Chapters Twilight Sparkle, the Unicorn, had a normal every day life. She was in the Golden Oak and it seemed to just be all going her way. She had just sent in her friendship letter for the week. Spike came rolling down the stairs, hurling up, hitting his first upon his chest. "Spike, cough it up before you end up-" It was then the scroll came flying out. A little wet because he didn't open his mouth in time. "This is exactly what I was talking about." She passed a bemused expression towards her number one assistant. Now reading over the scroll, not daring to touch it, her eyes widened. Dropping the scroll she looked to Spike in horror. "I'm needed in Canterlot at once!"
His eyes lit up, "I'll get the saddle-"
She shook her head, "No need Spike. She told me to go alone."
Spike had a pouty face, "... Why don't I ever get to come?"
Twilight's eyes softened, "I heard Pinkie Pie and Applejack are going to Manehattan for a Bakery competition, you should go see if you can join them." His eyes lit up and like lightning he sped out of the Library. A small smile spread across her muzzle before it instantly faded. Turning off all of the lights she got herself out of the library and to the train station were it took her to Canterlot.
She finally reached Canterlot and just in the right amount of time. For who other then Shining Armor himself, waited there for her. "Shouldn't you be in the Crystal Empire at this time?"
He shook his head, "Cadence and Luna has it all covered. She told me to be here and help you out."
Twilight gave a nod, "It's good to see you again though." She gave him a hug. He smiled and hugged her back.
It was short lived as he had pushed her away a moment after that. "Come on! We have to get moving." At first she had a blank expression before finally catching on.
"Oh! Right." Both darting off, they got to the Castle as fast as they could.
"Good, you finally made it." Princess Celestia spoke calmly. "Hurry inside we have matters to discuss..."
...Moments later...
"You want- Me to do that? I'm not a Princess! I'm just... A unicorn."
Celestia smiled, "I have all of my faith put into you, because I know you can do this. I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe. Are you saying I am wrong to pass this kind of judgment?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
Twilight's pupils dilated, "O-Of course not! I would never." She shook her head. "Then I see no problem. Are you ready?"
Twilight checked, "All my limbs are in tact... I have a newly updated History of The Crystal Empire, and a book with enough information on Sombra, newly updated- Plus I added a few pages myself after the last incident! Paper and pens, and a sack of bits just in case." She grinned wide.
Celestia gave a nod, "Good. I hope your travels will bring you luck and success... Oh and Twilight- Remember. You cannot contact me or my sister. We can not know of you in that time... It would ruin the balance of this time line. Twilight, life in this new Equestria is difficult, and there are a lot of different challenges you must face... It's like a whole new world. Now go Twilight! You have no time to lose, the fate of Equestria is in your hooves... And your hooves only."
"Wait!" Twilight said in a voice of desperation. "Haven't we tried using the Crystal Heart? Or the Elements of Harmony?"
"He is to out of control. There is no way of stopping him at this rate. We have no other option but to take this route. No time to argue Twilight!" She said with a stern voice.
Twilight's heart pounded. "Yes... Celestia..."
Celestia's horn glowed yellow as she then placed it on her horn. "Goodbye Twilight. Till we meet again..."
All of this flashed before her eyes. As she was taken back in time....
She stood there watching as all of the years passed by in reverse, at a high speed. There were moments where she could see herself. Like the time she defeated Discord! ... When she first heard about Discord and Celestia was explaining this. Her growing up... Halls empty, even when Celestia was crying. Sometimes when she looked out of the window. All of this showed, all of it burned in her mind. Closing her eyes, as this began to hurt. It was when at last there was a loud thundering sound and this all stopped. She blinked as she looked around the place. It was the Canterlot Castle!
Her eyes wide... "I cannot believe my eyes... It's... Canterlot. But- How?"
A Not-So Vintage Librarian
She spun around to see two guards standing there. "Halt! Who goes there?!" They both held their spears towards her. Twilight's eyes went wide. "I'm so sorry sirs!" She quickly said, "You see- I... I'm the Canterlot Librarian. I was... I was jut here to discuss about my next shipment. I know I hadn't made an appointment so that's why... I am here. To make an appointment."
They put their spears down. "We are sorry ma'am- Go right ahead."
Twilight Sparkle just remembered, 'Shoot! I forgot I can't talk to Celestia and Luna at this moment... Wait a minute! They don't live in Canterlot at this time! Celestia moved here when her castle in the Everfree Forest. This must be when Queen Solaria and King Nebular were in power. Their parents... I have to get out of here!' She gave an awkward smile, "I forgot my forms! Silly me... Oh I have to go back to my library and sort a few things out. I am so unorganized sometimes..." She said with a smile.
They gave a nod, folding their wings making room for her to exit. As she left she then quickly raced out afterwards. "... The Crystal Empire is miles away! And they don't have proper functioning trains at this moment. I'm going to have to take a carriage aren't I?" She told herself as she trotted along the roads. Strange, everyone didn't seem as... Saturated as she is used to. This made her look more "beautiful" then most of the ponies. She could see some stallions giving her the googly eyes. Quite disturbing really.
It was when Fancy Pants... No- It must be like his... Great great great great great great great great... And so on- Grandfather! "I say, you look rather fine for a unicorn. What is your secret?"
She blinked, "I was.. Uh- Born this way?"
"Oh, a rare find you'd be. I'd watch yourself in Canterlot dearie." He said with a grin.
"Creep." She murmured under her breath trotting away. "I need to get out of here... Why does everyone in the background look like the same ponies in Equestria- But... Less saturated and with hats or facial hair?" She asked herself noting that as she tried to find the exit to Canterlot.
At last she arrived at the Carriage. "Do you mind if I get a ride to the Crystal Empire?" Twilight asked the driver kindly.
He nodded, "Sure! Don't worry 'bout bit'z, I can make an exception for a purty pony like yar'self!" He gave a small laugh as he fixed his hat.
She smiled with an unsure expression plastered on her face, "Uh... Thanks." Getting up onto the carriage she sat down, now waiting for the long drive ahead. To the Crystal Empire.
It was at least three days... When at last the beauteous Empire came into view. This was the most colorful thing she saw her entire time being here. That and the flower beds they had sometime passed by on the road there. It was like the whole world was in some sort of... Cheap camera filter. Rarity would have called it "Vintage". Once he came to a stop, she sighed happily. "Thank you." She said before leaving him with a ten bit tip. She forgot that things were a lot cheaper back in these days of Equestria... So she kinda just made him rich. His eyes were wide, looking completely shocked. She didn't take any note to it, she probably just thought he was happy or something. Now trotting down the streets of the Crystal Empire she was on the look out for the pony whom she is in need to find...
~Sombra's Perspective~
Twilight would already have a firm grasp on this city. The Crystal Empire was it's own kingdom, not part of Equestria. Its beginnings were a legend all its own, refugees across the frozen north, a great sorceress among them, blessing them and the land to shine against the chilling snow. The survivors, themselves changed into beings of pony and gemstone could linger in the cold weather, but the enchantment upon them echoed throughout the land, turning every blade of grass, every animal and drop of water in living crystal. Blessed with such wealth and such beautiful components to work with, the Empire was born. The culture changed into one of artistry and craft, and the ponies became deeply attuned to their own emotions and desires. An entire city of artists, poets, crafts ponies and dreamers would welcome the purple unicorn. Though it would be quick to be noticed that even one as colorful as she was no match for a gleaming coat of a crystal pony. At best she was treated politely as a visitor, at worst, she'd be treated as another country bumpkin from the larger growing kingdom of Equestria.
It was hard to determine where in Sombra's life he would be though. According to what was written about him, he grew up a unicorn in an orphanage. Humble beginnings, he was shown to have enormous potential and as its stated in the books but no where else as the Empire was forgotten. He was a great hero, defeating monsters, protecting the empire, and marrying the Empress of the time, the Princess Amore and becoming King by marriage. For a while, he was a good, honest, kind, even showing humility from time to time. What exactly happened after that is vague and fuzzy at best.
Twilight however would find out soon as a charcoal young stallion maybe even her junior by a year would be running in her direction the opposite way down the road. It was a big day, a very very big day. And the young stallion, hitched with a squires cape and holding the saddle bags at his side was panting as he ran. "Curse you Starswirl!" he said griping through heaving pants. He turned a corner and nearly collided with the purple unicorn. "Oh my !" He shouted before his horn shined violet hue before the was a puff of cold air, not a flash of light as he teleported through her, arriving at her back and continuing on his way. "MY APOLOGIES !" He shouted back to her before running at full gallop. She'd get to see him enough. His coat was slightly brighter, like stone gray, but his mane still a jet black. He was not nearly so large as she recalled, though he seemed to keep in decent shape, thanks to the last few years of his insane training under the slavery of his tutor. She'd even see the rubies that were his eyes and the red crystal cluster on his flank for a cutie mark. His wavy tail bounced as he got a move on.
This was a common occurrence. Sombra despite being a book worm, having maybe only a few friends, Sombra was one of the only unicorns available to the empire. This made him a possible asset, one that could be presented to Starswirl the Bearded as part of the negotiation of finding out whether Equestria magic would be a benefit to the Empire. Today was the day his training to be complete. He had to show his stuff before everyone, the entire city! He would make all those bullies eat their words.
As luck would have it, Twilight would arrive during the Crystal Fair. The streets would be bustling with other crystal ponies heading to the massive fair ground that surrounded the spire. She could already see where Sombra was running off too, a big series of tents and open performance grounds mixed with hundred of ponies all laughing at jesters, showing off more and more elaborate pieces of art, filling the atmosphere with the smells of roasted crystal corn, and blasting the sky with those ridiculous looking musical instruments. Sombra would be lost in the crowd of course, but it was like when she and her friends tried to make it before, except this time is was a true holiday. History alive.
Of course the biggest ring was the jousting grounds, and this was of course where Princess Amore, with beauty rivaling Celestia (And looking a little bit... alot like Cadence) and next to him, the bearded old grump with the sparkly pointed hat, Starswirl the Bearded. As another joust happened, the princess and Starswirl were talking among bleachers guarded only for royalty, but the rest of the arena was open for the crowd to watch and cheer their favorite knights.
Everything about this place... It had a deeper feeling, a more happy effect in Twilight's heart. Even more so then it does in the future. One can just never retrieve the same proportion of happiness in something so bright after such a long period of time when things were the utmost cruelest of times. As she passed by through the streets, everyone either waved to her, or stopped and said Hello. Twilight Sparkle smiled to the ponies giving friendly waves in approval of her acknowledgement. The smiles, the shine... Everything. A smile spread across her muzzle. Three days of waiting just to get here... And she realized now that it was all worth it, after all who wouldn't love such a beautiful and glamorous sight such as this one right here?
Though everything was nice...
There was one small problem...
This made her so home sick. "It looks like home, but it doesn't feel right." Twilight Sparkle duly noted to herself. It seemed like hours that she had been walking down the streets, wandering so far... What if she was sent into the wrong time? Would she have to wait years until she get's back? That couldn't be it... All of these doubts begin to pile up in her mind like newspapers from the Foal Free Press.
Twilight Sparkle was only a unicorn at this time, so things were a lot more troubling. She had no wings, not as much magic as she'd like. And still a huge difficulty in fitting in. But as she thought about it more, being a Princess during this time would make it even more challenging. How would you feel if one day you just saw an alicorn passing by? One you never heard of, with all of this magic and all of this... Meaning. Yet no one had ever seen them before? Not even the Princesses. Once again she was to focused in thought, she needed to snap out of it! She had a huge mission ahead and she couldn't let these sorts of things distract her. Besides, why would she ever become an alicorn? And why would she ever be a Princess? None of this would ever happen. But... What if it did? She bit down on her lip.
"Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. After reading that book in the library that one time I am not sure what to think. Now that I think about it those thoughts never really passed my mind until now- I'm just thinking on the dark side! I need to get on the good side of things. Besides, who ever get's to be sent on a mision back in time to recover something that could destroy all of Equestria if not done right?" She blinked for a few moments.
"How could I ever think that's a good thing?" She asked herself, shaking her head slowly. "... All alone. If I fail this... I could never see my friends again! I must find him! I must- For Equestria!" She grinned as she regained her courage, "As Celestia as my witness I will never lose doubt again!" She had just reached the Castle at this moment before she had just been ran into by some sort of- ... Lunatic.
As she scrambled to her hooves she turned looking back to seeing the charcoal pony run by. "... King Sombra..." Her voice sounded shaky as she didn't know how to react. Standing not to far from Starswirl and Princess Amore's view, she narrowed her eyes. "I can't let him escape my grasp... I was-" She stopped for a few moments, "Did he... Apologize to me?" She stood there with a blank face. Getting in a running position, she huffed.
About to run off, she was stopped. "I'm terribly sorry my dear, but-" Starswirl just was about to stop her.
'I cannot see Luna or Celestia... Princess Amore, or Starswirl! Celestia never mentioned those two but they are connected to their history. I can't let them see me! Even though he's my life time hero... No- No! I can't fail this test because of stupid fan-tisies." Shaking her head she blurted out, "I'd love to talk more Mr. Beardie, but I can't!" She used her magic pink swirling all around her, as she teleported away. Leaving a small burnt mark in the floor.
"I was going to ask where she got her stylist saddle bag. I could use one a stylist one at this moment. Blast!" He said stomping his hoof against the ground, returning to Princess Amore who just rolled her eyes.
Teleporting into the crowd she blinked in surprise. "Today... it's the Crystal Heart fair! .. Last time I was at this time zone was when King Sombra was taking over..." She murmured to herself. Shaking her head, Twilight Sparkle snapped out of it. "Focus!" Quickly running through the crowd she pushed and shoved trying to get around. The Empire is a lot more full and busy during this time. How was she ever going to find him? Luckily he was a charcoal greyish black, otherwise he would be impossible to spot. But he wasn't as big and he didn't stand out as much as she was used to. There has to be a way of finding him. Maybe she could ask around. "Excuse me, do you know where Sombra is? Is that his name? He's a charoc-" They shook their head and continued walking on, without even letting her finish.
Asking around, no one seemed to be able to help. Now just trotting through the area with little hope left... There were many ponies around who needed help. Often times during her search, she was asked for help because of her magical abilities. Many thanked her, other's generously befriended her and so on... Luckily it wasn't to many. Last thing she wanted to do was make a name for herself. She didn't even mean to, it was just a personal reflex to instantly help anypony in need. The day grew shorter and it was nearly sun high... Maybe she could find him tomorrow. "... I wish this was easier... I know I should stick to my roots though. If you befriend the librarian you can figure out just about anything." At least she knew where the library was... She only went to the library, because she gave up for the search today. It wasn't like her to give up, but finding him in that crowd was impossible. Sombra was a stand out, but there never was this many ponies in the Crystal Empire when Twilight visited in her time!
As she trotted into the library she, looked around in awe.
There were towers of books, crystal flooring, spiral stair cases... It shone with beauty and grade, her eyes sparkled as she gazed upon the place. Walking, every step she took echoed. "Some reading wouldn't hurt..." Twilight Sparkle said with a smile, her eyes glimmering in hope. This was a long time ago, and there weren't many windows. The place had very dim lighting, so they offered candle trays with a yellow wax candle. Lighting it, she made her way through the libraries, her eyes squinted as she browsed the books. At last she came across Crystal Empire History. It had the past history that went even farther then the books she had presently, but then again not as updated. Ancient spells she had never even heard of...
Laying down comfortably in one spot, she opened up the book. With papers and a quill she was ready to take notes. Reading over the book, with fascination. The eagerness of learning knowledge, and the curiosity of a cat. Twilight Sparkle loved nothing more then reading and learning. The whispering sounds of crystals, and the eerie music of magic echoed through these endless halls. Every flip of the page, only had her grow with more fascination. Her candle glowing next to her, giving her the light she needed. It made her eyes shine with hope that tomorrow the continuation of the festival would bring her more luck. After all it was a three day festival. The first day was the enjoyment of eachother's company, the second day was the endearment of love and compassion, and lastly the third day was the day of hope. Tomorrow would be the day that the crystal ponies powered the Crystal Heart.
Down the hall echoing grumbles of anger and plotting that filled the place with whispering noises. It was Starswirl, and a few other unicorns. Possibly his council. Even Clover the Clever!
Keeping her nose down trying to continue reading the book, Clover the Clever turned her head looking to Twilight Sparkle. "We aren't alone."
Starswirl couldn't see her properly, but he narrowed his eyes, "What are you doing in here? The library has been closed for over thirty minutes! It's the last day of the festival! You should be out there doing what other young ponies do."
She blinked turning her gaze towards him. "Y-yes sir." She stood up putting the book back. Putting her scrolls and quills back into her saddle bag, she lifted up her candle and made her way down the hall.
They caught sight of her being a unicorn. Giving a small hmmph they all trotted away.
Twilight Sparkle ran out of the Library looking around. The brightness of the area hurt her ideas, her pupils dilated as she tried to adjust. "One day left? Nothing important happened without me I hope... If I can't stay in the library I'm stuck out here searching aimlessly." She told herself. "Why does finding ponies have to be so hard? Maybe he'll run into me again. And I can stop him this time... But anyway, I can see they haven't powered the crystal heart yet, so that's a plus." She noted to herself as she trotted through the streets again...
King Sombra spent most of his time at the Jousting Match. It wasn't that he was obsessed with it, but the fact that... He was in it. "Woo! Way to go Knight Sombra!" Some cheered, but other's cheered for the pony, known as Pink Prism. A Crystal Pegasus, with a pink mane and black streaks. She was a rare sight to see, and unlike Sombra where it was mostly mares who cheered him on, plenty of mares and stallions cheered for her. Even though... In reality she wasn't the kindest.
He narrowed his eyes, a grin spread across his face. She, on the opposite side, snarled her eyes narrowing forming a glare upon her face.
The announcer then pulled out the flugelhorn, blowing into it. It let the knights know it was time to start. Running at eachother at full speed with their swords, both ran back and forth. It was a tough competition.
She began to run at him with full speed. Anger glowing in her eyes. Where he used his excitement and nervousness for energy, she used her hatred and competitiveness. As she prepared her weapon, he did the same. Taking a hit towards her, she didn't dodge fully. But she took the damage well... Considering.
At last Pink Prism turned around, this final blow should take him out. She ran towards him, and what did he do? King Sombra ducked!
Sombra turned around instantly so she would trip over his pole. As she fell, she didn't get back up. Wailing in pain as she had skidded her face across the dirt. With a white coat like hers it should stain it for a few days. He laughed in triumph, "Haha!"
Pink Prism stood up dusting off her hooves, "Unfair!" She hissed before raising her nose up into the air with anger. Trotting away she said no more. Sombra softened his eyes, a cocky grin across his muzzle.
"Sombra! Sombra! Sombra!" The crowd cheered his name, all of them clapping and having just the best time.
Twilight Sparkle had only stood there for the last few moments.
Twilight in the beginning during her search had walked around for hours. It was when she heard about the jousting match between "Knight Prism and Knight Sombra" did she make her way over immediately.
She had seen the part where he ducked, and did that amazing feat. A light blush spread across her face, "I never knew..." She muttered under her breath, her eyes gaze darting from side to side. "I'd really hate to admit it, but that was cool."
Knight Sombra seemed to have sneaked up on her, speaking to her, his tone sounded like honey, "Enjoy the show?"
Twilight Sparkle gasped, taking by surprise as he began to speak to her. Giving a small sigh she shook her head, "I don't know. I only saw the last few moments of it. But that's not important right now, I need to speak to you." She told him, about to continue on, he had interrupted her.
"Let me guess Star Swirl put you up to this? You are a unicorn, and with a cutie mark like that you must be talented in magic. Listen, I told him already I do not want anything more to do with him! So if you are his messenger, just go."
"What?! No! That's not at all what I was going to do, I don't even know Star Swirl... That well, that is." She retorted. "Besides, let me finish. But we cannot speak in public. Have anywhere we can speak in private?" She asked, trying to make it seem like this was very important. Of course in reality it was, but she wanted to make sure he knew it too.
The stallion hesitated for a few moments. "The festival should be over soon, meet me at the library late tonight in the restricted section. We can speak there. But until then I have more jousting matches and things to attend to. You'll just have to wait a while." He whispered, seeming like he understood.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Okay, Tonight . Don't forget." She told him, her eye brows arching becoming narrow as her gaze fixed on him.
"A Gentle Men never forgets." He told her.
"Bite me." He said a devilish smirk spreading across his face.
"Sweetheart? Oh, that's a start."
"Tonight then..." She told herself giving a small sigh. "Wait!" Twilight Sparkle called out to him, he turned around looking at her. Raising a hoof, he said no words but gave a puzzled look. "Do you Pinkie Promise?"
"I'm sorry?" He asked tilting his head.
She rolled her eyes, "Pinkie Promise; you go like... Cross my heart," She crossed her heart, "Hope to fly," Twilight formed chicken wings with her hooves flapping them like a bird, "Stick a cupcake in my eye." Twilight finished putting a hoof over her eye.
"What you said." He rolled his eyes and chuckled.
Giving a loud groan, he rolled his eyes once again. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
"Do it with the gestures! It makes it interesting." She corrected him.
Facehoofing, he restarted. Crossing his heart, then flapping his wings, he said the 'magic words', "Cross my heart, and hope to fly," He put his hoof over his eye, "Stick a cupcake in my eye."
"Better." She told him, a smile spreading across her face.
"I'll have to remember that one. Just because I don't want to go through that whole thing with you again." He said as he turned around, and trotted away.
Giving a small huff, she put her hoof under her chin leaning against the fence watching as he went. "I suppose I could stay around and watch one more of his jousting matches. But afterwards I must go back and try to find something else to do. If Sombra was associated with Starswirl he must know that Starswirl would do such a thing. And if so, I should stay out of harms way. That's what I'm going to have to do... With Starswirl, his council, Celestia, Luna, And Princess Amore... The types of ponies who really could have helped with the issue." She groaned. "Till we talk again King Sombra... I mean- Just Sombra... He isn't a king. Yet ."