Preview for Chapter 5

Evidently, Celestia wasn't kidding when she said that all of Equis' leaders were going to visit the party anyways.

Death was somewhat surprised at some of the creatures; he had already meet with the Minotaur chief, Theseus, the Pharaoh of Zebrica, Trotenkhoman, and the Griffin Emperor, Metalbeak (which, apparently, was the title given to him after a rival of his who challenged his right to the throne tore the Emperor's beak off, he still one, but now Metalbeak wears a customized helmet so that others don't stare at the spot where his top beak once was).

Death was wondering around until he found Luna conversing with a Rhino that he didn't quite catch the name to before the heralding trumpets blared, which surprised all the royals somewhat, as all the leaders that were invited were here, with the exception of the Alpha Dragon, Paarthurnax, who was in the middle of a civil war with his older brother, Alduin, over who should lead. Before the announcer could introduce who the mysterious dignitary was, the doors to the grand hall burst open, and everyone gasped, while the Royal Sisters glared at who it was.

Four ponies, who had extremely dull coats that at one time shined brighter than the stars (Crystal Ponies, Death theorized) were chained to some sort of carriage, which was laid with fine silks and cushions that were almost as black as the heart of the pony riding it, and even though he never saw any depictions or paintings of him, Death knew who this was.

He was an ashen-grey Unicorn, his coat several shades darker than the Rider's, with blood red eyes and was wearing some sort of armor with a cape and crown that went over his long, crimson, dagger-like horn; like Death's, the stallion's mane and tail licked off his body like a black flame, but, instead of all his teeth being sharp, it was just the canines.

This, the former Horseman realized, was King Sombra of the Crystal Empire. But what also got Death's, along with everybody else's attention, was the chain wrapped around the Mad King's hoof, which lead down to attach itself to a collar, like a leash, which chained what appeared to be a... bug?

It had the build of a female child, as well as a pony, but what made everyone stare was how it looked like a bug, complete with insectoid wings and what appeared to be a carapace, which was covered with cuts and bruises, revealing that it was regular skin and fur, it also had holes in its' hooves, but those looked more biological, as if the creature was born with them. two fangs protruded from its mouth, and had a long, silky green mane and tail, it also had a jagged horn protruding from its-no- HER head. Death realized that whatever this was, it was a filly, and he could tell that she had to be no more than five or six years old in the Time of Man, and her cheeks were matted with tears long-since shed.

And that poor excuse for a living being obviously brought her here to impress the nobles' and Royalty, more specifically Luna, and it made Death pissed to no end. But, before he could confront the King, the carriage stopped, and the ponies chained to it were forced onto their front legs as Sombra climbed out, pulling the filly with him.

"Fellow leaders' of Equis!", he called, "I, King Sombra, rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire, have arrived to show to you a wondrous creature that was found trying to steal MY Crystal Heart!"

He gestured to the mysterious pony that was collared