Frozen Heart

"Woah," was the only reaction Danni had when the Crystal Empire first came into view. The Crystal Castle towered over the rest of the kingdom, and even the tallest buildings were still overshadowed by the large, white castle.

Even though it was within view, the train still had a half hour left until it reached the station. Mike had to look around to see the kind of people that were on the train. It was mostly ponies, many of them prim and proper. There was a human family, a husband, wife, a son and a daughter. Just like Danni, the children were excited. It turned out, they had reason to be

"So, when do we start school, papa?" the young girl asked.

"In time, sweetheart first, we will have to move our stuff to our new house!" he father cheerfully said.

Lucky bastards Mike thought, hoping that he would able to share a moment like that with Danni.

He did ponder his relationship with her, which was more of a business relationship and a demanding guardian more than a father. Although he wanted to open up more to her and be like the loving father like he was with his sons, the flashbacks and the filling of loneliness without his wife and kids without would freeze him up.

When the train reached the station, the train came to a sudden stop after spending a minute slowing down, which woke everyone up. The family in front of Danni and Mike a laugh. Mike and Danni sat and watched as the rest of the train grabbed their bags and made their way out slowly, mostly caught up in conversation with who they went with. Flash Sentry and the guards that accompanied him were at the back of the train so that they wouldn't scare anyone or bring attention that the chief of security was out of town for important business.

He was the first to get up, then his detail following. Mike felt a hoof nudge his shoulder and he looked back.

"Okay, it's time to go," Flash said, continuing to walk with his guard right behind him.

"Danni lets go," Mike said as he got up. Danni waited for him to give her room before she got up herself. They walked out to the cool, crisp, air that gave the empire a positive reputation. Danni and Mike followed the guards from the train station and began the long half an hour walk to the castle.

It was everything Mike had dreamed it would be: The streets were filled with ponies and humans. Unlike in the city, there was no ponies looking down on the humans, or the human trash everywhere. The humans were dressed properly in clean clothes, they didn't look in fear from harassment from the guards either.

"This is impressive," Mike said in wonder.

"Ah wish I can get some threads like those!" Danni said, mentioning three schoolgirls around her age running past them.

"Humans and ponies do live in the same neighborhoods, but we do have a human district," Flash mentioned it.

"Really? Where at?" Mike asked, preparing for a block or two of slum life he had grown accustomed to.

"We are walking through it!" Flash announced.

Mike stopped and looked around. "The rumors about this place is nothing compared to actually being here!"

"Glad you like it, at least I know you are committed," Flash said. "I have to ask. How can Equestria treat the humans so poorly? The Celestia I know would have heads rolling over the human ghetto!"

"It's not that simple, Celestias handlers have basically been flawless hiding the plight of humans, parade a few who "made it" so that the upper crust of Equestria can feel good about themselves," Mike said. It was a tough situation, but not much can be done but to work hard and wait for the big break, the big break finally falling on his lap.

* * *

They entered the tower but had to stop a minute because Mike and Danni were stuck with how tall it was, how imposing, the one single structure that showed to the crystal empire, to the world of their might.

"I should say we don't have all day, but we actually don't," Flash said, causing his entourage to laugh, observing the two humans who were still staring up from the base of the castle.

"Okay, I think I had enough," Danni said as she rubbed her aching neck. "Mike lets go"

"Just give me one more minute," Mike replied, the smile he had when he first saw the castle from the train not leaving his face."

"I said let's go!" Danny commanded, pulling Mike by his hand.

"okay okay, fine!" he said.

When they entered the castle, they had to be hurried along with Flash because just like from the train station to the front of the castle, they wanted to stop and gaze at the beauty of the castle, which was made of crystal. They entered the throne room, and once again, Mike and Danni had to be bumped along to the two ponies at the end of the room. Before entering the room, he had never considered any of the ponies "beautiful", but he had to admit the princess of the crystal kingdom was cute if his memory was correct: Cadence was her name.

"Presenting, Mike and his accomplice Danni of Canterlot!

The prince of the empire walked to the two humans, a confident looking stallion with wild hair and a million bit grin. The stallion extended his front right hoof out for a shake, which Mike gladly accepted.

"Michael Chin, it's it's finally good to meet you. Your reputation proceeds you!"

"I wasn't aware I had one," Mike quickly replied.

"I bet you know who I am," He said

"Yes, Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire."

"You got it! Let me introduce you to my wife and we can tell you why we brought you out here," Shining said. He turned to flash "thank you Flash, you can go."

"Sounds good!" would love to see my wife again!" he said with a smirk

"My sister!" Shining snapped.

"My wife!" Flash shouted back with a smug grin