Regarding "The Crystal Empire" · 5:16pm Oct 4th, 2023
I don't typically do this, but I wrote up an alternate ending to my story The Crystal Empire. This additional ending isn't meant to invalidate the former (which I left a little open-ended for interpretation). If you read the initial story, then congrats, you've had the full experience. This update is just an exploration of an additional possible turn of events. Both the initial ending and this bonus chapter are equally valid interpretations as far as canon goes, so it's up to you to decide which is the "true" ending.
I know which one I personally consider the real ending, but that's just me.
One last thing, the alternate ending is dark. So dark that I'd consider the initial story to be the "good end". It's probably not for the faint of heart.