> Land of the Lustrous: Battle for the Crystal Empire
>  by Kyetta Cubid
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Fall and Rise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After King Sombra's rule of both the Crystal Empire and Equestria, he looked down at the Fallen Mane 5, Shining Armor and three out of the Four Princesses of Equestria, he grinned down at them all, seeing how much he had succeeded.

"Hail Sombra!" They all hailed to him.

He then looked down at Princess Cadence, the once Princess of the Crystal Empire, now his Queen. "Anything else you thinking of, darling?"

"Nothing, my Crystal Queen!" He chuckled as he then got up from his throne and grinned. "My rule begins now, and who's going to stop me?!"

Once he roared, Dark Magic around the Crystal Empire, across the winter snows and fog, which also symbolized new Hope.

Meanwhile, in another Universe, inside a Large, Spacious, White Marble Building, a Lone Humanoid creature was doing their own meditating in the middle of a lone room. They had Half Red-Blue Hair, which shined in the Sunlight. They were wearing a uniform-like outfit, which included Black Shorts, a White T-shirt under a Black Shirt and Black Shoes with short heels. They were meditating in front of a Pickaxe-looking weapon, which had the same colour as their hair, but with gold and pink in the middle.

As they were meditating, there was a Violent shake that shook the Building, which made them stop. Just then, two more came inside the room, both looking different, but wore the same uniform. One had Long, flowing Black Hair with Dark Brown on the inside and had Black Eyes while the other had short, Colourless Hair that showed some colour when it hit the light and had The same Coloured eyes at her Hair. Both wore Long Gloves and Thigh-High Socks. Black for the Black one and White for the Colourless one.

"Diamond, Bort. Thought you two would of heard that Quake? It's been going on for days." They said to both of them, as they opened their eyes, which were Heterochromia, with Red and Blue eyes. "We didn't think anything like that could happen those last few days." Bort, the Black Humanoid said.

"We don't know what those Quakes were about, but they did scare the Lunarians for the time being." Diamond, the Colourless Humanoid said. "Kongo-Sensei might know what's going on? Let's go." The Heterochromia Humanoid then got up, but not before they picked up their Weapon as a Green Humming Bird creature then flew towards the Humanoid. "Oh Ming. Didn't think you'll be worried about me?" The Humming Bird, who they called Ming then gave off some small humming sounds as they then left the Room and followed the other two.

Once inside another part of the Building, they saw two other Humanoids on the sides of a much larger Humanoid. The Large one was Bald and also had his eyes closed. He was wearing a Buddhist Monk Kimono and Robes. They opened their eyes, looking down at the three Gemstones. "I see young Phosphophyllite is running a little late, I see." "I'm here! I'm here!"

They were then greeted by another Gemstone, but they were Mint-Green with that colour being in it's Hair and Eyes. "Sorry, I was just looking for a weapon that Spinel could transform into a weapon for me!" They said, smiling nervously, which made them moan at them. "Oh Phos." Spinel, the Heterochromia Gemstone said.

"Now, I know your thinking about these Quakes and what there Origins had come from?" The Man said to them. "Surprised how you know that so quickly, Sensei?" "We were just explaining that to Spinel a while ago!" Diamond said, as Kongo then took a deep breath and got up.

"Spinel, come with me!" Spinel wasn't too sure, but he did follow him. They looked outside the Building, as it showed a Dark Fog surrounding the Building. "A Fog? But Winter isn't suppose to be for another few Months! We'll know if Antarcticite would be ready and the Hibernation would of started." "I know, but this isn't anything we ever faced, and I don't see thing being the fault of the Lunarians." They looked at the Fog as it gotten thicker.

"Whatever comes next, be on your guard! That goes the same for all the Gemstones! Even with your Crystal Weapons and Forbidden Powers, we'll be ready for what comes next!" Kongo then announced to the Gemstone.

Once the talk was over, Spinel looked at Ming, who was humming something. "I don't think that Fog is caused by Lunarians. If it was, then we'll have to fight. Sure Morganite and Goshenite would be excited." "Spinel!"

They were then greeted by Phos again. "Again, sorry for being late. I was trying to find a perfect weapon that you can refrigerate into a Phosphophyllite Weapon that I can handle. I mean sure it'll break easy, but you can make them tougher than any other Weapons Obsidian made and..." As they tried to keep continuing, Spinel grabbed their Shoulders, careful not to break them. "Phos. Do you see that Fog Outside?" Phos knew what they ment, since it might be the cause why the Lunarians weren't attacking. "Yeah?" "I think because of it, it might be alerting something big is coming. Just to warn you quickly, because your Brittle, we all have to be on the our Guard, you included!" Spinel told the Young Gemstone, as they gave them a nod. "Ok, I will!"

Spinel then let go of their shoulders as they walked down the halls, as Phos looked at them. "They didn't say anything about getting me a weapon?" They looked outside one of the windows, seeing the Fog made everything unseen through it now. "Maybe they're right? Perhaps Cinnabar could use some help?" Phos said that they tried to check on the Gemstone they talked about, until they were caught and had to go to sleep.

The Next Day, or wherever the next day is in the world they're in, Spinel was the one to wake up first. They looked around their fellows as they looked outside the Window, which they saw it was dark and snowing, which made them confused. "What the? Snow?" Their talking made other Gemstones wake up and look out the windows, confusing them also.

Once dressed, they all headed to Kongo, who was waiting for them. "From the day before, I didn't think being sent somewhere else was an Option the Lunarians had." He said. "Maybe because we're not in the lands anymore! Look." One of the Gemstones yelled out as the others looked in the distant, finding a Crystal Spire in the distends, made out of Black Crystals, which didn't look like anything they ever seemed. "Guess we're not even on a Moon." Spinel said to their fellow Gemstones.

"I want some Gemstones to check on that Spire! Spinel! You, Diamond, Bort, Morganite and Goshenite all go and see what is. Bring only your weapons, because of whatever Forbidden Power you use may cause more harm who whoever lives there. And make sure you don't get caught!" Kongo ordered, which Spinel listened too. "I'll make sure no one gets Smashed or taken!"

Once their mission was finalized, they got their team together, with Diamond, Bort and two other Gemstones. One was Pink with a large, bushy Ponytail and the other was a a Silver-White with their right side of hair almost covering their eye. "So we're exploring that place instead of Defending ours? Lame!" "Don't say that, Morganite. We might be in the awakening of another Specie?" The Pink Gemstone, Morganite, didn't believe that. "Well, if they're Lunarians, we'll take them out. Right Spinel?" Spinel looked at both Gemstones. "If they do threaten us, remember, we won't be having our Forbidden Powers. Remember, they defend us, not to be used for recklessness. Remember that, would you Morganite? Goshenite?" the Silver-White Gemstone, Goshenite, agreed, as Morganite tried to agree. "Sure, but we'll fight if we're threatened?"

Spinel shook their head, not knowing why Morganite wanted to be Reckless, even if they haven't gone close to the Empire yet. Once they were ready, they were then ready to head out, but were then faced by Snow that was surrounding the Building, but still had grass around it. "Maybe we should ask Kongo about when Hibernation is?" Goshenite suggested, as Spinel was still taking the Lead. "Let's go!"

They then left the Building and headed to the Spire in question, not knowing another Gemstone was going to follow them. "Maybe I can't fight, but maybe I can help?" They said as they followed them through the snowy terrain.
> Chapter 1: The Fallen Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the Snow Fog brought the School to the outskirts of the Crystal Empire, some of Sombra's forces over looked it, wondering what it was or where it came from.

Shining Armor, still under Sombra's Helmet control, he was looking and confirming from the Solders and guards, who were also under the Helmet's controls, about the Building.

"Anything to report, Solders?" He asked, as the Solders saluted to him. "Sir, we report that the Building in question has appeared near the outskirts of our king's Empire, still nothing has changed after those Hours!" One of the Guards said to him. "We'll be prepared to head out if anything is beyond the normal!" The other Guard said. Shining Armor then walked away from them both, as they kept on watching the School Building.

Shining Armor then reported about the findings towards his 'King' Sombra and his fallen wife, Cadence. "Anything to report, General Armor?" Sombra asked. "Nothing yet, your Majesty. That Building is still not showing anything unnatural, but if there is anything shifty, we'll send our brightest Solders to attack that Building." Shining Armor said to him, as he left the Throne room.

Sombra then thought about what the new Building was about or who was there. "Maybe if it's abandon, I'll make it a fortress, unless the dwellers are 'gone'." Sombra said, as he was looking at the building, thinking about where it came from. "Anything on your mind, darling? That new Building has you on edge." Cadence said, as she was concerned.

"That Building that just appeared, there's something about it that concerns me? I don't think it's a Resistant's or a hideout from my new return, but something about it isn't settling in right between me." Sombra said in a stern tone. They then saw their Assassin, once Princess of the Night, Luna. "Do you want me to scout it out and maybe crush some Resistant's scum?" Luna asked, as Sombra raised his hand and palm at her. "No. Not yet. If anything is beyond the normal, I'll send some of my solders and slaves to go there. If they don't come out, crush whatever's in there!" "Understood!" She said and gave a bow. She then left as Sombra then scowled. "Whatever that Building has, I won't resist!"

Meanwhile in the main city of the Empire, Spinel, Diamond, Bort, Morganite and Goshenite got inside, doing their best not to get caught, however, as they were sneaking around, they saw many creatures that looked like Horses, but they were standing on their back legs and had hands. The weirdest thing is that they didn't look normal, as they looked like they were Brainwashed.

"What are those things? And why do they look so strange?" Diamond asked their fellow Gemstones, which they didn't know like them. "No idea, but they don't look right. Look at their eyes." Spinel said, as they looked at one of their eyes, seeing they were nothing but a sickly bright green, which made Morganite think.

"Heh, if 3.5 was here, then that colour would defiantly suit them!" Morganite joked, as they heard another voice. "Well, that's rude! Good thing I wrote you as 'Trouble-making'." The voice said as a hand touched Diamond's shoulder. That then made Bort grab them, push them to the wall and threatened to grab their weapon, until they all saw who it was. "Phos?!" They all saw it was Phos, who they didn't think would of followed them. "Surprised?" Bort let them go as they fell onto the floor, as they all then looked down at the young Gemstone.

"How did we not see you? Why did you follow us?" Spinel asked them, as they then looked up. "I did follow you, was because these Crystal's here aren't like Carbonado or Obsidian, and also..." They then looked at Bort. "Just be happy I'm not in the smashing mood yet." Bort said as they looked at one of the Crystalized buildings, seeing what Phos was talking about. Spinel gave it a tap, seeing it was almost indestructible, like it's not any type of Gemstone to them.

"Well? What is it?" Morganite asked, now getting bored. "Well, it's no Gemstone towards us, but something about it doesn't seem right. There's no telling towards it's Hardness or what type of Gemstone it is." They then looked at the main Spire, which they thought was the heart of the Empire.

"Whatever's controlling these Crystal's must be beyond that one Spire." "But it's looks heavily guarded with those, what I'm guessing are guards." Goshenite said, as they looked at the long row of guards, protecting the Spire like a fortress. Spinel then came up with a battle plan. "Bort, you and Diamond distract some guards on the Left side while Morganite and Goshenite both distracted the Guards on the Right side!" "Alright, getting to face something other than Lunarians!" Morganite got excited. "Phos, you and me are both going to check a few floors of this place. Maybe the first 2 or 3?" Phos didn't thing Spinel would of picked them. "And I'm only picking you is because your Fragile and I don't want to be held responsible if you get taken or smashed!" Spinel added.

"Oh. Makes sence." Phos sighed as they knew it was like that. "And?" "If you feel threatened, use your weapons!" Spinel finished as Diamond was about to question. "Ok, let's go!" They all then splited into three groups of two. Bort's going to the left while Morganite's goes to the right. Spinel and Phos then waited for them. "So about my weapon, Spinel?" Phos asked, as Spinel was still focused on the task at hand.

Diamond and Bort both were on the Left side to distract the Guards. "I hope Spinel knows what their doing." Bort said, as both Diamond Gemstones were ready. They then hit and tripped some barrels and boxes of weapons, which caught the attention of some of the Guards.

"Half of you check what happened over there, We'll take your places!" One of the Guards said, as they checked on what was going on. Morganite and Goshenite saw Diamond and Bort did their part, now was their turn. "Ready?" Morganite said, as Goshenite agreeded, due to it being Spinel's plan. "Now!" They then tripped over some crates and Barrels, which caught the rest of the guards attention. "Again? Let's check it out and go back to our posts!" The same Guard said as they checked on the Right side, which gave both Spinel and Phos the perfect clear entrance.

"Now what?" Phos asked. "We go in!" Spinel said as both then got into the main heart of the Empire, which they saw had many stairs going up. Something above the Spire caught Phos' attention, as the noise above them caught their attention. "Ok Phos, stay close to me and... Phos?" They then saw Phos then gone up one of the stairs, which then agitated them.

With Diamond and Bort, they distracted the guards, as they were looking around, trying to find the cause of the barrels falling from before. "I'm guessing some idiot tripped over a few barrels. Back to our Posts!" They all then headed back to their post, which Diamond thought Spinel didn't get far. "No!" They then got the Guards attention. "But before we do, we should stop some Resistants!" The Guards then found Diamond and Bort, as Bort was ready to fight them.

Bort brought out a Black Whip which looked like their hair as Diamond brought out a Bokkin the same colour as their hair. "Why did you made that sound?!" Bort said to Diamond, as they whipped her whip around one of the guards and used them to smash into the other Guards like a Wrecking Ball. "Sorry, but I thought Spinel didn't get into the Spire yet?" As Diamond was blocking the Guards attacks with their Bokkin. They did push them away with amazing strength. "If Phos did something to screw the task, I'll be the one smashing them, for real this time!"

With Morganite and Goshenite, both got caught too, but were fighting the guards with their Crystal Weapons. Morganite had a Double headed Hammer in their colour while Goshenite had a Sharp Blade in their colour. Morganite was doing their best to back them off, as Goshenite sliced the Guards with their Blades, as they did graze the Armor and their Skin. "I don't think we're been taken by Lunarians." "Really? What made you think of that?" Morganite yelled at them. "I hope Spinel and that idiot knows what their doing."

With Spinel, they chased Phos up the tower to the second floor, which they saw had a Heart-Shaped rock in the middle of Black Crystals. "Pretty." Phos said, as they walked over to the Rock. Spinel came up to see what they were up too. "Phos, what are you thinking?" They then saw Phos about to take the Rock. "Phos! Don't!" Phos then grabbed the Rock and pulled it out. After they did they, it set of an alarm. "What is that?" Phos asked. "Nothing good. Let's get out of here!" Spinel said as the Stairs were then blocked off, as their only exit was the balcony. They looked down, seeing how far it was, even though they were on the second floor.

"Spinel?" "We have to jump!" Phos looked down. "You sure? You do know how brittle I am?" "Yes, we know!" Spinel sighed. "I'll go first and when I say 'go', you'll do the same. Don't threat, I'll catch you!" Spinel then jumped down, but landed without a single scratch. "Ok, Phos, remember what I said about saying 'go'." "Go? You got it!" Just then Phos jumped off the balcony, when without Spinel knowing where they'll land.

They then heard a violent Smash sound behind them, as they saw Phos on the ground, shattered into Pieces, which made Spinel sigh again. "Just be happy I brought this." They then brought out a Duffle Bag and put every single pieces of Phos. They also saw the Rock they picked up, thinking it was Special and put it in the bag with the now shattered Phos. As the alarms kept on going, they decided to run back at the Building. As they ran back, they were then greeted by Bort and the rest.

"So I guess Phos did something dumb?" Bort asked. "You guessed it." "Idiot." Morganite said, as they looked at the Duffle bag. "Are they in there?" Diamond asked, which Spinel gave a head nod, but was confused on what they picked up as they ran back to the school.

Meanwhile, back on the Second Floor, Sombra looked at where the Crystal Heart was once was, which then made him roar out through the entire room. "The Heart? Where is the Heart?! The only thing that can stop me!" He yelled out through the Entire room, even possibly the entire Empire. Then some guards came back, after their loss against the Gemstones. "King, we have some dire news." Just then, he then looked at the guards with anger. "WHAT?!" "We don't know what they are, but they didn't look like any Crystal Pony we ever seen." The Guard said as Sombra then grabbed them and threw them out of the Balcony's window. Now mad, he headed back to the throne room, thinking about what they were talking about. Then, at the perfect que, Shining Armor came towards his master. "King!" They then bowed down to them. "I think what that Building is maybe occupied by what may of also taken the heart!" Sombra then brought out a Crystal that showed Spinel and the rest of the Gemstones heading back to the Building that appeared.

"Do you want me to send out some Guards?" Shining Armor asked, but Sombra had other ideas. "No. I want you to retrieve the Heart, and if they do try and stop you." He then grinned. "Shatter them!" "Understood, my king. Hail King Sombra!" He saluted as he went out of the throne room, preparing to attack. As Sombra sat on his throne, he looked at the Building. "They asked for a battle, we'll give them a war!" He then cackled through the entire throne room, which then he coughed a little, as he then cackled again.
> Chapter 2: Powers of the Lustrous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After returning back to the School Building, Spinel, Bort and Diamond were hanging out around the halls. After Phos got smashed into pieces and Morganite and Goshenite both got some damage from fighting the guards, they were all being treated by the Doctor, which they all think is a 'Quack'.

"Anything in your mind, Spinel?" Diamond asked Spinel, who was distracted after the strange Rock they pulled out a while ago. "It's nothing, Diamond. Just what Phos taken from the Spire's second floor. It looks like it's important to whatever that place was before." They thought about what Phos has taken from the Empire.

Just then, Phos returned, being followed by another Gemstone. They were Brown in colour, with a Gold-Yellow Pixie-Cut on their Right side. Their Brown was in a Shoulder Lengh style. Their eyes were a Gold Brown and for the attire was like the other Gems, however, they had Black Gloves and was wearing a Lab Coat. "Ok Rutile, is Phos' fine?" Spinel asked the Gem, called Rutile.

"Well, as normal as they'll ever be." Rutile answered, as Phos just moaned. "Quack!" They looked at the Young Gemstone as Rutile brought out the Rock that was with Phos. "However, this part that was with Phos didn't look like they were part of them. I don't know if it's a head, part of their body, or possibly their rear end, but since you were the one who took it, I'm calling this as your responsibility." They then gave Spinel the Rock. "Now, I'll be heading back to help out Morganite and Goshenite. Anything else that happened, you know where to find me."

Once they headed back down the hall, Spinel looked at the Rock, as Bort and Diamond looked at it. "What is it?" "Whatever it is, it's defiantly not part of Phos, but possibly part of that Empire!" Spinel suggested, as the two Gemstones looked at it. "Whatever it is, it don't look like it's part of that Empire. Maybe we should keep a hold onto it, until Jade and Euclase can come up with a strategy plan for us to try again." Bort said, as Spinel took the Rock and went to see Kongo about it.

Meanwhile, outside the School Building, Shining Armor looked down at the Building and looked inside, seeing the Gemstones, and was confused on what they are. "Not any Crystal Ponies I ever seen." He thought to himself, as he then saw them wielding Crystalized Weapons. " Possibly too dangerous to go in at day. Maybe sneak in and steal the Heart until darkness." He suggested to himself as he waited until it was dark enough.

Back inside, Spinel went into Kongo's Meditation Room, seeing he was Meditating to himself in peace. Spinel knew he needed his peace and decided to leave him along, only to then drop the Heart onto the Ground, which made a loud echo sound inside the room, which made Kongo open his eyes. "Can I help you, Spinel?" Spinel came towards him after picking up the Heart. "Apologies Kongo."

"I seen you returned back with no haze. And I heard about Phos sneaking into your mission." Spinel knew he would of guessed. "Yes, and I apologies about getting them shattered, even if I was slow at the time." Spinel apologised to him, as Kongo saw it in his eyes. "However, you did bring all the pieces back with you. What did you know about that Spire?" Kongo asked them.

"Well, not a lot. We think it's preparing for war or something. Not too sure why, but we'll find out what it is!" Spinel said, but they then remembered something. "And another thing about my disturbing your Meditation, I dropped this." They then brought out the Heart to Kongo. They picked it up and looked at it, not knowing what it is also. "Sorry Spinel, but I don't know what this is. Where did you get this?" "Phos took it from the Empire we were at. It was in a Podium surrounded by the same Crystals that has corrupted it. It doesn't look like any Gemstone we ever seen before." Kongo then gowned suspicious on the Empire and how they were brought there. He then gave the Heart back to Spinel. "If that part is important, you'll have to defend it until we know what it is!"

Spinel gave him a bow as they then left him to go back to his Meditation, only to look at the Empire. "Whatever that place is, it is a sigh of a danger towards the Gemstones!"

It was getting darker after a few hours, which gave time for Shining Armor to sneak in and steal the Heart from the Gemstones, but was also the time for the Gemstones to go to sleep and one to prepare for their Night Patrol. The Gemstone had a Dark Red in Colour, and were also carrying their weapon, being a red Crystal Katana. "Now listen, even as that Empire knows we have what they're now after we need you to alert us if anything weird is going on. Can I trust you, Cinnabar?" Spinel asked Cinnabar. "I guess so..." They said, not too sure on the task. "Oh yeah, but before we can start, you might need something if you were attacked." They then headed into another room, which was a wall of different markings. Spinel then took a Shield and Slammed it into the one that looked like a Helmet, which was falling apart.

They then gave it to Cinnabar. "Relentless Rust? The power that can turn any Armor into Rust and Dust?" Spinel gave them a nod, as Cinnabar was now confused. "Whatever that Armor is must have them under whatever Control. If your feeling threatened, Use that power!" Cinnabar wasn't too sure. They did hear about being transported to another Universe, but where was the question.

Once Spinel went into the sleeping room with the other Gemstones, who were already asleep, Spinel was looking at the Heart again, as Ming was also interested in it. "I have no idea what this is, but why is it important?" Spinel asked quietly as Ming gave some humming sounds. Still thinking of it as a question, Spinel put it above the top side of their pillow and drifted off to sleep, as Ming slept next to their head on the Pillow.

Outside, Shining Armor then begun his attack and snuck into the Building. He saw no one was around the place, thinking they were asleep or something, but he started to track the Heart. "Master will be so pleased to have the heart back!" Shining Armor said as he looked around the Building, finding it to be based around a Schoolhouse rather than a Resistant's base. "What are these things?" As he asked that, the halls were echoy, it caught Cinnabar's attention. "What was that?" They asked, as they went down the halls. Once around the entrance, they found Shining Armor, who was still in Sombra's dark Armor. "What the? What are you?" Cinnabar asked, as Shining Armor then was ready to attack then by bringing out his sword. "Your end!"

He then brought up his Sword and was ready to shatter them, but Cinnabar blocked off the attack using their Katana. They then pushed him off and picked themselves up, still ready to fight. "Your more Resilient than I thought." Shining Armor complemented them, as Cinnabar wasn't too sure, but he saw his opportunity to shatter them, but once they did, Cinnabar was slow and got grazed, which spilled some of their Mercury Poisons onto the floor, which caught Shining's attention and made them scream in agony.

Their scream woke up all the other Gemstones. "Cinnabar? They might be in trouble!" Some of them got up and went into the Armory, taking their Crystal Weapons if Cinnabar was in danger.

Cinnabar was trying to pick themselves up, as they didn't have a choice, as they brought out their Shield. "Relentless Rust!" After they said that, the Power then glowed and sparked, which made Shining Armor confused. "What kind of Magic is..." Just before he could finish, Cinnabar used all their strength and slammed their shield into Shining's Armor, which Rusted it all and cut off Sombra's control. Once that was done, the Armor then turned into dust and blew away. No longer in Sombra's control, he looked up at Cinnabar, confused. "What the?" Him and Cinnabar were confused on what they were looking at. "What are you?" Both asked, as Shining Armor was then knocked out by Bort, while the other Gemstones came their way in their Hibernation Clothes, as they looked down at Shining's knocked out body.

Once Shining's control was cut off by Cinnabar's attack, Sombra lost the connection. "What has happened? Where is my head General!" Sombra growled, as he slammed his fist onto the throne, he almost shattered it. "Don't know what happened inside that Building, my beloved, but something inside doesn't feel right, even to me." Cadence said. "If what is inside that Building is powerful to cut my control, I want to know what it is. I don't care if it's the heart or anything else, I want that power!"

The Next day, Shining was still knocked out, and as a safety precation, The Gemstones tied him down to a chair. The Gemstones looked at what he was, as had a Pony-like body, but mostly Human. They were confused on the Mark on his side of his leg. "What is this thing?" "Whatever it is, it's defiantly ugly!" Morganite responded to Phos, as Spinel was confused on one thing. "I think when Cinnabar used Relentless Rust on this things Armor, they didn't look like they wanted to harm them, but we don't want to take any risks." Shining Armor was then started to wake up, as he was looking at the Gem's, blury. "I don't think this is heaven?" "Excuse me, are you ok?" Diamond then asked him, which made him freak out.

"Wha-How are you talking? Diamonds can't talk!" "I mean that's what Diamond is, but we're Gemstones! Or Lustrous!" Spinel then corrected him. "Gemstones can't talk either!" He then found himself tied down. "What's going on?" "We should be the one asking you that question! Who are you?" Bort asked, bringing out their Whip. "I'm Shining Armor, Prince to the Crystal Empire, General to the Royal Guards and Husband to Princess Cadence, Princess of the Crystal Empire. Well, was." They were then confused on why he looked down. "Anything wrong?" "Well, after I returned to the Throne room at the Crystal Spire, I saw my wife now under the Control of Sombra, the Ruler of the Empire. I was in a mix of Horror and anger, as she then placed the Helmet on my head. However, I was then freed from his control after what Red Gemstone destroyed it." He explained.

Spinel was thinking. " So after Cinnabar used Relentless Rust on that Armor, it freeded you from this 'Sombra' and his control?" Spinel then thought as they then used their weapon on the Ropes, freeing him. "I'm Spinel, and as you guessed, we're all named after a Gemstone. You were introduced by Diamond, Bort and Cinnabar." They pointed the Pickaxe as only Bort and Diamond. "Cinnabar is only for Night Patrols, and this green one is Phosphophyllite, or Phos as you like." Shining Armor them remembered Phos stealing the Crystal Heart. "Y-You! Your the one who took the Crystal Heart!" They were all then confused on what he was talking about. "Crystal Heart?" Phos then asked.

Back at the Crystal Empire, Sombra called in some guards and Twilight's friends and once Elements of Harmony. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, all under his control. "You five! After I lost connection from Shining Armor, I think he failed to bring the Crystal Heart back to me. You five will go to that Building and Steal the Heart back! And maybe shatter some Gemstones along the way!" They all bowed as they marched out the throne room and towards the Building.

Back at the School, Spinel and Phos returned with the Crystal Heart, which Shining was Glad to see was safe. "That Heart is the source of the Empire! With it, it'll blast away the coldest of North's Winter and Sombra's influence! But after his powerful return, he must have overpowered it, rendering it useless." They look at the Heart, seeing how reflective it was. "Once you return it back to the Empire, it'll help heal the Empire naturally. Doing so, we might save Equestria!" They didn't know what he was talking about, but it was important of what they had. "I only heard the words 'Crystal Empire, Crystal Heart and Equestria'. That's where we must be!" Shining might of guessed they're not from here, as their was the sounds of marching coming close.

"Oh no." Shining said as he got what was remained from the Armor and headed out. Spinel, Bort, Diamond and Phos looked at what it was, finding many more creatures in the same Armor, and Five others, all without Armo, but were attacking. Bort and Diamond brought out their Weapons, as they saw Shining was doing his best to defend. "Help Shining Armor! I'll do the best to defend!" Diamond and Bort then jumped down to help Shining, as Spinel jumped down the other side. "You ready Ming?" Ming then gave some Humming as it then glowed a bright green and transformed into a Emerald Shield around Spinel's Left Wrist, as they were ready to defend.

Shinging Armor was doing his Best to Defend the Schoolhouse, but from Relentless Rust, it almost rusted everything he had away, but he was still doing good. "How was that power that strong?" He thought of, but was then rammed in by a Rainbow blur, as he knew who it was. "Rainbow Dash." Just before his former guards could finish him off, they were then blowned away by a powerful shockwave. "Devious Demolition!" He looked back, finding it was Diamond, as they had their Bokkin and another Forbidden Power, being an explosion with an evil grin. "Another one?" He asked, as he picked himself up. "Not just me, but Bort too!" They then saw Bort with a Forbidden Power of a Skull with it's jaws open with lightning coming from it. "Shocking Scare!" Bort announced as the power then blasted an aura that hit the Guards, making them scared. "I have to get one of those Shields!"

Around the Entrance, Spinel and a few other Gemstones were defending from the Guards, which then caused some Injuries to both the Guards and the Gemstones. "Screaming Shatter!" One of the Gemstones Announced, as a powerful Screaming Frequency came from it, which actually braked the Guards weapons, but also made them cover their ears. "Thanks Zircon!" They thanked an Yellow-Orange Gemstone Wielding a Scythe in their colours. "Well, why help Yellow rather then help others!" Zircon said.

As they tried to stop everyone, the Five without Armor got in. They were then after Phos, who was handling the Crystal Heart. "Get that Heart!" Phos was then scared, not knowing what to do, but shield themselves using the heart. Spinel and Zincon saw Phos was in danger as Zincon then used Screaming Shatter at the Five. The Frequency, not only distracted the five, but also snapped them out of Sombra's control. "Wha-What the hay happened? And Where in tarnation are we?" The Orange Pony asked. "Weren't we suppose to face Sombra? Where is he?!" The Blue one said. "Oh my, this place looks... spectacular!" The White one said.

Shining Armor then retweeted back into the Building, since Relentless Rust's Power was powerful. He then saw the Five Ponies. "Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Pinkie Pie! Rarity! Fluttershy! I'm glad to see your all back!" He was glad to see they were back, however, they were missing one, which then saddened him. "There's too many!" Diamond shouted and them and the rest came back into the Building, knowing their was too much. Shining then had an idea.

"Girls, you have to power up!" Shining said to them. "How? Sombra has Twilight under his control! We're powerless!" Rainbow Dash yelled, as Shining reminded them about something. "Your real power wasn't in the Elements. It was your friendship that was the power!" Realising that, they then powered up the Magic they had, hoping it'll be strong enough to stop the Guards. Once they got their power, they then tried to make a powerful Blast. However, Spinel was then pushed by one of them, which caught their Ming Shield into their Light.

The power was becoming too strong, that it was making them try and raise it up, but everytime they tried to resist, Spinel started to Shatter a little, as some shards were falling from their face, arms, legs and their body. "What's happening? Spinel?" Diamond asked. Spinel then roared as they then used their Power and created a powerful, Rainbow shockwave which knocked out many of the guards and went through the Empire and the rest of Equestria.

Inside the Crystal Spire, Twilight Sparkle, Elite Guard of Sombra then felt the shockwave, which snapped her out of Sombra's control for a little while. "Girls?" She questioned as she went back to being under Sombra's control.

Back at the School, after the Shockwave, Spinel was now laying, side down on the floor. Ming goes back into their Humming Bird form, trying to see if Spinel was fine, which they looked at them with their eyes, seeing they were still active. Bort and the other Gemstones wondered what power the five Ponies had to overpower Spinel. "What was that all about?" "I have no idea, but to Spinel's safety, don't get in the way of their powers again." Zincon said to Bort. Shining didn't know what happened, as the Mane 5 looked at what their power was like with Twilight, the Element of Magic. "We have to get my sister back!" Shining said to himself, as Diamond asked him that Question. "Sister?"
> Chapter 3: Refuge and Resistants
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After regaining the Mane 5 and a few Crystal Guards, they all then decided to take refuge in the School. Due to the Gemstones lacking anything else, such as Eating or anything else, they all had to do their parts and share the entire Building with anyone else.

Shining Armor made the Request to Kongo to live with the Gemstones for a while, just until the rule of Sombra was over. "I can't thank you enough, Kongo, for letting us live here until Sombra is stopped!" "I better hope so. Whatever Phos or my Gemstones took from that Kingdom must be very important. If they don't know how to save that Empire, I'll be so mad!" Shining didn't want to know how mad he'll be and just left him alone. Him and the Guards then set up refuge inside the School.

The Mane 5 were quickly thanking Diamond, Bort and Phos for freeing them, even though it was Zincon who did it using Screaming Shatter. "Again, we all thank you for freeing us and those Guards." Rarity thanked all free, but was interested in what they are and what their hair are. "No problem. We didn't think we'll be followed by... whatever you are." Bort replied, as the Gemstones still had no idea what they are. "Please forgive us for not introducing ourselves earlier. I'm Rarity and everyone here are my friends." Rarity apologised and introduced herself, which her friends also did.

"I'm Rainbow Dash" Rainbow Dash said, as the others followed. "Howdy. I'm Applejack." "I'm Fluttershy" "And I'm Pinkie Pie!" Once they introduced themselves, the Gemstones did theirs. "I'm Bort and this is my Partner, Diamond and the other one is Phophophyllite, or if you wish, Phos." Bort introduced themselves to them. "Greetings" "Hey!"

After they said their names, Rarity thought their Hair Colours and names were familiar. "A Bort, Diamond and Phophophyllite? Those are three Gemstones I heard about, never seen before!" They didn't think she would of known about Gemstones. "I don't use Phos very often. Too Brittle! They'll end up making the dresses a disaster." "You got that right." Phos then pouted. "Why?" Fluttershy then remembered and realised something. "I remembered using our Magic in front of another one. A Blue and Red one? Where are they?" "Whatever power you Five have overpowered Spinel, which almost shattered them. They're being taken care of by Rutile." Bort replied to her.

Meanwhile in another Hall, what Bort said was true, as Rutile was taking care of them and their shattered pieces, putting them back together. "Thanks Rutile! I don't know why the others see you as a 'Quack'?" "Don't remind me. I only take care of the Shattered Gems if they need it. Not many of us was lucky." They said to Spinel. Ming was also with them, looking after the Pieces. Rutile heard about the refuge for the Ponies and how the Crystal Heart was now inportant to the Empire. " I didn't think what Phos stole was also important." "Whatever it is, perhaps helping everyone is also our key to getting home." Rutile thought that would also be it, as they were ready for Spinel's body. "Now open up your shirt. I'm going to start with your check next. Luckly, your not as bad like Padparadscha."

After the Mane 5 realised they were saved by Gemstones, they wanted to know why and how. "Ok, we were saved by this Gemstone called 'Zincon', and they had some kind of Power? What was it?" Rainbow Dash asked. They then entered the Forbidden Power's room, which where they found the power and others. "Screaming Shatter?" "Dreadful Disintegration?" Applejack looked at another. "Devastating Decay? Remind me not to make you guys angry when I prank a cake." Pinkie Pie said. "And that's a Pinkie Promise!"

"And from whatever that promise is, I don't want anyone touch them!" They then saw Spinel was back in their normal shape, as they didn't recognise Ming. "Spinel, your back!" Diamond was happy to see they were fine. "A Spinel, huh? I didn't think one could be a Half version?" Rarity examined them. She then saw Ming, as they then attacked her with a flapping wing attack. "What-What is that?" Fluttershy then saw Ming and got curious. "A Hummingbird? You know these creature are rare and could be found in Warmer regions. Why is one on your Shoulder?" Spinel looked at Ming, as she was addressing them. "Ming here is a Rare case, like me. We met after I awakened from a Lab. I helped them transform into my Shield." "Huh?" The Girls then growned confused as Ming then glowed and glew towards Spinel's Left Wrist, which they transformed into a Shield.

"That is so Awesome!" Rainbow Dash was surprised to see. "It is. As Mings like this, I can accumulate Three Powers at once!" Spinel said, which then made the Mane 5 realise something. "Even with our Powers combined, we'll still need to get Twilight back from Sombra, otherwise we may do more harm to another Gemstone." "No worry about that. Obsidian will help out with Weaponry and Defence. Spinel created ours." Bort said, which made them glad they had some way to Fight.

Meanwhile in a Forgery inside the Building, Shining Armor was heading to the Forge, where they met Obsidian, who was a Black Gemstone. They saw him coming in. "I didn't think any other Creature would come in here." He heard in their tone they were Chirpy and was smiling. "Anything I can help you with?" Obsidian asked him, as he brought out his Sword and Shield, damaged from both the attack and Relentless Rust. "I might need new Armor as well. Whatever Cinnabar did to my Armor and Weaponry took out everything!" He tried to stay jokely, but his tone wasn't happy. Obsidian then smiled. "Ask Red Beryl about your Measurements? With them, I can make Armor for you and your army!" Obsidian happily replied.

As the Refuge inside the School was finished, everyone now had somewhere to sleep, stay and train. Spinel was inside the same room they was in just before they got transported. Applejack and the girls saw they were Meditating as they brought in an Apple Pie. Spinel heard the door open with through the entire room. "You Five do know the rooms are very Echoy." Spinel said to them, as Applejack out the Pie down. "I baked an Apple Pie to apologise for being shattered by our Magic." "I don't think we can Eat? We're Gemstones!" Applejack didn't think of that. "Well, I guess it's not for everypony and Gemstone." The Girls each had a Slice of Apple Pie, leaving one alone, which made them quiet. "Something on your minds?" Spinel asked.

"Well, you see, just before we were about to face Sombra in a final blow, he already brainwashed Princess Celestia, the ruler and our friends Mentor. He Brainwashed us, but left her. We guess she's under his control now." Applejack said, which made her ears droop a little. "We're all best friends, but now what's going on, we don't know what to do." Pinkie Pie replied, as her Hair became flat and smooth. "We miss her!" Spinel saw they were now upset they lost a friend, and because of it, they're now here. Maybe helping them could maybe get the Gemstones back home. "Well, whatever magic Sombra has, we'll save everything and everyone! Doing so, may help us get back home too!" Spinel thought.

"And now because we have something Sombra want, it's a fight!" Diamond also thought. "Not a fight, a war!" They thought Bort said, until they found Shining found them. "Shining Armor, we're happy to see your fine." "What did Kongo say about everyone Refuging here?" Shining thought about that and told them. "He said it's fine for everypony to refuge here until Sombra is stopped. However, without my sister, Twilight, we're apparently defenceless without every Element of Harmony." They all then looked down, knowing they don't have enough power to stop Sombra.

The Sunlight outside shined inside the room and hit the Gemstones, making them look more shinier and colourful. They all then thought about something about the Gemstones, their fighting skills and weaponry. "Maybe not. Maybe we have our warriors and our defence all along. Them!" They all then looked at the Gemstones, who didn't think they were thinking about them. "Look, you all seem to be... unique creatures, but our main cause is to get back to our universe." Spinel looked at them, seeing they were defenceless. They gave a sigh. "But, if it's Sombra's Magic who brought us here, then stopping him will also be our key to getting home. We'll all do it!" They were happy to hear the Gemstones were now on their side, just as another came in.

They were also a Red Gem, like Cinnabar, but their Hair was in a Pig Tail style. "Obsidian told about wanting to make you Armor, Shining, so I'm here to take measurements!" "Red Beryl? Didn't think you'll now be measuring Armor?" Spinel addressed the Red Beryl, who then brought out a Measuring tape. "Well, since we're going into a war against this Empire we're now transported near, we'll have to be quick on our knees!" Rarity was then interested to see a Gemstone interested in making measurements. "Well, never thought to see a Gemstone here being a Tailor." "It's my job! I love it and I don't want to get into anything else!" Red Beryl said as they were starting to take measurements. "Maybe when your done with the measurements, why don't we both make dresses together? I know some Gems that'll fit perfectly to your bodies and..." Before Rarity could finish, the Gemstones brought out their weapons as a threat, which made her laugh a little. "Maybe leave the Outfit design for the Gems to me. I like them as Cute, Frilly and Femmine!" Red Beryl told Rarity, which she let them.

Back at the Crystal Empire, Celestia, Twilight and Luna were planning out an attack on the Gemstones School Building. "If they have a real Resistants' in that building, then we'll have to be prepared." Celestia said in a stern tone. "Please sister! Let me go after those creatures! When I'm through with them, I'll bring the Crystal Heart back in no time!" Luna said, through her mask, with some muffle tones through the stuff on her face. "That won't be nessercery!" They were then greeted by Sombra, which they bowed down to him. "Your preparing the attack of that Building, I'll want to give them a war!" "To retrieve the Crystal Heart and our Slaves, my king?" Twilight asked, as Sombra then gave them a grin. "And also Shatter some Gemstones! Once they're done with, they'll make some fine Jewellery for me and my Crystal Queen!"

Back at the School, Kongo was doing some Meditating. He was being quiet a lot after what happened, as he got the Flashback from Spinel absorbing the Mane 5's Magic, ending up in a Shockwave that freed many Ponies surrounding the building, as he then opened his eyes. "This is no coincident why we are all here!"

Meanwhile somewhere else, a Pony got a message from Shining Armor, telling them they might have a way to fight back. They also felt the Magic Blast just a day ago, which got them thinking as they used their magic to bring a book over to them, realising something. "This could change everything!"
> Chapter 4: A Shining Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After finding the School Building of the Lustrous, some of the Crystal Ponies decided to Refuge there until the Attack of Sombra was over with. Some were also Families with the Guards, happy to see they were safe. That put some smiles on the Lustrous' faces, happy to see they were missing them.

"Gotta admit, never seen a Gemstone smile like that before?" Applejack replied to Bort, who gave a small smile, until they stopped. "I'm just happy to see they're back with their family. Giving them some Hope, we might have a change for them to be more braver." They replied, as Diamond gave a small giggle, knowing they were happy. "Just as long as they have the will to fight with us!" Spinel said.

"Shining Armor! Are you here?" They then heard a voice of another Pony. He was a Unicorn with a Orange Coat and Deep Red. He also had a White mark going down his nose and was wearing a Cape and Glasses. He also had a small goatee. Next to him was a bit of a larger creature, almost the size of a Gemstone. They were green with some style to it, having a dark green underbelly, Purple back, Purple eyes and Two Bug Horns. The Gemstones were interested in the Bug one.

"Sunburst! Thorax! Glad you two are here!" Shining Armor then came to them, happy to see them both. "We heard about what happened to your sister and wife." Thorax told him, which made him look down. "Anyway, about the letter and who these are, allow me to introduce..." "Don't worry, we know about them. Spinel, Bort and Diamond." Sunburst remembered their names from the letter. "The Greetings is all ours! And we think your also connected to the plan." Spinel said, as he looked at them. "What about the Gemstone who took the Crystal Heart? Phos?"

As in perfect moment, Phos came back, with the Crystal Heart. "Sorry I'm late. I forgot where I put this thing." Sunburst didn't believe they they have the Crystal Heart. "I don't believe how you all have acquired the Crystal Heart, the centre piece to the Crystal Empire and a Symbol of it's love." Sunburst was surprised as he took the heart from Phos. "Thank you, Phosphophyllite! The Empire had you in a great gratitude!" "Well, I like to just be called Phos, but my full Gem name is fine too!"

Shining then thought of something else. "What about Flurry Heart? Is she ok?" He asked, as Thorax gave him a smile. "Why don't you ask her yourself?" He said calmly as he brought out a Young Alicorn. She had a light Pink Coat and a Purple with Teal highlights in her Mane. She also showed to have Teal eyes. Shining was happy to see his Daughter again and gave her a hug. "I thank you two for protecting her." Flurry then looked at the Gemstones, who were confused on why she was now looking at them. Bort then tried to spook her, only for her to end up giggling. "I don't understand these creatures!" "Aren't we all?" Spinel Answered them, as Phos wanted to tell them about the production in Weaponry, shelter and Army. "Can I talk to anyone who isn't... well." Phos asked, as the Gemstones then followed them to the Lake, which was frozen Solid above.

"Well, there goes somewhere to swim!" Spinel joked a little, as they saw the Jellyfish underneath were still active. "Ok Phos, how's production?" "Ok, Since we have many more, the Sheltering has become a little smaller. We still have our Weaponry, so we'll be safe there." Phos said, as Diamond wanted to know something. " What about the Armor and Weaponry for the Solders?" "Obsidian is doing as quick as they can!" "And Antarcticite?" Bort asked. "They're awake, but still trying to get their strength up!" Phos answered. "If we're still preparing, so are they. They still have powerful Magic users, but they don't have anything we have, and we all know who it is." Bort replied as they look at Spinel. "Don't ask. Carbonado!" "If we wanted to ask them, remember, they're pretty Tough!" "Don't ask me! I feel like this ice is more tougher then I thought!" They then heard the voice of another Gem. They were a light Pink with some white. They also had a toolbelt around their waist.

"Halite? Why are you here?" "Powers going off. Need to get some Jellies!" Halite said, as they tried to break the ice, only for it being harder as they thought. "Dang, this Universe!" "Well, sorry for you being here!" Rainbow Dash and the other came towards them, as Rarity was interested in Halite. "And what Gemstone are you?" "That's Halite. Once Doctor and now the Fixer of the School." Spinel introduced them. As Halite wanted to introduce themselves, Rarity wanted to know what Halite was. "What Gemstone are you?" "Like their name, they're Halite, or Rock Salt." Bort said, as Rarity felt some of the Salt on her hand. "If Salt Bae was here, it would be his lucky day!" Pinkie Pie said, trying to make a little joke.

Shining was telling Sunburst and Thorax about how he got freed by the Gemstones and how they got some of the Army and Mane 5 back. "And when Cinnabar slammed Relentless Rust into my Armor, It rusted it away and snapped me out of my trance." He told them about how he got free. "However, after the Guards were too much to handle, Twilight's friends then used their magic, but without my sister, it was too uncontrollable. They did reflect it off Spinel, which created that shockwave, but almost shattered them." They didn't think Spinel and the Gemstones could be that brave to fight off Sombra's forces, but the Shockwave part got Sunbursts attention. "That Shockwave part. I-I heard about it once, in a Book!" He then remembered a book back at his place, that was inside the Crystal Empire. "And to get said book!" He then thought, as he remembered the Gemstones.

As the Gemstones and Mane 5 returned back inside, they were then faced by Sunburst, Shining and Flurry. "Anything we can help you with?" Spinel asked. "Since Phos took the Heart, maybe also a sigh that you went to the Empire. We need you all to go back and retrive a book back at my house." "Well, we'll love too, but we still need to look out for any attacks." As they were talking, Flurry then remembered leaving her toy Snail back at his house, just before Sombra's attack. "Whammy!" Shining and Sunburst heard she wanted her toy, as Sunburst remembered it was still at his house. "I wan my Whammy!" She complained, as Spinel wanted to know what she wanted. "What's a 'Whammy?" "It's her Stuffed Snail. I guess us being in a Hurry might of forgot it." "I wan my Whammy!" She kept complaining, as Spinel got into the arguement. "We'll be happy to get the book! Nothing else!" Flurry then got upset, she then whailed, which made everyone cover their ears. Some of the Gems survived, but Phos ended up shattered.

Spinel then sighed. "You want us to get it? We'll get it!" They then yelled out some other Gemstones. "Zincon! Bentioite! Euclase!" Spinel yelled out, as three Gemstones came down. Shining remembered Zincon, but was introduced by Two Blue Gemstones, one having a Solid Blue while the other was Half Blue and Silver, also being Heterochromia like Spinel. "This is important to this guys Kid! We have to not find a Book, but also find the Kids Snail Toy!" "A Snail? Yeesh, we're screwed!" Benitoite sighed. "Not that Snail, a Toy Snail!" Zincon replied. "Makes since now!" Euclase said, which made them giggle a little bit. "You Three are coming with me while Bort and Diamond fixes up Phos." Just before they left, Shining and Sunburst then wanted to talk to Kongo, but didn't want to bring in Flurry. "But about Flurry, we don't want to bring her in to the talk with Kingo, if she'll..." Spinel then sighed, as they yelled out two more Gemstones. "Amethysts!" Two more Gemstones then came out, both being Purple with hair Styles mirroring one and another. Shining then gave them Flurry. "You two watch the Kid while we're gone!" Before one of them spoke out, they already left. They then looked at Flurry and then each other.

In the Crystal Empire, Spinel and the others didn't have a challenge sneaking in, but did find Sunburst's house. It was Crystalized from the outside, making it hard for them to break in. Benitoite looked at some wanted posters with Spinel, Bort, Diamond, Phos, Morganite and Goshenite on them. "Your really making this guys life more harder." Benitoite said to Spinel. " Well, just be happy I brought this." Euclase said, as they brought out a Shield with a Power that had a picture of a Pillar falling apart. "Collapsing Crumble!" They then smashed the Power on the door, breaking it down. "Nice thinking." They all then headed inside and looked around, seeing the many books Sunburst owned. "You got to be kidding me!" Zincon said as they looked around the many books. They weren't having much luck, but Sunburst did tell them which book it was. 

Euclase was looking around, but then tripped on some books and fell on the floor. "Oof!" The other Gemstones looked to see if they were ok, as Euclase got back up. "Don't worry, I'm fine!" They replied as they kept on looking around. As they were on the floor, Euclase found a Pink Snail Stuffy under the table. They grabbed it, thinking it was what Flurry wanted. "Finding this thing is going to take forever!" Benitoite said, since they were in a House full of books. Spinel was about to call it quits, until one caught his attention. It was a Black Book, with a Prism that was shining a Rainbow from the light. They picked it up and looked at it. "This could be the one!" Spinel thought, thinking they found it. "Don't worry about the Snail. I already found that!" Euclase said, as Spinel was happy to hear. Once that was one, they returned back to the School, not getting caught.

Back at the School, Shining and Sunburst was having their talk to Kongo, who wasn't Meditating, but was thinking. "We thank you, Kongo-Sensei for allowing us to create a Resistant's here. You have no idea how much this means to us." Sunburst replied as Kongo looked down at him. "Resistant's is a strong work here. Even with no Lunarians attacking us, we'll happy to have an army too! Those Crystal Solders are pretty tough, but some of My Gemstones are more Tougher than you think!" "But with the Armor making and Weaponry Forging taking as much time as we thought, we're lacking time!" "But the book Spinel and the others will come back with, it'll tell us all the answers we'll need about what the girls did to Spinel." Sunburst replied, as Kongo heard about that.

Meanwhile in another part of the School, Bort and Diamond were done collecting Phos Pieces and letting Halite fix them, they went to meet up with a Gemstone they needed much help from. They opened the door, finding a Black Gemstone training inside a dark room, with some light coming from the window. "Bort. Diamond. Come in, if you wish." Both came in, as they kept their Space. "Heard about what's going on and what happened. Why come to me?" "Carbonado, we need all the help we need in order to get back to our world!" Diamond begged them, as they looked at the Gemstone. "What are we facing?" Carbonado asked, as they headed outside their room and looked at the Crystal Empire. They looked at the Spire. "Doesn't look like any type of Gem we ever seen. Pretty unknown of it's Hardness or how to break them, but for how much it has effected that Empire, it's possibly corrupted and can effect any Type of Crystal, except us. I know you two have been close to that Empire and came out alive." They then decided to go back into their room. "If you need a real fight I need to be in, you know where I am." Carbonado said that as they closed the door.

Back down in the main hall, Spinel gave the book to Sunburst as he then looked through the pages and found the page he was focused on. "Here! This is an old prophecy about the Elements of Harmony! It says here if their power is conversated on something like a Reflective Gemstone or Mirror, it'll end up as a Powerful Beam of Light that can burn though everything. Unlike their past battles, from Nightmare Moon and Discord, this can destroy the dastardly of hearts." He said, which then interested Shining Armor, the Mane 5, Kongo and the Gemstones. "Spinel only controlled a little of their Power, which was uncontrollable to them. Once we get Twilight back from Sombra's control, they might have a better chance to control it, saving the Empire and all of Equestria!" Spinel looked at Ming and everyone else, which they then sighed. "If it'll save your world and get us back to ours, we'll all do it! You need our help, we need yours!" Shining was pleased to hear that, as he then remembered Flurry was with two other Gems.

He headed to the room he was Refuging in and checked on her and the Amethysts, seeing nothing bad has happened to them both. Both then looked at Shining come in. "Shining Armor, a pleasure to see you." Amethyst 33, one one with their Right eye showing, replied. "Here to see your Daughter, we see." 84, the one with their Left Eye showing, added. Shining was glad to his Daughter was happy, as She then gave her a little hug and lifted her up. "Time for bed, little one." Flurry pouted, but gave a yawn, blushing a little. "Too much excitement for one day, isn't it?" He then placed her in a crib and was about to leave. "Good night, sleep tight, and don't let Sombra Bite!" He joked a little, as he left his Daughter alone, but was scared about Sombra. Just then, the door of the room opened, as three Figures came in, which were Euclase and the others. Euclase went over to Flurry and gave her Whammy. "I believe this is yours?" Flurry was happy to see Whammy and snatched it from Euclase. "Whammy! Thank you." She thanked Euclase as she drifted to Sleep, which Euclase gave a smile as they left her alone.

Sunburst was looking at the pages of the book, wondering how it'll work. "Anything yet?" Kongo came over, along with Thorax. "Everypony is safe and looking well. These Gemstones must have many, but I could only count 26." "This Place is their home, but many have been taken by Lunarians, who want to turn them into Weapons and Jewellery!" Kongo replied, as Sunburst then told them about how much he looked into this far. "I've been looking through the Book for a while, and behind the pages still doesn't make sense! It say's here 'The Pieces of a Prism is by the sides'. This has me stumped, because it's just showing up as a Pyramid, even as a Prism is a Triangular Prism. They actually show a Rainbow Light." Both didn't know how he knows that, as he places his head on the table. "Don't ask!" "Maybe we should get some sleep? It's been a pretty log day for everyone, right?" "Maybe your right. Cinnabar will be doing their Patrol soon." Once they all split up, a small gust of wind folded a part of the Book, which showed something they missed.
> Chapter 5: Frozen Fighter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since the Gemstones and Ponies were getting close to a war against Sombra, it was now confirmed that Sombra has now become crafty in order to steal the Crystal Heart and possibly destroy the Gemstones too.

He was looking at a Gemstone of Phosphophyllite, Bort, Diamond and Spinel in the palm of his hand. He then got close to them and huffed at them. "To think, my plan to rule all of Equestria would be ruined by Gemstones, but once I'm finished with you all!" He then crushes them all in the palm of his hand, the Phos being the first to crack. "My, someones on edge." He was then greeted by his 'Queen', Cadence. "And what would that apply? When those Gemstones and their Building came close, they're throated everything, starting with stealing the Crystal Heart right from under my nose!" He slammed his fist onto the throne.

Once he lifted it up, he saw some cracks and scratches on his fingers, which ment one thing. "I think thinking about those Gemstones may turn you into one?" "If they are, then they'll be joining me when I do get shattered!" He then growled, until he thought of a plan. "Get me my Assassin! Luna!"

Back in the School, Spinel, Diamond and Phos was looking at the Crystal Empire, thinking about what it was before Sombra Corrupted it. "You want to know about the Empire before? Should of asked me." Shining Armor then came up towards them, as he too looked at the Empire from a distants. "What did it look like before?" Phos asked him, as he answered. "The Crystal Empire was a beautiful Empire after me and Cadence ruled, but that wasn't like that before." "Before what?" Diamond asked, which Shining kept talking about it. "Before, it was ruled by Sombra, who enslaved the entire Kingdom, wanting to start a war against all of Equestria, however, he was stopped by Celestia and Luna, who banished him for his crimes. He did return once, but was stopped by the Crystal Heart, returned by Spike, my sister's Assistant. Once it was returned, it freeded the Empire and Banished him again. We made a Statue in his honer, you know."

They were interested in how another creature saved an Empire before, but how, it was up to them. "And because of Phos taking it from the respected Empire, it'll be us that he'll want to start a war against!" "I'm sorry about what happened when you all were taken from your homeworld, but if I did want to ask, what is your world like?"
Shining was then interested in their world, which Spinel told him.

"Well, it's quite plain, with a vast grassland, a Ocean and a beach that they're born from and a few peaks that we can look out to the Ocean and the entire plains. However, it's not all piece to us, as their are the Lunarin's to deal with." Spinel explained, as Shining didn't think they'll have their own threat from their world. "Lunarians?" "Called Moon People. They're apparently after us for our bodies to shatter and take to the Moon. Many Gemstones have been taken there, as we're what's left." Diamond told him, which he thought that's the reason they had weapons. "The Reason Obsidian is the Weapon's designer, they can melt some of their body to craft into Swords that we'll use, but when Spinel came into our lifes, they then made them into Weapons that are suited for us. Their first Weapon was a Lunarian Pickaxe, which they refigured into their weapon." Diamond said, as Shining remembered Obsidian telling him that.

"Well, either Obsidian or Spinel, facing Sombra or Lunarian's, you all have a bright future if you'll live that is." "Thanks for complementing and seeing a bright 'future' in us." Phos remarked, which Shining was trying to make them feel better. Just then, Kongo came up to them four. "I see your all telling him about our world?" They then looked at him. "Kongo, we know we shouldn't, but he asked." Spinel said, as Kongo saw they were trying to be nice. "Anyway, I'll be happy to confirm you all that Antarcticite will be ready soon. They're still slow on their speed, but they'll be ready for the Night Patrol." They were glad to hear that. Cinnabar getting cut by Shining made them Spill Mercury all over the place, even Rutile and some Doctors tried to go near then, as their Mercury is very Poisoness.

Shining remembered that moment. "Again, tell them my apologies." "Maybe don't let dout cloud your mind, or you'll end up making mistakes. Remember like you said, it's whats on the inside." Kongo said as he left them, as Shining thought he might of hear him talking to Twilight's friends, talking about their Magic being in their hearts. "Maybe once we have my sister back, maybe she could crack the secrets about what Sunburst was trying to tell us." He hoped, as they all left the balcony, as Spinel looked back at it and decided to follow them.

Back at the Crystal Empire, Sombra was looking down at his Assassin, former Princess Luna. He looked at her Dark Latex-covered body, corrupted by him, Light Armor, a mask covering her face and a Cloak that her cape was blowing by the wind. "You are in the need of my skills, my King?" She asked through the mask. "Indeed I have, my Assassin. As you may of guessed, that building on the outskirts of the Empire is housed to not only the Resistant's', but creatures that I'm calling' Gemstones!" Luna heard about that. "They possibly are seeking to stop my rule and defeat me! I need you to sneak in, Steal back the Crystal heart, and maybe Destroy some Gemstones along the way!" She didn't know what Gemstones were like, but in her role, it was her job to destroy whoever is against her or her master. "I'll do my best to retrieve and Destroy!" She replied, as she then turned her back and left the throne room, as her Cape responded to the wind around her.

It was now Dark, which ment everyone was going to sleep and the other Night Patroller was going to start their shift, as Kongo was explaining what was going on. "I know that this isn't a typical Winter Patrol that your always in, but this is important. These creatures need our help and in doing so, they'll help us. I want you to look out around the halls. Your Forbidden Power and Weapons will be around you always." They looked at their weapons and Shield, which already had the power inside of it. "I'll try. Only in an emergency." They replied sternly. Kongo then patted their hair. "That's my Gemstone." Once Kongo left them to do their Patrol, they then scouted the entire building, not realising they're will be a real threat to come.

Outside, Luna was looking at the School, seeing some of the lights were off, which could mean everyone was asleep. "Huh? Maybe this job will be boring, but It'll also be quick!" She then jumped off a building and headed into the School. She looked around, finding nothing out of the ordinary, seeing it almost looked like an ordinary school, almost like her Sister's gifted School. "Maybe these Gemstones are somewhat advanced than I thought. Better warn Sombra when I retrieve the heart!" She thought to herself as she then looked around the building, seeing it pretty big and spacious, thinking they are many rooms where the heart would be.

Once she explored the first floor of the Building, she saw it didn't have the Heart in, but she did find Kongo's room, but didn't want to disturb him in his slumber. She then checked the Second floor to see if there was any luck. "I can feel the heart close by. Once I do have, they'll be nothing to stop Sombra and his rule..." "Is anyone down there?" She then heard a voice of someone she never met before. She did hide somewhere so she won't get caught, but with her Armor being dark in colour, she can blend into the darkness and waited to ambush them. Once they were in the same hall, she saw it was one of the Lustrous, finding it to be a Colourless-White. They were wearing a White Uniform unlike the other Gemstones. "Whatever that one is it's mine!"

She then landed infront of Gemstone, ready to fight them. "I see your one of Sombra's Knights. An Assassin?" "And you'll be the first one to be shattered!" She then rushed over to the Gemstone, but they rushed away from her quickly. "What the?" They then brought out their weapons, which were Two Shurikens. They also had a giant Saw that was behind their back. "Even if your not a Lunarian, I'll face you if I have to!" They then threw one of the Shurikens at her, but she blocked it and it ended up hitting the wall.

The Sound woke up Spinel, Shining, Phos, Bort and Diamond. "What was that?" " Whatever it is, Antarcticite is in trouble!" Spinel and the others got their weapons and decided to help out in the middle of the night. Shining got a Weapon of his own.

In the Halls, Luna was still fighting Antarcticite. Had enough of her, Antarc then slammed their weapon onto the floors, which ended up being slippery to her, as she had a difficult time standing up in heeled boots. Antarc didn't have problems. Shining and the Gemstones came into the hall and saw what was going on, finding it was a fight. "Who-What is that?" Bort asked, as Shining knew who it was. "Luna?" "A Lunarian? How did one get here?" Bort then brought out her whip, but Shining stopped them. Before he could go into help, he almost slipped on the floor. "How is this hall now slippery?" "Because of them!" Spinel replied, pointing to Antarc. "That's our Winter Patrol, Antarcticite, and the slipperiness is caused by their Forbidden Power, Formidable Frost!" Antarc knew Spinel would address them, but Luna was still not giving up.

She tried to jump back into the shadows, but the Slipperiness made it too difficult. "I have to address about the Heels? They're too difficult to do ANYTHING!" Antarc looked down at Luna, but that was a mistake when she looked back while slapping them, Cracking them a little. She then got up and looked at them. "You should of been like that!" "Back at you!" Phos then rammed into her using Formidable Frost, which froze some of her Armor and Latex, which made it brittle and fall apart. Luna then looked at them, as her Mask fallin into pieces and making it more clearer to hear her mouth. "You all don't know when to quit?" Phos was now scared, using Antarc's Forbidden Power.

Antarc got some strength back, as they threw their Shurikens at Luna, grazing the Latex and her Coat a little. They kept grabbing and throwing them at her, until she was looking a bit downed. "Is that... all you got?" She asked, as Phos then used the power once, but it froze Luna inside a Block of ice. Once she was taken care off, Phos returned to the others, to see if Antarc was fine. "I'm fine. Just didn't see her attack in time." They looked at Luna, still Frozen. "How long can someone stay in there?" Shining asked, as Antarc got up and made their way towards the Ice. They gave it a small tap, seeing it started to crack a little.

"Antarcticite, what's your Hardness?" "3? Why?" They then saw the ice cracking more, until Luna was freed, but the ice and slicing through the Latex skin froze off her body, including the Armor. Everyone saw Luna was now nude, which made Spinel and Bort cover Diamond and Phos' eyes. "That's plenty more Luna then I had to see." He said, embarrassed a little. "Shining? Why are your friends here looking at me curiously?" She then looked down, finding herself nude. She covered herself with her arms. "Oh man, that's embarrassing in this weather. Red Beryl!" Spinel announced.

Once Luna was in a Lustrous Nightgown, she told them what happened to her. "When I was about to face Sombra, my sister and Twilight both were already taken by him. I didn't know what to do, only to be corrupted next, into his Assassin. I'm also greatful to you all for saving me." Spinel and Diamond gave a nod, Bort didn't believe it and Phos was still surprised how they handled Antarc's Forbidden Power. Antarc was freezing themself a little. "Just be happy you didn't recieve Frostbite from my power." " I'm glad you battled and freed me. More longer in that state, then the Crystal Heart would of been his." Luna looked down at herself, feeling the Gemstones Nightgown. "I have to get one of these. More comfy unlike mine."

"Whatever dirty Tricks Sombra would pull on us next, then we'll be ready!" Spinel said, as Luna saw they had enough. "If he wants to fight us, then we'll give him a War he'll never forget!" They now wanted to battle Sombra's forces and get back home. "If my sister was here, then she'll be proud of you all." "Kongo will talk about you in the morning. We need sleep." Shining said as they all yawned and decided to head back into their rooms. Antarc got some of their strenth back, as Spinel decided to help them. "Just be happy it's not Phos." "I'm just happy it's not that Dolt." "Hey!" Phos yelled at them both, which almost made everyone wake up.

Back in the Crystal Empire, Sombra lost his Connection to Luna, which made him mad. "How is this even Possible? First Shining Armor, then Twilights friends, almost half my Solders and now Luna? What kind of powers do they even have?!" Sombra roared, as Celestia thought about that. "It could possibly be the powers of the Forbidden Powers?" "WHAT?!" Sombra then looked at Celestia, who kept calm. "The Forbidden Powers. They were created by an Arc-Wizard, which gave a power that can cause damage to everything, but they were then banished to another Universe. They were Banished from our World centuries ago because they may threaten Equestria!" Sombra remembered them, growing Concern. "Oh yes. I now remember. I here by never let those Gemstones near the Empire! If I do find them." He then grinned, looking at a Crystalization of a Look like Gemstone of Morganite, but had jagged Spikes of his Crystals in their hair.

"If you want to destroy a Crystal, it'll be time for another Army. Another Indestructible, Unstoppable, Crystal Army!" He then started laughing, so did Celestia. Twilight came in and looked at his Plan, both concerned and kept to her roll as her Loyal Knight.
> Chapter 6: Back to the Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After freeing one of the Princesses, Luna, they now not are worried about Sombra taking the Crystal Heart, but from what he was planning, he wasn't playing anything fair to them or the Schoolhouse.

Spinel, Shining, Luna, Kongo and another Gemstone was looking at the map of the Empire Luna created using her Magic. It was weak, but they saw how big it was. The Gemstone with them was a Yellow one with a Bob Cut. "So as you all see, Sombra has taken plenty of the Empire for himself, and now that we have Gemstones on our side, he won't let them get anywhere close to the Empire." Shining confirmed to everyone. "And from how many Forces he has and we have, we might not get far. Yes, I've been under his control for a while, but thanks to the Gemstones, I was freed from it." Luna told them all, which they already know about. "Well, yeah. We did it last night!" Spinel reminded her, which earned a small laugh from the Yellow Gemstone.

"Apologies to the Gemstones Elder. Yellow Diamond here tries to make everything more happier for us all." Kongo said about them. "Sorry, but I was thinking about what Spinel reminded you about." Yellow said as they looked at the Magic Map. "Yes, we may have some of Sombra's defences taken, but with that, that makes his army more lesser and some of the Spire somewhat open. If we could find a way to get into the Empire, we may find a way to either Place the Crystal Heart back where it came from, or we can find some information about his next move." They strategized to everyone, as Spinel and Shining thought that could work.

"But, like I said before, if Sombra's forces see's even a Single Gemstone, he'll have them shattered into dust!" Shining told them all, as to Kongo then turned away and thought. "You do have a point there. If only they can't be recognised!" That idea then gave Spinel an idea. "That's it! Bort! Morganite! Neptunite! I have a Plan! Head out to where we saved the Guards!" Spinel then ended up rushing out the plan, as Shining was confused.

Around the field, the Armor the Solders were in was discarded around it, which were also freed from Sombra's curse. Spinel, Bort, Morganite and another Black Gem, their hair being in Long Pigtails and a Straight Cut Bang going to their Right, Neptunite, was looking at the Armor. "And your Sure this won't get us Shattered Spinel? I don't think anyone of us would be quick to get all the Pieces!" Neptunite replied to Spinel. "Don't threat, Neptunite! He doesn't even recognise his own Solders inside his own Armor!" "Spinel!" Shining then came over to them all, seeing what they were doing. "What's going on? Why did you just walk out the meeting?" Spinel then showed him one of the Helmets. "That? That's the Helmet of Sombra's Army. Once it goes on your Head, you'll be under his control!" He told Spinel, as he then saw Morganite deciding to play around with a Helmet on their Head, which then made Bort punch them in the Face. "I'm ok!" "Your thinking if you all disguise yourselves as one of his Solders, you might get in?" Spinel gave him a nod and a Smile.

"And why am I part of this?" Phos said as they came in with the Crystal Heart. "Well, you were the one who Stole the heart, so you'll be the one to be returning it!" Morganite reminded them, as they then pouted at them. "I didn't plan for them to return it, but if it'll help save the Empire quicker, then they have to come! But we don't have any Armor to fit them." Spinel then thought of what else to do to get Phos inside.

Once they were all in Armor, they headed to the Kingdom. Shining was also in the Armor, but he wasn't under Sombra's control. Bort had to have their Hair in a large Ponytail and Spinel was carrying Phos inside a Duffle Bag. "Geez! Not the comfiest mode of Transportation I've ever been in!" Phos complained as Morganite hit it. "Shut it! You'll get us caught!" "Enough! Both of you! We're getting close to some!" They walked passed some Brainwashed Ponies as they made to the Empire's Spire, which gave Shining some Deja Vu, when he returned to see everyone under Sombra's control. "I-I shouldn't of come back! I should of stayed behind with Cadence!" Shining thought to himself, as the Gemstones looked at him, feeling his pain. "We lost everything after that day. But once he is Dethroned, we'll get everything back!" Neptunite replied to him, trying to bring his Spirits us from their Sharp Tongue.

Spinel then saw one Solder showing two others a Wanted Poster of them, as they also heard them talking. "If you see this Gemstone, capture them! King Sombra would like to talk to them!" "Poor Gem. Wonder what our King wants with them?" Once that talk was over, Spinel was concern what he wanted to talk to them about. Just then, they felt a tap behind their Soulder, making them turn around, finding the same Guard. "What are you Five doing here?" "Just scouting the perimeter? To make sure no Rebels got in?" Morganite said, trying to sound persuasive, as Bort then butted in. "What do you need us to do?" The Guard looked at them all, thinking they might of forgot. "You four, load up the cargo and weaponry! You, our King wants to see!" Spinel didn't think Sombra wanted to talk to him, but about what? Shining and the other Gemstones then looked down, as Spinel then gave Phos to Bort. "Make sure Phos is safe. That Heart included!" "I'll try my best." Bort replied. "Really? But we'll be thurther away from the Spire and Spinel just gets VIP?" "Shut it!"

Once they all were divided, Spinel went to the Spire's Throne room, where it was all covered in Black Crystals from the outside and everywhere else. "Some decor they have. These Crystals must be his Favourite?" "So my guard was fooled enough to not know it's you!" Just then, they were faced by a Black Unicorn with a Red tipped Horn, and Green eyes with Red pupils looking down at them. "Where are my manors? I am..." "No! I know who you are. King Sombra, former King of the Crystal Empire and our Problem!" Sombra then chuckled to himself, as he then snapped his fingers, making the Armor around Spinel disintergrate. Before they could turn Ming into his Shield and bring out his Weaponry, Sombra put his hand up, stopping them. "No no, I don't want to fight, I just want to talk." "Talk about what?" Spinel was then confused, as Sombra then smiled. "Come with me." He asked, as Spinel agreeded, as he did turn Ming into his Shield and brought out his Weapon, not talking the risk.

Meanwhile outside, Shining and the others were doing their job, but were making sure they didn't get caught. Their job was to watch over the Cargo. Morganite was interested in what the Cargo was, wanting to open a crate, only to be stopped by Bort. "I don't think that's smart, Morganite." "What? I wanted to see what it is." Morganite opened it and they all looked inside, finding it to be Pickaxes, Swords and Shields. They know about the Swords and Shields, but the Pickaxes the Gemstones were then worried. "Pickaxes?" "We have to warn Spinel and the others."

Back with Spinel, they were then brought into a Weaponry, where they saw two other Alicorns, one large white and another Purple. The White ones Mane was flowing Pink, Blue and Purple, with some Green and the Purple was Purple with Magenta Highlights in them. "Knights! I'll like you to meet our Guest!" Spinel was then concerned about them being Celsetia and Twilight. "And as your guessing, they were 'Princesses' Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, two of my Loyal Knights! You would of met my Assassin, Luna, who you already have!" "I'm Knight Sparkle!" "And I am Knight Celestia! We're Loyal Solders to King Sombra!" Both then announced their names. "Hail Sombra!" "Yeah yeah, I know all that! Why do you want to talk to me about?" Spinel asked, as Sombra then showed them a Gemstone looking like Bort, but their hair was sharp, pointy and Jagged. "I tool inspiration to your Gemstone friends, but it was all for my plan!"

Spinel looked at the Bort looking Gemstone in horror. "Is that... a Bort?" "A Bort? Yes, but not the Bort you and the others know. This one is an Indestructible, Unstoppable KILLING MACHINE!" The Gemstone then goes a little violent and shakes the cage it was in. "Want to see something interesting? Watch this." He then summoned a Training Dummy next to the Gem, who then brought out a Pickaxe unlike Spinel's, which they then used it to tear apart the Training Dummy, much to Spinel's Horror. They then dropped it, destroyed and all. "But, here's the grander part. I have an Army of them!" Spinel then saw many other Gemstones, some looking the same as the others. They backed away from what they looking at.

"Once I release them all through out Equestria, no army will be able to stop them, but if the town even tried, Their Town will be wiped out!" Spinel was then scared, as the Gemstone then back away. "Something on your mind?" "W-Well, I was thinking about what your plan was to do about us, but I might of seen plenty already!" They then rushed out the room and out the Palace. Before Celestia and Twilight could go after them, Sombra stopped them. "You better bring that one back in one piece! The others are also in the Empire!" Both then rushed after them.

Back with Shining and the others, they didn't know what to do about the Weaponry, but to horde it back to the School. "Man! Whoever thought working in another job would be this hard!" Morganite complained, streaching. "I thought you all don't get tired?" "Morganite does come out lazy!" Phos complained. Bort and Neptunite didn't know why they were complaining about now, only for Spinel to return. "Spinel? Why are you out of your Armor?" "Not the time! We have to get out of here, NOW!" Spinel then ordered as they all got into the Carriage. Once inside, Shining then used his Magic to make it move.

"Spinel, what's going on?" Bort asked them, as Spinel then told them. "Ok, Sombra knew we were in the Empire, but he didn't harm me for some reason, but showed me what he was planning!" They were all concerned. "What was his plan?" "He's making his Own Gemstones to release around Equestria! An Unstoppable Army!" The Gems were now concerned, but that got more worried as they heard another Carriage outside, which was a chariot with Twilight and Celestia riding it. "Halt Spinel!" Celestia threatened as Shining looked at his sister. "Twilight..." "Come at us! We're not scared of you!" Neptunite threatened as they brought out a Black Katana. Phos got out of the bag, carrying the Crystal Heart with them. "The Heart! Stop them!" Just then, Celestia and Twilight used their Magic to levitate their Carriage above the ground, but then released it, making Phos drop the Heart towards Twilight. The Bump also made them fall off the ground, smashing and destroying the Carriage.

Back at the school, everyone was watching what was going on by Luna's Magic, a little horrified of what Celestia and Twilight did, but Kongo was still acting calm. "Why are you being calm after what just happened?" "My Gemstones are more resilient than you think, my dear Luna." Luna was confused as they kept watching what was going on.

Just as Twilight and Celestia thought they had victory, Spinel, Bort, Neptunite and Morganite were using some wood from the Carriage as Snowboards while Shining and Phos were using the front of the Carriage as a Sled. "Wha-Oh why do I always get uncontrollable Stuff?!" They ranted. "Don't give up! We have to get that heart back!" Spinel then ordered, as they then chased aster two former Princesses.

Twilight and Celestia then saw the Gemstones Snowboarding after them. "Why don't they give up already?" Celestia growled as the Gemstones brought out their weapons, ready to attack. "I don't know what's wrong with you two, but we'll get to the bottom of it even if we have to Knock his control out of you two!" Neptunite ranted. Both them and Morganite then were ready to fight, as Celestia and Twilight used Magic Blasts on them, only to be blocked. Spinel, Bort, Shining and Phos were doing another thing, which was getting back the Crystal Heart from them. "We need to get that heart back! Otherwise, we'll never get back home!" Spinel was then this serious on taking back the Crystal Heart, which they were also doing.

Just then, Celestia noticed Phos and Shining coming after them, as she then used her Magic on them. "Just to think you'll get the Heart!" She said as she made some Magic Blasts and fired them at Phos, who ducked after seeing them coming. "Ha! You missed!" "Magic never misses!" The Magic blast then came back after them, which Shining tried to deflect. Celestia then had an idea, which she then used her Magic to raise up some snow, turning it into a Ramp. Spinel and Bort jumped over it, as Phos and Shining just ended up flying somewhere else. "Don't worry! We'll meet up back at the School!" Shining yelled as him and Phos ended up flying.

Morganite and Neptunite tried their best to get close to their Chariot, only for Morganite to end up going somewhere else. "Dang it! See you somewhere else!" they said, which just left Spinel, Bort and Neptunite to go after the Heart. Spinel and Bort made it close to the Chariot, which made Celestia mad. "Why don't you all give up!" Just before Celestia could charge up her Magic, Bort used their Whip to lash around her waist and drag her off the Chariot, only to end up swinging her into a Tree.

Back at the Crystal Empire, Sombra felt a little chill after Bort took care of Celestia. "Anything wrong Darling?" Cadence asked. "Not too sure. I felt like... I was throwned into a Tree?"

The Swing also took Bort off course, which only left both Spinel and Neptunite alone with Twilight. "It's just you and me now." Spinel confirmed to Neptunite, as they gave a quicker chase to Twilight. "Sombra gave you an offer to live! And I'll bring you and the Heart back, even if your in Pieces!" Twilight gave a threat, as Spinel then jumped onto the Chariot, facing off against her. However, both their Weight made the Chariot go quicker making Neptunite come far behind. Spinel was ready to face Twilight in a battle, only for Twilight to grip her head, as she was trying to fight something. "Y-You! Take the Heart!" She then gave Spinel the Crystal Heart, as Spinel saw in her eyes she was trying to Fight Sombra's Control. "I know your stronger than him! Fight it!" Just then, she was back under his Control, ready to attack Spinel. Neptunite caught up, as Spinel then jumped onto Neptunite's Snowboard, as the Chariot was ending up falling off a Cliff. Twilight got off in time, as she was flying and looking down at them, as she then flew back to the Empire.

Back at the School, Spinel and Neptunite returned, having the Crystal Heart back in their side. "You got it back? How?" Shining was then confused on how Spinel got it back, as Spinel explained something. "I don't think Sombra's Magic is all that powerful! I think that Twilight Sparkle has more will power in her to fight it. That's how I got it back." You?" Neptunite spoke out behind Spinel. "Ok, We got it back!" Shining was glad to hear his Sister was trying to fight back against Sombra, even as she knows Spinel is an Ally to them, but also to her. "So, how are we suppose to get that thing back in the Empire now?" Morganite asked, as everyone looked down. "What? I'm just interested?" "You ruin everything!" Phos complained to them.
> Chapter 7: Land of the Corruptous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After their failed attempt to return the Crystal Heart to the Empire, everyone was deciding to put up some defences around the School, just in case Sombra does attempt to attack. "There. Just in case Sombra thinks of coming back here." "Let's hope so. Otherwise, we'll be shattered and you all will be back in his control." Spinel replied to him, as they were placing up some defences.

Once they were done, Sunburst and Kongo looked at what would be the battlefield. "I seen many opponents attack this school, but I seen everyone has taken something seriously." "We have to do it. If we don't put up some defences, then all is lost, for both Equestria and you all." Sunburst replied, as Kongo wasn't going to let anything happen to everyone. "So about what you researched this far?"

"Oh yeah!" Sunburst then remembered as he brought back the book. "I didn't think it would be possible, but I wasn't looking in the other option!" He then goes back to the page about the Elements of Harmony. "I did look into the book and this corner of the page revealed something I didn't think was possible!" He then folded the pages corners, showing all the Elements of Harmony and in the middle, possibly being something reflective, shooting a Beam of light to the top of the book. "If the Elements still do exist in Twilight and her Friends, then this will help us all out!" "If your right about this, then I'll alert everyone about what is going to come towards the Future." Kongo replied as they walked away from him.

Once Defences were out, Shining, Spinel and the Mane 5 looked at the barricades, as the Anthro Ponies were looking a bit down. "I can feel the douts in your body. Something on your minds?" Spinel asked, as they then answered them. "Well, once Sombra brainwashed us into his army, we were scared about Twilight. But after seeing what is coming, we don't think we'll get to see her again." They then started to shed some tears from their eyes, as Spinel then reminded them about Twilight giving them back the Crystal Heart.

"Don't put much dout on yourselves. Your friend is fighting his Brainwash. When she does break it, we'll have the chance to take the battle towards him and free the Empire, get us back home and save a friend!" Once they said that, they all then huddled up around Spinel and went into a Group Hug. "Why is this happening to me?" "Just embrace it!" F;uttershy whispered to them, as Spinel just shook their head.

"Can everyone place come to the entrance please?" They then heard Thorax call out to them, which they did head down, only for Shining Armor to stop, feeling like he's hearing someone in his head.

At the Crystal Empire, Cadence was using her Magic to call out to him. "Can he hear you?" "Even if he still has feelings for me, then yes he can!" Sombra then smirked. "Tell him 'you better bring that heart to me, and you'll see your sister again!'" Sombra said, as Cadence used her Magic to do so.

Once he was given those Orders, Shining was about to head check the rooms, only to be seen by Spinel, Phos and Diamond. "Where are you heading off too? C'mon, Sunburst found out about some interesting stuff you need to hear about!" Shining decided to stay to hear what Sunburst learned about. He looked over the many heads of both Gemstones and Ponies.

"Do I have everyone's attention? As we were doing our parts, I found something interesting that you all have to see!" He then used his Magic to create a holographic image of the thing he learned from the book. "As you can see, once the Elements of Harmony are reflected off of something, it ends up as a Powerful beam of Magic that'll destroy even the dastardly of hearts." "That Spell? The Pillars never used it because it could destroy the evil. They had to banish the Sirens and the Pony of Shadows for their Crimes." Luna reminded Sunburst, as he knew that.

Shining knew he was waisting time. "I'm going to... check on Obsidian's weaponry if the Armor is ready. I won't be long!" He confirmed and lied to them as he went down a different hall, making Diamond concerned.

Once Shining was inside the Gemstones room, he looked around to find the Crystal Heart. He then spotted something shaped like a heart under a blanket. "Bingo!" He lifted it up, only to finding Whammy. "You know, when you were acting weird, this is what Bort would of felt." He then turned around, finding Diamond, with the Crystal Heart. "Finding about what?" "They knew you'll do this! Sure, we're the hope your looking for, but, you can speed up progress by giving him the Heart in exchange for your sister." Shining didn't think Diamond would of been smart, as he then tried to take the heart from them, only to end up taking out their weapons.

"You don't have to do this!" Diamond begged him, only for him to keep attacking. "I have too, for my sister!" Shining said, as he swung at Diamond's leg, shattering it. Once they were down, they dropped the Heart on to the floor. "No!" Shining then picked up the heart and escaped. "He's getting away with the heart!"

Once Shining was out with the heart, Spinel and the Gemstones saw what he was about to do. "Shining, give us the heart!" Shining then sighed, as he then activated his Magic. "I'm sorry, but it's for the plan!" He then teleported away, just before the Gemstones could even grab him. "Dang it!"

Shining then teleported near the Crystal Spire, which he sighed and entered. Once he was in the throne room, he was looking up at Sombra and Cadence. "Honered to see your still ruling?" "I'm the real King of the Empire and I fear nothing!" Celestia then used her Magic to take the Crystal Heart and look at it. "It's real, my king!" "So, about my sister?" Sombra then looked at him and Twilight. "You retrieving the heart was your only reward! However, the deal has now extended; I now want Spinel and the Gemstones!" Shining was then concerned. "W-What? I thought you didn't fear anything?" "I don't, but they're a threat to me." Shining was then mad. "You know, if you don't care. This was a mistake." Just before he even leaves, he was then stopped by Gemstones that looked like they were Sombra's Crystals. "Your not going anywhere! You like my Gemstones? I made them myself." Shining was now in fear as Sombra just laughed.

Back at the School, everyone was shocked and mad about Shining's Detrayal. "That no-good! Just excellent! Grand!" Bort was that mad about what just happened as Spinel and Phos helped up Diamond. "I thought I could try to reason with him. Turns out I was wrong." "You were doing the right thing, but Shining isn't planning on seeing what we'll be facing next." Spinel said to them as Bort then yelled at them. "And because of you not even trying, we have lost our only way to get home and you haven't helped after you stole it!" Bort then started blaming Phos.

"ENOUGH!" They then heard Kongo get into it. "Yes, Shining may have betrayed us and We lost our hope, but that tells us a Lesson!" Bort then saw how scared they made Diamond and their fellows. "And If I ever catch you all ever Butt Heads at each other again, you all will be switching rolls around here!" Halite then started laughing after what Kongo said, making everyone look at them. "Sorry, but Kongo just said 'Butt Heads'!" The Gemstones were confused as they felt their heads. "My Head doesn't feel that butty?"

Just then, they got a Magical Hologram of Shining. "Well, look who's returned without facing us!" "I don't have much time, so listen up. Diamond, I should of listened to you. I shouldn't of given him the Heart. Spinel, Bort, Phos, you should of stopped me before I escaped. But I did hear some of his plan and where he's going next." They knew if they could get their first, they can beat him. "Where?" "Around the Train Station beyond the Empire!" Once he disappeared, they were thinking about what he just told them. "A Train Station?" "Somewhere where you wait for a train and it'll send you there!" "Thanks for explaining, but what if it's a trap?" Spinel thought, as Diamond and Phos also came into. "If it'll beat us to Sombra, then we have to take that risk!" Bort then came in, as Spinel saw they wanted to check. "Well, if you want to check if it's true, I'll also join in! We'll alert the girls if we see if it's true."

Back at Sombra's Palace, He let go of Shining since he was controlling him. "They don't seem they cordernated on what's really going on." Shining then looked back at the dark king. "Y-You have no idea what your facing!" "Why would I? Because they have no idea what they'll face!" As Shining was then mocked by Sombra and Cadence's laughter, he decided to try and make amends to the Gemstones he just detrayed.

Spinel, Bort, Diamond and Phos were checking out the Station, which was decommissioned after Sombra's return. "Whoever thought his influence could of went through out around the Empire?" "The Empire wasn't the start of it all. Maybe it's from another Kingdom or Empire?" Spinel reminded Phos, as they checked around the Station, which was also covered with Black Crystals. "No matter how many of these things I see, they give me bad omen." Bort replied to their fellow Gems, not realising more Crystals were growing.

Once they were done checking, they didn't know what Shining told them about was a trick. They then found something on the Table, which looked like a Crown. "Is that it? What do we do with it?" Diamond asked as they picked it up and placed it on their head, which nothing else happened. "That's our way to beat him?" "Not a way to beat him, try a Symbol of something else!" Spinel then revealed it to be the Crown of Princess Celestia. "If that was Celestia's Crown, then that would mean this is?" Just then, the Entire Station was then surrounded by Crystals, high enough for no Gemstone to escape from. Spinel looked into the Crystals, finding what was inside of them, as they then saw Bort about to break them using their Whip. "Bort, NO!"

Bort then shattered the Crystals, as they then looked at them. "What? I'm freeing us." "Correction, you made it worst! This wasn't a plan to beat Sombra, this was a Trap!" They were all then Confused, as a Hand and Arm then smashed through the Crystals, getting their attention. More Hands and Arms came from the cracks as it then brought in Weapons too. Phos, Bort and Diamond couldn't believe what they were looking at, being their own kind, but in Sombra's Crystals. "S-Spinel?" They were then greeted by Commander Celestia, who was the head of the ambush. "Missed me? I think you won't after we're done with you!"

The Gemstones were then ready to fight, but still didn't know the Crystal's Hardness. "Corruptous, Capture and Destroy them!" "Run!" Spinel ordered as they all ran away from them, as the Corruptous did too. Phos then started to think about their name. "Corruptous? That's their name?" "Maybe a good name out of it, because that Sombra's Magic corrupts but also tieing into our name, Lustrous!" "We don't have time to explain or ask, but what are their Hardness?" Just then, Phos tripped over some harden snow, making the others trip over them. They then handed inside of a Minecart and it got onto the tracks. Celestia looked at the Gemstones then escaping, only to see they didn't know where they were going. "After them! I love a challenge!"

The Gemstones then found themselves on a track and didn't know where they were going or how to control the cart. "Anyone know how this thing even works?" The Gemstones then looked at Phos, who was clueless on what was happening, being it was their fault. Just then, they didn't realise the Corruptous were still after them and were grabbing the Cart by the sides. Just before one of then could grab Diamond, Spinel then shattered their arm, which got destroyed easily. "So they're not that Hard after all!" Bort then shattered another, seeing they weren't that Difficult to destroy.

As they destroyed many Corruptous, Celestia then flew in the middle of the tracks, as the Gemstones were coming towards her quickly. "Gain way!" She was about to attack, only to be punched by her own crown, still being held by Phos. They were surprised to land a single punch on something. "I GOT HER! Did you guys see that?!" They didn't think they would been that excited to hit anything, as they travelled away. Celestia looked back, wondering what just happened, finding her crown infront of her. "M-My crown?" As she looked at it, she felt like she snapped out of her trance, remembering who she really is.

The Gemstones were still heading somewhere, as they then saw some thick vines in the middle of the track. "What is that?" Diamond asked, as the cart then hit it, making the Gemstones fly out of it and falling into a thick pit of Vines, only to be saved by Blue Magical Aura. "If this... Shining?" "Hate to say it, but I can just hug him right about now, not before I murder him for getting us into this mess!" They were then levitated into a carriage, as the Mane 5 were in it, no Shining Armor. "And of Course he's too scared to show his face!" They were then introduced to a Smaller Magical Hologram of Shining.

"Greetings Gemstones, I know you have some words to tell me right about now." "You got that right!" Bort threatened, as Fluttershy then squirmed. "But I just want to say that wasn't me who set the trap. Sombra was controlling me, but I have a plan. I overheard him and Cadence doing a Wedding at Canterlot Palace, where it all started." He then showed a Magic map of Canterlot and Ponyville, which made the Mane 5 a little upset, seeing they're Hometown now almost in ruin. "And to you all, I'm sorry for what I put you up against. If I was telling you this in real life, I mean it. I want you all to make this right, and I wish you all the luck I have!" Once he disappeared, the Gemstones were unsure.

Applejack looked at the Gems. "Oh c'mon, even if we were brainwashed, you all came into our lives and saved us. And now, it's our turn to help you!" "Yeah! Who cares about what Sombra wants from you for!" "Even if I see you all are gorgous, you all fight with Style!" Rarity confessed to them. "If we do make it out of this, I'll make you all the Biggest party you all ever had!" "Y-Yeah." The Gemstones then smiled, knowing they won't give up on Equestria and not on helping them get home. "You all have good hearts, and if you want to help us get home and get your home back, we'll help out as much as we can!" They were happy to hear they're in, as the Carriage, powered by Magic, then headed to Ponyville to crash a Wedding.
> Chapter 8: Rage of the King
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once the Carriage, powered by Shining's Magic, made it's way to Ponyville, the Gemstones saw how it was corrupted by both Sombra's Crystals and Spiky Vines all over the place, even some around the Buildings. "Not the most prettiest place in this Universe." Phos replied, as they then looked at the Mane 5, who looked down at their Hometown being in ruins. "Never thought to return, after what has happened." Applejack said, feeling down after what happened, remembering the last few words to Twilight. "Twilight... I'm... Sorry..." She then started to sheded a tear, as the Carriage then stopped. "We're here!"

Once they left the Carriage, they looked around, seeing how much was taken over. Some of the Mane 5 remembered some of the Buildings around the place. Pinkie Pie looked at a Building that was supposedly a Bakery. "Sugar Cube Corner." She said sadly, as her Mane went flat. Rarity headed to a Building looking like a Carousel. "Carousel Boutique." She then found a torned up Dress hanging off a vine.

The Gemstones saw that this was their home, seeing it was taken away from them. "We're sorry for you all loosing your Home. We get the Crystals were from Sombra, but what about the vines?" Applejack pointed to the Forest closeby. "That right there is the Everfree Forest, but there's a reason the entire place looks this rugged. They then followed them towards a small Castle and headed below it, showing some of Sombra's Crystals that looked like it destroyed something. "That is where the Tree of Harmony was before, which was the only thing to stop the Everfree Forest from covering up Ponyville, but Sombra, not only destroying it, but also Destroyed the Elements of Harmony. Without them, we're lost, until we found where the true Elements of Harmony came from." Bort looked at the Shards of Tree around the cave. "It may look destroyed, but maybe it'll be resurrected somehow."

"If we can stop Sombra, just like Shining said, maybe we can save everything!" Diamond thought, as Phos was remembering about the Crystal Heart and what it's suppose to do. "But first, we have to get the Crystal Heart back from Sombra. Even without a Wedding Gift, whatever a Wedding is, we can just 'Borrow' it!" The Mane 5 knew what they ment. "You mean Steal? That's not us." Fluttershy said to the 3.5 Hardness Gemstone. "Maybe Phos is onto something. When everyones distracted, maybe we can Steal it back from him!"

The Mane 5 thought, thinking that could be a good plan, only to end up in a snag. "But if he see's the Heart is gone, he'll be mad!" "Nonsense Darling. Maybe if we had a Fake one the first time we went to the Empire, maybe we can fool him enough!" "Just like Sunset did for Twilight's Crown!" Rainbow Dash put in, as the Gemstones were confused on who Sunset was.

Back at the School, Kongo, Luna and Sunburst were thinking about what happened to Spinel and the others, as Luna was thinking to herself. "Something on your mind, Princess?" Kongo asked. "Well, just before your Gemstones checked out the station, the Mane 5 were then called somewhere else. I followed them, only to find them to be gone." Both were then confused on why they left and how they disappeared. "If the Gemstones and Elements of Harmony are gone, what else do we stand?" Sunburst replied, as then, they were greeted by a Familier face, which brought light to Luna's eyes. "Missed me?" "S-Sis?"

Back at Ponyville, the Mane 5 and Gemstones were making a fake Crystal Heart, with a Rock looking like a Shape of a Heart. They did edge it a little, making it look a little like the real one, and adding some Blue, Sparkling Paint. Spinel and the Gemstones looked around inside the Castle they were in, seeing how abandon it was. "This was our friends home." Rainbow Dash then came up towards Spinel and the others. "This place?" Phos asked. "It maybe not much, but it's home to her and to us." Applejack then came into the talk. She then kicked over something, seeing it was a Photo of them the first time they met and saved Equestria from Nightmare Moon.

"That's all of you?" Bort asked, looking at the Photo. "I mean it ain't much, but this was where we saw the real friendship between." "There were a few bumps in the road, but we still saw we're the same, even being different." The Gemstones thought about that. "So anyway, when was the last time one of you were captured and how you escaped?" Spinel then spoke to them about that.

"Well, where do I start? Their was this Lunarian attack between me, Bort, Phos and Diamond. Bort and Diamond did escape as I was helping Phos, only for me to sacrafice myself and them taking me. However, they didn't even plan to shatter me, like they do to other Gemstones." Both Rainbow and Applejack were then confused. "As I escaped from them, I ran into a Gemstone who was their Libarian. Their name is Lapis Lazuli, and they were a Gemstone who was turned into a Lunarian. They only did the attack to bring and talk to me." "What did they talk to about?" Applejack asked.

"They explained who I was before, even before becoming a Gemstone. I'm just going to keep that a secret between me and them for now. And for how I escaped, the Lunarians sent me back where they took me." They didn't know Spinel had a Secret to themselves, only for them to rub the back of their head and some Gold flakes raining out of their hair. "Gold?" Rarity then came in and looked around Spinel, mostly at the Gold on the floors. "Pyrite. Fool's Gold!" Rarity then got embarrassed from what it was. Rainbow Dash was laughing from what she was looking at and saw Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy coming out of the Cutie Map room. "We're done with the Fake Heart." Pinkie Pie announced and saw everyone was talking to one another. "What did we miss?"

Meanwhile at Canterlot Castle, everything was being prepared for the Wedding for both Sombra and Cadence, even though she's married to Shining. "Everything is looking absolutly Devine, Darling!" Cadence said to her soon-to-be Husband, as she then saw him feeling a bit in pain. "Darling, are you ok?" She asked, as Sombra got up. Some light from the windows then shined on him, showing his Hair radiating in a bright shine. "After those Gemstones got in the way of my plan, it's messing with me, making me feel like I'm becoming one of them!" He growled, as Cadence helped him up, as she felt his Skin feeling as hard as a Diamond. "No matter. Our Wedding and our Rule will commence soon, my Dear!" Cadence gave a smile, as the decorating for the Wedding was still going.

Meanwhile outside, just before the Wedding begun, the Gemstones and the Mane 5 looked around the place, seeing it was loaded with Corruptous, guarding the main palace entrance. "Well, that'll be a problem to get in." Spinel thought, as the Mane 5 had their Element necklaces, without the Elements Gems inside of them. Applejack looked at the Crown that was ment for the Element of Magic. She looked at Phos and gave it to them. "If we do free Twilight." Phos took it and placed it on their head. "Neat."

"Ok, this place is loaded to Corruptous. And sight of anyone of us will alert Sombra and we'll end up Shattered or worst to you. Anyway, Rarity has some Contact lenses so you'll get in and make the Switch. We'll sneak beyond the roof and maybe find a way to free your friend." Spinel told them their plan, as the Mane 5 heard they'll be after Twilight to bring their group back as one. Once the Mane 5 put the green contracts in their eyes, they almost freaked out once they looked at each other. "Man, this is confusing!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Ok, but if they ask, say 'Hail Sombra'." Phos thought of what she said and decided to play a little. "Sombutt?" The Gemstones looked down, as Bort took Phos shoulder and brought them close to them. "And that's why your with us." Bort said. "Good luck. You'll need it." Rainbow Dash said as they then split up to raid a Wedding.

The Mane 5, acting like they were under Sombra's control, made it to the Main doors, only to be stopped by Two Corruptous guarding it. They looked at them with concernage, as Applejack then spoke out. "T-The King wanted to call us into the Wedding, as his Future Queens Bridemaids." She said to them both, thinking they would of fallen for it, which they did let them in. "I can't believe that worked!" Pinkie Pie whisptered in Excitement, only to be shushed by them all. "Are you trying to get us caught!" "Oopsie!"

With the Gemstones, Phos wanted to know something. "I've been thinking, why didn't you call in Morganite or Goshenite? Both are good fighters." "Both have different outcomes." "Well, what about Antarcticite? They're quicker than me." "They'll melt easy. Your perfect!" Phos didn't think Spinel would of been serious on wanting them to join their cause. "Is this all about stealing the Heart?" Once the Gemstones got up to the window that'll lead them into the main Palace room, as Spinel saw Sombra looking like he was in Pain. "Well, even though it was you who did steal the Heart, it's also the reason Sombra is now mad at us. We're all in this together and no matter what, it's us to fix it!" Bort and Diamond didn't think they would want to stick together. "What are you and where's the real Spinel?" Spinel then smiled at them. "May of picked up a few things from our new friends."

Once the Mane 5 got in, they saw the Wedding was about to begin. "Not the decore I would of picked." "Save world first, complain about Decore later! Where's the Heart?" "Is that it?" Pinkie Pie asked, as they saw the Heart in the middle of the Alter. "Damn it!" "Spinel, whatever you and the others are doing, do it quicker!" Just then, they were introduced by a Dark Shadow, belonging to Sombra. "You five! Head over there if you will! Your in the middle of my Queen's way!" They didn't think he would of known, only for them to end up in a cage. "Seriously?" Sombra then chuckled. "You think I would of been this fooled? You Five will be watching the Wed between me and my Crystal Queen! But don't worry, you'll get to meet your friend again, if she knows about you five, that is!" He then chuckled as he walked back to the Alter.

The Gemstones got inside the Palace and looked down, seeing the Wedding was about to start. "Are we too late?" "Not yet, we aren't!" They then heard Wedding Music beginning, as they saw a Alicorn in Bright Red from the neck down. Her Coat was Pink and her Mane was Yellow, Pink and Purple. "That must be Cadence! Shining's Wife." They saw she looked happy to be marring a guy who took everything from her. " Let's get a closer look." Bort said as they then jumped onto a Chandelier, which now being in Sombra's Crystals. Each jump from one of them shook it from left to right more quicker.

"We are gathered here today to join these two in hands in Marriage." The Mane 5 couldn't believe what they were witnessing, even if they were at the first Wedding of her and Shining. "King Sombra, do you take Princess Cadence to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Sombra then grinned. "I do!" The Mane 5 then saw Twilight close to them, as they tried to reach her. "Twilight, if your in there, Spinel said your stronger than him. Please, fight it!" Twilight then shushed them, as they saw she didn't have enough will power to fight him. "And Princess Cadence, do you take our mighty King Sombra to be your Lawfully wedding Husband?"

Once Phos jumped above the Chandelier, the rocking of it got distracting to the Gemstones. "Hear anything?" "You mean behind the Rocking and sounds of creaking Steel? No, I can't! Thanks for asking!" Bort said as Spinel did their best to hear, only to then feel the rocking and their weight making the Chandelier wanting to break off the ceiling.

The Mane 5 saw the Gemstones on the Chandelier, which was going to break off at any moment. "S-Shouldn't we warn them, Twi?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight, only for her to threaten her friends. "Shh! Anymore of that and it'll be the dungeons for you five!" They were now scared from their friend threatening them.

"That's it, we're getting off!" Spinel, Bort and Phos jumped off the Chandelier, only for Diamond to get their leg trapped in a thin space of Crystals. "Help!" "Diamond!" Spinel then jumped back on, which then made the Swinging and shaking more violent. Spinel saw the Crystals were thicker as Bort and Phos went into help.

"I do!" Cadence replied, as she then smiled at Sombra. "And by the power fested in me, I now pronounce you Man and Wife. You may now kiss the..." Just before they finished, Sombra then heard the Chandelier above and saw what was going on. "Gemstones!"

Once Spinel freed Diamond, the Chandelier took a hard swing, which then threw it towards Sombra and Cadence. Sombra growled and pushed Cadence away, which ended up with him getting crushed. "DARLING!" She yelled out. As the Corruptous looked to see if their king was still alive, the Gemstones went over to help the Mane 5. "What was that?" "There's a Lesson for you, Only go on a Chandelier when it stops swinging! Lesson learned, Let's get outta here!" The Chandelier crash also made the Crystal Heart fly out of the Alter, making them take it. Just before they could escape, there was a loud shake, coming from the Chandelier.

"What was that?" Fluttershy asked, as they all looked back. The Chandelier than was shattered and destroyed, revealing Sombra, but from his Skin was showing some Red scratches, almost like a Gemstone. "My beloved!" Cadence was glad he was alive, as he then pointed to the Gemstones and Mane 5. "Them! They tried to destroy me!" Spinel and the others didn't know what to do about it. "T-That's all a misunderstanding right there!" "SILENCE! I don't care if I rule Equestria, nor if I marry Cadence! I now want all Gemstones captured! Starting with them!" The Corruptous then started to hoard and charge towards them all. Spinel, Bort, Diamond and Phos brought out their weapons and started defending themselves. The Mane 5 also did the same, as they saw they weren't that durable.

Sombra and Cadence were about to escape, as he then gave his last order to Twilight. "Deal with them and bring my back that Spinel!" "It shall be done, my lord!" Once he escaped, Twilight looked back, as she saw how many Corruptous were getting destroyed. "If you have to defeat them, you'll have to do it yourself!" She said to herself as she headed into battle.

Once every Corruptous were defeated, everyone thought it'll be a great idea to escape. "We gotta get back to the Crystal Empire and warn everyone!" "Agree. Oh no!" They were then faced by Twilight Sparkle, the last one left. "if you want to return, you all have to get passed me!" She threatened, as her friends knew they didn't have it in them. "We-We can't face her! She's our friend!" Spinel looked back at them and sighed. "Everyone, get out. I got this and her!" "Good luck!" Applejacked wished for them, as it was just them and Twilight.

Once Twilight was about to begin her attack, Spinel then slammed his Emerald Shield into her. "If I'm going to free you, I'll make you remember who you are, even if I have to knock those memories from your Helmet into your Skull!" Once he launched her away, Twilight then started using her Magic Blasts, only for Spinel to deflect them and ready to fight her one on one. Both slammed into each other, as both faced each other.

Before Twilight could fly upwards again, Spinel grabbed her leg and slammed her down towards it. Just to think she would fly off, Spinel then started slamming their Shield into her repeatedly, which also caused a reaction from the Crystal's around them. From the last Slam from their Shield, Twilight then grew a bit dizzy and looked around. "Wha-What's happening?" Spinel looked down at her, seeing they snapped her out of it. "We're getting out of here!" They saw a large chuck of Crystal falling from the ceiling, which made Spinel push her away, making themselves trapped. Twilight, knowing she couldn't let them get crushed, used much of her strength to help and free them. Once freed, they rushed out of the Building before many Crystals' fell above them.

Once they were outside, Spinel and Twillight were sitting on top the stairs leading up to the palace. Spinel was then confused on one thing. "Why did you come back for me?" "I-I had too." Spinel didn't think she was being honest. "Why come back for me!" "Because your the Hope Equestria needed! Without them, all's is lost!" She then looked down, crying. Spinel didn't thing she would of been that upset, as they were then curious. "What happened?" "Well, I guess you heard this many times, but I was Corrupted by my Tutor and Mentor, Princess Celestia. She was under Control of Sombra, who we were suppose to face. But by the time we were going to stop him, he got to my friends. I lost. My friends were powerless."

Spinel saw she was upset for loosing everything, but she wasn't the only one. "To be honest, we both lost something that day." Twilight then looked at the Red and Blue Gemstone. "Once he thought he won, our world came to yours, which also started a war between him and my kind. We didn't think of finding Hope until we freed Shining, your friends and Luna. I'm guessing Phos freed Celestia, so better thank them." "Why not thank them right now?" Just then, they were greeted by the Gemstones and Mane 5. Twilight was glad to see her friends again as it ended up in a huge group hug.

"I thought I lost you all!" Twilight said, as everyone else started to cry. The Gemstones thought they didn't see a more happier picture, only for them to end up in the Group Hug also. "Why?" "Just to thank you all for saving our friend!" Spinel shook their head. Diamond was liking it. The Group Hug stopped as Spinel and Twilight remembered something. "But Sombra is still at large." And from his Anger, something else Big is coming." Twilight and Spinel said to them all, which they then grew worried. "But now we're back together, the Power of Friendship has returned!" "Speaking of that, you might need this?" Phos replied as they gave the Crown back to Twilight, who then placed it on her head. "Now then, let's get Equestria back!" "For Equestria!" Everyone yelled out, even the Gemstones, as the Final Battle was about begin.
> Chapter 9: Prismatic Beam of Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the Crystal Empire and the Schoolhouse, every Crystal Guard, Gemstone, Shining Armor, Luna and now Celestia have rallied all their troops, Weaponry and Forbidden Powers to take the fight against Sombra and to return Equestria. Since Spinel, Bort, Phos, Diamond and the Mane 5 all headed back to Equestria, they had to defend themselves, but maybe also find a way to take the Empire back.

"Attention all! We know we haven't planned much after Sombra's attack and take over, but without the Element of Magic, we'll take the fight to them! Crystal Guards, Lustrous, all that'll help us to take back the Crystal Empire and then take back the whole of Equestria!" They all then cheered at the Princesses Speech. "Toward to battle! Charge!" They all then rushed towards the Empire, fighting off the other guards that may get in their way, towards the main Spire of the Empire. Once Shining, Luna and Celestia all got inside the throne room, they were greeted by silence and emptiness. "It's quiet. To quiet!" Luna replied, not thinking Sombra would return, however, that ended quickly.

Their was a quick shaking through out the main throne room, as Sombra returned from the Smoke, however, they saw he was different, as he looked shattered, almost like a Gemstone. "Sombra!" Sombra then looked at the Royal Sisters and the Prince of the Crystal Empire. "So... You sent Gemstones to Destroy me? You all are delusional!" They didn't know what he did to them, only to think he did something. "But, if you did want to face me as a monster, why don't I give you all that!"

They didn't understand what he was talking about, only for him to grow inside, as he took more of a Centaur form. "Sombra, Cease your Plan!" Celestia ordered, only for him to ignore it. "I should of left you to dead! Behold, the new Lord of Equestria!" He then started laughing, as he then jumped off the Balcony as they watched. "Darling!" Cadence yelled out, only to see the Dark Red glow and fog them growing in size, making them all scared.

"What is he doing?" Luna asked. "He's preparing to fight, in a form we never faced him before!" Shining saw what he was turning into, seeing some shine from his Body, almost looking like a much larger version of his Crystals. "Spinel, where are you?"

Meanwhile in the outskirts of the Empire, Twilight used her Magic to teleport everyone, as they also saw the giant cloud behind them. "What is that?" Diamond asked. "It's Sombra! I never seen him do anything like that before!" "If being a gemstone and Cutting it changes it shape, then I don't know what shape he'll be in!" "Maybe a Diamond?" Pinkie Pie said, trying to lighten the mood, as they then looked at what Sombra had become.

Once the Fog lifted, Sombra was in a new form, being a large Centaur with a polished flat Surface, still looking like a Gemstone he was now. He then opened his Red eyes, which also got a Diamond shine to it. "You all dare face me? Who's first!" He then jumped up his front legs and roared, as everyone knows they can't face him in that size.

Spinel, The Gemstones and Mane six weren't going to let it happen, as Spinel came up with a plan. "Bort, I need Rainbow Dash to..." Just then, Bort then just jumped off the cliff they're standing on. "...Just jump off the cliff?" Pinkie Pie replied. "I don't care, I'm going to smash him!" Rainbow Dash said, as she then flew upwards and went to face Sombra herself. "I'm sorry about this, but maybe we can just do things in two different groups." Twilight said to Spinel, as Spinel understood, as they then jumped off the cliff, including Phos and Diamond. "Ok girls, we need to get Rainbow Dash back."

Rainbow Dash flew towards Sombra, who then saw her and started swatting her, annoying him. "You Mane Freaks have been a thorn in my side for a while now, not like those Gemstones!" "Huh?" What he said made Rainbow Dash confused, which gave him the adventage to swat her out of the Sky. "SOMBRA!" Bort then came up rushing towards him, as he then looked down at them. "Homewrecker!" "Oh, the Black one!" He then used his hand to attack them, which ended up flicking them away. "I felt like Hardness of theirs."

Twilight and her friends caught Rainbow Dash and recurred their Magic, as they tried using a Magic Blast of Friendship, only to be reflected somewhere else due to his body being Crystals now. "It-It didn't work?" Twilight asked, only for her and her friends to be pushed back.

Spinel then saw something that they're not doing. "Everyone, I know what's going wrong! Like you Six, we're not working together as a group! Think about it. Your Elements, our Fighting Skills, both powerful, but when we use our Powers together, we might save the Entire of Equestria!" Twilight knew what they ment. "Your right! We're just doing our individual fighting skills, but we should of just teamed up in the first place!" Bort then returned to them all, being scratched up a little. "Hate to say it, but your all right. This is our time, we're the Hope!"

They all then got ready to fight Sombra, with Spinel and Twilight in front of the group. "This is our time! Our Moment!"

Sombra looked down at them all, seeing they were now teaming up with each other. "Looks like the battle now now started! Corruptous, Destroy them!" He then snapped his fingers, which ended up with many Corruptous coming out and attacking, but the Mane 6 and Gemstones made easy work of them. "Now, we have to find his weak spot!" "Maybe the Head?" They all got confused. "The head?" "That's always a Lunarians Weakness from our world!" "But we're not in our world, Bort!" Spinel replied as Sombra then yelled out. "GEMSTONES!"

Spinel then realised something about what he said. "Gemstones? What is he talking about?" Fluttershy asked. "It's us. We're the weakness!" Spinel said, as the Mane 6 were still not getting it. "Think about it. we have been in this guys head ever since we got here. Maybe if I get his attention..." That'll give him time to be Vulnerable! Nice idea Spinel!" Twilight complemented them. "Ok everyone, Split up!" Just then, everyone then splitted up in different directions of the Empire, making Sombra confused.

"Hey Sombra!" Sombra then saw Spinel with Twilight. "You want us? Come and get us!" "You don't give the king orders! I GIVE MYSELF ORDERS!" He then stomped him way towards both of them, as Twilight then carried Spinel away. "We should of thought of this sooner!" "Trust me, this was my plan!" As Sombra was following them, the Gemstones and Mane 5 all were after him, after one thing.

As Sombra was chasing the Princess of Friendship and Gemstone, he grew a little tired. "So, what was your plan is we weren't here? You have the Empire, Equestria, Cadence, what more could you ask for?" Spinel asked him, as he then growled at them. "Once I rule both Canterlot and the Crystal Empire, I'll wage a war against the other Kingdoms of Equestria! I'll rule the Sea Ponies, Griffons, Yaks and... You may think that would be enough? Here's the fun fact once I'm done with you. You'll be me and my Wife's Wedding Rings!" Spinel understood what he was talking about, as he still didn't know about one thing.

"I'm the new King of Equestria! I'm all powerful, all seeing, all knowing!" Just then, he looked down, finding Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy carring Diamond and Bort, as both were struggling with them both. "Man, your heavy!" "I know! We're Gemstones!" Both then dropped both Gemstones, as both then brought out their weapons and cut off the Crystal Heart, acting like a Pendant on his Chest. Once it was out, he felt a sharp pain. Before anyone could grab it, he then kicked it back to the Crystal Empire, as he also swatted both Pegasi and Diamond Family Gemstones back to Spinel and Twilight. "Did we win?" "Not Yet. But maybe if we can beat him there." Twilight said as she teleported them back to the Empire.

Back at the Spire, Phos, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack all waited for them to return, only to be greeted by the Crystal Heart. "There!" Phos then took the Heart and rushed back to them, as Spinel and the rest came back. "Now, place the heart in the middle. That'll sort out this mess!" Twilight explained to Phos, as they did that, only to find out nothing happened. "Wha-What's happening?" Spinel and Twilight look the Heart, only for it to end up being Split in Half. "No... no." Twilight said with Despair.

They then heard chuckling in the throne room, which then made them mad. Spinel and the Gemstones took front as defence, as they headed up to the throne room in anger. Their were many Corruptous, but were taken out quickly, due to the Gemstones full rage. Cadence was greeting them, as she wanted to be their hostest. "I see my Love and King would like to see you..." Before she finished, Phos then gave her a swift punch to the nose. "You punched my Love? Now you made a mistake!"

Sombra then arrived back on his throne, as they all saw his Body was more Shattered than before. "You Gemstones have Taken everything from me! My Army! My Knights! My Armor! EVERYTHING!" "And you have taken us away from our home!" Spinel explained to him, as the Mane 6 came up behind the Gemstones. "Well, whatever happens next, just to let you all know... this was on all of you!" Sombra then threatened, as he was charging his Magic, only for the Mane 6 to charge their Friendship.

Sombra then gave a chuckle. "You think your Magic trick can stop me? HA! You all saw what happened when you used it on a Gemstone!" They remembered, as they also remembered what they did to Spinel the first time they met. "Aim out Magic at Spinel!" Twilight was confused, as the others know. "What?" "We used our Magic on Spinel the first time they freed us. Without you, it almost shattered them!" Twilight remembered the Spell. "The Prismatic Beam of Harmony? No one can withstand that Spell, not even the Pillars." "Twi, trust us." Applejack said, as Spinel understood what the plan was and was ready themselves.

"Honesty!" Applejack then fired an Orange Beam at Spinel's Shield, as the others followed. "Kindness!" "Laughter!" Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie fired a Pinkie and Blue Beam at Spinel's Shield, which they started to struggle a little. "Generosity!" "Loyalty!" Rarity and Rainbow Dash then fired a Purple and Red Beam at the Shield, as Spinel was then struggling much, as Twilight was the last one. "And MAGIC!" Twilight, being the full set the fired a Magenta Beam at the Shield, as Spinel was then ready to fire, as they started to struggle with that much Magic that they can't control.

As Sombra was ready to see Spinel Shatter, Phos then paniced and rushed over to help Spinel. "P-Phos?" "If your going down, I'm coming!" The Mane 6 saw that Phos will do anything to help them. Bort and Diamond saw that it wasn't enough as both then helped out also. Using much of their Strenth, they then pointed the Shield powered by Magic as Sombra, as he then grew more angry. "You all can't do this! Do you know what my Hardness is?!"

The Shield of Magic was now ready, as it was then ready to fight the beam of Light. "From what we learned, your a 0.5!" Spinel suggested, as the Gemstones then fired the Beam at Sombra, who was trying to crawl through it, as he did, he started to shatter and disintegrate. "It's over, Sombra!" Sombra then started to chuckle. "You haven't seen the last of me!" They then fired off all the Magic from the Shield, which then infused the entire throne room and through out the Entire Empire.

Once the light died down, the Empire was back to it's original state, as it was now a clear, sunny day, as plenty of the Snow had disappeared also. Due to that, everyone who's close to the Empire now got a Crystal Shine, including the Gemstones. "They-They did it!" Shining said proudly.

Back inside the throne room, the Mane 6 all got up, finding themselves now in their Crystal Coats. "D-Did it work?" Twilight asked, as she saw her friends now having Crystal Coats. The Gemstones looked at them, as they too obtained Crystal Coats. "We did do it. We saved everything!" Twilight and her friends then did the most biggest Group Hug ever, with the Gemstones too, as they did make sure not to crack them. "Does anyone think of this as crossing boundaries?" "You too?" "Nope." Diamond and Bort replied, as they were greeted by many familiar faces.

"Princess!" Twilight said as she then hugged Celestia, who was also freed by Sombra's influence. Shining then saw Cadence, freed from Sombra's Control. "Honey?" Cadence smiled, happy to see him again as he came over, got onto his knees and hugged her. "Thank you all!" Spinel was happy to see they were back together, as Phos brought both pieces of the Crystal Heart to them. "What about this?"

Spinel had an idea, as they took the pieces from them. "Maybe if I..." They then placed both pieces back together, as they then glowed and got forged back together, as it was also glowing in many of the Gemstone Colours. "You fixed it? How?" "Some Secrets are meant to be like that." Spinel replied, as they all laughed a little.

After the Threat of Sombra was over, Spinel, Phos, Bort and Diamond were being rewarded for their Bravery and for saving the Crystal Empire. They were then announced by all the Princesses and the Mane 6. "Citizens of Ponyville, Canterlot and the Crystal Empire! We are to here to Celebrate the Gemstones!" Everyone cheered as they looked at them. "The whole kingdom owes you 4 for what you have done. And for it, we give these Gifts to you."

Cadence started with Phos. "Phosphophyllite, or just Phos, even if you did steal the Crystal Heart from when you got here, you almost did start a fight against Sombra." Phos got embarrissed a little. "For it, I reward you with this Mini version of the Crystal Heart!" Cadence then placed a Ribbon around their Neck, which had a smaller Crystal Heart as the Pendant.

Celestia and Luna then did Bort and Diamond. "Diamond and Bort. Both did the Selfless and helped out your Gemstone Partners in a dire situation that they may not survived. To this, we reward you both with these." Luna gave Diamond a Shield with Sombra's emblem on it. "The Shield of Sombra, and to Bort." Bort then was given a Snow globe with a small Crystal Empire in it. "This Snow globe to remember the Empire you saved!" Bort was confused, as Phos and Diamond laughed a little, which annoyed them.

Both sisters then started laughing. "We're joking. This is really for you!" Spinel then gave them a Black Sword, made out of Sombra's Crystals. "Sombra's Sword!" Bort then tried to lift it up, only to struggle and was being difficult to stand, only for them to slam it into Diamond's Shield, shattering them both. "Oops." Damn it!" Bort growled as they took the Snow globe back, as it was Twilight's turn for Spinel.

"And to Spinel." Spinel then looked at the Princess. "You are a Hero of the Highest Level!" They then kneeled as Shining was going to knight them. "I here by dub you Spinel, Knight of the Realm!" The Entire Empire cheered after they were gifted, as Pinkie Pie brought out some Party Cannons. "What are we waiting for? Let's party!"

"Perhaps not!" Just then, they were greeted by Kongo. "Just remember why we're here Spinel. Because the threat of Sombra is over with." Spinel then remembered why they did this. "You have a request, Spinel?" Spinel looked at the Royals, as the Gemstones huddled around them. "We... Need to get back to our Universe." Spinel explained, as Celestia knew without Sombra's Magic was gone, they would have to leave. "Very well. With that, you all will be sent back on a one way trip." She announced, as the Mane 6 realised something. "You mean we can't see them again?" "It has to be that way, Princess."

Once they all were close with the Magic sending them back until Tomorrow, everyone was telling each other their final farewells. "Well, I guess this is it." Bort said, bringing out their hand to Rainbow Dash, only for her to end it in a hug. "Again?" "Sorry. Lost my cool there." Applejack laughed a little. "Even if we didn't get to know each other for that long, I'm glad their isn't only someone kind and Generous like me." "Y-Yeah." "Of Course Darling. But maybe I should name a clothing line after you all. 'Lustrous Gemstones'. Sounds good, don't you think?" Diamond and Fluttershy giggled at her idea.

"Even if we didn't get to celebrate a party for you, I'm hoping you all make something back in your world." "Maybe we'll have a small card game with the others. Maybe if Diamond and Euclase play fair." Pinkie Pie was interested in what it was like with Gemstones as Spinel and Twilight said their Goodbyes too. "Even if we did free you last, I learned plenty from you." "If our paths cross again, maybe come by to my Castle. We also have some work to fix our hometown." Spinel smiled as them and the Gemstones headed back to the Schoolhouse. The Mane 6 headed back to the Crystal Empire to stay for the night.

The next day, the Mane 6 were going to start Clean up of the Empire and Ponyville after Sombra's attack, but they were thinking if the Gemstones got home safe. They looked outside from the Balcony, to find the Schoolhouse was now gone, which made them sad a little. "Don't worry, maybe we'll see them again." Twilight tried to bring her friends hopes back, which it did. "Wonder what they're doing now?"
> Epilogue: Peace Between Worlds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once the Lustrous returned back to their universe, they were just having a very peaceful day. Even waiting for a possible Lunarian Attack, they were just soaking up the Sunshine from their world. Spinel, Bort, Phos and Diamond remembered the adventure they had in Equestria and how they returned it to it's former glory.

"To think that Journey could of been a dream?" Phos said to their fellow Gemstones. "Why would it be? We saved an entire new world, even if we stayed their for a week." Spinel reminded them.

Diamond was then curious on one thing. "What do you think the Lunarians were doing when we were gone? They didn't even think of attacking us as we were in a new World." "Not too sure, but if they hear about our return, we'll have to be ready!" Bort replied, looking up to the sky, which not a single one ever came.

Getting bored, they then checked with the other Gemstones to see if they need any help, since they didn't get to see them much, starting with Obsidian, who was still their chipper self. "Hey guys! What's going on?" "We thought we could see how your doing after the hard work you put through when making the Armor for Shining and his Army." "Well, it was hard work, but I'm glad I did make something rather than Swords, but I love Making Weaponry for the others." They saw they didn't loose their chipper self as they then left them.

Meanwhile back at the Crystal Empire, they were doing some repairs and clearing out Sombra's Crystals and the many Shards of Corruptous the Mane 6 and the Gemstones shattered.

Rainbow Dash was getting bored with cleaning up. "Man, this bites! Why are we cleaning up the mess Sombra and the Gemstones left?" We have to do our parts. We made it and we'll have to clean up after ourselves." Twilight told her, as she then looked down.

"I don't get why they had to leave this early. We could of known each other more." "Because like they said, this wasn't their world to begin with." They were then greeted by Celestia, who Twilight was glad to see was ok. "I should apologies to you all for what I have done and how much pain I caused onto all of you." "It's Ok, Princess. You were under Sombra's control and he made you do all that awful stuff to us, me included." Twilight said, forgiving her mentor.

"And to make it up to you, since you won't be ready for a while, why don't me and my sister take charge for a little while longer, just if you feel like your really ready." She offered, which Twilight and her friends thought could be a great offer. "That will be a great lesson for all of us; Wait before you make a hasty decision." Twilight said, which everyone laughed a little. "That would be a good lesson to begin with. Maybe we should dedicate it to our Gemstone friends."

Just then, Celestia remembered something. "Oh yeah, before I do forget, they have left us something before they left themselves. Inside the Palace." They all wondered what it was, as they then headed back inside.

Once inside, they saw Cadence and Shining playing a little with Flurry, who was cuddling Whammy. They were glad to see Cadence was back to normal too. "I just want to say to you all thank you, or should I said thank all of you! Because of what you 6 and the Gemstones did, you freed Equestria from Sombra's influence and never gave up on your friendship!"

"Maybe that, but it was all the Gemstones did all the work, you know, freeing us, making an army of their own, defeated Sombra..." Pinkie Pie then told her a short story about them to her, which she then stopped by Rarity. "What about these Gifts they left us?"

Cadence pointed them to the case on top of her throne, which they were curious on what they are.

Back in the Lustrous' Schoolhouse, Spinel and the Gemstones headed to Kongo's room, as he wasn't Meditating and soaking up some of the Sunlight coming from the windows. "I see you wanted to see me last and about our return." "We're glad to be home where we really belong, Sensei, but we're also curious on the next Lunarian attack?" Bort said, as Kongo knew they were waiting for that.

"Nothing to report from Jade yet, but if there is one, they'll let you know." Bort thought about that, but was going to wait on stand by, just if there was one. "You all did the right thing and made the right Choice. This world is where we belong. If they did teleport to this world, they won't make it after a day." Spinel understood that. "Just hope they received the Presents I left them." Kongo then smiled at Spinel. "I'm sure they'll receive them."

Once they left Kongo's room, they were looking down at the grass of the lands, thinking of what else to do. Phos was then curious on one thing. "Hey Spinel, what did you give them?" "Yeah. You told Kongo about a gift to them. What are they?" Spinel smiled as they kept looking out to the Grasslands. "Let's just say 'When they need to power up with us again, they'll be ready and too remember us by'." They told them, still looking at the Grasslands.

Back in the Crystal Empire, The Mane 6 couldn't believe they were given new Pendants for their Necklaces and Crown for Twilight, which shined the same Colors of the Gemstones and from the Crystal Heart. "Hey, what's that?" Fluttershy asked as Rarity picked it up and looked at it, until she saw what else they left them. "What is it?" Applejack asked as Rarity showed her the cover. "'A Book of Gemology'?" Applejack and Fluttershy then giggled, as Rarity was unamused. "Very Funny, Spinel!"

Just then, Rainbow Dash found something else in the Case the new Pendants came from. "Hey guys, Look at this!" She then gave it to Twilight. "It's from the Gemstones!" She then read it out.

To our Equestrian friends,

We just want to say thank you for everything you done for us. Since we haven't known each other for much time, we hope these new Pendants for your Elements could be some use. If it's too much, don't worry, this is our gifts to you. Good luck on your own Journey.

And also, thank you for returning us back to our Universe. We'll never forget it.

Your friends, the Gemstones.

They were heartwarmed from the letter they just read, seeing they would never forget them, as Twilight then remembered something else. "Something wrong?" Shining asked his sister. "Well, when the Gemstones fired the Beam at Sombra, he said 'It wasn't the last time we'll see him'. I don't know if that's a threat for his return..." She then paniced as he then conforted her.

"Don't worry, if he'll ever return, those new Pendants will come in handy." Shining said to her. "But what about those Corruptous things? Haven't we seen the last of thoses?" She then said, as she was trying to calm down, only to be comforted by her friends. "Don't worry, we shattered all of them into nothing. We won't be seeing one of them anytime soon!"

Meanwhile outside the Empire, Starlight was sweeping some Shattered remains of Sombra and Corruptous from the grounds around the Palace. Thinking it was a job well done, she then headed to Sunburst's House to celebrate a little, not realising a Shattered Hand with Red cracks reached out from Shards.