Prince Zero was sitting on his dark, crystal chair, deep underground below the Crystal Palace where his father was banished from. Ever since King Sombra, his father, was banished they had been alone in the cold, dark ground. 'But, it isn't all that bad,' thought Prince Zero. He did get to spend time with his father, and occasionally see his mother, Queen Chrysalis. As many ponies know, King Sombra was the ruler of the Crystal Palace long ago where he ruled it with an iron hoof.
King Sombra was pacing back in forth in his normal spot. He would often think about how to get out of his banishment and release terror and havoc among the ponies in Equestria once more. Zero admired his father. He was powerful, majestic, and a good ruler, and a good father... Of course, Zero has never seen other pony father's with their foals. Like Sombra, Zero had the grayish hair and black mane, but there were streaks of a teal in his mane as well, but he shared his father crimson horn, but like his mother, it was disfigured and had wings. Though his eyes were a light green. His cutie mark was a broken heart.
"Dad," said Prince Zero as he munched on a muffin. Sombra stopped his pacing and looked at his son.
"Zero, the time has come for you to escape." He had a gleeful smile on his face. "Thanks to the Crystal Princess I am sealed here, but you, my son, are free to go. Your power is almost strong enough and then you can defeat that Crystal Princess and then all of Equestria!" He laughed so loudly that it scared some of the jackalopes that were living underground nearby.
"Of course, Father, but what about my sister?"
"Princess Mariposa will go with your mother and learn how to control her Changeling powers."
Princess Mariposa was the younger sister of Zero. She was more Changeling than pony. She had the many features of a Changeling, such as insect like wings, fangs, dark skin, a disfigured horn and holes among her skin. Because of this she was the favorite pony of Chrysalis. She loved Zero too, but she was happier to have a Changeling filly.
"Where is mother?"
"On her way. She had some royal business to attend to, don't you worry." King Sombra conjured up a two swords and they fell to the ground. "How about a sparring match before she arrives?"
Zero smiled. He loved a good sword fight with his father. It kept him prepared and ready to fight. Zero used his magic to lift a sword up, a crimson aura around the weapon. Sombra did the same and they both clashed with the swords. Sombra did a forward thrust and Zero parried it skillfully and sliced at his father's mane which he dodged nimbly. This continued for awhile until Chrysalis came in. She looked amused and watched them for awhile. It was only when Mariposa yelled, "Mother!" that the father and son came back to reality.
"Hello, Princess Mariposa. Have you been practicing your powers?"
"Yes, Mom, just look!" Mariposa closed her eyes and concentrated greatly, but it worked. She successfully turned into King Sombra and both her mother and father were pleased. Zero was happy for her, but he was a little jealous. He wished he could take the forms of other ponies. Imagine how useful that could be.
"Now, Zero, the path ahead will lead you out of the underground caverns of the Crystal Palace. Stay with me, and you will be safe."
"I can take care of myself, Mother," Zero said as he stood next to her.
"I see. This will be the last time you see your father for awhile. I would say your goodbye's. You don't have to, though.That is up to you."
Zero knew that his father wasn't much for love and hugs and stuff like that. Zero turned to face his father, lowered his head in respect and his father did the same. Mariposa, on the other hand, turned to her father and attacked him with a hug. Zero could tell he didn't really like it, but he hugged her back and then pushed her away.
"Begone with you. Wreak havoc among the ponies in Equestria."
"Don't worry, Father, we will."
Chrysalis led them through the dark, maze-like caverns that seemed to go on forever. Mariposa seemed to jump at every sound she heard, making Zero laugh. He wasn't afraid, he kept his head held up high and kept his eyes forward, ready to attack anything that got in his way. Soon enough there was a light ahead of them. Both Mariposa and Zero looked at Chrysalis. The Changeling Queen kept her eyes forward and continued to walk. Finally, they reached the light and a whole new scenery was visible. Unlike the dark, dank underground home, it was warm and colorful outside. Strange plants grew all around with different assortment of colors. There was a yellow orb in the sky that was so bright that the young ponies had to cover their eyes with their hooves. Zero thought the orb was in the sky was called the sun, like his parents told him in their stories.
"So bright... Is that the sun?" Zero asked as his eyes adjusted and began to see things more clearly.
"That is the sun. Now this is where I leave you, Zero. I must take Mariposa and go to my kingdom," Chrysalis said. Zero wasn't surprised she was leaving him right away, though he was a bit frightened to be in a new place without any guidance.
"Come, Mariposa. Use your wings and fly with me to my kingdom." And with that, they were gone, leaving Prince Zero alone. He looked around one more time before trotting off to who knows where.
"Father said I should rule the Crystal Empire... Now where would one find the Crystal Empire... It can't be far from here. But... I kind of wish that mother didn't leave me here on my own." Zero gave a sigh. "I will have to do what I can."
Plenty of the plants and fauna were very new to Zero. He named them all off though from his studies with his parents. Squirrels, jackdaws, magpies foxglove, rosemary and foxes were only just a few that he saw and named. There was of course many more, but naming them all would be redundant.
Even the ground felt different. It felt soft, kind and gentle unlike his rocky terrain home. Zero believed he could even hear the grass whistling if he listened enough. Chrysalis always said that everything was alive from the grass below to the clouds above. Sort of weird suggesting that the clouds were alive, but Chrysalis was more knowledgeable on that sort of idea.
The sky and sun was also very very knew. His eyes were so adjusted to the darkness that the blazing ball of sun hurt his eyes. How could anypony stand such a smoldering display of light.
That wasn’t important right now, what was important was that Zero had to find the Crystal Empire. It couldn’t have changed much after only several decades from when his father saw it last. Zero used his insect-like wings and flew up into the sky to get a better view.
Zero didn’t have to look far to see the shimmering crystal city in the distance. A large crystal castle in the middle of the Empire. Quite the spectacle it was, Zero never seeing something so vast and gigantic. Although, Sombra used to live in the great kingdom, of course it was decorated more to his taste. Again, it shone so brightly like the sun, how did ponies stand such a thing.
“There is is… It truly is much more grand than I expected it to be.” He said looking mainly at the castle. “I should go see what it is like.”
Zero flew to the entrance of the Crystal Empire where a train was just pulling in and several ponies were getting out and in. Several ponies gave him glances, not because he was Sombra’s son which he thought that was it at first, but then quickly realized it was because he was an Alicorn. Alicorns were rare treats.
“E-Excuse me,” Said a young silver crystal pony with a cloud colored mane. “May I ask what Kingdom you hail from?”
Zero looked down at the pony then at the others who were staring and listening intently as well.
“Rosewood… We are just a starting kingdom,” He said. “Not many have heard of us, but we are trying to get known. I’m here to speak to the Princess.” Zero said with clarity.
“Yes, of course, the Princess is usually in the castle.”
“Thank you.” Zero said quickly and walked to the middle of the kingdom to get the castle. Crystal ponies… What a sight to see. They all just seemed to exuberate light, purity, and hope. It could be the strange magic that his father was talking about that was used to protect the empire all those years ago. Wouldn’t surprise him.
On his way to the castle Prince Zero saw a young pony couple enjoying some carrot cake together and making goggling eyes at each other. Zero found it rather… unpleasant to look at, but he couldn’t help but to stare and watch for a moment.
“Oh Radiant, you truly are the best pony alive~” Said the orange stallion.
“Oh Shining Stone stop,” She blushed and put her hoof in front of her face flirtatiously. “You flatter me, but honestly I’m lucky to have such a great stallion in my life.”
They both gave a light chuckle and took a small bite of their dessert.
So this was how other ponies showed affection. Zero always read books about it from what Chrysalis had brought him from her own personal libraries, from others, or she would sometimes tell stories about it. She was the supposed expert on love, and being a Changeling and all Zero didn’t deny it.
His family showed love in different ways though. They didn’t really touch and say ‘I love you’ like they did in the books. Nor did they flatter each other that much either. It was always ‘You can do better’ or ‘I didn’t raise my son to be a weak colt!’
Chrysalis and Sombra didn’t really have any intimate moments with each other either, as far as Zero could see. I mean, they had to at one point because they had two young ponies. Still, the question remained if they actually loved each other.
Zero returned his attention back to the couple, still giving each other compliments and cooing noises that Zero didn’t understand all that well.
This seemed like an opportune moment to try out his special magic again. Zero’s horn lit a crimson color and he fired his magic at the young couple hitting them both. Physically it didn’t hurt them, but inside it was a different story.
“How DARE you take me HERE for a date Shining Stone! Ugh!” Said Radiant furiously swiping the both cakes onto the floor.
“Well maybe you shouldn’t be SO DEMANDING!” Shining shouted back causing nearby ponies to stop and look at the spectacle that was unfolding.
“You are so heartless!”
“Well I’m sure as hay not taking you out again!”
“Good!”
“GOOD!”
They both stormed off leaving many ponies questioning what happened. Zero just smiled, admiring his work. He only did that once before. He was watching Mariposa and Zero talk, about what Zero wasn’t sure. Zero was practicing his magic when he accidently fired at Mariposa. She didn’t seem physically hurt, but she quickly became mad at Sombra. Chrysalis also noted that the love towards Sombra was damaged. What a way to find out. He was sure other ponies had more exciting ways they discovered their cutie marks than his.
Zero dispersed with the crowd, making his way to the castle. He was very close now. He could clearly see the Crystal Heart at the base. Pure, light blue crystal heart that somehow made Zero quite uncomfortable. He didn’t want to get anywhere closer to it than he had to be.
There were guard ponies all around the castle too. All looking strong and alert. A few of them gave Zero questioning glances and he just smiled and approached one of them. A white unicorn guard.
“Hello there,” Zero said getting the guard’s attention. “Do you think it is possible to gain an attendance with Mi Amore Cadenza?”
“Who are you?”
“Prince Zero from Rosewood Kingdom.”
“Never heard of it.” The guard said simply.
“No, not many ponies have, we are trying to gain alliances with other pony kingdoms and thought since we would try Mi Amore Cadenza first. I heard she was a wonderful and kind ruler.”
“Oh she is, I don’t know if I can get an audience with you, but I can send someone to let her know that you came all this way.” The guard said.
“That would be wonderful.” Zero said with a specious smile.
Zero decided to look around the kingdom a little more. There were not all Crystal ponies, but he figured they just might be tourist ponies from Canterlot or other places like that. Then Zero heard his stomach growl loudly.
“Well, a snack won’t hurt, but first…” He eyed a mare carrying some bits with her. Zero used his magic to steal several bits from her. No one noticed though. With the bits that he just ‘obtained’ he went up to a small cake corner.
“Hello sir, what can I interest you with?” Said a teal crystal pony. From where he was he couldn’t see his flank to determine his cutie mark, ah but that wasn’t important really.
“Well some food obviously,” Zero said with a small smirk. “But I am new here and I would like to hear your recommendations.”
“Ah very good.” The stallion clasped his hooves together and gave a bright smile. “The oat and cream cakes are quite delicious. My personal favorite are the berry tarts, I like the strawberry one, but we also have pear, tangerine, blueberry.” The stallion began naming off more berries excitedly.
“Ah, well how about a tangerine tart? That sounds good.”
“Very good! Five bits please.”
Zero handed the pony the money needed for the tart silently. The store pony grabbed a plate of tangerine tart and placed it on the counter. “There you go! I hope you enjoy it sir!”
Zero gave his fictitious smile and took the tart and started eating it. It surprised him how… sour and sweet it was at the same time. It was unlike anything he has eaten before. Mostly he just ate… muffins and plain stuff like that, but this was a real treat that he actually enjoyed. Zero might just have to buy another one. Though, he didn’t have enough bits to do that.
As the prince was finishing his snack a crystal unicorn guard approached him.
“I have news for you Prince Zero of Rosewood.”
“Oh?” He was hoping that Princess Mi Amore Cadenza would finally give an audience to him. Then he would destroy her and rule the kingdom. Though, Zero knew it wouldn’t be as easy as that. Canterlot wasn’t built in a day. It would take time, patience, effort, and magic. “That’s wonderful, will I find her in the Crystal palace?”
“Yes you will, here I will escort you.”
Zero nodded and allowed the guard to escort him to the crystal palace, inside it and toward the throne room where a beautiful pink alicorn with a tricolored mane and tail. She wore a golden crown and necklace. Her cutie mark was the crystal heart. Next to her was a white unicorn wearing a guard uniform. There was also another white pony, another unicorn. She had a tricolored mane like Mi Amore Cadenza, but it was blue, yellow and purple.
Zero approached them and bowed respectively. Though he knew it was only to get on their good side. They didn’t have to know that though.
“Welcome to the Crystal Empire Prince Zero.” Mi Amore Cadenza bowed as well.
“Pleasure to finally meet you Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.”
“Call me Cadence please.”
“Cadence. Very well.”
“So I hear you are from a new Kingdom.” Cadence said and eyed Zero’s horn and insect-like wings. “You said it was called the Rosewood Kingdom.”
“That is correct. We are new. We are looking for allies for our Kingdom.”
“You sure do look like a strange pony…” Said the female unicorn beside Cadence.
“Diamond Star, be polite now.”
“No it is quite alright. I had a run in with some Changelings and I was...’infected’” He said. Zero looked over at Diamond Star and gave false warm smile. She blushed and smiled back at him.
“So you are not a Changeling?” Cadence asked with seriousness.
“No, I am not.” Zero responded back with equal solemnity.
There was silence in the room for a moment.
“What do you think Shining Armor?” Cadance asked.
“I’m not sure. He bears the attributes of a Changeling–”
“Yet, if I was a Changeling why would I risk bringing myself here in the presence of the Princess of the Crystal Empire. I know your history between you and them. Not a good one, I’m glad it all worked out in the end.”
Cadance smiled warmly at Zero then to Shining Armor and Diamond Star. Love was brimming in the room so profusely that Zero felt the urge to gag, but he kept his composure.
“Yes, it all worked out great. Though none of it would be possible without Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight Sparkle… The name ringed a bell and it took the young prince a while to figure out the connection. Yes, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Sombra didn’t mention her much, but Chrysalis did, but Zero never payed attention. He just assumed she was another hoax royalty like Blueblood. Twilight Sparkle was an important piece of the puzzle. Noted.
“How is Princess Twilight Sparkle now?” Zero asked with plain curiosity.
“She is well, indeed it has been quite some time since I have seen her and her foals. Oh, but they aren’t foals anymore are they?”
“No, they are grown now.” Both Shining Armor and Cadance laughed.
“Yes well, back to business. How does an alliance sound?” Zero asked.
“We will have to think on it a little longer Prince Zero. Till then you are welcome to stay here in the Crystal Empire and sleep in one of our guest bedrooms.”
Not trusting Zero right off the bat. That was a smart move on the Princess’s part, but Zero had more plans, more steps to take to get where he needed to be. Make the subjects fall apart first then work his way up the hierarchy ladder.
“Thank you for your time Princess Cadance.” Zero bowed and left the room with a guard who led him to his temporary room in the palace.
Zero entered his luxurious room of crystals and silk. Surely beat his accommodations at home. Everything here was just lavish and wondrous wasn’t it? He looked out his window to see the ponies below. As much as Zero liked being in such a hoity toity place–Which he didn’t that much–He wanted to go back outside and explore the Crystal Empire and decide what changes would surely be made when he came into power.
On his way out Zero pocketed a few more bits in case he decided to grab another tart before retiring for the night.
He made his way back outside and walked around leisurely again. To much of Zero’s dismay and joy he heard another couple walking together. Time to break another couple up. He followed a good distance behind them, not hearing their conversation, ah but that didn’t matter. He would hear them yelling at each other soon enough.
He was about to use his magic when a voice startled him sending the magic ricocheting off the floor, several buildings and into a bird couple.
“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She said apprehensively. Zero looked down at the mare who spoke to him. She was a pretty silver coated mare with a cloudy white mane and amethyst eyes. She was not a crystal pony either, just a normal earth pony.
“Oh, umm… It’s quite alright.” He heard an angry chirping bird and saw that it was bitterly pecking at some stallion’s head. Zero turned his attention back to the earth pony. “Did you need something from me?”
“Well, I wanted to ask what kind of pony you are. I mean, you have wings, but they aren’t like wings I’ve seen before… and your horn is…. oddly disfigured.”
“I’m just an regular Alicorn, just got mixed up with some Changelings that’s all.” He said
“Oh uhh I see.” She looked to the floor and Zero looked at her questioningly.
“You don’t really say much do you…”
“No, I try to stand up for myself, but that is hard sometimes you know…”
No Zero didn’t know. “Yeah, I understand.”
“Hey umm, I know this good tart place right around the corner, do you want to go get one… maybe…” She anxiously brushed her hoof against the dirt.
At the mention of a tart Zero’s stomach growled and then looked at her. She didn’t seem to hear it. She was to engrossed with brushing her hoof against the ground. “I suppose I can grab a quick bite.” He said to her.
“Oh great, follow me.”
The silver mare led him to the exact same tart shoppe that he went before. Something deep down inside him was happy that he would be able to try one of those delicious tarts. Perhaps he would try a different flavor this time… or just stick with tangerine.
“Oh ho! You have come back sir!” Said the store pony, recognizing Zero instantly.
“Oh? You’ve been here before?” The mare asked.
“Yeah, just once earlier today. Anyway, let’s grab a tart.” He said and ordered another tangerine tart while the mare ordered a strawberry and blueberry tart.
“You sure you don’t want another one?” She asked. “I can pay for it.”
Zero thought about it for a moment and ordered a raspberry tart. When they both received their treats they took a seat outside.
“So, where are you from?”
“Rosewood.”
“Never heard of it. Is it like a new kingdom?”
“Yes, you could say that.” He took a large chunk out of his raspberry tart. Delicious. Reminder. When he takes control make sure to keep the tart shoppe running. “By the way, I never got your name.”
“Oh! how rude of me.” Her face became flushed a little. “I’m Dawn Mist. I am from Ponyville I just came here for some travelling and research.”
“What kind of research?”
“First, what is your name.”
“Prince Zero. Now what kind of research?”
“About magic from different parts of the world. I may not be a unicorn like most of my family, but I was always fascinated by it and I wanted to study it.”
“An interesting endeavor,” Zero said and took the last bite of his raspberry tart. “How is that going for you?”
“Good! I’m learning about the wonders of Pegasus magic, and certain unicorn magic like Cadance! Did you know she can mend broken hearts? She is the only pony in Equestria that can do that!”
“Yes, I have heard about that. What about her daughter Diamond Star, does she have any special magic?”
“Just a regular unicorn from what my research says,” Dawn Mist said. “What about you? Alicorns in particular have special forms of magic.”
“Me? Well, I’m keeping that as a mystery for now.” He said with a smile.
“Awww, not going to tell me! Well that’s not fair I say! Not fair.”
Zero couldn’t help but procure a small laugh.
As they continued to talk the sun removed itself from the sky, replacing it with a glorious white moon. Zero stared up at the less bright, but more elegant moon in the sky.
“Oh my is it that late already?” Dawn Mist grabbed her bag and slung it over her head. “I should head back to my room. It was nice talking to you Prince Zero.” She said happily.
“You as well…” He said, still distracted at the moon. Zero looked around and it seemed like every filly, colt, mare and stallion were heading back to their quarters.
Zero cleaned up his mess and walked back to the palace to get some sleep, he supposed. But the night sky and moon were so lovely he just wanted to stay out and stare out it for awhile. Why would anyone want to be inside and sleeping while such a gorgeous sight was out for all of them to see. Was the sun that much more beautiful?
