Pony Team Epic

Shining Collection

Chapter 1: The Premise

It’s common practice for a person, place or thing to be referred to as some type of precious stone. The Ruby of the Desert, the Jewel of the North, the Topaz of Indigestion, etcetera. An obscenely few of them could claim those titles as literal interpretations, case in point: the Crystal Empire.

Vast, radiant, and made entirely of crystal (hence the name), it was quite the success story: a kingdom once hidden beneath harsh tundra for a millenia, flourishing immensely in the span of just a few short years, mostly thanks to the efforts and administration of their current rulers. Its crystalline-coated citizens walked the polished streets with light hearts and big smiles, effusing a collective goodwill that fed their prized Crystal Heart and kept it spinning with harmonious vibes. And looking over and enjoying such pristine harmony was none other than the Crystal Prince himself.

Shining Armor stood on a balcony jutting out from one of the spires of the grand Crystal Castle, his kingdom gleaming before him under the morning sun. He smiled at the view, sipping coffee from a magic-encased mug, feeling pretty swell and caffeinated. No better time of day to take in the breadth of one’s achievements, really. Especially over a good cup o’ Joe.

“Wanting to get jittery so early?”

Shining turned and saw the smiling look of his beloved wife Cadance, as radiant as the very castle they inhabited, even without all the glaring pink. The prince brought around his mug, returning the alicorn’s playful smile.

“It’s just my first cup. Besides, Twilight’s the one with the coffee addiction.”

“Boy do I know it. Or at least the way Celestia tells me.” Cadance trotted up to her husband and the two shared a loving kiss. “Morning, my love. Sleep well?”

“Like a dream. How’s Flurry?”

“Our little lady will be in Sunburst’s hooves for today, so she won’t be interrupting any official royal business.”

“Hmm, shame. Probably the only time I’d appreciate having one of her magical outbursts. But, since you mentioned it…” Shining sighed, then finished off his coffee. “Guess there’s no point staving off the inevitable.”

“That’s right. Time to play King, my king.”

“Of course, my queen.”

Cadance giggled as the two of them trotted out from the balcony and through their private chambers. On the way out, they passed by a lime-colored crystal pony with a done-up maroon mane in a maid’s uniform, dusting a flower vase and stand.

“Good morning, your Majesties!” the maid greeted cheerily, putting aside her feather duster. “I’ll begin cleaning your rooms in just a moment.”

“There’s no need to rush for our sakes, Dewdrop,” Shining Armor said. “It’ll be hours before we set hoof back in them.”

“It’s no trouble at all, my prince. I’m just about finished dusting the hallway here. And if you’d like, I could take that mug for you if you’re done with it.”

“Oh, that would be very nice of you, if it’s no trouble.”

“None whatsoever!”

“Great. I’ll just uh, um, er… put it here.” Shining hovered the empty mug gently onto the stand holding the vase. Cadance beamed warmly at their servant.

“Your services are truly appreciated, Dewdrop.”

“It’s my pleasure to serve you both everyday, my princess.”

“Wonderful. You may carry on, then.”

Dewdrop bowed, and the royal couple continued on their way so she could resume her work with enthusiasm.

“She's such a great part of the staff,” Shining remarked. “But a serious workaholic; I don't think I've ever seen her on break. We really ought to give her some vacation days.”

“Yes, she is quite the sweetheart. But you should probably be concerning yourself with other things besides the cute little maid,” Cadance teased, causing some her husband some lighthearted dismay before looking off to the side.

"...What? Were you expecting me to tear my face apart to reveal Popuko? Oh no, there's none of that. This is a whole other can of fuckery that's about to be opened. Consider this your final warning, Dr. Harford. But otherwise, without further ado..."

Let's get this bitch started.