//------------------------------// // New Empire // Story: Aggressively Small // by ShowShine //------------------------------// Twilight rushed around the library, grabbing notecards and quills, stuffing them into her bag. “Do you think I need my notes from magic kindergarten? Of course I need my notes from magic kindergarten!” Twilight exclaimed, not letting Spike answer her question. Spike touched her leg, causing her to freeze. “Twilight you need to calm down, it’s just a little test.” Spike said. Twilight looked at him with wide eyes. “JUST A LITTLE TEST?!” Twilight exclaimed, making Spike jump and cover his ears. Twilights ears flattened. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little stressed about this.” She apologized. Spike cocked an eyebrow. “A little?” He said. Twilight let out a sigh. “Fine a lot. What if I fail the test and Princess Celestias sends me back to Canterlot?” Twilight asked. Spike rubbed her foreleg softly. “We both know she would never do anything like that. And you’ve never failed a test in your life!” Spike said. Twilight smiled. “Thanks Spike, that really helped. Do have your things packed?” Twilight asked. Spike nodded his head and slung his backpack of his shoulder. Spike let out a whistle. “Peewee come here!” Spike exclaimed. Peewee hopped down the stairs. With each hop he flapped his wings, only getting into the air for a few seconds. After he got to the bottom, he ran over to Spike. He was almost up to Spikes hand and could keep up with him while he was walking. Spike scratched Peewees head lightly. “You’ll be able to fly soon.” Spike said with a smile. Twilight opened the door and they all made there way to the train station, on there way to Canterlot. Twilight, Spike, and Peewee walked into the throne room to meet Princess Celestia. Celestia turned around with a serious look. “You wanted to see me? To give me a test? I brought my own quills and plenty of paper to show my work.” Twilight said, taking off her overloaded bag. As the bag dropped to the floor, papers flew out of the sides. Celestia kept a stern face. “This is a different kind of test. The Crystal Empire has returned.” Celestia said. Twilights ears flattened. “The Crystal Empire? I'm sorry, I-I thought I'd studied. Ooh. I don't think there's anything in any of my books th–” Twilight started, but got cut off by Celestia, who was levitating a purple crystal. She placed it I front of Twilight. “There wouldn't be. Few remember it ever existed at all. Even my knowledge of the Empire is limited.” Celestia said, shining her magic onto the crystal. The crystal laid out a hologram of what appeared to be the Crystal Empire. “But what I do know is that it contains a powerful magic. One thousand years ago, King Sombra, a unicorn whose heart was black as night, took over the Crystal Empire.” Celestia said, letting her horn glow black and purple. The scenery changed, and jagged crystals poked out of the ground. A black unicorn with an strangely shaped, red horn stood on a balcony, telling everyone what do to. Spike assumed that was King Sombra. “He was ultimately overthrown, turned to shadow, and banished to the ice of the arctic north.” Celestia showed two silhouettes that seemed to be her and Luna banishing Sombra. “But not before he was able to put a curse upon the Empire. A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air.” She said, causing the crystal to suck up the hologram. She levitated the crystal. “If the Empire is filled with hope and love, those things are reflected across all of Equestria.” The crystal glowed, shining a bright, beautiful rainbow. Twilight and Spike smiled. “If hatred and fear take hold... Which is why I need your help finding a way to protect it.” The crystal glowed black, and a shadow casted over them. Black crystals shot out of the ground, causing Twilight and Peewee to jump back. Spike reached his hand out to eat on of the crystals, but Celestia chimed in. “I recommended you don’t eat those, they can make you very sick.” Celestia said. Spike frowned and put his hand down. Celestia turned back to Twilight. “You want me to help protect an entire empire?” Twilight asked. “It is, as I said, a different kind of test. But one I'm certain you will pass.” Celestia said, putting the crystal back in it’s case. Twilight looked down nervously before looking back up. “How do I begin?” Twilight asked confidently. Celestia smiled. “By joining Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire.” Celestia said. Twilight smiled. “My brother is there?” She asked, as if the Princess didn’t just say that five seconds ago. “He is. And your Ponyville friends will join you there as well. I have every confidence you will succeed. And when you do, I'll know you are ready to move on to the next level of your studies.” Celestia said, levitating Twilights bag back on her back as walking her out the door. Twilight smiled and turned around to look at Luna. Her ears flattened at the princesses mighty gaze. “But what if I fail?” Twilight asked. “You won’t.” Celestia responded. “But what if-“ Twilight got cut off by Celestia putting her hoof on her chest. “You won't. But Twilight, in the end, it must be you and you alone who ultimately assists Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protect the Empire. Do you understand?” Celestia said. Twilight nodded her head. “Then go. There is no time to lose.” Celestia said. Twilight started to leave the castle and Spike followed close behind. Before they left, Spike turned around a stuck his tongue out at Luna. Luna put her hoof on her chest and let out an over dramatic gasp. Spike smiled and walked down the stairs, Peewee hopping close behind. Now it was time to start art the test. The main six and Spike sat on the train on there way to the Crystal Empire. Peewee was curled up into a ball on Spike lap. “So let me get this straight, the Crystal Empire is a an Empire that disappeared for a thousand years and is corrupted by Kinf Sombra?” Applejack asked. Spike bit his tongue, holding back a sarcastic comment. Twilight nodded her head. “Yes, and the Princess sent us to fix it.” Twilight said. The train came to a steady halt as they arrived to the Crystal Empire. Everyone exited the train to meet the cold air. “And you made fun of me for packing so many scarves!” Rarity exclaimed with a laugh, revealing at least ten suitcases filled with scarves. They all shielded there faces from the bitter cold. “Twilight!” A stallions voice called out. Twilight squinted to see a unicorn with a scarf and goggles approaching them. “Shining Armor?” Twilight asked. He walked onto the train platform and took off his goggles. Twilight hugged him. Shining Armor put his goggles on. “Twily! You made it! We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark.” Shining Armor said, leading them to the Crystal Empire. Spike shivered as he walked through the blistering cold. He could feel himself getting weaker with every step. Being cold blooded was not good in the situation. Peewee rubbed up against his leg to give him warmth. Spike scooped Peewee up into his arms and let the warmth wash over him. It wasn’t enough to keep him completely warm, but it gave him a little energy to keep going. They had been walking in the bitter snow for a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity. “Something keeps trying to get in! We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place!” Shining Armor shouted through the wind. “But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected!” Twilight responded back. A loud howl came from around them, making Fluttershy squeak. “Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!” Shining Armor shouted. A large black cloud appeared behind them. A face appeared. It was Sombra. His face was large and almost black and his eyes were green with black pupils and purple smoke coming out of the side. He had large fangs and a wicked grin on his face. For some reason, Spike couldn’t find himself to move. He stared at Sombra as he got closer. It felt oddly calming and not scary at all. It reminded him of something but he didn’t know what. Peewee hopped out of Spikes arms and tugged on his tail, trying to get him to move. Twilight levitated Spike and Peewee onto her back and continued to run behind Shining Armor. In the distance, the saw a large glowing dome. “Almost there!” Shining Armor said. He turned around as everyone kept running. He shot a beam of magic at Sombra, only for it to be reflected back at him. They all ran into the dome to reveal a spring like environment. Everyone collasped on the ground, catching there breaths. “Everypony okay?” Twilight asked while catching her breath. Everyone nodded there heads, trying to catch there breaths. Shining Armor stumbled inside and collapsed on his chest, breathing heavily. Spike hopped off of Twilights back, letting her run over to him, helping him up. “Shining Armor your horn!” Twilight exclaimed. The top of his horn had small black crystals on it. He tried to use his magic but it stopped once it reached the crystals. Pinkie pie gasped when she saw the empire. “Sparkleriffic!” She exclaimed. Everyone looked in amazement. Everything was shiny and made out of crystals. In the middle, there was a large castle. They all started to walked towards the castle. They all walked into the throne room to reveal Cadance sitting on the throne. Her horn was glowing and she looked very tired. “Cadance!” Twilight exclaimed. Cadance smiled and ran towards her. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They said while doing there little dance. They both let out laughs and hugged each other. “One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn'thanging in the balance.” Cadance said. She let out a groan and her horn flickered, causing the bubble around the empire to fade for a few seconds. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked. “Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.” Shining Armor explained. Cadance sighed. “It's alright Shining Armor, I'm fine.” She reassured. Shining Armor shook his head. “She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade... Well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen.” He said with concern lacing his voice. “That’s why we’re here.” Twilight said with a smile. That’s why we’re all here.” Applejack said walking next to Twilight. All of her friends followed. Everyone nodded there heads. “Well, with Cadance putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies.” Shining Armor said. Rarity gasped. “CRYSTAL PONIES? There are crystal ponies!” Rarity said with a giggle. Everybody stared at her, which made her clear her throat. “Um, ahem. Please continue.” Rarity said. Spike didn’t listen to the rest, lost in his own thoughts. ”I could probably get some information from the crystal ponies. They’ve been here for a thousand years, they should know something.” Spike thought to himself. He drummed his fingers on his leg, causing Peewee to look at him. Spike slowly backed out of the room and Peewee followed him. Once they made it into the hallway, he started to speed up. Time to go investigate. Spike knocked on someone’s front door. The door opened, revealing a blue mare with a purple mane. Her mane was flat and she had heavy bags under her eyes. She looked very tired and stressed. “Hello, I’m here for a school project, may I ask you some questions?” Spike asked, putting on his most chipper voice. “Sure, go ahead.” The mare said. She sounded tired too. “What’s it like living in the Crystal Empire?” Spike asked. “I’m sorry, but I can’t remember.” She said. Spike tilted his head. “You don’t remember anything at all? No special memories?” Spike asked. The mare shook her head. “I'm sorry. I wish I could help you. But I... can't seem to remember anything before King Sombra came to power. And I don't want to remember anything about the time he ruled over us.” The mare said before shutting her door. Spike gave Peewee a concerned look. “It looks like they’re under some spell. It’ll be no use checking the others, they might be under the same spell.” Spike said. He hopped off of the porch. “There needs to be some type of history. Like some documents or a...” Spike trailed off when he walked in front of a large building. He beamed. “A library!” Spike exclaimed. He went inside with Peewee following him. Spike gasped at what he saw. The library was huge. It was bigger than the library in the Canterlot Castle. Everything was so shiny. “Ahem. May I help you?” A voice said. Spike turned around to see a old mare. “Do you have any history books?” Spike asked. The mare smiled. “Yes. Of course. History, history... Ah, yes.” She said. Spike smiled. After a few seconds of silence he tilted his head. “Do you mind telling me where it is?” Spike asked. The mare frowned. “I... I can't seem to remember. I'm not sure I actually work here.” The mare said. Spike sighed. “It’s fine, I’ll find it myself. Let’s go Peewee, it can’t be that hard.” Spike held his head in his hands with books scattered around him. “How could I have not have found anything.” Spike said. Peewee hopped over with a book in his beak, dragging on the ground. Spike took the book from his beak. “History of the Crystal Empire” Spike read out loud. He smiled. “This is actually helpful!” Spike exclaimed happily. He flipped through the book. “A 'Crystal Faire'. According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Faire was held every year to "renew the spirit of love and unity in the empire so they could protect it from harm!” Spike said happily. “I need to tell the others!” Spike exclaimed. He ran out of the library with Peewee running behind him. Spike showed Twilight the book eagerly while bouncing up and down. Twilight smiled. “This might actually work!” Twilight exclaimed. “Fluttershy, you get some animals for the petting zoo.” Twilight said. Fluttershy smiled and flew out of the window. “Rainbow dash, you’re in charge of jousting.” She said. Rainbow dash saluted and sped out he window. “Rarity, you can make the flags and Applejack, find some crystal berries.” Twilight ordered. They both nodded there heads and ran out the door. “And Pinkie, go find some flugelhorns, there have to be some around.” Pinkie pie smiled and hopped out of existence. “What do you need me to go Twilight?” Spike asked. Twilight levitated a large block of blue topaz. “At the end of the book said something about the crystal heart. We’re going to carve one for the festival.” Twilight said while handing him an ice pic. Spike smiled. He loved working with sharp objects. Time to get to work. “It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done this without you! One last check to make sure everything is in place, and then the festivities can begin!” Twilight said while looking at the festival. It looked just like it did in the book! Ponies started to join the festival. A few ponies smiled and quickly turned into crystal and played some games. “Spike, let’s go back to the castle, I know you don’t like crowds.” Twilight said. She looked at Spike who looked at the fair excitedly. Peewee laid on his head. “You know what, you can stay here and have fun.” Twilight said. Spike grinned at her and ran towards the fair. He walked towards the food tent. “Howdy Spike, what can I get for you?” Applejack asked. “Crystal berries please.” Spike said. Applejack handed him a small tray of crystal berries. He stood to the side of the food tent and started to eat. He heard a conversation between two ponies. “I can’t believe they got the real crystal heart!” The stallion exclaimed. “Once our spirits are lifted the empire can be protected from the king! I can’t believe they found it, I thought King Sombra hid it forever.” The mare said happily. Spikes eyes widened. “The real crystal heart?” Spike muttered to himself. “I have to tell Twilight.” Spike said before running to the castle. Spike ran up onto to the balcony where Shining Armor, Cadance, and Twilight stood, watching over the fair. “TWILIGHT WE NEED THE REAL CRYSTAL HEART!” Spike exclaimed. Twilight turned around. “What?” Twilight asked. “Apparently we need the real crystal heart to protect the Crystal Empire.” Spike explained. Twilights eyes widened and she flipped through the book. She let out a gasp. “There’s a page ripped out! How did I not notice?!” Twilight exclaimed. Cadance smiled weakly and her legs shook. “It's alright, Twilight.” Cadance said. Her eyes rolled back and she collasped. Shining Armor caught her. Her horn flickered and the bubble surrounding the empire disappeared. Cold air surrounded the empire and a loud growl echoed around them. Sombra was coming.