Lord Protector Silver Wing's POV

I woke up with a groan, slowly getting up from the ground and looking around. I couldn't see private Surprise or Commander Shield, both of them gone. The two squad members I had dragged into the Crystal Empire were by one of small guard outpost a few meters to my left, one of them tending to the other's wounds. I made my way towards them as fast as I could while my eyes scanned the rest of the empire. The shield was gone, snow piling up around me as I walked. The city itself was on fire, smoke rising towards the cloudy sky.

"Report" I stated simply and laid down with a huff next to my comrades, the two unicorns visibly injured but had used magic to heal the most severe wounds.

"The commander and private set out after Princess Luna my Lord. We had enough time to bring ourselves back from the brink, but the shield just disappeared, so healing spells are harder to do" Scout Spectral Vision said and tended to lieutenant Broken Orchid.

The two unicorns had been both the healers and magic experts of our squad, being tasked with putting up wards or dispelling hostile magic. Spectral had served with me for over three years, the stallion having helped the inhabitants of Equestria during the Discord Crisis with his wast knowledge of theoretical magic. Broken Orchid had been our newest member not counting Minted Surprise, the mare having wast knowledge of combat magic and potion making.

Spectral had a very pale white mane that reached his knees, his purple coat and purple eyes making him truly stand out in the snow. His purple eyes held a splash of white within them, giving his irises a ghost like appearance. The cutiemark resting on his flanks was that of an eye made out of smoke. I had always found his ability to notice things others couldn't as useful, if not a bit intrusive at times.

Broken Orchid had a red mane and tail, inherited by her father Second Lieutenant Fury. The grey coat she carried and talent with potions had apparently been carried down from her great grandmother, her cutiemark that of a cauldron with a dead orchid growing out of it. The mare had grown distant with the former major years ago, enlisting for the special forces to get away from her father's anger. Being the sister to the Crystal King was meant to be our ticket into the Empire, but with Fury in the castle had she refused to contact her brother.

"Use this guard outpost as shelter. The walls should allow you to focus more easily, which should speed up your healing" I said and looked for my spear, the weapon nowhere to be found.

"We will Lord Protector, but even with more spells is it unlikely that we'll join the fighting. Those crystal weapons damaged us pretty badly, took out most of the squad, sir" Scout Vision said and opened up the door to the very small house, dragging a moaning Orchid inside.

The mare seemed to suffer from some sort of fever, but as she opened her eyes could I see it was much worse than that. Broken Orchid looked like she had bloodshot eyes, but instead of red could I see an almost pulsating black. Corruption were moving in her veins, the poor mage desperately fighting against it.

"By the gods.. Sir, I need to get lieutenant Orchid to a professional. I cannot use any spells that eradicates the effects of dark magic, I am not Celestia" The stallion said and looked at me with pleading eyes.

I looked over the city, screams of anger and terror coming from its ponies. The castle were turning a dark red, as did the once blue crystal ground that the buildings of the Crystal Empire rested on. The fire and snow created such a horrifically beautiful contrast, like death and life dancing together. Could I really send Spectral Vision away? I would need as many soldiers as possible to protect the princess in this burning Tartarus of a place.

"Silver! She needs the medical attention now! If not she'll die!" Spectral yelled, his voice filled with fear.

How had everything gone bad so quickly? This was supposed to be a normal political meeting, not a damn civil war! My mind raced as I looked to the two soldiers, Broken Orchid shuddering and moaning in pain. I had to decide quickly and I needed to find my spear.

"Where is the spear of Arx?" I asked, an explosion ringing out from another part of the castle.

"Commander Violet Shield took it, as you wouldn't wake up. She needed something to get through the crowds" The stallion said and I swore loudly.

"We have a mission Scout Vision. We're here to protect the princess no matter what, that includes corruption running through ones veins" I said, his friends eyes widening.

"We will not leave her here to die!" He said to me and stood over Broken Orchid's body, the mare giving me a tired look.

"Do what what you can for her, close the door to keep her warm. After that we will move into the city and find the princess, with our without my spear. If we make it back then I'll ask the princess myself to heal her, but we all know every mission might be our last. You will leave her, that is an order" I said firmly, my mind at war over the decision.

"We don't sacrifice lives!" Spectral shouted and I moved closer to stand face to face with him, growling at the younger stallion.

"If I am forced to choose between the princess and a soldier then I will chose Luna. I have a duty to protect her at all costs, an oath you also took by signing up to the army. But you can turn around, ignore my order and drag Orchid to the ship the princess arrived with. On that ship they should have a healer and a medical ward, but know by doing this that you'll be betraying your monarch, for which the punishment is death" I stated coldly, glaring at the scout who looked ready to attack me.

For a second I believed Spectral would betray the throne, but slowly all light left his eyes, he grew stiff and his voice carried a cold tone. It was as if a bit of him had died and what was left forced itself to keep going, something I recognized all to well from the eyes of veterans.

"As you wish Lord Protector" The stallion said and turned back to Orchid, the mare whimpering in pain.

I closed my eyes and gave of a quiet sigh, the prospect of leaving a fellow soldier to die didn't sit well with me. But I had taken an oath, one I would keep. I opened my eyes to see Spectral whisper something to Orchid before he painted a rune on her body, the mare stopped shivering but the sweat forming on her didn't slow down.

"The rune will keep the corruption at bay for a while, but after that will nothing stand in its way" The scout said as he passed me, closing the door to the small guard hut with magic.

I simply nodded and quickly hurried towards the city with Spectral, seeing the fires in some parts of the city having been out out. But the sounds of fighting only grew larger as we got closer, passing charred crystal buildings and crystal ponies huddling together for warmth. Everything was chaos, the citizens were running around in terror as black crystals spread over the once beautiful city and the crystal guard were running around with glowing yellow eyes. The guards seemed to be more keen on scaring away everyone trying to put out the flames than actually trying to stop the civil war happening around the castle.

I could only hope the princess had made it out safely, the sounds of fighting echoing all around us as we made it to the castle grounds. I could see the crystal guards fighting each other, the citizens and those damn ink ponies that had attacked us. Spectral pointed to several crystal ponies showing signs of corruption, too many for me to phantom. Whatever had happened were responsible for a lot of destruction, but I could not see any true leader for either side, it was all a blur.

"Catch!" I heard a voice yell and out of pure reflex I held out my wing, catching the Spear of Arx.

The weapon had not returned a moment too soon either, a peasant with a pickaxe appearing in front of me and swinging it towards my head. I held up my weapon that caught the pickaxe mid swing, allowing me to headbutt the mare attacking me. She fell unconscious to the floor and commander Violet Shield ran up to my side, private Minted Surprise following quickly behind.

"Where is the princess?" I asked, Spectral Vision suddenly shooting a blast of magic onto a large stallion coming towards us.

"We don't know sir. Last time she was seen were before she entered the castle" Violet responded and I cursed loudly.

"Find her at all costs, if the princess dies then rest of Equestria might follow" I said, suddenly ducking from the blow of an axe.

"And gather what Lunar soldiers you can find! We need backup!" I yelled, quickly starting to send crystal ponies flying with the magical capabilities of my spear, blue shock-waves lighting up the battle in the deep snow.

Nathaniel's POV

He gasped for air as the magical grip around his throat tightened. The human had been stuck to the crystal pillar for over a minute, the blood pouring from his impaled stomach dripping down to the crystal floor below. Fury or whatever he wanted to be called had been slowly chocking him since they came eye to eye, his mind sluggish from pain and lack of oxygen.

Would this be how Nathan died? He didn't want to die, he'd barely lived. He had never had sex, never owned his own house, never fallen in love and he hadn't even punched Celestia in the face. The young man didn't want this to be the end, he didn't want to go. With what strength he had left he reached out his right hand, raising his head shakily to look the dark mage in the eyes.

"Any last words "Guardian" Sol?" The grey furred stallion asked with a grin as the crystal spike in his stomach grew hot like fire, making Nathan scream out in pain and throw back his head.

The man coughed out words, trying to remember them with the burning pain in his stomach and the cold creeping in over the city. Finally he growled and looked the former Major in the eyes again, the words were so simple to remember once the anger overpowered the pain.

"Solaris Mico!" He yelled and poured as much energy into the spell as possible, a great light hitting the dark mage.

The stallion screamed in pain and fell of the crystal pillar he had been standing on, his face looking horrible burnt from a spell that was only meant to blind. Nathaniel felt like he would pass out before suddenly the crystal spike shattered, his body falling towards the floor. It was like Nate was there, but at the same time not. He felt like he was falling, but like he was watching it happen from far away at the same time.

Suddenly it felt like something caught him, like he landed in a great pillow. His eyes fluttered open to see the horrified and worried face of Rose and angry scowl of Luna. The wound in his stomach stopped hurting as bad, yet it still stung like all hell. He could vaguely make out Luna screaming in anger and hatred at someone while Rose and Osiris asked him to stand. Why would he want to stand up? The ground was just so warm and cozy..

The sudden lick to his face made him focus his eyes again, seeing a whining Blaze push his snout in Nathaniel's side. After more prodding from his friends did the man finally sit up, leaning his back against the crystal pillar as Osiris started to wrap a bandage around the human's midsection. The green eyed teen could only look in front of him however, seeing Luna stand protectively in front of him with her scythe in her magical grip.

"Nate, you need to stand ok?" Rose Said and got under his arm, Blaze doing the same thing for his other arm.

With the help from the sanguine and wolf could the human get up, supporting his arms on their backs. Once he finally stood could he see the dark mage further away from them, holding the crystal heart in a magical grasp. Red crystal dust swirled around the former major and it slowly formed into a scythe of his own.

"You will die for this Fury" Luna growled and spread her wings, prowling like an angry cat towards the traitor.

"My name is Sombra, I am above the pathetic excuse of a pony Fury was!" The self proclaimed ruler growled back and swirled his new weapon.

Sombra's face held horrible burns, his eyes bloodshot and almost white. The spell had seemed to hold more power in it than the human had intended. The spell Nathaniel had cast seemed to have also peeled away the fur and skin from the dark mage's body, but instead of exposed flesh there was now red crystal beneath his skin, like some sort of disease.

"The heart.." Nathan mumbled to his companions, pointing to the artifact Sombra held.

Before the young man could say anything else had Luna jumped Sombra, using her wings to gain altitude before using gravity to deliver a powerful downward strike. The princess's scythe didn't even come close to touching the unicorn, her body and weapon suddenly frozen in mid air. A thin glowing red layer of magic kept the alicorn from moving, Sombra grinning before sendng a large blast of mana into the mare's chest.

"Princess!" Rose called out, running to join the battle.

Osiris gave Nathan's wound a look before running off to help their monarch fight the dark mage, only Blaze remaining by the injured human's side. The earth pony and sanguine rushed towards Luna as she hit the floor, sliding a few meters before coming to a stop. The princess got up and spit some blood onto the red crystal floor, the black haired teen noticing how everything around them were changing colour.

"You cannot kill me! With the crystal heart am I the most powerful creature in existence! You will all bow before my might or die!" Sombra called out, a sudden explosion coming from the castle.

With a determined growl did the human rush towards his sword, the blade laying to his right. But before he could reach it were he hit by a burning blast of magic, being sent rolling across the floor with a yell of pain. Sombra only grinned as the crystal heart started to spinn, the relic shooting out more blasts of magic.

Rose flew up into the air to avoid the hostile spell, ducking under the blasts and throwing knives towards the dark mage. The bat pony's weapons simply hit a red barrier raised by Sombra, the heart feeding him more and more energy. Osiris dodged the blasts much like his flying comrade but instead of keeping himself at a distance the scout ran up to the former major. Being so close to Sombra allowed the golden furred stallion to swing his dagger at the unicorn, the weapon quickly blocked by Sombra's red crystal scythe.

In a few seconds had Rose been hit, falling out of the sky and hitting the ground with a grunt. Osiris were pushed back and sent flying with a another blast of magic, hitting the floor an angry growl. Luna deflected each blast sent her way with her own weapon, the princess teal eyes filled with rage as she moved closer and closer to Sombra. Once the two powerful magic users were close enough did the true fight start, the flurry of strikes they sent at each other creating spraks that danced on the crystal floor.

The human got up from the ground and looked to the two fighting, slowly crawling towards his sword and grabbing it. Once he had the weapon Nathaniel stood up and ran for Sombra, his wound hurting like never before but he didn't care, simply wanting to hurt the dark mage. Once the green eyed man were close enough he raised his sword above his head and slashed down against Sombra, hitting the unicorn's scythe.

The distraction was enough for Luna to get in a good slash on the dark mage's neck and face, making him scream out in pain and stagger backwards. The unicorn were suddenly sent skidding across the floor by a howling grey wolf, Blaze clawing and biting at his face and body. The wolf manged to expose more of the crystal hiding under the dark mage's skin before a shock-wave of magic sent Blaze flying.

"Blaze!" Nathan cried out in fear and ran towards the downed wolf as Luna advanced on Sombra.

The alicorn raised her scythe over her head for a final strike only for a horrible sound to echo over the crystal heart sanctuary, a sound alike to metal being twisted. In his magical grasp Sombra held a sword handle from which a blade made from black smoke protruded. The activation of the thing had caused the sound, yet it was not the weapon itself that scared the human, it was that it had been burried into Luna's chest.

"Luna!" He yelled and looked in horror as the alicorn drew raspy breaths, her eyes glazed over.

Blaze whined in pain and tried to stand but couldn't, looking on along with his owner as Sombra slowly drew the sword out of the princess's chest. There was no visible wound, but seeing Luna drop her scythe and fall to her side were enough to show that the sword could harm.

Grinning like he was mad Sombra rose, looking into Luna's eyes that showed clear signs of corruption. The dark mage picked up his scythe and looked at all the guardians, Rose having gotten up by was to dizzy to move, Osiris laying on his side and spitting up blood, Blaze whimpering in pain and Nathaniel holding his wound as blood soaked through the bandages.

"Look upon your failure Guardians of the night! Look upon my might as I kill who you were meant to protect!" Sombra called out and rose his scythe over his head.

Nathaniel tried to summon his magic to cast the Solaris Mico spell once more, but the snow and cold had entered even the deepest parts of the Crystal Empire, making spell casting almost impossible for him. He could only watch in horror as the scythe was brought down towards the shuddering princess, his mind screaming at him to move but his body finally collapsing from the blood loss.

Just before the dark mage's weapon hit the alicorn however were he sent flying backwards by a torrent of blue crystals, the rightful king of the Crystal Empire walking into the sanctuary with the battle between the crystal guards and citizens following behind him. The red maned stallion growled and summoned a blue crystal sword from the ground itself, swirling it as if to test how quickly it could tear flesh apart.

"Father! Why have you done this you damn fucking traitor!" Crystal Sword yelled to Sombra, the older stallion only grinning at his son.

"You are to weak to lead this kingdom. Your weakness would become the downfall of the Crystal Empire, so I have relived it from your duty. Now, either you bow or you will join your mother in the dirt!" The grey furred unicorn yelled at the king who yelled out in rage, running for Sombra.

The crystal heart stopped spinning as King Sword came closer, turning blue once more and sending a bolt of light into the dark mage's side. Sombra screamed in pain as his fur seemingly caught on fire from the heart's magic, the purple flames moving over his body. Crystal Heart used the distraction to stab his sword right into his father's chest, the fire pouring into the wound and making the dark mage scream even louder.

The fire seemed to peel away Sombra's skin, slowly revealing how all that was left of him were a pony made out of crystal. His eyes didn't change however, still filled with hatred as he headbutted Crystal Sword. The younger stallion were forced to back off and pull out his sword, scowling at Sombra.

As father and son fought could the human only crawl to Luna, seeing her eyes flick to him. The black veins within them almost seemed to pulsate and drain her. The mare coughed up a black tar like liquid and looked to the pony made out of red crystal, seeing him once again activate the blade made out of smoke.

"Abyssus Tenebrosa" She whispered out, her horn sparking but not producing any spell.

"You need to banish him.. Starswirl can do the spell Nathaniel.." She rasped out and coughed up more black tar.

The battle between the two unicorns came to a standstill, Crystal Sword being forced to defend against two weapons being brought down upon him. The two stallions growled and slashed with all their might, but the dark mage were winning ground. The sudden silver spear suddenly brought through Sombra's midsection by a pegasus stopped his advancement, Crystal using the opportunity to slice the handle of the smoke blade in half, destroying the horrible weapon.

With a guttural scream of anger Sombra sent a red bolt of lighting at the crystal heart, the relic gone in a flash of light. Nathaniel saw the spear inside Sombra glow blue before it shattered the pony made out of red crystal in half, The king finishing the job by slicing the head of his father. Sombra's head shattered as it hit the floor, the rest of his body turning into dust.

The Lord Protector and King panted, Crystal Sword dropping his blade. The rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire looked at the red dust with sadness, bowing his head. The white coated pegasus with a silver mane moved away quickly from the shattered remains of Sombra, running up to Luna's side.

"What happened to her?" Silver Wing asked Nathaniel stoically, the human looking at the alicorn with uncertainty and worry.

"Guardian! Answer me!" The stallion said, the man's mind finally starting to move again.

"He stabbed her with some strange sword" Nathan responded and closed his eyes as Luna's raspy breath echoed over the sanctuary.

Osiris had helped Rose over to them and then dragged the injured wolf to their side, Blaze whimpering in pain. All of Luna's guardians were beat up, Nathaniel having attained the most injuries from the fight. Rose held her left wings tight to her side and bit into her lip to focus on something else as her appendage throbbed with pain. Osiris limped slightly, both his side and legs seemingly brining him pain. They had truly gotten the shit kicked out of them.

"We need to move her to the Golden Stallion. The arch mage will know what to do, as we cannot remove corruption" The Lord Protector said and whistled, a unicorn stallion coming running.

"Use the spell Spectral, we need the princess alive" The pegasus commanded and the unicorn stallion did so, his face showing no emotion.

Three more ponies joined them in the sanctuary beneath the castle after the battle. The human quickly found out they were part of the pegasus's own squad, the ponies having very different ranks from each other. The mare that joined them quickly spoke to Rose and Osiris, Commander Shield were her name apparently. She simply ignored the black haired teen, something he found annoying but quickly pushed to the side, only Luna's health mattered right now.

"If we are to move her then we need control of the masses your highness. Can you get your soldiers to knock down this rebellion? Kill their leaders if necessary" The Lord Protector said and The Crystal King growled.

"I will not slaughter my own people! I ordered my guards to subdue them, that is enough" He responded, the human seeing the logic of both stallions opinions, even if he didn't enjoy Silver Wing's.

"Your guards have turned on each other and they're coating the ground with blood! You either help us save the princess's life or gods help me I will make sure to come back here with an army!" He growled and the two stallions started yelling at each other, Nathan looking at Luna as they placed her on a sled.

"_{He's not gone..}" The princess wheezed out, so quietly he almost didn't hear what she said.

"Luna? Who do you mean? Sombra? He's dead, turned to dust. You're safe" Nate replied to the dying princess, Luna shaking her head slowly.

"_{He's not dead.. He's right under us..}" Luna said, Nathaniel's eyes widening.

"Everyone ru..!" Was all the human could say before the ground below them exploded upwards, sending the man flying once more, separating him from the injured alicorn.

The floor had exploded in a beautiful display of red crystal shards, arm like appendages made out of the crystals swatting away the Lord Protector and Crystal Sword before they had time to react. The hands grabbed a hold of Luna's sled and pulled in into the hole, the alicorn's eyes sluggishly looking around to grasp what was happening before she was gone. The man didn't even realize he was running before he was near the hole.

"Kid! Don't!" He could hear Osiris yell but it was too late, the human jumping down the hole to be embraced by darkness.

Broken Orchid's POV

My coughs and raspy breath was all the sound I could hear inside the guard hut. The magic Spectral had put on me were wearing off, allowing the damn corruption to once again spread through my veins. I coughed up black tar and red crystal like dust, my body feeling like it was on fire. I just wanted it to end, it felt like something was trying to tear itself out from my body.

I crawled over to one of the windows, looking at the burning city through the snow. The fires made it easier for me to see the battle, the citizens and guards clashing for control over different districts of the city. I found myself growing more and more afraid that Silver Wing had left me here to die. His loyalty to the crown was absolute, if he were forced to choose between us and Celestia he'd leave us behind.

I started to slowly realize as I watched the snow fall that the voice that had been whispering things in my mind had disappeared. It had been trying to make me fall asleep, to make me embrace the damn disease and die. But now it was gone, just as I recognized the voice that had been speaking to me. It had been my father's voice, his gruff and commander like tone having just been more smooth, like he was trying to loll me into a false sense of security.

Was this my father's doing? A civil war rushing through the streets and an attack on the princess of the night? I had a hard time pantomiming how he'd achieved such power and sudden urge to betray both the crown and his own son. My eyes wandered over the Crystal Empire's outline as I felt my body grow even weaker, sending me to the floor crying out in agony as the voice suddenly returned.

"Submit" It whispered, trying to coax me into letting go of my life.

"Fuck. You." I panted out and spit some of the black goo on the floor, my head spinning.

"SUBMIT" The voice said more loudly and I growled in response, I would not loose this fight easily.

I crawled towards the door to my left, hoping that the freezing snow outside would cool down my body. As I pressed one of my front hooves at the door however to find it blocked couldn't I help but yell in anger. The snow had piled up outside the door and stopped me from escaping the small guard hut, meaning I was to be die alone in a cold small room. The thought brought me to tears and I finally cracked, crying over having been left behind to die.

I knew when I signed up that any day serving in the army could be your last. But after my faithful service for so many years was this to be my reward? Not a death in battle or a promotion. My reward was to slowly die in a lonely hut long away from home with my father being the last pony I would ever hear. I cursed the gods for that, I slammed my hooves into the door and I cried. I slowly just curled up on the floor and held my forelegs over my ears, the voice growing louder and louder until I couldn't hear anything but it.

The sudden burst of cold air into the guard hut made me open my eyes to see the door was open. A silhouette of a pony was standing there against the cold winds, my eyes too blurry to make out who it was. He was wearing some sort of cloak and a long hat, the sounds of bells soothing my aching body as I felt something pick me up and place me on a soft surface. A bottle was pressed to my lips and I tried to first pull my head away, ending up with some of its content on my chest.

The liquid seemed to make the burning sensation go away. Knowing that the pain would go away helped me drink the disgusting tasting liquid, the voice in my head screaming in pain before it was silenced. I felt the burning sensation in my body grow less painful and I fell asleep with a smile on my lips, feeling the icy hooks of the cold and corruption leave my body.

Nathaniel's POV

Nathan was falling. Now after jumping down a hole one would imagine that you'd be prepared for that fact, but Nathaniel had acted on pure instinct. The human were screaming as he fell down what seemed a cold and empty dark abyss. Suddenly all came to a halt, the man letting out a huff as the air in his lungs were forced out. For a moment he just flouted there, in the middle of what he could only assume to be a large cavern.

His moment of tranquility were broken quite quickly however, the sudden jerk of some force made him hit a wall and roll. Once he came to his senses did Nate realize it hadn't been a wall but some kind of floor made out of soft rock. It made the teen uneasy as he looked around and tried to get his bearings on the place, the part where he had landed seemingly being a narrow passage carved out from the rock itself.

The walls of the passage held torches made from some kind of black wood. The human couldn't remember having seen its kind during his time in the woods, meaning it had to be native to the cold north. The torches were lit with an ominous green flame that seemed to flow in a non existent wind, it reminded him of Luna's beautiful mane. The reminder of where he was and where Luna had been taken made him fume with anger.

The young man pushed forward down the path of soft gray rock, finding that he could reach out with both his arms side to side but that was about it. The narrow passageway he had suddenly rolled into weren't very wide, most likely a choice by Sombra to make him feel more trapped. The thought of the arrogant and cruel stallion made the human push on, moving his aching limbs even harder.

Nathaniel had been impaled, thrown across rock hard crystal floors, blasted with magic, forced to see his friend stabbed with a frightening sword, seen her suffer from the sword's corruption and then been dragged into some underground passageway for the pleasure of a mad stallion. It was an understatement that Nathan was tired after his beating, the bloody bandages around his wound had dried but the pain still made him feel ill.

As the man finally saw a red light at the end of the tunnel were it clear this was Sombra's domain. The chamber Nate found himself inside as he exited the passageway were built up from red crystal, the floor, walls and roof were all made out of the stuff. Nate could see one smooth crystal wall to his right side and one to his left, the walls reflecting his tired look. The green eyed teen had walked out from a hole in the wall behind him, said hole looking very out of place in the grand crystal chamber.

Between each wall it had to be at least forty meters, the roof most likely measuring up similarly. From where he stood Nathaniel could see a throne straight across from him. Upon this throne sat Sombra, a horrible grin on his muzzle as he petted Luna laying beside the crystal red furniture. The princess of the night was shivering and coughing out red crystal dust, looking at Nathaniel with tired and glossy eyes.

"You have come to save the princess like a brave knight, ape?" The dark mage said and held out his hoof, the red dust Luna coughed up going to it and forming a scythe.

The human's right hand tightened its grip on his sword, holding it so hard his knuckles turned white. He just stood there for a long time, not answering Sombra but rather growling at him. Nathan hadn't come to play games with the self proclaimed king, he had come to save Luna. Feeling the flow of his magic the man walked towards Sombra holding out his sword in front of him with both hands.

The dark mage only grinned, getting off his throne and holding the scythe to the side with his magical grip. Luna tried to grab a hold of the mad king's back leg but he simply shrugged her off, the mare to weak to hold onto him. The crystal heart was nowhere to be seen, hidden by Sombra somewhere. The relic didn't mean much to Nathan however, his eyes slowly being filled with rage as he started to run towards the stallion that had hurt him so many weeks ago.

The two met in the middle of the chamber, Nathaniel blocking the downward strike from Sombra's scythe and pushing him back. The two backed off from one another and then exchanged quick blows, the man's slashes always being deflected or blocked by the more experienced and powerful fighter. It was like that for many minutes, the human using what last sources of energy his body held to ward off the dark mage, often ending in Sombra cutting some part of Nathaniel's body.

After almost ten minutes of nonstop fighting could Nathan barley stand, blood pouring from fresh cuts on his arms, legs, chest and back. He stumbled as the teen tried to get out of the way as Sombra suddenly slammed down the scythe where Nathaniel had stood a second prior. The scythe were wedged deep into the crystal floor, leaving a long cut into the red substance.

Luna had been calling out for him to flee during the fight, begging him to leave her, to not die. The human had ignored her, doing a final stand for as long as he could before his body would give up. It didn't take much for Sombra to finally get the injured human on his back, sending out a blast of magic into Nathaniel's chest. With his mana reserves so low he couldn't cast the Solaris Mico spell again, his body having feed of the mystical energy to keep going for a few more minutes.

As he tried to sit up Sombra walked slowly towards him, playing with his prey. The scythe were slowly dragged across the floor and the blade created sparks as it slid across the red crystal ground. Nathan just held up his sword, Luna's gift to him, and gave Sombra a defiant look. If he was to die then the young man would not go quietly into the night.

"Any last words "Guardian" Sol?" The dark mage asked, his grey fur looking like it had never burned in the first place.

The man looked at the stallion, his mind working quickly to come up with something, anything! His eyes flicked to Luna, the mare crying and desperately trying to reach him as Sombra raised his scyte. It was in this moment the man's eyes lit up, his mouth opening and his grip on the sword tightened.

"Pusilli Ignis!" He said and held out his hand, a small flame appearing on the mage's chest.

The spell had been enough, Sombra screaming in pain as the fire quickly started to cover his body. The self proclaimed king tried to desperately put out the flames that tore into his flesh, but the flames quickly consuming him as his cries echoed in the chamber. Using the distraction the man ran for Luna, having sheeted his sword and picking up the alicorn.

Even with the extra weight the man kept running, adrenaline and what magic he had left pushing him on towards the passageway. The human could hear the angry screams of Sombra behind him as he rushed into down the tunnel, the pah growing more and more narrow as he ran. It was only after he passed the fifth torch that he realized the walls were coming towards him, shrinking the his path. But even with the fear of being crushed he kept running, Luna mumbling and whimpering in pain as black goo ran down her chin from her mouth. At the end of the hallway could the man see a light, natural white light of the outside world.

With a final scream of determination Nathaniel ran the last few meters, Sombra just behind him in the form of red crystal dust, and threw himself through the door of light. He could hear the walls slam into each other and the dark mage's cries of fury behind him as he rushed through the light, suddenly finding himself in the sanctuary. Seeing that he was back brought some ease to his mind as he slowly set down Luna, hearing Rose screaming his name. It didn't really matter to the human as he fell onto his side, his eyes looking up towards the castle above them.

Darkness slowly started to obscure his vision, Nathaniel managing to catch the sight of a wizard's hat before darkness took him. It seemed the arch mage had joined the battle.

Silver Page's POV

I cried out in frustrating as I pulled on the crystal chains holding me locked to the wall. I tried and tried to get free but no matter how much I pulled the chains wouldn't budge. I sat down on the cold floor and listened to the sounds of fighting coming from outside the castle, the explosions from before having woken me from my nightmare filled sleep.

The chains were attached to my collar, the thing warming me with a spell. It was funny how he would use me for his pleasure one moment and in the next give me some kind of gift. But then again, it was all to show me I was a "good girl" for squeezing every last drop out of him, it was not affection.

My eyes wandered to the door, the red thing having been glowing since Sombra left to take the heart. He'd shared his plans with me after we had mated, knowing full well I couldn't escape and tell anypony about it. It made me feel more despair and fear as I could hear the cries on angry citizens in the castle. I knew what the old folktales said about demons, meaning if they saw me they'd probally kill me.

My new tail flicked nervously as I heard movement behind the door, the thing suddenly shaking as it burst into flames. I gave of a fearful shriek and tried to make myself as small as possible, hiding under my now red wings. The horns on my head had been another feature added by the dark mage, touching them being enough to make me whimper in pleasure.

I saw a silhouette enter through the now destroyed door, the young stallion giving me a confused look. It was the same stallion Sombra had hypnotized weeks ago, Minted Surprise had been his name I think. I gave him a look of fear as he stepped closer and eyes my body, looking like he was trying to wrap his mind around what he was seeing.

"What are you?" He asked before seeing the chains, slashing them with a dagger he was carrying.

"I-I'm Silver Page" I responded, getting up and looking towards the opening to the outside.

"I was sent to look for any of our fellow soldiers. If you need protection I suggest you head for the ship outside the city miss, the Golden Stallion will carry the princess to Canterlot" He said and my eyes lit up.

"To Canterlot? Away from.. him?" I asked quietly and looked around the room.

"Yes miss, I see that Fury did something to you. The city is tearing itself apart as we speak, so if you want protection you'll head for the ship, there they can ask questions and help you" Minted said a mare's voice calling his name down the corridor.

"I cannot stay and protect you miss, but if you help us understand what happened here then I can assure your safety" He said to me before quickly heading out the room and running away.

Everything was happening so quickly I could barley comprehend it. I was free, after weeks of being held prisoner in one room were I free. I stood there in shock for many moments before I suddenly started running out the room and down the hall. The collar around my neck with a piece of chain attached to it didn't bother me as I ran down the hallway. Tears of happiness streamed down my face when I saw a open window and felt the cold air hit my muzzle. I were free!

Lord Protector Silver Wing's POV

As the human suddenly appeared out of nowhere were I quite startled, having almost thrown my spear at him at first. As I saw him cradling the princess in his arms did I finally feel some hope for us, Guardian Sol laying down Luna on the ground before falling to his side. The creature didn't even realize that the battle had moved to the sanctuary, the citizens seemingly gone mad as they tried to find the king.

It was because of this we needed regulations on magic, especially dark magic. How many had died or been corrupted since the battle started? I could see the poor souls suffering from the horrible magic disease crying out for help, for death. It was hard to know what was happening once the battle moved to the sanctuary, Crystal Sword having rallied his loyal guards and charged into the flank of the mob. The citizens were slowly loosing the battle and so were the corrupted crystal guards, the sudden blast of magic sending one flying confirming it.

The arch mage had joined us long after the battle moved to the Crystal Heart's resting place, having entered by putting a whole group of the fighters to sleep using a spell. Starswirl had sought after both the human and princess as he regrouped with me and the other Equestrian ponies, having grown worried as I gave him a quick reports of what had happened in his absence.

The old stallion had taken control of the battlefield once he arrived, having thrown the strongest peasants aside and lead the two guardians that could stand and the Lunar Guard against the violent people. Once the human appeared had the old wizard's focus been on him and Luna enteirly, leaving the battle to be spearheaded by me and the Spear of Arx. I didn't mind, sending the idiots flying with the sky metal weapon magical abilities.

From what I could spot were the creature allowed Guardianship of Luna out of the picture, his body bloody and on the verge of death from exhaustion. The princess were not doing much better from what I could see, her eyes unfocused and body looking incredibly weak. I swore and hit the nearest crystal pony with as much force as I could muster, sending the mare skidding across the floor and moaning in pain. I were sure to not kill any of them, but I made sure they would't get up and fight again after I hit them.

After finally sending what was left of the fighters running and seeing King Sword knock down the last corrupted crystal guard I turned to the group that had gathered around the two downed warriors. The sanguine where saying something to the human with the earth pony scout sitting near them, petting a whining wolf. I could see the arch mage work on Luna, making her drink a potion but looking defeated as she spat it out and howled in pain.

"What did you do?" I asked harshly and ran up to the princess side, the old stallion looking at her in sadness.

"I cannot do anything more for her. The corruption she was exposed to is the most powerful one I have ever seen. I can only delay her death, I cannot heal her.." The old wizard said to me, the ponies looking at him in horror.

"Think you old mage! There must be a way to heal her!" I said, desperation sinking into my voice.

"She needs water from the Temple of Shadows. Only that is a cure for an illness caused by corruption" Crystal Blade said, moving towards us with snow stuck in his mane.

"Then we will move her there, she cannot be allowed to die!" I said and quickly moved the princess to a nearby sled, the arch mage having brought many.

"She will not survive such a journey Lord Protector, the temple lies in the Dark Kingdom. I can get her to Everfree castle, but that's as far as she can travel" Starswirl said and glared at me.

My angry response was cut short as a ghostly form of a pony moved up from the hole in the crystal floor. Sombra's face were burnt once more with his burnt skin reveling the red crystal underneath it. He just wouldn't fucking stay dead, no matter how many times you stabbed him.

"We need to get Luna and Guardian Sol out of the empire now. They will both die here if they are not cared for soon" The old mage said and send a bolt of light into the head of the dark mage, making him scream in pain.

The true king of crystals ran to fight Sombra when he was suddenly teleported by Starswirl, the guards left running for their lives as crystal spikes tore up throught the ground around us. I didn't have time to question where the arch mage had sent King Sword, deflecting spikes as they rose up from the ground with the Spear of Arx.

I could see the Lunar guards and Guardians quickly moving the princess and human away from the battle, from how Sombra's eyes followed Guardian Sol could I only assume he wanted him very dead. I were about to strike against the dark mage when were all suddenly teleported, just outside the Crystal Empire's borders.

"Run!" Starswirl called to us and the ponies dragging the injured didn't need much encouragement, pulling the sleds away from the horrid place.

I were able to see a surprised private Surprise and Commander Shield joining us as well, the two having ran off on my orders to gather what Lunar guards were left to fight against the dark mage. They hadn't been able to find anypony, or at least not somepony alive.

The fires had stopped but the snow kept falling over the empire, some sections of it being completely covered in snow. I could see how something made out of black smoke traveled towards us at high speed, I could soon see the face of Sombra as he rushed towards us with the intent to kill.

As the immortal dark mage grew closer could I see Starswirl light his horn, his eyes filled with anger as he uttered a spell I had yet hear during any battle he'd been in before. The spell sounded strange, but soon I would realize what it was meant to do, what it was meant to hide.

"Abyssus Tenebrosa!!!" The wizard yelled and a great crack opened in the cold hard ground.

I saw how Sombra seemingly turned to black smoke once more and he scraemed in pain as shackles made out of light bound his limbs. The shackles pulled the dark mage slowly into the crack, Starswirl looking strained as he put more and more energy into the spell. I covered my eyes as an explosion of light stunned the mad king, the stallion of smoke being pulled down the crack. Sombra had seemingly being banished from the physical plane of existence. I looked at the old stallion with no small wonder as he sealed the tear in the ground, his eyes looking tired and sad.

"It was the only way, even with the curse" He said, making me confused before I saw the entire Crystal Empire tremble before my eyes, suddenly being gone.

I stood there in shock and dropped my weapon onto the snow, looking over the place where the empire had been. The entire city, all those ponies. It was just gone. I slowly looked to Starswirl, the mage knew this would happen, that to banish the mad mage would mean the end for an entire kingdom.

"What did you do?" I asked him simply, looking over the cold hard land.

"I banished him with a spell forbidden by Faust herself, a spell that locks him inside a prison he can never leave until one thousand years have passed" He responded with a huff, slowly walking away.

"And the empire?" I asked him, trying to understand why it had been taken.

"He tied himself to the crystal heart which is tied to the Empire. Once he was banished it affected all of the city, locking it with him inside the prison" The older stallion said, looking over it all with sadness.

I could only slowly look away, knowing a sacrifice had been made to save the princess life. That didn't make the pain in my chest any easier to carry as we made our way to the Golden Stallion, silence among every last pony on board. As I sat down I could see Crystal Shield and Spectral Vision by Broken Orchid's sleepin body. The king refused to look at anyone but his sister, keeping his back turned to where his home had been moments before, his eyes looked so hollow.

Commader Shield sat down next to me, a bandage around her chest and right front leg. She sat there for a long time before breaking the silence by quietly asking me something I were trying to figure out myself.

"Did we win today my lord?" Violet asked me and I could only look over the water.

"I don't know commander. I don't know" I responded as the ship cast off, leaving the frozen north behind, we needed to get home

Author's Notes:

And there we go! Thank you for reading chapter 13!