Previously...
"So then, just to recap: we're journeying towards an ancient empire."
"Correct."
"I'm just a little concerned, that's all."
"About the empire?"
"About you and our friends."
"Shining Armor?"
"Twily! Ya made it!"
"Cadence has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That's what's protecting it, but she hasn't slept. Barely eats. I want to help her, but I need to be on patrol around the Empire in case King Sombra attempts to get in."
"What?! Whoa whoa whoa whoa! Wait a sec; you're not actually thinking on confronting King Sombra, are ya?"
"Stardust, ya do remember what happened last time you fought someone evil by yerself, right?"
"Hm. So, you are a human."
"The Crystal Heart. I'll retrieve and deliver it to you, in exchange for you leaving this Empire and its citizens and never returning. You can have your body back, and you'll survive, which I believe is far more important than ruling your kingdom, no?"
"Very well. Return the Crystal Heart to me in one hour, and I shall spare this kingdom and its citizens of my rule."
"I spoke with his Highness. We've apparently reached a compromise."
"But be warned, I do not tolerate deception against me. Should you betray my word, then I will inflict a thousand years of suffering upon you, and everyone of those little ponies you hold so dear."
"And just like that?" Shining asked after I finished recounting the conversation between the mad King and I. The white stallion paced around the room thoughtfully. "We retrieve this 'Crystal Heart' for him and he'll leave the entire Empire alone? It can't be that easy."
Unfortunately, I have to agree.
From the throne, still utterly exhausted from utilizing a magical barrier day and night, Cadence concurred with her husband. "In addition, we have no idea how much harm than good we could cause by handing over Sombra this object. And we can't exactly trust that tyrant on his word, monarch or not."
"Which is why we're not going to hand over the Crystal Heart at all, after we find it." Both turned to me questionably. My expression was a frown, matching their own. "It has the power necessary to spread love and warmth throughout the entire kingdom, and requires the right pair of hoofs to do so, along with the warmth and love of all the Crystal Empire's residents. Right up your ally, Cadence."
You know what was a high gamble right now? Telling all this to these two without any discretion whatsoever. I shouldn't have any of this beforehand knowledge that even Twilight herself was aware of yet. But, considering Cadence's poor state and the one hour dilemma, we had to move quickly. Hopefully they'll just assume Sombra himself armed me with all this knowledge.
"Then why did you promise Sombra you'd give him the Heart in the first place?" Shining inquired rather skeptically.
"Well, I didn't exactly promise him it." I shrugged. Plus we didn't shake hoofs on it. "You're right though, in Sombra's hoofs, that Crystal Heart would be the end for the citizens of this kingdom. We have to retrieve it before that insane villain does."
"What do you propose?" Cadence asked, rubbing her eyes tiredly. Shining, noticing this, joined his beloved to help support her in case she suddenly collapsed.
The sight warranted my frown to deepen. Time was short. "We get the Heart, then make a new bargain with the former ruler; his life for the safety of the kingdom." Their eyes widened at that, prompting my thinned mouth. "The Crystal Heart's light can destroy his Majesty, unfortunately. But I'm hoping it won't come to that."
They nodded in agreement. "So you plan to protect the kingdom by radiating it with the Heart's light, and convince Sombra to leave peacefully in the process." Precisely. My resolved expression was enough of an answer. Shining continued with a light smile, "Rather deceptive of you to twist your deal with him like this."
I scoffed jokingly. "Tch, you should meet the rest of my species."
"Then we better hurry." The pink weary alicorn spoke up, voice growing more quiet by the minute. "If we don't use the Heart's power... then... then..."
Oh [BEEP]!
Immediately, Shining caught his lover in his pony arms before she could collapse, prompting her grateful smile. "I'm fine, my love..." Slowly, the concerned stallion released Cadence as she quickly recovered, pink horn glowing a light blue off and on again. "Do you think you can find it before the hour is up?"
Oh how I wanted to say yes with absolute certainty. "Possibly." But I couldn't lie. Meeting Cadence's stare, I continued with as much determination as I could muster. "But damn me if I don't try, Cadence. Your new kingdom will be safe and will prosper sooner than you know."
That lifted a relieved smile on her features. "I know we can count on you, Stardust, to retrieve the Heart before the day is done."
"But not alone." Shining added in, walking down the steps of the throne to join me, smiling determinedly. "While Twilight and the others are gathering information from the residents, it'll take too long to bring them back here to aid us. Plus, I presume you already know where to start looking."
Clever stallion. I nodded, "Yes, but are you sure you don't want to stay here and support Cadence?"
The pink alicorn answered for him, "I'll be fine. We knows the risks, and are prepared to face them head-on. The sooner this is over with, the better. Good luck, both of you."
Shining turned around, facing his beloved with a soft voice. "And to you, my love. Be sure to inform Twilight about this in case she returns."
The response was a loving smile, "I shall. Be safe, Shining."
...Should I be looking away? Nah I'm a grown man. Instead, I smiled lightly at the scene before me. They were willing to accept whatever consequences came from making this decision, putting the safety of the Empire and its citizens before their personal attachments. Worthy rulers indeed. Hell, they'd probably give Celestia a run for her money. I mean, it was they who defeated Chrysalis AND Sombra while that alicorn did [BEEP] all. Incredible how two characters introduced late to the show were more competent at their jobs of monarchy than the overall ruler.
"If anyone's deserving of being the new monarchs of this Empire, it's you two." I stated sincerely, to which they replied with flattered and proud expressions.
"So then, where do we begin?" Shining inquired, getting straight to the point. Immediately I started glancing around the room.
Let's see... If memory serves correctly, if had something to do with the throne, I think... Ah!
I pointed at the large shaped pink crystal, sticking from atop the throne seat Cadence rested on. "I believe we have to use dark magic for this part." Shining nodded and began focusing, and I wasn't lying in admitting to myself, despite my concern over the brief green eyes and blackness emitting from my friend's horn, that I'd rather see even Twilight's brother utilize such darkness than the unicorn herself.
"So, how was the honeymoon?" I began conversationally, realizing it will take us probably forever before we reach the bottom of this large circular staircase, starting from the middle of the throne room after the secret passage was revealed. Surrounding us was a cave-like structure, jagged and disorganized than the rest of the castle.
Walking beside me, I noticed a small smile lift on Shining's serious features. "It was wonderful. The time Cadence and I had together was the best anypony could ask for, almost as much as our wedding."
"I won't ask for details."
He chuckled, "That's probably for the best." I laughed lightly in turn. Good, we'll need some kind of positive atmosphere when we reach what awaits us at the bottom. I was partially considering jumping down to the bottom from where we walked.
But I wasn't feeling that suicidal today.
"It's good to see you again, Stardust." The taller stallion admitted. "We were hoping you would accompany Twily and the others here."
Oh? "What for?"
Shining shrugged humouredly, "Can't a friend hope to greet another they haven't seen in a while?"
"Ah, fair enough." I replied in amusement.
"In addition, since you've helped us defeat Chrysalis, we thought you would be of great help also in dealing with this crisis." The unicorn continued, blue eyes forward on the stairs we walked down. "Twilight will help us protect this Empire, no doubt about it, but some extra reinforcements won't hurt in the least."
"So basically, I'm Plan B then." I pointed out jokingly.
"Well, it's working so far." We shared a laugh, before the curious stallion gestured to the blackness. "So what awaits us below?"
Recalling the tidbits I've seen of the second episode, I said thoughtfully, "I believe there will be a small chamber with a wooden door, which will move around by itself whenever we try to reach it."
"Alright, so we use magic to tame it, I'm guessing?"
I nodded, sincerely impressed with the quick observation. "Very astute."
Shining grinned, "It runs in the family."
That prompted my snort, "No need to tell me something I already know."
Silence followed, as we continued moving down the round stairs to what awaits us below. Was it just light magic, or dark magic used to tame the door? I dunno, it's been a while since I've seen the clips. Just because one sees all the episodes doesn't mean they're going to remember every single part of it.
But there was something I remembered, which was best to warn the determined stallion beforehand. "Also, behind that door lies your greatest fears. We're gonna need to find a way to bypass that trap."
"Understood." Shining nodded, not missing a beat. Wow, this guy is seriously fixed on ending this problem right away. He threw me a grateful yet serious look, "I'll say it again, I'm glad you're here, Stardust. I knew you'd help us out."
"Yeah well, Shining, I just want to get this whole thing over with." I shrugged in admittance, before noticing the interesting expression. "...What?"
"You called me Shining."
...Oh. "So I did."
The stallion rolled his eyes in good nature. "Finally. I won't lie, you constantly addressing me by my surname was getting rather exasperating."
Instead of retorting, something else attracted my attention from the corner of my eye. We were here. The dark floor floor at the bottom of the long overboard staircase was getting more and more visible, aided by the light Shining was emitting from his horn. Sharing a triumphant glance with the unicorn, we quickened our pace, hurrying to the bottom of the steps with renewed vigour.
And waiting for us, standing in seemingly innocent plain sight, was the door I mentioned earlier. Immediately, I extended my limb out to halt the Prince before he could approach it.
"We need to subdue it." I said thoughtfully as we regarded the object.
Shining nodded, pointing upwards. "Look, a crystal atop the door." True enough, a pentagon shaped material rested on top of the wooden door. "I believe you said we must use magic."
"Indeed..."
"Yet using dark magic would cause the door to reveal out greatest fears, you said?"
"Perhaps." Was Shining going somewhere with this?
"What about harmony magic?"
...Ahh!
"It could work." I said in agreement. "Care to give it a shot?"
"Gladly." That said, the stallion stepped forward. And, before the door could even react, a light white beam fired from the tip of the unicorn's horn directly into the crystal. And it seemed to have successfully worked, as the door opened and we weren't suddenly facing our own horrifying scenarios.
Bingo!
"Good job Shining!" I praised the stallion as we walked towards the doorway.
He shrugged casually with a gratified grin, "I only did what seemed right-"
"Oh God no, I get enough modesty from your sister." I cut him off humouredly, moving through the bright door, finding behind us, towering over the other side of the door, the bottom of a blue reflective tower accompanied by...
More stairs.
"You've got to be kidding me..."
Shining shared my displeasure with a dissatisfied "Hm..."
"Oh my God, so many stairs..." Inhaling and exhaling deeply, my tirade as we transcended upwards continued, "I'd like to thank the man for inventing stairs, then push him down these stairs, just to display how dumb stairs are. It will be ironic, and his wife will leave him for the elevator guy; because everyone knows elevators are much cooler... God dammit..."
Shining glanced at me from in front, years of intense training as a guard not making him as nearly as exhausted as I was, "What's an 'elevator?'"
I sighed, "Another time, Shining."
"Indeed. We must hurry. If the Crystal Heart awaits us at the top, then we can deal with Sombra once and for all." The resolve to accomplish such had the white stallion moving upstairs faster than myself, and I earnestly admired and wished to have his energy from all those years of guard training.
How long now before the deal's off? Fifteen minutes? Ten? It feels as though it's been well over an hour by now, climbing up this round white tower.
"So, are we to expect another trap when we get up there?" Shining eventually asked while waiting for me, offering a limb of support.
I respectfully declined the assistance. "Yes, there's a trap which activates upon approaching the Heart."
That, at least, I remember. It seemed so easy, thinking about the time Twilight attempted to catch the Heart, and it was up to Spike to deliver the powerful object to Cadence. The trap was so obvious, yet I was surprised by it.
"So how do we take the Heart without triggering the trap?"
"Very, very carefully." A leap over the circle surrounding the Heart might just do the trick. "Then we give the Heart to Cadence, who combines her power over love with the residents to spread the Heart's power over the Crystal Empire, and boom, everything's back to normal."
"You make it sound so easy."
"If we do this correctly, it will be."
Shining nodded, accepting that. Eyes still focused forward, the straight face and serious resolve to save the innocent alongside those he cared about reminded me of his just-as-determined sibling. For a moment I thought I was seeing a Twilight clone.
Heh, one can dream...
Oh my God, why are there so many stairs?! How far up can this tower possibly be? Then I recalled exactly how tall the castle was, which incited my small groan. Shining glanced at me, but said nothing. Yep, a serious monarch. He'll make a fine King.
Speaking of which. "Have you and Cadence considered addressing yourselves as King and Queen of this kingdom after this is all over?"
Obviously not expecting the question, Shining paused briefly before continuing onwards. "It... Hasn't occurred to us." He admitted thoughtfully. "Why?"
I shrugged. "Oh you know, usually because rulers of a kingdom are either Kings or Queens, not Prince's or Princess's."
Common sense, you know.
Wry blue eyes looked in my direction. "Let me guess; another one of your endless issues with Princess Celestia?"
"You know me too well." I commented with a faint smile.
"Hm. Well, I think Cadence and I will stick to addressing ourselves as our current titles, if that's alright with you." I get the feeling it didn't matter what I thought of the subject.
Shame, you'd think someone would choose the more appropriate and dignifying title to rule an entire kingdom.
"I think we're there!"
My head perked up at the announcement. True enough, a bright white light from the outside awaited us from the top of the stairs, quickening our exhausted pace. And finally - and I mean finally - we reached our destination.
The top of the castle itself, harsh cold wing flapping our manes, tails and clothing. A round blue and white chamber surrounded by many open windows to the Empire below. Lying on the center of the room was a white star-shaped pattern surrounded by shades of light and dark blue.
And floating atop the pattern was the very object we sought.
"We made it... Thank Celestia..."
"Ten points for... Observation..."
That said, we took a moment to regain our breath, echoes of inhales and exhales going through the chamber and out of the rather large while we took a short break, Shining grinned triumphantly at me, an expression I shared sincerely. And I gratefully took an offered bottle of water which appeared from thin air while Shining drank his own.
Yes... We made it.
"So now what?" Shining eventually inquired after we recovered from all the running and walking, regarding the floating shining blue Crystal Heart as though mystified by its glow.
Yes... It was rather pretty to watch.
But instead, higher matters returned to the forefront of my mind, prompting me to glance at the pattern below the crystal. "Now we... quickly take the Heart before the trap triggers."
"And how do we do that, with magic?"
I shook my head. Too easy. "I imagine there would even be a counter-trap for that." With that speculation made, I prepared my hoofs, making a motion as if to run forwards.
"Then what- Stardust wait!"
Too late.
With as much speed as I could muster, my hoofs bounced off the solid ground and I leaped upwards towards the awaiting trap. My limbs quickly snatched crystal object, which radiated warmth than the typical coldness of a crystal, and I rolled while landing on the other side of the pattern, grinning at my own accomplishment.
Well, that was easy. The trap wasn't even triggered at all.
Walking around the pattern, I met Shining's concerned but then ecstatic grin. "Stardust, you did it!"
"So I did." I nodded, holding up the precious important object for us both to examine.
"So with this, the Crystal Empire will be protected indefinitely?" The hopeful stallion asked, the light of the crystal reflecting from his blue orbs. At my nod, he grinned happily, "This is fantastic, now we can protect our friends and the citizens of the Empire! Good job Stardust!"
I couldn't help but shrug at the praise. Guess I'm not really one to talk about modesty-
Hmhmhmhmhm, good job indeed...
What- Ack!
"Stardust!" I heard Shining exclaim in concern as I suddenly toppled over, gripping hoofs supporting me from falling over completely. Violent coughing emerged from my throat, growing louder and louder to my own screeching ears as black vapour began pouring out of my mouth.
No... Not possible...
My eyes tightly shut for a moment before reopening, stinging tears on the corners of them while I forced myself to look up at the smoke before us, a few feet away, swirling maliciously. As Shining helped me get back up, we both stared in terror as the smoke began to take shape, into the suspecting pony I hoped wouldn't be the one responsible.
"You..."
Dark grey body. Red regal cape. Silver armour. Before us, in all his majestic glory, was the former King of the Crystal Empire, regarding the two stallions with a sinister grin, bare fangs revealed while his blood red eyes glanced over to the object he craved the most. Purple vapours continuously poured from the corners of his eyes.
"Impossible... What are YOU doing here?!" Shining demanded, sounding both horrified and furious by the tyrant's appearance.
Sombra barely acknowledged his presence, focusing still on the Crystal Heart gripped safely in my own hoofs. "You did well to bring me to what is rightfully mine, human." Oh [BEEP]. So a piece of him must've... That sick [BEEP].
Then, without warning, black magic fired from the tip of his dark red horn, impacting the pristine ceiling above us. We looked upwards, corrupted blackness taking over the surfaces of the room. Dark crystal emerging left and right, holing up the open windows as well looming dangerously close to us.
"For thousands of years I've laid dormant. And now, my ascension will begin anew!"
Well, we're most likely [BEEP]...
But Shining wasn't taking it lying down, stepping forward with resolve. "Now while we have anything to say about it, your 'Highness.'"
Sombra wasn't the least bit perturbed, and I found myself petrified by the red stare in my direction. "Now, Wright, I have a new deal for you."
Oh [BEEP]...
"Give me the Crystal Heart, and I will spare your friends, they will leave my kingdom and shan't be bothered again. You will attain a high position in my monarchy." His dark eyes narrowed. "Refuse the deal, then everyone you love will suffer and be antagonized by their worse fears for over countless years. The choice is yours."
The images incited own frown. He dare harm my friends? Not while I'm still breathing, he won't. "Now, I could do that, Sombra, or I could just allow Cadence to destroy you with the Crystal Heart, unless you leave and never return."
Evidently displeased with the answer, his scoff echoed the now dark chamber. "A pity you think that. Now your friends will suffer because of your arrogance."
"Then by all means, try and pry this thing from my cold, dead hoofs."
And he happily obliged.
"Look out!" Shining warned, but I was already on the move, pushing both himself and I out of the way as dark crystals were fires our way, shattering from the ground between us. Immediately, I recovered, as did Shining, who was very close to the stairs.
That's it!
"Shining! Catch!" With my strength, the important object was hurled through the air before Sombra could even react. The white stallion caught the Heart without hesitation. "Consider it my late wedding present! Now go!"
"But what about you?!"
"Never mind me! Cadence needs you! Your kingdom needs you! Go!"
For a moment, Shining stared at me like an idiot... Before finally nodded with grim determination. "Don't get yourself killed." Before turning towards the stairs.
No promises.
Sombra, however, was more protesting to the idea. "Give me my Crystal Heart!" He snarled viciously, charging forward to the retreating stallion. Oh no you don't! With my own speed, I leaped over the sharp deadly crystals, impacting into the grunting King and sending him flying, crashing into the nearby black wall and leaving a significant impact. I quickly glanced at the stairs leading down, noticing the stallion was already gone.
Good luck, my friend...
"That... Was a very grave mistake..."
My fierce stare met his enraged own, own hoof swiftly removing my cape and throwing it behind me. "So was threatening me with the people I care about. If you want to get the Heart, you'll have to go through me." I imagine Twilight will kill me after this is all over...
Sombra sneered, standing up tall and proud. "You and your friends are nothing but insects to me, human. It's tragic that you refuse to serve the true sole ruler of Equestria. We have a lot more in common than you think-"
No you [BEEP] don't!
[Insert music: The Encounter, from Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep.]
Yet my charging clenched hoof only met thin air, as the stallion had dispersed back into black smoke, emerging again in his true form feet away behind me. "Tsk tsk tsk. Think before you act, child. But then again, you never listen to your own advice, do you?"
Son of a-!
My limbs immediately swiped away an oncoming black energy beam, to which I quickly regretted as my full front left limb was now coated in black crystal. Sombra chuckled darkly at me while the weight wore me down, before charging forwards himself, black floating crystals appearing around him in preparation.
...Idea!
I instinctively ducked as the objects flung over me, missing their target. And, reeling my crystallized limb back, I leaped forwards to the advancing Sombra and scored a hit; the crystal trapping my arm shattering into a million pieces upon contact. The surprised and pained tyrant was hurled backwards by the hit, smashing into some sticking out crystals as bits and dust coated his being.
But any hope of a break was quickly cast aside as the King slowly stood back up, glaring at me with pure malice and hatred. Oh boy...
"So you can still fight." Was it me or was there a distinct hint of impression in his baritone voice? Sombra shook off the dust and remains as he walked forwards. "For a mere autistic."
...
He laughed mocking, "Hahahaha. Have you forgotten? I've seen through your memories, boy, and I've fed off your negative emotions. Your anger, your fears, your self-loathing, it has empowered me while I waited in your mind. Soon, the rest of me waiting outside the kingdom will join us, and we shall enjoy feasting on the darkness within you, and the fear in these miserable ponies."
No, I won't hear anymore of this. "Yet you're still clearly weak, your Majesty. I suppose being decapitated and trapped in a glacier for a thousand years can make one rusty."
That seemed to irritate him. "You underestimate me, boy. It matters not how long of my absence, for my destiny is set in stone. Not you, nor Celestia, nor the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, nor any living thing in this universe or yours can deny my ascension."
That said, I tensed and braced myself, making a fighting position. "Then why don't you prove your oh-so ascension."
He mimicked my movements, grinning darkly. "Gladly."
The battle moved on from there. Crystals, energy blasts and shockwaves were fired from across the room along with two leaping and hurled bodies. As I kept on dodging, blocking and leaping over the fallen King's fatal assaults, it didn't take me long to realize this was nothing like my duel with Syphilis.
Not... this was far more deadly.
My leap in the air was halted by his magic, as Sombra sent me upwards to the ceiling. Quickly retaliating, my hoofs landed on the surface first and pushed me off the ceiling before a blast from Sombra's horn could hit me, leaving a bush of crystals pointing out in all directions. There was a pattern here, I noticed, in that I have to keep dodging his attacks until I move closer, such as now.
Yet my hoof only met vapour once again. Sombra returned to his original form at the other end of the room, grinning maliciously at my annoyance. Alright, he keeps turning to his smoke form whenever I land a physical assault. If this continues, I'll overexert myself and leave myself vulnerable.
But I can't keep defending myself like this forever.
Sombra seemed to know that too. "What do you hope to accomplish?" He inquired mockingly as I deflected a blast, then leaped over thrown spear-like crystals. "Do not deny the darkness in your heart and the sins in your soul."
My back hoof kicked through the shattering wall behind me, and I ducked and rolled behind cover as more firing objects were sent towards me, meeting the sharp crystals protecting me. With them gone, I leaped over and charged forward, but the mad tyrant was already prepared, evaporating into smoke before my roundhouse kick could hit him.
"You are but a naive child who is prone to his own insecurities and anger. I am the King that all living things fear." My head turned to gleeful roaring voice, before rolling out of the way of another more powerful energy blast. Gah! The aftershock caused me to smash into some debris. Glancing upwards, I noticed with slight terror the dark whirlpool emerging from the ceiling. "Darkness conquers all!"
Now he's just going full Ansem on me...
"Not today it does!"
Yet before that harrowing black vortex above could strike me, it was intercepted by a thin pink beam, dispersing the storm into nothingness once more. And my saving grace arrived; a full relieved grin on my features as Twilight Sparkle teleported in front of me, standing firmly against the brow-raised King.
"Twilight!" I said in surprise and relieved elation... Before the situation was quickly reminded to me. "You shouldn't be here, you should be protecting the kingdom!"
The purple mare glanced at me, her mouth a thin line. "I'll protect it, after I've protected my friend!"
Of course...
"How sentimental." Sombra pointed out in amusement. "The student of Princess Celestia comes to save her precious warrior."
I smirked, standing alongside the mare as we prepared to take on the tyrant, together. "Not just a student of Celestia, oh great King. But the greatest pony Equestria has ever produced. You're [BEEP] now, Sombra."
The battle resumed.
Both of us dodged out of the way as another wave of pointy crystals were sent our way, separating us feet away. Using that to his advantage, Sombra fired another energy wave towards me, which was block a large chunk of wall which protected me by Twilight, who then magically hurled it up in the air. Immediately understanding, I leaped upwards and, with a swift kick, sent it flying at the growling King. Debris and dust enveloped that part of the area before the tyrant emerged from it, quickly turning into smoke again as I leaped forward to punch his chest, giving Twilight the right opportunity to fire a pink beam into the villain's left side as soon as he retained his real form.
Pushing himself off the crystallized wall after the impact, Sombra snarled and fired a power beam towards the purple mare, which I quickly intercepted by kicking away. The blast bounce doff the reflective surface of the wall back to me, to which I then deflected the blast right back at its owner. Sombra leaped away, then finding himself in the middle of projectiles broken crystals hurled in his direction by Twilight. The irritated and angered tyrant quickly retaliated, stronger magic gaining control of the debris as he prepared to fire them back at the purple unicorn.
If I hadn't interfered first.
My forceful kick caused the distracted dark stallion to fly into another wall. But I wasn't done there, grabbing Sombra by the edges of his steel armour and dragging him across the crystallized walls, running at a high speed before throwing him into the air, and Twilight's magical attack sent the tyrant right into the center of of the ceiling, debris and shattered crystals falling alongside him onto the pattern below. Sharing a serious yet victorious glance with Twilight, we slowly approached the fallen King.
"It's over Sombra. Give up." Twilight commanded with an intense gaze at the recovering tyrant.
I nodded in agreement. "Your rule is at an end."
Then, quite suddenly to our taken aback surprise, Sombra quickly got up, red eyes now blazing with pure green along with red irises.
"No... NO!"
Harsh dark purple winds were followed by his denial, sending us reeling back at the waves. God dammit, what now?! We were winning! Yet before I could tell Twilight we needed to finish this, eight large crooked crystals surrounded the enraged King in an octagon shape, followed by eight walls now taking up the chamber, separating me from communicating with the mare.
"You think you can destroy me?! I am the Lord of Fear and Despair! I am the ruler of all living and dead! Everything that resides in this world are destined to be mine!"
Ugh! The wind! Too strong! I found my back pressed against the surface the cracking wall as black smoke emerged from the center of the room, large hellish eyes glaring down at me and, presumably, Twilight.
"I am King Sombra, and before me you are nothing!"
The roaring voice echoed the chamber, and I felt the cracking behind me worsen. If this keeps up, we'll be blown out of the castle. "It's over, Sombra!" I yelled out against the strong currents. "You were never going to return to power in the first place!"
"Bah! A little worm like you cannot and will not stop me from regaining my rightful place on the throne!"
"Good thing then - Argh! - That I never intended to stop you!" His eyes narrowed, prompting me to clarify. "I only needed to stall you!"
"Stall... What are you blabbering about, you nonsensical buffoon?"
Despite the harsh winds pushing me back, I managed to grin. "Can you still read my mind, Sombra?!"
"Yes. Make your point before you fall to the outside grounds of my kingdom below."
"Then look! Look at what I'm recalling right now!" My mind quickly pushed forward the memories of Sombra's fall. The Crystal Heart's light, aided by Cadence's power, shone through the entire kingdom, bathing it in warmth and joy as the previous monarch was utterly destroyed by its power.
"What... Is this?!"
Do I detect fear? "Clearly you didn't look through all of my memories, your Highness! You were always going to fall, whether I intervened or not! You should've taken up my offer, because today you will become what you always feared: Nothing!"
As if on cue, bright radiant light began pouring through the cracks of the walls, pushing back against the strong currents and giving me time to relax and breathe. As I landed back safely on the floor, the shattered walls behind me smashed open as light bathed the chamber, disappearing the darkness and crystals that covered the room.
Gah! I had to shield my eyes at the blinding blue light now covering us, but even then there was a sensation of warmness and elation I haven't felt since seeing Twilight upon waking up after the defeat of Mephiles...
"GAHHH! Destiny... You cannot... Stop... My Desti- ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...!"
The defeated enraged screams of the former tyrant slowly ceased into non-existence, and the bathing light died down enough for me to run and open my eyes, examining my surroundings. What greeted me was the same blue and white room overlooking the Crystal Empire from before, not a trace of Sombra's presence or his sinister magic to be found.
We did it... Thank Christ...
...Oh [BEEP], Twilight!
"Twilight, are you... Oh..."
My concerned question slowly died down at the holy sight of the mare. Hair a different style, entire body covered in a white sparkling glow, Twilight met my stare with as much surprise of her own.
"You look... Radiant." Was all I could think of saying, restraining myself from drooling at the lovely sight.
Twilight smiled meekly, seeming relieved, flattered and amused by my stunned expression. "So do you." ...Huh? Oh! Looking at myself, I was indeed coated with the same magic covering the mare.
...Doesn't suit me, really.
"Look!" The ecstatic mare pointed out, and I followed her gaze.
...Whoa.
Colourful aurora's covered the skies from the top of the castle, heading in all directions as if to announce to all of Equestria that the Crystal Empire has returned in all its beauty and glory. And I couldn't help but grin at the view.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Twilight asked in awe as we observed from the edge of one window.
"Almost as much as the pony beside me..."
...Smooth Stardust.
From the corner of my eye, the sparkles seemed to cover Twilight's blush if she was doing so, ducking her head rather sheepishly, inciting my chuckle. "A-Anyway," She continued nervously, clearing her threat quickly. "They did it, Jack. Good job Shining... The entire Crystal Empire is saved."
"No, Twilight." She glanced at me curiously. I met her stare happily. "We did it. We all played a part in ending this nightmare before it could begin again."
Though, thinking back to Sombra's defeat right now, sent a lump in my throat. Again, another failure of mine; not being able to convince the villain to cease with their plans peacefully. It had to resort to his destruction, unlike Discord and Nightmare Moon.
Apparently, anyway.
Yet it looked like I wasn't the only one with regrets, as Twilight inexplicably looked downwards, a saddened expression on her features. "But it doesn't change the fact that I failed..."
"'Failed?'"
"The test..."
Oh, right... That.
"Twilight..." I gently lifted her chin up to look at me, smiling reassuringly. "I think the fact that you tried to help and even saved one of your friends from possible death, along with battling one of Equestria's greatest threats - again - is more than enough to make you pass the test. Even if you didn't retrieve the Heart and protected the entire Empire, you still played a significant role today that I'm more certain will get you to graduate from your task."
"...You really think so?" Twilight asked with a small hopeful smile.
"I know so." That said, we both turned back to the view, enjoying the sight of the blue, yellow and reddish pink auroras spreading across the blue peaceful skies, along with hearing the echoing cheers of the kingdom's people... Or ponies, whatever. Yes, the Crystal Empire will prosper once more, and Equestria is safe from another tyrant.
And as icing on the cake, my heart leaped as Twilight leaned against me while we watched the magnificent spectacle. Slowly, I rested my own head atop hers, and thankfully she didn't seem to mind, snuggling more closer to me, my insides warming up at the welcoming intimacy.
Perhaps reforming Sombra was too far a stretch currently, but my regrets of not doing so died down with this unicorn beside me, and the peace that enveloped this kingdom shone. Life was good.
After retrieving the Crystal Heart and leaving me to deal with Sombra, Shining had reached the bottom of the tower, where he met Twilight who was asking what was going on. The stallion had explained in a hurry, and told the unicorn they needed Cadence to help use the power of the relic he held to protect the kingdom indefinitely. And although Twilight was more than eager to assist her brother and in-law with doing so, that plan changed upon hearing that I was currently battling the former tyrant of the Empire by myself. And, despite the fact she had a test to complete, Twilight rushed up the tower to assist me, rather than finish the task bestowed upon her by her own mentor.
Meanwhile, when reaching the throne room, Shining made it to the exhausted Cadence, and the new Prince of the Crystal Empire escorted Cadence outside to help unite the love and warmth from the kingdom's citizens into the Heart.
You can figure out the rest.
The Empire's saved, Sombra vanquished - for now anyway - Shining and Cadence have rightfully their place as rulers of the Crystal Empire. Good, after what the citizens have been through, they'll need the caring support and rule of those two. Now, there was just one more factor to deal with.
"It's beautiful." Celestia pointed out happily, observing the auroras reaching out even to Canterlot.
Twilight, however, didn't share the same enthusiasm. "I wish it had been me who ultimately made it so... But it wasn't."
Please... If anyone's failed here, it's me. I couldn't convince Sombra to give up his tyrannical intentions. I'm to blame here more than Twilight was. Still, I placed a hoof on her side for comfort, but she barely acknowledged it. The reason I was in the throne room with them was because I insisted on accompanying Twilight inside for moral support... And to give Celestia a piece of my mind in case by the slimmest of chances the unicorn failed this test of hers.
"Twilight," The tall white alicorn began, approaching us calmly, "As I understand it, Shining gave Cadence the Crystal Heart, because you were more concerned for the well-being of your friend than completing your test." That said, she leaned forward to the unicorn, prompting me to step back to give them their moment. "You weren't willing to risk endangering your friend to gain all the glory."
That said, we gazed up at the stain glass window to the side, picturing Shining Armor at the bottom, the Crystal Heart in the middle with Cadence at the top, symbolizing their victory. Where did it come from? Was it always there? I don't know, I don't [BEEP] know.
"Far better that I have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own self-interests."
And, just this once, we can agree there, Celestia.
"Does this mean...?" Twilight let the question hang in the air, tone filled with hesitation and hope.
A moment for dramatic tension, before Celestia announced it. "You've passed the test with flying colours, Twilight Sparkle, as I knew you would. Congratulations. I'm very proud of you."
And not even I could repress my elated grin at the sheer joy, relief and happiness Twilight expressed upon hearing those words. Well of course she passed, there was never any doubt-
Oof!
A short laugh escaped my muzzle as the unicorn hugged me tightly, unable to contain her joy. Eh, [BEEP] it, Twilight's happy, so I'm happy, I'll regret not being able to persuade Sombra later. That said, I gently grabbed the mare by the sides and twirled her in the air, the pair of us laughing like idiots. But who cares? We were content.
Then, remembering we were in the presence of a monarch, I gently landed Twilight down and we released one another, glancing at Celestia apologetically. Yet the alicorn only smiled, in pride, amusement and... Mischief? Oh don't even think about it you damn-
"Now, why don't you go share the new with the rest of your friends?"
"Right! Come on Jack, we have to tell the others!" Twilight said happily, grabbing my right limb and practically dragging me across. I'll just pretend she didn't call me that in Celestia's presence.
"Calm down love." I replied in amusement, sending a side-glare Celestia's way while she observed, smiling proudly at her pupil. Well, can't fault her there. As we neared the end of the hallway outside the throne room. I continued, "But, like she said; congratulations Twilight. We all knew you were going to pass the test no matter what happened."
The purple mare beamed gratefully, glancing at me, "And I'll always be grateful for your faith in me." I'll always have faith in you, my dear Twilight. "How do you think they're going to react to the news?"
"Probably with a song number." I speculated jokingly-
...What the?
"Hm? What's wrong?" Twilight inquired, still ecstatic, after I halted for a moment, looking behind me at the ceiling above.
Strange...
"Uh, nothing, nothing... Just thought I heard something." Resuming forward, I nodded with a grin. "Come on then, let's tell our friends the amazing news." Twilight immediately obliged, still holding on to my hoof and pulling me with her. Not that I minded, and the unicorn doesn't seem to realize what this motion was implying; probably will do by the time we reach outside.
Still, that was odd... Swore I heard hoarse laughter just then... Must be my stomach, I haven't eaten since this morning.