Their goal was clear; it was supposed to be a victory that would be told through out the ages.

But they underestimated their foe, now broken and withered; Spike has become the monster he always feared he would become once more, for her.

But upon his hollow triumph he was given a curse by his fans that he could not deny, lest the kingdom he saved perishes at the ambitions of another.

Centuries of greed and conquest are the only thing his enemies strive for and though he hopes to come from the battles he faces of mind, body and soul unscratched, Fate has other plans in mind.

He is no hero, but he will never see himself as the villain, he is only their savior, now and forever more until his dying breath and he shall never relinquish his hold on the mare he loves ever again.

Alternate version of The Crystal Empire, part one and two.

Co-authored by Ekhidna and edited by Beirirangu who did a very great job on this, thank you my brother.