Welcome to the Crystal Empire
He ran. She ran. They both ran. However, they were not running together, but apart. She though she was completely alone, as did he. They both ran as fast as their legs could carry them. Her wings were clipped so she could not fly, and he had received several burned marks around his body. They were both terrified.
When they least expected it, they finally collided. They did not say a word, it was as if their voices were gone. Their environment was groom, grey and covered in fog so thick they could hardly see the fingers in front of their faces. The two tried to reach out for each other, but before the tips of their fingers could make contact, their worst nightmares appeared.
For him, was the monster who took away the ones he loved the most in the world.
For her, it was the monster who not only took away her wings, but tried to take away her life and the life of others.
These monsters caused them both to suffer. Even though they were still alive, it did not erase the painful memories of their cruelty. Their choices effected them, scarred them deeply. They tried to back away, they didn't want to face them. Not like this. They were tired, helpless and frightened. Mostly frightened.
"Please, don't come any closer." she pleaded, but the monster ignored her. His grey eyes burning into her very soul.
"Stay away from me!" he demanded his monster, but the creature snarled and laughed at him.
"You're pathetic boy. You couldn't save them then you can't save them now. You can't save anyone. Because you're soft!"
"No!" he clenched his head tightly, begging for him to stop. "Please stop! No more!"
Her monster opened its mouth, unleashing a silvery metallic liquid that grabbed her arm and wouldn't let go. "No! Don't!" But the beast ignored her, unleashing more and more of the metallic substance onto her arms and legs, dragging her own as the liquid burned her skin.
"AH! Stop it!"
His monster unleashed a ring of fire around him. His element had become his own worst enemy. But it wasn't his fire…it was the fire of the monster. The monster he fought with every fiber of his being. But no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't. He tried to fight, but nothing came out of his fingertips. Then, the flames took on a life of their own, beginning to swallow him whole just as the metallic liquid swallowed her whole. They tried to reach for one another but their respected nightmarish monsters had them trapped in their horrible evil grasp. They couldn't escape, and they were scared. Their voices echoed in the infinite space as they called out each other's names.
"Korra!"
"Mako!"
"Wake up. Korra, Mako wake up!"
The firebender and Princess Avatar snapped awake, both panting as their heart rate slowly slowed down. They were startled by the appearance of Rainbow Dash, "Geez, you were really deep in there."
The young coupled looked at one another in surprise. It didn't take long for them to realize they were both having nightmares.
"Are you guys okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
In a way, she was right. For Mako, he was seeing a hideous manifestation of the one who killed his parents while Korra saw a hideous manifestation of Zaheer. Rarity levitated a napkin for the two and cleaned up the sweat from their faces. "What were you two dreaming about?" she asked.
Mako and Korra both decided not to tell them, not wanting anyone to worry about anything. Especially each other.
"It was nothing." they said in unison.
“Hey guys! It's snowing!” Ikki exclaimed as she looked out the window. “We're getting close!”
Everyone looked out to see the white flakes. Kai looked at it skeptically, "It looks like normal snow to me."
Twilight giggled, "This isn't the Crystal Snow, Kai. The Empire is located in the north, and its season shifts differently than anywhere else in Equestria."
Asami was surprisingly excited for the event, especially to see the Crystal Heart. The giggling from Opal suddenly caused her to frown. While Opal smiled, Bolin's head was somewhere else. "I can't break up with Opal here with everybody around. I have to find the right moment. Oh man, I sure hope she won't be too mad. Why is love so complicated?"
It wasn't long when the snow stopped falling and standing before them was none other than the Crystal Empire itself!
The train finally stopped and Opal was astonished by what she saw. Pinkie Pie stood in front of all of them on two legs as her front hooves were speed wide, “Welcome to the Crystal Empire!”
Behind her stood the majestic Crystal Palace, all around were ponies whit shimmering crystal coats that reflected the colors of the rainbow. The sight was even more beautiful in person just as Opal had anticipated. The palace itself reminded her so much of her home back in Zaofu and the shimmering bright colors that reflected off of the coats of the Crystal Ponies.
“Isn't it magnificent?” Rarity asked.
“It's--It's even more amazing than I ever imagined.” P'Li said breathless.
“I've said it once, and I will say it again: Pictures don't do it justice.” Jinora said.
Even Kai was speechless, “There are...no words.” he then received a nudge on the arm from Mako.
"You better not get any ideas, Kai." he said demandingly.
"What? I'm not gonna steal anything. Airbender's honor."
Even so, the firebender would certainly be keeping an eye on him.
Meelo's eyes shimmered with wonder, “So….shinny.”
“So glad you could all make it.” They all saw the beautiful Princess Cadance walk towards them, along with Shinning Armor.
“Cadance, Shinning Armor!” Twilight quickly ran to greet her brother and sister-in-law, she and the older alicorn danced their signature greeting and rhyme.
"Sunshine, sunshine. Ladies bugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake."
“Great to see you again, Twiliy. And all of you guys.” said her big brother with a hug.
Mako and Flash Sentry both stood tall and saluted the prince, “Prince Shinning Armor, Sir. We are here to assist in protecting the Crystal Heart at all times during the festivities.” Mako spoke in a military-like tone.
To their surprise, the prince started to laugh, “Loosen up you guys. We didn't just invite the police force for protection; we wanted you guys to have a great time too. And you don't need to be so formal with me.”
The boys blushed in embarrassment, “Oh, this is awkward.” said Mako.
“Come along, the Crystal Empire is even more breathtaking inside.” Candace said as she led the way while Spike struggled with the bags until some crystal pony guards help him out. Much to his pleasure.
They all followed the princess and prince all across the empire and marveled at the wonders of this new world; they saw the crystal ponies everywhere getting ready for the festival. But not only ponies, a few humans and even a few spirits arrived as well to help out. They must have taken different trains to get here.
"Wow, seems like every pony in the Empire is doing their part." said Korra, smiling at all of the hard working ponies around her.
"With good reason." said Cadance, "It's the first Full Moon celebration in a thousand years."
"Is the sparkling snow really as amazing as they say?" Jinora asked.
"I can't say for sure, even I've never seen it. But I am certain it will be a night to remember."
“I see the humans and spirits are becoming well acquainted with the residence here.” said Tenzin as he looked all around. Ikki gasped when she saw a group of crystal fillies gallop pass her.
”Crystal fillies! They're so cute!”
“It's like something out of a dream.” said Pema, her baby son Rohan giggled in response.
“It really is.” her husband agreed.
“Wait until you see the crown jewel of the empire.” said Shinning Armor. Once they reached the castle, OPal, Pema, Tenzin, P'Li and Kai all gasped! While the palace was indeed majestic up close, what really fascinated them was the Crystal Heart, hovering between two crystallites and spinning while shimmering it's beautiful lights. Team Avatar had seen this all before, but no matter how many times they did, it was still left them speechless. The Crystal Empire was truly a marvel to behold.
Kai couldn't believe her eyes, “Woah! The Crystal Heart!” before he could get closer, Mako pulled him back.
"Easy kid." the firebender said sternly at the young boy.
“The Empire's source of power.” said Cadance.
Tenzin was just as mesmerized by the object's beauty, “So this is what brings light to the empire and protects it from harm?”
Shinning Armor nods, “Yes. King Sombra kept it hidden, and without the ponies to power it, the empire fell into despair.”
“It's beautiful.” said Opal in awe.
“Yeah. Just standing next to it makes one feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” Bolin said while hugging himself.
“That's the love and light reflected by the crystal ponies." Cadance explained, "As long as their kingdom is filled with love and hope, they will spread all across Equestria.”
As Asami looked at the crystal heart as it spin gracefully around, she saw her reflection turn a sinister dark for a brief moment and lets out a gasp.
“Are you alight, Asami?" Fluttershy asked with concern.
“Yeah, I…I'm just really mesmerized by this.”
“It is amazing.” Mako said.
"Korra!"
Korra turned around and smiled when she saw two familiar people standing there with Celestia, Leilani and Luna who approached her.
“Mom! Dad!” She she quickly ran to greet them with a warm hug.
“It's good to see you, Korra.” said her mother.
In between their hug, Pinkie appeared, “I love hugs!” the family simply laughed. Same old Pinkie Pie.
“I thought you said you were coming later.”
Tonraq smirked, “We planed on it, but we had some free time so we thought we'd surprise you. Surprise!”
Korra laughed and hugged her father once more, “But how did you get here so fast?”
“We brought them.” said Princess Celestia.
“Thank you, Princess.” Korra said as she bowed in gratitude.
"We're so happy you could make it." said the alicorn queen.
"So are we." Korra then gestured to the crystal palace, "Wow. No matter how many times I see it it's still….wow!”
"The ball will begin this evening." said Cadance, "So until then, feel free to see the sights of our glorious kingdom. You could help some of our ponies with the preparations."
It didn't take Pinkie Pie long for her to jump up and lead the way, "Come on everybody! There's so much to see!"
As the team followed the excitable pony, Asami Sato briefly glanced at Princess Luna. She didn't give her any firm expression, but for some strange reason the alicorn felt rather uneasy. The heiress locked eyes with the pony, not showing any visible signs of anger, more so indifference.
"Asami, you coming?" the voice of the Rainbow-haired pony broke the heiress from her semi-trance and proceeded to follow.
"Luna, darling are you all right?" her mother asked with concern.
"Um, yes. I'm fine." but even Luna herself was uncertain.
The Mane Six led their human companions towards the Crystal village where Crystal Ponies of all ages danced and galloped happily as music filled the air. The humans joined in as they too danced and sang.
Pinkie Pie;
"Come on everypony!"
Rarity;
"We better get started."
Fluttershy;
"The party's tonight."
Rainbow;
"Let's get ready to rock!"
(The song from the Dream Along with Mickey Show from Walt Disney World)
Crystal Ponies and humans;
We're gonna have a party
Unlike you've ever seen before
Team Avatar smiled as the sparkly creatures and humans danced and sang in perfect harmony
Ikki;
"This is so exciting!"
Crystal Ponies and humans;
A magic destination
There's this feeling in the air
A magic celebration
For everyone to share!
It didn't take long for Team Avatar to join in the musical fun, all while experiencing the many fun activities, such as the treats, the decorations and the little crystal fillies playing with each other, so anxiously exited for that frost crystal snowflake to fall.
While the Ponies and humans danced, they adorned the place with more decorations, sharing their treats, flowers and gifts with Team Avatar, who also joined in the dancing fun. Mesmerized by the beauty of their song, dance and their homeland.
Female ponies adorned Korra and the Mane Six' hair with gems while Ikki, Meelo, Kai and Jinora happily played with the young crystal fillies.
Join the party, a Crystal Party
You're all invited to come and join the fun
So let's get started, so much to do
C'mon, join the party
Where dreams really do come true!
A pony on a nearby stand assisted Applejack in placing her stand for her apple treats while Pinkie Pie gorged on some of the food that was already out. Male and Female ponies performed for the friends.
Male Ponies;
Get ready for the magic
A spectacle beyond compare
Female ponies;
Beauty and adventure
There's laughter and much more
With our imagination
Imagine what's in store!
At one point, Kai had his eyes on a crystal pendant, until Mako yanked him by the collar.
Join the party, a Crystal Party
You're all invited to come and join the fun
So let's get started, so much to do
C'mon, join the party
Where dreams really do come true!
Korra and Ponies;
Welcome to a kingdom of dreams
Where enchantment never ends
Mako, Bolin and Flash;
Where everyday's a magic day
Together;
To celebrate with all our friends
All our friends!
Join the party, a Crystal Party
You're all invited to come and join the fun
So let's get started, so much to do
Come, join the party
Pinkie Pie;
"A real fun party!"
Come, join the party
Where dreams really doooooo
Come true!
Once the song came to a close, everyone clapped. The actual party had yet to begin and already, everyone was having fun. Even Asami managed to forget her sorrows and enjoy the fun with all of her friends, even receiving a crystal flower from one of the kind-hearted fillies. However, just as quickly as it came her joy faded when she saw Opal hug Bolin while smiling.
She couldn't explain how or why, but she could literally feel her heart harden, her anger and jealousy building up inside her. Without even realizing it, the lovely crystal flower she once held was now crushed in her palm before the remains fell onto the ground.
(~)
After some more sightseeing, and helping some of the ponies with their stands, Korra looked up at the sky, taking notice of the position of the sun.
"We better get going. The festival's going to start in just a few hours." she said to her friends.
"I will lead you ladies to your rooms to get ready." said Cadance.
"And I'll take you gentlemen to your room." said Shinning Armor.
Korra and her mother linked arms as the ladies were all lead by Cadance, Pema went with them as well but first she handed Tenzin their baby boy.
“Tenzin, honey please take care of Rohan for now. I haven't had a girl’s night out in a long time.” she kissed her baby before going with Senna and P'Li. Princess Cadance led the women down the hallways of the palace. Ikki and Jinora were completely taken away by the beauty of the interior designs.
"Wow." Opal said in awe, "The palace is even more beautiful inside. Isn't it Asami?"
However, to Opal's surprise, the heiress simply let out a soft scoff, barely heard by anyone else, and remained silent afterwords. Opal immediately suspected something was bothering her. Perhaps something having to do with a certain earthbender.
Princess Cadance stopped in front of a door and with her glowing horn she opened it to reveal a lavish suite for the women to get ready. "Here we are."
The ladies entered the room and marveled in awe at the stunning architecture. Every inch of the Crystal Empire was downright breathtaking.
"I will let you all get yourselves ready. See you all soon."
The alicorn closed the door, allowing the women to place their luggage. Jinora and Ikki swooned at the beauty of the place.
"I feel like a princess!" said Ikki.
"Well, darling you're about to become one!" Rarity quickly took out her briefcase and began taking out all of her cloths and accessories, “All right ladies, this is one important night. We need to get ready and we need to look….fabulous!”
The women began unpacking there things to get ready, but Opal noticed Asami, gazing sadly at the window. With a deep breath, Opal approached her.
"Asami?"
The kind-hearted airbender approached the older woman, who turned her head to look at her. "Yeah?" Asami's tone was rather…stoic. It was very much unlike her.
"Listen, if there is anything troubling you, you know you can talk to me about it. We're friends too, aren't we?"
Asami turned her head back at the window before replying, "You tell me."
Opal felt pretty hurt by her words, but she refused to give up. "I'm breaking up with him."
Asami's eyes snapped open and she turned to face Opal. "What?"
"Bolin. I just don't see it working out between us."
Asami could barely believe what she was hearing. "But, you both seem so happy."
"Yeah well, Bolin's a great guy and all but I don't feel like our relationship is going anywhere. He deserves someone who can really challenge him. I'm just not the girl to do that."
"But why are you telling me this?"
"Because…I've seen the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him. He's never looked at me like that before."
Asami's hands started to shake. Opal knew of her feelings for Bolin this whole time, and after she had behaved so awful to her.
"Opal, I--"
The airbender stopped her by raising her hand, "No, no need for apologies. I'm fine with it. I really think this is for the best. For the three of us." Asami honestly didn't know what to say. Her tongue was tied, she couldn't find any right words to say. Luckily, she didn't have to when Opal clapped her hands together, "Okay, enough chit-chat, let's get you ready for the party." she took Asami by the arms and led her away from the window. "Wait until Bolin gets a load of you."
In a few short moments, all the women were in robes, with their hair held up in towels, as well as the ponies, and assisted each other with their preparations.
This is our big night
We're getting ready and we're doing it all right
This is our big night
The time is now and we're starting up right.
Pema and P'Li brushed Ikki's hair, adding lovely white flowers on their buns and just a light tint of blush and lipgloss.
Applejack brushed Fluttershy's mane while Rarity fitted Rainbow Dash in a horrible puffy dress. Seeing how unhappy her friend was, the unicorn decided to go in a different direction.
The time's right gonna make it last cause it's the first nigh
That we're ever gonna spend and just have fun together
Pinkie Pie styled her hair while looking in the mirror, but she did not like any of the different styles. One was styled to look like Master Katara from her younger years, another made her look like Lin's mother Toph, another was styled to look like Princess Azula, and another that looked like the hairstyle of Zuko's girlfriend Mai. The final look made it look flat before it spontaneously reverted back to its puffy self and she decided to go with her previous look. Not changing a thing.
Rarity removed the towel from her hair and flipped her beautifully curled mane. Asami did the same and her wavy black hair flowed. Korra also removed her towel and the girls gasped at how flowing and beautifully curled her hair looked, her beautiful streak shimmered in the light.
Two worlds singing one song.
Two worlds singing one song.
Korra brushed Twilight's hair, styling her new side bang in a stylish and elegant manner, while Senna used and enchanted curling iron on her daughter's hair. Opal added blush on her face while Asami brushed her hair, their bond already growing.
This is our big night
We're getting ready and we're doing it all right
This is our big night
The time is now and we're starting up right.
This is our big night
This is our big night
This is our big night
This is our big night
Asami felt so happy, maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad after all. But somebody else….
Had other plans.
(~)
"I can't figure this out!" young Kai was struggling to put on his orange colored tuxedo. This was the very first formal event he had ever attended, and now he was as nervous as Fluttershy in…well, pretty much any situation. He struggled to get his bow tie on straight.
To his surprise, a certain firebender approached and helped the young boy out. "There ya go."
Kai inspected himself in the mirror. "Wow. Thanks Mako."
Mako nodded his head and returned to fixing his hair. He, Bolin, Spike and Flash Sentry were already in their tuxes, while Tonraq and Tenzin were already in theirs, awaiting outside. Spike helped Meelo with his tux while Flash added some hair gel.
Pabu arranged Bolin's tie perfectly and he petted his furry friend in gratitude, "Thanks Pabu."
At the corner of his eyes, Mako noticed hiss brother shifting his hands from side to side, a sure sign he was feeling nervous. "You okay, Bolin? You seem pretty antsy."
"Well yeah, I haven't had a chance to tell Opal about Asami yet."
"What are you waiting for?" Mako asked as both he and Flash arranged their spiky hairs. "You can't keep brushing this off."
"I know, I know! But every time I get the chance I wimp out. Opal's such a sweet girl, it'd be like ripping a puppy's heart out! Besides, I don't even know if Asami likes me back. What if I break up with Opal and it turns out Asami's not interested and I make a complete fool of myself?"
"It'd still be better than dating a girl you don't love. Besides, I've got a vibe that Asami feels the same way you do."
Bolin's eyes winded, "Really? How would you know?"
"Call it 'big brother's' intuition."
Bolin smiled in gratitude, "You know what, you're right! It's time I stopped hiding. I'm going to walk up right up to Opal and say it's over and tell Asami that she's the one who haunts my dreams!"
Kai arched an eyebrow, "Uh, you might want to rephrase that, Bolin. Don't want her getting freaked out."
"Oh, good point."
Mako chuckled and slightly ruffled his brother's hair, "Relax, bro. I have a feeling everything's going to work out fine."
(~)
After a few moments, the girls finally stepped out of their room. Tonraq and Tenzin spotted their wives and daughters.
Jinora had on a lovely air nomad style dress that reached her knees and is orange with short red sleeves, a red sash around her waist with a white lotus flower, reddish/brown flats and a couple of golden bracelets on her wrists. Ikki wore a similar dress and had lilies in her hair.
Korra was wearing a beautiful cyan gown with a sweetheart top with silver lining. Around her waist was a belt with lovely crystal gems. The bottom of the gown was wrapped like a cape and was open on the front exposing her legs and wearing slim blue pants with silvery high heeled boots. She had long solves that reaches bellow her should drown to her fingers exposing them. Similar to the ones she wore during the spirits festival but was silvery blue. Her hair was loose and curled and was wearing her beautiful heart crown on her head as well as her friendship necklace. Her cutie mark and hair streak really popped and she stretches out her beautiful wings.
Senna wore a simple blue dress with water tribe patterns and fur lining on the edges while Pema wore a simple orange dress that reached her ankles and a long red sash held by a brown belt and a white flower on her hair. P'Li wore a tuning strapless dress with a golden rounded necklace with ruby stones and a darker colored red belt around her waist with lighter red silk on theft side of her dress. She wore her hair in an styled bun with bangs framing her face, golden earrings and bracelets.
Asami had on a green dress, long with a transparent lace around the neck and a lighter green silk on the right side. Opal wore a dreen dress as well, only her's was decorated with silver metallic accessories, reminiscent of her home in Zaofu. Diamond shaped metallic earrings dangled from her ears and a silver headband adorned her head along with a silver chocker with green pendents and silver bracelets. Her dress was long and green with a darker green jacket with no sleeves and a silver belt around her waist that closed the jacket.
The Mane Six wore the same gowns as from Tarlokk's gala.
Tenzin and Tonraq marveled at how beautiful their wives and daughters looked.
"Korra, Senna. You both look incredible."
"You do too, Pema. And Jinora, Ikki, you look so grown up."
The young girls blushed at the compliments. "Thanks daddy!"
The doors of the men's suit opened and Meelo jumped out along with Spike.
"Look out ladies, Meelo has arrived!" the young boy showed off his outfit, flexing his 'muscles' to show off. His sisters rolled their eyes. Mako, Bolin, Flash and Kai stepped out next. Mako and Flash were blown away once they saw their girlfriends.
"Wow, Korra you look…wow!"
The Avatar giggled, "Thanks. You look pretty 'wow' yourself."
He extended his arm for her to take, "Shall we, m'lady?"
His grin disappeared when Tonraq eyed at him with a sneer, "You better be on your best behavior tonight, young man."
The poor firebender could already feel the sweat dripping down his neck, "Yes sir."
Korra rolled her eyes, "Dad!"
"What?"
Senna elbowed her husband before leading him down the halls as the others followed. Twilight and Flash walk side by side and Bolin caught a glimpse of Asami in her dress. He had never seen her in green before, and she looked like a stunning angel sent from heaven above.
Asami took notice of the young man looking at her, and blushed while placing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Wow, Asami. You look amazing."
Her heart skipped a beat, "Thanks."
However, to Bolin's surprise, Opal wrapped her arm around Asami's shoulder, smiling happily. "See, I told you you'd look great in green."
The earthbender suddenly became stiff. Now it seemed his girlfriend was becoming BFF's with the girl he secretly loved.
"Come on, we don't want to be late!" Opal dragged Asami down the halls with Bolin and tow.
"This is gonna be harder than I thought." he said to his ferret.
(~)