Shadowscare had arrived at the Crystal Empire, the pride and glory of the north. The depot was on the very edge of the grassland that the Crystal Empire sat on. The warm light blinded Shadowscare but warmed him. It was a feeling that he had never experienced naturally. In the village a fire had to be kept to keep everypony warm, but there was no need for fire in the Crystal Empire. Sparkling Crystal erupted from many parts of the grassland to form a grand entrance to the empire. Inside, the crystal tower loomed above the city. Shadowscare only guessed that one could see for miles from the top of that tower. Above the city was a glowing ray of light that resembled the aurora borealis. Beautiful flashes of greens, blues, and yellows were emitted from the top of the tower. Shadowscare knew magic was involved, but the stunning view made him wonder how it all worked together.

Shadowscare had returned the foal to his saddle. He had wondered what he was to do with the child now that he had made it through one of the toughest challenges northern Equestria had to offer. Should he just stay in the Crystal Empire? He could find work somehow. Whatever he had to do to make money for food and shelter, he would do it. Somepony was counting on him. He would support this foal. It was not his responsibility, but he had taken it upon himself to give the foal a successful life. This unicorn had been with him for less than two days now, but he was already attached.

Shadowscare entered the empire like a tourist. Out in the daylight, the crystal ponies trotted around their city. Each one of them had a blue, pink, or a white coat that reflected the sunlight. Their manes were like cut gems. All of them were happy. They talked, sold goods, entertained each other, and beautified every bit of their empire. Everything sparkled. Shadowscare felt like he was a speck of dirt upon this polished empire. He felt unclean when all around him were ponies whose coats reflected the sun’s powerful rays of light. The first place Shadowscare toured was the elaborate market that surrounded the legs of the crystal tower. Each wooden stand was set up with various goods and arts. There were baskets, crystal berries, brilliant robes of many colors and shades, and various forms of entertainment. Jesters, jousts, and musicians lined the streets with open hats and pouches for bits. He wished to thank the musicians for their beautiful serenades, but he had only two bits. When he was young and lived in the village, Shadowscare and his brother had little use for bits. Many ponies just traded supplies for supplies. Sombra and him had survived by supplying the town with firewood. Many ponies lacked the time to collect wood, as the various numbers of other activities and chores took up most of the day. Most of the time, the wood was traded for food. After their mother had passed, they sold their cottage in order to buy some decent tools for cutting down trees. It would be the only way they would collect any sort of income. Sombra had discovered his gift with fire magic when their flint and steel had gotten lost in the woods. At first it was something that entertained Sombra, but then he became obsessed with fire. His very eyes glowed and flickered like the tip of the flame. He began to burn excessively. Shadowscare had noticed his brother’s unhealthy obsession, but he had decided it was not his place to interfere with something that kept his brother happy and entertained. Now that he looked back, he realized that intervening would have been a good idea.

The crystal ponies yelled joyfully at him and his foal. “Buy this! Hey there stranger! Watch this! What a cute foal!” The merchants sold many things to crystal ponies, but they wanted to appeal to tourists more. He looked and tried not to take too much of the merchants time. Each merchant attempted to catch his eye, but he could not buy anything anyway.

But something grand did catch his eye. Between a crystal stalactite and stalagmite was a light blue crystal heart that shined like the sun in midday. It floated and slowly rotated in a counter-clockwise motion. “This had to be the source of the aurora that streamed from the top of the tower,” thought Shadowscare. It was like the blue sky of day, but it was a peaceful as a star in the night. A strange feeling of happiness and purity shot through him as he gazed at its magnificence. The magic was spreading into the crowd. Or was it being supplied? He was no unicorn when it came to basic magic. Shadowscare was not the only one interested in this crystal heart. Earth and crystal ponies alike gathered in a circle to view its spectacular wonder. The heart drew ponies to it like moth to a flame. After a few moments of inspiring awe, Shadowscare moved onto the next spot in his tour: the crystal palace. At the entrance he was greeted like a king. There were lovely crystal ponies painting, sketching, and sculpting in the palace. Some ponies were simply making sure everything was neat, orderly, and in place. What surprised Shadowscare was the lack of guards. The Crystal Empire proved itself to be a very trusting empire.

The carpets were rose red with designs of gold and silver. Walls glistened with the light that shone upon them. It was pure beauty; it was a rarity, and yet it was not happiness for Shadowscare. This is what Shadowscare had travelled for: a place that would be beautiful and safe for him and the unicorn. However, this beauty and magnificence made him feel small and insignificant. He was nothing special in a kingdom where everypony is beautiful. It was a strange feeling, but he felt like he did not belong here. His coat did not shimmer and shine, he had no art to sell, and he had no prestige in the Crystal Empire. Had he come all this way just to turn back? He looked at the young foal who was in awe at how big everything was compared to him.

“We cannot stay here if I cannot support myself,” whispered Shadowscare. In that moment it was decided that they would travel to a place where he can make some bits to buy food and supplies. The Crystal Empire was amazing and grand but it was just not the place. Shadowscare turned around, but something caught his wandering eye again. It was the crystal princess.
She was pink in color, had a long flowing mane of candy-like colors, and had a cutie mark that resembled the crystal heart. She was also adorned with the most magnificent gold garments that Equestria could possibly offer. The crystal princess spread her wings and amazed the crystal ponies with her magic. A spark was cast from her horn that spun, sparkled, and flew like a hummingbird toward the ceiling. It exploded and sparks flew like fireflies in a moonlit garden. She looked at her subjects, and she was proud. She was proud of her ever-growing kingdom, of the ponies who made it glorious, and she was proud of the light and hope that her subjects gave to the crystal heart that spread through all of Equestria. She looked at the doorway and spotted a pegasus that was visiting her palace that was with a young unicorn. This place was perfect, yet she was confused as to how he could be so unhappy in her kingdom. She looked him straight in the eye, winked, and smiled at him.
Shadowscare looked at the crystal princess and watched as she winked and smiled at him. Could this really be for him? He looked around to see if there was anyone else nearby, but he was alone. He blushed and smiled back.
The princess noticed the smile and was happy that she had brought out happiness in someone who was saddened even in a place like her own empire. In that smile she could feel pure radiance and joy coming from him much like the crystal heart did. She was pushed along by the crowd of adoring spectators and resumed her trot around the castle.
Shadowscare left the castle feeling much better than he had before. “This may not be the place for you and I, little guy, but there are other places we can go. Places where we can become prestigious, earn money, and be skillful in our talents. I know you haven’t discovered you’re talent yet, but maybe I can help you.” The unicorn foal stared blankly at Shadowscare as he went on speaking. The foal’s large eyes were looking right into his. In his eyes, Shadowscare saw the same shade of violet that his eyes were given. It was like they were related in some way. Shadowscare continued to the train depot. Where would they go? Filly Delphia, Manehattan, and Canterlot would have jobs for sure.
At the depot was a stallion behind a counter. He was wearing glasses and had a thick mustache. “I need ticket for the cheapest train possible. I need to get to Canterlot, Manehattan, or Filly Delphia.” The stallion behind the counter looked up from his seat. He reached across his desk (knocking over a couple of things in the progress) and began to look at times and prices.

“You’re in luck,” said the mustached stallion. “There is a deal on tickets to Canterlot today. That will be twenty bits.”
Shadowscare looked at his measly two bits. “Anything cheaper?” asked Shadowscare. “Something for two bits?”

“Two bits!” The stallion laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. “These trains require fuel, and fuel costs money. Therefore, a train ride is expensive. You’d have better luck just using your wings instead.”

Shadowscare flapped his tired wings. He needed to rest them. Another flight like the one he had taken could easily wear him out. Flying was not an option. Shadowscare trotted away and started to wonder how he could get to Canterlot as soon as possible. It would not end here. It was his destiny to save the foal and begin life anew. He would find a way. Shadowscare always had.

While he sat wondering what to do, a train pulled up to the station. Steam erupted from the engine. The whistle blew and ponies began to exit. One by one they walked toward the depot and the Crystal Empire. A boxcar opened and a rugged stallion hopped out. He was orange with dark gray eyes that scanned the depot. His mane was so dirty that one could only guess that it was the same color as his eyes. He pulled out his guitar from the boxcar and began to play.

Author's Note

Eh. This chapter wasn't much, but it introduces two very important characters.