The Unicorn of the Crystal Empire

by sonicdash123

The Court of Miracles

Arriving at a graveyard, Charming Thunder and the others came across a grave with a symbol similar to what was seen on the talisman. Radiant got close to examine it. "This looks like the symbol on the map," Silver said.

"But what does it mean?" Charming Thunder asked.

"I'm not sure," Radiant said. "I can make out an inscription, but it's going to take a few minutes to translate it."

"There won't be much time left." Charming Thunder used his magic to push the lid off the grave, revealing a staircase going down.

"Yes, well, or we could just go down those stairs." The three explored downstairs and ended up in partially flooded chamber, lined with skeletons.

"Is this the Court of Miracles?"

"Offhand, I'd say it's the Court of Ankle Deep Sewage," Silver said. "Must be the old catacombs." As they proceed, they fail to notice three of the skeletons rise behind them. "Cheerful place. Kinda makes you wish you got out more often, eh Charming?"

"Not me. I just want to warn Flowing Scarf and get back to the bell tower. I don't want to get in any more trouble."

"Speaking of trouble, we should have run in to some by now," Radiant said in thought.

"What do you mean, mother?"

"She means something like a guard, a booby trap..." Silver said. The torch then gets blown out leaving them in the darkness. "...or an ambush." Suddenly, the chamber is fully lit, and they're surrounded by skeletons. They force them to their knees in front of Punjin.

"Well, well, well," Punjin said. "What have we here?"

"Trespassers!" one of the skeletons said.

"Spies!" the other skeleton said.

"We're not spies," Silver said.

"Can't you listen---" Charming Thunder, Radiant, and Silver were gagged.

"Don't interrupt me," Punjin shouted. "You're very clever to have found the gypsy haven. Unfortunately, you won't live to tell the tale."

Punjin and Gypsy Ponies

Maybe you've heard of a terrible place
Where the scoundrels of the empire
Gather in a lair
Maybe you've heard of that mythical place
Called the Court of Miracles

Punjin

Hello, you’re there

Gypsy Ponies

Where the crippled can walk
And the blind can see

Punjin

But the dead don't talk
So you won't be around
To reveal what you've found

Charming Thunder, Silver, and Radiant gulped as they were carried to a complete underground town.

Punjin and Gypsy Ponies

We have a method for spies and intruders
Rather like Changelings protecting their hive

Punjin

Here in the Court of Miracles

Punjin and Gypsy Ponies

Where it's a miracle if you get out alive!

Charming Thunder, Silver, and Radiant were then been taken up to a platform, where nooses are placed around their necks. “Gather around, everypony!” Punjin shouted. “There's good "noose" tonight! It’s a triple header, a couple of Sombra’s spies.” The crowd boos. “And not just any spies. His royal guard and his two loyal henchman.”

Punjin

Justice is swift in the Court of Miracles
I am the lawyers and judge all in one
We’d like to get the trial over with quickly
Because it's the sentence that's really the fun

“Any last words?” Punjin asked. The three only responded in muffle through their gags. “That’s what they all say.”

Now that we've seen all the evidence

Pinkie popped up from the crowd and tried to intervene.

Pinkie Pie

Wait! I object!

Punjin

Overruled!

Pinkie Pie

I object!

Punjin

Quiet!!!

Pinkie Pie

Darn it

Punjin

We find you totally innocent
Which is the worst crime of all

Punjin and Gypsy Ponies

So you're going to hang!

"Stop!!!" a voice from the crowd shouted as Punjin was about to pull the lever. Flowing Scarf along with Cadence, Twilight and her friends, and Shining Armor came through the crowd and up to the stand.

"These guys aren't spies," Cadence said. "They're our friends." Charming Thunder, Silver, and Radiant sighed with relief as their gags were removed and they were untied.

"Why didn't they say so?" Punjin asked.

"We did say so!!!" Charming Thunder and Silver replied.

"This is the royal guard that saved the miller's family and Charming Thunder helped me escape the cathedral," Flowing Scarf said.

"And what of her?" Punjin asked nervously as he pointed to Radiant.

"My mother," Charming Thunder replied. Silver stepped up to the front of the stage.

"We came to warn you!" Silver shouted. "Sombra's coming!" The crowd gasped. "He says he knows where you're hiding, and he's attacking at dawn with a thousand men."

"Then let's waste no time," Flowing Scarf said. "We must leave immediately." Gypsies begin running everywhere, beginning to pack up. Charming Thunder hugged his mother as Cadence and Twilight approached.

"So, you must be the son of Radiant here," Cadence said. Charming Thunder bowed to her presence. "No need for formality, Charming." Charming Thunder got back up and looked at Cadence then at Twilight.

"You were a brave pony during the Crystal Faire," Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. I trust that you've met some of my friends from Ponyvile." She then pointed to her friends one by one. "This is Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and my student Starlight Glimmer." Starlight shyly looked away with a smile as Charming Thunder smiled.

"I remember you," Rarity said. "You were the pony who was crowned prince of the Crystal Empire during the Crystal Faire." Ponies continued to pack as Charming Thunder noticed Silver and Flowing Scarf talking.

"It is an honor to meet you all, but can you excuse me for a brief moment," Charming Thunder said as he walked past the group and towards Flowing Scarf.

"You took a terrible risk coming here," Flowing Scarf said to Silver. "It may not exactly show, but we're grateful." As Flowing Scarf moved closer to Silver, he noticed Charming Thunder with a depressed look.

"Don't thank me," Silver said. "Thank Charming. Without his help, I would never have found my way here."

"Nor would I," a voice said from a distance. Sombra stood at the top of the stairs as his soldiers surround the ponies and take the gypsies into custody. "After a thousand years of searching, the Court of Miracles is mine at last." He then looked at Charming Thunder, who wasn't in custody by his guards. "Dear Charming Thunder, I always knew you would someday be of use to me." Charming Thunder's eyes widened at the thought.

"What are you talking about?" Flowing Scarf asked.

"Why he led me right to you, my dear."

"You're a liar."

"And look what else I've caught in my net; Silver Shield back from the dead. Another miracle, no doubt. I shall remedy that." Sombra then looked at Radiant who had a look of worry. "And if it isn't my childhood friend; Radiant Hope. I was wondering if I would find you here. Perhaps you haven't told our son about me."

"He knows," Radiant said as she looked down. Sombra then walked away and looked at everyone in the room.

"There will be a little bonfire in the square tomorrow, and you're all invited to attend." Sombra turned to his guards. "Lock them all up. Including the princesses."

"No, please, father!!!" Charming Thunder shouted as he held on to Sombra's red cape for mercy. He then releases him and wept.

"Take him back to the bell tower. And make sure he stays there." The guards grab Charming Thunder and drag him.