How in Equestria did you ever get yourself into this mess? I mean one moment you were having a relaxing day doing your job at the spa then all the sudden you’re being pulled like a rag doll to twilight’s place and then transported to palace where they tell you of an empire coming back after a millennium. Then without having to consult Princess Luna about where you are going you were already thrown into a train and being sent to the closest part of where the empire is being protected. And what makes it worse is princess Celestia fears that this queen umbra might try to steal the empire again and maybe even Equestria.

‘Isn’t life grand’ you said in your head as the large scowl you’re going to get when you return home. If you return home. You sat in silence as everyone else was busy talking or socializing with each other on the situation that awaits.

Twilight and the others all bore excited faces since they were going to a kingdom that disappeared several centuries ago.

Rainbow had a determination look on her face as she wanted to fight with this Umbra overlord and save the empire. Applejack had a smug look as well since she never took kindly to those who enslaved ponies even their own kin.

You were surprise at the history on this queen umbra which in some sense you believe to be another victim of this grogar monster.

The story goes of a beautiful kingdom made of crystal of not only the buildings but also the ponies as well and all lived in harmony many centuries ago. The king who name was called crystal haven had married a beautiful mare and empires own advisor several years after the kingdom was completed. After several years the king died in battle against grogar and his army which the kingdom was left for umbra to rule over. Years passed after the king’s death and for some reason the queen became dark with power and later enslaved her own people, trapping them into the crystal mines and forcing them to bring her crystals. This went on for years till princess Celestia and Luna both went to the crystal empire and tries to stop queen umbra’s reign. The battle won for both sisters but the consequences were severe.

After the battle won queen umbra used all her dark magic and engulfed it into a sheet of black fog. The fog lifted and the city was lost forever along with the residents themselves. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna couldn’t understand on how an entire empire disappeared however now that it’s return the fear of queen umbra’s return shook them to the brink as the thought of the city disappearing again.

So far that’s all you know however from the girls and you knew more then what Celestia and Luna told you next. The rest you will tell till you get there.

Your marefriends all were busy on discussing on how and why this empire just disappeared so many years ago for it to turn up after about a century later. You to wonder on that and since you could guess that the humans came along the same time Celestia’s parents brought the humans to their world to fight against the war. However you won’t know till you get there.

“Oh man I can’t wait to go to the crystal empire. I wonder what it would be like” RD said doing a somersault inside the passenger car we were in.

“Probably crystalize or something” AJ smirk as Rainbow growled at her smartass.

“Still girls we must be vigilant and ready for anything. Princess Cadence and Shining armor are already doing their best to try to keep the barrier strong but we don’t know how long the shields will hold.” Twilight said nervously.

Sighing again you held a small picture in your hands from the wallet you carry it in. on it was a picture of you and Luna with your new born foal all smiling happily while still at the hospital the day she was born. You couldn’t leave your marefriends behind while Equestria is in danger and you weren’t about to let an evil overlord take the empire or even Equestria to herself. Not on your watch.

But still your fears of failing and never going to see your daughter again made your heart feel like it was going to break.

“I have to succeed. For not just equestria but her Luna and all my marefriends and above all for my little foal” you rubbed your thumb on the picture and put it back into the pocket. you had your eyes close as you put it back only to open them and staring into two baby blue eyes.

Let out a small surprise shout you backed away and stared blankly at the owner of those beautiful eyes. You sighed in relief since you living in equestria pinkie pie is really unpredictable.

“So…………. What are you thinking about?” she giggled as you fixed yourself on the seat.

“Nothing pinkie. I just needed something to help calm my nerves.” You said smiling

“Oh like that picture of you, Luna and your foal at the hospital” she said pointing at your pocket you kept the photo in.

Nodding in approval you were then bombarded by your pinkie lover in a tight hug. You return the hug and gave a gentle kiss on her cheek. “No matter what happens I promise I will protect you and the rest of us from any harm.” You said assuring her you are with them to the end. You know on the danger you were getting into but that matter less to you. You want to protect your marefriends and joined them on this quest no matter what the cost.

Pinkie pie smiles a big grin and boops your nose. “And I promise we will have a big party for when we beat that miss meanie pants” she sticked out her tongue silly. She knows on how you are and being there for her and for her friends shows that you are and always will be with them to the end.

‘That’s pinkie for yah’ you said in your head as you leaned in and gave her a small kiss on her lips. The kiss lasted for a few seconds before it was interrupted by a loud shout.

“HEY NO FAIR” shouted Rainbow as she witnesses the whole thing. “I WANT A KISS TOO!”

Pinkie pie stucked out her tongue and drooped on her eyelids down as she looked at Rainbow and all her jealous friends. “Nah nah I got the kiss first” she said playfully.

You chuckled nervously as all your marefriends all too witness the kiss you gave to pinkie and all were glaring daggers at the party pony. You could feel sparks flying all around as a feeling of fighting going to break out the longer you stay.

You tried to wiggle out of pinkie’s grip but couldn’t due to her amazing strength as to being an earth pony and could only watch as twilight and the rest of the gang all walked towards you.

“WELL I’M STEALING THE SECOND KISS” RD shouted as she took at a fast speed. Still bound by pinkie’s grip you grew wide eyed at rainbow’s speed. You gasped at the sudden force RD grabbed you and push you till you were at the end of the other side. As soon as RD grabbed you pinkie pie smiled and finally let go of you while Rainbow carried you at a great distance and begin making out with you.

You couldn’t react fast enough as rainbow took the time to taste your lips. She loved every bit of them, her tongue gently rubbing your canines before twirling around with your tongue. Taking a few minutes to get your bearings you soon joined into the kiss. You tried to wrap around your speed devil marefriend although you couldn’t since she was yank off the moment you tried to wrap your arms around her.

“Hey what the” she screamed as she was pulled back. You look to see a 4 inch thick rope tied around her and being yanked back by your farming marefriend. As quickly as she yanked Rainbow back she was face to face with you. A seductive grin plastered on her face as she stares into your eyes.

“So sugar cube how about that kiss” she said leaning towards yours. You let out a small chuckle but gasped as to what was behind her. The rest of your marefriends all were jumping up towards you all reaching out to get a kiss from you.

“Oh f@#k me” you said as you were dived bombed by 6 mares.

*several minutes later inside restroom*

You groaned as the sudden pain was still there just after surviving your marefriends. Lucky you managed to make it out of the room with some clothes still attached on. Only a few minor rips and tears were on your shirt and jacket but it wasn’t serious. Your belt however was gone but that’s the least of your worries for now you were just glad to be alive.

You watched as the sink slowly filled with water from the clog you put on before looking up at your face. You gasped in surprise at the make up your marefriends put on your face from the kiss attack in the passenger car. On your face had 6 different colored kiss marks all over. Each various from a different mare.

The two on your forehead were of colors of a light orange and butterlike yellow. You figure them to belong to applejack and fluttershy. The kiss marks on your left eye and your right cheek were a dark purple and light pinkish color. Both signaling they belong to your fashionista and pink party goer marefriends rarity and pinkie pie. The last two were actually unique from the rest. The one slanting right on your lips was more of a glistening sparkling purple color that you believe to belong to twilight while the one almost touching your lips on the left was the color of the rainbow. That one was no brainer to know where that one belongs to. Still you couldn’t but laugh though on a joke back home.

You heard of taste the rainbow but you never heard of ‘let the rainbow kiss you’ before. Let out another hearty laugh you looked down to see the sink filled up perfectly. Turning off the water you scooped up some water and begins rinsing off the lipstick off. Using some soap you scrubbed it off and took a few more rinse to make sure it’s all off. Looking up at the mirror to see all the lipsticks off you grabbed a towel on the side and dried your face off.

Making sure your face is all dried up you look in the mirror to make sure you got all of it. The moment you pulled the towel off your face you jolted back in freight. You didn’t know what but the moment you look in the mirror something looked like it popped out at you. You couldn’t tell what it was because of it being so sudden but you could tell it had bleached white skin, dark black eyes and sharp bloody fangs.

Taking back from the sudden scare you slowly calm yourself, staring at the mirror and seeing your own reflection you let out a small sigh and drained the dirty water.

“What the hell was that” you said rubbing your eyes with two fingers as the water drained.

After draining the water and disposing the towel into the dirty cloth basket you left the restroom and slowly return to the passenger car. As you travel back to your passenger car you stopped to see something crazy happening in front of you. In front you watched what appears to be a royal solar guard standing in front of one the rooms what carries the passengers. He brandishes a large spear and pointed within the room. You couldn’t hear clearly due to the train’s wheels made so much noise it was almost impossible to even hear your own thoughts.

Wondering on what’s happening you quickly race up towards what happening. “Hey what’s going here?” you said getting the guards attention.

The guard sees you racing and straightens himself up at attention. His spear made a loud bang sound on the floor as he salute to you. “PRINCE OF THE NIGHT! MY NAME IS STRONG JUSTICE! IT’S AN HONOR TO SURVIVE YOU SIR!” he said bowing to you.

Using your hands you assure the guard to loosen up a bit. You then look inside the train cart on what he was brandishing his weapon to. Inside you could see three stallions all holding their hands up in surrender. One stallion who sits on left all by himself was a median built Pegasus with a silver coat and a dark blue mane. He wore a tight blue sweat shirt with a shield, a lightning bolt and sword emblem on it and white camouflage cargo pants and a pair black combat boots. Beside him was a large grey gym bag of sorts other than the bag that’s all you can see that he has with him.

The other was an earth pony that you suspect to be a photographer due to the high tech camera he has around his neck and a small case for his camera and other stuff. You look to see his fur color is a dark blue color with a brown mane. He wore a white collar shirt with a camera with a small flash and shutter close emblem on his right side and a pair of light blue pants and grey tennis shoes. Underneath him was a small backpack that was underneath his feet.

The last stallion looks a bit more safiscated than the others though. He is a unicorn with crimson fur color while his mane is a dark blue color. He wore a black long sleeve button shirt with red tie with a fancy writing pen scribbling emblem on it and brown black slacks and black tennis shoes. Beside him instead of a backpack he had a black school suitcase with a pair of glasses hanging on side of his bag.

Of everything else all three stallions were still holding their hands out in surrender to the guard. You then look at the guard as he slowly cool off but stared at the three stallions with anger in his eyes. You then ask the question again to the guard.

“I’m sorry sir but these stallions are under arrest for trespassing on royal duties.” The guard stands attention and pointed to the three stallions.

“Now wait I’m-“the silver pony said interrupting but silence as the guard pointed his spear at his neck.

“SILENCE SCUM! You have the right to remain silence” the guards pony said holding his spear right at his neck.

Tapping justice shoulder you let him calm down before he stands up attention for you. Seeing the stallions as they don’t know what going you decide to help them out a bit and learn why they are here. “At ease soldier these stallions are……. With me.” you said thinking on the last thing at last minute.

Strong justice raised an eyebrow as you just said they were with you. The tone in your voice sounded more odd before. “Are you sure sir? You sound unsure of yourself” he said raising an eyebrow at you.

Clearing your throat you gave the guard a stern look into his eyes. You know what’s right and these stallions don’t deserve to go to jail for something as this. Crossing your arms you then gave a look that made the guard turn his stern look into worry. “Are you questioning my authority guard? I don’t think you would enjoy having your captain hearing about this now would you.”

The guard gulped and started beating sweats as the thought of talking with his superior about questioning the prince of the night.

The thought could lead him someplace he did not want to be and being demoted is far worse that all guards fear. Gulping down another lump he spoke. “S-s-sorry…… s-sir n-n-no your highness” he kept his posture but shook up a bit as he stood in fear.

Sighing a bit as you hate doing this to anyone even to law enforcement who you guess work for you now you couldn’t let him go feeling scared. Patting his shoulder you reassure him he’s not in trouble. “Strong justice please would you make sure the mane 6 are alright back there alright. I’ll deal with these stallions for now” you reassure him with a smile.

Strong justice could see why Princess Luna and princess Celestia choose you to be princess Luna’s prince of the night. Relaxing after the mild scare he knew you aren’t like those other nobles and you can handle yourself just as well. Stomping his weapon down on the ground he bows and leaves to check on the mane 6.

As he left through to the next car you let out a huge sigh of relief as though you just dodge a bullet. After wiping the sweat from your brow you then turn to the stallions in the car, you chuckle as they too took a breath of relief as well. The one by himself laughs a bit before speaking.

“Thanks for the save dude. You save our flanks for that” he said waving his hand in approval.

Cocking your head to the side you smile. “You’re welcome but that still leaves out on why you are here. You’re lucky I save you guys but an explanation is in order for the service.” You said crossing your arms. you do want to know why these stallions are here in the train that Princess Celestia has order no other pony to get on and now here are three stallions who were almost were put in cuffs.

The crimson pony clears his throat and raises his hand for a hand shake. “Terribly sorry on that and thank you for saving us. My name is lion heart your highness. Canterlot’s university physics and advance magic teacher”

Shaking his hand you shake it. The photographer reaches out and gives you a firm shaking. “Hi I’m shutter focus flash. But my friends call me shutter or flash either way I called both. I’m a photographer to equestria’s landscape magazine.”

You smiled as you were familiarize with equestria’s landscape magazine. The magazine showed tips and the latest gossip of what the world has to offer. The pictures too showed how beautiful that equestria is from the landscapes near Manhattan and the waterfalls up in the trail walk of the everfree forest were amazing. The photographer who also shot the picture name is always on the bottom of the photo with a small description of it before the name was imprinted on the page. Smiling since the magazine was indeed a good reading and the photos were amazing you couldn’t help but smile to meet the photographer who took the picture.

“It’s nice to meet you shutter.” You said shaking his hand. You let go and follow to the last stallion. He gives a small grin and shakes your hand. “Names storm shield. I just finish guard training up in griffon kingdom and coming home to be an elite solar guard.” He smiled.

You smiled and glad to hear he is a guard as well almost though. Storm explains he spent about several months in the griffon kingdom training field before finishing up and coming home to get his license to becoming an elite guard. He explains more that to become an elite guard or even higher to rank captain they must learn how to fight in more than equestrian fighting. A guard who wants to become elite and to captain must be a master of more than one fighting style which the world has many but griffon fighting and minotaur sword fighting were the best to train. The intense training gives the ponies experience then most fighting styles give.

You cringe since storm showed a few scars storm had on his arms but you prefer not to know what else the training goes. Shaking all of their hands you then ask them the question. “So how did you guys got into the train. Princess Celestia register this whole train to me and the mane 6.”

Lion heart cleared his throat before speaking. “Sorry your highness. But we all were traveling for quite a while that we must have fell asleep even when the train stopped. We managed to wake up after that guard shout and brandish his weapon at us. Savage brute if I may say” he huffed in annoyance as he fixed his tie.

You chuckled a bit as shutter cleared his throat before speaking. “So exactly where we are going since we’re pretty much joining the trip.” Shutter said a bit worried in his tone. He never like getting in trouble with the royal guards and he always kept his distance when it comes to crime. But since the guard almost arrested them and this train was assigned for only the princess orders he knew they were going somewhere they shouldn’t have.

Nodding your head you believe they should at least have the main point on where they were going. “Well you see this train is going to take us as far as we can go before a chariot will pick us up. We are all heading towards an empire which is called the crystal empire.”

All three stallions tilt their heads in confusion. They all have lived in equestria all their lives but never have they heard of an empire called the crystal empire before. But if this empire is as special as it sounds it must be important. You then explain the history about it including what happen a thousand years ago. The look on their faces made you chuckle a bit but you straighten up to show this is serious business.

Storm folded his arms and places them on the back of his head. “So as of right now we either come and help you or…… we spent a night in equestria jail.” He looked up at the human who moved his head signaling yes. Storm let out a small chuckle, getting up he gave a salute to you.

“Private storm shield first class. Ready for duty sir” he lowered his hand at an alarming speed but he still held a smug look on his face. Since as a foal storm always wanted to become a royal guard. His goal was to work his hardest to become princess celestia top 5 most loyal guards. He spent hours, day mostly years training and learning different fighting styles. He was fairly good with a spear but the sword or a short axe he was a pro due to most of his training were the basic weapons. However even though he trained himself to his hardest he still and always has that smug look on his face.

Chuckling again you then signal him to at ease. “At ease soldier no need to be formal alright” you said. You then mention them to call you by your first name and not your highness or prince of such. You haven’t earn it yet since legally you’re not an official prince but since your name has mention about being the father of Luna’s foal the royal guards and many others who have heard of the news all seem to be treating you like royalty. Don’t get you wrong it sound awesome being called prince but you prefer to stay a commoner as much as possible. Publicity is not your style.

Shutter was the second pony to stand up next, seeing as though he got himself thrown into what could possibly turn into a battlefield he still felt as it was his duty to help as much as possible. He had a few times been in fights due to some other photographers who believe they are better than him and had a few times defended himself when he explored the everfree forest. He also wonder since he’s going to an ancient empire that has been missing for a thousand years could a breath taking moment which means there is some amazing scenery to take pictures of. Smiling he then presents his hand for a handshake.

“I may not be an expert in fighting but I can handle myself. All I ask is to take some photo’s k” he smiled

You reached out and shook his hand. You agreed to let him take his photo’s since it won’t hurt to take his pictures you but you ask him to be careful and to stay with them while they are there. The empire is said to be huge but also dangerous. You haven’t been updated if umbra is still around but since the crystal empire has return could also mean queen umbra is back too. That you fear the most.

After the handshake shutter nod in approval shutter sits down before lion heart stands up and fixes his tie. Seeing as though he’s in for the ride he isn’t much a fighter like the other two but he is an expert in solving puzzles. Since childhood he always loves solving puzzles with his parent and grandparents. They would always give him several puzzles for him to solve which he spent hours learning and working each of them before solving them. Those puzzles he finished gave him the courage to becoming a teacher and help teach students in about the elements of life and magic.

“Since I do not have any saying in this that might get me out of going to jail I will assist on helping you on your quest as well. I may not be a fighter but I can much use in helping you solve any problem we may come across.” he said smiling and extending his hand for a handshake.

You shook his hand and nodded. “That’s good princess Celestia told me there might be some puzzles that may lead to something.” You said. During the conversation of the crystal empire Celestia begin to explain that after umbra took over she hid a special gem called the crystal heart which gives the ponies their crystal like appearance. It was the soul proprietor of the entire empire. Where about’s of the the source of the crystal empires power is unknown but Celestia explained that umbra must have hid it somewhere deep within the castle. You nod and promise to help find it. she also explain that the source won’t fully protect the empire without the ponies so lifting their spirits is another priority to do as well as keep umbra from taking over.

So much that’s all you know so far. You know what to do and explain briefly to the other three. After a few minutes of briefing you then ask if they are ready or if they want to turn back its fine by you. doing this could mean that you and your friends and marefriends as well as others can end up as umbra’s slaves and that you didn’t want them to go unless they really mean it.

They all exchange glances of what you told them if they fail they will become slaves to an overlord. Not even frowning once they all nod to you in approval. Sighing a bit you nod as well and proceed to show them to your marefriends on a few newcomers coming to help.

“Crystal empire here we come” you said as you lead your new found friends to meet with the others.

--- --- ---

The meeting and the arrival to the crystal empire could have gone better since it took several minutes to explain to your marefriends on the three stallions who were with you. You explain to them that they were in the wrong place in the wrong time and told them they would be helping you and the rest take back the crystal empire. The others seemed to agree however twilight showed she didn’t like it. She didn’t want any innocent civilians getting into the mess and that it’s best to take them home away from might become a battlefield.

Alas however all three stallions say they weren’t going to back down and they were going to help no matter at what the cost. You then spent the last few minutes trying to calm down twilight which gradually she does seeing as though fighting with you is never the best option especially now.

She finally gives up and decides to let them come too. You smiled and told her that it was best to have as much help as possible when they get to the crystal empire. Twilight nod in agreement since it would be best to have must help as they can possibly get.

You smiled and look back to see storm, lion and shutter having a conversation with your marefriends. All of them seem to be getting along well.

You then turn to twilight and said the most stupidest thing to ever say when you’re going into a danger zone. “What could possibly go wrong” you said to twilight shrugging your shoulders at her.

That was so stupid to say since moments after talking with twilight you all made it to your destination and met up with shining armor. The snow blew hard as you all met shining armor but somehow you knew it was dangerous to stay out any longer in the freezing snow. And how right you were.

Just after walking a few steps towards what appears to be a large force field you were all attacked. You couldn’t tell what attacked you but you felt something wrapping around your body. Frozen like a statue your whole body became sluggish and you being to lose conscious before passing out. before your eyes closed you caught of a glimpse of something tall in front of you, something tall standing in front with dark black eyes.

You managed to regain conscious and look to see you were inside the force field as well as all the others too.

“You okay you passed out just a few steps from the force field. “Storm said in a surprised and worried tone.

Shaking your head you look up at him. “I’m alright just…. Lost conscious for some reason” you said too weird out at the sudden pass out.

“She or something else tried to take you before you could enter the force field” shining’s voice spoke out from behind.

You turn your head towards shining you look to see him smiling a bit as you were safe but that wasn’t what caught your eye more. Quickly as possible you got up to see his horn growing some black stuff off of it. Most of his gear is intact minus his robe and winter glasses his horn looked to be the only thing damaged.

“SHINING! YOUR HORN!” you said in a shocked tone. Never have you seen a horn look like that and you felt fear that you could have caused this to happen to him. Shinning raised his hand up to you and smiled.

“It’s alright I’m okay but right now it’s important I get you all to the castle as quickly as possible.” He said.

You all nods in approval as shining armor begin to lead you towards the empire. The road to the castle seemed endless since the whole city looked like a ghost town. Not one soul was around as you walked through the streets and up towards the castle.

Walking up the steps you enter what appears to be the throne room where you see cadence sitting on a decorative chair. You scrunch up a bit as princess cadence didn’t look at all well from even far away. you continued to stare as she looked like she went through hell and stayed there for a few days before coming home. Her eyes looked like droppy and her body looked sluggish even when she’s moving. Her body improved after being found in the catacombs but right now anything but alright is the way to describe her now. Twilight is actually most concern since princess cadence explain to her that since she came to she has been putting up the shield to protect the crystal empire. Shinning has help the force field but as of right now cadence is on her own now.

You frown as twilight and cadence begin to explain a plan to saving the crystal empire. The first part of it that you managed to hear is try to talk to the residents of the empire and see if they know anything that can help save their home. Cadence explain that after the empire disappear the ponies sort of went into a hibernate state in their home. You were a bit surprise as the ponies fell asleep for a thousand years and possibly not age throughout their times.

Twilight, you and the others all agreed to speak to the residents and see what you can do. As you walked out of the empire you couldn’t help with something though. You felt a sickly feeling that something’s watching you right now.

As you leave the throne room you and made your way down the steps a black mist stood on top of one of the pedestals, he gave a sickly smile before disappearing his black eyes still glowed a bit before dimming down.

--- --- ---

Well the day could have gone better but so far it just even more complicated than before. After leaving the castle you all then split up and searched through the homes. Going door to door you then introduce yourself to the ponies. The moment you showed yourself the mare you that open the door stood wide eyed at you before shutting the door straight on your face. You did get a look at her which she wore like a medieval clothing of such. Her coat and mane were a dark, gloomy color which you heard that the residents were a bright crystal shining pony. After seeing the poor mare you couldn’t comprehend of the pain she endured to lose her crystal like appearance.

Your marefriends and your friend have tried to lift their spirits up but the ponies were all too depressed to do anything. The crystal-like happiness they had was long gone. You did manage to talk with a few ponies besides the first one but none were helpful. A few times you had the door slammed on your face and wonder on what’s the problem with them since you probably had at least 6 doors slamming against your face. You have talked with 14 ponies and the 6 slammed their doors on your face while the others were amazed on who you were. You shook yourself at the strange reactions the ponies here reacted towards you. The acted as though they met a human before.

Walking down you then decide to try a shop and see if the owner can help. Ignoring the close sign you check to see if the owner didn’t lock the store up. He didn’t. Twisting the knob you slowly open the door and enter the shop. Inside you recognize it to be some sort of antique shop of some sorts. The front window had various few items along with several pieces of jewelry as well. The walls around had various knickknacks and other items incased in a glass case.

Walking up to the counter you look down to see the front casing. Inside you look around to see several of items and weapons as well. One weapon caught our eye that you couldn’t believe no you can’t believe that equestria didn’t know of. Inside the case next to ‘not for sale sign’ was two brown leather braces with both two visible blades on it and in the middle was a solid black and dark brown flintlock.

You stared at inside and couldn’t believe the sight. Three items that possible could be human weapons were in the crystal empire and inside an antique shop. “What are human weapons doing in an antique shop?” you said surprised. You know the flintlock was made in the 1600’s in the human world but the two leather braces looked almost like the ones you saw from a game of sorts. You indicate they had blades due to them facing upward and both were sticking straight out.

You continued to stare at the humans before snapping out at a low but friendly old voice.

“I see you got an eye for those particular weapons huh sonny” a voice said from behind the counter.

You shake your head and took a few steps back regaining your composure. Dusting off the dust from the counter you look up to see and old light grey unicorn stallion with a white mane. His crystalize was gone however he still managed to smile to you. He wore and old black and white checkerboard shirt and brown slacks with a black belt.

“Or should I say human” he said smiling before disappearing behind the curtains that serves as a door at in the back.

Stunned at what he said you tried to stop him. “Wait…. You know what I am? Wait stop?” you said trying to stop him but he disappears through the curtain. Walking around the counter you quickly ran through the curtain and look around. Inside the other room was a fairly looking living space with a couch a few chairs, rugs and book shelves filed with books. You look around to find the old stallion in hopes to learn what he means by that.

You scan your surrounds but stopped to hear of a faint screeching sound. Like a hidden chamber of sorts from a movie you hear it getting a little louder the more you walked inside. You can hear it fainting away and quickly search for it. Turning around the corner from where a few stairs lead up to the second floor you saw what appears to be the wall shutting like a door. Running towards to stop it you weren’t fast enough before the door finally closed

“Dammit” you hit the wall and begin to feel around for some switch of some kind. Feeling around you also looks at the various items around too, there were a few boxes but also a spogtigiously placed wall lamp next to where the door is. Shrugging off since you see enough movies to know it was a common switch to opening secret doors you grabbed the handle of the lamp and gave it a tug. The handle didn’t budge. Figuring it to be rusty of some sort you then grabbed it with both hands. Using all your strength you then pull on it as hard as you can.

The shear amount of strength you put on the handle was too much for the handle since due to the long disappearance and the amount of dust and rust it has collected over the years. The moment you used all your strength the whole wall lamp gives in making you fall backwards. Flailing your arms around to help cushion the fall you reached all around for something to grab. In the nick of time you managed to grabbed hold of what appears to be an old coat hanger before falling backwards. Falling all the way you brought the hanger down as well. However not entirely it manages to stop you from hitting your head as you hang onto it while the rest hit the hardwood floor.

“The heck” you said as you wonder on the sudden catch. You look at the coat hanger and it seems to be a regular coat hanger although the bottom showed a different story. On the bottom showed various mechanism, ropes and pulleys that all seemed to tie together. You stare at the strange mechanics before you hear a sudden door click opening. Looking up you watch as the door open slowly, a cool gentle breeze blows against your face as you dust yourself.

Swallowing the lump in your throat you took a deep breath and enter into the secret room. You follow in through a short hallway and took a few steps forward. You stopped a gut feeling of fear filled your senses as you walked down towards what could be sudden doom. It didn’t even help as the doors behind slowly shut leaving only a faint lighting from the other end of the hallway. Sucking up the last bit of courage you then proceed through as careful as possible. The amount of cracking and sounds only made you feel a pit of worry as the thought of the floor giving in as you try to find the mysterious stallion.

Carefully walking through to the end of the hallway you turned to your right which leads down a few steps. Taking your time you slowly place your right foot on top of the first step and then took the second step next. One by one you walked down slowly down the steps but stopped to hear the wood chipping again. Looking around a bit your whole body soon gives weight as the floorboard finally gives in. your foot sank into the floor board as your body tried to regain balance.

Sadly you couldn’t. Falling to the ground you managed to flip your whole body around your foot manages to get free from the broken plank. You flip for a second before your body hits the ground. Within a sec you barrel roll once before regaining your motion again. You had both hands on the ground as your right leg is spread out and the other is in a squatting position. Your shoulder felt a slight cringe in pain but you walked it off as you got up and dust your hands and legs.

“That was close” you said as you looked at the broken plank before looking around the room. It was too dark to see but out of the darkness a single lamp shined down on one particular item in the room. In the middle of the room layed a bright white, black and red type of armor wrapped around with some unique clothes. The armor was wrapped around the middle and various leather parts on the arms legs and a few pieces of the torso. Staring up you notices a well-crafted hood that has a metal plating of some sort on the edges of the hood but another thing caught your eye. You have seen mannequins before but this one was different then a pony one instead. Instead a narrow muzzle like that of a stallion or mare mannequin it was shorter with a small nose and a small chin. If you could see the eyes they would be small then a pony. The mannequin looks actually like a human mannequin instead of a pony one.

Carefully walking up towards it you inspected all around it. The suit looked amazing with its array of colors and the design looked like it was not from this world. The whole suit looked big enough for you to wear and the unique style it shows would make you like a shadow of the night. Reaching out your glide your fingers against the leather and felt each bit of cloth and leather on the front.
“That isn’t yours” a voice said from within the darkness.

You flinched and look around trying to find the voice of who said that. “Hello who’s there?” you said cautiously looking around, your eyes squinted trying to see who was in the darkness but sadly you couldn’t.

“At least not yet that is.” A small chuckled sounded after the voice spoked follow by a light switch turning on.

Turning around you see the light grey antique owner standing on top of what look like a pedestal of some sorts. Beside him from barely in the light you see a large light switch follow by a few small ones.

He stands proudly as he looks down at you a proud smile spread across his face as you stare at him confused.

“What do you mean not yet who are you and where are we?” you said confused as to everything that’s happening right now. The three human weapons in the shop, the secret room that was hidden well and finally this suit standing in the middle of the dark, all of doesn’t make sense unless there was a reason.

The grey stallion kept his smile as you stare up at him. He stood still before reaching out and grabbing the switch. “My name is antique physic and we are in the last sanctuary of the human protectors of equestria.” he flips the switch a loud booming sound occurred and soon the darkness diminish from the light that shinned throughout the room.

Blinded by the sudden light you wiped your eyes and look around. What you see completely leaves you dumbfounded at the sight of the whole room. The room was littered with possibly every human item from maybe the late 1600’s to the American Revolution. Various swords, muskets, axes, hammers, bows and even shields clutter the walls as various mannequins all displayed slash and badly beaten marks on them. The sides held shelves that also carried various clothing’s that look old. A few pieces of armor layed in the shelves as dust covered them all. Looking up you can see banners standing on the wall tall. All of them had the image of half of the sun and moon together as one whole while a sword in the middle acted beam that holds them together in the middle. Below the sword was some writing that you couldn’t make heads or tails of what it said. The writing looked ancient almost from medieval times.

You continue to scan all around the room till stopping and looking up in front. There stood a large tree with a beautiful and well-crafted painting on it. the painting showed a human man walking up towards you, both hands showed each blade as the hood covered his face not dare showing his image. You turn your attention away from the painting to the still smiling antique shop owner. Still dumbfounded on the place you just blurted out your mind says. “Really who the hell are you” you said

--- --- ---

A few hours later after talking with the store owner you finally get the picture. Apparently during the great Grogar war the monsters were aiming to take over the crystal empire long before attacking the rest of the world. The empire was the beacon of light before Celestia became into power but sadly if the empire would have lost everlasting darkness would engulf the world. It was there that Solaris and era Celestia’s parents had summoned several unusual beings from an unknown galaxy.

Since childhood he had witness them coming to the empire and vowed that they would stay and protect equestria from Grogar’s reign. It was also there when he walked up the leader of the group and asks him to train him to helping protect him home. The leader was surprisingly gracious to accept him as his pupil. Antique real name back then was actually named strong will after he lost his parents a few miles off when Grogar took and killed his parents in front of him. He vowed to end Grogar for the death of his parents but he didn’t have the proper skills. At least not yet. The moment the leader said he would train him was like destiny was meant to for both of them. For 30 years both the leader and strong will trained everyday homing their skills in the way of the way of martial arts. It was there he also learned various weapons and also learns a variety of tactics and strategies. It was there also he gotten to become the leader’s prize student of fighting against the darkness.

For the last several long years of learning and fighting beside the leader his men they had finally ended the war and strong will finally got his revenge on Grogar. Piercing his sword straight into the monster itself the humans finally sealed Grogar and his powers away for all eternity into the debts of darkness forever.

You asked what happen then which antique explained that after defeating Grogar somehow he managed to use whatever ever bit of magic left he had and cursed him with immortality. The same age he defeated Grogar is still the same age he is today. He explains he did not regret it saying that it was better to avenge his family then mourn on the thought of not dying. To him family meant more to him then his own life. He then begins telling that after making sure the monsters were gone the humans disappeared without a trace but before they did the leader asked his pupil to give the suit to next pupil that he knew to see fit to wear it. Taking some armor made by him and the others they finally disappeared from the world.

Shaking the shock off your face you stared completely into him almost like a trance. You remember exactly on the armor the humans wore back at the catacombs but to hear that they weren’t wearing that kind of armor before they departure was more surprising than ever. You ask on where the rest of the armors were from the other humans. Antique shook his head and said he did not know where since they were wearing the crusader armor with their original in their arms.

You made a mental note to yourself to find the real armor that the first humans had on before they change. You then ask what he meant that you weren’t ready for the armor yet which you definitely want to know what that means from him. He let out a hearty chuckle before speaking.

“Because my master told me that another human will come and he wanted me to train him to becoming the new protector of equestria. You stare at him a bit.

“You mean me right?” you said as antique nods and goes over to a chest on a pedestal on the wall.

“For centuries I have survive for so long but right now our time is almost at an end here. In order for me to fully train you must first find the crystal heart.” He said opening the chest. “From inside the castle lies a room that opens up your deepest darkest nightmares, you must overcome your nightmares and destroy the barrier to awaken the room where the heart is at.” He pulls out a small but tethered scroll and walks up to you. “But before you can retrieve the crystal heart you must first enter the hall of nightmares and retrieve this” he gives you the scroll.

Opening it up you looks to see a faint but distinct drawing of a special dagger with a unique decorative blade and handle. He explains the blade is called the dagger of light which was crafted by the ruler crystal heaven. It is said that the dagger is made of pure light which when embedded into darkness would destroy all the darkness of the pony or creature it was inflicted on. Antique also said that when the crystal heart is return back the power of the heart will power up the dagger and vanquish all the darkness all around.

Closing the scroll you look at antique. “You spend a life time before umbra became evil. Can you please tell me why she became evil” you asked the question you wanted to know since the ride to the empire was a mystery to even Celestia.

Antique shook his head and shrug. “I do not know. I was lucky to not have been captured after during umbra’s reign and lucky enough to acquire this information but I can assure you she was and can still be a great ruler. The reason on her evilness is yet unknown to me. I’m sorry” he apologize which you tap his shoulder.

“It’s alright I’ll find out myself” you said reassuring to him. Since hearing that umbra’s was a great ruler before turning evil you now know what to do. Find the crystal heart and dagger of light put the crystal heart back to where it belongs and save umbra. Then only then would the mystery of her nightmarish powers can be fully solved.

--- --- ---

Saying your goodbyes to antique you race towards the castle and quickly into the room your marefriends and friends were all at. Bursting through you looks to see all of them around a medium size table. Poor cadence you can see behind twilight look ready to pass out as her eyes were sagging and she tried her best to stay up enough to keep the shields up. Walking up you walk over an open space between storm and rarity as twilight levitates a book over to her.

“Sorry everyone I…. got side track. So what I miss?” you said holding your discovery before twilight and the others finish theirs.
Twilight smiled as she levitated the book over. “Well we got some great news on helping lift the crystal ponies’ spirits up.”

Grabbing the book you look over to see it’s an old history book of some sorts. Before opening it twilights magic glowed over the book, taking a step back it opened and flipped through some pages. She flipped a few more pages but stopped at a particular page with a picture of what looks like a festival of sorts. the name of the festival spelled in a strange language that you couldn’t pronounce but twilight was able to understand it.

“We are all going to host the crystal fair for all the crystal ponies around. But in order to do that we’re going to need all the help we can get”

You smiled as twilight then begins to sing as well as all the other’s including storm and the other two stallions. You join into the song as best to not interrupt them and plus you do enjoy the singing. Singing along you learn that the festival is huge and that your marefriends all found something they would love to do. You took liberty to working with twilight as storm works with rainbow due to him being a Pegasus and his enjoyment of jousting. Lion heart began to work with rarity with the decorations and shutter worked with Fluttershy in gathering some very familiar looking sheep like creatures.

You didn’t have time to know what the names were and just continued bring the crystal fair in order to help the ponies. So far you were amazed as pinkie do possible her bestest best to help bring their spirits up along with the crystal fair being made. As the song continues the sight was amazing as the ponies of the empire soon got their crystal like appearance. From the mane to their clothes and even down to the littlest details they were all shinning bright and glowing like a diamond being held up into the sky.

You walked around as everypony except your marefriends and your new friends were all crystalize. Mare, stallion, foals and even the elderly still glowed bright from the sunlight. Walking down through town you watch a bit as twilight was taking with a few of the residents which they finally were able to talk after regain their true forms. Some of the ponies you were talking too and who just slammed the door on your face all came up and gave their thanks and their apologies.

The ones who used your face as a door knock explained their reason on why they looked surprised and afraid at the same time. They explain that their grandparents told them stories of your kind and how heroic and how dangerous your people were against the monsters. They feared that the humans might destroyed equestria or enslaved the ponies and other creatures. Other times the ponies were just shocked to see a human being after so long. A handsome human is what both the mares and even the stallions say.

You cleared your throat and explain that you are a human being and that you accepted their apologies. “I thank you all for the complements and for apologizing but that leaves a matter to helping save your city.” Taking a deep breath and praying a bit they don’t run or freak out you look at the few crystal ponies. “I need to know where the crystal heart is?” you said

The ponies all had their smiles as you asked them the question on the whereabouts of the crystal heart. After a few seconds one of the mares comes up.

“I use to work at the empire before everything happen and I remember there was a stair case somewhere in the castle that leads to a door that…… nobody goes in” she said a bit worried since she remembers a few times going down and wasn’t allowed to go into the room.

You crossed your arms and nod. “That’s alright. Do you know the stair well is though”

The mare nods and points into the castle. “It should be somewhere around the throne room. However I do not know how to open it since I usually just find the stair well there. And a few times when I’m in the throne room it’s not there anymore.”

‘The throne room’ you said in your head as you now know where to start looking. Thanking the mare you tell the ponies you’re going to go find your friend twilight. Passing through a few stalls that pinkie set up already you stopped and asked your marefriends on where twilight is.

It took a few minutes of asking around and trying to catch pinkie pie and rainbow dash you finally found out that somepony heard she is going to the throne room with spike as well. Thanking the pony you raced through since you still haven’t told twilight of the crystal heart and the dagger of light since you came back from antiques shop. Racing through some halls you finally stopped and opens the double doors.

Going through you stopped as quickly as possible, your feet now are hanging off the edge of a deep corridor going down below. A stair well circling on the end you look down at the end of the stair. Your eyes opened wide as you see twilight on the ground and spike right next to her trying to wake her up. Not thinking about your safety you jumped from the top which you figure it to be 7 feet tall however it was 12 down below to the bottom.

Worried about twilight more than your own safety you fell down below, you crouch down to help cushion the fall and had your hands extended out to the sides for the wind resistance. Falling down to the bottom you kept your posture as you finally hit the ground.

You let out a shiver as the shockwave from the landing, your nerves let out a small surge as your legs absorbed the landing.

‘Oh shit my bones feel like they are going to break’ you screamed a bit in your head. Getting up you jogged over to twilight and knelt down on your knees. You cradle twilight’s head and tried to wake her up. Spike sits on his knees as you tried to wake up twilight. He was surprised at what you did back home but right now after jumping from 2 stories house down below and able to jog over to twilight takes the cake from craziness that you will do for your friends.

Several minutes go by and you let out a breath of relief as twilight eyes start to open. She lets out a small groan and grips her head in pain. Holding her tight twilight returns the hug and lets out a faint whimper.

“Oh thank celestia it wasn’t real” she said letting out a small sniffle. Spike let out a few sniffles as he joined into the hug.
You held both of them tight before looking at twilight and spike. “What happen?” you asked.

Twilight let out a sigh as she looks into your eyes. She then gives out a small explanation on what happen after finding the secret stair well.

--- --- ---

You grabbed the bridge of your nose and gave a small pinch as to twilight’s explanation. Never in your life have you ever heard of something like this before.

Twilight tells you after getting some information from the town’s ponies she and spike went to the throne room in hopes of finding the crystal heart. After some careful searching they found the stairs down below to a door. Spike and twi both descended down but they couldn’t go through since the door was magical and slide all around like a movie reel of some sorts. Twilight managed to catch it with her magic by hitting the jewel on top with a freeze spell. Once she got it to stop the door open and like wind her reality changed.

She tells she was back in canterlot and her mentor Celestia was…. Disappointed in her. You were surprised as twilight tells that Celestia disowned her as her personal student and walked away from her. But what makes it even worse was the stain glass showing queen umbra winning and twilight falling into darkness. That’s when she passed out.

You comfort her and told her it wasn’t real and she is okay. She takes a few more deep breaths however she wasn’t finish with her story. “Thank you but it’s wasn’t what scared me most. I forgot to mention you were there too and you said…. You hate me?” she let out some sniffles trying to hold back her tears.

“You said you hate me and you never wanted to… to see me a- again” her whimpers turned to sobs.

You held twilight in your arms trying to comfort her. You tell twilight it’s not true. You didn’t hate her at all you loved her as much as you loved her and her friends with all of your heart. You gave twilight a reassure kiss on her head and helped her off the ground.

Dusting off your clothes you and twilight gave another hug before turning your attention to the door… as well as spike looking through it.

“SPIKE” You shouted as you rush towards and yanking him away from the door. You landed on your ass as you held spike close to your chest. He let out a few small sobs as he mumbled in your arms.

“P-please…. D- Don’t” he said over and over till he calms down in your arms.

You and twilight held onto spike as he manages to stop his crying. Spike then tells that you were going to take twilight away and you both didn’t want him anymore and he was being thrown out of his own home. Twilight rubs her cheek against his and reassures him it wasn’t real. You rubbed his back telling him that you’re not taking anypony away from anyone and you never will.

Twilight continues to comfort spike for a few minutes as you got up and looked inside the door. It looked like a regular dark room but in a split second everything change. You closed your eyes to regain your vision before opening up to a sight that made you want to vomit.

You see a small path in front of you and right on your left and your right you saw something that you can’t even look away. There on the right side layed several large metal chain and shackles hanging on long poles. Each shackle held a body part as you stare at what was suspended on them. They’re chained up, beaten, bruised, gagged, and blindfolds were your clients. All of them held a sigh over their necks or were drawn on with a black marker. They all said these words.

Monster, Rapist, Animal,

You tried to keep your food inside however any longer you will lose it quickly. Closing your eyes tight you covered your ears as their screams and muffles sounded in your ears. Your breaths quickly became raspy as you hyperventilate. The screams soon got worse but suddenly the stopped. You didn’t open your eyes as several sentences echoed in your ears over and over.

“Move”

“Keep going”

“Destroy your fears”

“Destroy the darkness”

Those voices sounded like the same voices during the incident at the wedding. Calming yourself you open your eyes. It felt as though you were in a movie of some sorts and someone set the movie on mute. Taking a deep breath you suck up as much courage as you can and walked inside first.

Twilight and spike both stared in shock as you walked inside. Into the den of nightmares.

For the last few seconds the nightmares just got worse with each step you took. As if the first part wasn’t bad the others soon got worse as it made your deepest darkest nightmares seemed real. However you still kept going even though the nightmares were getting intense. You were a bit relieved as the nightmares were muted so going through them was okay…. Somewhat.

‘not the best ride I want to be in’ you said in your head as you walked through more like going from room to room since you stopped at a door and open it up to another nightmare. You kept going on till seeing a bright at the end of a room. Smiling at seeing you are close to your destination you quickly race towards it but stopped a few steps toward it.

You gave a few grunt tugs before looking down. Your iris almost turned needle point as you look at what’s grabbing your leg. One of the nightmares that you walked passed was gripping your leg. It had its head down for a few minutes but it slowly lifts its head up showing its dark black eyes. It gives you a devilish grin with his dark black sharp teeth. Seeing that smile was saying in your head to turn and run. The extra weight would help with your gluts.

Racing towards the light you were then assaulted by several more of your nightmare figures, all of them began to pull you back but you kept going after the light. More of your nightmares reached out and grabbed a piece of you the more you reached out. Your body felt like it was on fire, your skin felt like it was being torned off of your body. The silence you were blessed was gone and you can hear everything through your pursue.

The weight of your nightmares finally gave in your legs and you sat on your knees trying to shake them off. Looking up as more hands grabbed your face you managed to see the bright light just arm’s reach from where you’re sitting. Wiggling your one of your arms out of the nightmares you ignore the fact your whole arm had lost all bits of flesh from your bones leaving only a few tendons still attached to it as you reached out.

The nightmares continued their assault on your face but that didn’t stop you not one bit. Your hand just near inches from grabbing you used every last bit of energy you had left and grabbed the bright light. The moment your grabbed your light all your nightmares turned to smoke. The weight on your shoulders was gone and your body felt like nothing had happen to you. Looking at your body you see that all your skin and cloth had return to its rightful place. Making sure everything was back you then turns to the light. It still glowed bright as it took shape of a medium size battle dagger. You let out a hearty laugh after the hell you went through to get the knife from the pictures. You kept smiling as you hear your name behind you.

“Are you alright in there?” twilight says worried since you walked in without explaining why.

You didn’t look back but only let out another hearty laugh. “YEAH! I’M ALRIGHT! JUST…. HAPPY!” you smiled and let out a small sigh.

You look back to see the nightmares made the walk long but really it wasn’t a long walk. You see it was a few meters away from the door and where you’re grabbing the dagger. Letting out another sigh you grip the dagger and decide to take a few steps forward. But you didn’t the dagger somehow yank back. Barely managing to regain your balance you look at the dagger and gave it a few more tugs. The dagger budges a bit from the top where you’re grabbing but it didn’t move any more than that.

“The hell. What’s going on now?” you said in frustration. After today you now want this to be over and done with so you can go home and sleep. You tried to pry the dagger off something but whatever was holding onto it was putting a lot of pressure to keeping it from going anywhere.

Letting out an audible growl you grabbed the handle and pulled back with all your strength. “LET GO DAMMIT!” you gritted your teeth.

You grunt a bit more before a hard yank pulls you close that you were facing with a familiar face again. It’s been a while since you see a look alike of yourself although this time this one you didn’t want to stare too long. It wore the same clothes you wore except everything was the color of the faint black color. Its eyes showed the true darkness inside. Its mouth was another story as it looked like it didn’t have any lips at all. Only long sharp teeth were there instead.

You let out a gulped as the creature let out a loud screeching sound like before at the train station. Yanking the blade off from the creatures hand you gave a swift kick at it. The creature manages to dodge it in time and flips back landing like a monkey. Not even giving waiting you quickly race towards to door after kicking.

Not even looking back you race towards the exit, the sound of the creature screeching along with the sound of footprints was clear enough it was following you. Running on shear adrenaline you dived through the door way and slide a few inches away from the door. You turn back to see the creature racing at you like a monkey and grew wide eyed as it let out a leap at you. Lucky enough the creature didn’t grabbed you as it hit the door instead.

You let out a few quick breaths as spike regain his senses and closed the door as quick as possible. You then hear the sound of a humming sound behind and suggest twilight is building her magic up. The creature behind the door started to pick a fight as it tried to break open the door but with twilights magic the screeching stopped.

Twilight focused her magic on the jewel up top seeing it was the source of the power the door gave. She held her focus on the gem before the screeching and scratch sounds finally stopped. All of you let out a tired sighed as the hell you just went through because of this door.

“Well that could have gone better” you said laughing a bit.

Both twilight and spike had an unamused looks on their faces as they look at you. And if it wasn’t enough you were then being attacked by both twilight and spike.

The assault lasted for a few minutes and you managed to get up with dagger intact. Twilight sees the dagger you have in your hands and asks what it was.

You took a few minutes of explaining on what had happen when all split up and talked with the residence you met with an interesting pony who you left most parts about him to twilight since you are all running out of time. You just told twilight and spike that the stallion gives you information on the crystal heart and the dagger of light.

Twilight asks what the dagger is for and why in Equestria was it inside the room of nightmares.

You explain that before umbra’s corruption she was actually a good ruler before something made her what she is now. The dagger was meant to help destroyed the darkness inside her.

Spike was amazed to hear umbra was actually a good ruler but twilight had a look of uncertainty.

“Are you sure umbra was a good ruler the books here don’t say much about her” twilight said

You let out a groan. “twilight I just went through hell and back to get this dagger AND RIGHT NOW I’M A LITTLE IRRITABLE RIGHT NOW!” you said with bit of frustration in your voice.

Both spike and twilight took a step back away from you as you huffed. You had just conqured your worst fears and nightmares to getting this dagger and right now even you pray it better have been worth it too. Using your shirt to wipe the sweat off your brow twilight looks at the dagger before something else catches her eye. Down below from the crack underneath the door a bright light glowed.

Twilight walks over to the door and opens it. Wiping the last bit of sweat off you, spike, and twilight turned your attention to the inside. Instead of nightmares inside a dark room it was a large chamber with a large stair case going up.

“Wonder where this leads now?” spike said wondering.

“Pray it’s not into a pit of snakes or a room filled with spiders” you shudder at the thought a bit. You handle enough nightmares as for today.

“Where ever it goes must lead to the crystal heart?” twilight said.

You all look up before a large earthquake shook your feet. All of you managed to keep your footing from the earthquake but you all had a worried look.

“The shield must be giving way.” You rush to the steps. “I’ll go back upstairs and try to help the others. You two try to get the crystal heart and bring it back to the pedestal outside.”

“Alright be careful” twilight says worried as spike salutes to you.

Nodding to both spike and twilight you then race up towards the steps.

4 minutes later you finally got up to the final step. Your legs felt like bricks as you stretched your back. “I wonder if this is how the Aztecs felt after going up and down the temples steps” you pounded your back a bit before going through the double doors and down the hallway.

Racing through you made it outside to see the shield shattered. The town’s ponies have lost their crystal appearance again and were running in all directions. Your marefriends and your friends were all trying to calm the situation down but you can see from a far distant the black crystals were popping right out of the ground.

Racing through you bumped into one of your stallion friends. Shutter had a look of worried and fear in his eyes as well as your marefriends, storm and lion heart has.

“OH THANK CELESTIA YOUR ALRIGHT!” he shouted as screams and shouts sound all around. “WE NEED YOUR HELP! WHAT SHOULD WE DO!?” he said

Looking around you can see the residents all trying to take cover from the black mist. More crystals continue popping out from the ground as the mist move through the town engulfing several houses in it.

Seeing the wide spread panic happening to the city you managed to slap yourself back to your senses. Racing towards one of the tall stand you shouted to the ponies of the empire and your friends. “EVERYPONY GET TO THE CASTLE NOW!” you shouted as everypony looks up at you and races towards the castle.

Jumping off the pedestal you ran up to a few jousting spears and grabbed as much as you can carry. With some strength you toss the spears to everypony that was standing out. Your marefriends all grabbed a spear and ran to protect a side of the castle. Going through some crates you managed to break open one of them and pulled out a few clothe objects out. Unwrapping the cloth off you pulled out several crystals like swords and handed them to your friends. You three one up for rainbow and passed another to applejack as they left to gather the residence away from the darkness.

You hooked the last of the swords around your belt and took off down through the town. Storm and lion heart tried to stopped you but you explain you need to get something in town. Storm and lion heart look at each other before going back and securing all the residents.

5 minutes after grabbing something in town you barely managed to escape the black mist. You quickly climbed up some of the black crystals and jumped from rooftop to rooftop. You swing from a few signs and managed to take a few dives into some soft bushes. Dusting off the leaves off your clothes you climbed up to the top of one of the tallest buildings and scan through the city.

You gaze through the horizon as more black mist and crystals covered the houses and the streets. The darkness was spreading fast and you don’t know how much longer till the city is fully gone. You continued to watch the darkness advance before a large screeching sound echoed through the town. You looked up from where you are hanging onto a flag pole you spotted two figures both reaching out at a special heart like crystal.

The figure on the left you figure to be queen umbra because of the black and red armor she wore. The armor covered all most of her body but the armor looked thin enough to cling like a full size rubber body suit. She wore a metal tiara that kept her dark black hair back and a dark red and white cape. Her fur was a dull black color but her eyes and horn made you feel a bit nervous about her. Her eyes had a purple glow around the eyes and her horn curved up and had a red tip at the end.

She licked her lips as she reached out to the crystal heart with her right arm. The other figure you gasped to see your dragon friend diving at the heart, his wings however were covered in the black crystals that shinning had on his horn. You covered your mouth from watching as it started to get intense on which would grabbed the crystal heart first. You bite your lip as both umbra and spike were in arm’s reach of grabbing the crystal heart.

Time seemed too stood still from the whole world, spike just inches away from grabbing the crystal heart and keeping it away from umbra. Queen umbra was just an inch away from claiming her kingdom again, a devilish grin spread across her face as she stretched out more towards her prize. Spikes memories came like a flash. The ponies he loved, the friends he gained the mare that made his heart flutter made his whole world freeze. Even for a brief moment his thoughts plague him as the thoughts of his whole world falling apart, his friends enslaved or worse killed, equestria fell to umbra’s control. But what’s worse was himself being encased in a large crystal and he had to watch as one by one he watched the innocent being forced to work hard labor in her crystal catacombs.

Spike let out a small tear before his expression turned serious and he stretched out as far as he can for the crystal heart.

Time slowed down for a bit before a flash and everything stopped. You stared in the air for a few seconds as the sudden flash of pink was too fast to see by the naked eye. Not only that but spike and the crystal heart were gone just seconds after the flash disappeared. You and umbra looked around for spike and the crystal heart before letting a big ol grin spread across your face.

Umbra let out a look of uncertainty as she tried to find the dragon and her crystal heart, she looked around before a loud whistle sounded in her ear and she looked up. Her eyes grew wide in shock as the sight caught her off guard.

You and umbra look up to see the princess of love fully awake and grinning deviously at umbra. Her arms she held on tight on one of spikes arms as spike held the crystal heart in the other.

You let out a loud cheer for both spike and cadence as they raspberry the foul ruler before taking off in top speed towards the pedestal. Umbra’s screams in anger echoed the whole city as princess cadence flew at top speed towards the pedestal. Spike held on tight to both the heart and cadence, after the loud shriek several massive sharp black crystals began to pop out from the ground.

You watched as cadence and spike quickly maneuver through as more spikes shot out at them. Quickly as possible you race through with them so they can try to get to safety. Using the crystals themselves you managed to climb up somehow and kick a few of the sharp parts off of the crystals before they can hurt cadence and spike. You had a few close calls to since small but sharp pieces of crystal tried to impale you as you jumped from available crystal to the next.

Getting off the makeshift death trap you jumped onto the rooftops still tailing both spike and cadence. You look over yander as the pedestal from where the heart needs to be is just a few more houses down.

You smiled for a bit but quickly it turned to a look of fear. One of the crystals umbra was conjuring hit cadence’s left wing. The wing wasn’t badly damage but the force of impact caused her to flail and tumble down towards earth.

Spike managed to lift himself up enough to grabbed cadence and held onto her tight as his back cushion the fall. They skidded down a few feet before a dust cloud covered them. As the dust cloud settles queen umbra appears before them, a few black crystals floated next to her as she stare into at the dragon and the princess.

Cadence was passed out from the fall but spike was still awake to see umbra standing over them a look of anger and hatred made him flinch as she growled enough for him to hear.

“You… miserable little cockroach. Do you not GET IT! THIS IS MY KINGDOM! THESE ARE MY SLAVES!” her magic glowed brighter as the spikes pointed at him. Spike gulped in fear as the spikes were aiming at him and the princess. “AND I WON’T HAVE A WEAK DRAGON AND A WORTHLESS PRINCESS TAKE WHAT’S RIGHTFULLY MINE!” she shriek so loud the earth started to shake, her magic put a lot of force into the spikes as they came at spike and cadence.

Spike shield himself as the spikes came at full speed at them. Fearing for the worse he shut his eyes tight as the sound of flesh being torned by the spikes. He started to hyperventilate as he waited for the pain to kick in although something was wrong. He hears a dripping sound before the spikes hitting flesh but… he wasn’t feeling any pain. Princess cadence regains conscious and shakes her head a bit.

“w- What happen?” she said confused. She looked up at spikes confused face and raised an eyebrow. “Spike what’s going on?” she said

Spike felt all around his chest and his back as not one spike hit him. ‘wait if I’m alive then who?” he looked back at queen umbra. Cadence looks at the heart in spikes arms then at spike before turning her head to where he’s looking.

The let out a gasp at what was in front of them.

You had watched what had happen from one of the available rooftops and not even thinking about your own life you took charge. Your mouth filled up with blood as you spit some of it. The spikes embedded into your chest and shoulders surprising managed to avoid major organs and tendons. Three of them you felt had went full on through but you stood your ground for them.

Ignoring the pain from the spikes you grabbed each spike and slowly pulled them out and tossing them to the side. Cadence, spike and even umbra stared in shock as you pulled out the spikes one by one not even taking your eyes off the she devil.

A few seconds pass till you spat out another spit of blood before speaking. “I’ve made a promise to my friends that I will protect them at any cost even my life.” You start to breathe heavily a bit but you continued. “I don’t care if my body breaks or my mind shatters to insanity. My spirit will live on and I will do everything to make sure tyrants like you are finished.” You took a few slow steps forward.

Umbra moves back at the same pace you are going. The look of nervous still showed in her eyes even as she tried to keep her stern look. You let out a small chuckle as you watch her gulp a bit from you.

“So listen up because I’m going to tell a bit about myself. I’m not someone that gives up to easily, I’m not someone that stays down after a fight and most of all.” with quick reflexes you grip the top of her armor and pulled her till you were next to her ear.

Umbra let out a small gasp as you held her there your lips touching her ear as you whisper the last thing for her to hear. “I’m someone that isn’t easy to be killed” you whispered in her ear before grabbing pushing her back and yanking her till your head connects with hers.

Umbra stumbles back a bit from the impact; she clutched her head in pain as she growled from how strong you put in the head butt. You stumble back as well but you regain your stance and unsheathe the sword on your back. You felt a bit of magic around you and look down. You managed to see some of the wounds closing up a bit and a large bandage wrapped around all of them. Blood still oozed out from the wounds and stain the bandages however you were just glad you won’t be bleeding all over the place.

You turned back to see lion heart behind you as well as storm and shutter helping the princess to her feet. Storm runs up and brandishes his sword as well as lion heart. You tell spike to get the heart to the pedestal and shutter to get princess cadence out of there. Shutter lifts her up and carry’s her in his arms as he asked what you three are going to do.

Storm looks back a determine grin spread across his lips as he look back. “Stalling her”

You all looked at each other before storm let out a loud battle scream and charged at her. You and lion heart looked at each other with uncertainty but you shrug it off and charged at her.

Umbra manages to shakes off the pain as she looks at the three charging stallions. Storm moved swiftly to the right as lion heart came up in left at her. Storm and lion heart drew their blades out and delivered different slashes at umbra. Umbra didn’t move as the blades came at her head before simultaneously grabbing the blades of their swords she held them firm as storm and lion heart tried to pry them away from her.

She gave a small smirk as the failed attack made her seemed amused, the struggling of the two stallions was like icing on the cake. But like all cakes the knife is the one that destroys the work. That knife is you.

Bringing your sword up over your head you aimed at umbra’s horn as you quickly brought it down. Your blade just near inches from her horn suddenly instead the other two swords as you brought them both down to the ground. Umbra had managed to disappear into a black mist in a split second. You all looked at each other from confusion before feeling a massive force hitting on your backs.

You and storm managed to regain your balances as you skid down a few feet from the swords however lion heart was kicked into one of the available houses. Fearing for the worst you go over the window and looked inside. Lion heart gave a gasped and twitched and turned as he withered from the pain on his back. As you checked on lion heart storm was already in the air and lunges towards umbra.

“HEY BITCH EAT THIS!” storm shouted as he brought his leg into a well delivered roundhouse kick.

The kick came in contact with umbra’s head as he force umbra’s head to turn. Umbra grunted from the force but she stands her ground. Giving a low growl she quickly grabbed his leg. With her godlike strength she twirled storm and tossed him towards the crystal pillars.

Storms let out a few grunts in pain as his whole body bounced off from the first pillar to another. After bashing and breaking through a few more pillars’ he quickly regains his flight and hovers in the air. He let out a low groan as he tried to shake the dizziness. As he tries to regain his senses his whole body is forced down hard towards the earth below. His whole body goes through the roof and down to the basement of one of the houses he hovered.

Umbra who was now hovering where storm was flying over smiled deviously as she brought her leg back to her.

You had finish checking on lion heart before running to where storm was thrown. You let out a low groan as umbra’s kick looked painful. “Damned that must have hurt. But more importantly what’s taking spike so long to get the heart to the pedestal” you said wondering on the wear about of spike.

Spike raced up the steps as quickly as possible, the crystal heart tightly held on his chest. He smiled as the pedestal was almost in his grasp. Racing through a few more dark crystals’ sprout out in front of him.

Making his way through he slipped and jumped over a few black crystals before making to the pedestal. Stopping in front he quickly places the crystal heart back into the pedestal. He takes a few steps back as the heart start to glow brighter before glowing white.

You were busy fighting with umbra as he managed to dodge one of her punches. Your body felt sore all over since after she sent storm through the house she came straight at you throwing punch after punch at you. A few punches you took but you tried to dodge the rest since umbra manages to grab your shoulders and delivered a well-deserved kick to your face. The impacts felt as though she cracked and broke every part of your skull and several ribs, you stumble back a bit quickly regain your senses as umbra kept fighting you.

Dodging and throwing a few punches at her she finally has enough and grabs your neck. You gasped for breath as umbra held you tight; she increased her grip on your neck making you gasp for air. She brings your face close to hers, a sly grin plaster on her face as she stares deep into your eyes.

“So” she begins. “How does it feel to feel your life slipping away? Does it feel cold?” she let out a small cackle as your vision start to fade the longer she held onto you.

Using the last bit of air you look at umbra with anger in your eyes. Umbra smiled turned into a frown as your eyes glowed bright blue and two shields shined in the iris of your eyes. “No…. I wonder though…. Where you got… that scar…. On your face?”

Umbra looks at you confused but you help her out with that question. Before everything you went back antiques shop and ‘borrowed’ something before leaving. You have to remember to pay for the damages but right now it’s best to put them to work.

With a swift motion of your arm you brought your weapon towards her face. The blade attached to your weapon spilled a bit of blood as you left a long cut deep onto her cheek. Umbra screams in pain as she lets go of your neck and covers her cheek.

You landed on your back as you gasped for air. Taking several quick breaths you quickly got up and drew the blade of light. From a far distance you can see the crystal empire glowing bright white and glowed through the city. You knew you don’t have much time you need to help queen umbra fast.

Rushing with dagger in hand umbra touched where you cut her before seeing you coming up at her. Not reacting fast enough you impaled the dagger into her heart. The dagger pierced through her armor but like the crystal in the catacombs it went into her heart not letting out a drop of blood spilled out of her.

You held both the dagger and umbra close not letting her get away as the light shined through the city. As you hold umbra you brought her forehead and stare into her eyes. The one question you want to know before you destroyed the darkness in her heart filled you with question from the start.

“Queen umbra… you were once a great beloved ruler throughout the kingdom. I need to know… why? Why did you become evil?”
Umbra stared into your eyes as you asked the question. Her mouth moved but the light blinded you and everything went black.

You float in complete darkness for a while before a bright shine in your eyes. Floating up you finally got your answer on the question. You got the sound of a baby crying.

Waking up you quickly snap up from where you were laying. “Holy hell I now know why.” you said surprise on the answer.
You shook your head a bit and looked around. You look to see you’re in some sort of patient ward of some sorts with several medical beds and IV stands. Rubbing your head you looked to see everyone sleeping on one of the available beds and the rest were sleeping on a small mat on the floor. Looking at your body you see that you’re covered in various bandages and an IV bag was connected to your arm. Grabbing the clamp from the bag you clipped the end of the tube before removing the IV out of your vein.

Putting pressure on the vein you slowly tried to stand up. It didn’t end well resulting in you accidently dropping the medical supplies and a loud curse from you. The sound of glass breaking and objecting cluttering on the floor was enough to wake up your friends.
You gulped as all sleepy eyes were glued onto you and the fear of dying from smothered filled your thoughts as all your friends rushed at you. Now the thought became reality as you were assaulted by many hugs all squeezing the life out of you. Your friends all hugged you tight but they managed to let go as can see the pain on your face. You thank the gods they stopped, any longer and foam might form in your mouth.

Shinning and rainbow helped you get back into bed so you can rest, Fluttershy picked up the IV stand and with careful precision she put the need back into the vein. Wiping the sweat from your brow you looked at your marefriends teary eyes.

You asked why they are crying which you were bombarded with many questions on what happen. Cadence had managed calm them since you were gaining a headache from the thousand questions they asked. She then explains that you had suffered a variety of broken bones on your face and your chest as well as several internal organs’.

“When they found you the doctor’s said you might slip into a coma or worse you could have…. Died” cadence sniffled.

You gulped in fear but you let out a sigh. You layed your head against your pillow but one question was left unanswered. “OH SHIT! WHERE’S QUEEN UMBRA?!” you asked fearing that the dagger didn’t save her after everything that you went through.

You frantically looked around for where umbra or at least someone answers your question. Shining armor stops you frantic moving and moves aside to see the bed next to you. You looked over to see a beautiful light blue crystal mare sleeping peacefully on the medical bed. Without her armor, tiara and her straight horn made it a little hard to recognize the ex-queen of the crystal empire but you still managed to recognize her back to her crystal form. She was cuffed to the bed for safety precaution and you were fine with that. Although you hope shinning has a second pair for a certain princess before you tell her a big secret you found out about umbra.

Sucking up your courage you then turn to cadence. “Cadence I’m glad that umbra is okay but….. You need to answer a question from me. Did…. you ever knew… your parents?” you asked

Cadence turns her head as it been a while since anypony asked that question about her parents. ‘Why is this sudden’ she said in her head before answering. She explains that Celestia found her in the throne room in a small basket and was taking care of her when she was foal. She never told her who her real parents were since even Celestia didn’t know who they were. She had suspected her parents to be maybe gifted unicorns or Pegasus or something like that because she wasn’t as powerful as Celestia or Luna both together or not. It was rare since alicorns are mostly born from a stallion and mare alicorn and only one out of a trillion would somehow birth a strong healthy alicorn foal. She thought her parents were blessed parents that gave her to celestia because of her being an alicorn. Somehow she knew from the start that wasn’t the answer.

You listen all of it as cadence said tell you she didn’t know her parents. You wonder for a while if it’s right time to tell her on who her parents are. You wonder for a few minutes before sighing. ‘It’s the right thing to do’ you said in your head as you face cadence.

You first start with the part on the late king of the empire and his fall after the battle against grogar. You then explain that before umbra became evil she was an amazing ruler that everypony loved and respected her. But somehow after many years have passed she became evil for a reason nopony knew not even Celestia and Luna knew about. That secret finally was answered to you. However they might not like the result.

Taking in a lump in your throat you looked up at cadence. “Cadence… umbra was…. Pregnant….. With an alicorn foal.” You sighed as the ward was filled with hard gasps and shocking expressions from everypony. Cadence had the biggest of them all.

“So you’re saying I’m….” she said stunned at what she was hearing. All these years of searching for her real parents now she finds the truth. A truth she couldn’t believe.

You nod. “Yes you are crystal haven and umbra’s daughter. The next lineage of the crystal empire.” You gain another gasped and not to your surprise the sound of someone fainting. Not even looking to see who fainted you sighed as they helped your extremely shy friend off the ground and onto the medical bed next to you.

Cadence looked in near tears as you tell her mother is the tyrant that took over the empire and engulfed it into everlasting darkness. Shinning tried his best to comfort cadence as she gripped her head in shock from this horrible about herself. Most of him wanted to help comfort his love but a little part of him wanted to wrangle twilight’s coltfriend neck for telling something deep as this to her.

Argument broke out as twilight, shinning, lion heart, and shutter all tried to control the situation. You joined in as well since you caused it in the first place. Cadence begins to ask you a few various questions that you tried to answer best as you can. One question you left out was the two leather braces you had on that shinning had in his possession. She asked where you got them which you told him you can’t say. She shrugs about it and continues to ask you questions on her mother. You couldn’t answer most of them and told her she needed to find out from the source. Which didn’t take long.

The shouts and arguments were so loud it finally woke up queen umbra. She rubbed her tired eyes as she slowly lifts herself up from the bed. “Wh- where… am i?” she said.

Everypony all stopped and turned their attention to the fully awake ex queen. Cadence held a lump in her throat as she stared at her birth mother. Words can’t be formed as her expressions shifted from anger to sadness, hate to longing, disgust to love.

Everypony beckoned her to go to her, you smiled as princess cadence walked over to her mother. You couldn’t see much since almost everypony was blocking your view but you can hear cadence explaining to her where she is…. And that she was her daughter. Umbra and cadence stare into each other’s for what seemed like forever. Tears fell down their faces as umbra reached out as best she could to hug her daughter. Cadence fell to her knees as she hugged her mother for the first time in her life.

The sound of an awed echoed the room. You smiled in happiness for reuniting a mother and her daughter back together.

Ten minutes after cadence and umbra held each other after so long of waiting you all walked out to the throne room. umbra then uses her magic and like the stain glasses in canterlot castle they each pictured a historious event that happened in equestria. Each one umbra explained on each event. She explain the fall of grogar and the death of her beloved husband, the making of the crystal heart and dagger of light and surprising that was hidden by her magic the reason on her corruption. She tells that before crystal haven went to the battlefield he had given her a reason to live if he did not return. He had given her a foal. However due to umbra being a mortal she wasn’t fit to give birth to an alicorn foal. Doctors told her she and the foal will die within a few months. Fearing for her foals’ she was visited by a being that your marefriends didn’t speak fondly with. This Eris that’s what she calls herself said she would help save umbra’s foal for a small price. The price of her servitude to grogar himself. Seeing that there was no other way she did the one thing she dreads to this very day. She signs her soul to the devil.

Umbra then tells her life was hellish as her crystal form and her sanity were disappearing each day the months go back. Fearing the darkness affecting cadence she projected a protection spell around her. Each spell became harder as the dark magic began to seep into her soul. After birth she was happy after so long of enduring grogar’s corrupted magic she was happy. Using the last bit of sanity left she cast another spell to somewhere she would be safe. She knew where to send her however she didn’t know on when she placed the basket as the portal closed. The rest was what happen later on.

You all stared jaw dropped as to everything umbra did to save her foal. Even when her mind was gone she still loved her foal more than the crystals themselves. All the money in the world can’t buy a mothers love for her foal.

After telling her story umbra breaks down crying for making the biggest mistake of them all. The deal cost her kingdom, her life, and almost her foal. Umbra knew Grogar tried to infected cadence as well but she was smart enough to protect her through the long hardships of birth. Cadence frown as she watched her mother broke down crying for failing to stop herself from Grogar’s magic. She understands that Eris tricked her into doing this and she knew it wasn’t her fault. It was the darkness inside her that made her do the things she did. Cadence walked over and fell to her knees; she reached out and hugged her mother tight comforting her.

You and your marefriends all watched as cadence hugged together. You smiled a bit at the sight but you quickly turn to a confused look. Looking side to side you notice you were short three stallion ponies. Scanning you surroundings you wonder on where those stallions are. Lion heart had a few injuries then storm who had a broken snout from the kick. Shutter didn’t have any marks but he was still gone as well.

“Where are the guys?” you asked as everypony looked around and shrug on the whereabouts.

*somewhere else in the castle*

Shutter was busy standing on one of the castle balcony’s, his camera around his neck as he took picture after picture of the beautiful scenery. The sight took his breath with every picture he took and he couldn’t tell which pictures he wanted to use in the next issue of ‘Equestria’s landscape’ magazine. He was happy that one of the maids that was officially rehired after umbra defeat had shown him all the best spots in the castle. He did saw a few more maids taking lion heart and storm shield down a hall but he had a strange feeling in his gut as they lead them down the hall.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that the mares looked… fidgety for some reason. Shrugging it off he continues taking pictures of the city.

*several doors from where shutter is*

Lion heart and storm had some trouble on where they were going since they accidently took a wrong turn when umbra was leading them to the throne room. The castle was like a maze to them as they finally managed to find a few maids on duty. Storm heard that shinning rehired the workers of the palace and he was glad to find somepony who must know on where they are.

Lion heart and storm shield asked the maids on where to go which they volunteer to show them where to go. Lion heart had a sinking feeling in his gut that something was wrong. Storm felt the same way since the mares clothing looked a bit skimpy then regular maids in canterlot plus the fidgeting and blushing made his body shiver a bit.

The crystal maids giggled a bit as they took their arms and lead them through some hallways and into some rooms. After coaxing the two stallions into the room 8 maids that were watching them appeared out of the shadows and enter the room. The sound of the door locked was enough to spell their doom.

“Of course…. I should have seen this coming.” Lion heart said in a dull tone. He knew something was up due to how long it was taking to go to the throne room.

‘Oh hell yeah I know where this leads’ storm fist bump in the air. ‘I wonder how many mares are behind me’ he said in his head wondering on how many mares are behind him.

Both stallions didn’t move as the sound of mares giggling and clothes unzip and hitting the floor.

Lion heart let out a gulp and a soft sigh as he slowly turns his head towards the door. Storm had a large grin spread across his face as he turned his head to the 8 maids.

Storm shield and lion heart turned their bodies till they were fully looking at the beautiful naked crystal mares, all of them had a seductive smile on their faces. A few mares began to make out with each other as a few starts to suck on their lips, some even begin to finger themselves but not too much so they weren’t too heated up.

Storm leaned to the side and whispered into lion’s ear. “So…. 4 for me and 4 for you” he beckon his eyebrow at lion.

Lion heart looked at storm with a shock expression. He tried to speak but the mares stopped before he could say a word. One of the mares took her time tongue battling lion as the rest push him to the couch at the far end. As lion French kiss one of the maids two of the mares begin to their assault on storm. They tried to be careful due to their injuries but their heat drove them crazy. After disappearing for a thousand year all their pent of heat came at them in one big flash. Feeling their heat burning hotter inside they couldn’t control themselves as they torn their clothes off and start their attack on their members.

After another brief explanation on how grogar is a bastard and getting your thanks for saving the city and her you decide to walk around the castle for yourself. Your marefriends, shinning, cadence and umbra all went to give them their appreciations of saving the city as well. You don’t know what umbra is going to do but you know spike is enjoying his.

You left him as the maids begin to treat him like a king. You’ve seen movies where the king is being fed by several beautiful mares but to see mares feeding gems with their mouths was something new. You felt proud that spike decline the kisses but he did enjoy being fed with tasty gems.

You continued through some halls till you spot shutter walking the same hallway he was. Beside him a young mare walks beside him. They talked while they walked down the hall before stopping and wave at you. You gave shutter a small hug and asks did he saw storm or lion heart anywhere.

Shutter shook his head; you let out a small sigh and ask him to let you know where they are when you see them. Shutter nods and says okay before continuing his walk n’ talk with the young mare. You continued your way but turned your head to catch a glimpse of shutter getting a sweet kiss on the cheek by her. You chuckled lamely and gave a soft clap as shutter looked ready to faint you left the two young couple alone.

Walking down a few steps you stopped to see a few doors on each end. Opening one of them you figure to be the guest rooms because of the décor beds and a few other crystals like furniture inside. Walking pass a few more rooms you stopped as a familiar sound of moaning and body slapping against one another echoed in one of the rooms.

Resisting the urge to peek inside you tried to walk away from it. However you were quickly brought back to the door once you heard storms and lion’s grunts and shouts of pleasure. Opening the door from just a crack you peek inside. Your mouth dropped as you watched lion heart going full on into one of the mares inside.

Lion heart sat completely naked on the couch his member went deep inside one of the mares as he thrusted with vigor into her. One of his hand held the mare’s leg up as the other roughly grip the mares breast. His lips also went to work as he switched from the mares breast and lips to another mare’s lips. He looked ready to blow as he squinted his eyes tight, but he kept thrusting into the mare. With a few more thrusts he empty his loud deep into the young mare. Lion panted in exhaustion from the thrusts however the mares didn’t let him take a break as they push him on his back of the couch and another mare takes his place over his still hard member.

As you watched the mare have at with lion heart you turn your sight towards the bed. You let out a mouth curse word as you watch storm take all 4 mares at the same time. One mare he worked hard and deep inside as he French kiss the mare behind him. His hands worked the other two as the moaned in unison from the finger penetration.

Storm didn’t even stop to take a break as he increased his thrusts into all three mares. The mare behind added the pleasure by running her tongue on the base of his wings all over and up towards his lips. That drove him crazy and made him thrust so hard the sound of his groin smacking against the mares bubbly butt echoed the whole room. Storm kept his rhythm into all three mares before the three mares let out a pleasurable moan and slump to the bed. Storm let out a grunt as he empty his load into the young mare but he didn’t stop. He held his smile as he step back a bit so his member fully came out before grabbing the mare behind him and start full on tongue battle with her.

You were aww dropped to see storm literally worked hard on the mare’s better then lion heart. You figure his endurance is a lot stronger than regular stallions due to him being a Pegasus and a military stallion however when it comes to the other stallions he puts them to shame. Hell you wonder if you give him an endurance potion he be able to match with you.

“Damned he’s really going at it” you said surprised as storm let out a loud yeah as he start on the next mare.

“I’ll say… however I want to know how well you are in bed too” a voice whispered in your ear.

You flinched a jumped back a bit from the sudden startled, turning to where the voice came from you stared into the beautiful dark violet eyes of the mother of princess cadence.

“Oh…. Umbra. It’s….. Good to see you.” you smiled lamely as umbra licked her lips. You’ve seen this look hundreds of times. You know how this would leave if you didn’t get away from her. Slowly moving alongside the wall you kept your glance as umbra walked the same speed you were going. Her hips moved side to side as her royal garments made it look like she’s wearing a her body suit armor. It clings tightly to her body as she walked, your breasts also made you gulps as despite being a regular earth pony her breasts were the same size as celestia’s.

Steeling your nerves you gave a little smile to umbra. “So…… what brings you here queen umbra?” you asked.

She touches your lips and shushes you. “Please. Call me umbra. My daughter is going to be the new ruler with her husband.” She smiles. You asked if she staying which resulted with a yes. “Yes I will help my daughter in showing how to take care of her ponies and the whole city.”

You continued wall walking for a few more steps but stopped as you spell your doom. Your back felt nothing and your right hand felt a knob of some sorts. Turning your head slowly you look to see a similar room that storm and lion heart were in before looking at umbra.

She kept her seductive smile as she walked hip’s shifting side to the sides as her breasts pressed against your bandage chest. You ignore the bit of pain on your chest and were too focused on how large and tasty her breasts look.

She crosses her arms underneath and lifts her breasts up enough to bury your nose in between her cleavage. “Since my daughter is going to rule the crystal empire it gives me more time for myself. Especially the time to give the hero a proper gift for releasing me from Grogar’s dark magic” you let out a small nervous chuckle as umbra shuts and locks the door behind her.

Your body soon took air for a few seconds before your body was thrown onto the bed. Your clothes disappeared from umbra’s magic as she strips herself naked, Starting with the clasp that held her breasts first. Your mouth drooled profoundly as her breasts bounced with vigor from being free of their cloth prison.

Umbra licked her upper lip from watching you drool for her breasts. She felt proud to still have her beautiful body even after a thousand years and was glad Grogar’s magic didn’t do more than just change her color’s and crocked her horn. She jiggles them a bit resulting your member getting rock hard just by looking.

She giggles a bit as her prize jewels knew how make stallions go wild. ‘I’m so glad I still know what buttons to press to get stallion under my control’ she said in her head.

Your brain start to shut down as umbra slowly crawls towards you her beautiful breasts hovered your rock hard member. “Please… my daughter won’t have to know and it’s been so long since I’ve been stuffed and well….. I can tell back at the fight you are a healthy stallion and I want to make this right for hurting you and your friends” she sits on her knees of the bed, her breasts barely touched your member as she looked into your eyes.

“So please as compensation. Take me till your heart’s desire.” She said waiting for a response.

You ponder on the question but hell with it. You’re horny enough to take all your marefriends and the princesses in one go from watching storm and lion going all wild in the rooms a few doors down. Looking into umbra’s eyes you smiled and nod.

Umbra smiled as she starts her pleasure on your member. You gasped and moaned as umbra’s breasts sucked your member deep between your funny bags. The tip stood out from the middle as she slowly licks it while squishing and rubbing them up and down on it. Your members felt nothing like this before the softness of the fur and how big and round they were. It felt like getting a tit n’ lick from princess Celestia herself, but it wasn’t. Still it felt amazing.

“Damned… for a mare…. who’s been gone for… a thousand years… she still has her skills” you said through your pants. The pressure already started to build up as she quickens her rubs.

Umbra giggled and takes most of your member she can in her mouth. Her tongue wraps nicely around the tip of your member. You bite your lip hard trying to hold out a little longer as possible from umbra’s touch. You managed to handle a few more minutes but you couldn’t hold any longer.

Umbra moved her breasts and gulp your member down to the hilt in one go, your see shot out as she drank every drop. You stared amazed at how umbra took your member all the way without problem. Your marefriends never could take all of it in one go and only a few mares can take as much as they can in their mouths.

Umbra held her position as she drank every drop of your seed, her tongue also made sure she got every drop. Holding her head down for a few more seconds she lifts up and licks her lips. He then looks deeps into your eyes and leans in for a kiss. You brought her head close and locked lips with her’s not even being shy on exploring each other’s mouth. You held tight on each other as you roll her onto her back. Not breaking from the kiss you work your hands down to her soaked marehood. Umbra shudders from your touch inside her she long to feel something inside her. The longing of feeling a stallion’s seed inside filled her thoughts as she wished this human to stop teasing and take her now.

Breaking away the kiss you brought your soaked hand and licked her juices. Surprisingly for being an ex-overlord she tasted a lot sweet like scones for some reason. A small whimper came from her finally made you realize you teased the poor mare enough. It’s payback for cracking almost half of your skeletal system.

Giving a light kiss on her lips you lined your member to her ready marehood. She shivers from your touch as your member lightly probes the tip. Not waiting any longer you gripped her hips and gently plunge into her. Umbra let out a satisfied sigh as your member all the way to her womb. You were a bit surprise on how relax her cervix was but after the blowjob you just went with it.

With each thrust her beautiful breasts bounced with vigor as you plunged deep into her. Umbra’ moans wildly as member enters her womb. It didn’t went all the way through due to her almost god like structure but you still managed to make sure where the seed should go. Grabbing her ankles you brought her legs over and set them next to her head as you plunge harder into her marehood
.
You grunt and moaned as your pelvis sent ripples of shock waves into her bubbly ass. A few minutes pass and you finally feel pressure building up and released it all into her womb. Panting a bit you weren’t satisfied enough and flipped her doggy style. Umbra gasped as you flipped her onto her hands and knees but she moaned blissfully as you continued rutting her till she was a drooling mess. Using her shoulders you grabbed firm on each shoulder and used put more force into plunged then you ever did.

Umbra felt like she was in heaven, her body never felt like this in so long after her husbands’ death. All that pent of stress and longing all gone in a flash as she finally let herself go. Her eyes rolled almost to the back of her head as you released another thick load into her. You panted as you were out of breath from the thrusting but you kept going. This time umbra takes charge. She pushes you off and makes you lie on your back, she then brings one leg over to your side and lines your still rock hard member with her cum dripping marehood. Wasting no time she plunges her marehood down onto your member and begins her rhythm.

You grunt and groan from her slams but you quickly ignored the pain and let her bounce more. Crossing your arms over your head you enjoy the show as umbra’s succulent breasts bounced wildly with every bounce she made. Wondering what her milk taste like you brought her close and start sucking on the nipples. You gave her breast a gentle squeeze earning a jet stream of sweet milk into your mouth. Like her juices she tasted like sweet scones with each stream of milk that you drank. You switched to both nipples making sure you get as much as you can, your other hand gently pleasure the other nipple letting a few drops of milk onto the sheets. The nipple sucking finally drives umbra overboard as she lets out a loud scream; your groin is being painted in her juices. Returning the favor you gave a few more thrusts before giving your third load into her.

Completely exhausted umbra slumps to the side and lays her on top of your chest. Like from before you ignore the pain and were too tired to deal with it. With one final kiss on the forehead you fell asleep.

*next day*

“Man I’m so glad we are going home” you said in your head as everything happen in the morning.

After the rutting umbra and you fell asleep all the way to the next day. The others asked on where you guys were which you told them you both were still sore and just fell asleep. You left out the part of sleeping with cadence mother since you rather live then tell the truth.

Umbra agrees and offers you all a nice breakfast before leaving. You all agreed to the breakfast which umbra also asked you, spike, shinning, storm, lion and shutter to go to their rooms first and then meet her in the throne room as well. You all look at each other and agreed to do so. After breakfast you all went back to your rooms which you stopped to see familiar face. Antique was displeased that you decide to borrow something without his permission but he got over it and hug you. He explains that he was proud of you for saving their former ruler from grogars magic and for gratitude for that he leads you to a large sheet. Pulling it off you were stunned to see what was under it. There standing in a dress making dummy was a well-crafted and well-polished leather suit.

It looked like the one back at his shop however the design and looked more different than the other. The colors were black, blue and white and the straps on the chest had Celestia’s and Luna’s crests on it.

Antique explained the suit was his when the human taught him the way of the blade….. And that he wanted you to have it. He also tells you that you weren’t ready for the real one and you understand. You gave antique another hug before going over and putting it on.

The others were waiting for you at the throne room. Storms and shinning’s were replaced with hand crafted gem crafted armor and bear their cutie marks in the front. Lion heart and shutter both wore exquisite suits that shined like diamonds from the sunlight. Spike too wore armor but unlike the rest his was crafted with gems that resemblance his fire breathing. His spikes and his wings also had pieces of armor attached as well. Your marefriends also wore crystal dresses that each symbolizes their element and their likeness as everypony waited for you to come. You walked forward but stop in front of the door to the throne room.

You felt a little nervous as what is going to happen you shook off the fear and proceed through. The looks on their faces as you came in fully clothed in special armor with your hood over your head was priceless. Princess cadence and Umbra was surprised on the unique design on your clothing but smiled as you walked forward and knelt down bowing to the two rulers. The others did as well as cadence begins to speak out for them.

After possible half an hour of speech cadence then dubbed all of you thanes of the crystal empire protectors of equestria.
That which lead you back to getting back onto the train ride back home. After being knighted a wave of applauded erupted as you all were transported back to the train stop and getting a train back to home. Shinning stayed for obvious reasons and gave you a goodbye hug for your travels. Now you wait in peace as your marefriends all start a small party for their accomplishments. You smiled as well since rainbow was fist bumping and dancing around for being knighted, twilight was busy writing a letter to princess Celestia as spike sat next to her still in armor and helped deliver the letters. Rarity and Fluttershy both sat smiling as they both talked on what they were going to do when they got home. Applejack had possible the largest grin on her face while on the ride, the story she going to tell to her family as she wonder on where to start. Pinkie bounced around crazy while in the passenger car, streamers and confetti erupted out of her mane as she did a few summersaults on the walk way. You then turn to a few seats next to you to see how the guys were doing; you wanted to laugh as one of the train engineers gave both lion heart and storm two bags of ice for their heads and crotches. Lion looked like he had been hit by a truck but storm still had that silly grin on his face. Shutter sat next to you and scrolled through his pictures on his camera. Leaning to look you see each picture looked beautiful with each pic he scrolled. Shutter had a look of uncertainty on which pic he wanted to use but for your prospective any picture in that camera would make him a fortune.

Seeing that everyone is doing well you felt nature calling and got up to use the restroom. Passing through a few cars you quickly did your business and washed your hands. Patting your clothes you felt something unusual in your right pocket. Digging through you felt something hard in your grasp and pulled it out. You held your hand a small shield crest with a beautiful sapphire gem in the middle. You were amazed since antique or umbra must have slipped this when you were not looking. Gently rubbing the gem your finger slowly pressed it down.

“The hell” you said as your finger pressed down a bit and the sapphire begins to light up. Staring at the glowing gem you were blinded as a bright light shinned in the bathroom. Blinded for a few seconds you regain your sight to see umbra standing in front of you naked. Before you can speak umbra wraps her arms around you and brings you in to a tongue battle.

10 minutes later you were finally finished pleasure the horny queen. During the rut umbra explain the gem is a beacon which you can summer her any time and any place whenever you want to. That was last gift she wanted to give you before you return home. Thanking her for the gift she disappears back home in a cloud of dust, you carefully put the beacon in one of the loose pockets so you don’t accidently signal her and return back to the boxcar your friends are in. they asked where you were and said nature called before taking your seat next to shutter.

You also let out a defeated groan as twilight tells you Luna is up and is furious when you come to the castle. Gritting your teeth you can only hope Luna doesn’t break you once you set foot in the castle or out of the train at least.

“Oh man I’m so dead when we get home” you said in a defeated tone as you looked up in the ceiling while the train’s next destination is canterlot.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

so how was the crystal empire dude? *chuckles lamely*

*looks at wolf annoyed* what did you think my day at the empire was. asshole

*laughs* i bet it was crazy huh. *laughs a bit* don't worry man the next few chapters aren't as tired some as usual k. that's right for the next few more chapters its going to simple massages. so hopefully less time it would take to finish it. so without further ado BRING OUT THE BASKET!!!!! *angel the bunny appears in front as he pulls out a hat and pulls out the basket from it. after laying it on the table he bows and jumps into the hat and dissappears in a puff of smoke*

*looks at me then at the basket weird eyed.* so i see your getting new idea's to bringing the basket out. what happen to carrying it out.

do you think well responsible to get the basket every time we finish a chapter. *starts digging into the basket*

*open his mouth but closes it* point taken

*laughs as i grabbed the 5 slips* alright the 1st mare to sign up for this awesome spa treatment is *looks at name and laughs* Well hello i'm glad i grabbed her name. well human looks like your going to be doing a familiar face if they pick her. THAT'S RIGHT SHE BEAUTIFUL, FUNNY, PONYVILLES PARTY EXTRAVENGANZA AND ALSO YOUR MAREFRIEND!! PINKIE PIE!

*chuckles* well this might be interesting if they pick her. but i thought the bonus chapters were here spa moments.

not really those were plan sex this one is like fluttershy. a massage then a sex scene ok. anyways our second candidate of this special spa treatment goes to *looks at name*...... OH WOW THIS COULD BE A DOOZY TO PICK! looks like we got a mare more boyish then girly like the rest. THAT'S RIGHT LOOKS LIKE YOUR GOING TO BE DOING WITH THE SPEED DEMON OF EQUESTRIA AND ANOTHER OF YOUR MAREFRIENDS RAINBOW DASH!

*wheezes* really? oh shit this might be tougher then pinkie

*laughs* hell yeah. alright our third candidate for this amazing spa massage goes too. *looks at third name and stares wide eyed* the heck did i put this name in the box. *looks at human*

who?

*chuckles* well looks like your going to be traveling for a while though by not just any pony and i mean not like any other pony. LOOKS LIKE YOUR GOING TO A NEW UNIVERSE AND MEETING A FAMILIAR FACE. THAT'S RIGHT YOUR GOING TO MEET DISCORDED WHOOVES!

discorded whooves? don't you mean doctor whooves?

well actually that's then thing he is doctor whooves but from another world..... talk to doctor he'll explain what i mean *grabs fourth slip* so as you try to figure it out a bit i'll announce our 4th candidate. alright then our 4th candidate for this lovely massage goes to *looks at 4th name and laughs a bit* well looks like royalty is coming down to ponyville. HELL YEAH LOOKS LIKE YOUR GOING TO BE MEETING WITH CANTERLOT'S MOST BEZAZZED MARES IN ALL AROUND SAPPHIRE SHORE!

oh shit.... *covers mouth* rarity would freak if she saw me and her rolling in the hay like i do with her.

*looks at her confused* funny i would think she would break you because of how.... energetic she is. *laughs as human punches me* hey ease up *rubs arm* i got sunburn since my family decide to not tell me about the camping trip we went this week.

the hell *points at face* that explain why your face is more red then black and brown

oh f you. alright last candidate. our last candidate for this spa message goes to *looks at name. chuckles* we another famous from canterlot huh. *looks at human with a smirk* looks like your going be meeting another famous pony of equestria and when i mean famous pony i mean 'co-head' of equestria's line of fashion and partner of fancy pants. THAT'S RIGHT YOUR GOING TO MEET HOITY TOITY FOR THIS AWESOME SPA!

oh boy... i hope he ain't still mad from the whole not listening to me during the heat season.

nah i heard he made it safe so i doubt he has a mean bone in him anyways. SO THAT'S IT FOLKS I *human interrupts her*

hey wait question? *points at hand* how is my hand not broken after the bone crushing luna gave me

dude it's equestria magic works on you too. how else those potions work perfectly on you. anyways SO THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS THOSE CLIENTS ARE FOR YOU TO CHOOSE ON WHO GETS THE MASSAGE! FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW HERE THEY ARE.

pinkie pie

rainbow dash

discorded whooves

sapphire shore

hoity toity

so there you have it folks 5 names for you to pick and only one will win. i'll be looking for you next time on dinner, drive ins and dives

wrong line stupid

i know i'm just being an ass *laughs* so here's the real one line i'm going to say. I'LL BE LOOKING LOOKING FOR ALL NEXT TIME ON SPECIAL SPA TREATMENT: HUMAN EDITION! good night everybody *leaves the stage*

*face palms* i wonder if it's not to late to quit

*shouts* SORRY TO LATE DUDE!

*groans as he leaves* dammit

this chapter took quite a while but i'm glad on how it turned out. i also want to thank my friends for their support and for the help in making this chapter.

storm shield belongs to starblade (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Starblade)

lion heart belongs to lionheart1982 (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Lionheart1982)

shutter focus flash belongs to shutterguy (http://www.fimfiction.net/user/ShutterGuy)

so give a shout out to these awesome guys and their oc's thank you and good day.