//------------------------------// // Heart of the Matter // Story: Somber Ties // by Mobytums //------------------------------// “Ladies and gentlecolts!” The magically amplified proclamation echoed out through the crowd like ripples in a still pond, mouths fell still and heads turned to regard the sound in a wave of motion. Cadance looked down on her subjects from her vantage point of a raised podium set before the arches of the palace and couldn’t help the small bubble of anticipation that always gave her a jittery energy when she faced such large crowds. The Commons was an area well designed for its purpose. Landscapers, masons and gardeners had spared no effort to make the center of their city a sight of splendor even amongst its more radiant surroundings. And the open air gardens were currently packed to the gills. Crystalline bodies shifted and stirred across the expanse like an enormous carpet of bedazzling jewelry. Glimmering ponies and even the occasional gryphon perched in trees like multicolored fruits while unicorns and earth ponies sat on woven cloths laid out over the waving grasses. The blankets’ metallic embroidery reflecting light from the fading sun onto their owners. As the last remnants of her amplified voice faded into the distance, the crowds fell quiet but to Cadance, they were far from silent. She could ‘hear’ the sound of their emotions like the roar of a vast ocean stretched out before her. The spikes of excitement and joy rushed from all angles against her like breakers on the shore as passions rose high and low. Tempers were lost and tears were shed...and other more embarrassing things. Cadance tried not to pay too much attention to those. But for the most part her subjects were happy, glowing with joy and excitement that radiated a soothing warmth onto her spirit. Cadance was in her element as she basked in the glow of admiration and love that she could almost physically feel. Drawing a deep breath, she could feel the ecstatic crackle of magic housed in her lungs, so similar to the giddy, foal-like exultation that bubbled in her chest. “I can’t thank you enough for attending, my lovely ponies. As you know, it’s been a trying time these past few weeks, but thanks to the valiant efforts of the Festivities Guild, the Millennial Fair has been an outstanding success!” Cadance gestured broadly to the ponies seated along a table below her podium, many of whom seemed bashful as the crowd’s cheers swept up to their seats. She gave each of them a warm smile, watching with pride as the sat a little straighter in their seats. They’d been under quite a lot of pressure to ensure a fantastic celebration after two thousand years of waiting. The bar had been set high for the overworked guild. “And let us not forget to thank our guard,” Cadance continued. “Without whom, keeping our streets safe for our foals to celebrate this wonderful event would have been impossible.” Many of the present armored ponies, made easily identifiable in the crowd thanks to their brightly colored sashes, saluted her vigorously from their widely arrayed positions in the throng, chests puffed out nobly as they stoically bore their praise. “Maker knows we don’t pay them enough to wear those ridiculous antiques anyway.” Brass admitted wryly at her side. “Oh shush you.” Cadance let slip through the side of her smile, waving brightly to a group of ponies that had been giving her slightly perplexed glances. Brass scoffed in mock outrage. “Yes, Shining! Please!” Brass scolded, playfully swatting the armored soldier with his tail. “Do be quiet, you’re ruining the moment.” “Huh?” The metal pony echoed, his closed visor rattling a confused counterpoint. “I didn’t say anything.” Cadance skillfully suppressed a case of the giggles as she returned her attention to the many faces watching their princess expectantly. “But unfortunately, my lovely ponies, all good things must come to an end.” Cadance closed her eyes, waiting patiently as she felt the thick tapestry of joyous emotion fray slightly in the face of disappointment. “Be that as it may, that doesn’t mean we’ll sit idly by and let this celebration end without a fight!” As faces brightened again, the bright, hopeful glance of curiosity filling their eyes, Cadance decided it was time to let the ball drop. “Though Celestia sets the sun and night lies impatient on the horizon, the show is far from over. The Festivities Committee has brought to my attention quite the spectacle they’ve prepared for the occasion.” Excited murmuring stole through the crowds, citizens clumping together in groups sharing hurried, wondering whispers. “And that’s not all.” Cadance assured, unable to stop a smug grin. “Princess Luna has told me how overjoyed she is to hear that so many ponies will be celebrating tonight, and promised her own little contribution to the event.” A bright flash of light and the astonished gasps from not only the masses before her, but from her own circle, Shining included, advanced her grin into a full-blown smirk of satisfaction. Cracking an eye open just enough to watch the last of the perfectly timed shooting star’s trail fade as it streaked across the deepening twilight, Cadance could only appreciate how great it was to have two immortal aunts with lifetimes of experience in showmareship. “But as excited as I am sure you all are, these thing are not the reason I’ve called you here tonight.” “As you know,” she began solemnly, the crackle of magic fading from her voice. “It has been two years since the return of the Crystal Empire. Two years to acclimate to a new time, new cultures and new ways of life. Two years to rebuild, to try and reclaim a fraction of what you once had. “Two years to forget. “Nor is time the only thing that has cost us, either. The strange haze of memory so prevalent among crystal ponies has caused much of what we once knew to be lost. Traditions and practices that defined the heritage of our empire has fallen to the wayside, confusion and forgetfulness wreaking havoc. It has also not helped matters that many of our citizens refused to make attempts to reclaim that lost knowledge, preferring the events of the past to remain where they lie, long buried." Cadance closely observed the effect of her words, the ponies’ reactions to her softened claims and accusations. Many nodded gravely, faces downcast and full of sorrow while others muttered angrily, affronted. Most, however, hung their heads ashamedly, unable to meet her gaze as her eyes roamed over them. Cadance found it curious how alike a pony’s ears were to the flight signals she had seen in use in Cloudsdale all those years ago. The general mood of a gathering of ponykind could be easily determined merely by observing the movement of the ears. They were like switches, flicking on or off and carrying joy or sorrow with either state. “Today, I propose that we put a stop to this downward trend for good. Since the founding of our nation, the Millennial Fair has been a time of remembrance. A time when ponies across the Empire gather together in the heart of our nation to recall the oaths and pledges that bound them together through a time of great trial. “Love, Unity, Loyalty; these are our strengths. They are the ties that bind, and the foundation of our lives. These virtues, among others, have been extolled by the Bearers themselves time and again, and it has been proven twice that not even the Tyrant could stand before them!” “Old traditions may have been lost, but new ones can always rise to take their place, and I suggest we begin a new one here and now.” As the final word left her lips, a flick of her ears registered the sound of ponies in synchronised movement. The eyes of the ponies turned as one to regard the stately procession of ponies down the long stairway from the palace doors. Trotting slowly and measuredly, the formally dressed ponies parted around the podium Cadance stood upon, arraying themselves before her and the crowd in a loose hemisphere. As one, they kneeled respectfully which Cadance returned with a regal nod. Rising slowly to their hooves, they spun about, facing the crowd with stoic demeanor, heads held high and chests thrown out. “My lovely ponies,” Cadance called, smiling broadly at the rising excitement apparent in widened eyes and slackened jaws. Nobility in Canterlot shared very little in common with those hailing from the Empire. In Equestria the word noble was most commonly seen as only a title. Very few ponies actually had responsibilities weighing upon the words. Imperial nobility was another thing entirely. Each presided over a large section of the empire’s lands and officiated nearly every facet of their burden. Seeing them outside of their homes was a rarity; outside of their regions was madness. “may I present to you, your Lords and Ladies!” Cadance cheered. <> Some hours earlier…<> “Would you stop talking poking around in my head? I’m not some sort of toy for you to fiddle with, damnit.” He whispered frustrated, wincing at the occasional pangs that echoed through his ringing skull like hammer strikes. Crux stalked his way down the palace halls, armed guards leading the way further down the winding arches and glittering decor. Crux fancied himself more of a darker nature, more comfortable in oaken walls and padded pleather than in pristine stained glass and ambient crystal sconces. Needless to say, the blinding view wasn’t helping his headache. “We must admit,” Blackheart rumbled, grating sounds of amusement like the sharpening of blades echoing through Crux’s mind like a distant chime. “We lost any true purpose for this probing some time ago. Your reactions, however, are most amusing, Jet.” “You’re giving me a splitting headache!” Crux spat, an eye clenching as a throb pulsed through his temple. “Is all well, Lord Crux?” One of his escorts asked, glancing back over his shoulder in concern. “You seem uncomfortable. Would you rather we escorted you to the infirm—” “No, don’t bother. I’m fine.” Crux growled, waving a hoof dismissively. “Just a headache, it’ll pass. “If your lordship is certain.” The guard, looking not at all certain, turned back to his path, taking turns at seemingly random intervals to Crux’s distracted mind. “I’m serious, Blackheart! We’re about to join one of the most anticipated ceremonies in living memory, where every pony with an ounce of prestige will be in attendance.” Crux’s voice called into the blackness of his mind. “Thousands of ponies will be closely observing us and we can’t afford to let anyone catch onto you, least of all Cadance. If she knew you existed—” “What concern is that of ours? The wrath of some insignificant alicorn barely into her magic is inconsequential to one such as Us.” Blackheart laughed derisively, regarding her image as the thought of Cadance brought forth her memory in Crux’s mind. “She might not be able to stop you alone, but she has both diarchs at call from a moment’s notice.” Crux countered. “Not to mention physical possession of the Crystal Heart! If she get’s even a whiff of you, the Heart gets locked away along with any chance I have of dragging Cruciger out of his hole.” “We still do not understand why you show such concern over these little ponies.” The memories of the girls lit the darkened confines of Crux’s head like a ray of sunlight. Blackheart rumbled disapprovingly as the corner of Crux’s mouth upturned slightly in remembrance of a quiet moment shared with Olive in the library. “Such compassion does not fit one of your heritage, Jet.” “To Tartarus with my heritage. My parents didn’t need it and neither do I. The only one who cared for that sort of thing was Sombra and look where he ended up. Eradicated and dispersed to the winds by the Crystal Heart.” “Your uncle was of the true line, strong and proud, but you are right. He was not capable of being our vessel. Once we were sealed away, the lack of our presence drove him to madness. Even buried deep in our Cradle, We could feel the destruction he wrought.” Blackheart chuckled darkly. Crux frowned in distaste as the eldritch spirit’s laughter seemed to echo all around him, bouncing from walls and around corners. “So what in Equestria makes you think I’ll let you do the same to me? You’re nothing more than an annoying voice in my head, and as far as I’m concerned, you’re going to stay that way. At least until I find a way to get rid of you.” A strange cornucopia of emotions and sensations poured from his connection to Blackheart. In his mind’s eye he could see a vast, crystalline chamber steeped in darkness. A few, rare protrusions threw light into the inky void, their rays reflecting off of the surrounding surfaces and giving the room the look of a hazy memory, like a dream. Crux hung suspended in the air, like a bobber floating on the tides as his eyes stared off at some distant point in the abyss. Somehow, Crux knew he was staring at himself through great distance. “There is no getting rid of us, Jet. There is no choice in a matter such as this, and there is no escape from our sight. Uncountable numbers of your ancestors have stood before us. We watched them be born through their mothers’ eyes, watched them grow, and watched them die. And every one of them heard our voice. They were the vessels through which we deigned to extend our power, and they had no way of escaping that fate. “Just as you do not.” Blackheart admonished, traces of amusement and...perhaps pity, of a sort, winding through his tones. “It’ll be a cold day in Tartarus before I let you turn me into some sort of puppet.” Crux growled. Blackheart’s response was not forthcoming. Crux stared blankly ahead, hooves droning out the seconds as they struck the polished floor, awaiting some snide comment or grim threat, but there was only silence. “My lord?” A voice called hesitantly, cutting through Crux’s preoccupation like a hot knife as he blinked rapidly to buy himself time to take in his surroundings. The two guards had stopped in front of a large, ornately etched door which seemed to be made out of some sort of darkened, smoky glass. They were both eyeing Crux with concern as the stallion shook his head to rid himself of his distraction. “We’ve arrived, sir.” “I see, that was quick. Thank you for your time, gentlecolts. You may return to your posts now.” “As you wish, sir.” They bowed, throwing the occasional glance backward over their shoulders as they trotted away. Crux ignored their concern, he had more important things on his mind as he regarded the majestic entryway. Drawing a quick, deep breath, Crux horn lit with a spark of will and radiated a wave of force that pushed the door inward. Squinting from a sudden influx of light reflecting out of the room, he stepped into the room, barely able to make out the shapes of furniture through lids drawn tight over sensitive pupils. The sudden, crushing bear hug caught him entirely by surprise. “Jet, my boy! So good to see you! How’ve you been, son?” “Hng! G-godric?” Crux wheezed. “Godric?!” Lord Spinel roared, increasing the force of his death grip on Crux’s spine. “You should know better than to call your uncle by his first name, Jet!” “Grrk-aah! Sorry...Uncle!” “Careful Gaudy, we don’t have many relatives so try not to break this one.” The soft voice managed to stir Crux from his agony, and he cracked open his clenched lids enough to behold a pink form through tear-filled eyes. “How have you been, Jetty?” Rose asked, smiling warmly at the tortured stallion. “Hnn…ack!” “Oh, that’s wonderful!” Rose gushed, clapping her hooves together in delight. “You lost weight, colt? You feel a little thin.” Godric grunted, hefting Crux’s weight a few times in his vice-like hooves. “Been eating enough?” Crux’s only response was to allow a faint shade of blue to slip through his dark coat. “Do you think I should let him down, dear?” Godric asked, amusement in his voice. “Mmm,” Rose hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin with a delicate hoof.”Nah.” She quipped, a bubbly smile on her lips. “He still hasn’t brought my nieces over to visit their aunty, even though he promised. He’s young enough to deal with a little punishment.” Godric’s chuckle of amusement was cut short as Crux went rigid in his hooves, a look of silent pain not from any form of physical discomfort apparent in his blank gaze. “Jet?” Godric asked, his grip easing on the younger pony as concern made itself evident in the creases of his face. “Je m’excuse tres humblement, Monsieur et Madame Spinel.” The two older ponies looked up in surprise as the large door slipped shut under a soft purple aura. The newcomer smiled sadly, gesturing to the slack and unresponsive Crux. “Such a topic is perhaps best related over tea, non?” “So you’re little premonition came true. I’m sorry to hear that Jet.” Godric said soberly. Taking quiet sips from his cup as he held Rose close to his side. The puffy-eyed mare had broken into tears after hearing of what had befallen the girls after his departure, apologizing profusely for her jibe. Though Crux had assured her of his acceptance, she still remained downcast, red-rimmed eyes refusing to meet his gaze. ‘ “Who would do such a thing? Kidnap two defenseless little fillies.” Rose asked, voice quavering. Godric shushed her softly, squeezing her close as tears threatened to spill again. “I have my suspicions.” Crux said, brow wrinkling in response to the flare of ire always present when thoughts of his quarry surfaced. “Think it might have something to do with that letter I sent you, Jet?” Godric asked, morbid curiosity in his voice. “I do, uncle. I arrived home after leaving you to find my house completely ransacked. My office had been torn to pieces, and my private chest had been opened. They took my mother’s old heirloom and, according to the officers on scene, the girls”. “Stabbed Merlot too, while they were at it.” Crux mumbled, eyeing the offending butler disapprovingly. “What?!” The couple exclaimed, wide eyes tearing to Merlot who rolled his eyes tolerantly. “Twas but a scratch, I assure you.” “Sounds like you’re still as much of a workhorse as you’ve always been, Prenchy. It’s good to see you’re still alive and kicking, but I hope you don’t mind if I wish it were under better circumstances.” Godric grunted. “Likewise, sir.” “What have you been doing to find them?” Rose asked, glancing at Merlot worriedly. “Unfortunately, Madame Rose, the detectives have brought forth few traces of our mystery burglar. They suspect magical interference was involved. They cautioned us to be alert for such a thing, but we have not received any sort of ransom note.” “So they wanted the girls to begin with.” Godric stated. “Either that or they figured they could use them as leverage once they had them.” Crux growled affirmatively. “Captain Ash did his best but he wasn’t able to tell me much. You sent me a letter telling me to watch for this Cruciger fellow. I asked Ash to bring me reports of anypony entering Slateridge on a High Peaks visa or Radiant Hills, but the only one they found was a merchant carriage delivering trade documents the guilds requested some weeks ago. A unicorn mare and her driver, and Merlot tells me his assailant was male.” “So no proof then?” “None physical, no.” Crux said, mouth curled as though tasting something sour. “But it sounds like you have your suspicions.” Rose said, not so much asking despite the curious tone of her voice. Crux nodded, taking a sip from a teacup Merlot proffered. “I do. There was no physical evidence enough to arrest the merchant, aside from her being from Radiant Hills, but oddly enough Slateridge has had a large influx of business partners from that region lately. Torc’s region and mine were never ones for trade, both of us shipping different materials. Perhaps merely to cover for the one merchant who wasn’t actually a merchant.” “That’s a pretty large stretch, Jet.” Godric frowned, rubbing his hoof along Rose’s barrel as he thought. “No way you could go to the Princess with something like that.” “I know.” Crux said bitterly. “And as much as I know the young master wishes to, we cannot simply allow him to storm up to Cruciger and demand his confession at hornpoint.” Merlot drawled drily, a brow snaking up in challenge to the smoldering glare directed his way. “He’s right, Jet.” Godric chided, matching Crux’s stare until the young lord’s eyes broke the clash to stare instead at the floor. “It’s true I sent you a letter to be wary of Cruciger, but that isn’t nearly enough evidence. Not for the Princess, and not for you either.” “Then what else am I to do, Uncle?” Crux demanded. “I have no other route to follow other than this suspicion. The girls are lost to me, and I have no idea where else I might find something to lead to their whereabouts! It has been weeks and still I have received no word about them. “Their safety was entrusted to me, and I don’t even know if they’re still alive!” He screamed in impotent rage. Crux grunted as a pink body tackled him, grasping his neck firmly and squeezing him till he felt his body might give out. “It’s alright, Jetty. We’ll find them. You don’t have to do this alone, you have family and friends here to help.” Rose cooed, brushing his mane soothingly as she held him. “You’ve been working so hard ever since Aurol and Sable left. It isn’t easy to manage a holding as large as Slateridge, even for a pair like Gaudy and I, and you’ve been doing it all by yourself.” Rose blinked tears from her eyes as she stared forward at the wall, holding the shaking pony in her hooves against her. “And then to have single parenthood thrown on your pile must have pushed you to the limits.” “But you’ve got to get this through that thick skull of yours, mister.” She softly scolded, ignoring the hot droplets she could feel soaking into her dress. “Your mother and I were best friends, and you’re like the son Gaudy and I were never able to have. You’re never alone, and you never will be. We’re always there for family, Jetty.” A silence filled the room, though the heavy blanket was far from oppressive. Merlot and Godric stood outside the small pile of ponies, smiling fondly as they watched the tension gathered in Crux’s shaking frame bleed out of him slowly like water down a drain. Rose patted Crux softly as he inhaled shakily, drawing himself away from her embrace. “Feel better, Jet?” She asked softly. “A lit—. Yes, Aunty. Thank you.” Crux said, managing a small smile as he roughly wiped his eyes. “Madame Rose, it seems you are still possessed of that beautiful calming spirit, non?” Merlot said, smiling appreciatively as he helped her back onto her feet and into her recently vacated seat. “Oh absolutely.” Godric quipped, grinning. “She likes to hold me and let me feel her ‘calming spirit’ all the time.” “Gaudy!” Rose cried, a heavy red blush filling her cheeks. She pushed the laughing pony away roughly with a huff as he tried to give her an apologetic smooch. Despite his attempts to regain a more sober frame of mind, Crux couldn’t help but feel his spirits lift as he watched his aunt and uncle carry on. Crux caught Merlot’s amused gaze and smirked alongside the purple butler as they allowed the couple their moment. “Oh my, what did we miss?” The ponies jumped, startled by the new voice that cut through the merriment with startling abruptness. “I certainly hope we didn’t interrupt anything?” Cruciger asked, a small smirk on his muzzle. “Cruciger, Torc,” Godric acknowledged cautiously, eyes darting momentarily to his nephew. “This is a surprise. I didn’t think we would be seeing either of you until the ceremony.” “Likewise, Lord Godric.” Cruciger said, settling into his chair with a pleased grin. “Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen problems packing for the trip, our arrival was somewhat delayed.” Torc nodded as she received a cup of tea poured for her by her hoofmaiden, a dark furred mare the color of chocolate with bouncing curls Torc had introduced as Vanilla. “Princess Cadance made us aware that our previous vacancies in other rooms had been filled by the tide of early arrivals. Fortunately, there was room available here.” “I see.” Godric grunted, inhaling the final remnant of an entirely decimated cake tray. He nodded his thank as his cup of tea was refilled. “That was awfully coincidental.” “Indeed!” Cruciger smiled broadly. “I have been looking forward to speaking with all of you for some time. Especially you, Lord Crux.” “I find it such a pity that we’ve seen each other several times in this or that political gathering, but have never actually found the time to get to know one another. I am Lord Cruciger, overseer of the High Peaks.” The jovial unicorn extended his hoof amiably, his eyes creasing with the width of his smile. Crux stared down at the proffered hoof, the extended limb a mere movement from his own. As the silence stretched on and he had still taken no action, he began to notice slight movements out of the corner’s of his vision. Merlot and Godric had taken to watching the two of them with great caution. The orange lord sitting nearly upon the edge of his seat, ready to spring between the exchange at a moment’s notice. “Is there a problem, Lord Crux?” Cruciger asked, quiet interest in his voice. Slowly, deliberately, Crux’s head craned upward at the same time his hoof untucked itself from against his chest, reaching out and grasping Cruciger’s hoof firmly. Intense emerald crossed with dancing blue eyes as their gazes met, the both of them tightening their grips on the other. “Not at all, Lord Cruciger. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” “We remember this one.” The slight flick of his ears was the only outward sign that Crux’s attention had suddenly turned inward to where the voice had echoed out of the deep dark. He could feel the full return of Blackheart’s presence as the familiar, yet unwanted sensation of an alien mind touch his own, melding their thoughts together until he could feel Blackheart’s words and emotions as easily as Blackheart could likewise. “You remember him? What do you mean? He doesn’t look ancient beyond reckoning.” “The flesh standing before us is new, true. But the blood that ebbs and flows through his veins is descended from a line we knew well.”   “His line?” Crux queried, confusion coloring his tone. “Indeed. Much like his forefathers, this one.” As suddenly as he’d intruded, Blackheart retreated from the confines of Crux’s skull. He couldn’t fully suppress the shiver that raced through his muscles as the sensation, like multitudes of icy needles, crawled over his skin. Though the spirit’s presence was gone, he could still feel its remnants coiled about the semi-precious lump of crystal pocketed in his vest. “Lord Crux.” “Mm?” Crux grunted, eyeing Cruciger questioningly as the world around him faded back into definition. “I admit, I too have been looking forward to this meeting for quite some time. Be that as it may, would you perhaps grant me the privilege of keeping my hoof? Much as I would gladly gift you such a trinket, I find myself rather attached to it.” The lord gave a soft grunt of pain through teeth clenched in a smile, a small light of amusement glimmering in the depths of his gaze. “What are you talking about?” “His hoof, you oaf,” Torc snapped. “You’re crushing his hoof. Let go of him.” Crux glanced down in distant surprise as he found he was indeed still gripping Cruciger’s forelimb in a hoofshake. What sparse skin made itself visible between the blonde strands of his coat had turned a ruddy shade of red, patches of purple began to show themselves across his cannon. “Ah, my apologies.” Crux eased his pressure, allowing Cruciger’s hoof to slip free. “Not at all! No harm done,” Cruciger assured, his smile settling into an amused grin as he rotated the appendage absently. “I suppose it was too much for me to hope that you could show a little restraint, today of all days.” Torc groused, eyeing Crux sourly. Crux lips parted in a toothy smile as the two ponies stared at one another. “I could say much the same!” “Jet!” Rose scolded. “We will be attending a ceremony meant to display unity and brotherhood, after all.” Godric stressed, trying to regain his previous level of comfort in his seat. “The least we could do for those attending is try to look like we aren’t raring to tear each other’s throats out.” “A wise suggestion,” Cruciger praised, eyeing Torc hintingly. The two nobles glared at each other silently, fuming in the confines of their own thoughts as they both nodded slowly in agreement. “After all, ponies of responsibility such as ourselves have a duty to uphold a higher standard for all of those under our protection.” Cruciger admonished, patting the air soothingly toward the two opponents. A quirk stretched one corner of his mouth as he glanced at Crux. “Think of the children, for instance.” *Crack, Crunch!* A stunned pause was observed as the steady drip of tea added to the steadily spreading puddle staining the carpet below. Chips of old china flaked off of the ruined teacup held mercilessly in the iron grip of green magic, the force causing the gathered chips to occasionally shift. The cup’s unfortunate saucer had suffered a similar fate. A single great crack had sundered the innocent piece of tableware into halves. The dripping continued unnoticed by the perpetrator, small, pitiable splashes into the sodden rug playing metronome as the others stared at the scene. “You ignorant brute!” Torc shrieked, shrill voice cracking the silence as violently as the teacup.”You just obliterated a Pre-passing antique! An ancient piece of history that you so callously crushed—” “Be silent.” Calmly though it was spoken, the wave of sound struck the ponies with an almost physical force. Rough and gravelly with barely suppressed emotion, Crux’s gaze burned with an inequine fury as he bored holes into Torc’s own. The mare had been left insensate in her seat, the muscles of her jaw seized, bunched and knotted, keeping her jaw firmly sealed. Her eyes were wide pools of white, pupils like pinpricks in the wake of the sheer mind-numbing force of Crux’s proclamation. Crux let the ruined china slip from his magical grasp unheeded, the assortment of crushed shards tinkling mournfully as they rained down onto the floor. He tucked his legs tightly against his body to stay the insipid shivering. A painfully cold spike had wedged itself deep in his chest and an unsettling icy emptiness had begun spreading its ruthless influence throughout every inch of his body. His mind had gone into temporary shock at the sudden transition. A deep burning hatred sprung into his mind uncontrolled as he had felt the hidden barb in Cruciger’s words lash at his wounded pride, but it had vanished just as quickly as he’d felt his heart lurch sickeningly in time with the bauble ensconced in his pocket. Up until now, it had merely been a voice, a passive observer to his thoughts and actions. But now, he was painfully aware of how insidious it truly was, how deeply it had spread its reach. Now he could feel through what little sensation remained in chilled flesh, the full weight of its presence, settled across his back like a blanket of permafrost. And though his lips had gone numb, he knew it was not under his own volition that they had sprung to movement. “We grow tired of listening to your harping, mare. We do not recall asking for your opinion, nor your presence. You are an irritation, clinging to Cruciger’s coat-tails like a determined fly. For some reason we cannot fathom, he tolerates you so we cannot simply have you gone. For now, we suggest you keep guard over your wagging tongue if you wish to keep it.” Blackheart-Crux growled menacingly.  “Young master…” Merlot whispered fearfully, his face gone pale. “Jet!” Godric exclaimed, throwing off the grip of unnatural stillness that had taken hold of the room. “What’s gotten into you, son?” “What indeed?” Cruciger whispered quietly, an excited smile in his voice as he eyed Crux. The lord’s horn gave a flash, a harsh golden light radiating from its spirals that made Crux’s eyes snap shut in pain, a slight hiss escaping his clenched teeth. As the sting slowly faded, and the bright spots vanished from the inside of his eyelids, Crux’s sight returned to behold a world awash in metallic sheen. A watery, mirage-like quality had taken hold of everything in his vicinity. Crux drew breath, but did not feel air pass his lips. He could see the hands of a nearby clock, and droplets of spilled tea fallen from the edge of the table, yet they showed no action. Even Merlot and the others stood suspended in the gold-tinted magic, like flies in amber. Crux felt his eyes widen in surprise, this time under his own will, as he stared at the others. Godric in particular had jumped halfway out of his chair, mouth agape and frozen mid-sentence as he hung unsupported inches off of the floor. “Truly, I never expected providence to deliver so golden an opportunity.” “What did you do to them, Cruciger?” Crux snarled, too angry to pay much notice to the regained ability to govern his own voice. “If you’ve hurt them I swear to the Maker it won’t end well for you.” “Oh nothing so serious, Crux. Just a little trick I picked up from my father and he from his. They’re perfectly safe and unharmed, I assure you.” “Temporal Dominion. It has been quite some time since last we saw a practitioner of time-altering magic. Old traditions we had believed been deemed a forbidden practice. It seems the oldest lines have lost none of their potency over the generations.” Blackheart’s voice echoed, much clearer than it had previously been. Crux did not wish to dwell on those implications. “Time magic?” Crux grunted absently, perplexed. “Indeed,” Cruciger admitted, a pleased smirk on his face. “It seems you’re not entirely as ignorant of the old ways as I’d originally thought.” He paused briefly, looking askance at Crux. Or was it through him? “Or perhaps you draw from a font of knowledge not entirely your own.” Cruciger flashed a satisfied smirk as Crux jaw fell slightly slack. “Wha—” A flood of incomprehensible words poured from Cruciger’s lips, so ancient they predated the Founders sending waves of unease and a profound sense of wrongness cascading through his nerves. How Crux knew that alone, he didn’t know, but even though the meaning of the words were lost on him, the feeling they gave him told him he wouldn’t like their intent even if he could understand them. As the last of the words dripped from Cruciger’s lips, heavy as oil, Crux felt the hairs on his nape stand on end and gooseflesh spring out across his skin as the temperature of the room plummeted alarmingly. Crux watched in horrid fascination as a writhing, twisting black miasma poured from his vest pocket and coalesced into a seething cloud in the space between the two of them. “And he speaks in the Old Tongue,” Blackheart rumbled, his voice slithering through the air with an odd reverberating quality it did not possess in Crux’s thoughts. “We are impressed, foal. A pity you were so pretentious as to draw forth our presence without our permission. We have sentenced souls to eternal imprisonment in crystal for such slights.” “Well as enjoyable as that sounds Old One, I’m afraid I must decline. There are still things I have left to do here.” Cruciger smiled grimly into the lurid, red points of light that stood as eyes in the otherwise featureless mass. “Your greed will be your undoing, foal.” “Whatever it is you’re planning, Cruciger, don’t think I’ll sit idly by and just let it happen.” Crux glared at the condescendingly smirking stallion. There was an infuriatingly smug glint visible in his blue eyes. “Oh, you will Crux, whether you like it or not. Otherwise I may have to let that darling green foal in my care know that she will no longer be staying under my protection.” “You touch one hair on the girls' heads and I will peel your hide like a grape, Cruciger.” Crux seethed. “The brutality, Crux!” The lord cried, pressing a hoof to his brow. “There is no need for violence." "From your tone I assume you've misplaced more than the one bundle of joy. I assure you that I don't play host to any more of your unfortunate children, but dear little Olive is safe and sound. She will come to no harm as long as you play along like a good little colt.” Cruciger ignored Crux’s parting glare as he stared deeply into the roiling cloud. “And I expect much the same attitude from you, Old One.” “Such conceit! You think yourself in a position to make such demands of us? Do not think that the insignificance of one foal’s life will be enough to stay our wrath should you continue to cross us, foal.” “I believe it will be, Old One. You see, as powerful and cunning as you may be, even you must abide by the ancient laws. your vessel must be truly willing to accept you in order to fully extend your influence, and you can do little else without him from inside your hidden seat.” “Hobbling the puppet will serve most adequately, in the end.” “Even the fraction of our gift he now possesses will be more than enough to squash your pathetic strength, insect.” Blackheart spat. “Perhaps,” Cruciger mused.”But I will be correcting that oversight soon enough.” An odd, echoing rumble filled the room, prickling Crux’s skin and forcing his ears to turn away as the air vibrated with its intensity. He realized with a start that the sound was emanating from Blackheart’s physical form. The eldritch being was growling. “You would dare?” Blackheart hissed, shock and fury evident even in his otherworldy tone. “It is ours, lordling. Know your place!” “It was my understanding that ambition was an admirable quality in one of the old blood back in your era.” “I will destroy you, foal!” Crux’s ears plastered themselves to his skull as Cruciger let slip more words from the hauntingly familiar language. Even Cruciger’s smug smirk shook slightly from the force of the unearthly howl of rage as Blackheart’s inky form was drawn back into the pocket of Crux’s vest from which it first poured. “Wonderful. Absolutely awe-inspiring!” Crux glared at the ecstatic unicorn, trying not to wince as he felt the bauble sear him through the thin barrier of his clothing. He could feel Blackheart’s incandescent fury raging in the back of his mind, though it had once more faded into little more than a distant echo. “He is everything I imagined him to be and more!” Cruciger cooed, his voice filled with equal measures of awe and a strange hunger. “What exactly did you hope to gain from that, Cruciger? Aside from the displeasure of an unknowably ancient and immeasurably wrathful eldritch spirit of pure hatred, I mean.” Crux snapped, eyeing the wide grin splitting Cruciger’s face with open derision. “Why I was simply outlining the rules of engagement, Crux! There are the necessary steps to take and guidelines to follow in this sort of thing, and my honor as the scion of house Crucius demanded I take proper action.” Crux shook his head, brow furrowed in confusion.” What stupidity are you spilling now? Your house name isn’t—” “Not that foolish nonsense those ignorant outsiders decided to slap over my family’s true title!” Cruciger snapped, looking as though he had tasted something foul. “Crucius is my true house, back when my ancestors were true crystal ponies, before the Cradle was sealed and lost. Before our power dwindled so far that we were unable to sweep aside the foreign wench with illusions of grandeur that came and forced the old houses into this ridiculous empire!” Cruciger and Crux stared at each other, the blonde unicorn breathing heavily in an attempt to regain his composure. His eyes glittered with a peculiar light as they swept over Crux’s form, as if seeing him as something different. “Before my house was split in two to control the balance of power in the budding farce of a nation. Separated and sent to the farthest sides of the Empire and left to stagnate in the hopes that time and distance would prevent us from regaining our true glory.” Crux found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the stallion whose eyes shimmered with a manic energy that seemed to spill from them with enough force to singe his coat as they stared unblinkingly into his own. All the while Crux slowly shook his head in disbelief as the true intent behind the possessed pony’s words made themselves known to him. “But at long last! At long last, the true Crystal Empire shall be reborn! At long last, we two shall stand side by side, as we were meant.” “I greet you, Jet Crucius, son of Sable Crucius, Keeper of Keys and Cradle’s Voice, blood of my blood. I am Cruciger Crucius, Guardian of the Gates and Cradle’s Sword, son of Sombra Crucius.” “We are well-met, cousin.” <> In the present…<> Shining watched his wife glow in the adoration of the crowd. Literally glow. Cadance’s pink fur shimmered in the light of the Crystal Heart, a soothing radiance that lifted the spirit just to look at. She’d been much the same on their wedding night, recalled. But standing just behind her, watching the sincere joy on his wife’s face and bathing in the pristine aura of peace and calm radiating from the Heart, he couldn’t help but feel like all his hard work was finally starting to pay off. So why did he feel so nervous every time he glanced down at the row of nobles arrayed below them? Every ounce of noble blood in the Empire had shown up for the event, and the head of every house was present. Lord Jasper of the Dazzling Expanse, the largest natural deposit of gemstones in Equestria, and the Empire’s leading exporter of jewels. Dressed in a dull, grey suit and a cloak the color of freshly spilled blood, he presented quite the intimidating figure. If it weren’t for his portly disposition. Lord Godric of House Spinel and his wife Rose Quartz, heads of the Golden Reach, largest money exchange in the Empire and the seat of nearly all its banking. Dressed in complementing shades of red, the two older ponies smiled warmly as they leaned on each other. Lady Torc of the Radiant Hills, dressed in an austere robe of white with gold and amber accents to match the enchanted forests she presided over. Lady Beryl of the Emerald Coast, the only shipping region in the nation, and the source of nearly all of its international trade. A shy, reserved mare whose simple dress of green silk reflected her personality. Lord Andalus and Lady Virida, of House Viridian. Twins and co-heads of the Diamond Falls and the only two of the nobility to be pegasi. Silent or flippant to any save each other, the two green ponies were stately dressed in black. Lord Onyx of the Glittering Deeps, the ancient, wizened pony spoke rarely, if at all, preferring to spend his twilight years fishing in the myriad lochs for which his region was named. The silver-coated pony was certainly making the effort to stand out from his peers. Dressed in a glaringly white tuxedo, the wrinkly old stallion gave little wheezing chuckles everytime he noticed somepony having to squint to look at him. And lastly, Lords Cruciger of the High Peaks and Crux of Slate Ridge. Standing side by side, the two ponies could not have looked more each other’s opposite if they’d been painted separate hues. Cruciger, blonde furred and dressed in a bright suit of yellow and baby blue, looked for all the world like a foal in a candy shop. The grin he sported as he sipped from a glass of wine, the casks for the event shipped directly from the High Peaks’ esteemed vineyards, looked wide enough to crack boulders. And it would need to be. Lord Crux, overseer of Slate Ridge, the Empire’s foremost source for mining and metallurgy, dressed in black with a dark green vest, looked as dour as the crags themselves. And it was to Crux that Shining’s gaze most often strayed. As the time drew closer and the magical glow of the Crystal Heart grew in intensity, the words of Merlot came more and more often to the forefront of his mind. If Crux should stray from the path, he would need to act. But what path was the right one? As the Crystal Heart gave a vibrant pulse of light mirrored by Cadance’s flashing horn and the crowd grew quiet, Shining fretted behind his metal visor. What was a simple soldier to do in a situation like this? It sure hadn’t been detailed in basic. “My lovely little ponies,” Cadance proclaimed.” Thank you for your patience and good cheer as we prepared for this most ancient reenactment. For tonight, just as it was done all those ages ago, the lords and ladies of the Empire have gathered here to reaffirm their ties of friendship and unity.” Cadance flared her wings, the feather tips lightly grasping the floating relic and drawing it gently down to rest before her. “For just as my ancestors asked for the allegiance of their own, so too do I ask much the same.” Looking down at the row of nobles, she beamed a radiant smile down upon them as a strange change seemed to settle over her being. “Those of thee who art willing to give of thyselves, to love and honor thy neighbors, and give thy true and honorable allegiance to the Crystal Empire, step forth. May thee pledge thyself to the Crystal Heart, and speak no falsehood.” Awed exclamations swept the crowd as Cadance finished her speech. The crown princess of the Crystal Empire had risen above her podium, her eyes burned with a bright white light as she and the Crystal Heart hung suspended. The combined radiance of both she and the Heart lent her an angelic appearance. Torc was the first pony to approach, kneeling reverently as Cadance descended, extending the Heart toward her gently, like a child cradled in her wings. “I do solemnly swear to give all that I am in service to my Empire. To my ponies. To my home.” Speaking in a voice that carried widely through the assembled masses, Torc placed her hoof upon the Crystal Heart’s central facet. A bright pulse of light filled the Heart, leaking around Torc’s hoof and radiating up her limb. As she slowly pulled the appendage away, a wavering image of her hoofprint traced itself across the Heart before gradually fading away. The Heart flared once softly, a delicate crystallin jingle sounding as if in approval. The crowd was silent for a moment before applause swept through them like a bolt of lightning. The crowd roared, cheering loudly as Torc trotted sedately back in line, head held high. A peculiar emotion shone in her eyes, she looked perilously close to tears. “The Empire gives its sincerest thanks for thy dedication, Amber Torc. Thou doest thine ancestors proud.” Cadance praised, her voice wavering with warm force. Torc bowed deeply, head lowered for some time. Her barrel hitched slightly. “Whosoever feels thyself ready, please step forward.” One by one, the line of lords and ladies stepped forward. Following in Torc’s lead, each made their own vows, varying in word and weight, and left left their mark on the Crystal Heart. Many left the relic as deeply affected as Torc. Lady Rose Quartz had to be carried away, too busy squeezing and nuzzling her husband, tears in her eyes to bother with something as trivial as walking. Lord Onyx had a less emotional interaction, stepping away from the Heart laughing like a pony decades younger. Even the Viridian twins had not come away unaffected. “Wasn’t that amazing, brother dearest?” ”Wasn’t that amazing, sister dearest?” “Oh, you thought so too, Andalus?” “Indeed I did, Virida.” “Then it must have been.” ”Then it must have been.” Then, finally, there were only two left to approach. Cruciger smiled broadly as Cadance descended before him, her smile a little more subdued as she extended the Heart toward him. Shining blinked, brow furrowing. Crux’s posture had tensed considerably as Cruciger stepped toward the Crystal Heart. The crowd’s silence slowly grew uncertain as time continued to stretch on. Cruciger stood still, a single stride’s distance from the figure of his reflection in the magic crystal. He stared into its multihued facets, seemingly lost. “Lord Cruciger.” Cadance asked, concern in her reverberating tones. “For what reason dost thou hesitate so?” “Forgive me, Cadance. It seems I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire life, and now that it has finally arrived, I can’t help but savor it.” “That’s Princess Cadance.” Shining called from his presiding position atop the podium. “Of course, quite right. My apologies, princess, I believe I am read now.” Smiling serenely, Cadance nodded and once more proffered the Heart, watching as Cruciger placed his hoof firmly on the facet. “An ancient rite, this is.” Cruciger said, voice carrying over the noise of the crowd to the farthest corners. “And therefore, it is only fitting that I give my oath in as revered a manner as possible.” Cruciger inhaled deeply, eyes closed in focus as a steady stream of unfamiliar words poured from his lips. The Crystal Heart pulsed brightly. Cadance glanced down in surprised as the crystal’s myriad rainbow hues were replaced with a bright, golden light. “I, Cruciger, do solemnly swear to restore my once proud heritage to its true glory. No matter the cost.” The Crystal Heart rang with approval, its clear, dulcet peal echoing through the very cobblestones of the city. As Cruciger stepped back into line amidst deafening silence, the golden radiance slowly faded. The blazing hoofprint in its center shining like a beacon in the night before it too vanished. Crux watched the blonde unicorn’s stately approach carefully. Something had changed about him, something subtly different in his stride, the way his hooves struck pavement, than there had been just moments before. It was confidence, Crux decided. Cruciger had a look in his eyes and a way he held himself, a certain way in which he regarded all around him, that spoke of judgement. And he found all he saw lacking. Crux was reminded of a conqueror on survey. “The Heart hears thy oath, Cruciger, and gives thanks to thee for thy dedication.” Cadance decreed uncertainly, a faint look of confusion marring her otherwise detached, motherly countenance. “My thanks, Princess. It was my honor.” Cruciger said as he stepped neatly back into line beside Crux. Crux tensed as a low whisper reached him, his ear flicking in response. “Your turn, cousin.” Crux glared at his neighbor, a small scowl darkening his features as he noticed Cruciger’s slight smirk. The slow turn of his eye to meet Crux’s gaze and the challenging quirk of his lip set Crux’s teeth grinding, infuriated at his inability to react to the prodding. As their joined gazes finally broke and Crux regained notice of the expectant hush of the crowd and the warm, welcoming smile of the princess. Breathing a deep sigh in preparation, Crux began the short trek toward where Cadance levitated. As the inviting radiance of the Crystal Heart filled his gaze, but did not blind him, a small panicked feeling sparked into existence somewhere deep in the more instinctive part of his mind. It was not the aversion to crowds, ever-present and crippling, but rather some sort of deeply rooted warning that whatever was to come next would not be pleasant. He could feel Blackheart’s presence in the far reaches of his mind, like the touch of another pony on the back of his neck. However, the old spirit made no effort to speak, seemingly subdued after the conversation with Cruciger. Crux halted as he reached the enchanted stone, extended toward him by the princess invitingly. As his hoof lifted towards the crystal’s central facet and the solid surface began to glow in response to his proximity, his thoughts drifted to Silver and Olive, and whether by doing this, he would see them again. “Father, no!” His eyes snapped up faster than he thought possible as he saw two distinctive forms dashing through the crowd toward him, two larger, unknown figures close behind. “Olive? Silver?” Then his hoof completed its journey, pressing firmly down upon the Crystal Heart and linking them. The Heart rang loudly, a sharp, painful sound that seemed to scream denial. A harsh, white light filled his eyes, burning deeply into his vision. He could feel the pulse in his vest as the shard reacted strongly to the magic cooking him alive. The white light became his world, and he knew no more.