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// Villain Choice 
// Story: Amore Fati – A Ponyville Ciderfest App Story 
// by Alsey 
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Amore stared at the page, at the power it held.

She knew it was wrong of her to entertain such thoughts… Maybe she had been right. Maybe whatever Sombra had done to her, it had affected more than just her body.

Because right then, she could see her way to reclaim her crown, to take back what was rightfully hers.

First Sombra taking advantage of her kindness, now the Equestrians annexing her Empire in her absence? How convenient that the Royal Sisters never attempted to free Amore from her curse! Those she thought her allies, her friends, happy to have her out of the picture!

No, no – she couldn’t draw such hasty conclusions, there had to be more to this story… But why take more risks?

Back then she had insisted on confronting Sombra alone. Wanted to offer him a choice, let him choose his destiny because it was what she herself believed in, but Fate wouldn’t have it. Now she had the power to force Fate to go her way, and she wouldn’t take any chances anymore!

The princess summoned a quill.

“W– wait, what are you doing?!” the young kirin blurted out – not that Amore paid her any attention.

The moment the nib left the paper, the ground started to shake, and through the layer of snow lances of dark pink crystal erupted. The newly-formed constructs took the shape of armored ponies, and the legion of crystalline automatons stood in tight formation around their princess – they would only answer to her will.

Looking at her soldiers, Amore noticed that the kirin had fled at some point. A shame, she thought as she folded the page and tucked it into her mane, I could’ve used the company.

Princess Amore turned in the direction she knew her Crystal Heart to be, even if their link was tenuous. She’d take it back from any usurper, be they umbrum or alicorn! The Empire might enter a period of turmoil and strife as she worked to reclaim it, potentially leaving the door open for other villains, but she had made her choice.

You don't make an Empire without breaking a few crystals, after all…