Chapter 24
Buying Time
-On board the Pony Express-
As the steam locomotive hurried through the snowy climate of the northern regions of Equestria, an awed Billy Cranston gazed out the window at the frozen landscape, accompanied by the equally intelligent alicorns princess, Twilight Sparkle.
“You’re gonna love it. The empire is just full of history, and culture.”
“I’m sure it does. I’ve been meaning to explore more of Equestria.”
The blue ranger couldn’t help but see just how giddy Twilight truly was. He knew that she was more eager to see her brother, and sister in law above all else. He couldn’t help but smile for her.
“You know… they’ll be glad to see you just as much.”
“Hmm?”
“Shining, and Cadence.”
“I know. I’m also can’t wait to see little Flurry Heart.”
“Who?”
“She’s my niece. Shining, and Cadence’s daughter.”
“They have a baby?”
“It happened a little while ago. Shining went through a little dilemma about being a dad, and all.”
“Well, I’d think parenthood would quite the stressful responsibility.”
“yeah. But, now Shiny’s a lot better, and loves Flurry with all his heart. Out of the possible outcomes, that has to be the best one.”
“I would hope so.”
A sudden jolt of the car signaled the two, and the other passengers that they had finally arrived at the station just outside of the providence of the Crystal empire. As the work ponies unloaded the cargo, the passengers made their ways off, and on the train. Once Twilight and Billy had stepped onto the station floor, they were greeted by a small squad of guards, led by non-other than Captain of the Guard himself, Prince Shining Armor.
“Hey there, Twiley.”
“Shiney!”
The alicorns of magic trotted towards her elder sibling, and wrapped her hooves around his neck in a loving embrace.
“It’s so good to see you again. B.B.B.F.F”
“You too, little sis.”
The captain then took notice of Billy, accompanying Twilight on her trip. Shining couldn’t help but smile as he shook Billy’s hoof.
“I see you brought your coltfriend too.”
“My…wha…”
“Eheheheh?”
“Ha ha! Relax, it’s a joke.”
“Oh…I see…That was…some joke.”
“For the record, we’re just…good friends.”
“Affirmative.”
“Whatever you say, guys. Come on. Cadence and Flurry are just dying to see you, Twiley.”
“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”
The trio, accompanied by guards, departed from the train station, and began making their way towards the crystal palace.
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-meanwhile, in Rita’s Fortress-
Goldar, and Leather wing were observing through Rita’s telescope, trying to get a view of their leader’s progress, as they made their way towards the tree of harmony. Upon further inspection. Commander Leather wing had just gained sight of Rita, and Chrysalis, approaching the edge of the Everfree forest.
“Commander, I have spotted them.”
“You have?”
The changeling then stepped to the side for the gryphon to gaze into the eye piece of Rita’s telescope, and low and behold there they were, the changeling queen, and the galactic sorceress themselves.
“They are proceeding into the forest, as scheduled. But, I fear for their success.”
“My empress will not fail, I swear it.”
“Neither shall my queen. But with the lack of activity since the encounter with the yellow ranger, and our failed kidnapping. Our enemies may grow suspicious.”
“I agree. We must throw them off their trail. It has to be bold enough to keep those ponies, and rangers occupied.”
“Might I make a suggestion?”
“What is it, Finster?”
“Speak quickly.”
“A short while ago, a changeling patrol returned with news of the blue ranger a companying the element of magic to the providence known as the Crystal Empire. As I have read up, it is run by The alicorns Cadence, and her Husband. It also appears This Captain Shining Armor is this Twilight’s brother."
“Yes…I recall him. The supposed to be mate for my queen, not too long ago.”
“Upon further inquiring, some changelings have told me that the alicorns Cadence, and him have had a child recently.”
“and?”
“Perhaps, our kidnapping ploy can still pan out, if we only have to deal with one ranger, and at least two less powerful alicorns."
“I see…a more vulnerable target. Yes…this could be just what we need to keep their attention from Queen Chrysalis, and Empress Rita.”
“But, I have heard this empire is heavily guarded. Even with all the putties, we would still have trouble getting close.”
Leatherwing then pulls out a map of the empire, and lays it out onto a table.
“We will need to draw their attention away from the palace. Goldar, you and your putties will keep to the market area, with my changelings. While I will sneak in disguised as a guard, and grab the child from there.”
“yet should we failed to gain the infant. We will still have bought more time for our glorious leaders.”
“Precisely.”
“Finster. Ready as many putties as you can. Leatherwing, gather your changeling forces. Within an hour, we attack the empire.”
“By your command.”
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-Back in the Crystal Empire-
Shining Armor, and company were approaching the entrance of the crystal palace. He signaled one of the guards at the door to open, allowing both Twilight, and Billy sight of the interior of the throne room, where a patient Cadence, and Flurry Heart sat. Once inside, the doors were shut, and an excited Cadence, with her child trotted towards Twilight.
“Hey, there.”
“Cadence!”
No longer able to hold back her joy, Twilight ran towards cadence, who welcomed her with open hooves. After a few seconds, the two of them stood apart from one another.
“What’re they...?”
“They have this little dance with each other. Cadence used to babysit Twiley when we were kids.”
Just as he stated, the two alicorns began to recite their little song, and dance.
“Sunshine, sunshine, Ladybugs away! Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!”
After giggling for a few moments, the two of them then tunred to see little flurry, wiggling in excitement.
“and how is this little cutie doing?”
“She’s just as excited to see you too, Twiley.”
The princess of love then turned her attention towards Billy Cranston, who looked a bit nervous to be around.
“Oh, where are my manners. I don’t believe we were fully introduced at the gala. I am Princess Cadence of the Crystal empire.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you, and her brother, your husband. How the two of you held of this King Sombra a little while ago."
“Well, yes. Though, it was a bit exhausting. But, now…with chrysalis, and this Rita abroad. Sombra was nothing.”
“We will stop them.”
“Affirmative.”
“Well…enough with this dreary talk.”
“We’ve got a lot to talk about. It’s nice to finally meet one of the Power Rangers personally.”
Just then, one of the palace maids stepped forward, and whispered a few words into the princesses’ ears. Cadence nodded, and then gestured her hoof to dismiss the maid, then lead her company towards another room.
“I’ve just been informed that tea’s ready.”
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After a hour or so, Cadence and Shining decided to give Twilight, and Billy a tour of the empire, leading them through the market square, where it was more lively than ever. Billy was quite amazed at how the ponies were crystalized.
“If you don’t mind my inquiry, why are these ponies all crystalized?”
“Well, Billy. As Princess Celestia told me. It would be because the empire is filled with love, and hope. Something that she hopes would spread all over Equestria.”
“It’s all possible because of the Crystal Heart, the source of the empire’s power.”
“Fascinating. It really is.”
“Now tell me. What’s it like to be a ranger?”
“Well, it has it’s share of perks. But for the most part…it’s pretty responsible. Keeping Rita, and her monsters at bay.”
“The same can be said about running an empire.”
“I suppose so. Though, I personally wouldn’t know that.”
As they continued their stroll, a loud sudden explosion occurred in the middle of the market place, scattering debris all around, causing ponies to panic as the smoke cleared to see Goldar, and a platoon of changelings and putties commencing their attack.
“So, this is the mighty Crystal empire?! Don’t make me laugh!”
“It’s that gryphon! From the gala!”
“Goldar!”
As Goldar commenced his attack, several guard on hand began to engaged the enemy troops. Though as valiant as their effort was, eventually proved fruitless, as the putties, and changelings began overwhelming them. Providing The changeling Leatherwing an unconscious guard the means to carry out the dastardly plan laid out.
“Now…onto more pressing matters.”