//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Fall of the Crystal Empire // by Blaster Master //------------------------------// Chapter 2 “Thank you again for inviting us to visit, Luzra,” Celestia said, as the two rulers casually strolled through one of the palace’s many halls, “It’s good to get away from all the work once and a while.” “It’s always a pleasure to see you, Tia. You and Luna. Though tell me, does something ail thee?” “Well… It’s just all the pressure, sometimes. Everything’s so different; Luna and I used to be regular Unicorns once, not so long ago. Now we’re the monarchs of an entire nation. There’s so much responsibility.” “You’ve only been Alicorns for, what? A few decades?” Luzra asked. Celestia nodded, “Aging differently is strange too.” “It is, in the beginning. Strange, and even a little sad; but we must look to the things we have. Our loved ones, whatever happens, are here now. And our subjects are here now.” Luzra stopped, looking at some of the crystal windows, colored and crafted to depict great events in the Empire’s history. Many featured the king himself. “I’ve ruled the Crystal Empire for centuries. The things I’ve seen and the things I’ve done in all my time are sometimes beyond imagining: wars, monsters, miracles, and legends. But I have always had my people at heart, regardless of the cost. It’s a trait I see in you, Celestia.” The princess could only give a small smile of embarrassment at the monarch’s compliment. “I cannot see into the future, by any means,” Luzra commented, “But I can see you becoming a great leader. You have a good heart, Tia.” King Luzra was a pony Celestia found herself looking up to. His wisdom and compassion were commendable, and despite knowing full well that he was a happily married stallion with a foal of his own, Celestia couldn’t find help but find she had fallen in love him. Being an Alicorn did not raise the princess above her baser wants. *** “The night is beautiful; you are truly a master of your craft.” Sombra complimented. “We thank thee for thy compliment, Lord Sombra,” Luna returned, “But we found ourselves in turn amazed by some of the magicks offered by the Crystal Empire. The fact that this place stands at all, thanks to your city’s Crystal Heart, is amazing.” Lord Sombra made a huffing sound, one of clear disapproval. “Something vexes thee?” Luna inquired. “My brother is understandably cautious about the Crystal Heart, never letting it leave its spot in the courtyard and under guard at all times. Yet, I see so much potential in it. We know so little of what powers it, though it has been an artifact in Crystal Empire history since the beginning. Since even before my brother’s reign! What I would give to study it in my tower…” “But you cannot remove it from its place. If it were moved, the cold outside would blanket the Empire.” “My brother could use his own power to shield the Empire for days, if he needed to,” Sombra said dismissively, “He could give shelter to the Empire, and I could do my research. Even a few days would be sufficient!” “But what if the king’s shield failed?” Luna asked, becoming distressed with the idea “With no bulwark against the elements, the Crystal Ponies would freeze!” “Even if my brother’s power was to fail, the ponies of the empire would easily be provided enough insulation, food, and heating to keep everypony comfortable until the Crystal Heart could be reactivated. I’ve drafted three different ways it could be so.” “Truly?” “Truly,” Sombra confirmed, “But my brother will hear none of them…” A scowl darkened the lord’s face and his tone became icy. “He sees only the short term, cares only for the now. He never gives a thought as to the possibilities! With proper research, there’s no limit to what could be accomplished with the power the Crystal Heart possesses! Imagine the possibilities! It has the power to project a magical field strong enough to protect all this from the elements of the North!” To illustrate his point, he waved a hoof from left to right over the view of the city below. “Think of the sheer, raw amount of magical power that must take!” His tone became impassioned and his eyes gleamed with ambition, “Think of that power if it were harnessed! If it was made to help better the empire in other ways, not just used to keep us warm in our beds at night! Isn’t that worth a little risk?" Luna had to admit the idea was alluring. “But my dear brother will not even allow the idea to be discussed,” Sombra said bitterly, “Will not hear of my ‘absurd ideas’…” “We see your point, Lord Sombra,” Luna said reassuringly, “But perhaps the king is just unwilling to tamper with what forces he does not understand.” “But it is only by tampering, but having the courage or even foolishness enough to meddle that any mystery is solved,” Sombra stated, looking off into the night sky “And that is all I seek; to solve that great mystery of the Crystal Heart. It obsesses me, as of late.” Luna could see the passion for his research burning in Sombra’s eyes. He was dedicated to his goals, strove for them without hesitation, refusing to allow anything to interfere. Indomitable. And then his look fell away, replaced by melancholy. “Sometimes, I just feel so worthless around this castle,” Sombra lamented, “More like it’s a prison then my home. Not that you would know anything about that. I envy you; Celestia seems like a much fairer ruler then my shortsighted brother.” Luna’s face betrayed nothing, but in her heart she felt a pang of remorse. She thought back to the many nights she spent patrolling the night skies, flying silently over towns to see nopony in sight to enjoy her stunning work. Instead she saw them sequestered in their dreams, waiting for the night to pass and daylight to rise again. As she felt resentment rise in her throat, she also felt a new kinship with the Lord of the Crystal Palace. He was a pony who could identify with her feelings. He was full of understanding. She knew full well that there was darkness in his heart as well; he was a cold stallion at times, and ruthless in his ambition. But to a certain degree, all that did was made him more appealing. Along with his royal charm, intelligence, and good looks, Sombra was a very appealing stallion. Being an Alicorn did not raise the princess above her baser wants.