//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Story of Radiant and Sombra // Story: Equestria Wars Episode XVI: The Crystal Princess // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// Charming Thunder read a book of the legend of the temple constructed to honor Sombra as he walked through the Frozen North. Time then stopped as he looked up and looked back to see that Sombra, Starlight, and Radiant are frozen in time. He then turned back to see the spirit of Valkorion looking at him. "The Crystal Empire," he said as Charming Thunder walked up to him. "Your father once clung that kingdom ever since he became dark. It was meant to be your home as well. Before Celestia and Luna took you in." "Are you getting sentimental?" Charming Thunder asked. "You cannot imagine what I could have done better than your father and your brother. This Radiant Hope character seems to know everything about the crystal princess more than anyone. She may be the tool of going through this temple." Valkorion vanished as time began to resume. Charming Thunder looked around as Sombra and the others approached. "You alright?" Sombra asked. "You look spooked," Radiant added. "I'm fine," Charming Thunder lied. "I thought I saw a wampa wandering around here." "Perhaps we should setup camp here for the night," Starlight suggested. "There's a storm about to come and we don't want to get caught by it." The others nodded as they dropped their saddlebags and took out what they needed to setup a tent so they can get warm. --------------------- After camp was set up, Charming Thunder and the others sat inside a large tent as the snow storm kicked in. The lantern sat in the middle of the tent to keep them warm as they setup some sleeping bags. Charming Thunder then sat on his sleeping bag and turned to Radiant, who was still setting up her saddle bag. "So how did you know my father?" Charming Thunder asked. "He is my closest friend since we were kids at the Crystal Temple," Radiant explained. "He was once teased by other foals ever since he was young before I became friends with him." Radiant sat down on her sleeping bag and continued. "Master Starswirl lets me train with him everyday before the Discord Wars." Radiant then made a sad expression. "But when it comes to the Crystal Fair every year, he suffered severe aches." "So what happened?" "She healed me before my body crumbled to pieces," Sombra said as he sat down. "Sounds terrifying," Starlight said. "Thank Celestia for healing magic." "He was relieved in the end," Radiant continued. "That was the moment I got my cutie mark." "Wow," Charming Thunder said; surprised. "I am impressed. Did you know my mother then?" "Yes. She was the co-ruler of the Crystal Empire before Amore." "How do you know Amore? Who was she?" "Me and Sombra met her when we were foals. When we came to see the Crystal heart, we saw visions of our future." "I didn't know the Crystal Heart can show visions of the future!!!" "Me neither." "What did you see?" Starlight asked. "I saw myself as a princess." "So what happened between you two when my father turned to the dark side?" "When Celestia and Luna recognized my magical talents and invited me to study in Canterlot, I wanted to tell your father after you were born, but for some reason he ran away into the frozen wastes. When he returned, he...changed." Tears began to drop from her eyes. "He stole the Crystal Heart, turned Princess Amore to a crystal statue, and then shattered the statue to pieces. I had no choice but inform Celestia and Luna." "That was when they defeated my father and banished him, but not before he--" "Placed a curse on the Crystal Empire," Sombra finished. "Yeah." "You cared for Sombra, did you?" Charming Thunder asked. "I loved him like he was a brother to me," Radiant said. Charming Thunder got up and walked up to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. She looked up to Charming Thunder as she wiped her tears away. "I redeemed my father back to the light years later during the Lunar Wars. He sacrificed himself to save me from Chrysalis and was then revived by my brother; Danny." Radiant smiled. "I'm glad you did. I thought I'd never see him again." Radiant then turned to hug Sombra tight. "I missed you too, Radiant," Sombra said. --------------------- Mephiles watched a dragon like robot attack some training droids. It breathed fire as more droids came out. The training ended when the dragon transformed into a cybertronian robot. There was then a flash as he reverted back into Midnight Predator. Mephiles walked up to him and asked, "What do you feel?" Midnight then looked at the scorched droids. "I feel nothing..." Midnight replied. "Nothing?" "Hate for their weaknesses. Disgust for their failings. And pride for rising above them." "Then you are ready. My spies tell me that Charming Thunder is in the Frozen North near the Crystal Empire. For some reasons I don't know. But what matters is that Charming Thunder is the target. Kill him, and we will destroy the Equestrian Empire and then rule all of Equestria." "Yes, Mephiles." "When the moment arrives, show no weakness. Are you ready, Midnight Predator?" "Yes. I was made for this." --------------------- Charming Thunder slept in his sleeping bag before he heard a voice coming from his saddlebag. He got up and used his magic to levitate out his medallion and put it on. "Charming, there is a presence of another bearer," the voice of Primus said. "What does the pony bear?" "The Predacons; a race of ancient Cybertronian beasts. They were once lead by the Predaking. They are savage and draconic in form and were once among the mightiest beings on Cybertron. I only ask you to use the medallion's power to defeat the bearer of the Predacons and be careful." "Thanks for the warning, Primus. Keep me updated." The glow on the medallion faded as Charming Thunder stepped out of the tent to see that the storm has died down in the morning. He then noticed Valkorion standing next to him. "Don't be so surprised," Valkorion said. "Wherever you go, I go. We are indivisible now." "At first, I thought I was still dreaming." "I assure you, I am real, as is my intent to see you flourish. We can only revive the crystal princess if we work together." "I don't buy for one moment that you are on my side and still with my brother when he was Cyber." "Were the roles reversed, perhaps I would be skeptical as well. But what if I could prove my sincerity? Would you rather see me as a nemesis or open your eyes to see the truth? Starlight may think that she doesn't trust me, but I assure you that I am your aid for this journey to the temple." Charming Thunder rolled his eyes. "You think that a simple medallion will help you defeat this new menace that threatens you and the land of Equestria? Think again." Valkorion vanished as Charming Thunder went back inside the tent.