On a balcony of the Crystal Castle stood two figures gazing out over the empire; Princess Cadence and her husband, Prince Shining Armor. While Shining had a scowl on his face, Cadence had a worrisome look on hers. Shining was dressed in his combat gear, wearing his old guard captain's armor over his UNSC battle harness. The couple were looking upon the land just beyond the edges of their empire. A magical bubble shield made by the Empire’s mages and maintained by Shining Armor kept out an invading army wishing to get in; the Covenant.

“Shining… dear…” Cadence spoke while turning her head to look at her husband. Shining sighs hard in response.

“Yes, dear. For the fourth time today, where we are is the safest spot anypony can ever be. These barbarians lack magic and can never break through our shield.” He reassured his wife. Cadence looks unconvinced.

“But there has to be a reason why they came. They have no reason to just come to the Crystal Empire.” Cadence spoke and then turned her head back out towards the bubble shield. “I feel something much more sinister is upon us.”

Shining Armor looks to his wife, seeing the concern and worry on her face. He softens his own expression and lets out a sigh, he opens his mouth to say something else to her, but before he can get a single word out, his radio sparks to life.

“Prince Shining Armor, this is Dragon Lord Ember. Come in, over.”Ember’s voice said through the Radio. Shining places his hoof to the side of his helmet and responds.

“I read you, Dragon Lord. What’s the problem? Over.” Shining responded into his comm.

“The Covenant has ceased their bombardment on the shield.”Ember’s update caused Shining Armor to grow a confused look on his face.

“They are halting their attack? Are they retreating?” Shining asked.

“No, they just stopped attacking and now are at a cease-fire.” Ember’s response doesn’t answer any of Shining’s questions. He removes his hoof from his helmet and looks at Cadence.

“I’m going down there to see what is going on.” Shining then turns to exit the Castle. But feels Cadence place a hoof on his shoulder. He looks back at her as she gives him one last worried look.

“…Be careful, honey,” Cadence asks before kissing him passionately. Shining kisses her back and pulls her into a quick hug.

Shining Armor arrives at the small makeshift barricades made out of crystals a few yards away from the edge of the dome. There, Dragon Lord Ember was in charge and giving orders until Shining arrived. She was wearing the armor she wore during the Gauntlet of Fire, while Shining wore his gold and purple royal captain armor. When she sees him approaching, they both salute each other.

“Good to see you, Prince Armor.” Said Ember as she lowered her claw.

“Likewise, Dragon Lord. Anything happened while I made my way here?” Asked Shining. Ember responds by using her thumb to point behind her at the shield wall. Shining looked to where she was pointing.

Standing on the other side of the shield was a massive elite. He stood alone in golden armor and appeared to be analyzing the shield. Shining couldn’t help but narrow his eyes at him.

“How long has he been standing there?” Shining Armor asked without taking his eyes off the Elite.

“Little over five minutes.” Ember crosses her arms. It was kind of unnerving for her to see how similar these elites looked to her kind. “You think he wants a word with us?”

“Probably. Why else would he stand there that long?” Shining replied. He lets out a loud sigh before looking up at Ember. “Let’s hear what he has to say.”

Ember nods as the pair step out from the crystal barricades to approach the Alien. The Elite snaps his head at the two figures approaching him from the other side of the bubble shield. He smirks at them before grabbing the energy sword hilt off his hip. He activates it, revealing its bright blue color. He scrapes the edge across the shield as electrical and boiling sounds erupt from the action. Shining knew he was trying to intimidate them, and he wouldn’t allow this creature to get inside his head. Both Shining Armor and Ember stop just inches from the shield and look up at the massive elite. The Elite looks down at them, examining them. He is the first one to speak between them.

“You.” He points to Ember with his finger. “Your armor”

“What about it?” She narrowed her eyes at the alien.

“It resembles the ancient armor of the Kaidons from Sanghelios.” This elite couldn’t take his eyes off her, extremely interested in her armor.

“Kaidon? I am a Dragon Lord.” She stated proudly. But this only caused the Elite to widen his eyes.

“Lord? Then you are a Kaidon.” The elite then crosses his arms. He then looks at the smaller of the two and smirks again. “I am Khota ‘Mutamee. Shipmaster of the vessel, The Fire of The Mighty!”

“I am Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire! I demand to know why your army is at my front step!” Shining puffed out his chest to not make himself look so small compared to the 8-foot elite.

“A Lord and a Prince, huh?” Khota was admittedly impressed that the royalty of this planet chose to fight alongside their soldiers. It was honorable to see.

“Answer me! You are foreign invaders and I will not stand for any of your games!” Shining barked, earning a soft growl from the Elite.

“Very well,” Khota replied as he lifted his hand with the sword, using it to point right past them. They both turn and look to see he is pointing directly at the crystal castle. “Your castle is currently sitting above a Forerunner chamber. Allow me access to it at once!”

“You really think I’m just going to let you into MY empire after you have done nothing but bombard my shields for the past two days!?” Shining huffed, feeling insulted by Khota’s demand.

“Let me in, and you and your empire will remain untouched by me and my armies!” Khota now narrowed his eyes at Shining. He was speaking honestly; he would spare the insignificant population of this city. But he didn’t say anything about Sombra taking over.

Shining looks into Khota’s eyes. He can see the fire of a warrior behind the Shipmaster’s eyes. The years of military experience. He could tell Khota was no fool and a strong adversary. After the brutality the Covenant has shown Equis and its inhabitants so far, Shining does not trust Khota’s word on not harming anypony. Something about him felt… off. Perhaps Cadence was right; something more sinister was lurking here.

“You and your honeyed words are not going to trick me.” Shining responded only causing Khota’s anger to rise.

“Deny me entry, vermin, and I’ll see to it that that very castle is stained red by the blood of your subjects!” Khota clenched his fist as he spat his words out like venom.

Shining, still defiant to the Alien’s threats, responds. “That is if you can even get in.”

Seeing that this conversation was going nowhere, Shining Armor turned his back on Khota. Ember follows suit, with the natives turning their backs on him. The Shipmaster strikes the shield with a closed-fist punch, roaring in anger. Now, only a few feet away, Shining Armor and Ember begin speaking to each other.

“What did he mean about a secret chamber under the Castle?” Asked Ember.

“He’s probably referring to the crystal dungeons. But almost nopony knows how to get down there.” Shining replied, acting nonchalant about it.

“Well then… how does he know about them?” Ember asked again. Shining Armor feels a twinge in his gut at that question. He didn’t think about that.

“I… I don’t know. He shouldn’t.” Shining looks to Ember, who looks back at him.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this now.” Ember states, earning a nod from the Prince.

“So do I.” Shining narrows his eyes as a new feeling of dread overshadows him.

The two royals continued to talk as they approached the line of barricades surrounding the city. They were oblivious to what was now happening behind them. The soldiers behind the barricades watch in awe as a cloud of black smoke begins rising on the other side of the shield behind the pair. Shining Armor, noticing the expressions on the faces of his men, raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Eventually, he and Ember finally stop to turn around, and they are horrified by what they see. The mass of black smoke was beginning to rise over the shield. Shining Armor takes a few steps back as his eyes widen at the display. Before his very eyes, two massive green & red eyes open from the smoke and seem to glare right at him. Shining was left horrified as he recognized those eyes. “…Sombra…”

As if the mass of smoke heard it; a loud thunderous laugh could be heard coming through the mist as it slowly began to faze through the shield and enter the other side. All soldiers present held up their weapons, preparing for what would happen next. The shadowy mass suddenly halts, part of it phasing through the shield while the rest is still on the outside. Eventually, a soft buzzing noise comes from the mist, a noise many of the marines fail to recognize, except the humans. Before the smoke, a wraith is able to drive through the smoke, as it acts like a passageway through the bubble shield. A large gust of bone-chilling wind followed after it.

“Holy Celestia! They’re getting in!” Shining yelled as the black mist expanded to allow a larger number of Covenant forces to pass through.

Bullets and rockets began to be fired at the mist at any and all incoming covenant advancements. As the first wraith comes through, more and more wraiths follow suit and unleash a volley of plasma mortars at the line of barricades. The crystal barricades are holding off the bombardments, but the barrage of plasma made it hard to return fire properly.

Ember hunkers down next to a few of her dragon soldiers as one makes the attempt to peak out and return fire. She looks up and watches a pink crystalline needle fired from a needle rifle strike him in the eye. His body goes stiff and he falls onto his back. Ember looks back in the direction of the shot, clenching her fist in anger.

“Faaz nah!” Ember cursed in her native tongue as she gritted her teeth. She lifts up her grenade launcher and aims it at one of the approaching wraiths before firing. The grenade impacts and explodes, causing minimum damage to the Wraith.

Ember looks down and reloads another round. Before she could take aim again, in her peripherals, she could see the twin barrels of an M41SSR Rocket Launcher being raised up. She turns and sees Shining Armor holding the launcher with his magic as he fires one rocket. It strikes the same wraith, and it explodes with a light blue explosion. Ember looks from the explosion and back at Shining who looks back at her. She gives him a pouty expression.

“I had that, you know.” Ember grumbles, causing Shining to smirk a little.

“Perhaps you should be a little faster next time.” Shining quipped as he placed the large weapon on his back before pulling out an MA5B assault rifle and firing at the line of approaching covenant.

Shining stands next to Ember as they both try to keep advancing Covenant forces away from the crystal barriers, if they were to break through their line, they would have no choice but to retreat all the way back to the Crystal City. It didn’t take long during the fight before his comms began to come alive, though there was a lot of interference.

“SHHHHHH… Shining!...SHHHHH… Approaching bubble!... SHHHH… Answer me Shiny!” Came a female voice through Shining Armor’s coms. Shining Armor instantly recognizes the voice and places a hoof to his comms.

“Twily!? Is that you!?” Shining asked over the gunfire.

“Yes! –SHHHHH– We are approaching… –SHHHH– …Empire now! We beli… –SHHHHH– Sombra has returned!”Twilight’s voice came through. Shining looks back up at the massive green eyes emitting from the black smoke.

“Yeah… I kind of figured that out too! The Crystal Empire has been breached, Twily! The Covenant have penetrated the shield and are currently invading. Without proper backup, we are not gonna stand a chance.” Shining spoke clearly. The interference between them was slowly dissipating as Twilight’s signal was getting closer.

“Buck me! They have already broken in!? Please just hold out for just a little while, Shiny. We are en route to help give you support!”Twilight had a more serious tone in her voice now.

“I hear you. When you get here Twily, I need you to meet me at the castle.” Shining replied, he could then hear the confusion in Twilight’s voice as she responded.

“Huh? Why at the castle? We should be at the front lines in combat.”Twilight replied.

“I’ll explain when you get here, and get here fast!” Shining releases his hoof from his helmet. Shining then turns his attention to Ember. “I need you with me, Lord Ember.”

“You’re pulling me away from the battle!? Why?!” Ember huffed loudly.

“To check out what is so important to the Covenant in the dungeons. We need to get to it first before them!” Shining replied. Ember looks out towards the battlefield again before sighing

“Very well, I’m with you.” Ember puts her grenade launcher on her back in response.

Shining then places his hoof on the side of his helmet again. “Prince Pharynx, Yngol. Come in.” He asked into the comm.

“Yes, Prince Armor!” Came the raspy voice of Pharynx.

“Yak hear pony loud and clear!” Came the loud voice of Yngol.

“You two are in command ‘till me and Ember return to the field. We shall return soon.” Shining informed the two.

“Very well. We shall keep these barbarians back upon your return!” Replied the warrior bug prince.

“Ha-Ha! Yngol bring great honor for Pony and Yaks!”Yngol’s spoke with pride. Shining then looks at Ember and gives her a nod. She steps closer to him as Shining begins to light his horn. In a flash, they disappear.

Cadence stood back on the large balcony of the crystal castle, watching as her worst fear came to pass; the Covenant had broken through the bubble shield. She watches as the brave stallions and mares of all the united forces fight desperately to defend her home. It was then that a bright flash of light emitted from behind her. She turns to see Shining Armor and Dragon Lord Ember had teleported to her. She was confused to see him step away from the fighting but also relieved to see him unharmed.

“Shining!” She called to him as she approached him, giving him a quick small hug. “What’s going on? Why are you back up here?”

“I have discovered something that requires my full attention, and it involves the Crystal Dungeons.” Shining Armor answered, only causing more confusion for Cadence.

“The Crystal Dungeons? But the only pony who has been down there in thousands of years was Twilight when she found the Crystal Heart.” Cadence recalled, giving her husband a curious look. Seeing the very serious expression on his face, she knew that whatever motive he had in going down into the dungeons was urgent. “Shiny… what’s going on?”

“Twilight is on her way here. I’ll explain everything when they arrive.” Shining Armor assured his wife, though she looked unconvinced.

An entire line of pelicans is en route towards the Crystal Empire. There was an entire Covenant-invading party assaulting one side of the shield that the pelicans flew directly over. Part of the bubble shield opens to allow the aircraft to enter. They begin descending towards the crystal barricades and quickly open their back hatch, and reinforcements come rushing out. However, one Pelican continues to fly towards the Crystal Castle. It hovers just above the balcony and opens its hatch, allowing fire team Harmony, Zeta Team, and all of Whiskey-7 to jump out and land on the balcony.

Twilight is the first to step out and quickly looks towards the battlefield. She slowly approaches the balcony and watches the distant explosions, as well as the black mist allowing the Covenant to faze through the shield. She felt a massive pit in her gut, so far the Covenant had dominated every battle, but this was a battle Equis could not afford to lose.

“Twilight!” The voice of the lavender alicorn’s brother pulls her out of her thoughts. She looks back and sees her brother with a pair of guards standing by his sides. She trots towards him, giving the unicorn prince a quick hug.

The rest of the squad finally hops off the pelican and it then flies off to the front lines. Most of the humans were completely amazed by the crystal structure of the castle; its architecture coming right out of fairytale stories. The only one able to quell their amazement is Maverick, who steps forward next to Twilight, waiting to be filled on the situation.

“Thank you for coming, Twily. If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have asked you to meet me in the castle.” Shining reassured his sister.

“I understand, BBBFF. But I have yet to be informed of that reason.” Twilight spoke honestly.

“Affirmative. Me and the rest of Zeta should be down there fighting to help repel the Covenant. So please fill us in quickly, Prince Armor.” Maverick spoke as he removed his helmet.

“Follow me to the throne room, I’ll explain along the way.” Shining spoke. The group follows the group away from the balcony and to the throne room. “You remember the day King Sombra first returned, Twily? When you found the Crystal Heart?”

“Of course.” Twilight answered as she walked, before scowling. “It was the day King Sombra was defeated… the first time, at least.”

“Yes, you found the Crystal Heart by entering the dungeon under the castle, and we need you to re-open them.” Shining Armor’s statement almost caused Twilight to stop in her tracks.

“Why? I do not understand.” Twilight was slowly getting a bad feeling when her brother mentioned the old Crystal Dungeons.

“Before the Covenant started to invade, I had a little chat with their leader.” Shining stated, causing the group to halt.

“Shipmaster Khota ‘Mutamee? He’s here?” Maverick spoke up, some emotion breaking through his stoic demeanor. “And you’re telling me now!? He’s a priority one target, marked for death. I should be out there hunting him.”

“I understand, Commander.” Shining Armor acknowledged. “But trust me when I say this is far more important. The Shipmaster spoke of a hidden chamber in the dungeons. I’m taking his words seriously, as any kind of knowledge about the castle should not be known by him.”

Shining’s words were dwelling in Twilight’s head; her brother was correct. An alien who has never been to this planet before should not know anything about the crystal dungeons.

“This is insane. The Covenant have thrown curveball after curveball at us. Knowledge they shouldn’t know or magic they should not have has been falling into their possessions left & right! I’m starting to feel like all our advantages are being taken from us.” Twilight could feel her chest tighten with anxiety.

“What kind of chamber did he mention specifically?” Asked Maverick, his eyes landing right on Shining.

“He said it was ‘Forerunner.’” Shining Armor answered truthfully.

“Forerunner… Dammit.” Maverick swore to himself. If anything Forerunner was on this planet, then nothing would stop the entire Covenant fleet from coming here.

Eventually, the group entered the throne room where Dragon Lord Ember and Princess Cadence, the latter holding Flurry Heart in her hooves, stood in the center. They were conversing with one another until they saw everyone enter.

“Twilight!” Cadence smiled happily as Twilight galloped up and hugged her sister-in-law. Upon releasing the embrace, the lavender alicorn turns to Flurry Heart and gives her a kiss on the cheek, the baby alicorn giggling at her aunt’s kisses

“Hey, Ember!” Said Spike as he went up to greet the cyan dragoness by wrapping his arms around her midsection and hugging her.

Ember smiles awkwardly and lightly taps the top of his head, still not used to this kind of affection. However, she does notice that he is a bit taller than he was before. A helmetless Carlito, watching this from afar, can’t help but let out a soft chuckle seeing the two, causing the dragon lord to blush from embarrassment.

“Hey, Carlito!” Spike spoke as he stood up straight. “Come meet a friend of mine! Princ– I mean, Dragon Lord Ember.”

“Oh, I met her before, dawg. Back at boot camp, if I recall correctly.” Carlito said cheerfully as he offered his hand to Ember. “But it’s nice to meet you. Any amiga of Spike is an amiga to me.”

“Oh, alright then. That… That means friend, right?” Asked Ember as she shook the Corporal’s hand with her claw. Earning a chuckle from Carlito.

“Correct. I remember you quite a bit from boot camp. You and the other dragons seemed really eager to fight.” Carlito commented.

“Of course we are! We dragons are not like ponies; we value strength and aggression over kindness and compassion,” Ember stated bluntly before adding, “Though, we are embracing friendship thanks to Twilight… and Spike.” The cyan dragoness looked over to see Spike had joined Twilight as she spoke to Cadence and Shining Armor. “He was the first to offer me friendship.”

“No kidding? He is a nice little guy.” Carlito chuckled a bit, putting his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, he’s kinda like the little brother I never had.” Ember smiled before looking at Carlito again. “Which is why I want to thank you personally, Carlito.”

“Thank me? For what?” Carlito asked as he cocked his head to the side.

“I want to thank you for looking after Spike. You’re kinda like his guardian, and you keep him safe. I can’t thank you enough for that.” Ember spoke softly and honestly.

“Oh, no problem, Dama Dragón. I’m… I’m glad to help keep him safe,” Carlito said, a slight blush forming on his cheeks. Ember, not used to showing this much appreciation, also blushed a bit. Their conversation soon ended when they noticed everyone else began to quiet down and approached the large throne. Twilight stepped up and looked directly up at the throne.

“Go on, Twily… open it.” Her brother encouraged her.

Twilight takes in a large breath, holds it, and then finally exhales. She closed her eyes, as her horn slowly began to light with the color green. Purple smog leaked from her closed eyes as she powered up her spell. Some of the humans took a few steps back, a bit cautious, as they knew what Twilight was capable of with dark magic. She aims her horn at the large crystal above the throne and zaps it. The crystal fades to black and begins to cast a shadow over the throne. When the shadow covers the floor, it reveals a massive hole in the ground, with a spiral staircase leading to the bottom.

“¡Qué va!” Exclaimed Carlito as he stepped closer and looked down the massive abyss. “I can’t even see the bottom.”

“So, this leads to the crystal dungeons?” Marcus asked as he joined his comrade in staring down the hole.

“Do we all have to go down there?” Adam began to whine.

“Not all of us, Corporal.” Said Tex. “Some of us need to stay up here in case the Covenant gets into the city.”

“Any volunteers?” Asked Maverick as he looked around at everyone. “Obviously myself, Twilight, and Prince Armor need to go down.”

“Count me in.” Said Rainbow Dash loudly.

“I’ll join as well.” Said Tex as he crossed his arms.

“I want to go down too.” Said Spike as he looked down the hole.

“Shit, if Spike is going down, I might as well too.” Said Carlito, pushing back some anxiety.

“Same here.” Ember joined in.

“I’ll go too, Mav.” Said Kieran stepping forward.

“And me.” Clara stepped forward as well, but Maverick held his hand up to her.

“Negative, Clara. We need at least one Spartan up here.” The Commander ordered. Clara’s shoulders slump, and she looks away for a second. Eventually, she looks back at Maverick and nods.

“Alright, Mav. Just promise me you two will stay safe,” Clara said with some worry. Maverick nodded to her as he looked back at the hole.

“Alright, everyone, we’ve got a lot of stairs to go down, so let’s get started.” Maverick ordered loudly.

“Actually, there’s no need to walk down, Commander.” Twilight said while looking at the group of volunteers. “My brother and I can use a levitation spell.”

“Like hell you are! I still remember when you levitated me the first time on the ship!” Carlito exclaimed, narrowing his eyes at the Princess of Friendship.

Despite the situation, Twilight managed a small giggle. “I promise this won’t be like last time, Carlito,” she assured the young ODST, who sighed before putting his helmet back on.

From behind Carlito, Ember turned to give Spike a raised eyebrow. Spike was chuckling at Carlito's reaction, as he was there during Twilight's first use of levitation on Carlito.

“Everypo—I mean... everyone, get in close.” Twilight smiled as she and Shining’s horns began to glow. Everyone who volunteered huddled closer together as a small bubble formed around them, except for Spike, Ember, and Rainbow Dash, who opted to fly beside them. Slowly, the bubble began to rise off the ground, taking everyone inside up.

“Whoa… This doesn’t feel right.” Said Tex as he wobbled a bit, leaning on Shining Armor for support.

“We’ll be at the bottom in no time.” Said Twilight reassuringly as the bubble descended down the pit. Tex slowly regained his footing, looking at Shining Armor who he still had his hand on.

“Sorry ‘bout that, your highness.” Tex said as he removed his hand from Shining’s back.

“Don’t worry about it, I understand it coming from someone who has never been levitated before.” Shining gave Tex a half smile.

“Heh, well, that’s all right then,” Tex said as he placed his hands on his hips. I remember you from boot camp. You got some military experience already, do ya?”

“I guess you can say that. I was captain of the Canterlot royal guard, before me and Cadence got married.” Shining turned to face Tex completely.

“Captain, huh? Well shit, you outrank me then.” Tex joked. “And now you’re a prince, got a whole empire to look after now.”

“Thought this position would be easier.” Shining’s expression suddenly hardened. “I wasn’t expecting a war to break out anytime soon, especially one against aliens.”

“I can understand that.” Tex sighed softly. “I knew well what I was getting into; I volunteered the moment I turned eighteen.” Tex shared, earning a soft smile from Shining.

“No kidding? I joined the guard when I turned eighteen as well.” Shining admitted, earning a soft chuckle from Tex.

“Well, how ‘bout that. What was your reason for enlisting?” Tex asked.

“It just felt like something I was meant to do: serve the public and protect others who can’t protect themselves.” Shining answered truthfully, causing Tex to grow in admiration.

“That’s very noble of you. I think I feel the same way, even though many of those back home didn’t want me to.” Tex admitted, earning a concerned look from the Prince.

“You got a family back home?” Shining asked with genuine concern.

“Just a Ma and Pa and a brother. Nothing like what you have.” Tex smiled, recalling Shining’s wife and baby up top. “I must admit, you got a mighty nice family yourself.”

“Thank you, Tex.” Shining’s smile was slowly growing bigger.

“Ye’re welcome. Just always keep them protected. I’ve seen way too many families split because of this war.” Tex’s voice grew sadder, only earning a small nod from the Crystal Prince.

After a few minutes, the bottom was in sight, and they very easily descended to the bottom. Ember and Spike landed first before the bubble faded, allowing the others to spread out a bit more.

“That felt like going down a Covie grav lift.” Said Kieran as he regained his footing.

“Yeah, just without the nausea.” Carlito chipped in.

As the group begins to get a feel for their surroundings, they notice Twilight standing in front of a large wooden door. She stares at it with a scowl.

“Stand back, everyone. This door is not safe.” Twilight told the group while holding up her hoof.

“It’s just a door, Princesa. How dangerous can it be?” Carlito asked as he approached the door.

“Carlito, wait!” Twilight stepped forward quickly to try to stop him, but Carlito had already opened the door, revealing a solid crystal wall behind it. The young ODST just stared at it in silence, disturbing a few as he just stood there.

“Carlito?” Asked Tex, concerned for his friend and fellow squadmate.

“…Mamá? …Papá?…” Carlito spoke just barely above a whisper before slowly removing his helmet. When he did, everyone noticed his eyes were glowing green and red, with the same dark purple smog leaking from his eyes. He drops his helmet on the spot and reaches for the door. “…Mi hermana?”

“Princess? What’s going on with him?” Maverick demanded, looking to Twilight for an explanation.

“The door has been enchanted to reveal your worst fear.” Twilight explained. Maverick looked back towards the sniper, he took a step to help pull him away when Carlito suddenly flinched.

“What…? Kroedis II? But… but this can’t be? I watched it get…” Carlito’s expression changed to outright horror. “No… No! NO!!! Don’t glass it! Stop! My family is still there!” Carlito became belligerent and slammed his hands against the crystal wall, startling everyone present.

“Corporal, stand down!” Maverick placed his hand on Carlito’s shoulder, but the young sniper ignored him.

“No! ¡Pinche pendejos! Let me go! They’re glassing it!” Carlito’s tirade was only getting worse. Maverick and Ember had to pull the ODST away from the door just so Twilight could shut it. As soon as the door slammed shut, the dark magic affecting Carlito began slowly fading away.

“No! No! Let me…go…” Carlito falls to his knees and places his hands on the wooden door. His eyes were shaking and beginning to get moist. Slowly, he looks down at his own hands pressed tightly against the wood. He slowly pulls them back as he continued to stare at the door. “Dios mío…”

“You okay, Carlito?” Asked Tex, slowly approaching Carlito and placing his hand on his shoulder. “Talk to me, man.”

“…I’m fine… It’s just… That was so real.” Carlito slowly regained his composure. “It was like I was really there…watching it all over again…”

Ember looks down at Carlito with her jaw slightly gaped and her eyes soft. Never before has she seen such raw emotions before, especially coming out of the usually chipper sniper. She wanted to step in closer and offer some closure, but she hesitated, not sure how to do so. Spike too was shocked by Carlito’s sudden outburst, never seeing this side of him before.

“Do you need a second, Corporal?” Tex would ask, wanting to make sure Carlito was okay. In response, the young sniper began to harden his expression and slowly rose to his feet.

“No. The longer we stall, the more lives are taken by those hijos de putas.” Carlito picks his helmet back up, and puts it back on, his visor going opaque.

Tex wanted to interject, but he was right. They could not afford to wait any longer. It wasn’t a question of if the Covenant would break through the front line, but when. They had to continue.

“Everyone, please stand back so I can dispel the enchantment.” Twilight spoke as both ODSTs finally stood back.

Twilight gets back in front of the door, this time charging up a different spell. Instead of hitting it with dark magic, a rainbow glow was shot from Twilight’s horn which lit up the door in the similar aura. Now, when Twilight opened the door, a brand new room was revealed. After stepping through, the group looks up to see another spiral staircase leading to the top of a large crystal obelisk.

“Great, more stairs. Think we can get another lift, Twilight?” Asked Rainbow Dash as she leaned back to try and see the top.

“Absolutely. Everyone, stand close again.” Twilight gestured with her hoof for them to huddle together.

It doesn’t take nearly as long to reach the top as they finally approach the final pathway. They float up and into a separate room.

A quick look around reveals they are in the same chamber where the Crystal Heart was found. Twilight remembers this room all too well. She approaches the star-shaped platform where the Crystal Heart was once hidden. She narrows her eyes at it, stepping on that platform last time alerted King Sombra of her presence. She did not want that to happen again, in case Sombra was able to seal them off from the hidden chamber. She approached it and leaned her head down to examine it.

“Is… is this also enchanted with something sinister?” Asked Kieran, looking at the same platform.

“I believe so. When I last stepped onto here, it alerted Sombra that I was here, and he was able to summon large crystals to trap me. I needed Spike’s help to even get the Crystal Heart to its pedestal. I couldn’t even teleport out.” Twilight recalled her last encounter here.

“Heh, that’s why they call me Spike, the ‘Brave & Glorious’ around here.” Spike couldn’t help but boast, earning a chuckle.

“Well, how did you manage to get out?” Asked Kieran, turning his head to look at Twilight.

“The trap was dispelled when the Crystal Heart was finally placed on its pedestal,” Twilight admitted.

“Well… Maybe it’s gone then.” Kieran suggested. Twilight considered it, and so far, it was their best hypothesis.

“Well… Alright then. It’s worth a try.” Twilight said as she stood up to full height. She very slowly and cautiously placed one hoof on the platform. She closes her eyes and waits for something, anything, to happen.

To her surprise, nothing happened. She opened her eyes and placed one more hoof on the platform, then another, and finally her last one. She looked down at the platform and nothing seemed to happen.

“Well, at least we know this enchantment is no longer active.” Twilight said aloud.

“What now, then?” Asked Kieran as he stepped onto the platform as well. As soon as both feet were on the platform, it suddenly began to glow.

Fearing to be trapped again, Twilight quickly jumped off, but Kieran was left frozen, nervous about what was happening. The star pattern soon faded and was then replaced by another symbol; one that was unrecognizable to all. As the symbol continued to glow, a robotic voice was heard.

“Reclaimer, identified.”

10 minutes prior…

Shipmaster Khota stood with his arms crossed up on a hill as he watched his forces slowly invade through the opening Sombra made. He watched with enjoyment, a large smirk on his face as everything was going according to plan. He is soon approached by Xala, leader of his special operations officers who bows his head.

“Now that we have breached, what are my orders, sir?” Asked Xala who was eager to join the fight.

“While N’Thoka leads the distraction, you are to infiltrate their pathetic city and sneak inside as they discover the chamber. The fools think me ignorant to reveal such crucial information. But we are going to sit back while they open it for us.” Khota began to chuckle. “You are to report back any details you find. If you see the Demon Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am suspending your orders to assassinate her.”

“Suspend my assassination!?” Xala was taken aback by this order. “Sir, this would be my ultimate chance to slay her. A grand victory would be achieved!”

“And risk yourself being compromised!” Khota glares at him angrily. “We must take this mission with caution. The true strength of these heathen’s magic still remains mostly unknown to me. If they can destroy someone as strong as King Sombra, they may have the power to destroy the chamber. I cannot allow the destruction of any priceless relics that that castle hides. I will not return to ‘Vadamee a failure!”

Khota growled as he spoke his words, a shiver being sent down Xala’s spine at the mention of their supreme commander. Xala, understanding his shipmaster’s commands then stands up straight.

“I understand. I shall remain as silent as a shadow.” Xala spoke as he then activated his active camo, slowly turning invisible. Khota began to grumble, whether Xala was still there or not.

“Do not fail me, Xala.”

Author's Note

Hello Everyone! k00l here again! I’m extremely excited for these next few chapters as the plot begins to expand. No spoilers, but the next few chapters are going to reveal a new perspective of not only the planet Equis, but its inhabitants as well. Thank you guys for reading and keeping up with this story, and thanks again, for the hundredth time to my Co-Author, SCPEquis! I’ll never stop thanking you buddy even if you tell me to stop XP.

Happy to help, bro! 🙂

So, I sense something forming between two of our characters. I wonder who they could be.