//------------------------------// // The Sanctuary // Story: The Unicorn of the Crystal Empire // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// Silver and the guards searched for Flowing Scarf in the streets of the kingdom. Flowing Scarf is disguised again with Punji as an old pony. She sneaks into the the cathedral as Silver sees her and recognizes her. floing Scarf removed the disguise and looked around the cathedral. She was amazed with the interior as Silver entered alone. As he comes up behind her, she turns and grabs his sword and forces him to the floor with the blade pointed at his chin. "You!" Flowing Scarf said. "Easy, easy--I just shaved this morning," Silver said. "Oh, really?" Punji asked, sarcastically. "You missed a spot." "All right, all right. Just calm down. Just give me a chance to apologize." "For what?" Flowing Scarf asked as she lets her guard down for a split second. Silver then grabbed the sword and pointed it at her. "That for example." "You sneaky son of a---" Punji said. "Ah, ah, ah! Watch it--you're in a church." "Are you always this charming, or am I just lucky?" Flowing Scarf asked as she grabbed the staff with candles on top of it with her magic and swings it at Silver, who blocks the strike with his sword. "Candlelight...privacy...music. Can't think of a better place for hand-to-hand combat!" Flowing Scarf continues to strike as Silver blocks with his sword. "You fight as well as a stallion." "Funny. I was going to say the same thing about you." "That's hitting a little below the belt, don't you think?" "No. This is." Flowing Scarf goes for a jab attack, but Silver blocked it on time. He then quickly got hit in the face by the other end of the staff. He shook it off. "Touche!" Punjin hits Silver in the chest. "Didn't know you had a kid." "Well, Punji doesn't take kindly to soldiers." "You got that right," Punji said. "Eh, I noticed. Permit me. I'm Silver Knight. And you are?" "Is this what you call an interrogation?" Silver sheaths his sword. "It's called an introduction." "You're not going to arrest us?" "Not as long as you're in here. I can't." "You're not at all like the other soldiers." Flowing Scarf puts the staff back into place as Punji stood down. "Thank you." "So, if you're not going to arrest me, what do you want?" "I'd settle for your name." "Flowing Scarf." "It's beautiful." Punji looked at Flowing Scarf then back at Silver. "Much better than Silver, anyway." Flowing Scarf and Silver gaze into each other's eyes when Sombra and some guards entered the cathedral. "Good work, Silver," Sombra said. "Now arrest her." Punji hid behind Flowing Scarf in fear as Silver looked back at Flowing Scarf and whispered, "Claim sanctuary. Say it." "You tricked me," Flowing Scarf said. "I'm waiting, Silver," Sombra said. "I'm sorry, sir. She claims sanctuary. There's nothing I can do." "Then drag her outside at---" "You will not touch her," Radiant said as she stood next to Flowing Scarf. "Don't worry. Sombra has learned years ago to respect the sanctity of the cathedral." Sombra and the other guards turned to leave, but he hid behind a pillar and doubles back. Radiant walks Silver out as Punji followed to make sure nothing happens. Sombra then came from behind and grabs her with his magic. "You think you've outwitted me, but I am a patient stallion, and gypsies don't do well inside stone walls," Sombra said. He then breathes deeply, smelling Flowing Scarf's mane. "What are you doing?" Flowing Scarf demanded as she struggled to break free. "I was just imagining a chain around that beautiful neck." Flowing Scarf broke free from Sombra's magic and took a step back. "I know what you were imagining." "Such a clever witch. So typical of your kind, to twist the truth to cloud the mind with unholy thoughts. Well, no matter." Sombra begins to leave. "You've chosen a magnificent prison, but it is a prison nonetheless. Set one foot outside, and you're mine!" Sombra closed the door with his magic as Flowing Scarf rushed to another door only to find his guards outside. "New orders," the guard said. "Post a guard at every door." Flowing Scarf slammed the door and sat down as Punji came back to her. "One thing, Punji--if that stallion thinks he can keep us here, he's wrong." "Don't act rashly, Miss Scarf," a mare said as she lit the candles with her magic. "You created quite a stir at the fair. It would be unwise to arouse the stallion's anger further." "You saw what he allowed to happen out there, letting the crowd torture that poor boy. I thought if just one person could stand up to him, then..." Flowing Scarf sighed and turned to the mare. "What do they have against people who are different, anyway?" "You can't right all the wrongs in this kingdom by yourself." "No one out there's going to help, that's for sure." "Perhaps there is somepony here who can." The mare leaves Flowing Scarf and Punji as they walked around the cathedral. Flowing Scarf I don't know if you hear me or if you're even there. Will you even listen to this gypsy’s prayer? They say that I am nothing and I might be true Still I wonder, are you too feeling blue Charming Thunder sat at the bell tower upset when he heard a familiar voice coming from below the cathedral. He teleports to investigate. Chorus Help us Celestia, We are in pain Our cries have al- ways gone in vain Help all my people We turn to you Help us Celestia It's all up to you Charming Thunder arrived at the second floor of the cathedral and looks down to see Flowing Scarf and Punji wandering through the cathedral. Background Ponies I want some wealth, I want some fame I want everypony here to know my name. I want true love, and to be blessed I know you'll easily help me and all the rest Flowing Scarf I want nothing I will be fine But I know lots Low on the line Charming Thunder walked down the stairs to get a closer look as he hid behind a pillar. Help all my people They need salvation Never forget Our sad pony nation Help us Celestia Our pony nation Charming Thunder smiled when a pony spotted him. “You!” the pony said. “Unicorn! What are you doing down here!?!” Charming Thunder jumps and knocks over a candle staff which made Flowing Scarf and Punji look up at him and see him running away to the staircase. “Haven't you caused enough trouble already?” Flowing Scarf and Punji then gave chase. “Wait!” Flowing Scarf said. “I want to talk to you.” Charming Thunder came out of the top of the staircase, followed by Flowing Scarf and Punji. The Diamond Dogs watched from above. “Look!” Layla said. “He's got a friend with him.” “Yeah, maybe today wasn't a total loss after all,” Ollie said. “A vision of loveliness,” Scout added. “The one in the dress ain't bad either.” The Diamond Dogs then came to greet Charming Thunder as he entered the room. “Charmy!” “Congratulations!” “Got the girls chasing you already!” “Well actually I---” Charming Thunder said before he was interrupted. “You mustn't run too fast, or she'll get away!” Scout said. “Yes, ah, ah, ah, I know. That's what---” “Give her some slack, then reel her in, then give her some slack, then reel her in, then give her some slack---” Layla bonks Ollie on the head to make him stop talking. “Knock it off, Ollie,” Layla said. “She’s a mare, not a mackerel.” The Diamond Dogs turn back to crystal as Flowing Scarf entered with Punji. “Here you are,” Flowing Scarf said. “We were afraid that we lost ya,” Punji said. “Yes,” Charming Thunder said. “Um, well, I uh, I have chores to do. It was, uh, nice...seeing...you...again.” He then started to run for it again. “No, wait!!” Flowing Scarf said. “Here we go again,” Punji said as he followed Flowing Scarf. “I'm really sorry about this afternoon. I had no idea who you were. I would never in my life had...pulled...you...up on the...stage.” Flowing Scarf examined the room as Charming Thunder hides from her as she admired the crystal model of the Crystal Empire “Woah,” Punji said, amazed. “What is this place?” “This is where I live,” Charming Thunder said. “Did you make all these things yourself?” “Most of them.” “This is beautiful. If I could do this, you wouldn't find me dancing in the streets for coins.” “But you’re a wonderful dancer.” “Well, it keeps bread on the table, anyway.” “What’s this?” Punji asked as he reached for a cloth covering something. “Oh, no, please oh, I'm not finished I still have to color them. Flowing Scarf looked surprised and said, “The blacksmith, and the baker.” Punji looked curiously at the model that looked a lot like the spa and examined it. “You're a surprising person, Charming. Not to mention a lucky pony. All this room to yourself.” “Well, it's not just me. There's the gargoyles, and of course the bells. Would you like to see them?” “Yes, of course. Wouldn't we, Punji?” Punji looked up after she looked at the model of the castle. “Would I ever,” Punji said. “Follow me,” Charming Thunder said. “I'll introduce you.” Flowing Scarf and Punji followed Charming Thunder up into the bell tower. “Never knew there were so many,” Flowing Scarf said, amazed. “That's Little Sophia, and Jean Marie, Ann Marie, and Louise Marie. Triplets, you know.” Flowing Scarf walked up to a bell as big as a dragon. “And who’s this?” “Big Marie.” Flowing Scarf shouted a hello under the bell and the bell echoes. “She likes you. Would you like to see more?” “We’d love to.” “Good. I’ve saved the best for last.” The three then proceeded outside to a beautiful view of the Crystal Empire and the castle. “What a view,” Punji said. “I bet the princess herself doesn’t have a view like this. I could stay up here forever.” “You could you know,” Charming Thunder said. “No, I couldn’t.” “Oh, yes, you have sanctuary.” “But not freedom,” Punji added. “Gypsies don’t do well inside crystal walls,” Flowing Scarf said. “But I heard that they’re….evil,” Charming Thunder said. “Who told you that?” “I heard from this pony named Sombra many times during my stay here. But you’re kind, good, and---” “A gypsy. And maybe Sombra is wrong about me.” The three then looked at over the edge of the cathedral to the ground level. “You helped me. Now, I will help you two.” “But there's no way out. There's soldiers at every door.” “Who said anything about using a door when we have magic?” “Are you saying we climb down?” “Sure. You hold on to him and follow my lead.” Flowing Scarf thought for a moment and nodded. “Okay. Grab on, Punji.” Punji did what Flowing Scarf said and held on tight. They then started to use their magic to teleport on top of each gargoyle. “The trick is not to look down.” Punji looked down then held on tight to Flowing Scarf as he gasped. “Have you done this before with your magic?” Punji asked. “No.” The three continued to teleport until they reached to the top of the slanted roof. “You are quite talented,” Flowing Scarf said. “Thank you---” Charming Thunder was cut off when the tile they're on breaks free and they begin to slide down the roof as if they were on a sled. They're able to jump off their sled just before it goes sailing off into the air. It lands a few blocks away. The guards on the ground hear the crash and go off to investigate. As a guard passes by, the three hid as a part of the statue. When the coast was clear, they sighed with relief. “I hope I didn't scare you.” “Not for an instant.” “I’m not doing this again,” Punji said with a groan. “I’ll never forget you, Flowing Scarf.” “Come with me.” “What?” “To the Court of Miracles. Leave this place.” “Oh, no. I'm never going back out there again. You saw what happened to me today. No. This is where I belong.” “Alright, then I'll come to see you.” “What? Here? But, the soldiers, and Sombra, and---” “I’ll come after sunset.” “At sunset, I ring the evening mass, and after that, I clean some of the bells, and then I ring the vespers, and---” Charming Thunder was interrupted when he was pecked on the cheek by Flowing Scarf. “Whatever’s good for you.” Flowing Scarf levitates a talisman off her neck and gives it to Charming Thunder as she said, “If you ever need sanctuary, this will show you the way.” “But how?” “Just remember: When you wear this woven band, you hold the city in your hand.” “Uh, guys,” Punji said as he pointed to an incoming light from approaching guards. “Hurry!” Charming Thunder said. “You must go!” Flowing Scarf teleports down to the ground and runs off into the dark as Charming Thunder watched with a smile. He then teleports back up to his room and then came face to face with Silver Knight. “Hi there,” Silver greeted. “I'm looking for the gypsy girl. Have you seen her?” Charming Thunder gets very angry at the sight of a guard and takes a swing. “Easy!” “No soldiers! Sanctuary! Get out!” “Wait! All I wanted was to---” “Go!!!” “I mean her no harm.” “GO!!!!” Charming Thunder levitates a torch and begins swinging it at Silver. Silver backs off as Charming Thunder continued to swing. He finally draws his sword and swings, pinning the torch against the wall. Charming Thunder grabs Silver by the chest. “You tell her from me, I didn't mean to trap her here, but it was the only way to save her life. Will you tell her that?” No response from Charming Thunder. “Will you?” “If you go. Now!” “I'll go. Now, will you put me down, please?” Charming Thunder releases Silver and lets him leave. He then turns back to Charming Thunder. “Oh. And one more thing. Tell Flowing Scarf that she is very lucky.” “Why?” “To have a friend like you.” Silver takes his leave as Charming Thunder puts the torch back where it belongs. He then returns to his room as the Diamond Dogs followed from behind. “You ejected that tin-plated baboon with great panache!” Scout said. “The nerve of him,” Ollie said. “Snooping around here trying to steal your mare.” “My mare?” Charming Thunder asked. “Flowing Scarf,” Layla said. “Dark mane, works with a donkey. Remember?” “Boy, I do,” Ollie said. “Way to go, loverboy!” “Loverboy!?!” Charming Thunder said as he had a blush on his face. “Oh, no, no.” “Oh, don't be so modest,” Layla said. “Look. I appreciate what you're all trying to do, but let's not fool ourselves. Most prideful pony in the Crystal Empire. Remember?” He then gazes out of the window with a smile. “I don’t think I’m her type.” Charming Thunder So many times out there I’ve seen a happy pair Of lovers walking in the night They have a sort of glow around them It almost looked like Celestia’s light I knew I’d never know That warm and loving glow Though I might wish with all my might No stars ever shine upon my face As it was bright as Celestia’s light Layla handed a piece of crystal to Charming Thunder as he used his magic to make a model of Flowing Scarf. But suddenly somepony has smiled at me And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright I dare to dream that she might even care for me And as I ring the bells tonight My cold dark home seems so bright I swear it must be Celestia’s light Charming Thunder used his magic to pull a rope to ring the bells after he finished making the model of Flowing Scarf. --------------------- In the bedchamber, Sombra looked out of the window straight towards the castle of the Crystal Empire as he thought of Flowing Scarf. Sombra O Princess Celestia, you know I'm a misguided king and I try to get myself on track O Princess Celestia, you know I try to show them all that the perfect Crystal king is back But tell me Celestia, why I see her standing there why her emerald eyes burn up my soul. She's right there, everywhere I'm caught up in her precious mane it's making me starting to lose control The pain- Oh! Inferno! It brings me so much pain! She's such a fire it's driving me insane! The walls of the room suddenly become silhouettes of the former villains of Equestria as Sombra fell to the ground. It's all my fault! Villains (It's not your fault!) Sombra I can't go on! Villains (You can go on) Sombra It was that Flowing Scarf the mare who sparked the flame! It's all my fault! Villains (It's not your fault) Sombra This was unplanned! Villains (It was unplanned!) Sombra She makes Lord Tirek so much stronger than a mare So help me Celestia! Don't let this gypsy take me down Don't let her make me suffer anymore Destroy Flowing Scarf! And let her go to Tartarus Or else let her be mine for evermore! A knock was heard at the door and a guard entered the room. “Uh, Sombra?” the guard said. “What is it?” Sombra asked. “The gypsy’s gone. She escaped.” “What? Well go find her!” The guard exits the room. “I'll have her even if I have to destroy the Crystal Empire again!” Inferno! The pain-Oh! Flowing Scarf you're to blame! Choose me or the Inferno! Love me or you will pay!!!!! Celestia save her Villains (Please save her) Sombra Celestia save me Villains (Celestia save him) Sombra That mare will love me or she will die!!!