We open with the Crystal Empire, where Lord Tirek leads the Titans in a vicious assault. King Sleipnir stands before the city, the alicorns and the Canterlot army at his beck and command.
"Attack!" Sleipnir calls out.
Balius and Xanthos lead the Canterlot army forward as the Purple Smooze heads towards the Crystal Empire. One by one the troops are swallowed up by it's heaping mass. Up in the skies, Erebus jams on his guitar reigning Thunder and lighting upon the force field below. Celestia and Skinfaxi try to foght him off, but to no avail.
Back on the ground, Enbarr shoots flames from his hammer at Crunch the Rockdog, while Areion run circles around the Sphinx. All of a sudden the frozen ground beneath them begins to open up revealing Lavan surfing a wave of magma.
"Surfs Up!"
Meanwhile Queen Bumblee summoned a a swarm of bees to attack Princess Epona's battle animals. The Spider Ahgg attempted joined in on the battle only to be blasted away by Luna and Hrimfaxi. From up on an icy glacier, Tirek watched the battle growing bored.
"Alright, enought of this," the Titan stated.
He opened his mouth, and slowly but steadily began sucking up enegy from the Alicorns below, draingig them dry. As he did so the forcefield surrounding the Crystal Empire begins to flicker. The Crystal ponies begin to panic packing their bags and fleeing their homes. At the center of the city from within the Crystal Palace, King Svadilfari struggles to keep the force field up. The six Pillars of Equeastria watch over him, as the battle raged on outsode the city.
"I don't how much more of this the force field can take," Flash Magnus stated looking up at the flickering force field.
"I don't know how mich more of this King Svadilfari can take," Mistmane stated glacning over at the weakeing Alicorn.
"Star Swirl!" called out a voice.
The old pony turned to see Prince Shade rushing into the throne room.
"The crystal ponies are all panicing," the young prince stated, "What do I tell them?"
"Tell them everyting is going to be," said Star Swirl trying to be reasuring, "As long as your Grandfather remains safe and sound, so too will the city.."
All of sudden a large crashing could be heard making it's way through the castle, all the way to the throne room. Stygian, the Pony of Shadows burst throught the doors.
"Hello Starswirl," the tall black stallion sneereed.
Rockhoof, Flash Magnus, and Somnambula all charged at their former friend, while Mistmane and Mage Meadowbrook attempted to protect Svadilfari. The Pony of Shadows shot out black tendrils from his hide, tossing his former friends around the room like ragdolls.
"Flee!" Starswrild shouted to Prince Shade, "Flee to Tambelon and warn them!"
Prince Shade dashed out of the Throne room, and out of the palace, as the force field began to collapse around the city. Back in the throne, Stygian tosses King Svadilfari and the rest of the Pillars in a pile like ragdolls. As he did so, dark hoofsteps slowly made their way to the trone room behind him.
King Sombra trotted in throught the doors with Katrina close behind him.
"Excellent work Stygian..." the dark King growlded, "...Now step asside!"
The former Alicorn made his way to the center of the Throne room and slammed his hoof down reveling a spiral staricase. He slowly made his way dowm the staircase to an all to familiar statue of a female Alicorn.
"Hello beloved," Sombra said with a smile.
Back atTamplon everycreature were getting along better
Twilight Sparkle trotted through the streets observing her work. Things had very much improved since the refugees had first arrived in Tambelon. Dragons were now palling around with Hippogriffs, Yaks were chatting it up with changelings, even Griffins seemed to have adjusted. As Twilight smiled at the work around her, she slowly Ponyville Schoolhouse.
"Okay everycreature," said Starlight Glimmer, "That's all for today."
Twilight Sparkle watched as the student body exited the classroom. What had been an entire class of fillies and colts, now included young hippogriffs, griffins, changeling, and even a few dragons. Twilight watched as the variety of young creatures played together in the schoolyard.
"Looks like the new new exchange students are getting along well with everypony," said Twilight Sparkle approaching Starlight.
"They are," said Starlight looking exhausted, "but it's exhausting...I'm teaching twice as many students as I was before. If we don't do something soon, we might have to consider building a bigger school.
"Miss Glimmer," a voice called out.
The unicorns turned to see Cozy Glow trotting over to them.
"I just want you to know that I passed out the new seating assignments to all the students," the young pegasus stated, "And I'm as setting up a study circle so are our students can get to know the rest of the class."
Starlight smiled, "I'm just lucky that I have cozy glow around to help with all the heavy lifting."
As the the ponies continued to chat, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo peached around the corner of the schoolhouse.
"Okay girls," said Applebloom, "Today's the day, we gotta figure out if what Diamond Tiara said about Cozy Glow is true or not."
"Are you sure about this," said Scootloo, "Diamond Tiara could have just made that whole thing up."
"It does sound like something she would do," said Sweetie Belle tapping her chin.
"Look," stated Applebloom, "I know Diamond Tiara can be a bit of a jerk, but on the off chance she's right, we've got to make sure Cozy Glow can be trused.
Out on the playground a yiung Hippogriff foal fell off the monkey bars and skinned her knee. As she began crying, Cozy Glow quickly rushed over to her and tended to her knee.
"We've go our work cut out for us," said Sweetie Belle watching the whole thing.
Later that Day
Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer were making their way back to the palace.
"I really envy you Strlight," said the Princess, "I'd give anything to have the chance to teach the way you do. You're really making a difference in all those little creatueres lives."
"Oh please," said Starlight, "You're the one making the difference. Against all odds, you somehowe you managed to get all of these creatures to get along in one place. I'd do anything to be like you."
The two ponies looked over the steets of Tambleon, where ponies were finally getting along creatures pf every shape and size. Everything finally seemed to be coming together. As they made there way into the walls of the palace, they say Spike, Gabby and, the young six were playing ball in the court yard of the castle. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbowdash having lunch with Troubleshoes, Trenderhoof and Gilda. Princess Candace and Shining Armor were playing with Flurry Heart.
"So," Flash Sentry said meeting Twilight at the gate, "Everything seems to be coming together."
"Yep," said Twilight with a sigh, "Let's just hope Sleipnir, Princess Celestia, and the rest of the alicorns have defeated King sombra and the Titans."
"And if they can't, Sombra will have you to deal with," said Flash proudly, "We still have the Elements of Harmony."
"That's right." Twilight agreed while winking at Flash "Not to mention the Knights."
Flash blushed at Twilight's remark. Everything seemed to be peacful.
"Captain!" A voice cried out.
It was Thunderlane race to the castle gates in full armor.
"What is it Lieutenant," said Flash confuesed.
"It's Prince Shade!" stated Thunderlane panting, "He just arrived at the Wall, and he's hurt!"
"What!?" Stated Twilight in shock.
Down at The Mage Wallkeeping King Sombra's forces away.
Flash and Thunderlane raced to the wall to see Cheese and Soarin carrying Shade inside. His old friend and he looked hurt and tired.
"Shade!" Flash cried out racing twoards his friend.
"Flash.." stated Shade barely ablye to talk. "I need to talk to you!"
"There's no time for that now," said Flash, "Bring us a stretcher."
The guards saluted and ran off obeying orders. Flash wasted no time to help his friend carry him over, and placing him on the stretcher.
Over at the Ponyville Hospital
Flash Sentry and Thunderlane burst trought the doors with a battered Shade in their hooves.
"Get is a gurny!" shouted out Flash, "We need a gurny stat!"
A white mare in a nurse cap rushed with a gurney, Flash and Thunderlane carefully placed Shade atop of it as the nurse quickly rushed him away to the emergency.
"Oh Doctor Horse," said Princess Cadence who had just arrived with Shining Armor, "Is he going to be okay?"
"He's sustained a lot of damage," said the caramel unicorn in a doctor's coat, "But we'll see what we can do."
As the doctor rushed away to attend to his patient, Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Mane Six burst into the room.
"I just heard about Shade said Twilight," what happened.
"King Sombra just invaded the Crystal Empire.." said Cadence welling up in tears, "..Our home!"
"What!?" Twilight in disbelief.
"But I thought the Alicorns were up there protecting the place?!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
"They were no match for the Titans," said Shining Armor struggling to comfort Cadence, "As far as we know, Shade was the only one who was able to excape.
The ponies all glanced throught a window into the next room, where the doctors and nurses were desperately trying to attend to Shade.
Back the Crystal Empire
Sombra forces had successfully taken over the Crystal Empire, and the villains were celebrating their victory over the conquered kingdom.
Cujo and his diamond dogs drinking cider and laughing. Queen Chrysalis and her changelings were hunting down the crystal ponies, and feeding off their love. Ahuizotl stroking his big cats while Charlatan counted his ill gotten good from the royal treasury. Don Grif'aun and his pirates singing alongside of Zeb who was eating a crystal cake. Ma Hydia partying with her kin alongside Wind rider and his Shadowbolts, all of them tossing back cider. Many other monsters and villains were celebrating too, including the Pony of Shadow and Smug the evil Dragon. Outside of the city even the Titans were getting in on the fun.
Only one person wasn't enjoying themselves.
From up in the Crystal Palace Katrina looked down on Empire enjoying itself, much to her annoyance. Disgusted she began descending the the spiral staircase. There at rhe bottom, her supposed master was fawning over the statue of the frozen alicorn, ignorant of the world around him.
"Are you aware of what's going on outside," Catrina asked raising an eyebrow.
"Leave me alone Catrina.." growled Sombra
"They are celebrating too soon," she said raising her voice.
"Let them have their fun," King Sombra stated "Soon all of Equeatria will be ours!"
"I highly doubt that," said Catrina, "We're still battling Hippocampus on the Southern Seas"
The Seas South of Equestria
"Onward griffs!" Hippocampus shouted to his fellow Seaponies, "Nopony lives forever!"
The seaponies all charged toward the mowterous Titan Squirk.
"Then there's that deal you made with the Storm King," Catrina continued
Earlier aboard King Sombra's airship
The Storm King's ship docked with Sombra's. The Storm King and his forces boarded the adjacent ship standing before King Sombra
The two Evil Kings glared at each other menacingly.
"Ahhh, The Storm King." Kind Sombra said with a growl, "To what do I owe the displeasure."
"Well, King Sombra," The Storm King replied "First off, thought you'd alway be taller. Second, I'm here to pledge my loyalty to you."
"Really?" Sombra asked raising an eyebrow,
"Yeah, well if you can't beat them join them..." said The Storm King, he then leaned into one of his Storm guards and whispered "...Then beat them."
"Well then, welcome!" Sombra said gritting his teeth," I could alway use your army. Now my empire is now even more powerful, and I can also keep an eye on you."
"Well then here's to a beautiful friendship," said the the Storm King right out his his right hand.
What King Sombra couldn't see was he was using his left had cross his fingers behind his back.
"How you can possibly trust that old goat I'll never understand," Catrina groaned.
"To be fair I don't trust half my followers..." growled Sombra
"And what about the Ennead?" Catrina continued.
"Oh don't worry about them they've already been dealt with." King Sombra replied.
High above the skies beyond Equatria
Horus was flying an injured Anubis over a series of mountains towards a floating city in the sky.
"Fear not brother," said Horus, "Soon we'll be in the safety of Ornithia."
"What about the Alicorns?" asked Catrina
Flashback
We see Sleipnir fighting both King Sombra and Lord Tirek in a two in one fight. However, even the eight-legged aliorn was no match for them . As he was overpowered by the two of them, he slowly but steadily got turned to stone by King Sombra.
Then one by one the others Alicorns got turned to stone; Xanthus, Faust, Llamrei, Enbarr, Hrímfaxi, Skinfaxi, Svaðilfari, Arion, Tikbalang, even Celestia and Luna.
"Then there's our greatest foe we have to deal with." Catrina pointed out.
King Sombra smile at her wickedly.
We then cut back to Discord
The lord of Chaos was still having tea with his friend the the green Smooze, as the Purple Smooze attacked Farasi below.
"Blrup," his green slimy friend spoke up to him.
"I should go down there and help?" Discord asked "Oh but what lessons would they learn? And besides they got this."
All of a sudden they heard a scream and a roar.
"AHHH!"
"Roar!"
Discord turned Fluttershy was being chase by Smug the Dragon.
"Fluttershy!?" Discord shouted and then turn to the green Smooze "Okay maybe this once."
He then transformed into a valiant knight. He then swooped down and picked Fluttershy before Smug could get her, carrying her to safety.
"Are you okay Fluttershy?" Discord asked
"Yes, I'm fine," said Fluttershy weakly
"Thank goodness...Wait," stated Discord confused, "What are you doing in Farasi?"
"Question is..." Fluttershy said with an evil smirk, "Will you be okay?"
She then transformed in to Queen Chrysalis.
"What?" Discord asked in confusion.
All of sudden Lord Tirek grabbed him from behind with his magic.
"Hello traitor" The red centaur before draining Discord of his Chaos magic.
Discord then fell to the ground powerless.
"You think I would have seen that coming." Discord said "But at least you did get my buddy the Green Smooze, and he's not going ptoo let you get away with..."
Discord then stopped himself after seeing they have already captured The Green Smooze in a glass jar.
"Oh you guys are good." Discord said "And by that I mean good at being bad."
"Fine," Catrina said sighting, "So what kingdom we are conquer next?"
"Glad you asked," King Sombra said with an evil smile, " Because now we have onlu onw last place to take over Equeatria."
"And how exactly do you plan to do that?" asked Catrina, "That wall of there's is inpenintrable, even tpfot the Titans.
"Don't worry about it," proclaimed Sombra, "Rest assured I have a plan in place."
Katrina glanced at her king, and then up at the statue he was fawning over.
"Just make sure you have your priorities in place," said Catrina, "I'd hate to see your army disappointed."
She then left her king to continue fawning over his statue.
Meanwhile back at Ponyville Hospital
Prince Shade was on a bed in the hospital recovering. Flash, Soarin, Cheese, and Twilight were by his side.
"What happened Shade?" Flash asked
"King Sombra..." Shade said trying to speak, "He took the Crystal Empire by surprise...It was terrible...I barely escaped with my life...and King Svadilfari...
"It's alright," said Twilight comforting him. "Your safe now, and King Sombra can't get to you"
"Thank you Princess," said Shade taking her hoof, "Seeing you here...That's already an improvement."
Twilight blushed at Shade's words. Seeing this was making Flash a little green with envy, but had no choice but to hide this feeling
"Not to interrupted," said Flash, "But how did you escaped?"
"Let's just say I'm more then just a unicorn prince," He said.
Meanwile in the streets of Tambelon
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, were trotting about with a notepad in hand.
"Okay girls," said Apple Bloom confidently, "It's time for us to start investigating Cozy Glow...And the first step to any investigation is asking questions.
"Cutie Mark Investigators are Go!" They all said together
"Cozy Glow," said First Base who was hanging out with Tender Tapes, Button Mash, and Rumble.
"She the most well behaved student in the entire class. She's never do anything wrong. You should be more like her Scootaloo"
Scootoo smacked upside the head.
"Cozy Glow bad," said Snips, "That's a good one. Here's another one, Sweeteie Belle once kicked a puppy!"
"Here's another one," said Snails, "I'm actually a genius."
"You really shouldn't believe the things Diamond Tiara says," said Silver Spoon, "I love her but she's always exaggerating..."
Silver Spoon suddenly turned to see Diamond Tiara right behind her. The pink filly dashed away, tears streaming down her eyes.
"Diamond Tiara, wait I can explain," said Silver Spoon chasing after her.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders sat together by the Tambelon fountain exhaust and out of luck.
"Well that's everypony in our class," said Applebloom looking over her notes.
"Face it," said Scootaloo, "Cozy Glow is the nicest sweetest pony in the entire world."
"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, "We should feel ashamed for ever doubting her."
"Excuse me," a famiar voice suddenly spoke up.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders turned their heads around to the other side of the fountain. There they saw none other than Cozy Glow speaking to one of the Royal Gurads.
"I'm doing a report oj the Royal Guard for school," said Cozy Glow, "I'm curious how does the wall mange to keep out King Sombra's forces at bay? It even keeps the Titans out?"
"I'm not really supposed to tell anypony," said the Guard scratching the back his head nervously.
Cozy Glow looked down at the ground sadly begin to tear up.
"Oh all right," said the Guard, "I guess I could tell a sweet thing like you."
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked at each other curiously.
"I don't remember miss Shimmer giving us an assignment on the Royal Guard?" said Sweetie Belle.
"She didn't," said Applebloom raising an eyebrow.
Later at the palace
Twilight, Flash Sentry, and Thunderlane were leading the rest of the Mane Six and Stallion Six, and Spike down the down a long hallway.
"Um, beg pardon," said Applejack, "but where exactly are you takin us.
"With the Crystal Empire now conquered," stated Thunderlane, "It's time we let you in on a little secret.
The ponies made it to the doors of the War Room, where King Nightlight, Queen Vlevet, Princess Candace, and Shining Armor and Shine Armor were waiting for them. The Kings horn began to glow opening the doors. The ponies entered, most of them amazed to see the Map of Equestria for the first time. High above the map a pitch black crystal floated the center of the room, radiating a menacing red energy.
Starlight, Sunset and Sunburst sat around the table waiting for them.
"This is the crystal Tikbalang gave to us," explained Sunset to the rest of the ponies.
"It radiates a magical energy that powers the force field around the wall," continued Sunburst reading his scrolls, "Tikabalang specifically designed it to repel uninvided guests."
"At this moment it is the only thing keeping King Sombra, his forces, and the Titans from getting in," finished Starlight.
The Mane Six and Stallions stared at the crystal in awe for a few moments.
"So why don't we power up this baby, and spread it across the rest of the Kingdoms," asked Rainbow Dash angrily.
"It only has a limited range," said Twilight matter of factly, "We can't overextend it's use."
"Well then," said Rainbow Dash, "Let's get out there and fight the Titans ourselves."
"No," said King Nightlight, "You ponies are need here to protect the Tambelon...We cannot risk losing the elements of harmony."
"So what are we going to do then?" asked Trenderhoof, "Sit inside the walls of Equeatria until we rot?"
"We've started assembling the Royal Guard," said Shining Armor standing beside Flash, "Together with the Full Force of the Wonderbolt's, we might just be able to fight Sombra Off."
"Your going to war," said Fluttershy looking at Thunderlane.
Thunderlane looked away unable to make eye contact.
"This is the only option we have left," said Flash stepping forward, "Twilight will take care of the Kingdom while were away."
Twilight looks at her friends, and then at the Stallions, a tear streaming down her eye.
Back at the Hospital
Doctor Horse arrived in Shade's room obly to see him getting up from the bed.
"Prince Shade," the Doctor said with concern, You haven't been given the 'okay' to leave the hospital yet.
"It's fine," said Shade putting on his Cloak, "I need to warm Twilight of something right away."
"But sir," instead to Doctor.
"There's a traitor in town," said Shade cutting him off, "I need to warn her before it's too late."
Elsewhere
Night had begun to fall on Tambelon. The Cutie Crusaders were following Cozy Glow to an unknown location.
"We really shouldn't be out this late," said Sweetie Belle.
"She shouldn't be out this late," said Scootaloo pointing a hoof towards Cozy Glow.
"Somethin' funny is goin' on around here.
As Cozy trotted down the street, the small filly suddenly crossed paths with a mysterious clocked Stallion.
"Were you followed," whispered Cozy Glow.
"No," whispered the Stallion, "You?"
"Uh-uh," said the filly.
The two of them ducked down a nearby alleyway together.
"Okay, she knows better than to talk to strangers," said Sweetie Belle in a huff.
The three Crusaders raced after them following them down the alleyway from a close distance. The fillies ducked behind a large barrel as Cozy Glow turned, pulling out a glowing Green Crystal ball. The flowing orb began to rising into the air above the the tow ponies. Suddenly it became engilfed in green flames, the sproutoing eyes, fangs, and a pitch black mane. The Crusaders were horrified as they watched the orb transform into the floating hesd of King Sombra.
"Cozy Glow..." the floating head whispered menacingly.
"Hail lord Sombra," the young filly said proudly.
"Son.." the Orb said glancing at the hooded Stallion.
"...Father..." the hooded figure said not looking proud to see him.
"How goes our progress on taking down the wall," Sombra said turning back to Cozy Glow.
"All is going according to plan," responded Cozy Glow proudly, "Thanks to by brilliant strategy we've already discovered the power source. Now we just need a way in to destroy it."
"And that is where you come in," Sombra said turning twoards the hooded pony.
The hooded stallion sighed looking annoyed.
"You have something to say..." Sombra said raising an eyebrow.
"It's just...I could be of much more use to this invasion" the stallion said to the evil King, "If you would allow me too.."
"You'll play your part I promise." King Sombra said "After all Princess Twilight, and her body guard Flash Sentry trust you son."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders watched in horror as the Stallion raised his hood, revealing himself to be none other then Prince Nightshade.
"Of course they do." Nightshade said "They did call me Shade for short, and I have been working very hard father. I deserve to be reward."
"Do this one last thing and you will be," Sombra said "Until then be patient and just enjoy yourself."
Prince Nightshade groaned as King Sombra vanished, the floating back down to Cozy Glow. Furors the stallion stormed out of the alleyway past the Crusaders, not even noticing them. The three fillies, nervously followed the two ponies as Nightshade he began to rant,
"I can't help it if ponies love my face"
"It's genetics! Yeah, my family comes from outer space"
"Peep the name, I'm magnificent"
"I put the "I" in "omnipotent"
"I'm passionate, I'm not petulant"
"Someone praise me for my benevolence"
Shade glaced back at Cozy Glow nervously as she raised an eyebrow twoards.
"Uh, just look, ha-ha"
"I'd give the clothes off Celestia's back"
"If you really needed that"
"I'd be the first one to volunteer Cujo"
"If your home were to crumble"
"Or if you were in trouble"
"I'd let you live in Tambelon free"
"And I don't even charge you rent"
"I clean up all your messes"
"And I'm always there when he need to vent"
"I give and give and give and give"
"You'd think they'd all be content"
"And all I really want is just a little respect"
Nightshade stomped his hoof in the ground engulfing himself in Green flames.
"And this is the thanks I get?"
"This is the thanks I get?"
"And this is the thanks I get?"
"And this is the thanks I get?"
The Crusaders watched in horror as Shade beagn to calm down
"You're so brilliant"
"Ah, that's the least you could say"
"There's more, admit it"
"'You're cute and strong and bold and brave,' thanks"
"See this kingdom? I helped build it up"
"And he still complains? Ungrateful much?"
"Mm, are you sure that his not the prob?"
"I'd love to see him try and do my job, oh-ho!"
"I completed fourteen missions last year"
"Come on, that's a high percent"
"And now you're questioning your Prince?"
"The disrespect I just underwent"
"You know I always got your back"
"Yeah, really though, it's no sweat"
"Since the day I was born and the day that we met"
Shade engulfs the entire street in green flames out of pure rage.
"And this is the thanks I get?"
"This is the thanks I get?"
"And this is the thanks I get?"
"And this is the thanks I get?"
Cozy glow rolls her eyes as Shade snatches the crystal orb away and starts harnessing it's magic.
"I didn't wanna do this"
"I swore I'd never do this"
"But I'm hypnotized by how this magics grip"
"'Cause I refuse to have our power stripped"
"A potion, a spell, a summon, a curse?"
"Anything to make the light reverse"
"To my dad, I don't wanna be tethered, but"
"Desperate times call for desperate measures"
Shade suddenly regains his composure snapping out of it.
"Brr, where was I? Oh, yeah"
"I'm traitor in this town"
"And still I remain unbent"
"If I just explained myself"
"I'm sure they'd know it's an accident"
"Well, whoever breaks that wall"
"Now, that's a wish well spent"
"Honestly, uniting you all should be worth every cent"
The streets are engulfed in green flames as Shade harness the power of the orb.
"And this is the thanks I get?" The crusades quiver watching from behind a barrel.
"This is the thanks I get?" Elsewhere Sombra's forces approach Tambelon
"And this is the thanks I get?" Twilight and her friends watch as Tambelon army assembles below.
"This is the thanks I get?" Flash Sentry begin nervously rounding up the troops.
"Oh, that is the thanks I get!?"
To Be Continued