In a dark room buried beneath snow and ice of distant tundra, the only source of light is a gleaming structure of pure crystal. The refracting statue was in the shape two spiraling, interconnected helixes. The work of art caught the sole source of light in the room, a lamp directly above it, and refracted it as individual colors in every direction.
A shadow in the shape of a pony fell over the artifact.
"One of the few pieces from the Pre-Sombrian era to survive intact. A relic, from an age long gone." Spoke a cold voice, one that betrayed no emotions or desires. "Grand, staunch, radiant... but ultimately, fragile." An ice blue hoof extended from the darkness, trailing across the crystal masterpiece. "A fine summary of the Crystal Ponies. As a group, they are staunch. Placing oneself ahead of the collective is unthinkable. In the endless cold death of the ice packed waste, they are a burning torch of light. A torch that stays lite through the effort of the collective." As the hoof trailed the angular surfaces of the piece, tiny cracks could be perceived.
"But through their desire to survive, they made themselves frightened, abhorrent of conflict, intolerant of sacrifice. They will choose a state of persevered submission as an alternative to freedom earned through conflict."
The figure gestures to someone in the darkness. "The history of this work is an excellent example. It's creator put his heart and soul into this piece, and considered it his life's work, a masterpiece he never believed himself capable of surpassing, and considering this is a Perfect Prism original, that is saying something."
"However, he knew that if his piece suffered a single crack, the magnificent rainbow display before you would be gone, irrevocably broken. So, rather then risk the slightest crack transporting it, he let it languish in the darkness of his workshop, going to great lengths to keep anyone from approaching it, from damaging it. You would not believe what it took to bring it here safely. This is the first time it has receive enough light to generate the complete display in centuries." The slight cracks had spread, cobwebbing the creation in a veiny network of imperfections. The multi-colored rays could no longer escape the masterpiece in their previous, beautiful display, and now emerged from the broken crystal mass in odd, asymmetrical angles.
"It is time to return the Crystal Empire to the safety of the dark."
The Crystal Empire was experiencing a quite, pleasant day. A warm feeling hung over the Crystal Ponies: The newest alicorn, Princess Twilight Sparkle, had attended a conference in the empire around a week ago, and everypony had enjoyed seeing one of their saviors again. Today was the scheduled day off from the flurry of work needed to prepare the Empire for the upcoming games, so everypony, including the national leaders, Princess Cadance and Prince-Consort Shining Armor, was in the midst of a slow, relaxing day. The royal couple were holding court at the moment, though they had not entertained a petitioner for almost an hour now, and had adopted a decidedly un-royal posture.
They were roused from their daze by the entrance of one of the castle's staff, a court page known as Sparkling Geode. In an outstretched hoof, he held a wrapped present. "A personal gift from one of the ponies, your majesties. Looked to be an artisan of some sort. Claimed he wished to "commemorate the new age of the Empire." The page explained.
Cadance levitated the box over to her throne using the gentle aura of magic. As her husband drew close, the seals on the box came undone through the gentle hand of magic before falling to the floor, leaving only a light blue crystal floating before the two.
Abruptly, a flash emanated from the gleaming stone, causing both monarchs to shield their eyes, and Cadance in particular to drop the crystal. When sight returned to them, they saw a magical image before them.
"Celestia told me about these. Receiver crystals enchanted through the magic of the Crystal Empire, able to carry knowledge and understanding over long distances. Sombra stamped out the secrets of creating them..."
"Not quite, Miss Cadenza." Spoke a voice of unbroken coldness, as a projection assembled before the two, a creation of the magic crystal. "I had the great fortune of learning the secret of their construction from the last great master of the art." Without even a twitch of the face, the pony added on. "Shortly after my apprenticeship was complete, Sombra executed him."
With their eyes returning to normal, the royal couple could get a good look at the speaker. The dancing lights had aligned themselves into the shape of a pony. An earth pony, surprisingly enough. Not even a Crystal Pony at that. The earth pony was of average build, possessed a solid blue coat (as far as the couple could see. His body from the neck down was clad in starch white uniform. Clean and crisp, the suit radiated authority without an abundance of bells and whistles) and a straight cut, close cropped black mane. In fact, everything about this stallion seemed perfectly mundane, save for one notable feature.
His eyes were solid, glowing red.
"Who are you? What's going on!?" Demanded Shining Armor, taking a protective step in front of his wife.
"I am Grand General Thaw, supreme leader of the Crystal Army, and the successor to King Sombra." This elicited a gasp from the royal couple. The knowledge that the evil king had any pony followers was a revelation for the two. "In a yet to be determined amount of time from now, I will arrive at the city to resolve the current, unlawful rebellion. A rebellion, I might add, that the Principally of Equestria has illegally involved themselves in. In the interest of goodwill, I must request that you two vacate the throne prior to my arrival."
Shining Armor snorted out two puffs of steam. "No bucking way."
"So be it. The consequences of any unlawful actions by the Empire's citizens under your leadership, is now your responsibility."
"Thaw out."
An alert was sent out right away, preparing the Crystal Empire for the upcoming attack. Shining Armor raised his magical barricade without delay, and shortly after began positioning what few ponies he had under his command: A motely collection of barely trained crystal guards, rarely active Equestrian guards, and a small smattering of volunteering civilians. Cadance helped the rest of the population find shelter, before flying to the Crystal Heart, which they all knew would be their final defense if the barricade fell.
The Empire's plan was basic, but with little in the way of defensive resources aside from their prince's shield, it was all they had: Lieutenant Flash Sentry was to fly to Equestria as fast as possible and alert Celestia, while Shining hold the barrier for as long as possible. Fortunately, they'd made preparations after the battle with Sombra for this situation: Cadance had cast several spells on Flash Sentry that would allow him to fly without need for sleep, food or water. In addition, the Royal Couple had a strategy in place to switch off shield duty. However, in light of the fact that this mysterious General Thaw was a non-magical earth pony, Shining Armor had made the call to raise his shield first, as his was better at repelling physical threats, while Cadance's wall of love better reflected dark magic and evil.
On a snowy hill beyond the magic shield, a unicorn stares down at the shield with contempt. Oh, what she would give to display her raw power, to sunder the magic shield with her raw power! But, the fool Thaw had devised a workable plan, so she would humor him, for now.
"Are you ready, Sunset Shimmer?" Asked the other pony behind this attack. The unicorn threw back the hood of her arctic cloak, exposing her bright red hair to the chilly air. Her only response was to crack a sinister grin. "Begin the first volley."
Behind Sunset Shimmer, five more unicorn mares, covered head to hoof in tight fitting black tunics, stepped forward in unison. A green glow filled Sunset's eyes, and shortly after, the same glow filled the eyes and horns of the unicorn troops. In perfect sync, blazing red magic rockets shot out from their horns, and arced towards the stalwart wall.
Shining Armor caught sight of the projectiles approaching, and added a burst of reinforcement to brace for impact. The magic missiles impacted the shield, and detonated in a blazing burst of red light against the magic shield. When the light had faded enough for Shining to gaze upon the impact site, he cracked a confident grin upon confirming that the magic spells hadn't made a dent.
Thaw remained unconcerned by the strength of the barricade. He gestured to Sunset Shimmer. "Begin the second salvo." In response, Sunset's horn glowed brighter, and the five other unicorns fired off another round of magic missiles.
Though he was feeling confident after stopping the first barrage, Shining Armor refused to get cocky, and braced his shield for the second burst. The rockets detonated in another blinding flare, but this time, when the defenders could return their eyes to the impact sight, their eyes widened in horror. The magic missiles had gone through the barricade, and where now descending upon the city below.
The five missiles converged on a singular crystal tower, erupting in magic fire on impact, shattering the structure completely, and scattering the shards into the street. The Crystal Guards manning the barricades recoiled in horror, their moral plummeting, and even the more disciplined Equestrian soldiers could not quite hide their worry.
Shining Armor's mind went into overdrive, trying to determine how this was possible, and what he could do in response. His thoughts were interrupted by an approaching crystal pony. The pony came to a halt, and held up the communication crystal. The royal couple had each cautiously examined the crystal to make sure it had no dangerous spells attached, and it seemed harmless, but had confined it just to be safe. It was now glowing. The crystal pony set it down and scurried away.
Before Shining could speak a word, the projection of Thaw returned. "As I have demonstrated, Captain Armor, your shield offers no protection against the Crystal Army. Lower the barrier and allow my forces to occupy the city, or I will resume the bombardment."
Shining Armor's first thought was keep Thaw talking. Cadance's shield might stand a better chance of repelling whatever magic Thaw was employing to break his barrier, and he hoped his wife had the same thought and was drawing up power from the heart to project the shield.
And should the worst come, every second he stalls them is one less second the ponies would have to spend in slavery, waiting for Equestria's response.
"What happens then Thaw? How do you plan to occupy this entire city? Sombra didn't have an army, and there's no way to keep a large enough force alive in the tundra."
"You are attempting to stall me." Thaw stated bluntly. "The messenger you dispatched to Equestria has already been captured, and your wife will not be raising her barrier. Lower the shield or I will resume my attack."
Shining's eyes narrowed. "What did you do to my wife?" He asked, cold anger mixed with fear in his voice.
"She is unharmed. Physically, at least. The sooner you lower the shield, the sooner you will find out." Shining Armor was torn, anguish and helplessness overwhelming him. His wife was in danger, his shield was useless, and his messenger caught.
Despair filled the captain's voice. "Alright Thaw, you win."
And with that, the shield fell.
Throughout the city, the Crystal Ponies looked on in shock and horror as their sole defense fell. Some screamed and panicked, while most fell to the dirt, hoping a display of servility would earn some manner of mercy. The few guards rushed to the palace, to find what had befallen their captain.
Before dissipating, Thaw's projection spoke one last time. "We will meet at the base of the palace to discuss the terms of surrender."
Thaw entered the city with a modest procession. Sunset Shimmer strode besides him. Behind them, were ten of the back clothed unicorns, in two ranks of five. Rounding out the parade, to the shock and horror of the kneeling crystal ponies, was a small group of their kin, clad in black and blue armor.
The group stopped at the steps of the palace, where Shining Armor and the Equestrian guardsmen waited. "Your wife should be joining us any minute, captain." Thaw stated, and before he could reply, the entrance of the seat of the Empire's power opened wide, and out trotted the terrified princess of the nation.
She was surrounded by chittering, black carapaced changelings.
