Deep inside the cave on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire, Roman was sitting by the fire cooking some food that Sombre had brought for him. Roman still wasn't in very good shape. Although he wasn't dying he still was in no condition to carry out their plan. Roman knew what he was going to do but he also knew he couldn't just waltz into the Empire and steal the Crystal Heart, nor could he attempt to take out the rulers when first entering the empire. No, Roman had to get close to them. He had to find out their weaknesses and steal the Crystal Heart while undetected but that would be easier said than done. If he did that he would have to go in disguise as a pony from the empire but that would be impossible, unless he could get one of the guards or someone close to the rules to go missing and take his place but how? Roman was currently in thought when Sombre appeared.
"How much longer do you think it will take you to heal those wounds?" Roman sighed.
"It could take at least 3 weeks. I may not be dying but they could become fatal if I move around too much. Can't you use a spell to heal me faster?" Sombre shook is head.
"No I cannot. Though I am able to use normal magic, healing magic isn't something I can do, but there is a way we can get those wounds healed faster. I also figured we could use this as an opportunity to infiltrate the Crystal Empire. If you walked in looking as you do they might try to attack you out of fear." Roman nodded.
"I have thought about that myself, plus if Lance is still alive he will warn them about me for sure if he ever goes there." Sombre looked at Roman confused.
"Lance?" Roman nodded again.
"Yes. He is the other human that was transported here along with me. Though I have no clue if he is alive or not and if he is he will try to warn them about me so I need a disguise." Sombre cackled.
"Well it just so happens that there are some ponies on their way to the Crystal Empire to be trained under the current Crystaller, Sunburst. So we need to capture one of them and then have you pose as one of them but before you can head to the Crystal Empire I will need to teach you how to use your magic so you will be able to correctly impersonate this pony. But first you will need to have them heal your injuries so we will be able to move forward with our plan." Roman smiled evilly.
"Perfect. Can you tell me their exact location." Sombre nodded.
"All of them made it to the Crystal Empire except one he is a good few miles away close to this location. It seems he may have got lost in the storm." Roman began to think.
"Hmm. Maybe I can go out there and get him to heal me. I just have to make him think I am dying and he should help me. Since I don't know where the Crystal Empire is I can let him know that I don't know where it is located at but I can take him to this cave to shelter us until the storm dies down a little." Sombre grinned.
"And that's when we take care of him and turn you into him to take his place. But the question is how fast are you at learning things?" Roman smirked.
"If magic is anything like science then it should only take me a day." Sombre chuckled.
"Excellent. Let’s get this plan under way then." Roman nodded as he got up and walked into the blizzard.
About 2 to 3 miles away from the cave Crystal Clear, the pony Sombre spoke about was lost in the blizzard. Crystal Clear was trying to find some shelter out of the storm or find the Crystal Empire whichever happened first.
"What the hay is with this storm? I heard the weather around the Crystal Empire was crazy but this is ridiculous! Hey wait... What is that?"
Crystal Clear saw some weird bipedal creature approaching from the storm but he couldn't make out what it was. All he could tell was it had very little fur or hair and it seemed to be injured. The creature collapsed and Crystal Clear approached with worry and caution. When he got close enough he saw a few holes in the creature with blood coming from them.
"P-Please help me.." The creature looked pleadingly at him.
Crystal didn't think this creature meant any harm. Crystal charged up his magic and scanned him for all of the problems he had. When Crystal scanned him he noticed that this creature had 3 strange metallic objects inside his wounds. Crystal figured these were the cause of the injuries and used his magic to pull them out. When he did the creature screamed in agony as more blood began pouring from his wounds. Crystal Clear immediately began to heal the creature. As Crystal was healing him the pain in the creature began to subside. Once Crystal Clear was done healing him the creature stood up.
"Are you alright? Who and what in Equestria are you?" The creature began to wipe the snow off of its clothes.
"I am a human and my name is Roman. If you hadn't come along I would have eventually died from these injuries." Crystal looked at Roman confused.
"What's a human and how would you have died from those injuries? They didn't seem that serious." Roman shook his head.
"Maybe not but if those bullets had stayed in me for too long I could have gotten tetanus which is a bad bacteria build up that can slowly kill someone over time. You can get tetanus from a bullet or a rusty metallic object. As for information on what I am I suggest that wait until we get to some shelter." Crystal Clear nodded.
"I see. Then it's a good thing I came a long when I did, but where are we going to find some shelter?" Roman pointed in the direction he came from.
"In that direction there is a cave where we can hide until the storm ends. That's where I have been hiding for a while but I knew I needed to find help or I would have died." Crystal Clear sighed in relief.
"Thank the princesses! Come on let's get out of this storm. Lead the way! Oh! By the way my name is Crystal Clear." Both Roman and Crystal Clear started heading towards the cave and Roman turned just before Crystal Clear could see the evil grin on his face.
Once they make it to the cave Roman begins to lead Crystal Clear to the back of the cave.
"Come on. I just left not too long ago so the fire I started should be going." Crystal Clear was feeling a little uneasy so he started to proceed with caution.
"Are you sure this place is safe?" Roman nodded.
"I have been staying here for almost a week and nothing has happened to me yet. I got those injuries when I arrived here." Roman finished as they reached the fire in the back of the cave.
"Now that you bring that up HOW did you get here?" Roman simply grinned as they heard an evil cackled echo through the cave.
"This human's backstory is the least of your worries." Crystal Clear heard a voice coming from the direction of the entrance and only exit. He turned and around and his eyes were filled with horror at what he saw, King Sombre!
"K-King S-Sombre! What are you doing here?!" Sombre chuckled.
"To take care of something." Crystal Clear gulped as he prepared for an attack from Sombre.
"Come on Roman! We have to get out of here!" When Crystal looked behind him and saw Roman with an evil grin on his face.
"You fell right into our trap Crystal Clear. I will be taking your identity now." Crystal Clear backed up from Roman and back up against the wall as he was looking back and forth between Roman and Sombre.
"Y-You two are working together?! Why do you want my identity?" Roman laughed maniacally.
"So I can infiltrate the Crystal Empire and once I gain the trust of those pathetic rulers I will steal the Crystal Heart and take out the rulers so Sombre can take over once again!" Both Roman and Sombre were drawing in closer to Crystal Clear.
"W-Why are you telling me all of this? You know revealing your plan to me can jeopardize everything for you." Roman just chuckled maliciously.
"Why? It's simply really. Because you aren't going to live long enough to tell anyone of our plans!" Before Crystal Clear could respond or make an attack, Roman hit him against his head with a rock and continued to repeatedly hit him with the rock until his horn broke off and his brains were all over the cave floor. All the while Roman was laughing maniacally and psychotically while Sombre looked on in great delight.
"Excellent Roman. Now he can't tell anyone of our plans. You also managed to break off his horn. This will prove most useful." Sombre Levitated Crystal Clear’s horn and then zapped Crystal Clear's cutie mark transferring it to the horn. After doing so the horn began to glow with a purple and green aura, transforming it into a staff and levitating it to Roman.
"What's this for?" Sombre smirked.
"This staff will allow you to use magic even in your present state. Think of it as a magical conduit for you to use magic. It is connected to your mind which is how you will use magic. Once you take the form of Crystal Clear this staff will transform and become your horn. So in a sense it is a part of you now. This staff will only work for the one who killed Crystal Clear. So basically it will only work for you." Roman examined the staff closely and smiled mischievously.
"This will come in handy in deed. Especially when taking out the rulers." Sombre cackled.
"Exactly. Living in this world makes things easier if you have magic at your disposal. Speaking of magic the sooner you learn how to use it the sooner we can continue to the next phase of our plan." Roman nodded.
"Alright. Let's get started." Roman said as he and Sombre began his training.
Back at the Castle of Friendship Lance and Twilight were currently in the middle of another study session.
"So Lance have you got all of this information soaked in yet?" Lance nodded.
"I sure do Twilight very informative. I never knew organizing my notes like this would make it easier to study and remember them!" Twilight beamed happily as she erased the board.
"Shall we continue with the next lesson?" Lance happily nodded.
"Yes we shall." Twilight and Lance were just about to start on their next lesson when Twilight's pupil entered.
"Hey Twilight! I was looking for you. I am back from- Who and what is that?!" Twilight's pupil ran and hid behind her.
"Oh! Starlight you’re back! Perfect timing. Starlight Glimmer this is Lance, he is a human and Lance I am sure you already know who she is." Lance chuckled as he nodded.
"Yes your student Starlight Glimmer. I take it you were visiting Trixie? Or was it Sunburst?" Starlight looked in awe at Lance.
"H-How does he know about me? Does he know about what I did?" Twilight nodded.
"I am sure he does but I can guarantee you that he isn't going to judge you for it." Starlight nodded as she cautiously approached Lance.
"H-Hi there. It’s nice to meet you." Starlight slowly stuck her hoof out and Lance chuckled as he took her hoof and shook it.
"There is no need to fear me Starlight. It's nice to finally meet you too. As Twilight said I am Lance and very soon I will be the first of Twilight's royal guard. I believe that would make me captain of your royal guard wouldn't it?" Twilight nodded.
"I see. Well if Twilight thinks you’re alright then I believe it's safe to assume you aren't bad. How did you get to Equestria? I have been all over Equestria and I have never seen a human before. Where did you come from?" Lance sighed as he put up his notes.
"You might want to sit down for this Starlight this is going to be a long story." Starlight pulled up a chair and sat down as Lance explained the whole situation to Starlight including the information about Roman and the death of Roy. When Lance finished Starlight was in tears.
"That's one of the saddest stories I ever heard. I’m sorry this has happened to you." Lance sighs.
"It's alright Starlight. You aren't to blame. Besides at least I ended up in a world I know and love."Lance smiled reassuringly which caused Twilight and Starlight to smile.
"We are glad to hear that Lance. Why don't we take a break from studying? That way you can stretch your legs and I can talk with my pupil about her visit with Trixie." Lance nodded.
"Alright. You know Twilight, since I need to learn more about being a royal guard and I am going to be captain of your royal guard... Why don’t we take a trip to the Crystal Empire tomorrow so I can get some tips and training from Shining Armor." Twilight squeed.
"That's a great idea! Plus that will give you a chance to see my cute little niece in person! And I’m sure Starlight would like to visit with Sunburst again." Starlight blushed as she nodded.
Well now I know for a fact that Starlight's relationship with Sunburst can be considered cannon now. Lance thought. "Sounds great Twi. I can't wait to meet your family!" With that Lance went for a walk around the Castle while Starlight and Twilight went to the library to talk
Back at the cave Sombre was continuing to train Roman with his magic.
"You are progressing very well Roman far better than I had expected. Now try to transform into Crystal Clear." Roman nodded as he used his staff to transform into Crystal Clear.
"Well looks like I have control of my magic." Sombre nodded.
"Indeed but now try to use your magic while in this form it will be much more difficult to control with you in this form. Let's see if you can handle it." Roman smirked as he channelled the magic into his horn and began to levitate things as he teleported around the cave.
"As I said I have control of it now." Sombre looked at Roman in shock but then chuckled evilly.
"You certainly do, and in only 4 hours no less. Very impressive. I might want to make you my court wizard at this rate" Roman shook his head.
"I wouldn't mind that but first things first to get your empire back and THEN get my revenge!" Sombre cackled.
"Of course. I understand you’re anxious and you will have your revenge as soon as I have my empire back. It may take time to gather the materials needed to build a portal and gain enough power strong enough to do it but I will help you get your revenge." Roman chuckled evilly.
"Then let's get this plan under way. Which direction is the empire?" Sombre pointed to the west.
"In that direction about 20 miles. It shouldn't take you too long being disguised as Crystal Clear. If you make haste it will only take you about 10 minutes or so. When you arrive you should be greeted by Sunburst. Remember you are a Crystaller in training so whatever Sunburst says, you do for now until it is time to strike. Should you run into the other human you mentioned, avoid conversation if possible if not then just act casual." Roman nodded.
"Trust me I know what I should do. I may be a scientist but I have also committed many crimes in my dimension and never got caught." Sombre scoffed.
“Maybe so but remember this plan cannot have any setbacks. Failure is not an option." Roman cackled.
"Trust me I will not fail. I have just as much riding on this as you do. By the time I am through the rulers will be gone and the empire will be yours once again." Sombre nodded.
"Very well now get going. The sooner you can get there the better." Roman smirked as he took off towards the empire.
After about 15 minutes of trotting, Roman could the see the Crystal Empire coming into view along with a group of ponies standing at the edge of the empire. About 4 of them. The pony standing in the front seemed to have a superior look about him and he seemed to also have a concerned look on his face. Roman made the assumption that he must be Sunburst and the other 3 ponies are also training under Sunburst to become Crystallers.
"Crystal Clear! "Where have you been?!" Roman stopped in front of Sunburst pretending to be exhausted.
"Sorry sir. I got lost in the Storm and I had to find shelter until it died down a little." Roman lied as Sunburst sighed out of relief.
"That was a smart decision but next time stay with the group and don't fall behind. The weather out there can be treacherous." Roman nodded.
"Yes sir." Sunburst smiled.
"Good now let's get to the castle. I am sure you must be exhausted. Starting tomorrow we will begin all of you on your training. Understand?" The other trainees stood in attention.
"Yes sir!" The Trainees said in unison along with Roman as they made their way to the castle. Everything was going smoothly.
It was the next morning, Lance woke up with a spring in his step, being excited to go visit the Crystal Empire along with Shining Armor, Cadence and their baby Flurryheart. As if knowing Lance was awake, Spike walked in with some breakfast for Lance.
"Ah! I figured you would be awake. So I figured I would bring you some breakfast." Lance smile appreciatively.
"Thanks Spike. Yeah I’m REALLY excited about going to the Crystal Empire. I have always wanted to meet Shining Armor, Cadence and Flurryheart! I am sure you are excited to get back to the citizens of the Empire who look up to you." Lance smirked as Spike blushed from embarrassment.
"I almost forgot you know a lot about our past. Not going to lie, I am excited for that but also I do want to see Shining Armor too." Lance nodded.
"I don't blame you. Just like Twilight being like a sister to you Shining Armor must also be like a big brother to you." Spike beamed.
"He sure is! Well I am going to let you eat your breakfast. We will be leaving for the empire in a couple of hours." But before Spike could leave, Lance stopped him.
"Actually Spike I was wondering if you could help me carry my food to the dining hall so I can eat with all of you." Spike smiled and saluted Lance as he started carrying his food for him.
"You got it! Come on lets go." Lance happily nodded as he followed Spike to the dining hall.
After eating breakfast Lance went to go and get ready. Within a couple of hours they were off to the Crystal Empire. The train ride was a bit long but Lance enjoyed the quality time he was getting with his new friends. Even Starlight was warming up to him pretty quickly. Once they disembarked all sorts of Ponies were gawking at Lance. It honestly made him feel uncomfortable but reassuring smiles from Twilight and Spike made them smile in return and even wave at Lance. Lance was really happy that Equestria was accepting him pretty quickly. He was starting to think more and more about staying in Equestria. Getting to the castle took longer than expected because a bunch of ponies came to greet Twilight and more specifically Spike, or as they call him Spike the Great. Lance always found it funny and nice that Spike got a lot of appreciation and praise for his actions. He rarely gets any except from Twilight and Rarity. But after a few autographs and ponies thanking Spike for saving the empire, Lance, Twilight, Spike, and Starlight made their way to the castle.
Roman got up and noticed he was still in his disguise. Roman was worried that it would have vanished once he had fallen asleep but it seemed that Roman would stay like this until he undoes the spell. Roman noticed the others were already up and around and began to go looking around the castle until he found them in the mess hall.
"About time you got up Crystal Clear! We were wondering how long you were going to be out for." Roman chuckled.
"Yeah getting lost in a snow storm can really take it out of you." The others chuckled as they got back to their meals.
After breakfast they met up with Sunburst in the throne room.
"Here are the new ponies I will be training to become Crystallers your highnesses." Cadence and Shining Armor began to smile as they looked at Roman and the trainees.
"They definitely look very qualified. I am sure you will do a great job in training them Sunburst." Cadence smiled at Sunburst, the trainees and Roman. Sunburst nodded as they began to leave the throne room.
"Alright, as Crystallers you will need to learn about the main artifact that makes you a Crystaller. The Crystal Heart." Roman smirk as they made their way to the Crystal Heart, but as they were walking down the hall Roman saw something that confirmed his suspicions. Lance! He WAS still alive! Roman knew if he didn't take care of Lance, then he would get in his way, but taking action now would be WAY too risky so Roman just continued to walk by them with the others. Roman had to come up with a plan to take care of Lance and he would have to let Sombre know of the situation. Things may be a bit harder than he thought.