Author's Note

Edited by the amazing WurkyWilk358 OwO

The Crystal Empire Part 1

Jason, Spike, Avril, and the Mane six were all on the train heading for Canterlot after Celestia had sent word for Twilight for some sort of test. Jason had left Scootaloo in the care of Granny Smith and Big Mac while they left. Twilight was now currently sitting on Jason’s lap as he helped her calm down by letting her cuddle him.

“You’re gonna be fine, Twilight. You’re one of the smartest people-I mean, ponies I know here in Equestria. If anyone can pass this test, it’s you,” Jason assured her as he stroked her mane.

“You don’t understand, I didn’t have any prep time to study at all! What if I fail? What if Celestia sends me back to kindergarten magic class? What if I’m banned from learning magic?! What if-” Twilight’s ramblings were cut off by a pair of warm lips as Jason kissed her lovingly. Twilight practically melted in the kiss as she happily leaned in. Jason slowly pulled away and smiled at her.

“You’re gonna be fine, babe. But if you’re still nervous, maybe we can ask Celestia to give you some more time to…relax~?” Jason growled deeply like an animal, making Twilight turn bright red, as well as made the mares and Avril blush as well.

“Ewww!” Spike gagged as he covered his eyes. “Are we there yet?” Just as he asked, the train stopped and Spike quickly walked off, the others did as well and gave Twilight words of encouragement before she and Spike walked off to meet with Celestia.

Over in the castle the two rulers of Equestria were looking at a mural of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence using their love to save Canterlot as they discussed their plans on Twilight’s test.

“Are you sure you don't wish for me to go, sister?” Luna asked.

“Yes. Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are already there, and the others will join them soon,” Celestia told her

“The Empire’s magic is strong, sister. It cannot fall again,” Luna warned.

“She will complete her task, and when she does we will know she is one step closer to passing the test,” Celestia said.

“Ahem.” Celestia and Luna turned to see Twilight smile sheepishly while carrying two bags overpacked with books, quills, papers, and other material for her test.

“Trust me, little sister. Everything will be fine.” Celestia assured her sister. Luna walked past Twilight and glanced at her, a look of hopefulness yet worry on the Princess’s face as she walked by Twilight.

Twilight sweated nervously as she stumbled on her words and her supplies started to fall out of her bags.

“I have plenty of papers and quills to show my work-oh no!” Twilight accidentally dropped her bags and a scroll rolled out, Celestia used her magic to then put all the supplies in the bags.

“This is a different kind of test. The Crystal Empire has returned,” Celestia told her. Twilight blinked a few times before using her magic to open and flip through the pages, trying to find any information.

“I-I’m sorry, but I-I don’t think I studied that,” Twilight said fearfully.

“Of course you wouldn’t have. Even my knowledge on it is limited.” Celestia then used her magic to bring a fairly large crystal from a glass case and brought it over to the floor in front of Twilight. Celestia then poured some of her magic into the crystal and the gem suddenly revealed a map of a kingdom made of crystal.

“What I do know is that it holds a powerful magic. A thousand years ago, King Sombra, a unicorn who’s heart was black as night, took over the Crystal Empire.” Suddenly the map became twisted as sharp black crystals spurted from the ground and the tip of the castle formed the head of a stallion unicorn with sharp fangs, black mist flowing mane, and a red tipped horn. Soon the ponies of the Empire were seen enslaved, chained, beaten, and other horrible acts. Some ponies were even wearing some sort of armor and the eyes of their helmets glowed green “It wasn’t until my sister and I turned him into shadows and banished him into the Arctic Ice that his reign was finally put to an end, but not before he could put a curse on the empire. A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air.” The map suddenly vanished in a flash.

“If the Empire is filled with hope and love, then that will reflect all over Equestria. But, if hatred and fear takes over.” Celestia’s eyes then changed into green and a purple mist emitted from her eyes, her horn lighting up in green and purple as she blasted the crystal. Soon black crystals like the one King Sombra used grew from the floor. Twilight stepped back in fear at the display of dark magic. Celestia used her true magic to then blast away the black crystal and look down at Twilight. “That is why I need your help once more to protect it.” Celestia explained to Twilight.

“Y-You want me to protect an entire empire?” Twilight asked, a look of disbelief and doubt in her eyes.

“It is, as I said, a different kind of test.” Celestia put away the crystal and smiled down at Twilight. “But it’s a test I know you can pass.”

“Then how can I help?” Twilight asked, a look of determination now in her eyes.

“By joining with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor at the Crystal empire,” Celestia told her student.

“My brother and sister-in-law are there too?” Twilight smiled at the thought of meeting her brother and sister-in-law once more.

“They are. And your Ponyville friends and Jason will surely help you as well,” Celestia said. “But remember, Twilight, in the end it must be you who saves the crystal empire.”

“I won’t let you down,” Twilight said with confidence.

“Good, now hurry. There is no time left to lose.” Celestia then shut the door and all the confidence Twilight had disappeared as her head hung low and she slowly walked out.

Spike waited at the stairs and then jumped to his feet once he saw Twilight.

“Twilight! Did you finish already? That test must’ve been a breeze,” Spike said, unaware of Twilight’s current state. “So did you get an A+?” Spike asked. Twilight merely glanced back at him before hanging her head once more. “A-? B+?” Spike said softly before he gasped.
“Twilight! Did you…fail?” He whispered, not wanting to upset her further.

https://youtu.be/i1P53PMYoA8

Once Spike and Twilight came back to the train station Jason and the others all greeted Twilight with cheers.

“It’s time to celebrate!” Pinkie Pie pulled out her party cannon and was about to fire it but Twilight stopped her.

“Not yet, girls. First we must save the Crystal Empire!” Twilight declared.

“…the what?” They all asked.

Once again, the main six and Jaon were on a train heading towards the Crystal Empire. Jason had sent a letter back to Scootaloo, telling her what was happening and promising to bring back a gift. Avril held Jason’s hand and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, we’ll see our little angel soon,” Avril said as she kissed his cheek.

“Yeah, I know. Just want to be there for her, you know?” Jason said as he looked out the window.

“You will, handsome.” Avril nuzzled his cheek. Soon the train stopped and they all stepped out to see a frozen tundra during a blizzard. Jason and Avril were fine as their armor and fur kept them warm.

“Ha! And you all made fun of me for bringing so many scarfs,” Rarity said as Spike was carrying a dozen suitcases.

“Spike, leave the bags. We are not taking them,” Jason said as he helped remove the suitcases from Spike’s back. Rarity pouted at this. Soon a figure started to walk towards them, Jason kept his hands on the grip of his pistols until the figure appeared. It wore black glasses, black scarf, and black and purple armor. The figure removed the glasses and scarf to reveal Shining Armor.

“Twily!” Shining armor ran up and hugged his sister.

“Shining!” Twilight smiled as they embraced. Shining Armor then looked up and saw Jason, narrowing his eyes at him.

“What is that doing here?” Shining Armor sneered.

“Here to save your sorry ass,” Jason said, glaring at Shining after putting his helmet back on.

“Enough! We don’t have time for you two to be at each other’s throat like two dogs,” Applejack scolded them

“I’ll deal with you later, but she’s right. Something is out here.” Shining Armor said as they started walking through the snow. Suddenly they heard a loud deep roar. “Everypony run!” Shining Armor told them, Jason picked up Spike and carried him on his back as they started running. Jason looked back and went wide eyed to see a black mist appear with two glowing green eyes. Jason took out his pistol and started running and shooting at it, but it did nothing. “Get behind the shield!” Shining Armor said as he stopped and his horn lit up. Attacking the shadowy mist. The others all jumped through the barrier and sighed in relief, Shining Armor came in a few seconds later.

“Shining Armor!” Twilight ran to his side as she gasped, his horn was covered in small black crystals. Shining Armor was now unable to use his magic.

“Damn. What the hell is that crap on your horn?” Jason asked while using detective mode and examining his horn.

“It’s King Sombra’s dark magic. Something he used to stop his slaves and others from rising against him.” Shining Armor groaned, Twilight helped him to his hooves. Avril then looked over and gasped.

“Uh, guys? You might wanna see this,” Avril said. The others all turned and gasped at what they saw.

“Holy Moly!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in amazement.

Soon the group found themselves walking through the streets of the Crystal empire.

“I-It’s…I-I can’t even…oh darling, this is simply breathtaking!” Rarity was swooning over the beauty of the castle.

“Meh, I’ve seen better,” Rainbow said, unimpressed.

“Yeah, me too. The Bat Cave is nicer than this,” Jason commented in the same tone.

“Are you both crazy?! How could you say that about-” Rarity stopped as she heard Jason and Rainbow Dash laughing, soon the others joined in as well. “Oh, haha.” Rarity giggled shyly as she smiled. Playfully nudging Jason and Rainbow Dash. The group then made their way to the crystal palace and up to the throne room. Sitting on the throne was another alicorn mare who was none other than Princess Cadence herself. She had bags under her eyes, her body seemed weak, and she looked like she would fall over at any moment. She wore a long pink dress that exposed a bit of cleavage, her back, and was cut at the sides for leg room.

“Cadence!” Twilight called out. Cadence looked up and her face lit up with joy.

“Twilight!” Cadence stood up and ran over to Twilight.

“Sunshine sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hands and do a little shake!” Twilight and Cadence then did a cute little dance and laughed. Jason tilted his head in confusion, feeling lost as to what just happened.

“We have to see each other more when Equestria isn’t at stake.” Cadence smiled, but then winced as her horn faintly glowed.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight had a look of worry and concern as she looked at Cadence’s weakened state.

“I’m fine,” Cadence said.

“She’s not fine. She has been up for over a week keeping the barrier up. She barely eats and hasn’t slept.” Shining Armor held his wife close to him.

“To keep that out?” Jason pointed out the window to see the black mist outside the barrier.

“King Sombra. My magic is powered by love so it’s the only thing that can hold him back, but I’m not sure how much longer it will hold,” Cadence said. Only to then stare at Jason. “M-My apologizes, but who are you?” Cadence asked. Jason smirked and took off his helmet, walking over to Twilight and grabbing her hip.

“Name’s Jason Todd.” Jason introduced himself before pulling Twilight in for a deep and passionate kiss. Twilight yelped in shock but soon moaned and melted in the kiss. One of her hooves standing up, Jason slowly pulled away and Twilight had a goofy smile on her face and was giggling a bit. “Twilight’s boyfriend,” Jason said. “And these beautiful ladies are my beautiful and sexy herd.” Jason winked at them, making them blush. Shining Armor and Cadence both gasped and had their jaws dropped for different reasons. Cadence was shocked to see an actual living HUMAN in Equestria, having read about them in myths and such, and also shocked to see that Twilight had a coltfriend. Not to mention, quite the handsome one at that. Shining Armor, however, was more shocked about the fact that his little sister was DATING a murdering criminal.

“You BASTARD!” Shining Armor lunged at Jason but Jason quickly side stepped away, Shining Armor started swinging at Jason as Jason ducked and blocked his attacks.

“Shining, stop it!” Twilight pleaded.

“You had better not have laid a finger on her!” Shining Armor shouted as he tried to kick Jason in his sides but Jason caught his hoof.

“Fuck you!” Jason punched Shining Armor across the face. Soon tackling Shining to the floor and the two wrestled across the floor.

“Enough!” Twilight shouted as she used her magic to pull Shining and Jason away from each other and held them up in the air. “You two had BETTER get along! We have bigger problems to deal with!” Twilight sternly told them as she gently set them down. Shining Armor and Jason glared at each other.

“This isn’t over…” Shining Armor growled.

“Not by a long shot.” Jason gave him the finger. “So how exactly do we deal with Mr. Mist over there?” Jason asked

“With Cadence keeping up the barrier and me patrolling the arctic, we haven’t had time to speak with the crystal ponies about King Sombra,” Shining Armor told them.

“Crystal ponies?!” Rarity squealed in excitement, only to smile sheepishly as the others looked at her. “Sorry.”

“But there has to be one who knows how to hold King Sombra without having to use Cadence’s magic.” Shining Armor hummed in thought.

“That’s it! A research paper! That’s why Princess Celestia sent me here. To create a research paper on the Crystal ponies, use that to defeat Sombra, and save the Crystal Empire.” Twilight giggled in excitement.

“I would’ve suggested shooting him, but let’s go with that,” Jason said as he put his helmet back on.

“Not everything can be solved with a gun, honey,” Avril, told Jason.

“I know that. That’s why I have two guns.” Jason twirled his pistols to show off, Avril giggled and playfully bumped her hip against his as they made their way out to try and get any information from the Crystal ponies.

“Pardon me, Mr. Todd?” Cadence called out. “Forgive me, but I would like to request that I speak to you in private.” Shining looked at Cadence with shock and disbelief but she just gave him a cold gaze. “And I mean only the two of us, Shining Armor.” Shining Armor looked over at Jason and glared at him, but turned back to his wife and sighed softly

“Alright, fine. But if he tries anything, let me know,” Shining said as he headed out to do his patrol with some of the guards. Jason walked over to Cadence and waved at her.

“If you’re expecting me to bow or anything like that, don’t bother. I ain’t bowing,” Jason told her.

“Quite the opposite, I’d like to inquire about your relationship with my sister-in-law,” Cadence said in a more calm tone.

“Oh, well…where to start?” Jason chuckled as he started to explain everything to Cadence from who he is, his world, how he came to Equestria, and how he met Twilight and the others. “I…wasn’t the best guy to be around, especially in this kind of world, and I admit that I was a huge piece of shit, but I tried to be somewhat decent. It was Twilight who helped me with settling in to this world, she offered me her friendship, and soon enough her love. Look, I’m not the best guy, I know that, but…I will do anything to make Twilight happy, to make them all happy. And I hope you and I can get along, and even Shining too. I don’t want to cause a rift between them because of me.”

“So if it came down to it, would you give your life for Twilight and your herd?” Cadence asked.

“Absolutely,” Jason said without a moment of hesitation. “I’d fight through Heaven and Hell for them.”

Cadence stood there for a moment then smiled at Jason. “Your love for them is apparent, I can see that. Forgive me, I didn’t mean to pry about your personal relationships. I always want to ensure that Twilight is happy and always smiling.”

“It’s fine, I understand. I would be too if someone I cared for was dating someone like me. Jason chuckled softly. “Sorry, not really, for asking this, but him? Really? Dude’s an ass.” Jason joked about Shining Armor.

“I understand your distaste for my husband, but he wasn’t always like this,” Cadence tried to say. “Shining has always been quite protective of his family, he gets it from his father since he too was a soldier before he retired. Shining just has this mindset to be this strong and dependable stallion like his father and do anything to keep his loved ones safe. Twilight especially, considering how close they have been.”

“Alright, I can kinda get that. Sort of,” Jason said, smiling under his helmet. “Hope we can talk again, after we save Equestria. And if we don't die.” Jason joked as he waved goodbye to Cadence and headed out the door. Soon making his way around the Crystal Empire and talking with the ponies there, but didn’t have much luck.

“They’re so deep in despair and depression that they can barely function. Guess it makes sense that they don’t talk about King Sombra and refuse to remember, the brain does have ways of protecting itself by burying memories deep within and tries to help block off the horrors. Although I know better than anyone that that doesn’t always work.” Jason said to himself as he reunited with the others just outside the castle.

“Any luck?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing. Sombra left too much of a scar on these ponies, and I know what that’s like. If we want to have any chance of actually finding a way to beat him, we need to help these ponies first,” Jason told them.

“So what can we do for them?” Rainbow wondered.

“Can’t we throw a party for them? That always cheers up even the mopiest of ponies!” Pinkie chirped.

“Ah’m not sure that’ll do the trick, no offense Pinkie,” Applejack said.

“No no, that…could work,” Jason said.

“How?” Spike wondered.

“These ponies have known nothing but hardship for nearly a thousand years, they probably don’t even remember the last time they smiled. But if we can brighten things up, show them a little bit of hope, we can bring them out of their depression. My brother always said that there’s always hope, cheesy as it is…I’m proof of that. You all showed me the light. So let’s show these ponies the light too. Besides, that barrier is powered by Cadence, who uses love and stuff, so with some cheer and love here and there, we might have a fighting chance.”

The mares and Spike all looked at each other and smiled.

“It just might work out after all! Because there’s actually a celebrated event this kingdom is known for!” Twilight said.

“That festival thing you mentioned?” Spike said. “Would it even work?”

“Whatever it is, it’s our best shot. What is the festival about anyway?” Jason asked.

“It’s known as the Crystal Fair. We read about it in a library when you were talking to Cadence. It was held to spread love and unity across the empire. This could help us,” Twilight explained.

“Let’s get back to Shining Armor and Cadence. They can help us get the supplies we need,” Jason said as they all agreed and headed back up to the throne room. But Jason stopped as he turned around, as if looking for something. Or someone. He had a feeling as if he was being watched. Jason narrowed his eyes and walked back inside. Keeping a hand on his pistols just in case.