Chrystal Mirrorby jrc5639ChaptersThe King Of The NorthWhat are you doing here?Night Of DreamsOf Crystal AffairsDestination StirrupburgContinuation of DiplomacyThe King Of The NorthIf one were to journey north, they would find the snow and chill. If one would journey farther north they would find more ice than they could possible imagine. Yet, if they would go far enough there is one place. From a distance it would appear as a bubble. In side the bubble beyond the tall black crystal walls there is not snow or ice, but instead trees and grass and ponies thrive. The palace and wall of this nation are all made of a black crystal, which was draped over with all sorts banners and decorations to add some color to the otherwise bland exterior. From the stairs of this palace descends a large black horse. He wears a silver crown upon his head and a red cape cloak. As stiff as his cape appears for mane and tail flows as if not even attached. In full armor he walks out towards the wall. All the ponies around him cheer praises as he marches forward. Several young fillies run up to him. They give him flower and photos. He hugs them and smiles before continuing. Once at the wall he watches all day, casting spells to reinforce the boarders against the wind and the storms. At the days conclusion, long after most are asleep he leaves the wall to the guards and returns to castle. For a few more hours he sits in the throne room mediating the conflicts of those under his rule and giving justice therefore. Behind him hung the children's doodles, depicting Sombra the hero. Sombra slays cutie marks and defeats the nasty white queen. He would then get a few hours of rest, too short to dream. This night was different. It did not take more five minutes to be disturbed. One of his finest guards flew through the door, skidding across the floor. "Sombra", whispered the guard before falling limp. The king rushed to him guards side. It was pointless the guard was gone. A deep blue mare walked forth appear several times the size of the average pony. It had eyes which almost looked kind and a mane that flowed behind her almost like the night sky. She had the wings of pegasus and the horn of a unicorn. There was no mistaking this alicorn. She was indeed the Princes Luna. "We greet thee," a voice boomed echoing across the wall without origin. Sombra turned to face the threat, his eyes read for battle. His one shadow became seven. In the blink of an eye each of the seven shadows approached the mere for seven directions. But, these were nothing to Luna. She advanced, shattered them on contact. "We art the dark and the night, thou defeat me with shadows." She continued to approach, now towering well over him. The room fell away. It was just him and her. Sombra braced ready for melee. "Becometh my vassal." Luna advanced. "Never" said Sombra, a pony of few words. "I art not my sister. She wouldst have just burn your entire kingdom. I offer thee protection from her." "Never" Sombra repeated. "Very well," Luna dipped and in a moment was gone. What are you doing here?For the first time in a long time the great ice gates of the crystal empire opened. They cracked just enough for a small blue pony to walk out before immediately closing again. Wrapped in a tight jacket and sporting a nice part of goggles, the pony exhaled. His breath froze in mid-air as he realized how terrible this hike really would be. Slowly he began to trudge through the snow, tracks fading almost as they were placed. The wind swirled around him. This land of snow was both beautiful and dangerous, but never did his gaze leave his hand. For in his hand was his salvation. A small compass that pointed south. If he were to stray even a little from his path it could be a lonely and frozen death. "Hi, there!" The blue pony felt another suddenly hug him. He stopped and looked. Yes, there was indeed another pony there. The pony had the same black tail, and the same long black handle bar mustache. It was odd this pony look just like he did, except it was white and was wearing no clothing. It even had the same cutie mark of a magnifying glass held over a map. Perhaps, he was dead he thought. But, he did not feel dead. Of course maybe this was how being dead felt. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted. "So what are you doing outside the walls. No pony ever goes outside the walls." He had it. This was a figment of his imagination telling him to turn back. "Hello, are you listening?" His white double spoke. "Why are you out here?" He continued, but the blasted illusion would not go away. As he walked it chanted, "Why are you out here" over and over until finally he had enough. "Quiet. You know how important this mission is." It smiled at him and repeated, "Important mission. How important is it really??" "King Sombra send me personally. For him I shall succeed or not at all." He began to walk even quicker. "Yes, yes, yes, but I need details. They were very specific on that" I must be going insane, thought the blue one. Perhaps I have hypothermia. "Your in my head, you already know the details." He rolled his eyes. He could not even believe he was dignifying that with a response. "I'm not in your head silly". "Of course you are. No other pony would be out here, much less without a coat." "Well, um, I do, am not really bothered by the cold" He smiled a great big smile waiting to see if that would pass as an answer. The Blue one is not amused. He does not even try with that. "Okay, so what are you doing out here?" "Well, um, I can't say" The white one stumbled to come up with something. suddenly, a blot of lightning struck his brain. "But, I'll go away if you tell me everything about your mission." "Sorry, but I can only discus it was Sombra, not some random snow pony." came the reply. The white pony stopped to think. Of course the blue pony continued south leaving his clone behind. He continued across the snow, stopping only once for lunch. He had a nice lettuce sandwich and if he hurried he could eat the entire thing before it froze. It was about at this time, during a small mouthful that a black pony appear before him. Not any black pony, but THE black pony, in steel armor and a distinctive red cap. "Lord Sombra!?" He gapped, for a moment before remembering his sandwich. The stuffed the rest of it into his mouth and swallowed whole. "Why are you not back guarding the Empire?" Sombra spoke. It was definitely his voice, but it did not seem to match his lips. "I really needed to make sure you understood the mission. Please recite it to me." The blue pony smiled, a small pleasurable smile. He understood this madness. Confidently, proudly he shouted, "My name is Blue Prints. It is a pleasure to meet you changling." "I am Sombra, not a changling." Sombra smiled an uncharacteristically wide grin. Blue Print was no fool. "I know you're a changling." 'Sombra' takes out a small book and hands it to Blue. The book is titled "Basic Rules For A Changling Spy" He flips to a page. The first line on the page read, "A changling spy should not carry this guild onto the field as it's discovery may reveille them as a changling." 'Sombra' then explains, he could not possibly be a changling, because if he was a changling he would not be carrying that book. "Well, I just so happened to be looking to get a meeting with Queen Chrysalis. And a changling partner, who of course would be privy to all my mission details, would a great asset on this trip." In a blaze of green fire Sombra's form burned down and was replaced by a small black bug. "I just so happened to be a changling!" He pronounced, "Name's sting." "You don't say." Blue and sting shook hands. The sit down and come to an agreement. Blue was out on a mission seeking allies. Sting would take him to Chrysalis and he would tell Sting all about the Chrystal Empire. The two set off. "One thing bothers me. Why did you changing into a white version of me?" "I never saw a crystal pony before." They continued south. "Hey Blue are you an architect?" "No, but for some reason everyone thinks so." Night Of DreamsIt is silent. The night is always quiet, always so still. Only in the dark does time pass without distraction or interruption. Luna Pondered. At sunrise, the Canterlot legion could begin to prepare for a march north, but with the cold, that march would be far from easy. Her mane flowed outwards it blended with the night sky. Nopony would ever see her, but from the Canterlot Tower she could sure see all of them. Their hopes and dreams spread out as if small orbs upon the ground. She gazed out. Her keen eyes spotted on such dream of interest. The little pony though Celestia’s smile creepy. She lifted out her hoof and just like that the dream floated into Luna’s dark blue hoof. During her slumber she hid in the closet from Celestia’s dreadful grin. Luna gave the orb a shake and just like that the child was enjoying ice-cream with her best friend Celestia. That child sure did love ice-cream. Luna gave a light blow and the orb disintegrated into blue powder in the wind. Celestia will be the quickest to assure all her subjects of her perfection, this one task Luna could do far better. She smiled at the thought; it’s the subtitle details that make propaganda effective. Then again it did disappointer her that nopony ever dreamt about her. Her eyes spotted another orb of interest. Like the other it was summoned to her eyes. It was the dream of a despite pony one of Celestia’s servants. He fled the Canterlot and had just made it into griffin lands, were he though himself safe. In a flash the kingly griffins had begun beating her. Luna would be sure that later Celestia rescues her servant. She chuckled at the irony. She tossed the orb back off the tower. Although, she cannot help but notice that she never appears in anyponies slumber. That is why the crystal empire must become hers. She must be the one to take the empire, not her dearest sister. Only so many dreams can be examined each night, but one very special one remained. A solid black orb materialized in her hand. That’s odd she thought. She would examine this later for time now was running far too short. The orb shattered in a clap of between her hooves. ‘He’s awake now’ she sighed to herself. Her wings stretched and the pony of the night lifted into the sky. To the south, Canterlot began to shrink. Although, like a sparkling star its carefully polished walls could be seen all across Equestria Sombra’s eyes snapped open. Something had disturbed his rest, Luna most likely. Well he was awake now no sense going back asleep. His armor floated over to him and affixed itself with a click. He looked out from window. The sliver of light from the moon illuminated a the gardens and houses of his city. Tomorrow plans shall be made. It seems Luna herself assured that he shall not rest until positive the Empire was safe. Of Crystal AffairsMost ponies hooves would make a clapping sound when walking the glass floor, but Crossed Arms' steps are more of a splut. Then maybe a few drips as she manages to spread mud across the mural. The thousands of tiny crystal hexagons when viewed from a scenes from the history of the crystal empire. Nearly no ponies would dare run muck across it or plant grass across upon it. Yet, Cross's mind spared little concern for art. She likely did not even know that they put a glass bust of her in the south-west hall. As she walked down the hall each and ever guard gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Her centurions always seem Whenever she saw them they always looked alert and professional. Entirely professional except for that silly helmet. She refused to wear one on principle. It pushed down her mane, replacing it with a fake red one. Perhaps, if she brought it up in the meeting it would not be a total waste of time. The Cross turned left into the meeting room. She took a seat next to her lieutenant, Lance. She promptly leaned back and crossed her arms. He is a tiny off-purple stallion sorting the same silver armor as Cross. On him this is what Cross would assume this is what they would call a clashing, because the armor matched her color perfectly. Except for her four feet, which were permanently stained the color of dirt, the armor blended into her color. Some pony not paying attention might not even realize she was wearing it. Going around the table there was a black unicorn, named Skytrotter. He was working quite hard to hold his chin up above the rest. It made his neck seem overly long, in the disturbing kind of way. Past Skytrotter, we have Chew. Cross could care less about the farmers real name. Everypony just calls him Chew. His cutie mark contains 17 ears of corn. That is 14 more than any other corn farmer in the Empire, perhaps the world. He was the civilian representative. At the head of the table, in a chair the color of coal, sat Sombra himself. Although the room was well lit, by a white crystal in the center of the room, the air around him just seemed dimmer somehow. The last member of the table was a younger orange unicorn. He wore think glasses which kept sliding down his bleached nose. They had a great table before them. Like a hazy sheet of ice the members avoided touching it for fear that it might break. Except for the orange one, Sunburst, he piled several tombs and scattered papers about the table. Chew almost seemed impressed by this. Lance and Skytrotter ignored him, but Crossed Arms rolled her eyes, silently thinking, "bureaucrats" in the most derogatory tone imaginable. Shuffling though the papers Sunburst seemed to find one he liked, hovering up to eye level. The pony cleared his throat and pushed his glasses back into place. Sunburst read aloud from the paper, "As you know this meeting has been called to..." "Wait," Skytrotter spoke. All eyes rotated to him. "A unicorn even of the highest level cannot overpower an alicorn." He continued with emphasis, "We must have surprise." He gaged the room. Cross looked cross, but that was normal. Lance nodded in agreement. Sombra himself which sat both relaxed and pondering. His poker face hinted at a small smile, showing the tip of this fang. Sombra's eyes locked with Skytrotter, "This is why I have secret magic even beyond you." Chew broke the spell. "I heard of a unicorn that nearly defeated Cadence." "That's not the point," Trotter screamed, a composed scream, but a scream nevertheless. Cross sighed, she knew exactly were this was going. "Get on with it" "Can we trust everyone here." It was at this moment that Sunburst realized Trotter was looking right at him, "me?" "Well, you did attend Celestia's magic academy." Cross pointed out, with half interest. An orange glow forced his glasses back over his eyes. "No one hates Celestia more than me." He said sheepishly. "That was not very convincing," cross spoke up. Sunburst began to talk about how terrible the school was, especially for him. His ears went limp and his head knelt down. It mattered not how much he studied he kept failing tests and kept having to be 'motivated' to preform better. "That's all well and good, but how did you get a copy of my spell to blacken dreams and guard your mind. "I gave him the spell," Sombra spoke. "He has proven," Sombra paused looking for the right word, "...resourceful." "Yes," Sunburst spoke up relieved at Sombra defense. "I even thought up a few improvements." Several books floated around, "if you combine it with..." "Enough," Trotter put his foot down on the table, "So you can cast powerful magic." By this point he was on the table. Horn glowing bright blue. "How about a magic duel." In a blink Sombra stood before the Skytrotter. "He has answered his accusation," Sombra voice echoed across the halls. "So, how did you know he possessed the spell" Trotter calmed. Trotter took a look at the King, his flowing cap, ghostly eyes and red horn. The intensity in those eyes would have slowed the average pony, but Trotter knew the king too well. He turned around heading back to his seat, "A good wizard never reveilles his secrets". Sombra materialized in his seat. "Please forgive the interruption." he added recognizing that Sombra is still a very powerful pony. "Your concerns were valid" Sombra noted. "You wizards are much too intense," Cross commented, "I just sleep during the day and Luna never bothers me." She smirked, "no fancy spell required" "Well, we cannot all sleep during the day" The rest of the meeting went fairly smoothly. Cross complained about uniforms for a little. It was decided that Skytrotter would be in command of secretly hiding and protecting the crystal heart. Chew gave a report on crops. A far too detailed report on the crops. Lance fell asleep, although he might have been sleeping from before the meeting started they could never be sure. Else place, the royal throne room of Canterlot was in use. A large pony stood overlooking the entire room. Behind her a blinding light originated. It was for this very purpose he forced the servants to be so diligent about polishing the palace. The marble floors shown like the sun. Most ponies had to shield just to catch a glimpse of her shadow. Celestia preferred it this way, few were worthy enough to see her perfection. The pegasus before her did not seem bothered by the shine. Her pith helmet might have provided the shade she needed. "I understand this sort of thing is a specialty of yours." Celestia address the grass colored pegasus. "The crystal heart is the source of the Empire's power." "I will not be required to work under anypony?" Her pink eyes stared into Celestia's silhouette. A chuckle could be heard. "No, Miss Yearly you will not." "Good, Daring Do works alone." Destination StirrupburgBlue was beginning to regret his choice to follow a changeling. No, he did regret the choice. If Sting was any representation then the entire species could be described as imprecise and forgetful. Sting's 'short cuts' left Blue a little thinner than intended. Sting seemed unaffected by cold nor starvation, each meal time the changling's large pale blue eyes would just unrelentingly watch him eat. Blue just hoped that the creature did not feed upon him. Blue had no intention of being an soulless shell. Someplace he heard the advice, 'Never love a changling, for it will be your last love. Never care for them if you want to care again.' His feet groaned. Unlike the snow the dirt and gravel road did not comfort his feet at this moment, with each step his hooves moaned at him. Sting hovered, still in front of him. Slightly jealous of his ability to fly, Blue followed. The buzzing of wings stopped. Sting now on all fours turned to face the blue pony. "We are here" Sting noted. In the valley below there rested a sizeable pool of water and upon the shore a large town. According to the map the town was probably Stirrupburg, a north-eastern equestrian village. Looking through the telescope one could see many gold plated soldiers of Equestria. "Hey Blue," Sting said. "Yes," Blue Prints folded the telescope into his pocket. The town was walled as an extra problem. "Did you hear about the parasprite which ate the entire cherry pie?" Blue looked at his companion. He did his best to scrunch the skin above the his eyes together. He needed to look and sound annoyed. "I do not care". The chagnlings ears fell flat and the tale drooped. Blue could not help but notice how big his fangs were. Between the fangs and the black chitin horn, blue wondered how useful the changling in a brawl. Hopefully, it would not come to that. It like ponies just walked in and out of the front without a problem. It was worth a try. Blue began to Stirrupsburg. Behind him he saw a green flash, hopefully nopony else did. Soon, a yellow pegasus joined him. All Blue could think of was his feet, they groaned and of course Sting kept a form that could fly. The yellow pegasus landed next to Blue. Walking besides him, he said "You look nervous. Don't worry." The winged horse smiled. "I'll be right beside you." The pair made it all the way to the gate before anypony noticed. "You there! Halt" One of Celestia's warhorses rapidly closed the distance to them. Blue zoomed right in on the white warhorse's spear. It was unlikely that was just for show. The two quickened their pace, but it mattered little. The guard cut them off. "I have never seen you around before" He said. "I need to check your papers, should only take a second." He reiterated, "Yup a second." Eyes darted across the guard, looking for ideas. Perhaps a bribe. Seeing the stallion's cutie mark that was probably out of the question. On his flank a large thumbs up next to the face of his sovereign, Celestia. His eyes caught his partner's. Sting winked at him. Sting had a plan. Then the pegasus directly walked up to the guard. While, Blue might have taken a few steps back. The guard repeated, "Papers please, I need to inspect your papers." With the upmost confidence the yellow pony spoke, "We don't have any papers, so there is nothing to inspect". This is when Blue decided to run. About fifty feet away he paused. What about Sting? Sting was a changling; he did not look. He did not allow himself to care. The old saying, "Never care for them if you want to care again" The choice had been made. The guard must've been too busy with Sting to pursue. Blue's stomach rumbled, but this was nothing some grass could not fix. Tomorrow, he'd have a plan and maybe get a real meal. If the changeling queen dwelled in that city Blue was confident he'd find her. Blue when to sleep. Continuation of DiplomacyThe compass spun. That was certainly new. Blue could not see anything familiar, no landmark, no roads, just grass. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After opening them he was still there, wherever there was. He took a look at his cutie mark, the stars would help him, except there was no star. That can't be right he though. He heard a sound, something vaguely familiarly. A vibration sound, buzzing. Sound echoed behind him. Spinning around he heard it to his left, then his right. Luna smiled at her work. She'd deal with the mustached spy later, once she was back from the north. Looking up at the sky a full moon looked back. With a thought she wiped it from the sky, sending it below the horizon. A moment later the sun took its place. Luna turned to pink pony beside her, "Art thy preparations complete?" "Absolutely, oky doky" said the pink one with the puffy pink hair and permanently affixed smile. "Just follow meeeeee!" Pinkie literally began bounding down the mountainside. When Luna's trot failed to keep up the pink one simple started bounding in circles around the alicorn. The whole way there the ambassador blathered small bits of information out, "Yaks like smashing, yaks talk in closer proximity, yaks get mad at imperfection, yaks are proud, yaks like stories, yaks get mad fake food, ..." She pause a few time to take a breath. In those moments Luna remembered how nice the quiet of night could be. If one thing was certain its that yaks get mad a lot. Their path ended in from of a wooden village, surrounded by palisade. Snow held the gate open and three yaks stood between the massive yak statues in the opening, each braided beard down to their knees and nice Mongolia hat rested on their heads. The Yak in the middle, Prince Rutherford, made himself distinct with many, golden rings adorning horns and the lighter, cleaner complexion upon his fur. The two groups approached each other. Luna stopped once within a few feet, but the yaks continued till much closer. "Ponies, greetings ponies" The Prince yelled within inches of Pinky Pies face, blowing the pink ponies hair state backwards. Luna knew she could do better. "Yaks," she spoke load and bold, "We greeteth thee!". She made sure to shout in the face of all three yaks instead of just Pinkie Pies, like the yak. The prince spoke again in his boisterous official tone, "Yaks confused. Yaks thought pink pony said yaks was meeting leader of Equestria." "We art the leader of Equestria." Luna stood tall with pride. The yak prince yelled in the face of Luna. "Leader of ponies is white pony. Yaks smash, fake pony" The yanks slammed into Luna, driving her back across the snow. In a blue flash the two had been thrown apart. The yak prince turned and charged again, only to find his feet not making contact with the ground. Soon the other two yaks drifted over to join him. "awe, why you'd have to do that." Pinkie said, walking over to Luna. "It t'was indeed a poor choice for them." Luna said. "Not them, silly you" The pink pony, "all you had to do was fly away and they'd smash their own village. It would be so much fun" "They'd really smash their own villiage?" "Yup". Prince of the Yaks spoke, "Shadow pony says, Yaks stay up north for anger management. Ponies make yaks want to smash. Then ponies drive yaks far north." "Now a million crazy yaks are going to smash you" Pinkie screamed. There were indeed a large number of snarling angry yaks surrounding them. Luna wondered how she did not see them till now. "Release, Prince Rutherford" one yak yells. There were too many for her alone. Luna mind began thinking through the situation. She could leave, but then her sister would laugh so hard at her and maybe be a little mad about leaving the element of laughter. The princes flew right up to the yak. "Yaks, thou should not be forced to live in in this wasteland." "Yak like yak wasteland." The reply gave Luna a moment of hesitation, but she continued, "I will help thee defeat King Sombra" "Yak no need Pony help to defeat shadow pony." "Prove it." Pinkie hollered up at the pair. "Yaks can crush crystal ponies" "No they cannot" Said Pinkie "Yaks prove yaks strong, yaks smash empire. " the prince drops to the ground and the two leaders came to a swift agreement. Pinkie Pie whispered something in the Yak princes ear. "Ha," he shouted, "pink pony does understand yak. Yaks will destroy shadow pony for blue pony princess." Then the whole herd walked off. "What did thee say," Luna asked. "Oh, nothing important" Pinkie replied. "What of other two yaks" Pinkie asked. "We cannot let and thy attack upon us go unpunished." Luna officially said. "May, I have some fun with them. Please, please, please, please!!!!" "Thou have fun" Luna took flight, "Thee earned it" "Oh, goodie," she turned right. She turned to the released Yaks, with a devious grin. "Let's play a game, winner walks free looser goes to Tartarus."
The King Of The NorthIf one were to journey north, they would find the snow and chill. If one would journey farther north they would find more ice than they could possible imagine. Yet, if they would go far enough there is one place. From a distance it would appear as a bubble. In side the bubble beyond the tall black crystal walls there is not snow or ice, but instead trees and grass and ponies thrive. The palace and wall of this nation are all made of a black crystal, which was draped over with all sorts banners and decorations to add some color to the otherwise bland exterior. From the stairs of this palace descends a large black horse. He wears a silver crown upon his head and a red cape cloak. As stiff as his cape appears for mane and tail flows as if not even attached. In full armor he walks out towards the wall. All the ponies around him cheer praises as he marches forward. Several young fillies run up to him. They give him flower and photos. He hugs them and smiles before continuing. Once at the wall he watches all day, casting spells to reinforce the boarders against the wind and the storms. At the days conclusion, long after most are asleep he leaves the wall to the guards and returns to castle. For a few more hours he sits in the throne room mediating the conflicts of those under his rule and giving justice therefore. Behind him hung the children's doodles, depicting Sombra the hero. Sombra slays cutie marks and defeats the nasty white queen. He would then get a few hours of rest, too short to dream. This night was different. It did not take more five minutes to be disturbed. One of his finest guards flew through the door, skidding across the floor. "Sombra", whispered the guard before falling limp. The king rushed to him guards side. It was pointless the guard was gone. A deep blue mare walked forth appear several times the size of the average pony. It had eyes which almost looked kind and a mane that flowed behind her almost like the night sky. She had the wings of pegasus and the horn of a unicorn. There was no mistaking this alicorn. She was indeed the Princes Luna. "We greet thee," a voice boomed echoing across the wall without origin. Sombra turned to face the threat, his eyes read for battle. His one shadow became seven. In the blink of an eye each of the seven shadows approached the mere for seven directions. But, these were nothing to Luna. She advanced, shattered them on contact. "We art the dark and the night, thou defeat me with shadows." She continued to approach, now towering well over him. The room fell away. It was just him and her. Sombra braced ready for melee. "Becometh my vassal." Luna advanced. "Never" said Sombra, a pony of few words. "I art not my sister. She wouldst have just burn your entire kingdom. I offer thee protection from her." "Never" Sombra repeated. "Very well," Luna dipped and in a moment was gone.
What are you doing here?For the first time in a long time the great ice gates of the crystal empire opened. They cracked just enough for a small blue pony to walk out before immediately closing again. Wrapped in a tight jacket and sporting a nice part of goggles, the pony exhaled. His breath froze in mid-air as he realized how terrible this hike really would be. Slowly he began to trudge through the snow, tracks fading almost as they were placed. The wind swirled around him. This land of snow was both beautiful and dangerous, but never did his gaze leave his hand. For in his hand was his salvation. A small compass that pointed south. If he were to stray even a little from his path it could be a lonely and frozen death. "Hi, there!" The blue pony felt another suddenly hug him. He stopped and looked. Yes, there was indeed another pony there. The pony had the same black tail, and the same long black handle bar mustache. It was odd this pony look just like he did, except it was white and was wearing no clothing. It even had the same cutie mark of a magnifying glass held over a map. Perhaps, he was dead he thought. But, he did not feel dead. Of course maybe this was how being dead felt. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted. "So what are you doing outside the walls. No pony ever goes outside the walls." He had it. This was a figment of his imagination telling him to turn back. "Hello, are you listening?" His white double spoke. "Why are you out here?" He continued, but the blasted illusion would not go away. As he walked it chanted, "Why are you out here" over and over until finally he had enough. "Quiet. You know how important this mission is." It smiled at him and repeated, "Important mission. How important is it really??" "King Sombra send me personally. For him I shall succeed or not at all." He began to walk even quicker. "Yes, yes, yes, but I need details. They were very specific on that" I must be going insane, thought the blue one. Perhaps I have hypothermia. "Your in my head, you already know the details." He rolled his eyes. He could not even believe he was dignifying that with a response. "I'm not in your head silly". "Of course you are. No other pony would be out here, much less without a coat." "Well, um, I do, am not really bothered by the cold" He smiled a great big smile waiting to see if that would pass as an answer. The Blue one is not amused. He does not even try with that. "Okay, so what are you doing out here?" "Well, um, I can't say" The white one stumbled to come up with something. suddenly, a blot of lightning struck his brain. "But, I'll go away if you tell me everything about your mission." "Sorry, but I can only discus it was Sombra, not some random snow pony." came the reply. The white pony stopped to think. Of course the blue pony continued south leaving his clone behind. He continued across the snow, stopping only once for lunch. He had a nice lettuce sandwich and if he hurried he could eat the entire thing before it froze. It was about at this time, during a small mouthful that a black pony appear before him. Not any black pony, but THE black pony, in steel armor and a distinctive red cap. "Lord Sombra!?" He gapped, for a moment before remembering his sandwich. The stuffed the rest of it into his mouth and swallowed whole. "Why are you not back guarding the Empire?" Sombra spoke. It was definitely his voice, but it did not seem to match his lips. "I really needed to make sure you understood the mission. Please recite it to me." The blue pony smiled, a small pleasurable smile. He understood this madness. Confidently, proudly he shouted, "My name is Blue Prints. It is a pleasure to meet you changling." "I am Sombra, not a changling." Sombra smiled an uncharacteristically wide grin. Blue Print was no fool. "I know you're a changling." 'Sombra' takes out a small book and hands it to Blue. The book is titled "Basic Rules For A Changling Spy" He flips to a page. The first line on the page read, "A changling spy should not carry this guild onto the field as it's discovery may reveille them as a changling." 'Sombra' then explains, he could not possibly be a changling, because if he was a changling he would not be carrying that book. "Well, I just so happened to be looking to get a meeting with Queen Chrysalis. And a changling partner, who of course would be privy to all my mission details, would a great asset on this trip." In a blaze of green fire Sombra's form burned down and was replaced by a small black bug. "I just so happened to be a changling!" He pronounced, "Name's sting." "You don't say." Blue and sting shook hands. The sit down and come to an agreement. Blue was out on a mission seeking allies. Sting would take him to Chrysalis and he would tell Sting all about the Chrystal Empire. The two set off. "One thing bothers me. Why did you changing into a white version of me?" "I never saw a crystal pony before." They continued south. "Hey Blue are you an architect?" "No, but for some reason everyone thinks so."
Night Of DreamsIt is silent. The night is always quiet, always so still. Only in the dark does time pass without distraction or interruption. Luna Pondered. At sunrise, the Canterlot legion could begin to prepare for a march north, but with the cold, that march would be far from easy. Her mane flowed outwards it blended with the night sky. Nopony would ever see her, but from the Canterlot Tower she could sure see all of them. Their hopes and dreams spread out as if small orbs upon the ground. She gazed out. Her keen eyes spotted on such dream of interest. The little pony though Celestia’s smile creepy. She lifted out her hoof and just like that the dream floated into Luna’s dark blue hoof. During her slumber she hid in the closet from Celestia’s dreadful grin. Luna gave the orb a shake and just like that the child was enjoying ice-cream with her best friend Celestia. That child sure did love ice-cream. Luna gave a light blow and the orb disintegrated into blue powder in the wind. Celestia will be the quickest to assure all her subjects of her perfection, this one task Luna could do far better. She smiled at the thought; it’s the subtitle details that make propaganda effective. Then again it did disappointer her that nopony ever dreamt about her. Her eyes spotted another orb of interest. Like the other it was summoned to her eyes. It was the dream of a despite pony one of Celestia’s servants. He fled the Canterlot and had just made it into griffin lands, were he though himself safe. In a flash the kingly griffins had begun beating her. Luna would be sure that later Celestia rescues her servant. She chuckled at the irony. She tossed the orb back off the tower. Although, she cannot help but notice that she never appears in anyponies slumber. That is why the crystal empire must become hers. She must be the one to take the empire, not her dearest sister. Only so many dreams can be examined each night, but one very special one remained. A solid black orb materialized in her hand. That’s odd she thought. She would examine this later for time now was running far too short. The orb shattered in a clap of between her hooves. ‘He’s awake now’ she sighed to herself. Her wings stretched and the pony of the night lifted into the sky. To the south, Canterlot began to shrink. Although, like a sparkling star its carefully polished walls could be seen all across Equestria Sombra’s eyes snapped open. Something had disturbed his rest, Luna most likely. Well he was awake now no sense going back asleep. His armor floated over to him and affixed itself with a click. He looked out from window. The sliver of light from the moon illuminated a the gardens and houses of his city. Tomorrow plans shall be made. It seems Luna herself assured that he shall not rest until positive the Empire was safe.
Of Crystal AffairsMost ponies hooves would make a clapping sound when walking the glass floor, but Crossed Arms' steps are more of a splut. Then maybe a few drips as she manages to spread mud across the mural. The thousands of tiny crystal hexagons when viewed from a scenes from the history of the crystal empire. Nearly no ponies would dare run muck across it or plant grass across upon it. Yet, Cross's mind spared little concern for art. She likely did not even know that they put a glass bust of her in the south-west hall. As she walked down the hall each and ever guard gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Her centurions always seem Whenever she saw them they always looked alert and professional. Entirely professional except for that silly helmet. She refused to wear one on principle. It pushed down her mane, replacing it with a fake red one. Perhaps, if she brought it up in the meeting it would not be a total waste of time. The Cross turned left into the meeting room. She took a seat next to her lieutenant, Lance. She promptly leaned back and crossed her arms. He is a tiny off-purple stallion sorting the same silver armor as Cross. On him this is what Cross would assume this is what they would call a clashing, because the armor matched her color perfectly. Except for her four feet, which were permanently stained the color of dirt, the armor blended into her color. Some pony not paying attention might not even realize she was wearing it. Going around the table there was a black unicorn, named Skytrotter. He was working quite hard to hold his chin up above the rest. It made his neck seem overly long, in the disturbing kind of way. Past Skytrotter, we have Chew. Cross could care less about the farmers real name. Everypony just calls him Chew. His cutie mark contains 17 ears of corn. That is 14 more than any other corn farmer in the Empire, perhaps the world. He was the civilian representative. At the head of the table, in a chair the color of coal, sat Sombra himself. Although the room was well lit, by a white crystal in the center of the room, the air around him just seemed dimmer somehow. The last member of the table was a younger orange unicorn. He wore think glasses which kept sliding down his bleached nose. They had a great table before them. Like a hazy sheet of ice the members avoided touching it for fear that it might break. Except for the orange one, Sunburst, he piled several tombs and scattered papers about the table. Chew almost seemed impressed by this. Lance and Skytrotter ignored him, but Crossed Arms rolled her eyes, silently thinking, "bureaucrats" in the most derogatory tone imaginable. Shuffling though the papers Sunburst seemed to find one he liked, hovering up to eye level. The pony cleared his throat and pushed his glasses back into place. Sunburst read aloud from the paper, "As you know this meeting has been called to..." "Wait," Skytrotter spoke. All eyes rotated to him. "A unicorn even of the highest level cannot overpower an alicorn." He continued with emphasis, "We must have surprise." He gaged the room. Cross looked cross, but that was normal. Lance nodded in agreement. Sombra himself which sat both relaxed and pondering. His poker face hinted at a small smile, showing the tip of this fang. Sombra's eyes locked with Skytrotter, "This is why I have secret magic even beyond you." Chew broke the spell. "I heard of a unicorn that nearly defeated Cadence." "That's not the point," Trotter screamed, a composed scream, but a scream nevertheless. Cross sighed, she knew exactly were this was going. "Get on with it" "Can we trust everyone here." It was at this moment that Sunburst realized Trotter was looking right at him, "me?" "Well, you did attend Celestia's magic academy." Cross pointed out, with half interest. An orange glow forced his glasses back over his eyes. "No one hates Celestia more than me." He said sheepishly. "That was not very convincing," cross spoke up. Sunburst began to talk about how terrible the school was, especially for him. His ears went limp and his head knelt down. It mattered not how much he studied he kept failing tests and kept having to be 'motivated' to preform better. "That's all well and good, but how did you get a copy of my spell to blacken dreams and guard your mind. "I gave him the spell," Sombra spoke. "He has proven," Sombra paused looking for the right word, "...resourceful." "Yes," Sunburst spoke up relieved at Sombra defense. "I even thought up a few improvements." Several books floated around, "if you combine it with..." "Enough," Trotter put his foot down on the table, "So you can cast powerful magic." By this point he was on the table. Horn glowing bright blue. "How about a magic duel." In a blink Sombra stood before the Skytrotter. "He has answered his accusation," Sombra voice echoed across the halls. "So, how did you know he possessed the spell" Trotter calmed. Trotter took a look at the King, his flowing cap, ghostly eyes and red horn. The intensity in those eyes would have slowed the average pony, but Trotter knew the king too well. He turned around heading back to his seat, "A good wizard never reveilles his secrets". Sombra materialized in his seat. "Please forgive the interruption." he added recognizing that Sombra is still a very powerful pony. "Your concerns were valid" Sombra noted. "You wizards are much too intense," Cross commented, "I just sleep during the day and Luna never bothers me." She smirked, "no fancy spell required" "Well, we cannot all sleep during the day" The rest of the meeting went fairly smoothly. Cross complained about uniforms for a little. It was decided that Skytrotter would be in command of secretly hiding and protecting the crystal heart. Chew gave a report on crops. A far too detailed report on the crops. Lance fell asleep, although he might have been sleeping from before the meeting started they could never be sure. Else place, the royal throne room of Canterlot was in use. A large pony stood overlooking the entire room. Behind her a blinding light originated. It was for this very purpose he forced the servants to be so diligent about polishing the palace. The marble floors shown like the sun. Most ponies had to shield just to catch a glimpse of her shadow. Celestia preferred it this way, few were worthy enough to see her perfection. The pegasus before her did not seem bothered by the shine. Her pith helmet might have provided the shade she needed. "I understand this sort of thing is a specialty of yours." Celestia address the grass colored pegasus. "The crystal heart is the source of the Empire's power." "I will not be required to work under anypony?" Her pink eyes stared into Celestia's silhouette. A chuckle could be heard. "No, Miss Yearly you will not." "Good, Daring Do works alone."
Destination StirrupburgBlue was beginning to regret his choice to follow a changeling. No, he did regret the choice. If Sting was any representation then the entire species could be described as imprecise and forgetful. Sting's 'short cuts' left Blue a little thinner than intended. Sting seemed unaffected by cold nor starvation, each meal time the changling's large pale blue eyes would just unrelentingly watch him eat. Blue just hoped that the creature did not feed upon him. Blue had no intention of being an soulless shell. Someplace he heard the advice, 'Never love a changling, for it will be your last love. Never care for them if you want to care again.' His feet groaned. Unlike the snow the dirt and gravel road did not comfort his feet at this moment, with each step his hooves moaned at him. Sting hovered, still in front of him. Slightly jealous of his ability to fly, Blue followed. The buzzing of wings stopped. Sting now on all fours turned to face the blue pony. "We are here" Sting noted. In the valley below there rested a sizeable pool of water and upon the shore a large town. According to the map the town was probably Stirrupburg, a north-eastern equestrian village. Looking through the telescope one could see many gold plated soldiers of Equestria. "Hey Blue," Sting said. "Yes," Blue Prints folded the telescope into his pocket. The town was walled as an extra problem. "Did you hear about the parasprite which ate the entire cherry pie?" Blue looked at his companion. He did his best to scrunch the skin above the his eyes together. He needed to look and sound annoyed. "I do not care". The chagnlings ears fell flat and the tale drooped. Blue could not help but notice how big his fangs were. Between the fangs and the black chitin horn, blue wondered how useful the changling in a brawl. Hopefully, it would not come to that. It like ponies just walked in and out of the front without a problem. It was worth a try. Blue began to Stirrupsburg. Behind him he saw a green flash, hopefully nopony else did. Soon, a yellow pegasus joined him. All Blue could think of was his feet, they groaned and of course Sting kept a form that could fly. The yellow pegasus landed next to Blue. Walking besides him, he said "You look nervous. Don't worry." The winged horse smiled. "I'll be right beside you." The pair made it all the way to the gate before anypony noticed. "You there! Halt" One of Celestia's warhorses rapidly closed the distance to them. Blue zoomed right in on the white warhorse's spear. It was unlikely that was just for show. The two quickened their pace, but it mattered little. The guard cut them off. "I have never seen you around before" He said. "I need to check your papers, should only take a second." He reiterated, "Yup a second." Eyes darted across the guard, looking for ideas. Perhaps a bribe. Seeing the stallion's cutie mark that was probably out of the question. On his flank a large thumbs up next to the face of his sovereign, Celestia. His eyes caught his partner's. Sting winked at him. Sting had a plan. Then the pegasus directly walked up to the guard. While, Blue might have taken a few steps back. The guard repeated, "Papers please, I need to inspect your papers." With the upmost confidence the yellow pony spoke, "We don't have any papers, so there is nothing to inspect". This is when Blue decided to run. About fifty feet away he paused. What about Sting? Sting was a changling; he did not look. He did not allow himself to care. The old saying, "Never care for them if you want to care again" The choice had been made. The guard must've been too busy with Sting to pursue. Blue's stomach rumbled, but this was nothing some grass could not fix. Tomorrow, he'd have a plan and maybe get a real meal. If the changeling queen dwelled in that city Blue was confident he'd find her. Blue when to sleep.
Continuation of DiplomacyThe compass spun. That was certainly new. Blue could not see anything familiar, no landmark, no roads, just grass. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After opening them he was still there, wherever there was. He took a look at his cutie mark, the stars would help him, except there was no star. That can't be right he though. He heard a sound, something vaguely familiarly. A vibration sound, buzzing. Sound echoed behind him. Spinning around he heard it to his left, then his right. Luna smiled at her work. She'd deal with the mustached spy later, once she was back from the north. Looking up at the sky a full moon looked back. With a thought she wiped it from the sky, sending it below the horizon. A moment later the sun took its place. Luna turned to pink pony beside her, "Art thy preparations complete?" "Absolutely, oky doky" said the pink one with the puffy pink hair and permanently affixed smile. "Just follow meeeeee!" Pinkie literally began bounding down the mountainside. When Luna's trot failed to keep up the pink one simple started bounding in circles around the alicorn. The whole way there the ambassador blathered small bits of information out, "Yaks like smashing, yaks talk in closer proximity, yaks get mad at imperfection, yaks are proud, yaks like stories, yaks get mad fake food, ..." She pause a few time to take a breath. In those moments Luna remembered how nice the quiet of night could be. If one thing was certain its that yaks get mad a lot. Their path ended in from of a wooden village, surrounded by palisade. Snow held the gate open and three yaks stood between the massive yak statues in the opening, each braided beard down to their knees and nice Mongolia hat rested on their heads. The Yak in the middle, Prince Rutherford, made himself distinct with many, golden rings adorning horns and the lighter, cleaner complexion upon his fur. The two groups approached each other. Luna stopped once within a few feet, but the yaks continued till much closer. "Ponies, greetings ponies" The Prince yelled within inches of Pinky Pies face, blowing the pink ponies hair state backwards. Luna knew she could do better. "Yaks," she spoke load and bold, "We greeteth thee!". She made sure to shout in the face of all three yaks instead of just Pinkie Pies, like the yak. The prince spoke again in his boisterous official tone, "Yaks confused. Yaks thought pink pony said yaks was meeting leader of Equestria." "We art the leader of Equestria." Luna stood tall with pride. The yak prince yelled in the face of Luna. "Leader of ponies is white pony. Yaks smash, fake pony" The yanks slammed into Luna, driving her back across the snow. In a blue flash the two had been thrown apart. The yak prince turned and charged again, only to find his feet not making contact with the ground. Soon the other two yaks drifted over to join him. "awe, why you'd have to do that." Pinkie said, walking over to Luna. "It t'was indeed a poor choice for them." Luna said. "Not them, silly you" The pink pony, "all you had to do was fly away and they'd smash their own village. It would be so much fun" "They'd really smash their own villiage?" "Yup". Prince of the Yaks spoke, "Shadow pony says, Yaks stay up north for anger management. Ponies make yaks want to smash. Then ponies drive yaks far north." "Now a million crazy yaks are going to smash you" Pinkie screamed. There were indeed a large number of snarling angry yaks surrounding them. Luna wondered how she did not see them till now. "Release, Prince Rutherford" one yak yells. There were too many for her alone. Luna mind began thinking through the situation. She could leave, but then her sister would laugh so hard at her and maybe be a little mad about leaving the element of laughter. The princes flew right up to the yak. "Yaks, thou should not be forced to live in in this wasteland." "Yak like yak wasteland." The reply gave Luna a moment of hesitation, but she continued, "I will help thee defeat King Sombra" "Yak no need Pony help to defeat shadow pony." "Prove it." Pinkie hollered up at the pair. "Yaks can crush crystal ponies" "No they cannot" Said Pinkie "Yaks prove yaks strong, yaks smash empire. " the prince drops to the ground and the two leaders came to a swift agreement. Pinkie Pie whispered something in the Yak princes ear. "Ha," he shouted, "pink pony does understand yak. Yaks will destroy shadow pony for blue pony princess." Then the whole herd walked off. "What did thee say," Luna asked. "Oh, nothing important" Pinkie replied. "What of other two yaks" Pinkie asked. "We cannot let and thy attack upon us go unpunished." Luna officially said. "May, I have some fun with them. Please, please, please, please!!!!" "Thou have fun" Luna took flight, "Thee earned it" "Oh, goodie," she turned right. She turned to the released Yaks, with a devious grin. "Let's play a game, winner walks free looser goes to Tartarus."
