A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Royal Lessons: Crystal Heart

Season 3 premiere part 2 everypony! Too Many Pinkie Pies is up next!

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Things now seemed to be going from bad to worse now that the shield was down and the cloud was slowly consuming everything. Malibu backed away, shaking, when hearing Sombra laughing menacingly.

"The Empire is under attack," Shining Armor said in worry, nuzzling Cadence, helping her stand. With his love, Cadence was able to once again shoot out her shield, managing to kick out Sombra who roared since part of his horn was chipped off.

Malibu smiled when the friendly skies returned thanks to the shield though it greatly weakened her again, struggling to stand up. Shining Armor looked determined. "I have to find the Crystal Heart," He stated.

That really stunned Malibu at the idea that Shining was willing to risk himself for an Empire he had never ruled before. Twilight shook her head. "No, you stay here with Cadence. She needs you, Shining Armor. Me and Malibu will retrieve the heart."

She and Malibu both ran down the stairs. Rainbow Dash followed. "Let's do this!" Twilight was thinking some more too. "I've been trying to figure out how we're meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there's something else you can do."

Rainbow grinned. "Name it!"

"You and the rest of our friends have to keep the fair going," Malibu then instructed, Rainbow's eyes widening at that. "What? With that thing moving into the Empire?"

Twilight spoke up again. "If the Crystal Ponies find out that King Sombra is trying to take over the Empire again, their spirits are gonna be anything but lifted. It won't matter if we find the Crystal Heart, they won't be able to make it work."

Malibu and the others ran outside. "And that is why you have to keep them happy here at the fair," He instructed further. Rainbow didn't like it still but she knew her coltfriend knew best. "Keep the fair going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!"

She soared away towards where the fair was, as Malibu and Twilight heard Shining Armor call to them. "Guys! Be careful," he called. Malibu nodded. "We will."

While running about the fair, Spike had heard what was going on and ran after the two. "Guys, wait! I'm coming with you!"

Twilight shook her head. "You can't. We have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by ourselves." Spike then folded his arms. "I kow. I promise I won't lift a claw to help you."

Malibu raised his brow. "Pinkie Promise?" He asked. Spike nodded. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" He then said, putting a fist on his closed eye. He and Twilight then said he could come.

Spike rode on Twilight while they ran back to the castle when Twilight had a realization. "Where are we going exactly?" Spike asked.

"Well, Twilight and I might have an idea where King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart," Malibu explained to him.

"The castle?" Spike then said. Twilight nodded. "The king would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here. They'd have been too afraid to even try."

Malibu though had sparks of worry. "I really hope this is true," He said shakily. Twilight agreed. "You and me both." They went inside the castle, racing about trying to find it minus Spike while Dash and the others struggled to keep the other ponies away from the fake heart.

"It's gotta be here somewhere!" Twilight said in frustration after Malibu looked through a closet but found nothing. He spotted Spike lifting up a rug.

"Not a claw, Spike!" He snapped, Spike grinning nervously. Twilight kept muttering under her breath until they noticed the throne, and Malibu suddenly remembered what Celestia said before.