Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow were all in the library doing their own thing. Tirek was bench-pressing, Chrysalis was reading in peace, and Cozy was practicing magic.
"Ever think we should go on a trip?" Cozy asks, after dimming her horn's glow.
"We've already been on a trip..." Tirek groaned, lifting the heavy weight.
"Being banished to another planet does not count," Cozy pointed out. "Neither does going on our own separate trips for amends. I mean a real trip, with no other intentions aside from having fun."
"It's too bad we don't have an exact plan," said Chrysalis, her eyes still focused on her book. "I mean, unless a plan comes to us, we're pretty much going to have to sit down and-"
The library doors opened, cutting Chrysalis off. Leo stepped inside, holding something.
"What's that?" Cozy asked.
"It flew in the window..." Leo explained, holding something that looked like a giant. snowflake. "I've seen this before on my television. When Twilight's niece was born, she received this from the Crystal Empire."
"So... a crystal pony was born or something?" Cozy asks.
"Doubtful. Though I'm not entirely sure if they always send mail like this, or if it's for important things only. I received it, but when it unfolded, I folded it back up so we could all see it. Is that fine?"
"You can read it to us from there," Chrysalis assures.
"Alright, then..." Leo opened the snowflake. "Let's see...
'Dear Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Cozy Glow, and their stallion alicorn friend,'
"Could have just said 'to whomever receives this letter..." Tirek murmurs, no longer lifting the weight.
"Let him continue," Chrysalis says.
"'Your deeds of saving Equestria has caught my attention.'" Leo continued. "'Although I was only an infant when you, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy, all roamed free, I have heard of your misdeeds many times. And for you, the alicorn... I've heard your name was Leo... I have not heard of you, but I have been made aware from Princess Twilight that you've lived in a world far from ours. I request that you meet up with me, as I have been intrigued by you four. For the three that were once villainous, I want to see you three to see how different you are from what I've heard. Leo, I also request your presence, as I have interest in your former kind.
I expect to see you four at 3:30 in the afternoon. If you have any plans, notify the guards waiting outside and I'll see if there can be a better day.
Best Regards,
Princess Flurry Heart.'"
"Flurry Heart wants to see us?" Cozy wonders out loud.
"Flurry Heart knows I'm human?!" exclaimed Leo.
"She has guards waiting outside?" Chrysalis brought up.
"Well... what should we do?" Tirek asks.
"I think we should go," Leo explains. "I mean, we're not busy. And besides, she did request that we meet up if we have no plans."
"I second that," Cozy agrees.
"Well?" Chrysalis questions Tirek.
Tirek gave her a smug smile.
"And you said you didn't know how long it would be until we leave... oh, and I think we should go."
"That makes four of us then," Chrysalis confirms, ignoring Tirek's reminder.
"Should we pack?" Leo queries while Cozy, Chrysalis, and Tirek leave their spots and advance closer to him.
"I don't think we'll spend the night. We might return when Twilight raises the moon," Cozy shrugs.
And so our four characters left the library, with Chrysalis closing the large doors behind them.
...
Intro...
...
"Hmmm..." Grogar murmured, watching everything unfold in his Crystal Ball. Both King Sombra and The Storm King were doing their own thing, as Grogar usually does the thinking unless he says otherwise.
Grogar heard the faint sound of metal clinking on the floor. He lifted his head and looked to the direction where the sound was coming from. Not even a minute later, King Sombra walked into the room.
"Have you still thought of anything?" he asked with a bored expression.
"I've thought of nothing yet!" Grogar growled. "Although we have a plan on how to take Equestria as ours, I want to wait! I want to know when would be a good time to take what we need for our plan... without failure! I want to know when we can attempt conquest... without failure! I want to take my time, because at this point, one misstep will result in failure!"
"I guess that's true..." Sombra shrugged. "What are they doing now, anyway?"
"They're going to go to the Crystal Empire."
"The Crystal Empire?" King Sombra began to express interest.
"Ah, yes. That place will be one of your go-to places when we take Equestria as ours. You've wanted to take it over for a long time..."
Sombra rubbed his chin in thought.
"You know..." he began. "I know that it will take some time before we can attack... but maybe I could at least pay the Empire a quick visit... and claim what we need for our goal along the way?"
Although Sombra hated to admit it, he wasn't lying... he learned very well what would happen if he went out on his own and left Grogar on his own. And when he was defeated half a month ago at the hoofs of Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, his focus was lowered due to the belief of success... another reason he lost multiple times in the past.
"Your intentions seem true..." Grogar muttered. "Very well. Before you go, we'll put you in disguise as a photographer for obvious reasons. We'll change your colors too to keep yourself more concealed. We'll get right to work. If we hurry, you should be able to board their train..."
Train station... thirty minutes later...
The team of four stood at the train station. They were alone.
"You know, it's nice how there aren't much ponies here," Leo said. "Less crowds."
"I like it too," Chrysalis admits. "I know many ponies and creatures have forgiven us, but I always get a few suspicious glares."
"It's not the most satisfying thing, I admit," Tirek agreed.
"Well, here's hoping Flurry Heart's not one of those ponies, right?" Cozy nervously chuckled.
"You all worry too much," said Leo. "Flurry Heart will love having you three here. I mean, I don't know what she's like as an adult, but still."
"We'll probably find out soon once this train shows up..." Tirek muttered.
Unbeknownst to anyone, a small mass of black cloud slithered behind the train station, before materializing into a physical form, a dark violet pony with a black mane. He had photographer gear on, including a camera hanging in front of his barrel. He looked at his body and growled, before taking a deep breath.
"Just take it easy, Sombra..." he quietly muttered. You'll only need too be like this until you get what is needed... and remember the plan. I take photos for each of them, follow them to the Empire, and then get them to take a photo with the princess when I get the chance. When they group together, I'll simply pluck a strand of hair from each of them... and when all is said and done, the Crystal Empire will finally be mine!"
He stepped out from behind the wall separating him from his enemies.
He stood a yard and a half away from them, making no eye contact. He wasn't sure if they knew he was there and didn't care, or were so focused on each other that they didn't notice him.
He decided to go for it.
*Ahem...* he loudly cleared his throat, earning the attention of all four of his rivals. "I don't mean to interrupt, but... aren't you the four that saved Equestria?"
"They did," Leo explained. "I just... paved the way."
"Well, I hope you don't mind, but I need to get some pictures of you four."
"Pictures?" questioned Cozy. "What for?"
"Um... it's for... a thing at a school!" Sombra lied. "A hall of fame off the best heroes to set an example for Equestria. The school has really needed your photos for a while now."
"Which school?" Tirek asked.
The questions were starting to annoy King Sombra, but he hid his feelings very well.
"Its... Vanhoover."
The four exchanged glances, before they, including Sombra, heard a train whistle.
"There's the train," said Chrysalis.
"Wait!" Sombra held his hoof out. "Just quick individual pictures?"
"Can't we be-" Cozy started.
"Before you ask, you can't be together!" Sombra quickly interrupted, as the train stopped. "They have to be solo!"
Everyone turned their heads and watched the doors open. A pony stepped out.
"ALL ABOARD!!!" he yells.
"Alright, let's be quick then," Tirek instructed. "I'll go first."
Tirek stepped forward and Sombra took a photo. When that was taken care of, Tirek turned and entered the train, giving a few bits to the pony standing outside the door. As for Sombra, he took the physical photo that printed out the front slot, and held it aside.
"Who's next?" Sombra queried.
"I'll do it," Chrysalis said, stepping to where Tirek stood. Sombra took a photo, and Chrysalis went to the train, paying the pony as she entered. Sombra again took the picture out the slot once it printed.
"Can I go next?" Cozy asked.
"Sure," Sombra nods with a fake smile. "Step forward."
Cozy stepped forward and the same routine happened.
"I guess that leaves you," Sombra said to Leo.
"Yeah," Leo nods.
"Alright..." Sombra lifts the camera. "Smile."
Leo smiled, and Sombra took the photo.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it," Sombra replied. "I'll need to come with you."
"What for?"
"I'll need some photos of the Crystal Empire. I've never been there and I want to remember the occasion."
"Well..." Leo briefly thought about what to say, before he shrugged. "Alright. What's your name?"
Sombra had to think. He didn't want to avoid the subject, because it would seem suspicious, so he had no choice but to think quick.
"It's... Bright Lens!"
He hoped it went through.
"Not a bad name..." the alicorn stallion nods. He nudges his head to the train. "Come on."
He, along with Sombra, went over to the train. Leo placed the bits on the conductor pony's hoof and entered. Sombra went forward, before the conductor shot out his hoof, blocking him.
"Uh-oh..." he muttered. Grogar didn't give me bits!
"Bright?" Leo turned. "You can't get in?"
"Do you have any extra bits?" Sombra asked.
"Yes, but I usually don't give money to ponies I just met."
Sombra growled.
"That's fine!" he said, getting back into character. "I have some at home! Besides, I can always wait to pay a visit to the Empire."
"You sure?" Leo questions.
Sombra nods.
"Alright. Good luck."
The conductor entered the train and closed the doors. All Sombra could do was watch his enemies in the window, before the train finally moved. Sombra waited until it was out of site, before he lit his horn.
"It will take more than some silly currency to stop me!!!" he hissed, before he materialized into a cloud and went after the train.
...
...
The train pulled into the Crystal Empire train station. As Leo, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy all stepped out, the latter three were all mesmerized at what they saw. Although Leo wasn't as taken, he seemed happy.
"I've never been here before!" Cozy beamed. "This is beautiful."
Tirek stopped and looked at the ground, seeing his reflection.
"And shiny. Didn't expect that."
"Well, it is a Crystal Empire," Leo said.
Meanwhile, far off in the distance, a black cloud of smoke resumed dashing along the tracks. When it landed in an out of sight spot behind the train, it materialized back into Sombra (in his disguised form).
"This may not be going as I planned..." he quietly murmured. "But thanks to Grogar casting a very complex spell, I have the opportunity to transform into another disguise. As long as I finish my tasks in 21 hours, I'll be fine!"
Black mist swirled around Sombra, before any trace of his physical body vanished. It swirled smoothly, before it dissipated. In its place stood a new pony, with a cyan coat and a red mane.
"It's convenient on more ponies enter the train at this station..." he grinned. "And it's also convenient on how my hiding spot is closer to the back!"
Very quickly, Sombra galloped to the back of the train, and quickly reduced to a walking pace once he got around the back. If anypony asked, he would say he was just exploring.
He scanned the area for the four friends, before he saw them a few blocks away.
King Sombra smiled, before he began to walk in a fast pace.
Leo
If I was told two months ago that I'd be meeting Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire with a reformed trio of villains, I'd say they were crazy.
There were many tourists, and I could make out crystal ponies as well.
"I feel out of place here..." Tirek muttered.
"Don't worry about it," assured Chrysalis. "I mean, look at all the griffons and changelings here."
"While I'm a big centaur with giant red arms and black fur?"
"Anything can happen," Chrysalis responds.
I heard a face-paced trotting sound get closer.
"Excuse me?" a voice said. "You four."
The four of us stopped and turned around, only to see a cyan pony with a red mane. The camera was evidence that he was a photographer.
"Hi," he greets. "I've been touring around the Empire for a story, and I was maybe hoping I could get some pictures."
"Um..." the four of us looked at each other.
"What time is it?" Cozy asks.
I check my phone.
"3:20," I respond.
"We have time, then," Chrysalis answers to the pony. "We've had our photos taken earlier today, but we don't mind."
"Perfect!" the photographer lifted his camera. "I just need a picture of one the whole group."
"Alright, sure," Tirek shrugs.
"Perfect!" the photographer smiles.
He lifts his camera.
Sombra...
Everything was going according to plan. Once King Sombra got his photos and sent them on their way, he'd follow them and hide, before plucking a strand of hair from each of their tails. Then he'd duck for cover. And if anypony seemed suspicious, just like his plan for last time, he;d come up with an excuse. This time he'd say that he was looking for something he lost.
King Sombra lifted the camera, but instead of taking a photo of the group, he zoomed in on the stallion alicorn. It was obvious they didn't notice.
He zoomed in, but then...
"Hey, are those guards coming for us?"
When Cozy pointed a hoof, her friends, the ponies and creatures around them, and even Sombra turned their gazes to the guards descending down to them. They landed near the four friends.
"Are you the four Princess Flurry Heart requested?" one of them asked.
"Yep! That's us!" Leo nods.
"She's been expecting you," the other said. "Right this way!"
The guards began walking in a direction, and the four followed. Sombra then slowly walked behind the four. He didn't really care if the guards noticed him or not. He needed to get those strands of hair and that photo!
Sombra followed them until he felt sure there weren't much ponies or creatures around or watching him. Then, he slowly lit his horn, and kept his focus. The changeling and centaur were walking behind the younger ponies, slightly obstructing them. However, there was a gap big enough for him to get a good glimpse of the alicorns.
He targeted his grip. They weren't close enough, but he was going to try and receive what he needed without getting caught being suspicious.
He focused. He made sure that he could feel each grip of his magic holding a strand.
He pulled. And the reactions his four victims had all happened at the same time.
"Ah!" Chrysalis yelped.
"Eep!" Cozy slightly leaped.
"What the-" Tirek muttered.
"What happened?" Leo asked, after he yelped and slightly jumped. "I just felt a prick on my head.
"Me too..." Cozy muttered loudly.
"Same," Chrysalis admitted.
"I felt it from my back," spoke Tirek.
Sombra stopped and scanned the area around his front view. He still felt his magic grip, he just had to directly see what he got quickly.
Sombra immediately saw four small dots that were the color of his disguised magic aura, and he brought them close to him. He could identify the color of the hair strands and fur strand, and he slipped them in his satchel.
"One last thing to go..." Sombra muttered to himself.
He picked up the pace.
"It's lucky how I'm not noti-"
He saw Chrysalis look behind her, before whispering to Tirek.
Sombra was fast enough to quickly snap another photo when Tirek turned his head. He wasn't with any of his foes for long, but he knew there were smart. He just hoped that the power of friendship made them more gullible.
He snapped a few unneeded photos of the area before he turned his head back. His targets were still walking with the guards... and they were farther than he thought!
He started to continue following them, this time putting on more of an act. Looking around, looking amazed, and snapping photos. Every once in a while, he'd look back.
Soon, they all finally reached the castle. While everyone stopped, Sombra came closer.
He saw the guards part.
Leo...
The guards escorting us parted, but we didn't see the princess. Instead, there were four more guards, but the two middle ones stood closer.
"Is she... here?" Chrysalis asked.
"Indeed, I am..." a voice said. I heard the sounds of hoofsteps, and I turned my head. More guards landed on the ground around us, surrounding us and the six other guards.
"What's going on?" Cozy whispered.
The four guards parted, and a mare I recognized stepped forward with what looked to be a serious expression. I recognized this mare... the mane, and the color of her coat were all giveaways that this was Flurry Heart... all grown up. She had some silver regalia on.
"Chrysalis... Tirek... Cozy Glow... and the one they call 'Leo'..."
We all had no idea where this was going. Was she one of those against our freedom? Did she have a grudge?
What she did next gave our answer. Her mouth curved into an excited smile.
"Welcome to the Empire!" she chirped happily with excitement.
And we all felt more calm.
...
...
"So... how long have you been interested in meeting us?" Tirek asked.
"I've actually been interested in meeting you four for a while," said Flurry Heart. "I just didn't know when would be the right time, and I was just very busy. Being a Princess isn't a piece of cake, after all."
While they conversed, Sombra was finally close enough.
"A whole circle of guards won't stop me..." he muttered. "But there's so many eyes... no... Sombra, you are a King! You take risks..."
Sombra moved to the side a bit, very carefully. He could easily be seen by some of the guards. he had to seem natural. He looked to the side and took a photo. He also waved to some of the crystal ponies that were nearby, as much as he hated it. He hid behind a spot where the guards had a lesser chance of seeing him. He lifted his camera... Leo was in a perfect shot! He zoomed in, and...
"Hey," a voice said behind him. "Are you a photographer?"
Sombra turned his head behind him. He saw two crystal ponies, whom he assumed were a couple.
"Yes!" Sombra said. "And I'm very busy."
"Taking pictures of... them?" the female pony said.
"I want a picture of them for my scrapbook... and also..." he turned his head. Something rang in his mind... one of his biggest goals that he had set were completely overlooked. He turned his head. Right next to the group shone the Crystal Heart.
"The Crystal Heart..." he whispered.
"That?" the stallion pony pointed to the heart.
"Yes, I've... wanted a photo for my scrapbook... hey, why did you approach me, anyway?"
"Well, we've wondered why you're taking photos like you're a spy?" the mare said.
"Oh, that? I've... um... I just act like that. No big deal."
He turned his head, and he saw his enemies being escorted.
"Oh, would you look at the time?" Sombra quickly said. "I've gotta go!"
He turned to run, but as he began to run, he suddenly lost balance and fell. His camera smashed on the ground.
"AGH! NO!!!" he shrieked.
"Oh no!" the stallion exclaimed, both of them coming over to Sombra. "Are you alright?"
"I just smashed my camera!" he hissed. "I can't complete my goals!"
"Well, that's fine," the mare assured. "Tell you what... you can come with us and we get a new camera."
"No thanks..." Sombra growled, turning and stomping. "I have most of what I need..."
"Are you sure?" the stallion asked. "We insist."
Sombra looked left. Then he looked right. Any ponies and creatures around were to busy frolicking to notice what he was going to do. He then looked at where the enemies were going. They were making a turn, and so they wouldn't notice him either.
He gazed at the couple sharply, his eyes glowing green with rage. The ponies in front of suddenly looked more dull, and their eyes were green.
"Return home..." he growled. "Go to bed! When you wake up, you will be out of your trance and you won't remember any of this! Oh, and don't let anyone see your eyes. I don't know how you'll do it, just do it!"
The two ponies turned and left.
"Grogar won't be too happy... but we've made progress..."
He looked at the crystal heart.
"Soon, you'll be mine..."
Later...
"This place is great!" I admired while we all sat in the throne room. "Thank you again for inviting us."
"No problem!" Flurry smiled. "It's nice having visitors."
"I do wonder though..." Cozy started. "Last I remember, weren't you only a foal twenty years ago? Did your parents decide to pass the throne early to you or something?"
Flurry's smiling face suddenly seemed more feigned.
"Heh... um... you see..." she stammered. "It's complicated. I don't... want to talk much about it."
Chrysalis and Tirek exchanged worried glances.
"Um... changing the subject..." Flurry nervously chuckled, her smile now seeming a bit more real. "Leo and Cozy... how skilled are you in your magical abilities?"
"We're still a work in progress in magic, but it's going good," Cozy explained.
"Any complicated spells?" Flurry asked.
"Well, Cozy did shrink us once..." I gave her a glare.
"We're fine now, aren't we?"
"Learning complicated spells is a hard task, isn't it?" Flurry asked. "But you'll get the hang of it. It took me a while to learn this spell..."
Flurry Heart lit her horn, the yellow glow illuminating. It suddenly shifted into a pink color. I expected something to happen, mainly a love spell, but nothing happened. Instead, her horn soon dimmed.
"Um... what was... that?" Tirek asked.
"Love scanner," answered Flurry. "It detects beings who have... you know... a crush on each other. And I just detected two beings who have feelings for each other."
"Who is it?" Cozy asked, giving a sly look at Chrysalis.
I looked at Chrysalis, and then Tirek. Both of them looked like they were thinking Oh no... at the same time.
Flurry lifted a hoof. "Those two."
We all looked, and saw two guards, both stallions, looking at the Princess with wide eyes. They then looked at each other, and then looked back at the Princess with red cheeks.
"A-anyone else?" Chrysalis asks.
"It can detect more than one set of crushes, but I'm still working on that. I've actually still been... heh...still working on the spell."
"You got lucky..." I heard Cozy mumble.
Train Station... the next morning.
"Do you promise you'll come back?" Flurry asked us as we stood in front of the train.
"Of course," Chrysalis responds.
"We'll happily come back anytime," Tirek states.
"Thanks again for the invite," Cozy says, before turning and going into the train.
"Anytime. I hope we meet soon," I heard Flurry say as I turned and entered the train. I heard Chrysalis and Tirek follow me.
We all sat down in a spot. Once we sat down, the doors closed since we were the last ones in. Cozy and I turned and looked out the window as the train began moving. Flurry Heart waved goodbye, and we shared the gesture.
Grogar...
"Well, it's about time..." Grogar growled as King Sombra entered the lair. "You should have been back here yesterday!!!"
"What? A king can't get a break and plot on his own?" Sombra replied. "I didn't get everything.
"You what?!?!" Grogar hissed.
"Relax. It's only one picture," Sombra opened his satchel, took out a brown strand of hair, and stepped forward... before he tripped. His magical grip faded around the air and took the strand away.
Grogar snatched the satchel.
"Do you ever pay attention?" he snapped.
"I've paid attention very well until I've been put in a spot where I work and don't lead!"
"Put up that tone again and it's back to the aether!" Grogar threatened. He looked in the satchel. "Well... because you lost that strand of hair presumably from that stallion alicorn, we have nothing from him. Luckily, we have everything we need for the other three."
"Should we start with them?"
"No," Grogar shook his head. "I want to wait. That alicorn got lucky before..."
Grogar looked in his crystal ball, showing all of his enemies sitting together in a train.
"...but he won't escape. Neither will Twilight Sparkle. Neither will their friends. Neither will Equestria."