Three Days Later – Equestria; Canterlot, Canterlot Castle; 9:00am

After the events that occurred in the Everfree Forest, Princess Celestia had called a meeting of every nation’s leader to discuss about the recent events that happened in Equestria the past week. The ones to accept are coming themselves or sending representatives of their own.

The ones that accepted Celestia’s request for a meeting of the nations, was Dragon Lord Ember who decided to come alone for this meeting, Cadance and her husband Shining Armor who arrived yesterday while Cadance stayed in Canterlot since the fight with Ouros. Others who accepted is Prince Rutherford of the Yaks, the recent monarch of the changelings, King Thorax, Chieftain Thunderhooves of the Buffalo, various delegates from the Breezies, Saddle Arabia, and Prance.

A surprising guest is an ambassador from Aquastria, a small detail not a lot of beings know about Celestia and Luna is that the ruler of Aquastria – King Leo – is their cousin… the story behind that is long, but only few beings know this and some historians who dug deep into Equestria’s history.

The Griffon Lords of Griffonstone – several members of griffon high society who hold control different parts of Griffonstone and the surrounding lands – accepted the request but due to internal problems in the Griffon Kingdom, two of the prominent members of the Griffon Lords send their own representatives. The two lords’ representatives are Lord Gestal, the most well-respected of all the Griffon Lords and sometimes their figure leader, and Lord Goldstone, who’s merchant business and connections makes him the richest griffon in the kingdom.

Another surprise was that the ruler of the minotaurs accepted the meeting too and that President Ironhorn of the Minotaur Republic would come to the meeting himself, he did said on his response letter that he would bring a guest with him. The minotaurs and ponies have an interesting history together or rather they have none as neither side has ever made much contact with each other – both before and after Celestia and Luna started to rule Equestria.

Not all rulers didn’t accept this meeting, King Aspen of the Thicket didn’t accept the invitation even though the deer live in the Everfree Forest and are practically the closest nation to Equestria with the Crystal Empire being a close second. Their reasons varied but the main one was due to the need of wanting to be seclusive from the outside world… though this was odd as Twilight and her friends had helped King Aspen and his son, Prince Bramble in the past with… “land property”.

Apparently ever since the events that occurred after Chrysalis being evicted from ruling the changelings, the deer haven’t made any contact with the outside world, even Twilight or Fluttershy can’t enter the Thicket anymore, though they do get to talk to Bramble though even he has no idea why his father is currently uncommunicative with the outside.

The various diamond dog tribes and zebra tribes can’t seem to get along or are too busy dealing with their own internal business that neither race has tried to send a representative of their own… though there hasn’t been any recorded moment in any of the nations’ history books that remembers either side being united under one banner or to have a single ruler.

However these aren’t the only kingdoms there, as there is evidence of kingdoms beyond Equestria and further out, but due to distance, unknown territory, or even having little to zero information on these other kingdoms, it was unlikely for Celestia to send any messengers or to personally send any form of letter to said kingdoms… that and Equestria hasn’t made any personal or previous contact with these unknown nations.

Due to the suddenness of this meeting, only half of those that accepted has so far arrived with the others arriving for the past three days. Celestia waited at her room’s balcony and with her was Luna as she watched the arriving chariots of the delegates and leaders have used to arrive to Canterlot.

“So sister… how has the investigations of your Lunar Guard been going so far? Have they found any evidence of ‘them’ within Northern Equestria,” asked Celestia.

“My guards have scoured the forests of Northern Equestria for these past three days, I also had them stationed and spread the news to any border outposts between the Frozen North and Equestria. Any towns and cities in Northern Equestria have had their respected guard companies informed of any strangers coming near the town… while so far we haven’t seen any evidence of them, we currently have them boxed and they should be forced to head through the railroads that connect Equestria to the Crystal Empire.”

“Ah, so your plan is to force them into a pincer move between Equestria and the Empire… but...”

Luna raised her brow as Celestia pointed at some mountains that bordered Equestria and the Frozen North. “What about the Crystal Mountains? Have you had guards patrolling those mountains, while they can me difficult to traverse, I doubt that… being would have difficulties climbing them.”

“Hmmmm… You have a point, but Chrysalis is with him and while we can’t sense that mysterious power he’s using, it does leave behind noticeable energy signature when used. I do have them patrolling said mountains but to a certain extent, they are like a maze sister and I wish not to risk our guards to get lost or encounter any of the wild-life living within said mountains.”

Luna has a point, for now we have to hope they don’t think of using the mountains as a way to travel the Frozen North… and if they do…

The two are interrupted when a knock from Celestia’s door is heard, calling for the one knocking to enter, a Royal Guardspony enters, bowing to both princesses. “My majesties, all of the dignitaries and leaders have all arrived, they are all meeting in the meeting chamber as you instructed.”

“Thank you for telling us my pony, return back to your duties, let’s go Luna, we should get Twilight to come to this meeting too,” said Celestia.

“Is it wise to have her come? Yes she is indeed a princess but… do you think she is ready?” asked Luna.

“I am certain, she has also seen… anyway, with her as a witness and as I have told her of what you and I saw below the Tree of Harmony she’ll better explain to everyone in detail about what’s going on, and understand the threat this is to all of us,” said Celestia.

“Alright…” Soon afterwards, Celestia, Luna, and Twilight reach the meeting chamber’s doors, until both doors open by the two guards posted by them. Entering, they find the rest of the invited dignitaries and leaders all sat around a round wooden table, with three seats left empty that are opposite from the doors.

Once all three sit down, Twilight looks at each of the dignitaries and leaders and where they’re sat. Sitting beside Twilight was Cadance with Shining beside her, on the same side of the table they’re sitting at is also Ember, Thorax, Chief Thunderhooves, Prince Rutherford, the ambassador of Aquastria, a walrus by the name of Tusk, and Delegate Seabreeze – the breezie that Fluttershy helped him and the other breezies to get back to their village.

On the other side of the table where Luna was sitting was the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia, two Prance Delegates, the Saddle Arabian delegates, Haakim and Amira, the representatives of Lord Gestal and Lord Goldstone – Gynlenn and Eagen – and President Ironhorn with his plus-one… The strange part about his plus-one was both his attire and the item that was left leaning on the chair he sat on.

From what Twilight and the others know so far, this minotaur is part of an old bloodline of minotaurs that has been going as far back before the republic – even further back – making him an important role within the Minotaur Republic. So far they know his name is Rath, an old minotaur name that means bloom or something, he also has a distinct accent, as he leaned against his chair with a grin, both his arms crossed against his muscled chest.

“Thank you all for coming, but as I wouldn’t call this meeting to introduce any new leaders and anything else, let us get to the point of the discussion,” said Celestia.

“Finally, I thought we had to wait any longer, if we’re not here to introduce Thorax here, what exactly has gotten your feather ruffled princess?” asked Ember.

“My my, aren’t you in a hurry,” said one of the Prance delegates.

“I agree with dragon! Why did pony princess call yak here!?”

“Does it have anything to do with that mysterious explosion at the Badlands, my fellow buffalo had felt that sudden distortion of wind at our tents,” said Thunderhooves. “Has something occurred princess?”

“Yeah, what’s going on, we breezies felt some weird feeling back in our own homes, yet that shouldn’t been possible with where our home is located!” shouted Seabreeze, his voice being heard with the help of a magic item to enhance his voice to be louder.

Here Luna is the one to stand up, looking at Celestia who nods, with her signal Luna beings to tell everyone present about Chrysalis’s recent activities, of what was possibly behind the strange explosion at the Badlands, the recent attacks at one of their border outposts… and the encounter in Ponyville with an ancient evil.

“Well… before we begin why we brought you all here, you should all know about what has occurred… and of a something both my sister and I have learned a thousand years… First we must ask you all something that relates to what I have to say – do any of you know… what is an Ancient?”

Five days later – Frozen North; Crystal Mountains; 6:30am

Five days have passed since Ouroborus and Chrysalis have escaped from the Castle of Two Sisters and appeared at Galloping Gorge, after traversing through Northern Equestria’s far stretching forests; the two had to survive within these dense forests for nearly two days, for those two days at some point they had found a railroad and thought to follow it, but after noticing some guard patrols near the railroads, they changed planned.

Avoiding any form of civilization and sticking and traveling through the denser parts of the forest, they managed to reach the Crystal Mountains. Having sneaked by a guard patrol into the mountains, the two have climbed and survived within the mountains for three days, most of those days they are forced to stay within a cave due to the sudden snow storms – Chrysalis was the reason they stayed in those caves until the storms calmed, though Ouros took as a chance to nap.

Currently, the two are traversing the mountains, with Ouros attire having not changed the slightest while Chrysalis was given a fur coat – Ouros gave her one through what he calls “Magical Inventory Box” – and snow goggles – also from Ouros and his box.

Chrysalis tiredly trudged through the snow until Ouros paused, gazing at the far horizon… and a particular sight in the distance. “Well damn… didn’t expect there being a city in the middle of snow wasteland… Buncha crazy bastards somehow live here and survive I will never figure out how they managed that.”

“...Are you serious! I told you the Crystal Empire is here and they use an artifact call the Crystal Heart that uses a dome fueled by the positive emotions of the Crystal Ponies!”

“The Crystal Heart? Are you faffin kiddin me, what kinda little girl’s imagination are you spoutin about!”

What the heck are you talking about, since when did you change accents?

“I’ll change my accent when I want to, now shush and keep talking about this Crystal Imperium-”

“Empire.”

“Whatever, just keep reminding me what I’m looking at right now,” said Ouros, with a wild grin.

Chrysalis sighed and retold what she said before they started climbing these mountains to Ouros about what she knows about the empire, this included its citizens, the geography, the rulers – which she know personally – and the Crystal Heart. After doing so, Ouros scratched his chin in thought… then turned to face her with a shrug.

“So it’s a buncha ponies like any other pony but all crystally and they’re constantly happy almost always… Yeesh, they’re face muscles must be strained from the constant smiling… especially being made of crystals.”

“They’re not- No what, I give up, you can think of whatever you want… just… do you plan on heading to the empire to resupply, we are kind of low on supplies to make it up Mount Everhoof,” said Chrysalis.

Ouros nodded quickly, Chrysalis giving an exhausted sigh before quickly transforming into her disguise. This is going to be a hassle and I just know it. The two make their way down to the mountain and head towards the Crystal Empire.

At the same time – Frozen North; Crystal Empire, Empire Train Station; 6:30am

After the meeting, Shining Armor and Cadance stayed in Canterlot for awhile to be with family and friends until they left Cnaterlot last night and arrived at the empire in the early morning. The two were escorted by some Royal Guard ponies that Shining knew back in his days as the Guard Captain of Canterlot, after they finally arrived at the station, Shining invited the guards to stay in the empire for the day.

“Thank you sir, we’ll stay at a local tavern if that’s alright with you.”

“That’s fine, be sure to explore around until you return back,” said Shining. The guards soon bowed to the two and left, leaving Shining and Cadance heading back to the Crystal Castle on their own.

“It was nice to see my mom and dad, especially Twilight, hope she was alright from meeting that supposed Father of Sin,” said Cadance.

“What about you, you fought against him with Twilight, her friends, and the other princesses,” said Shining. “Didn’t you face against him too?”

“Barely, I only saw him from a distance while Twilight spoke and faced against him up close… and the way she described him during the meeting.” Cadance shivered at the discussion at the meeting, Luna’s story, Twilight’s explanation, and the threat he holds to not just Equestria but all life too.

Sighing to herself from how exhausting these past week has been, Cadance leaned against her husband, Shining comforting her in turn.

“Come on, let’s go see Flurry and Sunburst and see if anything has happened while we were away,” said Shining.

As the two headed to the castle, they were welcomed by fellow crystal ponies, the crystal guards that were posted and patrolling the streets, and some tourists that visit the empire. As they neared the capital, they spotted Sunburst with Flurry on his back with her forehooves on top his head; happily fluttering her wings at the sight of her parents, Flurry flew to them, right into Cadance’s hooves.

“Ohhhh, I miss you sweetie! Have you been a good girl?”

Flurry did a thoughtful look then nodding happily, Cadance looked at Sunburst and he shrugged. “Nothing much happened while you two were away and while Flurry was a little excited for awhile, she’s been doing well,” said Sunburst. “By the way, why did the princess call for you and the other world leaders for, nothing like this hasn’t happened in centuries.”

Cadance looked at Shining until facing Sunburst again. “I’ll tell you everything Sunburst, but dear, I think you should have the Crystal Guard better informed about the situation.”

Shining understood, as he saw his wife, daughter, and close adviser head into the castle, Shining went to the empire barracks and speak to the empire’s general about the threat of Chrysalis and the entity known as the Father of Sin. If I remember correctly, Twilight said Chrysalis is using a new disguise by the name of a pony called Iniquity, need to remind all guards to report any suspicious ponies with that name and look.

Frozen North; Crystal Empire; 9:00am

After Chrysalis and Ouros finally reached the foot of the mountains, Ouros had to do something else in the snow wastelands surrounding the empire. Now alone and in her disguised form, Chrysalis arrived at the empire just an hour on hoof after leaving the foot of the mountains.

Chrysalis – who was using her Iniquity unicorn disguise – was looking for supplies in the empire’s marketplace. She wasn’t wearing the coat Ouros gave her as she returned it back to him, but he gave her a black scarf that gave of a warmth enchantment. Though the fur on that coat was soft…

Chrysalis examined the different wares from the different stalls, but she was trying to find supplies for climbing a mountain, this involved mountain climbing equipment, some tinderboxes to start a fire, food, though they don’t need food as neither need to eat anything – Chrysalis only needs to eat the emotions coming out of Ouros… though it felt weird eating his emotions, and Ouros… from her knowledge he doesn’t eat though he was eating chocolate that one time.

Well no harm in getting something to eat, it’ll at least help if we were to get separated suddenly.

After buying what she needs, Chrysalis decides to enjoy her time in the empire and explore around. While looking around the sights, Chrysalis was too busy with her current task that she didn’t notice the Royal Guard pony – who wasn’t wearing their armor – saw Chrysalis disguised form.

Being informed about the situation and to look out for a unicorn by the name of Iniquity, the guard knew that if that pony was here means not only was that possibly Chrysalis, but the entity that faced against the princesses was nearby too. “I need to find the prince, quickly.”

Frozen North; Outskirts of the Crystal Empire; 9:15am

After Ouros left Chrysalis to handle gathering supplies, he want for a walk around the snow wastelands that surround the Crystal Empire and further throughout the Frozen North. He’s been traveling aimlessly since then, so far he’s found nothing but snow, ice, nearly falling into a pitfall – he simply walked on the air after noticing it – and weirdly a snowman in the middle of the tundra.

I’m pretty certain that snowman was smiling at me… creepy sonna of a-

Ouros was interrupted from his thoughts when he spotted something on the ground, the item after taking a better look at it was a red horn curved that emanated an energy he was deeply familiar with.

“Found ya, now time to find that other thing,” said Ouros, picking up the horn and putting it away.

With one of his objectives done, he wandered further out until he finds the other thing in the Frozen North. Standing tall like an oasis in the desert was the red crystal, strange dark whispers being heard from it as he got closer. Ouros smiles to himself, halfway done with what he came for, approaching the crystal he mutters.

“Beware, beware, for what dwells in the dark.”

After his chant, he approaches the red crystal as the voices increase in volume, a bright red light envelops him and the surrounding area. As the light dims, Ouros is gone as the voices continuing whispering quietly once more.

Author's Note

What mysteries lie beyond this strange crystal, Ouros has much to reveal as he has much to hide? Deception is a two-way street, and neither ally nor foe are spared by it.

Chrysalis thoughts on her companion grow doubts within her psyche, but too focused on her doubts, she's unable to see the storm of trouble soon approaching her. Will she manage by herself or will she meet her folly soon?

Within this jewel of crystal wrapped in ice, a treasure worth taking or a deceptive tomb that'll be her end?

Thoughts/Narration/Dialogue:
Celestia
Chrysalis
Shining Armor
Ouroboros