Shining Armour had all the Crystal Guards in front of him, and was pacing to try give him time to and think of something to say.
'Oh how am I suppose to tell them Twili was the one who took the Heart?' Shining thought turning around again. Then stopping, he turned to the guards. "All of you know two things," he said looking out over them "One, how the Heart is the most highest form of deference the Empire has, and two, what life was like with Sombra as king."
He paused to let the whispers to die down. "We also now have reason to believe that he may have a queen, and it was that queen who took the Heart so he could invade and take over once again." more murmurers.
Then one guard stepped forward, bowed and asked "Do you know who the Queen might be your highness?"
Shining was about to answer when a blue and rainbow something came flying over the heads of the guards and landed next to him.
"Shining Armour," Rainbow Dash said a little happier than when Shining last saw her. "You need to come back to the throne room. There's some-pony there we think can help us."
Forgetting the guards and following Rainbow back inside, he asked "Who? How can they help us?"
"He says there may be another way to defend the Empire, and get Twilight back," Rainbow said speeding up as Shining galloped even faster at the sound that he might get his sister back.
"But who Rainbow?" he asked again.
"Starswirl the Bearded." Rainbow stated as they reached the doors.
Outside the dome in the icy cold, King Sombra was using his magic to beat at the wall, trying to get inside and get to his throne again.
Twilight was in the cave where they met up, with the Crystal Heart, looking through a sheet of ice enjoying the darkness and fear that were coming off of the ponies.
It wont be long now my sweet, Sombra's voice told her. Once I get the Empire back, you come and join me, and we can take back the thrones together.
"I can't wait to see those loser ponies cry..." Twilight said not caring she was putting all her friends and family in danger.
You wont have to wait much longer my dear, Sombra said as Shining Armour's image came up on the ice sheet. Not much longer at all.
Shining Armour walked into the throne room, millions to questions going though is mind. He followed Rainbow up to the base of the steps and stood next to his wife, looking up at the crystal over the throne.
"Ah Commander Hurricane, you bought the Prince like you said you would," Starswirl said pleased. Then bowing to Shining Armour introduce himself. "Your Highness, I am Starswirl the Bearded. It is an honour to meet you... Technically." he added.
Out of habit Shining Armour did the same. "Pleased to meet you Starswirl, I am Shining Armour." then getting up he asked in a more worried brother tone. "Do you know how we can rescue my sister?"
Cadence put a hoof on his shoulder to calm him down, saying "Starswirl spoke of something called the Crystal Scepter," she said "He says it might help get Twilight back."
"I never thought Clover the Clever to turn to darkness," Starswirl said looking down at the young two. "She was a good student."
(Not wanting to confuse things even more, no one told Starswirl the he was a few millennium's out.)
"And a good sister," Shining said. "The only reason I have Cadence is because of her..." he said tears forming.
"And it was her who went to look for the Heart to protect the Empire...." Cadence carried on.
"And she also brought back my sister..." Celestia said putting a wing over Luna, smiling at her.
"Yes, yes she's done lots of good things," Pinkamena called out waving a hoof cutting into the sadness. "So we need to repay her, and bring her back." Then turning to Starswirl asked "So where's this Scepter?"
Chancellor Pudding-Head seams a little different than how I remember her... Starswirl thought to himself but answered the question.
"The Crystal Scepter is a powerful object. King Rubeus had it to defend the Empire before the Crystal Heart," he explained "The Scepter comes in three parts, the staff, the ring, and the crystal. Before, Sombra attacked the Empire the first time, Rubeus told Rose Quarts to split the Scepter up and hide each piece somewhere in the Empire, not to be found until they were needed again."
"And just how do you know 'bout this here Scepter?" Applejack asked wondering.
"Because it was I that made it for Rubeus in the first place, Smart Cookie." Starswirl answered.
"Do.. um," Fluttershy began. "Do you know where all the pieces are as well?" she asked looking up for the first time since the dome was put up.
"I was told that all three pieces could be found from this ancient chant..." Starswirl said clearing his throat.
The staff is located where ponies come and go,
The crystal is found where the ruler sits, above not below,
And the Kings crown is not just for show.
As he finished looking down at the mixture of confused and worried ponies.
"Did you get that Spike?" Celestia asked looking at the dragon holding quill and parchment.
"Yep," he answered.
"Is there no other help you can give us?" Cadence asked turning back to Starswirl, only to see he was gone.