Lost Ages - Prologue

Cadence woke early this morning, aches and pains forcing her out of her satiny bed. The Princess felt slightly sick, fragments of her nightmares still swimming around her head. She softly made her way into the pool of sunlight pouring in through the large window, her tossed mane shining golden around her weary face. She glanced back at the bed; her side was ruffled, but beside the mess, her beloved still slept. Shining Armor was everything she could ever want; sweet, handsome, good and loyal. Yet the old fear kept creeping into her heart every night she stayed in the Crystal Castle.

The alicorn sighed, padding across the carpeted bedroom until she sat in front of her full-bodied mirror. Swirls of gold and silver twine framed the mirror, curving into the shapes and stories of the many beautiful Queens long before her time. She lifted a hoof, touching it delicately against the frame, tracing the weaving coils of gleaming metal. Her ancestors all sat before this mirror at some time or another; each adding their own tale to the frame eventually. Thinking about it, Cadence wondered who the pony was that originally made it, and added on to it each time, or whether it was some intricate spell. Spellmaking was never the Princess's forte; she was an Empath, her talent lying in the art of emotions, love in particular. Cadence shifted her glance to her own reflection. This is who she was; Cadenza Mi Amore, Princess of the Crystal Empire, in love and married to an amazing stallion. Then what was so wrong?

She gazed into her own eyes, feeling the cold touch of fright sneak into her heart again. She was afraid of being afraid. Once she came back home, even after destroying Sombra and reclaiming her Kingdom, the memories started fading back. Through nightmares, and daydreams, she faced the distant, ancient truths of her Empire, and the secrets of her throne. The reflection frowned, the alicorn's eyes haunted and strange. She loved Shining Armor overwhelmingly, but now she almost regretted it. She could deny it all she wanted, pretend like everything was fine, but she knew it was just a shallow lie. Her purple irises stared back at her, accusingly. Her first and most important duty was to the Empire now.. as much as she loved her husband, he would have to come second. She just wondered..

Cadence sighed heavily, pulling back her curly locks and closely examining her face. Her innocence was almost completely erased; now she wore the regal expression of a Queen, serious and sad. She forced herself to smile, but the mocking grin in the mirror only made her more upset. She straightened her back, assuming the posture of royalty, her wings clasped tight against her sides. No matter how much she looked the part, Cadence knew in her heart she was not a Queen yet. Or if she ever would be.. what was a Queen really like, anyways? Or a King? The questions echoed in her head, and she looked over her shoulder at the unicorn shifting in his blankets. After all, what even made a King? For now, at least, her husband would be safe.

The Princess turned back to the mirror, slumping with defeat. She could keep him safe for now, but what if the Crystal Ponies desired a King? A Queen? Would she grant their request, or ignore the call of the crown? She speculated if the ponies of her Kingdom even remembered the old curse. She herself only remembered the last few days. There was much to repair and reclaim in her Kingdom; one thousand years of tyranny, all of these subjects living far beyond their own lifespans to service black magic. Although all seemed bright and cheery on the outside now, she knew that these ponies were far more damaged then she could imagine, and they needed her; a righteous leader, who would lead the rest of their lives in peace and tranquility. Her reflection looked forlorn, tired. She had to carry the weight of an entire ancient Kingdom, something she'd been preparing for as long as she could think of. Still, Aunt Celestia kept many tales from Cadence about her Empire, and would never speak of how she came to be in Equestria in the first place. In fact, all she knew about herself was that she was heir to the Crystal Throne. Nopony told her how, or why. She scrounged her memories, searching for any hint of a mother or father. All her mind's eye could ever summon was Sombra's evil eyes, staring at her with such hatred and jealousy.

Suddenly Cadence looked up, violet eyes meeting their twins on the silver surface. As an empath, she knew the feel of different emotions quite well; and in her deep, dark memories, Sombra's glare was, indeed, jealous. Furiously jealous, as if she herself embodied everything he could ever desire for himself. The implications were vast, but they still solved nothing. All she knew was that Sombra had been King, and she was just a Princess.

"Cadence? Love, come back to bed with me for now... I miss you by my side.." Shining Armor's gentle, drowsy voice tugged at Cadence's heart; she gave her old mirror one last glance, and returned to the royal bed. Her stallion looked up at her from under the silk sheets, his eyes warm with sleepiness and love. He pulled her against him, snuggling her happily. She felt her insides light up again with joy, the feeling of her husband's close body reminding her to enjoy what she had. She figured she could rest her eyes a few more minutes; she could stress and ponder the rest of the day away, but for now, she'd just appreciate Shining Armor's embrace.

 

Lost Ages: History of the Crystal Empire

Chapter 1 : Love at First Sight






There; that was it. The last bit of dust was officially removed from the shelves, leaving their bounty of books shining and waiting for eager hooves. Sombra smiled to himself, feeling pleased with the success of his task. The library was his haven, and he loved keeping it untarnished and peaceful. When he was in here, surrounded by hundreds of different tales, endless spells, and secret knowledge, he felt as if time itself stopped. The unicorn always strove to keep it that way; never was a book out of place unless it was being used, every table and chair were carefully polished, and the walls and windows always shone with their own inner light. This was how it always should be, he thought.

The charcoal foal gripped his featherduster in his mouth, making his way down the ladder. It was placed in its little shelf, neat and tidy. He bumped it closed with his hip, and picked up a particularly large tome he'd been browsing throughout the day. Just as he settled into a plush chair, however, he was interrupted by a loud crash. He sprung from his seat, staring, as a middle-aged yellow mare struggled to stop herself from crashing into a bookcase. The carpet beneath her snagged a hoof, and down she went, bringing down a couple hundred of the Queen's records. Even worse, the cascading books didn't miss the delicate vase sitting on a vanity nearby, which cracked violently against the floor and fell into shards. Sombra gaped, at a complete loss for words. The pony shook her head a few times, and picked herself up.

"Phew! What a close one! That vase could've totally hit my head! Wowee, I'm lucky!!" The mare chuckles, and happily approaches Sombra, a bounce in her step. "News for you, sir. Your aunts are coming to visit, and for good reason too! Queen Serenade has given birth to the heir!!" The pony grinned enthusiastically, weaving an arm through Sombra's. "You know what that means, right, sir? You have a little sister! You must go see her, you must!" The pony dragged Sombra from the disaster scene that was his library, talking her ear off all the way.

"Oh, you've just got to see her! I was the first one there when she broke her water, you see. I'm no nurse, or handmare, but I know a thing or two about filly-birthin, since I have two fine kiddos of my own. See, there's Amy, well, her whole name is Amethyst, but she hates being called that. And then there's Cerulean, but she's like her sister and insists I shorten her beautiful name to just Lea. Can you believe it? I spent hours picking their names out, all to waste. I guess its a fad these days, I never know with fillies any more. Oh! But anyways, the Queen was actually holding her morning Court, sitting there fine and dandy, when she suddenly cried out! She didn't listen to any of the doctors, no, she didn't. They would've had her in bed-ridden months ago, if she weren't the Queen and could send their heads flying at the word. She cried out, and I rushed to her, and said, 'Queen, are you alright?' She didn't answer me, but she did grunt a little. Well, it sorta sounded like, 'I want eggplant,' but I'm fairly sure that's not what she said. Well, you never know with pregnant mares, they do get the strangest cravings...."

On and on and on it went. Sombra eventually tuned her completely out, his mind still reeling from the news itself. A sister? That meant.. of course it did. She would be Queen someday, and Sombra would be completely forgotten. When he was much younger, he was lavished with love; he could still recall the sweet smell of his mother's mane, and his father's gentle wing curled around him. If he thought really hard, he could even remember being taken for a short flight around the castle once. It drove his mother mad with worry, and both him and his father received a lot of lecturing, but it had been worth it. Then the wars came, and his father hardly came to the castle. When he would, Sombra followed his every step, craving his father's attention. Occasionally, the pegasus would lean down and nuzzle him, and give him a smile, but his eyes no longer held the joy they used to. Sombra didn't fully understand what war was, but he knew that he hated it for changing his beloved father.

Eventually, the day came that the King simply never came back. Sombra was never sure the official day his father died, but the moment he realized he would never return was immortalized in his memory. It was about a week after he had last departed, and only a few days after the news of his passing. Sombra had spent hours outside on a balcony, gazing outside at the sky's unending orb. As night came, he watched Luna rise, and the stars seemed to be her tears spilled for his father. He broke down, and wept his heart out under the moonlight.

Sombra was yanked from these sentimental thoughts as he was brought to a sudden halt. The amber pony cleared her throat loudly in his ear, bringing him back to full attention of his surroundings. They had traveled a few dozen steps, making their way into the grand throne room. It was crowded with all of the Crystal Court, glimmering ponies decked in all their elaborate finery to greet the new royal heir. The shifting, shining colors dizzied Sombra for a moment, and he struggled to breathe. He was always terribly awkward in crowds. His aged companion shouldered rudely past the countless ponies, and he stumbled over choked apologies as he trudged past them.

Finally, the motley pair made their way to the center of the throne room. A ornate filly's bed sat in the center of the marble floor's starburst, Sombra's elegant mother bent over it. Her deep, auburn eyes glowed with warmth, and they were glued to the infant's face. Sounds of soft cooing drifted from the carriage, as well as the scent of new laundry.

Sombra slowly cantered forward, his heart caught in his stomach. The elder pony stayed back, thankfully, and he stepped closer until he was at the edge of the filly's bedding. He leaned down, strangely curious to see the small, brand-new Princess. She was beautiful, despite the curdling feeling in Sombra's guts. Her purple eyes blinked at him, round and full of bright innocence. Her pink and cream locks resembled his mother's, and she chewed the edge of her blanket cutely. He couldn't help but smile, as a bubbly, overwhelming emotion welled up inside. The little filly grinned back, her eyes echoing the unconditional love his father once had for him.

"I'm glad to see you, Sombra," his mother's sensuous voice brought his gaze upwards, meeting her dark stare. "Her name is Mi Amore Cadenza.." She smiled, nuzzling her son for a moment, before leaning lower to shower her infant with kisses. Sombra watched, and backed up a step. In Crystalline, her name meant My Love, Cadenza. The foal frowned solemnly, wondering what that really interpreted into. If Cadence was his mother's love.. where did he stand?

The throne would never be his. That much was clear. Then what was Sombra's purpose? All he dreamed for was his mother's attention. She would be busy training the new Princess, raising her to carry the entire nation. In the meantime, Sombra would have to find some other way to coexist with his sister. He wouldn't let her outshine him completely. The foal took another step back. After all, he was expected to follow his father's steps, to become a powerful and respectful leader. He had to protect his mother and sister, and maybe if he would do that well, his mother would finally be proud of him. The war wasn't over, and it wasn't waiting on him to grow up any more.

The little dark unicorn stepped back once more, and suddenly turned around, galloping away as fast as he could. A sparkling tear fell from his scarlet eye, and he sniffled, struggling to hold back the rush of emotion. He had to start now, and never stop. Training and learning, until he could be worthy of his Empire. After several long minutes, the foal found himself within the refuge of his Library, and he kicked the doors shut behind him. The mess sat accusingly in the middle of the room, and he panted, staring at it in unbelief.

His glow of violet magic swirled around the room, sweeping up the shattered vase and returning every book to its home. The carpet un-scrunched itself, and the bookcase was inched back into place. Sombra gritted his teeth, and pushed aside his comfy chair, narrowing his eyes at a tiny lock set in the crystal wall. He grunted, as a thread of violet energy entered the mechanism, and shifted it subtly until it clicked and opened. The wall rippled, and folded back, revealing an opening into a small, low hallway. Sombra grinned, and trotted through, coming into a giant room. It was several times larger then his little Library, but served the same function; its walls were covered in endless shelving, neverending books calling out to the pony below. He breathed in the musty smell of the ancient room, and buckled down to his near-impossible task. The little, grey unicorn would spend the next couple of months in this chamber, buried into hundreds of tomes, consuming vast amounts of knowledge. Sure, he'd slowly grow weak and hungry, but the occasional visits outside to test his spells were enough to eat and stretch his limbs. He knew it would all be worth it, in the end.

 

Thankies ^.^ I figured it'd be something new and deep to write about. I've been wondering about the fate of the Crystal Empire for a while, so I figured I might as well make it up, as canon as I could.

 

Lost Ages - Chapter 2: Knowledge Before Wisdom

Chapter 2: Knowledge Before Wisdom







Sylvia Strongheart soared past the shimmering columns that circled the Queen's Court, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She skidded to a stop before the grand throne, where the Queen struggled to rise for her servant. The concerned alicorn knelt, nudging her faithful General up. The griffon climbed to her talons, her tattered wings outspread around her to counter her unbalanced hold on the ground. Her resplendent armor was dented and scratched, but she rose her head proudly for her leader.

"My most Honorable Queen, our troops have been pushed back. The dark magic is just too much; you must send for Starswirl, or we will lose the Emerald Wing. Our soldiers are losing morale, and I cannot blame them." The aged Griffon slumped against her Queen, her wounds throbbing painfully. Serenade nuzzled her old friend, her creamy wings encircling her as a soft, golden glow grew around the duo. The Griffon sighed as magic pried away the thorns of anguish from her spirit. Twisting, incandescent light pulled away the dark threads of an evil spell, and Sylvia sighed in relief.

"My dearest friend, I have healed you, but I must ask you against my deepest wishes to return to our forces. They need your guidance in their darkest hour. We will have to give up the Emerald Wing; the lives of our soldiers are not worth that tower. I have already sent for Starswirl, but he will arrive on his own time, as you are aware." Serenade leaned back onto her throne, drained from the complex healing magic. The Queen had dark circles beneath her eyes, from endless wakeful nights. The war had gone on relentlessly, leaving her no time to rest and gather her own strength. After all, her people depended on her to keep the Crystal Heart aflame.

Sylvia stood taller, testing her weight on shaky limbs. Satisfied, she stretched, and appraised her Queen with a doubtful look. "You realize this is the turning point, My Lady."

The somber Queen nodded, collapsing back into the throne. Her wings folded back around her hunched shoulders. "It is all we can do to survive, Sylvia. We both know this. There is no use wasting our efforts on wishes." She sighed heavily and straightened herself. "At least the Crystal Heart is still within our power. Has Azeztulite returned from her mission?"

She referred to the secret weapon of the Crystal Kingdom; the Crystal Heart's true Guardian, an ancient creature woven with powerful magic that even Queen Serenade herself didn't fully comprehend. Upon the King's death, the ageless Pegasus had awoken, greeting the much-surprised Queen with a swear to demolish the forces that presented any threat to her or her kin. With that solemn promise said, the stately Guardian bowed low, and turned to disappear into the endless skies.

Ever since, the Queen had sweated with worry about what destruction she might have unleashed. It was said in the old stories that Azeztulite was responsible for destroying entire cultures that had given the Crystal Kingdom any threat. For that reason, the Empire hadn't been approached with violence in centuries; at least until another heir was required. Once a King was married into the royal line, she would take her place in the chamber of the Crystal Heart, a frozen, dignified statue, waiting for her time to wake again, and bring vengeance to any who opposed the Queen.

Sylvia curtly shook her head, her eyes widening at the mention of the Guardian. "I have, however, heard word of her doings. Those captured speak of a ghost warrior, who has been causing strife in the heart of their homeland. I can only hope that she will make a difference in this forsaken war." She bristled her wings, eager to be off and beside her waiting soldiers. "In any case, I must be off. When Starswirl arrives, send him to the frontline as soon as possible." With a bounding leap, the Griffon caught a strong drift and glided into the frozen air.

Serenade watched wistfully as her trusted General vanished. She wished she could do something more hooves-on to help with the war, but she knew better then that. She was needed right where she was.

Soft hoof-steps sounded, and she looked up from her dejected thoughts. A dark stallion approached, and it almost took a heartbeat for her to recognize him. She saw her children so scarcely, that she hadn't been very aware of her first-born aging so quickly. She blinked as he stopped before her. He was tall and proud, with a broad chest, strong shoulders, and intelligent eyes that took her in with a searching gaze. His mane was swept back in an ebony wave, and he looked much more confident then she remembered.

"Greetings, Mother." He bowed low, sweeping a hoof out in front, and rising back up elegantly. "I spied the General on her way here. Is everything faring well with the war?"

Serenade slumped a little more, the stress of it all weighing heavily. She tried to detect a shred of contempt or arrogance in Sombra's tone, but she knew he was only asking an honest question.

"It has not, son. We have lost the Emerald Wing, or will soon. We are awaiting Starswirl's arrival, to aid us in this time of desperate need." She gazed up into the open sky, as if the wizard would appear among the clouds.

Sombra almost failed to hide his surprise, his tail twitching involuntarily. He composed himself, and cleared his throat. "Starswirl the Bearded? Himself? Surely he will be happy to grant us help." He paused, expecting his mother to fill in the awkward silence with conversation. When she didn't, he stepped a little closer.

"Of course, Sylvia should be capable on her own. Can I ask why we've recruited the help of a mage? After all, wouldn't he know next to nothing about the likes of battle?" He stopped short, hoping his questions seemed to be only out of his natural curiosity. In truth, he was probing for sensitive information, but he wasn't sure how withholding the Queen would be.

She seemed to shrink in her throne. Luckily she was too tired to wonder. "Of course he does, my son. While the magics of warfare are ugly, he is quite versed in them. Such is the way, if one is to preserve freedom." She gazed off, lost in her own inner turmoil.

Sombra almost danced in place. She had given him his answer. He acted casual, however, and hid his enthusiasm beneath a veneer of nonchalance. "How intriguing. Well, let's hope that he arrives soon. I would so love to ask him questions about a book I've been reading lately."

Serenade turned back to him, a small, familiar smile gracing her tired features. "Oh, Sombra, you've always loved your books. I'm sorry, but he most likely will be busy with the war."

He feigned disappointment, lowering his head and frowning. "Ah, well, you're right, Mother. He wouldn't want to be bothered with such a trivial thing. Ah, if only I had half the wisdom he did. Thank you for the visit, Mother," he added, before turning and trotting down the hall. He could barely keep from breaking into a run, as excited as he was.


Sombra made his way through the intricate hallways of the Empire. Servants wilted away as he approached, and he cast every pony he walked past a challenging glare. Since his mother's withdrawal into her Court, busy as she was leading the war, Sombra had been exuding his influence over the subjects of her kingdom. He made himself the main attraction to any function, hosting great feasts and parties to assure his relationships with higher officials and nobles. He called it tending his spider-webs; every string could communicate something different and new about the various corners of the kingdom. He was rarely unaware of any going-ons in the palace. Information had proven to be the young Prince's most valuable tool; he used it to build bridges, to intimidate, and to generally exert his power over every aspect of the kingdom. Starswirl's arrival, however, had caught him unexpected, and he had much web-tending to do to prepare. After all, this could be the golden opportunity the youth had been waiting for.

For the last decade, the Prince had been training himself diligently. He had devoured through the many libraries of the Palace, and he was extremely adept at using many kinds of magic. Yet he prided himself on using his magic only as a tool, instead of a handicap, to compliment his intellect rather then limit it. Nearly all of his accomplishments had been through his own wit, rather then coercion. He hid his ambition beneath humble and powerful words, always acquiescing to his Mother's authority, and scraping beneath her military. To them, he was merely a shy and curious young foal still, too caught up in dusty old stories to present any sort of problem. Meanwhile, he created his webs, underlying the foundations of power within the kingdom. His web was as invisible as a thread, yet as strong as steel, and he would soon put it to the test.

He trotted up a spiral staircase, his bearing proud and tall. He summoned his usual fur-trimmed cape around his shoulders. He had taken it off to appear small and youthful before his Queen, but he had started donning it as a symbol of his self-worth. It reminded him of all the accomplishments that he had done to create himself, and shape his fate. He smiled with self-satisfaction, and quickened his pace up the stairs. A recently acquired tome awaited him, something bought for a large sum from the far and desolate deserts the the east. He had been promised spells of vast power, and he hungered to solve the secrets within the sun-baked pages. He had been reading it for the last two days, but had become stuck on a rather stubborn riddle meant to protect weak minds from the spell-forms. The war being a constant distraction, he had been unable to solve it, but he was determined to unlock it this night. A flicker of magic licked his spiraled horn at the thought, and he shoved the door open with anticipation.

He froze at the jarring sight. A handsome, dark blue unicorn with a wide-brimmed hat and satin cloak stood before his marble desk, a hoof casually changing the page of his text. Sombra started forward, angry accusations rising into his throat, until his voice cracked. The wizard turned to look at Sombra, his yellow glare pinning the younger unicorn in place. The tiny bells adorning the brim of his hat chimed quietly as he nodded his head.

"Pleased to meet you, young Sombra. I've heard much of you, and I'm not very surprised to find many of those rumors true." His abrupt voice made Sombra's stomach turn, like those times long ago when his father would scold him over some small wrongdoing. He suddenly felt ashamed and small in the great wizard's presence.

The sandy tome floated forward before Starswirl, encased in the blue-violet light of his magic. The rune-puzzle that Sombra had so struggled on glowed and shifted on the page, clicking into a suddenly identifiable rune that left him astonished. It was so easy; all he had to do was-- The book snapped shut, dust billowing from its pages. Starswirl tucked it into his robes, one eyebrow lifting as he examined Sombra's face. "This is much too dangerous for a wizard as young as you to play with. In fact, many of these books are, but I am too late to recall them from your memory. Foals these days. Son, you are a badger attempting to swallow an ox." He stepped forward, the bells ringing faintly. "Be careful which tomes you pry open, young Sombra. You may lose yourself within them."

He stepped around the dumbstruck dark stallion, every step creating a small song. Pausing in the doorway, he smirked over his shoulder. "I know not what plans you are plotting, young Sombra, but do not underestimate me. I am no castle servant, or even a soldier. I am far more aware then you perceive yourself to be. And I promise, any subversive activity will be noted. Do not underestimate me." The door swung behind him, pulled by a thread of his indigo magic.


Sombra felt as if his hooves were cemented to the floor. He silently raged, writhing with inward fury. Subversive activity?! Starswirl knew next to nothing about him!! The stallion suddenly bucked into the air, unleashing his fury in a violent kick. His marble desk cracked with a loud pop, the force shuddering through his body. All the young stallion wished was to protect his Mother and sister, after all. He could never do that if he was a helpless, mindless foal. Power was the only way, he was sure of it. He grit his teeth, his eyes glittering with the flame of injustice. How could Starswirl accuse him like that? He would prove him wrong, and prove everypony wrong about him. He was a good Prince, and an even better wizard. He would put his web of influence, and his spells to the test soon, very soon.