Author's Notes:

If any pony spots some error(s), (including punctuation, grammatical, and sentence structure errors) then tell me in the comments section. Put the sentence with the error(s) in quotes and then state error itself the error(s), and end with a suggestion on how to fix it. It really helps when some pony points out the errors and explains them and how to fix it. Don't state an error if some pony already stated it, if its the same type error in a different spot then it's okay. This will hopefully help me from making similar or the same mistakes in the future. Also, please do this for every new chapter and comment on the error on the chapter it appears in.

Have I really been saying and pony and some pony this entire time? I think I need to take a break from typing this story. Nah.

Phonyyx awoke to find himself in a bed with Starlight. Again. Why do I keep waking up in the same bed as Starlight. I'm not complaining. Just, why? He turned his head around, taking a good look at the room he was in. It had burgundy-colored walls with vinyl wood flooring. The blinds were closed, preventing hardly any sunlight from entering. Phonyyx didn't even know what time it was. He looked down at the sleeping unicorn next to him. Should I wake her? His question needed no answer. Starlight opened her eyes and yawned.

"Morning, Starlight," Phonyyx forced himself out of the bed. "I'm hungry." Phonyyx then realized that he hadn't eaten anything at all the previous day.

"How long have you been awake?" Starlight also forced her self out of the bed.

"Just woke up." Phonyyx trotted out of the room. "Where are we?"

"We're in the house that we found you in last night."

"Who's house is it then? For all we know, we could've slept in some pony's house while away." Phonyyx walked down a hallway and paused in front of a clock on the wall. "It's eight."

"What?"

"The time. It's eight o'clock." Phonyyx walked back down the hallway to find the kitchen. "Hello. Any pony home?" No response.

"I guess no pony's home." Starlight walked past Phonyyx and found the entrance. "Found the door." Starlight looked back to Phonyyx.

"Alright, let's get something to eat then."

"Is food the only thing you can think of in the morning?"

"No, it's usually just the most important thing after checking to make sure I'm not dead and I'm not being ambushed." Phonyyx gave a deadly serious tone to that last comment. Phonyyx opened the door and walked outside. "You think it is best if we went to Twilight's Castle for food?"

"Probably. Race you there." Starlight galloped towards the castle. She looked behind her to find Phonyyx keeping up a steady pace. Is that really the fastest he can run? Starlight looked back in front of her to ensure she didn't ram into anything or any pony. Starlight slowed down to fall back to Phonyyx. "I know that you're old. What I didn't know was that old age is making you slow." Starlight sped back up after the comment.

"Ohh, it is on." Phonyyx went from his previous waltz to a trot and continued to speed up. He decided not to fly: he wanted to make it at least fair for Starlight. So, he can go faster. Starlight turned a corner and looked back, but didn't see Phonyyx make the turn.

"Where did he go?" Starlight murmured to herself. Phonyyx had turned down into an alleyway earlier. He came running out of the alley and passed Starlight. She didn't see him as the exit to the alley was in front of her. She did hear him, however, after he spoke.

"He could be right in front of you." Starlight whipped her head around to see Phonyyx running right beside her.

"Okay, that's showing off." Starlight smirked at Phonyyx.

"No, this is showing off." Phonyyx jumped and spun his body around, landed on his hooves and proceeded to run backward. Phonyyx turned his head slightly back to watch where he was running. Big Mac walked out of a stall with a cart full of apples. Phonyyx dropped to the ground, sliding underneath the cart and stood back up with no loss of momentum. Starlight came to a screeching halt at that sight, and Phonyyx followed with another screeching halt. They were both in front of Twilight's Castle.

"I think you won." Starlight gasped for breath. She and Phonyyx both walked up to the castle and called for Twilight. Twilight called back, she said she was in the dining hall. The scent of a salad filled the air. Twilight was talking with Rarity when Starlight and Phonyyx walked in. With Phonyyx almost hovering, drawn by the smell of food no doubt.

"My, the two of you look awfully dreadful!" Rarity exclaimed at the sight of Starlight and Phonyyx. The two hadn't noticed it, but their manes were all frazzled. The race they had didn't help either. "Luckily for you two, I always bring a kit of beauty supplies with me." Rarity brought forth a bag of hoof polisher, eyeliner, curling irons, perfume, and Celestia-knows-what. "Phonyyx, you're up first," Rarity sang out. Phonyyx bolted for the door, only to be stopped by Twilight's magic. "Thank you, Twilight. Now, on to business." Rarity stalked over to Phonyyx, still suspended by Twilight. He was kicking and waving his entire body to keep Rarity away. "Phonyyx, I can't work if you continue to thrash around like that."

"I know. That's the point." Phonyyx tried to teleport out of Twilights grip but he was asleep before he knew what happened. What had happened was Twilight casted a spell on Phonyyx to make him fall asleep. Twilight nodded to Rarity, and she began to start her work.

Phonyyx saw an army. An army marching upon the Crystal Empire. It consisted of Changelings, being lead by Sombra. The Crystal Heart was shattered and Phonyyx saw a changeling transform into an orange unicorn with a red mane and tail and wore a pair of glasses. Starlight, Rarity, Twilight, and Spike, all trapped in crystal cages, with their magic stolen. The final thing that Phonyyx saw was himself turning a darker color and his eyes turning green with a dark-purple aura around them. Rarity had just finished beautifying a less-than-willing Starlight when Phonyyx burst up screaming.

"What is it Phonyyx?" Starlight asked while rushing to him. Shit, shit, shit ,shit. Thinking quickly, Phonyyx realized that Rarity had already finished working on him.

"Rarity messed with my mane!" It was as over-the-top as possible, Phonyyx needed it to be. Luckily he picked up a few tricks here and there on how to act and seem believable to others over the centuries.

"Really, that's it?"

"Not just that. One of you knocked me out too." Phonyyx eyed Twilight suspiciously.

"Okay, then. If that is all over then. I would like to return to the matter that I came here for. Phonyyx, I found a shop in the Crystal Empire that sells the fabric that I need to fix your cloak." Rarity put everything back into her bag.

"Great." Phonyyx floated a bowl of salad over and helped himself to it.

"The only problem is that, due to the rarity and value of the fabric, the shop will only ship a small amount at a time. Meaning it take almost a three month period for the entirety of the fabric to be shipped. They said that I could travel to the shop personally and pick it up there."

"Soo," Phonyyx made a circular motion with his left hoof.

"Well, I was going to invite Twilight and Spike to come with me to the Crystal Empire, since Twilight's brother and sister-in-law rule over the kingdom. Then Twilight thought of letting Starlight come as well. And at this point, I was going to see if you wouldn't mind coming along as well. I was going to work on the cloak at the Empire to not have to risk the fabric in a train robbery or to bandits."

"Sure." I hope she can finish it before the events I saw unfold. Phonyyx took a final bite from the bowl of salad.

"So, it's settled then. All five of us are going to the Crystal Empire. When is the next train leaving for the empire?" Twilight clapped her hooves together.

"It leaves at twelve o'clock." Rarity was putting up her bowl of food. Phonyyx floated a bowl of salad to Starlight and she thanked him, with a mouthful of salad.

"I should probably go wake Spike up." Twilight trotted out to Spike's room. Phonyyx left to gather some things he wanted to bring. He packed the spell Starlight gave him, some bits, the Mana Crystal, the shadow crystal, and once satisfied that the coast was clear, went down to the forge and retrieved the item he had been working on. He walked back up stairs to find the others waiting for him. Rarity walked up to Starlight.

"So, how was your night with Phonyyx?" Rarity gave Starlight a weird look.

"What do you mean? Nothing happened. Can we change the subject and not talk about that at all?" Starlight blushed and looked down at her own hooves.

"Whatever you say, darling." Rarity giggled at the revelation she discovered. Starlight and Phonyyx are having an affair! Boy, she couldn't be further from the truth with that "revelation" if she tried. Rarity had already packed her stuff and grabbed her pack as she exited the castle. The five of them arrived at the train station just before the train pulled out. They got a coach all to themselves as every other coach was filled. Phonyyx sat down, with Starlight, on the window side of the seat. Rarity, Spike, and Twilight sat in the seat directly opposite them. As soon as Phonyyx laid down, *Snore*.

"Is that all he ever does?" Spike outstretched his hands to Phonyyx.

"I think so." Starlight was shocked. Phonyyx had only recently woken up and here he was, asleep. Again.

"You know, if Phonyyx spent half as much time focused on his appearances as he does sleep he might look handsome." Rarity giggled to herself. She thought Phonyyx hadn't heard her comment, but he did. But he didn't care. He wasn't even asleep. He was good at acting like he was asleep, partly because of laziness. Helped him get the jump on many drunken stallions attempting to pick a fight with him. He was thinking about his vision. This wasn't the first time he had a precognition of events yet to come. What scared him was that they were never wrong. And that made him quite afraid indeed. It was a long ride to the Crystal Empire. It was almost five by the time they arrived. They all felt sleep deprived despite not actually doing anything the entire ride. That was probably what made them feel sleepy. Starlight looked around and saw many strangers. Phonyyx, however, knew pretty much all of them. Except for the tourists. He had his hood up, was completely silent, and kept his head down. He wished he had his old cloak instead of the normal one he was wearing. His had an enchantment that made it so almost no pony would recognize him so long as he had the hood up. Twilight, Spike, Starlight, and Phonyyx followed Rarity as she headed straight towards the shop that had the fabric. Only one problem, the clerk was a jerk. He had sold the fabric to another client, after already making the deal with Rarity on the fabric amount and Rarity's order for the fabric was made first. Yet the clerk was selling the fabric to a millionaire that was willing to pay at least quadruple what the actual price was. "But, you already made the deal with me and I just paid you for the fabric. Then you tell us that you already sold it to another pony. And you won't give me my money back!"

"We never agreed on any deal about when the fabric would be ready." The clerk had his back turned. He was rearranging boxes and wraps of fabric.

"Okay, that's low. Jackass." Spike would've probably tried to start a fight with the pony if Twilight hadn't held him back.

"Look, is there anything that you could do to help my friend out? She really needs the fabric for a special project."

"Nope, now are you going to buy something or are you going to continue to waste my time. If it's the latter then get out of my shop." Not even an alicorn princess could convince him. Phonyyx had been standing silently watching from a corner the entire time.

"I take it you are the owner of this fine establishment." Phonyyx walked up and put a hoof on the counter.

"Yes, now do you have any more attempts to sweet talk me, or are you five going to leave?"

"Can I have a private talk with you in your office first?" Phonyyx was biting his lips. He wanted to pummel the clerk until he cried.

"Yeah, but it'll cost you for my time." The pony walked over to a door, unlocked it and walked in. Phonyyx walked into the room, shut the door, and locked it. The clerk probably shouldn't have agreed to a talk, and he probably wouldn't have if he saw the pony he agreed to talk with.

"Now, let's talk about that deal you made with my friend."

"Look, I already told your friend that we never made a deal on the time that the fabric was to be ready. How can I fulfill a deal that I didn't ma... No, you!" Phonyyx had let down his hood and the clerk saw Phonyyx's face.

"Oh, so you know who I am. Good. Now then, let's negotiate on a new deal." Phonyyx wore a scowl. Meanwhile outside the room, Spike, Twilight, Rarity, and Starlight all had an ear up against the door. They only heard a few muffled words, but couldn't make anything out. Phonyyx unlocked the door and all four of them ran back to where they were before. Phonyyx walked with a roll of the fabric Rarity ordered and her bits and he put his hood back up. "Here you go Rarity." They looked back and the look on the clerks face said it all. Just take the stuff and leave me alone. They all walked outside and heard the door close behind them. The sign was flipped from Open to Closed, the shutters were lowered and the clerk peered through them with terror.

"How did you manage to get this from that ruffian?" Rarity put up the fabric and bag of bits.

"I can be very, very negotiable if I need to be. Now it's getting late, let's get to the castle to sleep." None of the others wanted to agree with Phonyyx after the negotiating he did, but no pony wanted to disagree with him either. They all followed Phonyyx to the castle. After a having walked for a while, it was back to being shy for Phonyyx. He put his head down and slowly stopped leading the ponies. Twilight quickly took over as a guide. The ponies walked into the castle and all they heard were cries of a baby.

"Flurry Heart." Twilight murmured to herself. They followed the cries and soon found Shining Armor and Princess Cadence tending to their child. Cadence was trying to get Flurry Heart to quiet down while Shining Armor was trying to figure out what the baby wanted. 'Umm, is this a bad time?" Both Cadence and Shining Armor looked up to notice their audience.

"Twily. It's good to see you." Shining trotted over and hugged his sister. "But, what are you doing here?" The cries stopped. "Cadence is the baby okay?" Shining turned around to see only Cadence. "Ahh, where's Flurry Heart?"

"She's right here." Cadence and Shining now took notice of the hooded pony in the corner. Phonyyx let down his hood and revealed Flurry Heart leeched onto his face. "Can some-pony please get Princess Facehugger off of my face?" Cadence proceeded to remover Flurry Heart, who only continued to cry again.

"I think she wants this." Twilight picked up a stuffed teddy bear and handed it to Flurry Heart. She stopped crying.

"Thanks, Twilight." Cadence sighed out of relief as Flurry Heart finally fell asleep. Cadence put her in her crib and every pony snuck out of the room. They walked down the halls and stopped in the library. "Now, who is this friend of yours?" Cadence looked at Phonyyx, who was already floating in the air and levitating thousands of books around him. Back into his super-research mode.

"You may not like what I have to say."

"Why not?" Shining asked Twilight.

"Well, he's the son of..." Twilight was nearly choking on the name.

"Son of who."

"Sombra." Twilight gasped out for breath and hung her head down. Cadence and Shining shared glances from Twilight to Phonyyx, back to Twilight, then to Phonyyx, and back again.

"What?" Shining quickly ran for a group of guards.

"Wait, Shining, I don't think that's a good idea." He wasn't listening to Twilight.

"Guards, get that pony."

"Déjà vu," Phonyyx murmured as he cast a spell, stopping the guards in their tracks. "Look, the guards in Canterlot already tried to take me out, and that didn't work. So I wouldn't even try."

"Twilight, is he the same pony that trades the library in Catnerlot and attacked the princesses?" Cadence asked Twilight.

"No. Well yes. But he didn't trash the library in Canterlot."

"Actually I did, but I cleaned up after myself." Phonyyx was still looking through the books.

"But, he didn't attack any of the princesses." Phonyyx undid the spell holding the guards and put up all of the books.

"Done."

"Wait, you mean you just searched all of the books here?" Cadence was dumbfounded.

"Yep, I know all of the newly added books in the library here. I already knew the rest."

"Wait, how?"

"Yeah. Another thing about him is he's immortal. Like kill him and he is reborn kind of immortal." Twilight was trying to calm down her brother. But to no avail.

"I don't trust you one bit. So stay away from my daughter, my wife, and my sister." Shining was standing above Phonyyx glaring at him.

"Just add it to the pile of stuff." Phonyyx

"And if I were you, I would get out of my house." Shining glared Phonyyx down. It wasn't very effective.

"You do realize that this is actually my house."

"What do you mean?" Cadence, intrigued, walked closer to Phonyyx.

"I mean that I'm actually the prince of the Crystal Empire. Although I would rather that none of you tell any pony, nor do I have any interest in ruling over this place. Yawn." Phonyyx put a hoof up to his mouth. "I'm getting tired. I'll be going to bed." Phonyyx walked out to a sealed door.

"That door is sealed. It can't be opened. We tried brute strength, magic, and breaking the lock, but nothing worked."

"Maybe that's because I locked it." Phonyyx whispered vex to the door and it obeyed. The ponies heard a click and Phonyyx pushed the door open. Phonyyx walked into the dark room. "Just like I left it." Phonyyx walked over to a table and put his bag down on it. Shining had crept away to the guards again.

"I want at least a dozen guards watching that pony at all times. And if any of you get tired, call in a replacement for the rotation. I don't trust him at all." The guards saluted Shining. Phonyyx's stomach rumbled. Loudly.

"Hehe," Phonyyx blushed a little. "I guess having something for dinner first would be best." Phonyyx and the other ponies walked towards the dining hall. Phonyyx really did know his way around the castle. The guards had no problem following him. He didn't mind. They couldn't stop him even if they tried. But it was a very awkward meal. The guards never took their eyes off of Phonyyx, who walked around while eating to try and lose them. He didn't mind them following him everywhere, but he felt uncomfortable with them eyeing him while he tried to eat. He eventually just opened one of the many secret passageways and closed it behind him after turning a corner. Content with no longer being stalked, Phonyyx sat down and finished eating in the passageway. After that, he went to the kitchen and placed up his dishes and went back to his old room. The guards were there, waiting for him. *Sigh* Phonyyx put his head down and walked into the room, closing the door behind him and went to sleep. Phonyyx awoke to find a dagger embedded in the post of his bed, directly in front of him, with a note. Phonyyx spun around to ensure that there were no threats nearby. He removed the dagger and read the note.

So, we've heard there's a rumor going around that the Dark Phoenix Prince has returned. We, for one, do not believe these rumors. But, if they are true, then come prove it. Tonight. You'll know where to find us.

Phonyyx flipped the note over. No obvious signature mark. He rolled up the note and grabbed the dagger. He walked out of the room. He found his way to the dining hall and saw Cadence, Shining, Twilight, Rarity, Spike, and Starlight eating breakfast. He grabbed some food and ate it quickly, he had work to do.

"Ohh, you're up." Shining glared at Phonyyx while trying to take a bite of his food.

"Shining Armor, I know that Phonyyx's past may be a bit iffy. But he has done lots to prove that he isn't like his father." Twilight wanted to quell the tension as quickly as possible.

"A little iffy!" Shining almost blew his top. "He is the son of Sombra, who knows what he can or did do?"

"How about helping to defeat Sombra and seal him into the frozen north?" Phonyyx was now preoccupied with the dagger. "Now, if this is over, I'll be in the library." Phonyyx picked up a plate of food and took off for the library.

"I still don't think we should be letting him stay here," Shining scowled.

"Why not?" Rarity asked Shining Armor with confusion.

"He hasn't done anything to prove that he can be trusted."

"Well, he can't prove it if you don't give him the chance first." Cadence placed a hoof on Shining. "Look, what exactly has he done that you find so grievous?" Shining Armor couldn't think of anything. The truth was that he had no idea of what Phonyyx ever did. All he knew were a few sketchy rumors he heard.

"Well, if no pony minds I'm going to get started on repairing Phonyyx's cloak." Rarity left to return to the room she had stayed in overnight and grabbed her sewing supplies, the fabric, and the cloak. She sat down, placed out everything in a neat, orderly fashion and started sewing. It was difficult as the fabric had to be untwined to its threads, use that for the string, and naturally sew the fabric back into the cloak without messing with the patterns etched with strings covering the cloak. She hummed to herself as she sewed the cloak. When she finished, she looked over at a clock. I finished just in time for lunch. I think. Rarity folded up the cloak and took it out of the room, heading for the library. She was called by Phonyyx when she entered.

"Rarity, do you have a magnifying glass with you?" Phonyyx asked while string into three different books.

"Yes, here." Rarity took it out and handed it to Phonyyx along with his cloak. "I also finished repairing your cloak. It's good as new." Rarity beamed with pride.

"Thanks." Phonyyx replaced the cloak he was wearing with his original and inspected the dagger.

"Whatever are you doing?"

"I'm looking for a mark of some sorts."

"Where did you get that from?"

"It was embedded into the post of my bed. I'm trying to find out who put it there, or better the group that told the pony to do it." Phonyyx saw what he was looking for. A vertical diamond shaped etching with an eye in the center. He flipped through one of his books until he found a page with the same marking on it. "Gotcha." Phonyyx put back all the other books and read the book with the marking.

"Have you been searching since breakfast?"

"Maybe. What time is it?"

"Lunch" Phonyyx's eyes shot wide open as he sniffed the air.

"Apples and carrots." Phonyyx shut the book and carried it with him as he trotted towards the smell.

"Hello." Shining looked down at the ground when Phonyyx entered. "Look, I was being immature earlier. I had taken the instant assumption that you caused atrocities purely based on your father being Sombra." Phonyyx nodded. "Is there a way that you can trust me?"

"Well, you can start by imprisoning the guard here that's on the criminal payroll." At once a single guard in a corner shifted slightly. It wasn't enough for any normal pony to notice, but it was more than enough for Phonyyx to notice. He shot the dagger at the pony. It embedded itself in the wall right above the pony's mane. "They always give it away when hearing that. That pony is on the criminal payroll. And he is probably the one that put that dagger in the post of my bed." Phonyyx never took his eyes off the guard.

"That's accusing without evidence." Cadence was shocked at Phonyyx's accusations. "Plus, there isn't any crime in the Crystal Empire." Phonyyx's ears perked up.

"You ponies don't realize all the crime that happens here? There's corruption everywhere. Businesses are constantly being extorted. And there are gangs everywhere." Then Phonyyx's eyes shifted from one part of the room to another. "You don't even realize the Royal Protectors that are here." Oh, no. They are clouded from the truth, but by whom. "Arrest that pony, Royal Protectors." Then four ponies dropped from the ceiling of the room and proceeded to chain and shackle the guard. They all wore grey colored cloaks mixed with green and blue in some parts. They walked to another wall and a passageway opened, leading down a winding pathway.

"Who were those ponies?" Shining was dumbfounded at the sight. Phonyyx waited for the pony to be removed from the room before speaking.

"Those are the Royal Protectors of the Crystal Empire. Their job is to protect the royals located here in the Crystal Empire. They work in the shadows and are the ultimate line of defense protecting the two of you. They aren't a member of any guard or military division, but they are the best of the best. They can fight off an army, work outside the law to ensure the protection of the royals. They are not to be mentioned, and don't have names or families." Phonyyx turned around and faced the ponies. He walked over to a table and grabbed a plate that Cadenece made for him and ate. Cadence didn't want what Shining said earlier to piss Phonyyx off, so she made it for him, as a way to create a truce between her husband and Phonyyx. It seemed to help do the trick.

"Do Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have their version of the Royals Protectors?" Twilight was curious.

"Not that I know of. The only reason I know of them here is that they protected me. They will listen to me and obey my commands, this is only done for ponies of royalty located in the Crystal Empire. It's their near unquestionable loyalty that is both their greatest strength and biggest weakness. They will allow a pony to murder dozens if it is to keep that pony from harming the royals. Every time a royal of the Crystal Empire travels beyond the borders of the empire a single protector, the best are selected to shadow the royal to ensure their safety. You two would be dead a thousand times if it wasn't for them."

"How does one become a protector?" Shining wanted to know if he could decide on who becomes one.

"I do not know that. But they will not help you unless the issue is of enough importance. And they will not partake in wars. Now, I would love to stay here and explain every little detail with you but, I have some work to do. If you want answers about them. Ask, they'll hear you. Trust me." Phonyyx burped and put away his plate. "Also, I know it wasn't any of you that did this but, some pony poisoned my lunch earlier. Too bad they used a poison I'm immune to, plus I could probably smell that stuff from Ponyvlle." Phonyyx walked out of the castle, leaving Shining and Cadence to ask the Royal Protectors about them.

"Oh, before I forget." Cadence ran over to a small satchel, pulled out a paper, and handed it to Starlight. "Sunburst said to give this to you next time you arrived here." Starlight opened the paper and read. Sunburst wanted to see her if she ever came to the Crystal Empire soon.

Phonyyx walked down a street, with his hood up. He wasn't shy or timid around other ponies like when he arrived here last night. He wasn't worried about any pony really recognizing him. He had his cloak now. Then he stopped, looked around, saw the same marking as on the dagger, and continued on until he found what he was looking for. He finally found a street that had no diamond eye marking. In fact, this street had no marking at all. Phonyyx smiled, put his sword against a wall, and walked down an alley. He wasn't worried about some pony possible taking his sword, he had enchanted everything he owned with an enchantment as to make sure no pony would feel compelled to take it. He only had the dagger, his cloak, his magic, and his skills. He only needed the last item. Phonyyx waited against a wall and spun the dagger in the air with his magic. It wasn't long before a group of ponies walked up behind him. Phonyyx tapped his forehoof against the ground three times and made a click with his tongue. That told the Royal Protectors to not interfere here. After last night's incident, they would have interfered, if not for Phonyyxs command not to.

"We heard that some pony is posing as the Dark Phoenix Prince. But that obviously can't be true," One of the ponies spat. His voice sounded like he forever had a mouth full of water, just enough to not drown. Phonyyx turned around, leaving his hood up. Now he saw who he was fighting. There was a very round shaped unicorn wearing a leather jacket that was a size too small for him, had a dark-gold coat with a yellow mane that spiked up and his tail looked like it had been shaved off partly, leaving a behind a tuft of it. He levitated a small, broken pipe with a sledgehammer tapped to each end. His magic was orange just like his eyes and his cutie mark was of a boulder cracked down the middle. Next to him stood another unicorn, but this one was much smaller, only slightly taller than a child and wore a pair of round glasses that were cracked in multiple places. His coat was light-greyish with black splotches here and there, his eyes were icy blue, he had a stubby mane, a long tail that ended in tattered points, and a single white line ran down the middle of his mane and tail. He was almost skinny to the bones and wore a robe-like thing. He was levitating a long, broken piece of pipe with blue magic that matched his eyes. Behind them were two mares, a pegasus that had tall, slender build, wearing a skin-tight purplish suit. Her two forelegs were wrapped in a white cloth. She was missing a tooth. Her mane flowed back into a million curls and the same was for her tail, her coat was caramel-colored and her mane and tail were light-brown. She looked like a moose. The other mare was another pegasus and was much smaller than her counterpart. She was about the same height as the smaller unicorn and wore a belt that held daggers identical to the one Phonyyx had. Her cutie mark was of three daggers, covered in blood, being thrown. Her mane and tail were primarily black with yellow streaks. Her coat was black and she had white eyes. So we've got Fatty, SlimJim, Moose, and BumbleBee. Wait this isn't right, none of these ponies look like they could keep the diamond eyed gang from taking over this street. Unless this wasn't every pony. The latter turned out true. Another unicorn walked out of the shadows. He was massive and extremely muscular, like he worked out every day and in his sleep kind of muscular. He had an auburn coat with white tuffs at his hooves. His mane was slicked up into a Corinthian-styled look and his tail wasn't much different from Phonyyx's, they were colored a dark brown and he wore a dark grey trench coat. He only had one green eye, the other was replaced by two scars crisscrossing one another, forming an X. And the Leader. Good. Moose broke the silence.

"So, are you going to answer our question or not?" She had a high-pitched voice and, based on her attitude, was extremely cocky. She walked up to Phonyyx and snatched the dagger out of the air. Phonyyx didn't move or speak. She pushed Phonyyx. He still didn't budge. Then she raised the dagger into the air and was about to bring it down onto Phonyyx's head, had Phonyyx not pushed her away first. She stumbled a bit, grabbed the dagger, and threw it at Phonyyx. He bent down and slide away from the wall and the dagger. He stood up to find Fatty about to smack him with the hammers. Phonyyx turned to his side, dodging the attack, causing the sledgehammers to embed themselves into the ground, he then knocked Fatty back with his wings, sending Fatty flying. Phonyyx spun around, using his wings almost as if they were blades, knocking away a group of daggers thrown at him by BumbleBee. Phonyyx clapped his wings together, sending a gust of wind knocking BumbleBee to the ground. Phonyyx saw Moose flying at him full speed out of the corner of his eyes. He jumped up, landing on her back, and jumped off, forcing her to the ground. Phonyyx looked back to see SlimJim spinning the pipe over his head. Bringing it down on Phonyyx, only for it to be blocked by Phonyyx's hooves. SlimJim tried to attack from the side, but Phonyyx parried it, shot forward to SlimJim, knocking him down. Phonyyx only had the Leader to deal with. Phonyyx bolted to the Leaders left, then bounced off the wall, sliding underneath the Leader, and kicked him square in the ribs. The Leader raised his hoofs up and brought them smashing down right in front of Phonyyx.

"Alright, as much as I love this little sparring match here, I have to a schedule to keep. Now let's get down to business." Phonyyx removed his hood and the group stopped in their tracks. "I'm guessing that means you know me? Then you know what I can do, right then, that was me tiring you five out." Phonyyx faced the leader who was bowing to Phonyyx.

"I had heard the rumors, but thought little of them." the leader had a knightly, heroic voice to him. Not very fitting considering his line of work. He stood back up and introduced himself and his group. "That big brute over there is Bralen, the small robed one is his brother Cathin, the tall pegasus is Maryl, and the dagger thrower is Selena. I'm Cobalt." Phonyyx walked over and retrieved his sword.

"Your skills are impressive. Your group alone was able to keep the any of the gangs from claiming this street."

"Yes, that would be the Crystal Eyes."

"Yes. I know all about hem. I first formed them after all."

"But, if you formed the Crystal Eyes, then why are you not helping them with the gang war?" Selena had a quiet sweet voice.

"I left for the same reason I formed them in the first place, the killing. But that's in the past. How about you five come help me with a little project of mine?" Phonyyx grinned at the group.

"What little project?" Cathin had a voice almost too deep for such a small pony.

"I'll tell you based on whether or not you decide to help me. But I will tell you this, you'll be paid well, housed, fed, and won't have to try and survive out here in the Crystal Empire. If you agree, then come meet me at this address in Ponyville one week from today." Phonyyx handed Cobalt a piece of paper with Phonyyx's address. "Also, I know it was you ponies that put the dagger in my bedpost. One of the rules I gave the Crystal Eyes was to never use their namesake when sending a message like that." Phonyyx pulled his hood back up, retrieved his sword, and flew off.

He was flying back to the castle when he saw Starlight in an alleyway surrounded by members of the Crystal Eyes. Oh no. Phonyyx flew down to her and merely spoke in a soft voice to the robed ponies. "If you know the history of your group, then do not mess with me." He put down his hood.

"Wait, why are you not with us. Traitor!" a muffled voice called out. Phonyyx took one step forward and all the ponies ran away. Well, so much for not letting the Crystal Eyes know that I'm here. "You okay Starlight?" Phonyyx looked back to her.

"Yeah, but what did they mean when saying that you should be with them?" Starlight was gasping for breath.

"It's not important. Old faces from my past. Where are you going?"

"I got a letter from my friend Sunburst. He wanted to talk to me about something. You should come, you'll like him."

"Yeah, I'd like to meet this friend of yours." Phonyyx was mainly worried about Starlight's safety, the Crystal Eyes could try something else. The two reached Sunburst's house, Phonyyx was more worried than before. Sunburst was the pony the changeling he saw in his vision turn into. He stayed calm, he didn't want to alert the changeling.

"Starlight. That was quick. I just sent that letter two days ago." Sunburst opened the door and greeted Starlight.

"Oh, that letter wasn't sent yet. It's still in the castle. Me, Twilight, Spike, Rarity, and Phonyyx came to the Crystal Empire."

"Um, Rarity was the unicorn with you last time you were here, right?"

"Right."

"But, who's Phonyyx?"

"Him." Starlight nodded to Phonyyx, who had his hood up.

"Oh. Well, it's nice to meet you." Sunburst put out his hoof to shake with Phonyyx. Phonyyx simple stared.

"Um, can we come in?"

"Oh, yes, yes." Sunburst moved out of the doorway to let Starlight and Phonyyx in. Sunburst tried again to greet Phonyyx properly. But he simply passed by him. "Is he usually this anti-social?"

"No, not really. I don't know what has gotten into him. He was acting perfectly normal before we got here. Well, normal for him." Phonyyx heard every word they said. He had to force himself from outright attacking Sunburst. "Phonyyx, will you come here and say hi to Sunburst?" Phonyyx turned his head back slightly to see Starlight in his peripherals and turned his head back to the books on the shelves There has got to be something here that can prove Sunburst is a changeling. Phonyyx paid no attention to Sunburst and Starlight the entire time they visited Sunburst. At least, he appeared to. He heard and noted every word spoken. He was still convinced that Sunburst was a changeling. "Well, it's been good to see you Sunburst. Anyway, I've got to go. The Princess probably wants to talk."

"It's alright, we can still write and talk some other time." Sunburst smiled at Starlight. "Only, I feel like there is something wrong with Phonyyx.

"Phonyyx, you coming?" Phonyyx walked to the door and last Sunburst, still ignoring him. Once Sunburst closed the door Starlight exploded. "What was that all about?" Phonyyx turned around to face Starlight.

"Come again?" Phonyyx tilted his head in confusion.

"You were a complete jerk to Sunburst. You wouldn't even say hi or acknowledge his existence."

"I don't trust him."

"Why!"

"I can't tell you. You wouldn't understand." Phonyyx wrapped himself in flames an took off for the castle. Was Phonyyx jealous or something? Phonyyx arrived at the castle and stormed off to his room. Cadence followed him, asking what was wrong. He grabbed a bag and enchanted it. He walked off to another sealed door and opened it, to reveal treasures beyond comprehension.

"This was here the entire time!" Cadence gasped at the number of treasures Phonyyx looked upon. He walked into the room and levitated it all into the bag. "Wait, isn't that stealing?"

"Not if I own it." Phonyyx fitted the impossible amount of treasures into the small enchanted bag and gave it to one of the Royal Protectors. "I want you to deliver this to this address in Ponyville." Phonyyx handed the pony an address and a key to the house.

"What was that for?"

"A surprise for Twilight. Do not tell her. I don't want to make a promise I can't keep. I hate those."

"Got it." Phonyyx's stomach rumbled.

"Sorry."

"No, it's okay. Lunch is ready."

"Hmm, Food." Phonyyx followed his nose to the scent of food. He found sandwiches. He also found Starlight. He didn't speak or talk. Starlight didn't even make eye contact with him. They ate without speaking a single word. At least, Phonyyx did. Rarity took notice of the odd behavior between Starlight and Phonyyx.

"Is either of you going to explain what happened?" Rarity looked to Starlight and Phonyyx.

"Maybe Phonyyx would like to tell you?" Starlight spoke up. "He seems to be unable to tell me when I asked him." Phonyyx ignored her comment. He finished eating, got up, and put away his dishes. Then he walked out of the room.

"So, Starlight, what happened?" Twilight wondered what happened between her and Phonyyx.

"Well, he doesn't trust or like Sunburst at all. When I asked him about it, he said he couldn't tell me." Starlight sighed. "I just don't know why." Meanwhile in Phonyyx's room.

Maybe Sunburst isn't a changeling.

You saw it in a vision.

Go Away.

Your visions are never wrong.

First time for everything.

Are you really going to take that chance.

I am.

But, are you willing to let others pay for your risks.

Celestia Damn You! Phonyyx sat down and thought to himself. He then remembered a book in the library he saw earlier. Phonyyx went to retrieve it, using the castle's secret passageways to move without interference. He arrived at the library and grabbed the book. He bolted for the secret passageway he used and was gone. Phonyyx flipped through the book's table of contents.

"Minotaur... Draconeques... Sea Dragon... Breezie... Changeling," Phonyyx murmured to himself as he flipped through the book to the section on changelings. A small section.

These deceptive creatures feed off of love. They have the innate ability to change their form into anything or any pony. They disguise themselves to feed off of the love for that creature that others have. They are masters of disguise and they follow one queen, who is responsible for finding food for her subjects. There is no spell that can revert a changeling to its original form. The only way to be sure if some pony is a changeling in disguise is their blood. Changelings bleed green blood. Phonyyx put the book face down on his bed, he had found what he needed.

"Starlight, darling, maybe Phonyyx just needs some time to become acquainted with Sunburst?" Rarity was walking with Starlight to Phonyyx's room. They wanted to speak with him about why he acted in the way he did.

"Maybe. It just doesn't seem like him to not even give some pony the chance to earn his trust." Starlight was looking down at her hooves as she walked.

"Well, Phonyyx has lived for over a millennium, it could be something from his past? Anyway, so are you and him umm, how should I put it?" Starlight gave Rarity a glare. "Not the time?"

"No." They walked into Phonyyx's room, but he wasn't there.

"Where could he have gone?" Rarity noticed the book on Phonyyx's bed and picked it up. "The Creatures Of Equestria"

"I think I might know. But I wish I'm wrong. He might believe that Sunburst is a changeling."

"We have to find him before he does something he'll regret."

"Aaahhh." Starlight and Rarity looked out a window to see Sunburst running for his life.

"We're too late." Starlight stared at the force chasing after Sunburst. It was Phonyyx.

Phonyyx walked through the dark alleyways of his home city. He lived and grew up in this city, he knew every street, alley, and shortcut by memory. He stuck to the shadows, avoiding any and all ponies. He arrived at Sunburst's house. The lights were off. He isn't home, I should leave, if I'm wrong...

If you're wrong, then no harm was done. If you're right, then you will be praised. Phonyyx heard the echo of hoofbeats further off. They were getting closer. He's home. Phonyyx turned around to face Sunburst.

"Oh, Phonyyx, I didn't see you there. Look, if this is about earlier, it's okay. I understand if you don't want to be friends with me." Sunburst was carrying a bag of groceries.

"Hehe." Phoenix's eyes were turning a red-green color. He unsheathed his sword and lunged forward. He swiped but Sunburst ducked. Sunburst turned and ran. Phonyyx gave chase.

"Phonyyx, why are you attacking me?" Phonyyx turned down an alleyway and came out the other end a minute later cutting Sunburst off. Sunburst turned and ran into a stall. Phonyyx flew and speed up to Sunburst. "Aaahhh!" Starlight and Rarity ran through the castle. They burst out of the castle to see Phonyyx with his sword raised, dripping blood. And Sunburst gasping for air, with a wound on his shoulder. The two were surrounded by a crowd of ponies. A platoon of guards surrounded Phonyyx and threw spears at him, but Phonyyx jumped over the spears and sent concussive blasts of magic at the guards. Phonyyx looked over at Sunburst, who was bleeding red, and hiding behind Starlight, Rarity, Spike, Twilight, Cadence, and a very pissed off Shining Armor. Phonyyx lowered his sword. Tap tap tap, click. The remaining guards arrested Phonyyx. The wrenched his sword away and removed his cloak. A unanimous gasp rose from the crowd of onlookers, then it grew into boos and rotten fruit being thrown at Phonyyx. The guards shackled and chained Phonyyx, and casted a spell to prevent him from using magic. Phonyyx showed no resistance. He has escorted away to the jails.