**The Crystal Empire, many years ago before Sombra’s Conquest**

The Crystal Empire, a city comprised entirely of crystals and beautiful spire formations. These crystals are heavily involved in the everyday lives of its inhabitants: The crystal ponies. These ponies would take this form not only due to the city they lived in but also so it could enable them to empower a powerful artifact stored deep within the royal castle, The Crystal Heart. This artifact possesses incredible powers enabling the kingdom to repel dark forces that threaten it. It enacts a strong barrier to protect the empires denizens from the elements, sometimes it can even send out a powerful beam of light. On rare occasions though it’s believed it can even preserve the life of a hero, a pony it judges worthy to protect and preserve to allow them to fight again in the future while being hidden away. How long this pony remains in the artifacts protection and is hidden varies. It could be hours?, days?, months?, years?.

Our story starts off with two young stallion unicorn brothers who are making their way hastily to the empires local library: Sombra and Sombasi. Both are twins who are very identical the only difference being height, the older sibling Sombra being taller then his younger brother Sombasi. Both have black manes with a dark grey furred body while also sporting red pupils in their eyes their horns are also noticeably curved compared to other unicorns. The brothers are a bit different compared to most other unicorns in the empire, their origins remain quite the mystery.

The two brothers are at a full sprint through the streets of The Crystal Empire with Sombra in the lead while Sombasi is falling behind but is managing to keep himself alongside sombras stomach region. Sombra turns his head to the left as his left eye looks to Sombasi. “Step with haste dear brother, we must get to the library before other ponies form a line for its opening!”, this causes Sombasi’s ears perk up and looks to his brother before responding.

“With all due respect brother, THIS IS WHY I SAID YOU SHOULD’VE SLEPT MUCH EARLIER LAST NIGHT INSTEAD OF STUDYING FOR MOST OF THE NIGHT!”, Sombasi releases an annoyed snort while narrowing his eyes before sighing with closed eyes while leaning his head down a bit, chuckling to himself, then opens his eyes and raises his head again before he takes on a happier expression. Sombra laughs while shooting his head forward again.

“Details, details, dear brother. Besides we can still make it in time regardless of my carelessness. Even a bit sleep deprived I shall not allow anyone else to get to the good books before the great sombra hahaha.”, Sombra raises his head upward as he laughs in a satisfied yet confident manner.

“You mean the same ~~great Sombra~~ who still needs his younger brother to wake him out of bed?”, Sombasi retorts with a smirk while his eyes squint and his head tilts up a bit to emphasize his teasing gesture before he returns to a more neutral state. “Besides what kinds of books are you trying to see anyway?.”, Sombra keeps his head forward before answering Sombasi’s question.

“All shall be revealed soon brother, now come on!.”

The two brothers now arrive outside The Crystal Public Library catching their breaths but take notice as ponies have already started to form up into a line to gain access to the library much to Sombra’s annoyance. Regardless, the brothers take their spots in line before an annoyed Sombra finally breaks the silence with a heavy sigh. “We’ve arrived a bit late brother... I wanted to be first in line to get my hands on those magical books or even possible scrolls perhaps even Crystal Empire history before anypony else”, these words catch Sombasi by surprise as the reasoning for Sombra wanting to come here was a bit unexpected.

“Wait, w-what?!”, Sombasi yells before catching his tone and lowering it. “You want to get into the library to learn even more magic? History I understand but brother you’re already one of the most gifted unicorns in the empire hay I’d go so far as to say you are the most gifted unicorn of our generation.” Sombasi then looks down to the floor with a saddened expression followed by a sigh with closed eyes. “Not like the same could be said about me.”, Sombra, now realizing his brothers distress lifts Sombasi’s head via his chin with his right hoof.

“Brother... Heed me, do not listen to those who doubt your talents for you are simply a late bloomer.” Sombra assures his brother as he lowers his hoof while Sombasi keeps his gaze onto Sombra albeit with his sad expression still present. “You are my brother, the brother who I intend to mold to perfection and eventually many will see you as my equal. No one shall doubt neither of our power. This I swear to you.” Sombra adjusts his stance into a more confident stature as he stares at Sombasi with a smile. Sombasi was moved by his brothers words as his expression slowly turns into a happy one.

“Thank you bro-”, before Sombasi could finish he was cut off by a mare crystal unicorn pony who stood before the crowd and line of ponies about to make her announcement. Her name is Bubble Maresbury, also referred to as Miss. Maresbury. This mare had curled blue hair while her body was a beautiful pink color along with eyes that matched the color of her mane. Her family ran the public library for generations and will continue to do so for many more to come. She looked the part of a librarian to absolute perfection complete even with glasses and what appears to be a clipboard not to mention her attire practically screamed “I work here”. She was the spitting image of your typical librarian who even ran the library in question. Miss Maresbury took a deep breath with closed eyes before opening them and looking onward towards the crowd of ponies.

“Good morning everypony, The Crystal Public Library is now officially opened!” she declared as she rears up on her hind legs and shoots her front legs into the air in a celebratory fashion. An applaud in the form of stomping hooves engulfed the area as many were excited to enter including our pair of brothers. After a little while of celebration Bubble Maresbury motions for the crowd to please settle down before she begins to speak again.

“Now then, we all know how this works but a friendly reminder can’t hurt for those who are new. I see many of you have already started to form a line? Most excellent!”, she claps her hooves as she sits on her flank before returning to a neutral stance. “I will take everypony at the front desk and punch you in one by one and should you rent a book your name will be jotted down and you will be expected to return the book. Let me be very clear about that everypony, DO. NOT. STEAL. MY. BOOKS!”, her words sent a cold chill down everyponies spine while also making them sweat nervously including Sombra and Sombasi. Miss Maresbury regained her composer before she continues. “Knowledge should be shared not hoarded and I will not abide anyone stealing them which, in case you didn’t realize it, is punishable by prosecution and yes you can possibly be thrown in jail for a few days for it. Lastly, should you be doing reading while in the library I ask that you please remain quiet and be considerate to others. Welcome to the Crystal Library!”.

The ponies begin to enter the library while Miss Maresburry took her place behind a registration desk positioned perfectly in front of the entrance accompanied by one other librarian to assist with punching each pony in. After some time Sombra and Sombasi are now nearing the front desk with only two more ponies in front of them ready to punch in. Something was bothering Sombasi regarding Sombra’s reason for coming here, after pondering about it he states his concerns.

“I still can’t get over the fact that you came here to learn more about magic brother I mean shouldn’t we go to say a local well known mage or a guild of sorts? What about school? And as I illustrated earlier you already know most types of magic for our age.” Sombra pauses for a second before answering Sombasi’s question.

“No brother, I have already exhausted every resource available at school. As for seeking help from anypony I simply must decline.” Sombra raises his left hoof high into the air before he continues. “I, Sombra, shall learn all of my magic and increase my powers all on my own without the assistance of anypony else.” Sombra lowers his hoof while gaining a look of confidence. “It’s a matter of pride dear brother.” Sombasi couldn’t help but to roll his eyes granted he does respect Sombras prideful will to learn without anypony else to help him but he does wish his brother would put that pride aside which was very strong for a colt. Sombra puts a hoof to his chin to think, then, a sudden realization came upon him “well, there is another option but...”, Sombasi quickly took note of his brother’s hesitance and curiosity got the better of Sombasi causing him to inquire about Sombra’s realization.

“What is it brother? What other option?”, for a brief moment Sombra had a sad expression on his face before regaining his composure and turning to Sombasi.

“The Royal Library...which I doubt I could gain access to for obvious reasons.” The two brothers then thought internally and realize the harsh truth that stood in Sombra’s way of ever hoping to see The Royal Library up in The Crystal Castle.

-Neither of us are royalty, let alone nobles....- Both sighed in defeat.

Despite everything Sombasi still felt the need to urge his brother to proceed with caution as their parental figures often told them that a pony must never trot ahead without any precautions when learning about magic. Sombasi readied himself before getting his brother’s attention. “Sombra, as much as I have faith in your abilities I urge you to take caution.”, Sombasi raises his left hoof and places it onto Sombra’s right shoulder. “I don’t want to lose my brother to any sort of accident.”, Sombra’s expression went from disappointment to one of happiness upon hearing his brother’s words before bursting out into laughter.

“Hahahahaha!, relax dear brother.”, Sombra’s laughs disappears before he continues. “Don’t you know the expression the adults have nowadays?”, Sombra clears his throat and raises his left hoof into the air while taking in a breath. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained!”, Sombra got a few more laughs after his statement all the while Sombasi rolls his eyes before chuckling himself. Sombra lowers his hoof, a smile still present on his face as he looked onto his brother. “That said, I appreciate your worry and council dear brother.”, Sombra raises his hoof and pets Sombasi on his head which causes Sombasi to smile with one of his eyes closed. “That’s why when I inevitably become the future ruler of this great empire I intend to have you as my right hoof pony, I expect you to continue to watch my back even then.” Sombra shoots Sombasi a wink and a smile.

“Hehe, of course your majesty.” Sombasi lowers his front legs in a kneeling gesture, this causes the ponies around them to giggle a bit. “I will always be there when you need me brother. Like I always said, you are the bridge that will one day lead this empire to greatness and I shall be a pillar that supports it.” The two brothers hug into an embrace and after the pony in front of them is finished being punched in it’s now their turn. Miss Maresbury takes notice of the duo approaching her.

“Oh?, isn’t this a pleasant surprise.” Miss Maresbury said as she fixes her glasses. “If it isn’t the most gifted colt crystal unicorn in the empire, Sombra and hello to you too Sombasi. It’s the weekend you know? I’m surprised you two are here and not out doing young stallion stuff instead of coming to a library.” Miss Maresbury giggles a bit after that last part of her statement. Sombra was the first to answer her as he waved a hoof greetingly.

“Good morning Miss Maresbury, I’ve come to look at any magic based books and any possible tomes along with any possible history books regarding the empires history.” Sombasi quickly replied shortly after while also waving his hoof in a welcoming matter although he did have a sudden smirk appear just before answering.

“Greetings Miss Maresbury, I’m mostly just here to accompany my brother really.” Sombasi’s smirk grew even more “That and he nearly overslept hahaha.” Sombra shot his brother a look that could easily be translated into, “Seriously?”. Miss Maresbury laughed at this before turning to Sombra, a bit of her laughter still remained.

“Ohoho, always eager to learn eh Sombra dearie?. As for you Sombasi, I must say that Sombra is quite lucky to have such an amazingly loyal brother like you even if your magic isn’t as comparable. You’ll find all of our books and scrolls on magic in section M, for obvious reasons, isles 12-25. You’ll also find many history books over at section H. Do remember though that we urge you to take caution should you choose to practice any spells you may learn here, I mean it.”, Miss Maresbury narrows her eyes shooting the brothers with a freightening stare. Suddenly that cold sensation from earlier went up Sombra and Sombasi’s spines as they nod in understanding, Miss Maresbury was quite the assertive mare. Sombasi knew that Miss Maresbury didn’t mean any harm by that statement regarding his magic but he still kind of cringed from it. His magic was no where near his brothers yet but he didn’t want to be seen as a weaker unicorn either. The last thing he wanted was for ponies to pity Sombra for having a brother with lesser magic by unicorn standards which for Sombasi’s age he sadly was, it didn’t help he already has been ridiculed for it by the other ponies at school. A fair amount of crystal unicorns take having a decent amount of magic quite seriously in the empire especially when it comes time to powering the crystal heart against threats. He’s hoping that his brother is right and he’s simply a late bloomer though it does bother him somewhat.

After being punched in the brothers head to the section Miss Maresbury indicated. Sombra and Sombasi immediately get to work and as Sombra reads through books and scrolls sombasi continues to grab or return more as they progress taking time to study alongside Sombra. Sombra can be heard grunting in disappointment as he’s already familiar with some of the spells or simply finds them inadequate, not like the adults would just leave powerful spells lying around but he was still hopeful. All the while, Sombasi reads through them taking some notes. Sadly, a group of three mare ponies similar to their age spots them... Sombasi can feel it, the ridicule is coming for he recognizes these ponies all of whom are bullies from school. The trio were comprised of two crystal earth ponies and a crystal unicorn who stuck out the most. Her name is Kiera Limestone, a female unicorn who has made it a habit of belittling Sombasi while often flirting with Sombra. She has a pink and white mane with a white furred body along with green pupils in her eyes. Kiera Limestone was the first to step forward much to Sombasis discomfort.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Sombra and....that failure.”, she points her right hoof at Sombasi with a small bit of snickering, the other bullies also laugh at Sombasi all while Sombasi tries his best to ignore them. Kiera then turns back to Sombra with an almost flirtatious gaze “So Sombra, what say you ditch that embarrassing brother of yours and join us for a berry smoothie? We’re gonna hit up the nearby restaurant, you and I can get to know eachother.” Kiera shoots Sombra a wink along with a smile.

“I’m not interested at the moment”, Sombra boldly said before raising his head to look at Kiera “as you can see my brother and I have plans already and we are still quite full from todays breakfast.” Sombra’s eyes then narrow as he glares at Kiera Limestone “Also, my brother is not a failure so don’t you dare mock him in my presence.” A simple “Tsk” comes from Kiera before she responds to Sombra.

“Uuuugh, stop defending him already Sombra. You know it, I know it, even everyone at school knows how much of a weak crystal unicorn your brother is. He failed the teleportation spell exam at school twice.... A simple teleportation spell.”, Kiera lets out a bit of laughter before continuing. “Not to mention we only needed to teleport from a starting line to ten feet away. He barely made it to 5 before his magic gave in.”, Kiera then begins to burst out into a fit of laughter. Sombasi feels incredibly grateful for Sombras words, Sombra has always defended his brother from bullies like Kiera but today would be different. Sombasi was tired of it, he wouldn’t rely on his brother anymore and today he’d stand his ground. Turning to Kiera he unleashes his pent up rant pointing a hoof at her.

“You know what Kiera? How about you go bother somepony else and go shove your smoothies where Celestia’s sun can’t even shine.” Sombasi stands up and makes his way around the table he and his brother were set up at “Also, I find it funny how you try to vie for my brothers affections”, Kiera is shocked by this and gasps while her face begins to cringe up with embarrassment while her cheeks go red which soon turns into a menacing glare in an effort to silence Sombasi before he speaks any further. Sombasi now stands before her “Oh?, surprised that I know about that?” Sombasi retorted before continuing his rant with a drawn out “Pleeeeaaassseee, as if he’d go with a horrible mare like you...you might be voted as the most beautiful mare at school...”, Sombasi says as he sits on his flank while raising both of his front hoofs to form quotations in a sarcastic manner. “But you’re the ugliest mare I’ve ever seen thanks to your rotten heart!”, Sombra, the bullies and Kiera all have shocked expressions for none of them expected Sombasi to lash out like that. Sombra in particular couldn’t help but have pride building up for his brother however Kiera was about to explode from rage. The other bullies backing up for they knew what was coming although they laughed at it.

”HOW DARE YOU YOU WEAKLING!”, Kiera screamed at the top of her lungs catching the attention of some bystanders in the library. Kiera took a couple steps closer as her horn starts to glow with a pink aura as her voice is filled with distain “You know something Sombasi, I would’ve just teased you a bit then left for my smoothie but you know what!?” Kiera aimed her horn at Sombasi readying a lesser lightning spell. It’s not meant to kill of course but it will definately hurt. Sombra quickly stood to protect Sombasi but Sombasi stood in front of him ready to face her.

“I’ve put up with bullies like you for long enough Kiera!, go ahead and fire it!” Sombasi taunted the enraged mare. Kiera unleashed her fury into the lesser lightning spell but moments before it made impact a green magic shield blocked her attack. Kiera huffed in frustration as she shot her head towards Sombra as if to scold him.

“Sombra! Let your brother grow a horn for once and stop prote-” Kiera was cut off instantly and her eyes shot wide open and her pupils were dilated along with the bullies, even Sombra for that matter. Everypony assumed Sombra ignited a magic shield to protect his brother but it wasn’t Sombra at all, it was Sombasi. There Sombasi stood with utmost confidence and not even a scratch on him before further taunting Kiera.

“Surprised Kiera? Did you really think I wouldn’t pick up a thing or two from my brother? I might not be the most gifted crystal unicorn of our youth in the empire but I will not dishonor my brother! I will defend myself!”, Kiera regained her composer and angrily prepared another spell but before things could get too heated the librarian, Miss Maresbury, heard the commotion and intervened just in time. Casting her blue aura over both Sombasi and Kiera she pulled them apart and halted their actions.

”THAT. IS. ENOUGH!.” Miss. Maresbury angrily shouted before regaining some of her composer and points her right hoof to the two colts. “How dare you fight inside of this library a place meant for studying knowledge!. Both of you will be forbidden from attending this library for the rest of the week and consider your passes revoked until I see fit to restore them even after the week is up. And before I hear any ”Miss Maresbury they started it...”, she says while raising her left hoof to form a single quotation.“I don’t care, you both are to blame!. Remove yourselves at once younglings and you bet Lunas stars I’ll be contacting your parents and guardians.” The librarian releases them from her aura allowing them to take their leave. Kiera Limestone still glared at Sombasi before releasing an angry snort looking away from him and turning her gaze to Miss Maresbury.

“Fine, I was about to leave anyway.”, she motions for the two earth pony bullies to follow her with her right hoof. “Come girls, let’s leave this weak unicorn before he infects us with “I’m-weak-tinnitus”. Kiera and the otherbullies leave for their smoothies thus exiting the library. Sombasi was still filled with frustration and grunted in anger as he look towards Sombra.

“Forgive me brother.... I’ll wait for you outside the library so you can fini-”, Before he could finish his sentence Sombra hugged his brother with a face full of joy much to Sombasi’s surprise. Immensely proud Sombra backs away from Sombasi releasing his grip momentarily.

“Brother that was amazing! Hahahahaha. You’ve been holding out on me dear brother you defended yourself masterfully and you performed that shield spell exactly how I taught you. I might not be our real father, whoever that is, but by Celestia you made me soo proud and filled with pride!”, this statement causes Sombasi to blush while holding the back of his head embarrassingly with a small chuckle.

“Hehe, it was nothing really brother.” Sombasi replied but Sombra couldn’t believe what his brother just said, this had to be corrected.

“Nothing!?, brother you just made Kiera Limestone eat her own hoof with a remarkably timed shield spell and to make things even better you did it in front of everypony in the library. After today I doubt many ponies will be mocking you after this display.”, Sombra grabs Sombasi’s front left leg with his right hoof and raises it high and given Sombra’s somewhat higher height he lifts a bit of Sombasi’s body as well. “From this day forward I, Sombra, declare that my brothers time is nigh. His power shall soon grow to rival my own!.” Sombra proclaims at the top of his lungs while Sombasi is deeply flattered. Miss Maresbury was still present her gaze still upon them, she clears her throat with a simple.

”Ahem”, this gets the attention of both brothers. Miss Maresbury leaned into them though noticeably more towards Sombra before speaking. “Sombra, no yelling in the library and as for you Sombasi”, she turns her gaze towards Sombasi and points her right hoof at him. “I believe I said you and Miss Kiera were to remove yourselves immediately?”, Sombra quickly intervened.

“It’s fine Miss Maresbury, I shall escort my brother out and take my leave as well. We’ve had enough for today I suppose, thank you very much for helping my brother and for resolving that issue.” Sombra bows his head in gratitude. Sombasi spoke up moments after with a saddened expression, he at first staggers but regains his speech.

“Y-yes Miss Maresbury, thank you very much and although I will take my punishment I truly am sorry for the commotion I caused...”, Sombasi lowers his head while also letting out a whisper “even if it was her fault...”, Miss Maresbury stares at Sombasi for a moment before Sombra starts to escort him and his brother out, she follows them but something seems to be on her mind as she sympathetically looks at Sombasi.

The trio are now outside of the library and the brothers begin to walk away Sombasi’s head being noticeably lower to the ground but before they got too far Miss Maresbury trotted over to Sombasi and spoke to him one on one, Sombra was ahead of Sombasi and takes notice of this but decides to wait figuring she’d want to only speak to Sombasi.
Miss maresbury Raises Sombasi’s head with her right hoof and while Sombasi’s eyes looked away from her at first he met her gaze, this caused her to start speaking.
“Sombasi dear, before you go let me just say” Miss Maresbury leans in closer and whispers “well done, that was quite the show you displayed. So much for the whole weak crystal unicorn eh?” Maresbury starts to giggle. Sombasi’s expression started to brighten up a bit upon hearing her motivation.

“Thanks a lot Miss Maresbury, it means a lot to me...granted...being called a weak crystal unicorn isn’t exactly incorrect.” Sombasi says hesitantly as he lowers his head. He hated to admit it but he does see some truth in it. Miss Maresbury instantly lifts Sombasi’s head with her right hoof and plants it back down before she retorted looking Sombasi straight into his eyes with a combination of a gentle yet motherly tone.

“Now you stop that right now my little pony, you will become a great crystal unicorn equally as great as your brother. Don’t let the words of others restrain you I mean just look at what happened earlier?.”, this causes Sombasi to narrow his eyes at the thought and memory of Kiera and the bullies mocking him while Miss Maresbury continues. “Now, I don’t condone violence but I do understand when a stallion or mare have to defend themselves and you impressed many of the ponies who were there including your brother, even if some of them won’t admit it.” Sombasi is noticeably starting to lighten up with a smile beginning to form. Miss Maresbury looks over to sombra in the distance before returning her gaze to Sombasi “Speaking of, you’d better get going he seems to be waiting patiently for you.” Sombasi glances back to a patiently waiting Sombra before turning back to Miss Maresbury who promptly pets Sombasi on his head with her left hoof “Keep your chin up dearie and hang in there.” Sombasi nodded his head with a smile and ran to reunite with his brother, Miss Maresbury chuckled to herself watching the two walk off into the distance before saying: “I suspect great things will come to you Sombasi, I’ve got quite the hunch...and they always come true.” Miss Maresbury returns to the library while Sombasi and Sombra continue onward to their home, The Crystal Empire orphanage.

(To be continued in chapter 2- The Crystal Empire orphanage.)

Author's Note

Forgive me for a lack of pictures to enhance the story I'm not very gifted when it comes to drawing in general haha, that said I am practicing the craft and will hopefully be able to post them alongside the story as it progresses. I am also open to seeing any fanart any of you might be inspired to make and if you are a youtuber and find my story enjoyable enough, you do have my permission to make a video on this series so long as you simply credit me of course. This is my very first story one that I have been mapping out for a long time, here goes nothing!. See you in CHAPTER 2.