Cadance The Crystal Princess

Crystal Empire

Radiant Hope crept out of the storage chest, her movements careful and deliberate. Her eyes darted toward the bathroom, where Strawberry Dusk stood in front of the mirror, magically combing her mane with a small hairbrush.

The unicorn guard hummed softly to herself, unaware of the crystal unicorn silently approaching her from behind. The crystal unicorn’s expression was apologetic but resolute as she reached out swiftly, wrapping her forelegs around the guard's neck in a firm grip.

"What the—Hey!" Strawberry gasped, her magic flickering and cutting off. The hairbrush clattered to the floor as her focus shifted to the sudden attack.

"Sorry about this." The crystal unicorn apologised as she tightened her grip on the unicorn guard's neck.

Strawberry's training kicked in instantly. With a sharp inhale, she planted her hindhooves against the bathroom counter, using the leverage to shove herself and the crystal unicorn backward with force. The sudden move threw both ponies off balance, sending them tumbling out of the bathroom and onto the cold floor.

Hope quickly scrambled to her hooves as the unicorn guard spun around to face her enemy. The guard’s training and instincts took over, her stance firm and ready for combat despite the surprise attack.

"Big mistake." Strawberry hissed, her horn sparking to life as she summoned a barrier of magic to shield herself while planning her counterattack.

The crystal unicorn lunged forward, attempting to overpower her before she could strike, but the unicorn guard was quick. The guard sidestepped and twisted, using her forehoof to shove her attacker off balance. The crystal unicorn stumbled but managed to recover, her resolve unshaken.

Strawberry advanced, letting loose of her magic beam,, which Hope barely managed to dodge. The blow grazed the crystal unicorn's shoulder, but it was enough to send her staggering back a few steps. The guard pressed her advantage, delivering a flurry of quick, precise strikes. Hope blocked as best as she could, her magic shield absorbing the brunt of the attacks, but the relentless assault forced her back against the bathroom doorframe.

The unicorn guard reared up on her hind legs and attempted to pin Hope against the frame, her magic crackling dangerously as she prepared a deadly spell. The crystal unicorn, desperate to escape, ducked under the guard’s forelegs and spun behind her, delivering a sharp kick to the guard’s flank. The guard stumbled but maintained her balance, her glare intensifying.

"You’re really starting to piss me off!" Strawberry growled, charging at the crystal unicorn with full force.

The two mares collided, tumbling to the ground in a chaotic struggle. The unicorn guard used her superior strength and training to pin Hope beneath her, one hoof pressing firmly on her chest while the other gripped her neck. The pressure was suffocating as the guard leaned in, her forelegs tightening like a vice.

The crystal unicorn gasped, her hooves flailing as she struggled to break free. Her vision blurred slightly as her breath became ragged, but she refused to give up. Summoning all her strength, she swung her left forehoof with as much force as she could muster. The strike connected squarely with Strawberry’s face, causing the guard to cry out and recoil, her grip loosening.

Seizing the moment, Hope twisted free and scrambled to her hooves. The unicorn guard, dazed but determined, recovered quickly and attempted to grab her again. The crystal unicorn reacted instinctively, spinning on her hind legs and delivering a powerful kick with her back hooves.

The impact caught Strawberry directly in the face, the force sending her reeling backward. Her head struck the edge of a nearby dresser with a sickening thud, and her body crumpled to the ground. The guard lay motionless, unconscious, as the room fell into an eerie silence.

Panting heavily, Hope stood over the fallen guard, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Her gaze lingered on Strawberry for a moment, guilt flashing across her face. "I’m so sorry." She whispered softly, before using a nearby long ribbons to tie both the guard's forelegs and hindlegs and gagged the guard's mouth with a cloth.

Once bound, the crystal unicorn levitated Strawberry’s limp form into the storage chest and closed the lid with a soft click, her ears straining for any sounds outside the room.

Assured she was still undetected, Hope turned back to the mirror. Taking a deep breath, her horn glowed as she assumed the guise of the unconscious guard.

Once the crystal unicorn observed her body and saw nothing unusual on her body, she then proceeded to take the crystal armor off the stand before wearing them.

Once fully armored, Hope turned back to the mirror, her new appearance imposing and convincing. A small, determined smile crossed her face. "Let’s do this." She whispered.

With measured steps, the crystal unicorn descended to the first floor. At the main door, she hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. Exhaling slowly, she pushed it open and stepped outside, closing it behind her with a quiet finality.

Looking around the street, Hope proceeded to walk toward the Crystal Palace while at the same time avoiding any contact with the Crystal Imperial guards.

'Alright, Hope. You're now disguised as Crystal Imperial guard Strawberry Dusk. All I got to do is waltz right to the Crystal Palace, grab the Crystal Heart and get out to cure the darkness off Sombra. Simple... right?' The disguised crystal unicorn thought as she moved aside for a family of a crystal unicorn stallion, a crystal pegasus mare and a crystal pegasus filly.

Soon, Hope reached the palace and as expected, surrounding the base of the palace were Crystal Imperial guards standing guard while others patrolled the surrounding area.

The disguised crystal unicorn walked through the guards, occasionally greeting the guards with Strawberry's voice while smiling.

As Hope approached the base of the palace, a voice called out. "Strawberry!"

The crystal unicorn froze in her tracks as hoofsteps sound approached her. With no other choice, she turned with a forced smile as the crystal changeling stallion guard Maxilla approached her.

The crystal changeling guard's stern gaze softened slightly as he stopped in front of Hope, now disguised as Strawberry Dusk. "What are you doing here, Strawberry? We were supposed to patrol the Empire together today. Or did you forget?" His tone carried a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance.

The crystal unicorn’s mind raced as she forced herself to remain calm. She plastered a sheepish smile on her face and gave a small, apologetic shrug. "Oh, Maxilla! Of course, I didn’t forget." Her voice was light and casual, perfectly mimicking Strawberry’s tone. "I just needed to… uh… freshen up and get my mane in order before the shift. You know how important appearances are."

Maxilla arched an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Uh-huh. And that freshening up took you so long you missed the shift change announcement? We’re on patrol until 3:00 p.m. sharp."

Hope feigned an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "I know, I know. It’s my bad. I got distracted—one of those mornings, you know? But I’m here now." She quickly shifted the subject. "Where do you want to start the patrol? North district or east?"

The crystal changeling guard tilted his head, his expression skeptical but not overtly suspicious. "You’re not usually this forgetful." He said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Everything okay? You’re acting… off."

The crystal unicorn stiffened, but only for a fraction of a second. She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "It’s nothing, really. Just had a rough night, and… you know, not enough sleep." She let out a soft sigh, hoping to sell the excuse. "Don’t worry, Maxilla. I’m fine."

Maxilla’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he exhaled and shook his head. "Alright, Strawberry, but if you’re not feeling well, you should’ve reported it. You know how strict Captain Tourmaline is about us being in top form."

"Of course!" Hope replied quickly, giving him a reassuring smile. "I’ll make it up to you during the patrol."

"Good." The crystal changeling guard said, stepping back and gesturing for her to follow. "Let’s head to the east district. Heard that the patrol that was supposed to patrol that district were sick, so it's up to us now. Not to mention, we haven't heard any news from Outpost Crystal, so the squad that was supposed to take over the patrol of east district were sent to check what's going on there. The captain also sent Mercury to send the message of the Outpost Crystal's situation."

"I see. Well, I'm right behind you." The crystal unicorn said, her voice steady despite the growing knot and nervousness in her stomach. She followed Maxilla, doing her best to mimic Strawberry’s confident stride and mannerisms.

As they walked, Hope's mind churned. 'This complicates things. I’ll have to stick with him for now, but I need a way to slip away and reach the Crystal Heart.'

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Klugetown

"And this is the Glinting Bazaar marketplace." Mayor Capper pointed at the marketplace with his paw, prompting the group to see while Ambassador Silver Quill smiled.

The Glinting Bazaar marketplace is housed under large, transparent Glasscrete domes that allow natural light to filter through, casting a warm, colorful glow throughout the space. The place has wide, cobblestone walkways, shaded by arched canopies made from Cactus-fiber fabric that shaded sway slightly in the desert breeze and offered shelter from the harsh midday sun. Rows of vibrant stalls were arranged in a semi-circular pattern that allowed visitors from across Equus to stroll freely from one section to another and to look at the items displayed on the stalls. Each stall was constructed from a mix of Desertwood and Metalweave, with ornate carvings or mosaics decorating the outer walls to give the market an artistic touch. Each merchant has their own sign or banner to advertise their wares and the costs. At the heart of the marketplace stands a grand fountain made from intricately designed Glasscrete, featuring wind chimes that ring with the desert breeze and filled the air with a peaceful, melodic sound.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Captain Tempest Shadow, Lieutenant Flash Sentry and the guards all looked at the marketplace with fascinating while the mayor and the ambassador stood aside and watched the group.

"This... this looks amazing!" The Princess of Friendship squealed as her eyes sparkled with excitement, her wings flapping with excitement.

The group with Twilight all nodded in awe, captivated by the vibrant energy of the marketplace.

"Why don't you guys explore the marketplace? We will hang back here until you're done." Silver said, smiling warmly with Capper at the group.

The group nodded their heads before going separate ways, with the captain and the dragon going to visits the stalls, the guards exploring the space in the marketplace, while the Princess of Friendship and the lieutenant went the other way.

As the couple explored the marketplace while occasionally visiting the stalls to look at the items on sale, they laid their eyes on a certain book.

"Is that... Daring Do and the Chains of Tartarus?!" Twilight gasped once she read the title of the book.

"I think so. A. K. Yearling must have finished writing this book and published the copies all over the world." Flash replied.

"Rainbow's going to be jealous when she found out that I have the book first before her." The Princess of Friendship nearly squealed in happiness.

The lieutenant’s face morphed into a scowl. "That reminds me something."

"Huh?" Twilight looked over towards her husband.

"You have yet to tell me what's going on with you." Flash said. "I enquired with Spike about it, but all I got in return was his smirk. You know how much I hate being out of the loop, so honey, please tell me what is going on."

The Princess of Friendship sighed, but with a small smile formed, and Spike’s words rang in her ears again. “I suppose now is a good a time as any.”

“For what exactly?!" The lieutenant blurted out, a slight twitch in his eye.

“I…” Twilight took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly. “Flash Sentry, I love you. So much. So much so I just know you are going to be a great father to our foal.”

Flash froze in his spot while the crowd around them gasped.

"I’m pregnant." The Princess of Friendship told her husband. “I found out when we got back to Ponyville from our honeymoon. I’ve been trying to tell you but I always either get cold hooves or something interrupts."

Twilight noticed her husband still frozen in place and unmoving. She waved a hoof in his face, trying to get a response.

The Princess of Friendship became worried. "Un Flash, you alright the-"

Twilight's words were cut off as the lieutenant pulled her into a passionate kiss, wrapping his wings around her. Her eyes widened before closing in bliss, the world around them melting away. Cheers and murmurs of congratulations erupted from the crowd as they pulled apart, their foreheads pressed together.

"You are amazing, you know that?" Flash whispered as their lips parted.

“So, you’re not angry that I took this long to tell you?” The Princess of Friendship asked nervously.

"Angry?" The lieutenant raised an eyebrow. "I’m going to be a father. How could I be angry with you for not telling me?"

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.

"So, colt or filly?" Flash asked enthusiastically.

The Princess of Friendship chuckled. "I don’t know yet, I’m due back at the hospital when we get back to Ponyville after the finalisation of the alliance between Equestria and Klugetown."

The lieutenant took his wife's hoof. "Then I’ll be by your side every step of the way."

Twilight blushed and giggled as her husband nuzzled her neck.

"Took you a day for you to tell him." Another voice called out to the Princess of Friendship.

Both Twilight and Flash widened their eyes and turned to see Spike standing with arms crossed and a knowing grin on his face as the crowd dispersed.

"How long have you been standing there?" The Princess of Friendship asked her number one assistant with wide eyes.

"Long enough." The dragon smirked just as Tempest arrived next to him with her helmet tucked under one foreleg.

"Spike told me everything about you and your pregnancy. Can't believe that you always chickened out whenever you tried to tell him." The captain said, a mischievous grin and a pair of playful eyes on her face.

Twilight stuttered as her face became more red, her head dipping down in embarrassment while the lieutenant chuckled behind one of his hoof.

"Well... it wasn't easy and... stop teasing me!" The Princess of Friendship blurted out, her face fully burning red with embarrassment.

Spike and Tempest exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, leaving Twilight burying her face in her hooves while the lieutenant wrapped a comforting wing around her.

The dragon wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "Alright, alright, we’ll stop. But seriously, Twi, congratulations. You’re going to be an awesome mom."

The Princess of Friendship peeked out from behind her hooves, her cheeks still flushed but a smile forming on her lips. "Thanks, Spike. That means a lot."

"Yeah, and for the record..." The captain added, her tone softening. "I think you’ll handle this just as well as everything else. Probably better, considering how stubbornly you tackle every problem."

Twilight smiled gratefully. "That’s kind of you to say, Tempest. I’ll admit, I’m a little scared, but… I’m also excited." She glanced up at her husband, who was beaming with pride.

Spike clapped his claws together, breaking the moment. "So, how about we celebrate? I saw a stall selling some amazing gemstone-themed trinkets—maybe I can find a dragon-friendly treat for myself."

"I like that idea." Tempest said with a rare grin. "And maybe I can find something sharp and pointy to add to my collection."

The Princess of Friendship giggled. "You two are impossible."

The group began strolling through the marketplace together, the tension from earlier replaced with a lighthearted camaraderie. As they passed the various stalls, merchants called out, showcasing their wares. Flash kept a protective wing over Twilight’s back, drawing smiles and congratulations from some of the passersby who had overheard the announcement.

The group eventually stopped at a stall featuring a dazzling array of gemstone-inspired jewelery. The dragon’s eyes widened as he scanned the selection. "This is my kind of place!" He said eagerly, already inspecting a necklace made of polished emeralds.

"Anything catching your eye?" The captain asked with amusement as she scanned the collection of daggers and ornate armor pieces at the adjacent booth.

The Princess of Friendship, meanwhile, paused at another stall, her gaze falling on a small, intricately crafted music box. The delicate carvings on the surface depicted a peaceful night sky, complete with tiny star motifs that sparkled faintly. When she turned the key, it played a soft, soothing melody that reminded her of lullabies her mother used to sing to her for her to sleep when she was a filly.

Twilight smiled, a sense of calm washing over her. "This… feels perfect."

Flash leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Thinking of getting it?"

The Princess of Friendship nodded. "For the nursery. I think it’ll help our foal sleep peacefully."

The lieutenant grinned. "Then it’s a must-have."

As the couple paid for the music box, Spike returned with a satisfied grin, holding a small pouch of gem chips he’d bargained for, and Tempest had added a sleek, curved blade to her growing arsenal.

"Looks like we’re all set." The captain remarked as she secured the blade at her side.

The group reconvened at the center of the marketplace near the grand fountain, where the mayor, the ambassador and the guards were waiting.

"Ah, I see you’ve enjoyed yourselves." Capper purred, his sharp-toothed smile widening as he spotted the music box and the dragon’s gem chips. "I told you, the Glinting Bazaar has something for everyone."

"It certainly does." Twilight agreed warmly. "Thank you for hosting us, Capper. This marketplace is truly incredible."

"Only the best for my friends." The mayor replied with a warm smile.

Silver nodded in agreement. "Shall we move on to finalize the alliance agreement, Princess Twilight?"

The Princess of Friendship nodded her head confidently. "Let's do it."

With that, the group headed back to the carriages waiting for them to be taken back to the embassy.

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Mount Aris

Cadance recognised what was going on.

The Princess of Love was back to the empty Crystal Empire as she had the previous night. She knew what would happen if she heard whispers of her name, who she would meet.

"I need to know." Cadance said to herself to calm her nerves.

Just like the previous two dreams, the Princess of Love found herself alone in the empire and walked through the dream.

Soon after a few minutes of walking, a familiar voice called out to Cadance. "Cadance..."

The Princess of Love narrowed her eyes and turned to meet King Sombra's shadow form with his eyes.

"What's this? The Princess of Love standing her ground? Well, perhaps a little nightmare will break you." The umbrum pony said with a smirk before levelling his eyes toward Cadance's eyes.

As Sombra stared at the Princess of Love's eyes, his smirk slowly evaporated into a shock as he realised that she was not showing any signs of being afraid.

"What?! How is this possible?!" The umbrum pony snarled in shock as Cadance stared at him with determination.

"Tell me what all this mean now." The Princess of Love demanded.

Sombra smirked again. "Why should I tell you? I’m just a figment of your imagination."

"I have this dream three times. I know this is some kind of a vision of something bad going to happen in the Crystal Empire!" Cadance snarled.

The Princess of Love stared the umbrum pony in the eyes, all defiance fading away as he sighed in defeat.

"You are correct. Something will happen in the empire of yours and it will be my victory once me and my army of umbrum ponies stormed the empire." Sombra said with a sinister smile before slowly fading away.

Cadance stared at the spot where the umbrum pony was, getting a bad feeling about what he said.