Author's Note

Hello everyone, thank you all for your patience (most of you more accurately) as I have finally managed to get this milestone part of the story published. Before I begin, I would like to say this story also took a month to put together in order to make this work. Getting it put together, factoring in it into Season 6 itself, issues people have had with the story itself, and of course rewriting it to the point it still fits in the story itself. But I'd like to say that I managed to do just that.

And without saying much, there wasn't too much in Part One that I felt needed to be adjusted aside from applying the wrench here and there on some parts with the choice on the villains themselves to explained more on later parts, and with the new plan underway it is now time for Part Two...

Episode 18: The Siege of the Crystal Empire Part One

Episode 18:

Siege of the Crystal Empire Part One

On a cold and dark night a mysterious figure made it’s way through the blistering blizzard where beyond the Crystal Empire borders is where the arctic wastes resides. Eventually the figure made it to where there was no snow on the group before making it’s way forward towards Canterlot passing by a wooden sign with multiple directions and arrows pointing towards various areas in Equestria.

Along the way, she found herself meeting up with another mysterious figure wearing a black cloak with only his bright neon green eyes who moved to intercept the unknown figure to have a word with. While intentionally unsure and startled by his sudden appearance, she moved to listen to what he has to say along with his offer of assistance since he knows exactly what this figure wants and is talking about before making their way onward together.

For generations they were used as a prison for the worst of monsters like King Sombra himself. Absent the terrifying charm of Tartarus. Also absent its revolving door. The reality is that ended up being the place the two sisters put monsters they had no concept of how to hold.

Perhaps the even worse reality is that there are older monsters locked up here than even the two sisters know. This was the prison for the Crystal Empire in it’s earliest days. The rules of the Crystal Ponies were renowned for putting monsters on ice.

And after the fall of the Crystal Empire, records were lost. And with Princess Amore’s defeat, the secret knowledge of the royals was lost and the contents of the arctic wastes were forgotten. But forgotten is not gone and things you lock away have the worst way of coming back.

On that very night, the Flim Flams brothers are making they way out of town while carrying a red velvet wagon on their backs and from the looks of their disgruntled and defeated faces, they’ve just had the luck run short on another one of their latest schemes.

“Well brother, that’s another scheme foiled.” Flim commented to his brother.

"Another day, another bad apple in the bunch.” Flam also commented in agreement.

“You can say that again. Is there anywhere in Equestria two honest con ponies can set up a scam without a member of the Apple Family or anyone else associated with the Lion and Pony Guard showing up and ruining it? Why do these Apples along with their friends care so much? Who asked them to be hall monitors of all Equestria?”

“It’s a bum rap, it is. Every time we set up it’s like apples fall right out of the trees.”

“We’ve got to do something about them, brother.”

“I can help with that.” The figure wearing the cloak offered as it stood in their path thus startling them upon spotting the stranger right in front of them.

“Whoa!”

“Gah! Where’d you come from?”

The stranger paid no mind to their sudden shock before getting straight to business. “What if I offered you the chance to get rid of that pesky Applejack and her friends for good? What if I told you I had the power to make you wealthy beyond your imagination?”

At that moment Scar himself appeared wearing his black cloak as he floated before them before showing them a large bag of golden bits while giving the two a tempting smirk knowing full well they won’t have the heart say to no to his companion’s offer let alone knowing full well of who and what he is to everyone.

The following morning, Iron Will himself is holding a seminar in the Whinnyapolis hotel conference room where he is giving financial advice to ponies who seek and need it, which just so happens to be only one pony inside the room with him.

“And you can learn all of Iron Will’s secrets to being the new assertive you for just four easy payments of…” The only pony proceeded to get up and leave the room without a word, clearly not interested in anything further. “Wait! Stop! If you act now Iron Will will throw in this easy pocket horseshoe cleaner!” The pony still made his way out even in the face of desperation leaving the guy in dismay with the poor turnover from today’s meeting. “Iron Will doesn’t know Bertha. It’s like Iron Will has lost all his charisma even the other goats have left me.” His loyal goat companion let out a bleat in response to that. “You’re right! I did say me! Now I said it! Iron Will is losing it.”

Just then Scar along with the hooded stranger suddenly appeared inside the room with him. “That’s too bad.” He commented while startling both the mintouar and the goat at the same time. “Because a losing edge does keep you from winning and getting what you want in life, doesn’t it?”

“But…” The stranger chimed in and then offered. “...I can help you get it back.”

“Why should Iron Will listen to you, lion or alicorn or lion alicorn half breed or whatever you are?!” The minotuar assertively demanded of the half lion alicorn before turning to the pony wearing the cloak. “And you pony, you don’t even speak in third person.”

“Because…” Scar started as he moved to explain why he should listen to him and his companion accompanying him. “...charisma is a valuable tool. It inspires confidence and ensures that no matter what comes your way, you are capable of leading followers into action.”

“Not to mention, everybody used to be afraid of minotuars…” The stranger added. “...if you follow us, they can be again.”

“So, what do you say, wannabe fearsome assertive friend? Are you in for a favor at this time of my choosing.” Scar then said as the minotuar mulls over it for a bit, but it seemed he was on board for whatever they have in mind as Makucha himself appears beside the two awaiting his decision on whether he is in or not.

Elsewhere at a bar the Down N Out Cider Pub to be exact, is where Lightning Dust and Wind Rider are both currently playing darts with a picture of Rainbow Dash’s face winking at them used for target practice. And yet despite being former Wonderbolts, playing darts and landing bullseyes are not their thing as evident by the various darts pinned to the wall.

“You know I outraced Rainbow Dash at every turn. I just had the guts to do what needed to be done to win and she cared about making friends. Why does a Wonderbolt need friends?” Lightning Dust complained while tossing a dart at the board only to hit the wall instead to the sloppy shot attempt.

“I wish I knew because you know I deserved that very record I used to own before Rainbow Dash came along and ruined it. She should be the one sitting here and sulking and drowning her sorrows as an outcast. Not us.” Wind Rider further complained as he aimed poorly himself while hitting the wall again.

“Well she’s not so if you want to stay here, you need to order something.” The waitress, one with a pink coat, light grayish blue mane and matching eyes, wearing a white waiter apron, having passed by said to them while clearly not interested in whatever beef or axe to grind to the former Wonderbolts have with their most hated enemy.

“Another root beer.”

“Two, please.”

The two replied.

“All on us.” Scar then said as he and the stranger appeared while pitching a bag of gold bits to cover the cost of the root beer the two ponies requested to the waitress. “And if there is extra, keep it and get yourself something nice.” The waitress simply shrugged before walking off without further questions. Though given Scar’s nature, it wouldn’t be surprising if she didn’t want any trouble with him. “And as for you both once you are done, you are both needed today.”

“For what?” Lightning asked before hopefully and eagerly wondering. “Another attempt at taking down Rainbow Dash?”

“Correct, Lightning.” Scar nodded with a dark smile.

Hearing that sparked immediate interest in the two as they wasted no time in leaving the bar to carry out their part in his latest plan.

“Well, what are we waiting for?”

“Let’s go.”

“We have one last stop to make.” The stranger reminded before they could get too far ahead of them.

“Of course.”

“We’re not going off on our accord.”

The two called back as they raced ahead all while Scar himself holds the two mugs of root beer with his magic before casually taking a big sip from one of them feeling pleased and ready to carry out their next move on their enemies. And said target just so happens to be the Crystal Empire itself.

Later on that afternoon at the Crystal Empire, Twilight, Kion, Bunga, and Spike are all overseeing the preparations for the annual Crystal Faire and with the leaders of the Guard hard at work it was all coming together smoothly.

“Attention everyone!” Twilight shouted with a megaphone in her magic. “All food vendors are directed to take the east road to the Crystal commons. Fugelhorn vendors please follow balloon vendors to the Crystal courtyard.”

“Do they really have to call everything “The Crystal whatever”?” Spike asked as he looked over his clipboard. “We get it, it’s crystal.”

“Crystal clear that is…” Bunga laughed while munching on a glob of crystal sprinkle coated cotton candy. “...you don’t have to tell me twice.”

“Anyways…” Kion then said next to keep the conversation heading down the right direction. “...it might seem so a bit, but it is what it is.” He then shrugged before they all made their forward while making sure everything else is in order.

“They’re proud of their home.” Twilight added before noting of what Spike just said. “And Spike, I thought you loved the Crystal Empire. You’re a hero here.”

“I do.” He replied before clarifying. “I think the preparations for the Crystal Faire are starting to wear on me.”

“Wow!” Bunga piped up with his mouth full of cotton candy. “And it only took you three years for that to happen.”

“Bunga.” Kion scolded. “It can happen even to those who once enjoyed in the past. And besides, the Faire is tomorrow so after that there will be no more Faire talk until next year.”

“It’s about time.” Spike said already counting the time till then. “This last week has taken forever.”

“Oh! I get it!” Bunga realized. “Getting tired of being an event planner, huh?”

“No! It’s just considering that the Crystal Faire preparations took longer than usual compared to last year, it was more work than I needed.”

“Not to worry! Once you start getting bigger, you’ll feel your body can handle it.” Bunga assured though everyone looked at him like he just missed the point of this whole conversation. “What?”

“You’re really missing the point here.” Spike commented in return.

Before it could go further, Twilight noticed something peculiar on her left. “Hold on…”

“What’s up?” Kion asked before spotting the familiar wagon in front of them. “Oh, no! Not you guys again!”

“The Flim Flam Brothers?!”

“Yep!”

“In the flesh!”

Twilight along with the others scowled in their direction as their previous antics and cons haven’t been forgotten with them. “What are you two doing here?!”

“Just selling our legitimate wares, ma’am.” Flam innocently answered. “You remember our old Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 3000, right?”

“How could we forget?!” Bunga asked like it is one of the most ridiculous questions he’s ever heard of. “That was the worst cider I’ve ever tasted!” He even spit in their direction. “It took me a whole day just to get the taste of all of the trees, dirt, mud, and rocks you mixed in it! Not to mention a magical cure for dental work! Which reminds me…” He presents them a bill. “Here’s what you two owe me for the damage you caused to me!”

Flim calmly laughed it off while pulling aside the bill before resuming with what he and his brother have to say. “Well not to worry, little honey badger. For we have made some adjustments. It makes lemonade now.”

“Do you have a permit or do we need to order you to leave for attempting unauthorized business here?!” Kion asked.

“That won’t be necessary, sir…” Flam assured while pulling out the proper paperwork which just so happens to be one long scroll. “...for we assure you are legitimate business ponies we wouldn’t do less.”

“At least not when trying to sneak rotten worms in my cider.” Bunga remarked still not convinced himself as both Twilight and Kion look over the paperwork.

“Huh? Everything looks in order.” Twilight commented while puzzled they actually managed to take the time and effort to do so.

“Of course, Princess Twilight.” Flim said feeling sure to assert they have done nothing wrong so far. “Life gave us lemons so we made the world’s most efficient lemonade maker!”

“Oh, really?” Kion returned still skeptical of that claim.

“Yes, really. Just give us time and we’ll show you what it can do, okay, Prince Kion.”

“Very well.”

“But if you try to mix tropical bird droppings like you did on the last drink you served, you’re both out of here!” Bunga that stated while giving them the “I am watching you” gesture.

“Got it, honey badger.”

“Understood, and carry on.”

With nothing else needed to be said and done the four made their way by, but not without voicing their thoughts and concerns about them being here.

“Bet you all a bag of bits that they’re up to something.” Bunga first spoke while still looking on at them with the stink eye.

“You don’t have to wager me on that…” Spike commented in agreement before turning to the others. “I don’t trust them, Twilight, Kion.”

“Me neither.” Kion also agreed. “But that’s why we have the Pegasus security and our friends monitoring the other parts of the Faire.”

Twilight then spoke next to resolve the matter should push comes to shove. “I’ll have Applejack keep an eye on them. She’ll have a food stand too. Hopefully by the time the Crystal Ponies are allowed to come over to see the surprise we have prepared for them they' won't have too much trouble steering clear of danger like last time.”

"Let's hope so." Kion also hoped for the best even though it is always a given with all things considered.

Elsewhere, Rainbow Dash and Fuli have both come across someone who hasn’t exactly warranted a warm welcome to them something that both Fluttershy and Beshte took notice upon seeing their friends like this.

“Hey, Fuli, Beshte, what’s all the karbubble?”

“What’s all the commotion?”

Both Beshte and Fluttershy asked.

“Nothing worth your attention. Just someone who hasn’t got the proper clearance for this event.”

“And since you’re here Fluttershy, how about telling him he’s not getting into the Crystal Faire.”

The two replied pointing directly at Iron Will himself now wearing attire for the Faire with his goat companion standing by his side like always.

“Thank goodness, Fluttershy.” Said mintouar greeted like they’re pals. “Iron Will was hoping to see you. Pleas tell Miss Dash and Miss Fuli that you and Iron Will are friends now.”

“Huh?” Fuli looked on clearly confused.

“Well…” Fluttershy began. “...are you here to see the Crystal Faire?”

“We’ve heard it’s really beautiful. Iron Will has been taking meditation classes and working to be more kind.”

“Well…” Fluttershy felt pleased to hear it. “...that’s great! Fluttershy is… I mean… I am very proud of you.”

“That warms Iron Will’s heart, Fluttershy.”

“Well that’s lovely to hear.” Fuli shared with a forced and friendly smile before pulling Fluttershy aside. “If you don’t mind Iron Will, I’d like to have a word with your friend before we decide anything with you, okay?”

“Iron Will doesn’t mind at all. Take your time with your answer.”

Once Fuli was able to ensure she could speak to friends privately she then said to Fluttershy with gentle and firm suspicion and concern. “Now before you go ahead and decide whether he’s get to stay here or not, please tell me more about your friendship with Iron Will. Even after the guy drove you into overly assertively insulting everyone around you.”

“Not to mention, guys who we haven’t seen in a way while not on the best of terms only show up when something is about to go down.” Rainbow added equally suspicious and concerned. “And I have a gut feeling that guy’s still trouble with who knows whether or not Scar has put him up to something sinister.”

“Well, shortly after the whole overly assertive incident, he came by me the other day to apologize for how his assertiveness training didn’t work out the way he had hoped, so he invited me to lunch to make up for the trouble he caused because of it.” Fluttershy explained as a flashback of her meeting up with Iron Will in the past surfaces up. “After we talked it over and after I showed of how I was able to find middle ground between kind and assertive with a swift demonstration towards a rude waiter who was having a bad day with the other patrons, he was left impressed and satisfied to the point he tried to move on bigger endeavors. At least he’s doing already from what I last heard.”

“Right. Last I heard he was trying and failing to give financial advice to random ponies.” Rainbow returned not buying that Iron Will has improved greatly even while striking up a friendship with her friend. “But great friendship story aside, that still doesn’t convince me that we should let him carry on his business unnoticed.”

“True, but he hasn’t done anything illegal so far, and he does deserve the right to come and go as he pleases.” Fluttershy pointed out. “And much like whoever else is visiting as long as it isn’t someone from Scar’s army as long as they don’t stir up trouble, it’s nothing really to worry about.” She then gave Fuli a pleading look to at least let him stay.

“And there is the fact all of that can be changed if something does come up.” Beshte also pointed, being more than willing to give it a chance. “Maybe we should at least let him prove himself before we decide to kick him out.”

After giving it some thought Fuli moved to turn back to Iron Will with a decision made. “Very well, Iron Will. You may carry on and explore the Crystal Faire, provided that you are not scamming anyone here nor doing anything illegal.”

Fluttershy hugged her friend in response, very happy and grateful for her blessing in the matter. “Oh! Thank you! Thank you!”

“And don’t think I don’t have my eye on you because I’m watching you.” Rainbow then warned the minotuar as he moved to hug Fluttershy like they’re best buds which sparked a fierce and protective scowl towards him before making her leave along with Fuli.

Once the present members of the Lion and Pony Guard's backs were turned, he turned and gave the leopard now wearing a black catsuit the thumbs up to let him know he is good as he proceeds to use the distraction to make his way inside and closer to the heart of the kingdom.

At another part in the Crsytal Faire is where Rarity along with Pinkie, Kyoga, and Ono are overseeing the preparations in the Crystal Craft Corner where arts, crafts, and entertainment are being held there.

“Now Pinkie…” Rarity began to her overly excited party friend. “...You understand that I’ll be overseeing the arts and crafts tables and you’re in charge of the less...shall we say, aesthetic tables.”

“Right.” Pinkie hopped along fully understanding her task in hoof. “I’m in charge of the clowns and flugehorns. That’s what I was born for.”

“Good to hear.” Ono nodded before they are turned their attention forward. “Now, let’s see…”

Rarity taking notice of the old aged mare at one of the stands with blue crystals in cups. “Let’s see… mmm-hmmm. I like what you’re doing here. This is very next season.”

“But something we can work with.” Kyoga added while voicing her input on the matter.

“All right!” Pinkie then happily greeted the clown right beside her. “All right, you! Let’s see some slapstick.”

KER-SPLASH!

Right on cue, the clown was suddenly bombarded by a water balloon.

“Wow!”

“Whoa!”

“What the hay!”

Pinkie believing this part of the act wasted no time in complimenting the clown who is looking on equally surprised. “I didn’t even see the water balloon! Where did that come from!”

“RAAAGH!”

“HEY!”

Both Rarity and Ono screamed as they both got bombed themselves from the targeted water balloons fell on them and both were visibly and red-faced mad.

“Who dares!”

“What the buck!”

Just then laughter is heard from above which got the four’s attention. “Look at you both! You look ridiculous!” Lightning Dust taunted with Wind Rider by her side. “And before I’m done, all of your dumb arts and crafts will be soaked, too!”

“Not on our watch!” Kyoga fire back ready to throw down with the two former Wonderbolts.

“And there might not be a dungeon deep enough for the offense you committed!” Rarity angrily yelled back before using her magic to hoist the two ponies down hard onto the ground. “But Celestia knows I’ll keep looking! Security!”

At that moment both former Wonderbolts sprinted away with both Kyoga and Rarity in furious pursuit of the two quickly joined by the Pegasus security team with both Rainbow and Fluttershy along with Ono included.

“Ha! There’s only one Pegasus that’s fast enough to get near me!”

“Along with one more who still has speed in his wings to keep you catching us!”

The two fliers taunted as Rainbow Dash moved to try to close the gap along with Ono.

Above them the race between the fliers raged on as Rainbow Dash led the charge against the intruders. “Lightning Dust is trying to ruin the Crystal Faire! Come on, Ono, you too Fluttershy!”

“Got it!”

“Let’s do this!”

While Lightning Dust went ahead, Wind Rider split off from her, as he moved to try to speed off ahead with only Kyoga herself in hot pursuit of him. Though given his age and energy, it won't take too much trouble for the young lioness to catch her.

At the same time, Applejack has moved to set up her stand right across from the Flim Flams brothers after being informed of their presence here in the Faire and she wasted no time in voicing her honest thought about them being here today of all days. “You two! I don’t know what you’re up to but I know you’re up to something!”

“Applejack! You got the wrong idea about us.” Flim still insisted and tried to play innocent. “We knew you’d be here, so we didn’t even bring apples?”

“We’re in the lemonade game now, doll face. No need for the confrontation. Please look inside yourself.” Flam added while gesturing to the wagon with a closed window waiting to be open.

At the same time, Makucha slowly made his way across town before making his way towards the Crystal Palace where the Crystal Heart currently stands. “There it is! Now to await for the signal!”

Reluctantly with caution, Applejack proceeded to do so, only when she did she came across a startling surprise inside, specifically multiple pairs of green-blue eyes glaring right at her. “Wait! There’s something in here.”

Suddenly without warning, multiple changelings emerged right out of the wagon all shocking and scaring Applejack upon seeing them all and so many as they all emerged to the crystal blue sky. Something that Iron Will knew what to do from there.

"That’s the signal! That's my cue!” While suddenly speeding by the nearby ponies, Makucha wasted no time in pursing and snatching the heart from where it now stands all while the two former Wonderbolts keep the high fliers from the Guard still busy pursing them. Seeing that had him briefly chuckle at the sight before speeding off and away. "And no fast officers to spare to stop me."

“You’ll never catch me, Dash! I’ve been practicing and working on my speed lately!”

“You know I’m faster than you, Lightning Dust!” Rainbow retorted still in the pony’s rear view mirror. “It’s my job to protect the Crystal Faire today and I’m not about to let you ruin this for the rest of the Crystal Empire!”

“The Crystal Empire…?”

Inside the castle, a Crystal Guard urgently rushed inside to alert both the prince and princess inside who were both talking both Starlight and Sunburst with the latter holding their infant baby in his hooves. “Your majesties, the Crystal Empire is under attack!”

“Under attack? From where?” Shining Armor urgently inquired.

“I’m not sure it seems like everywhere! From the former Wonderbolts along with sudden reports of changelings on the rise!”

“Then that means Scar is involved in this and is now making his move on us, again!” Cadance stated wasting no time in taking action with her husband rushing outside alongside the guard to stop the ongoing chaos. "Let's go!”

"Let's."

"And what about us?"

"What should we do?"

Both Starlight and Sunburst asked the pink alicorn princess.

"You can help Shining Armor and I help Twilight and her friends in addition make sure the Crystal Ponies still waiting for the surprise to still remain inside! And you get Flurry Heart to safety and watch over her! Once the Empire is saved, we will come for her along with the rest of the Crystal Ponies!"

"You got it!"

"Will do! Come along, Flurry!"

Flurry however didn't like that idea as evident by her babbling and wriggling herself out of Sunburst's grasp.

"Flurry, no!" Sunburst quickly moved to use his magic to wrap a rope around her little body to prevent her flying off ahead. "Flurry, I'm sorry, but you can't go out there, it's not safe!"

Flurry moved to look at her mother pleadingly to let her join in, but even buttoning her cute little blue eyes wasn't swaying her into doing so. "I'm afraid he's right, Flurry." The mother apologized. "It's way too dangerous for a filly like you to be fighting. And we'll forgive ourselves if something were to happen to you. And please, stay with Sunburst, and be good, okay, Flurry?" She then pleaded of her in a motherly tone of voice. The baby frowned and crossed her arms in response before giving up any previous effort to want fly out into the battlefield. "You'll understand one day." She then kissed her baby on the forehead before taking off to do as she promised while the others went their separate ways.

From where Twilight, Kion, Spike and Bunga stood the ongoing chaos that has started has spread for all eyes to see.

“Changelings!”

“Lightning Dust and Wind Rider!”

Both Spike and Bunga stated in alarm upon seeing them.

“Then that means another one of Scar’s attack is underway!”

“We have to get back to the palace!”

Both leaders of the Guard then stated with both Spike and Bunga wasting no time in doing so.

But before their friends could follow after them they could do so they heard another familiar voice call out to them as if it is preventing them from leaving. “Not so fast, little prince and princess…” Who should appear none other than Queen Chrysalis herself as she emerged from the tent behind them. “...Because the party is just beginning!”

“Chrysalis!”

“I should have known you try to come here!”

“So true! Especially when it means an opportunity to get another shot at you both! And I won’t have you both running off!” She proceeded to fire one of her strongest blasts right at the two who both were quick to counter that with a combined counter blast to fend it off.

“You want us, Chrysalis!”

“You’ve got us!”

At the same time, Makucha made his move on his attempted theft of the heart which did not go unnoticed by Shining Armor himself.

“No!” He gasped before angrily growling in his direction with the guards right behind him. “Don’t let him get the heart!”

Up on the balcony, Princess Cadance worked her magic as she set her eyes on the leopard thief. “I will not them ruin the Crystal Faire!” She fiercely declared.

Elsewhere a distance away from the Crystal Empire…

“We left the Crystal Empire way back there.” Lightning taunted leaving her pursing officers stunned upon realizing the trick. “Poor Dash and Ono! Slow and poor sighted as always.”

Back inside the Crystal Empire…

Makucha had just narrowly avoided a blast of crystal blue magic from the princess herself before proceeding to continue making his way by in his evasive zigzag maneuvering style which has managed to be just enough to evade each and every hit thrown at him. "Better work on your aim, lady. Because this cat's too quick for ya!" He continued to run off ahead with Shining Armor and the guards in hot pursuit of him.

“Get back here with that!”

“Come on ponies! Get out of the way!”

“Get him!”

Upon emerging outside, Starlight wasted no time in taking off after them in order to stop the ancient relic from being stolen herself.

At the same time…

“Get her!” Rainbow angrily declared as the Pegasus blew a taunting raspberry right at her.

“Get them! Banzai!” Applejack equally angrily declared towards the Flim Flam brothers while leading the charge and the ensuing beat down on the two brothers who can only cringe with what was about happen next. Especially when both Bunga and Spike who just so happened to be around were quick to jump into the mix to protect their friends with the former taking great pleasure at making good on his earlier promise to the two ponies he has a beef with.

“Germando!”

“Gesundheit!”

As Makucha carried on like he was winning the race and staying ahead of things, he suddenly found himself on the losing end when he was suddenly forced to skid to a halt when he got body slammed by Beshte with the saddlebag containing the Heart was suddenly confiscated by Fuli. And when the leopard got up he found himself face to face with both Rarity and Pinkie Pie with the latter having her party cannon at the ready just when Starlight Glimmer whisked him up in the cannon's path ready for what's to come next.

“I know what you’re thinking…” Pinkie started casually like this is nothing new to her. “...that’s a party cannon. There’s no way she could stop me with a party cannon, is there?”

“Well, you’ve gotta wonder, would Pinkie Pie reload a comedy cannon with a real cannonball just for a good laugh?” Rarity then added with a devious smirk knowing what’s about to happen next as Makucha could only groan without looking defeated as he mentally prepares for what happens next.

“Well, whattya think? Do ya feel it, punk?” With a precise aim and fire, a super powerfully loaded cannonball flew right into the two heart stealing crooks and sent them flying far away from the Crystal Empire while Shining Armor, Fuli, Beshte, and the guards look on as they watch it happen on the ground.

“Ooph!”

“Oops.”

"Sorry, not sorry."

Both Rarity and Starlight returned with no sympathy for the guy.

“Rarity, Starlight…” Pinkie complained. “...we were having a moment!”

“Honestly, my hoof slipped.” Rarity defended still not regretting what she just did nor denying what happened. Nor was Starlight.

"And he did have it coming." Starlight added. "That being said, what do you put in there, anyway?”

“Velvet, very hard fabric, very high stopping power.”

At the same time, Kion and Twilight will still squaring off with Chrysalis where they were able to hold their own and even force the latter on the defense given of how much more powerful and capable they’ve become in combat together.

“You’ve gotten a little stronger, Twilight. You along with your friend Kion, are almost a match for me now.” Chrysalis complimented yet taunted.

“Chrysalis, I was a match for you when I was a foal, and all you’ve gotten is older.”

“Not to mention the fact then when you have someone who’s gotten better at magic since day one, you’re bound to have more on your hooves with age.”

Both leaders of the Guard fired back which seriously enraged the queen changeling.

“Age?! As in...?! Older?!How dare you! Now you’ll know my wrath!”

Both leaders of the Guard looked on unfazed by the threat as they swiftly, instinctively, and effortlessly stepped aside when the flying leopard came crashing into her when she tried to make a charge.

“Some wrath.”

“Talk about a grand attempt come crashing down on you.”

Both Twilight and Kion looked on with disappointment as they watch them tumble in pain and right by Applejack, Fluttershy, Bunga, and Spike who are all tying up the Flim Flam brothers together.

By then Rainbow Dash and Ono came flying by while holding the defeated Lightning Dust captive with Kyoga coming by to deliver the defeated Wind Rider she just caught with her magic.

“Knock! Knock! Came we come in? Thank you.” Kyoga asked as she and the others moved through a magically made door which opened (and just so happened to be there) before they proceeded to help imprison all of the culprits responsible for causing a scene at the fair in cages to ensure they don’t escape and cause anymore trouble for now.

“The cages don’t feel right.” Kion commented as he and Twilight regrouped with the latter’s brother along with the others.

“It’s just temporary until Celestia, Luna, and Simba get here to decide what to do with them.” The white stallion assured.

“Good job, everyone!” Twilight then complimented the whole Guard along with her brother for their success. “Thanks to you all, the Crystal Faire is still on for tomorrow. Sure that’s going to mean a lot of cleanup, but nothing we can’t handle.”

“Right.” Her brother agreed as he used his magic to levitate forward the saddle containing the Crystal Heart. “Starting with getting this back to where it belongs.” But when he moved to open he found that it’s actually not in there. “Wait? What? Where is it? Where’s the Crystal Heart?”

"Huh?" Princess Cadance quickly rushed over and took a look at the empty satchel herself and it was there she along with Twilight realized what had really happened. "Oh, no! Makucha must have handed it over to someone else somehow."

“Wait?” Fluttershy spoke up upon noticing something odd with the saddlebag itself, notably the symbol on the bag. “The satchel Makucha came in with had a symbol that was a different color.” Said symbol’s colored red.

"That's right, pony." Makucha confirmed with a dark smile. "Anything more you'd wish to add?"

“Then that mean’s, the real Heart is with the true perpetrator of this whole distraction.” Twilight deduced upon hearing and seeing this as she looked on to where she first found it during her first visit here as she and Cadance shared the same look of realization. “And I think I know where it is now…”

Wasting no time, Princess Cadance rushed on over towards the castle where she by gut feeling of where the Heart truly is...

The real satchel in question colored gray is currently held by the mysterious pony that accompanied Scar the other night as she made her way to Sombra’s abandoned castle.

“Hello?” The stranger called out to make sure no one was around before approaching Sombra’s old throne. By using the Heart’s magic in sparking the symbol above his throne, the stranger was able to unlock the hidden and secret stairway.

As the pony made its way down the stairs, Princess Cadance herself just so happened to be nearing where the stranger went down herself.

Elsewhere, Chrysalis even while imprisoned still felt she had already accomplished her part much like Makucha. “I’m glad you locked me up. I love watching you all realize what’s really going on.”

“What do you mean?” Shining Armor suspiciously inquired.

“It’s all a distraction.” Twilight answered as she realized what she meant. “It was all meant to get us away from the castle!”

“The castle? Princess Cadance is already in there! And so is Flurry Heart!” Shining Armor realized before running off ahead back towards the castle at the very moment the stranger made it’s way to the doorway at the end of the dark staircase.

“She is indeed!” Chrysalis smugly taunted as he watched the unicorn panic ahead. “She is indeed! Both your beloved princess wife and princess daughter.”

“I got to go save them!”

“Wait! Shining Armor! We don’t even know what you’re running into!” Twilight called after before moving to follow after him in order to stop him.

As the pony made it’s way inside the secret room, the pony looked on in amazement with what was unveiled inside. “Wow. After all of these years, I still wasn’t ready to see this place.” Turning her attention the empty space once she was sure she was alone, she then said. “You can come out. I know you’re here. There’s no need to time from me, Sombra.” When said figure didn’t emerge as requested the pony sat down and removed the hood. “Fine. You may not recognize my voice, but you won’t have forgotten my face.” Said pony turns out to be a mare, with a purple coat, a golden colored cutie mark to match the symbol on the satchel, with a long silver-white mane, and blue eyes. “Look at me, Sombra. Do you recognize me? What’s my name?

“Hope.” Said pony finally spoke as he and Scar made their appearance known to her as the latter shut the door in order to ensure no one else will intrude on their conversation. “You’ve come to finish the job, have you?” The former questioned as he appeared in a scary and fiery dark purple head with black smoke appearing behind him with yellow pupils and red eyes and a matching horn much like Scar does when he appears in the Outlands Volcano.

“Finish the job? Sombra?” Hope blinked in confusion. “You don’t understand.” She tried to explain.

“I understand perfectly. You were my best friend in the world and on the day I found out that my life was a lie, you abandoned me. Then you brought the two sisters to vanquish me.”

“It’s not that simple, Sombra!” The terrified pony insisted otherwise in the face of his glowing and roaring wrath. “I didn’t know what you were, I didn’t know what Princess Amore had done. What the Crystal Empire had done. But I’ve learned a lot in the time I’ve been gone. And now I want to make it right.”

“Make it right?! How?!” The unicorn scoffed. “Look at me! It’s taken more than a year to get this far! It’ll be a decade before I am strong enough to start toppling rulers as powerful as I am.”

To prove her point her eyes and horn both glowed bright hot white as she worked her magic. “Hold on! This is going to hurt!”

With a powerful golden zap of her magic she expelled a massive amount of magic inside the unicorn’s body who screamed in agony as it happened. But unlike what one would expect it felt increasingly powerful and relishing for him as said magic blast coursed through his veins and gave him a powerful surge like nothing before.

“Well, how do you feel?” She asked once the magic has run it’s course.

“The king has returned!” King Sombra himself declared as he stomped his hoof onto the ground making dark crystals appear around him. “Long live the king!”

While this was happening, Scar watched on with satisfaction seeing that the first part of the plan went flawlessly, and now it is time for part two to get underway...