that even one as colorful as she was no match for a gleaming coat of a crystal pony. At best she was treated politely as a visitor, at worst, she'd be treated as another country bumpkin from the larger growing kingdom of Equestria. 

It was hard to determine where in Sombra's life he would be though. According to what was written about him, he grew up a unicorn in an orphanage. Humble beginnings, he was shown to have enormous potential and as its stated in the books but no where else as the Empire was forgotten. He was a great hero, defeating monsters, protecting the empire, and marrying the Empress of the time, the Princess Amore and becoming King by marriage. For a while, he was a good, honest, kind, even showing humility from time to time. What exactly happened after that is vague and fuzzy at best. 

Twilight however would find out soon as a charcoal young stallion maybe even her junior by a year would be running in her direction the opposite way down the road. It was a big day, a very very big day. And the young stallion, hitched with a squires cape and holding the saddle bags at his side was panting as he ran. "Curse you Starswirl!" he said griping through heaving pants. He turned a corner and nearly collided with the purple unicorn. "Oh my!" He shouted before his horn shined violet hue before the was a puff of cold air, not a flash of light as he teleported through her, arriving at her back and continuing on his way. "MY APOLOGIES!" He shouted back to her before running at full gallop. She'd get to see him enough. His coat was slightly brighter, like stone gray, but his mane still a jet black. He was not nearly so large as she recalled, though he seemed to keep in decent shape, thanks to the last few years of his insane training under the slavery of his tutor. She'd even see the rubies that were his eyes and the red crystal cluster on his flank for a cutie mark. His wavy tail bounced as he got a move on.

This was a common occurrence. Sombra despite being a book worm, having maybe only a few friends, Sombra was one of the only unicorns available to the empire. This made him a possible asset, one that could be presented to Starswirl the Bearded as part of the negotiation of finding out whether Equestria magic would be a benefit to the Empire. Today was the day his training to be complete. He had to show his stuff before everyone, the entire city! He would make all those bullies eat their words.

As luck would have it, Twilight would arrive during the Crystal Fair. The streets would be bustling with other crystal ponies heading to the massive fair ground that surrounded the spire. She could already see where Sombra was running off too, a big series of tents and open performance grounds mixed with hundred of ponies all laughing at jesters, showing off more and more elaborate pieces of art, filling the atmosphere with the smells of roasted crystal corn, and blasting the sky with those ridiculous looking musical instruments. Sombra would be lost in the crowd of course, but it was like when she and her friends tried to make it before, except this time is was a true holiday. History alive.

Of course the biggest ring was the jousting grounds, and this was of course where Princess Amore, with beauty rivaling Celestia (And looking a little bit... alot like Cadence) and next to him, the bearded old grump with the sparkly pointed hat, Starswirl the Bearded. As another joust happened, the princess and Starswirl were talking among bleachers guarded only for royalty, but the rest of the arena was open for the crowd to watch and cheer their favorite knights.