//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: My Little Pony: Lights and Shadows - Part III // by OmegaTale //------------------------------//                 Normally when ponies looked out the window from the train, they looked ahead, hoping to spot their destination.  The anticipation, the excitement of seeing anything from a city to a castle was difficult to resist.  The railways had opened up Equestria to be roamed by most anypony, and so being anxious while looking ahead on the tracks was nothing short of typical behavior.                 Shadow was turned in the opposite direction, facing south as the Friendship Express continued north.  He thought that maybe he could go back and visit, if only for a short while, but even this hope was dashed at the urgency of the catastrophe he witnessed.  If there was even the slightest chance Stormclaw could take advantage of his distance from the Crystal Heart… he could never allow that to happen.  The black dragon’s motives were a mystery to him, but he didn’t need to know.  Even if it meant never seeing Ponyville again… to prevent that future, he would never return.                 Starfall sat down across from him, tracking the shadow pony’s gaze to the south before returning his gaze back to him.  “You never know, Shadow.” He said in hopes of lifting his friend’s spirits.  “Maybe becoming a crystal pony will erase the darkness from you completely.  Maybe you’ll be able to come home after all.”                 With a shake of his head, Shadow kept his gaze drawn to the south.  “It’s never that easy,” He said softly.  “And I won’t be taking any more chances with the safety of my friends.”                 “Your friends want to see you happy,” Starfall replied.  “To us, it’s worth the risk to-”                 Shadow turned to the pegasus rather suddenly.  “I won’t let this part of me hurt my friends anymore…” He paused, blinking a few times.  “I couldn’t stop him… I couldn’t stop Stormclaw, so he attacked Twilight, and because of that… because of me… you were-”                 “That wasn’t your fault, Shadow.” Starfall interrupted him, leaning forward.  “None of this is your fault, you tried to protect everypony from him.  I chose to lay down my life for Twilight; that was my decision.  You are not to blame for any of this.”                 Shadow lowered his head.  “I am to blame for all of it…” He took a breath, lifting his gaze to meet the royal guard’s.  “But now I have a chance to make it all right again.  I am going to stay in the Crystal Empire forever, and I am going to ensure that this force inside of me is never again awakened.”                 Starfall sighed, pausing for a moment or so before continuing.  “I’m gonna miss having you around, you know?”                 Shadow managed a smile.  “Just make sure you come and visit.”                 The pegasus nudged him with his hoof.  “Just try and stop me.”                 Shadow chuckled, looking out the window again.  Just as he did, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came running down the aisle and hopped up onto the seat beside him.  “You ready for your big day, Shadow?” Apple Bloom asked.                 “You must be super excited!” Scootaloo added.  “I know I would be!”                 Starfall was a little surprised at their enthusiasm.  “Aren’t you girls going to miss Shadow since he has to move out of Ponyville?”                 “Well, we were really bummed out at first.” Scootaloo said, fluttering her little wings.                 “But then we realized that since he’s moving to the Crystal Empire, he can start a new branch of the Cutie Mark Crusaders there!” Sweetie Belle chimed in.                 Apple Bloom nodded.  “We’re mighty sad he has to go, but it won’t do us no good sittin’ around mopin’ bout it, right?”  She hugged Shadow, followed in suite by her fellow crusaders.  “You’re gonna make tons of friends!  And we’ll get to come visit you all the time!”                 Shadow smiled and hugged them back.  “Cutie Mark Crusaders forever.”                 All three fillies then echoed him in unison.  “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FOREVER!”                 Twilight watched as the fillies and Shadow laughed together, sighing as a smile crossed her face as well.  Shadow had been given a very nice send-away party the night before, most everypony in Ponyville showed up to wish him well.  It warmed her heart to see the amount of friendships Shadow had made in the short time he lived there.                 Moon Frost opened the door to the train cart, stepping inside and closing it behind her.  She took notice to the CMCs with Starfall and Shadow and chuckled to herself.  She then saw Twilight sitting alone and walked over her way.                 “Is this seat taken?” She asked, leaning her head forward a bit.                 Twilight shook her head.  “Not at all.”  The princess waited until the black-furred pegasus sat down beside her, then looked over at her and smiled.  “I was surprised you accepted the invitation to come to the festival; I had thought you weren’t a fan of big crowds.”                 “I’m not,” Moon replied, her wings shuffling about on her back.  “But I thought Shadow could use the support, I know how much he loved living in Ponyville.”                 “That’s very kind of you.” The princess said softly, turning to look at the shadow pony as he entertained the three fillies.  “He really is a great pony… I hope he’ll be happy in the Crystal Empire.”                 Moon looked to him as well.  “From what I’ve been able to gather about him, he’ll do just fine, especially with everypony visiting him as much as they’ve been saying.”                 “Look everypony!” Rainbow called out, at the front of the train cart.  “We’re here!”                 As the Friendship Express crested a hill, the towering castle of the Crystal Empire came into view.  Several of the passengers moved to the windows as they drew closer.  The path leading to the empire from the station was lined with decorations and smiling ponies.                 Shadow turned his gaze from south to north, his gaze falling upon the castle once again.  The train slowed to a halt as it entered the station, arriving at the platform.  Starfall and the crusaders were already at the door when the shadow pony turned away to look.  Standing from his seat, he slowly walked to the door as well, soon accompanied at his side by Fluttershy.                 The doors opened and everypony trotted out onto the platform.  A group of crystal guards awaited them in a welcoming formation, Sunburst trotting up from in between them.  “Welcome back!” He said, first meeting with Twilight, who smiled in return.                 “So glad to be back,” The princess replied, looking to the guards.  “It’s been a while since I’ve been met at the station by a host of guards.”                 Sunburst lifted his hoof to her and her friends.  “Princess Cadence wanted me to escort you to the castle personally.”                 Applejack chuckled to herself.  “Well, best not keep her waitin’.”                 As everypony stepped into the space in between the guards, the crystal ponies turned and matched the ponies’ pace as they stepped off from the platform and onto the path leading to the empire.  Passing underneath the crystal arch, Pinkie could hardly keep her excitement contained.                 “This is going to be EPIC!” she said in a giddy voice, hopping up and down.                 Rainbow did a flip in the air.  “You said it, Pinks!”                 Starlight, however, eyed the guards, looking to Sunburst with a kind of curiosity.  Picking up her pace, she caught up with him.  “Were this many guards necessary?”                 Sunburst glanced back at the others to be sure they were not listening before replying, “Shining Armor wanted to be sure you all got within range of the Crystal Heart’s power in case you-know-who showed up.”                 Looking around at the open fields around them, the plains surrounding the empire, Starlight grimaced.  “Don’t you think it would be kinda risky for him to attack us somewhere so open?”                 “Can’t be too careful, Starlight,” He said, nodding to her.  “I think you know that.”                 Soon after, the group of ponies entered the city limits of the empire.  All of the crystal ponies had gone to work cleaning every inch of every road, and making everything shine for the festival.  Banners and decorative ribbons lined the lamp posts and street corners, making for quite the festive atmosphere.  Vendor stalls had been set up all along the main roads as a number of ponies had come from far and wide to witness the celebration for themselves.                 The spirits of the crystal ponies had to have been lifted high, the empire hadn’t shined this bright since the Equestria Games.  Trumpets sounded as the princess’ escort reached the castle.  More guards stood at attention, again, in more of a welcoming way, probably to keep suspicion to a minimum about the rise in security.                 Everypony made their way up and into the castle, to the throne room where Cadence and Shining Armor awaited their honored guests.                 “There she is, my favorite little sister!” Shining Armor said, prancing over to them.                 Twilight chuckled at hearing that.  “Your favorite?  I’m your only sister.”                 Shining hugged her, smiling.  “I know, but that means you’re also my favorite.”                 Cadence stepped down the stairs to them, immediately looking to Shadow.  “It’s an honor to have you join us, Shadow.  We wanted to bring you here so that we could make sure you are prepared for your Crystalling.”                 Shadow, having already felt the darkness inside him disappear once again, felt much more light-hearted than before.  “Twilight told me all about what I’ll need, I feel ready.”                 Shining smirked.  “So, who will you have as your Honor Guard?”                 Turning around to his friends all behind him, Shadow’s gaze fell upon the only guard he truly trusted.  “Starfall?” he asked, confident that he need not say more.                 Starfall replied with a wide smile.  “It would be my pleasure.”                 “How about your Crystaller?” Cadence asked, happy that Shadow was already on point with what he needed.                 Shadow paused, taking a moment to himself.  “This one was a bit harder to decide…” He then looked to the pony by Starfall’s side.  “Twilight?  Would you be my Crystaller?”                 Twilight, having almost certainly thought Shadow would pick Fluttershy, was left shocked for a moment, but quickly recovered.  “Of course I will, Shadow, it would be an honor.”                 Rarity knew exactly what came next, so she blurted out, “And last but not least… your Purity Crystal!  I have just the right selec-”                 “My apologies, Rarity,” Cadence said, interrupting the unicorn.  “But Shining Armor and I did the liberty of finding the perfect Purity Crystal for Shadow.”  Shining Armor used his magic to levitate a crystal from a pedestal near the throne over to them.  “We wanted only the best for you, Shadow, and so we made sure to find the finest crystal in the whole empire.”                 The Purity Crystal was gorgeous, as they all surely were.  It caught the light of the throne room and seemed to almost glow from within.  Shadow felt almost drawn to it, it captured his attention so harmoniously.                 Sunburst himself was impressed by it, adjusting his glasses.  “I’ve never seen one so… vibrant before.  Wherever did you find one like that, princess?”                 Cadence had on a very prideful expression.  “Shining Armor and a hoof-full of our finest guards went out searching for the perfect crystal.  One of those guards found it within the ice at the base of the Crystal Mountains, it was among a number of others, but it stood out brilliantly, shining as it does now.”                 “It’s perfect.” Shadow said looking at it, his eyes gleaming.                 Shining Armor chuckled, placing it back on the pedestal.  “Well now, seems everything is already in order.  We would like the ceremony to take place in a few hours, is that alright with you, Shadow?”                 He took a deep breath, nodding after.  “Sounds great, I would like to have a walk around before it becomes official.  You know, to enjoy the festivities.”                 “We thought you might.” Cadence answered with a smile.  “Please, go and enjoy yourself, this is your big day.”  Shadow bowed his head to the princess, rejoining his friends.  Everypony turned and began chatting as they walked out from the chamber. Sombra looked upon the Crystal Empire, no real expression conquering him.  At rest, his face was still quite intimidating.  Although the dark aura didn’t spiral off from his eyes, he had a certain sphere of influence that just induced fear. He had discarded his helmet, the one which crowned around his horn.  His armor was gone as well, leaving his dark gray fur open on his chest and legs.  In replace of his red cape, he had dawned a deep purple one instead, one still with the fluffed, white up lining.  Without his helmet to hide them, his ears stood straight up on his head, and his mane was freed, occasionally lifted by the gentle breeze. Looking down at the ground where the crystal arch was, he hesitated.  Reaching his hoof forward, he took one step through it, and this time, there was no barrier blocking his path.  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  How long had it been now?  Since he stepped hoof in the empire freely as opposed to being barred from it?  Over a thousand years, he presumed. “Did you ever believe this day would come?” Celestia asked, standing just behind him. Opening his eyes, they shifted to the side, his head not turning.  They moved to face forward again before he replied, “What day would that be?” Celestia stepped up beside him.  “The day you would be allowed to return home.” Sombra huffed.  “You know not how cruel of a thing you just said to me.” He replied, earning him the princess’ gaze.  “If you mean return to the place in which I was raised and destined to rule, then yes.  Only now I am returning as a once banished prince who knows he will never be permitted to come without you or your sister here to watch over me like some child.” “You have been permitted to return,” Celestia said calmly, facing forward once again.  “That should be honor enough for you, and you should be thankful Cadence was merciful enough to allow it after everything that has happened.” The dark unicorn’s gaze lowered a bit, but was soon to rise again.  “So… do you believe I am deceiving you?  That I am only doing this to take the Crystal Heart once more?” Celestia shook her head.  “No, I do not believe that.” Sombra then finally looked over at her.  “And why is that?” The princess met his gaze with her own.  “Because, this time, you would lose me forever.” “Fair point.” He replied, facing forward again.  “Let us see if the crystal ponies remember me after all this time.”  He began to walk the path towards the empire, Celestia staying back for another moment before trailing him. Luna walked to her side.  “Are you sure we can trust him, sister?” “Yes, I am.” Celestia said without a hint of doubt in her voice.  “Remember all of the good that came from reforming Discord, dear sister.  Sombra could be a great ally.” Luna grimaced.  “You seem to be forgetting he is a master of manipulation.” Celestia glanced over at her.  “Trust me, Luna.  That is all I must ask of you.” Luna faced forward, watching the unicorn lord as he continued on.  The very way he walked commanded the attention of those around him, very regal and proud, his hooves lifted up slightly higher than most ponies would.  The three of them were due to have a conversation with Cadence and Shining Armor.  Though the festival granted them all a reprieve from the search, they still had much to discuss regarding the black dragon and the changeling queen. After having taken the time to walk around a bit, the group of friends split up to better explore the festival.  Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity headed towards the busy market road.  Starlight and Sunburst walked off together to catch up since they hadn’t seen one another in a while.  Spike and Pinkie ran off to find out what fun events the crystal ponies were hosting.  Starfall and Rainbow headed towards the stadium, the same one that held the Equestria Games relay that she won Silver in.  Moon stayed returned to the castle to explore it, and Twilight and Shadow walked off together. Rainbow was very excited to bring Starfall to the stadium so that they could get a few races in at the site of the last Equestria Games.  Starfall had left Twilight’s side at her request, the princess wanted the chance to speak with Shadow one-on-one before his Crystalling Ceremony.  That, and Starfall also wanted to try and stretch his wings out since he’s still been holding off from his injuries. “Don’t worry much,” Rainbow scoffed.  “I’ll give you about 20% of my maximum effort.  That ought to be enough for you, right?” “Ha-ha, very funny.” Starfall laughed sarcastically.  “I’m sore, not crippled, don’t you go holding back on me or I might just embarrass you at the site of the Equestria Games, silver medal.” Rainbow laughed out loud.  “Yeah right!  The only embarrassing moment that could come out of this for me is whooping your sorry tail while you’re hurt and feeling bad for you.” Starfall hopped over in front of her and spread his wings with his legs bent in a challenging stance.  “Oh, you are so on.” “Bring it, Blitz!” Rainbow barked, copying the royal guard’s stance with a more than determined smirk. The two pegasi made their way into the stadium where there were only a hoof-full of ponies walking around.  Without delay, they glided down to the race track and began stretching out their wings.  Rainbow had been itching to have her racing partner back in the air with her.  Thunderlane was the only local flier in Ponyville that even came close to Starfall’s competitive flying, and so this was a big pick-up moment for her. After a minute or so of stretching, Rainbow glanced over at him, her “challenge accepted” expression on her face.  “You ready to see what getting the silver medal feels like?” Starfall got into position, his wings spread and ready.  “Go ahead and keep talking tough, Rainbow.” The both of them lowered themselves closer to the ground, eyes squinting as they concentrated.  Rainbow then said, “Ready… set…!” “Starry!” cried out a voice from behind them. Half-mistaking it for Rainbow’s “Go!” Starfall beat his wings to start flying, but failed to raise his hooves from the shock of hearing the new voice.  This caused him to bolt straight into the ground while Rainbow just started busting up laughing. Starfall was quick to stand, about to turn around and protest the false start, but the sight of his sister silenced him.  Auraglow galloped up to him and hugged him almost immediately after her turned to her.  The impact pushed him back a little, and he let out a huff from the embrace, but he then chuckled and hugged her back.  “Hey sis.” She then separated from him and smacked him with her hoof.  “Don’t you “hey sis” me!” She scolded him, her joy keeping her far from sounding angry.  “You just had to go be a hero and make me worry sick about you, huh?” Starfall shook his head, smiling at his sister.  “Everypony keeps telling me that I fulfilled my role as a royal guard by sacrificing myself for Twilight… but in that moment, I didn’t save her because she was my princess.  I saved her because she was my friend.” Auraglow let out a sharp breath and she hugged him again.  “Next time just throw a rock or something.”  Starfall chuckled, holding her once again. Rainbow thought about that for a second, tilting her head.  “Wait a sec… could that have actually worked?” Starfall scoffed.  “Sweet Celestia, I hope not.” Spike huffed and puffed, leaning over with his claws on his knees.  “Hold up… Pinkie…” “Come on, Spike!” The pink mare chortled, hopping up and down as she darted all over the road to the stalls and carts put on display.  “We still got lots and lots of games to play!” The baby dragon took a deep breath to try and catch it best he could.  “I’m… *gasp* coming, be right there…” Applejack spotted him, exhausted and trying to keep up with the pink menace.  She trotted over and patted him on the back.  “Hold up there, sugar cube.  You should know better than to try and keep up with Pinkie at this here festival.” “Yes, quite.” Rarity added, stepping up beside them.  “Trying to match Miss Pie’s festive spirit would be more challenging than making a matching attire for Discord.” The ground beneath them shifted around into an impromptu silhouette of a draconequus through the cracks in the crystals. “Did somepony say Discord?” Rarity half-shrieked for a moment, stomping at the silhouette with her one hoof.  “Must you keep popping up out of nowhere like that?” The crystals fragmented further, making the image of a door appear.  The draconequus grabbed the handle and opened it, simultaneously making a door open out of thin air next to them all.  Discord stepped through it, his silhouette disappearing from the crystals below.  “Why now Rarity, what fun would it be if I didn’t make my amazing entrances?” “Discord!” Fluttershy said happily, trotting over to them.  “You made it!” Discord bowed to her humbly.  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, my dear Fluttershy.” Applejack eyed him suspiciously, her eye brow raised.  “Yeah?  Just so you could watch Shadow finally move out of Ponyville?” Discord gasped, dramatically leaning backwards as he covered his mouth, as if shocked.  “Such accusations!” He harped, standing up straight once again and crossing his arms while closing his eyes.  “I would never do something so heartless!”  Just as he said this, a pole-like nose grew out from his face a few inches.  Opening his eyes, he flinched and pulled the growing nose back into his face, chuckling a bit while staring off into space.  His chuckle slowed and then he scowled, crossing his arms again.  “Oh come on, that was hilarious and you know it.” Rarity and Applejack glanced at one another, shrugging as they had no idea what he was talking about.  Pinkie hopped up onto Discord’s back out of nowhere, waving in that same direction as if there was somepony to wave at. Fluttershy giggled at her friends’ behavior, often forgetting that Pinkie and Discord shared many more things in common than most ponies know.  “Pinkie?  Spike?  Were you two able to find anything particularly fun to do while we’re here?” “Oh boy, did we?!” Pinkie exclaimed, jumping off from Discord and cartwheeling on the ground.  “They’ve got games and cake and balloons and cake!” Spike looked at the crazy mare.  “Uh… Pinkie?  You said cake twice.” Pinkie rubbed her stomach and shivered in delight.  “I like cake…” Applejack let out a light laugh.  “Well then, lead the way Pinkie Pie.” Twilight and Shadow walked down one of the roads, crystal ponies everywhere waving to them and smiling.  The princess and the shadow pony waved and smiled back, enjoying the lifted spirits of everypony. “How are you feeling?” Twilight asked him. Shadow nodded, looking over at her.  “Better… being here is making me see things more clearly.” Twilight tilted her head.  “What do you mean?” “Well…” He replied, looking around them at all of the colorful buildings and crystals.  “Maybe it was this force inside me, or maybe it was just my nerves… but I became afraid that I would become distant from you and the girls.” “Shadow…” Twilight said softly. Shadow looked back to her.  “But I’m not afraid anymore.  It’s not like we’ll never see each other again, the times we do see one another will just be all the more special now.” Twilight smiled.  “And don’t you worry, I for one plan on visiting you quite often.” He smiled back.  “I could never ask for anything more.” As the two of them walked on, a thought bobbed about in Twilight’s head.  She was too curious not to bring it up.  “You know,” She said, recapturing Shadow’s gaze.  “I found it rather surprising that you asked me to be your Crystaller and not Fluttershy.” There was a visible reaction, the shadow pony looking away for a moment.  “I thought about asking her… but I wasn’t sure whether or not she would appreciate taking part in the ceremony that takes me away from Ponyville…” Twilight could see it immediately, from the look in his eyes to the way he answered her.  “You mean, away from her.”  Shadow looked back at the princess rather suddenly, but Twilight was awaiting him with a calming smile.  “It’s okay, Shadow… I know.” The shadow pony blushed, looking away again.  “How long?” “The carriage ride to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight replied.  “Fluttershy told us how much she cares about you… and ever since, I have seen the sparks that fly between you two.” Shadow was both embarrassed and relieved that somepony else finally knew.  “Does… does anypony else know?” Twilight shook her head.  “I don’t think so, maybe Starlight, she was with us in the carriage that night.” “She offered to move here with me.” Shadow said quietly. It took Twilight a moment to process that, her mouth dropping open just a little.  “She did…?” Shadow nodded.  “Don’t worry, I talked her out of it.” Although she was relieved at hearing one of her best friends wasn’t moving away, Twilight looked at him, confused.  “But why?  Wouldn’t you want her to come with you?” “She belongs in Ponyville, with all of her friends.” Shadow responded, it was plain to tell this was difficult for him to say.  “I did want to say yes… but Ponyville is her home.  You and the girls need her, and I wasn’t about to agree to letting her come away with me and leave all of you.” “But Shadow-” Twilight began to say. “It’s alright, Twilight.” He said, cutting her off with a smile.  “It’s like you said; I’m not losing any of you.  Although we may be far apart, we will always be friends.” Twilight smiled wide at hearing him say that.  “You really are a great pony, Shadow.” Shadow blushed a little.  “Well… I did learn from the Princess of Friendship herself.” Twilight stopped on the road, making Shadow stop as well.  She bowed her head to him.  “I learned from you just as much as you learned from me.”  Shadow bowed his head in reply. “Twilight, Shadow,” Stygian said, trotting up to them the moment he spotted them.  “There you are, Starswirl and I have been looking all over for you.” Starswirl walked to his side, the two of them reaching the princess and the shadow pony.  “The Crystal Empire is as lively as ever.” He said, glancing around.  “I had heard it was gone nearly for as long as we were.” Twilight’s face lit up upon seeing them.  “I didn’t know you two were attending the festival too.” Stygian smirked.  “But of course, what better place to meet up with all the pillars?” “The rest of the Ancient Pillars are here too?” The princess asked, excited to see them again. “Are they with you?  Where are they?” Starswirl stroked his beard.  “When last Stygian and I saw them, they were searching for your friends, the elements that closely resemble them.  Seems they got along quite well last time.” Shadow looked back and forth between the two unicorns.  “You said you were looking for us?” “Quite right,” Stygian replied.  “We came across Starlight and Sunburst over near the castle, Starswirl and I thought we could all get something to eat before the ceremony begins.” “That sounds wonderful,” Twilight said, nodding to them.  “Let’s go find our friends and bring them with us, it’s been too long since we were all together again.” Rainbow, Starfall, and Auraglow found their way to the marketplace where they met up with Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, and Discord.  They had been walking around the empire for a good hour now, having enjoyed what sights there were to see.  On their way back to the castle, they happened upon another group of ponies. “Meadowbrook!” Fluttershy exclaimed. The earth pony turned and smiled when she saw the pegasus calling to her.  “Fluttershy!” Both parties took notice to one another and were quick to meet at the center of the road just west of the castle.  It had been months since they had all met, ever since the pillars ventured out to explore the world they had been missing. Fluttershy and Meadowbrook, Rarity and Mistmane, Rainbow and Flash Magnus, Applejack and Rockhoof, and Pinkie and Somnambula.  They hugged one another, talked all at once about what they’ve seen since last they met, and where they’ve been.  Starfall, Spike, Auraglow, and Discord kinda lingered along the outside of the encounter, but were met with the same warm reception by the pillars. “Flash Magnus, this is Starfall Blitz.” Rainbow said, introducing them.  “You didn’t meet last time because Starfall had been searching for Zecora after we discovered she had gone missing.” Starfall was quick to shake Flash’s hoof.  “It’s an honor, Flash Magnus, I grew up hearing about the tales of you and the dragons.” Flash chuckled.  “Yeah, I’ve been hearing that a lot.  You’re Princess Twilight’s royal guard, right?”  Starfall nodded in reply.  “Well then, I guess you’ll have a legend or two about yourself in the ages to come.” Rockhoof ruffled up Spike’s head.  “Great to see you again, lad.” His voice was as deep and strong as ever. Spike was thrilled to ask the giant earth pony some questions.  “Did you ever make it back to your home island?” Rockhoof nodded.  “I was sad to see it reduced to ruin, but I am glad my people found their way to safety in my absence.” Discord remembered the pillars vaguely.  It had been a long time and he recalled having very few encounters with them.  The only one who would remember anything specific about him would probably be the old bearded one himself who, of course, was the only one not there. “Heads up!” came a voice from above. Discord instead turned around and was quick to detach his head just in time to dodge a griffon who came soaring down from the sky and landing down on the crystal below. “Gilda!” Rainbow said, galloping to her.  “This day just keeps getting better!” The griffon and pegasus connected with a talon-hoof bump.  “When Rainbow Dash invites me to a festival, I am so there!” She replied, then gesturing behind her with a nod of her head.  “Even ran into a few friends of yours on the way over.” Ember and Thorax descended down to the ground, making Spike hop up into the air and run over to them.  “You guys made it!”  All three of them hugged, despite the blue dragon still feeling just a bit off about it. “Ponies and their hugs…” Ember scoffed, hugging them back anyway. “Looks like everypony is here.” Starfall chuckled. “Speak for yourself, pony.” Garble budded in, descending down shortly afterwards.  He glanced around and laughed lightly.  “It’s like all you ponies do is party.” Flash Magnus had to take a moment to remember that dragons weren’t like what they were back then, seeing Garble reminded him a few close encounters he had in the past. The red dragon glanced around at all of them, eyes eventually falling upon Rarity, who was discreetly looking his way as well.  She swished her mane to the side, her eyes closing as she took up an elegant posture.  “Hello.” Garble huffed, crossing his arms.  “Hey.” He said bluntly. Mistmane looked back and forth between the two of them.  “I take it you two know each other?” “Vaguely.” Rarity managed to say.  At this, Garble huffed again, turning from the two of them. “Starswirl and Stygian mentioned meeting us all at the Crystal Heart.” Somnambula told them, pointing towards the castle. “Perhaps we can all meet up before the festivities go full swing.” Meadowbrook suggested. Now that they were one big group, they all began walking back towards the castle, smiling and laughing as they shared stories about their travels and everything they’ve seen. Fortunately, Sombra reached the castle without any real problems with the crystal ponies.  His change of attire was much different than his previous look, but it didn’t stop ponies from recognizing him.  They had all been told that he was coming back as a guest, and there was a slight panic then, but they handled it rather well it seemed. Sombra was still avoided.  Ponies parted from his path upon seeing him, and the fear was still very much present in their eyes, but all in all, everything could have been a lot worse.  The unicorn himself didn’t react beyond an occasional turn of his head to look at them, but even then, he did and said nothing as he went. He and the two princesses escorting him reached the castle, where Cadence and Shining Armor awaited them.  Stepping inside the throne room, Sombra felt the memories flood him of the last time he was there.  It felt like it was so long ago, and yet not quite 1000 years.  Everything was so different now… and the chamber itself was so bright.  He hadn’t gotten the chance to see it when last he came, so he was just now realizing it was the very same it had been before his dark rise to power. “Lord Sombra…” Cadence said, still feeling ill at ease at saying it. Sombra nodded.  “Princess.”  He then looked to Shining Armor, who continued to watch him with a certain level of skepticism.  “Prince.” Shining managed to keep himself from seeming too defensive.  “I certainly hope you met no resistance from the crystal ponies.” Sombra shook his head.  “Resistance isn’t quite their specialty.” Luna shot him a glare for saying that, but Celestia lifted her hoof to her sister’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her.  It was far less of a dark thing to say than would be expected from him had he not changed to their side. “Thank you for agreeing to this, Cadence.” Celestia told her.  “I truly believe this alliance will help benefit not only the Crystal Empire, but all of Equestria.” Cadence looked to Sombra, as if examining him.  “May I ask, Sombra, why you have had such a massive change of heart since last you returned to the empire?  Joining us to fight a common enemy does not require such a passive change.  So, why have you changed?” The unicorn lord remained silent for a moment, looking back at Celestia and pausing for another few.  “Because I was mistaken, tricked into believing I had to become what I am.” He turned back to Cadence.  “And because I have a different desire now.” “And what desire is that?” Shining asked. Celestia stepped up to Sombra’s side.  “We can speak of that later, right now there is something else that I must tell you all.” The urgency in how she spoke captured the attention of not only Cadence and Shining, but of Luna as well.  “Sister…” Luna said, earning a gaze from the other princess.  “Are you sure…?” Celestia nodded, turning back to the rulers of the empire.  “With Sombra at our side, it is only a matter of time before we find the outlaws which continue to hide from us.  Knowing this… it is time Luna and I told you all the truth.” Not expecting anything like this, Sombra looked to the princesses as well, sharing a similar expression to that of Cadence and Shining.  Luna took a deep breath, walking up to Celestia’s side.  “This secret has been in our family for thousands of years… and has been kept by a number of others over the many ages that have passed.  To include Starswirl…” “And Dragon Lord Torch of the Dragon Lands.” Celestia proclaimed.  A silence fell upon the throne room as the secret of the Royal Sisters was finally to be heard.  “The black dragon called Stormclaw, his real name is Arkane.  He is no normal dragon… he is our distant relative.” “WHAT?!” Shining Armor was blown away by this, as was his wife. “How… how is that even possible?!” Cadence managed to ask. “Somewhere, far back in our lineage,” Luna continued for her sister.  “One of our ancestors must have crossed with a dragon.  How exactly this came to happen, we do not know, but the power he possesses has traces of alicorn magic.” Sombra looked to Celestia, confused beyond all measure.  “I don’t understand… how could you know this?” Celestia took a deep breath.  “Long ago, before you or I ever met, Luna and I kept minimal contact with the dragons through the Dragon Lord of that time.  We were told about a dragon who possessed a kind of pony magic, which had never been seen before.  We met with that dragon and discovered that magic was in fact alicorn magic.” Shining was deep in thought, which led to a question.  “How could you know it was your family?  Even if a dragon had somehow come to cross with an alicorn at some point, why must it be your ancestors?” Luna looked to Celestia, knowing she had to be the one that explained it.  Celestia looked around at the three ponies learning this history.  “We did not know it was our ancestors until just a few months ago.”  This earned the chamber a new silence as she was able to explain.  “I ascended the Mountain of Equestria and discovered ruins at its peak.  Among those ruins was the spirit of a pony who guided me to the Etherus Diamond, the relic you all saw Arkane use against us at the Grand Galloping Gala.  It was there that I was met by another, Starswirl.  He had been called there by that same spirit to tell me the truth… that Luna and I are the descendants of the first alicorn, Etherus.” There was another deathly silence as everypony who just now learned this tried to understand what she was saying.  Cadence was the first to piece it all together.  “Are you saying… Stormclaw is…” Celestia nodded.  “Arkane is also the descendant of Etherus.” The door to the throne room opened, a royal guard stepping inside.  “Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor, we have secured the empire and are ready for the ceremony to begin.”