Comet's Tale

The dark tendrils of King Sombra's shadow form rushed across the frozen wasteland toward the Crystal Empire, bringing with them an unnatural chill that seemed to freeze the very air. Darkness spread before him like a living carpet, extinguishing light wherever his essence touched. His red eyes gleamed with malice as he approached the now-vulnerable city, his smoky form accelerating with anticipation.

"Yes," he growled, his voice like gravel being crushed underfoot. "At last."

Just as Sombra was about to cross the threshold into the Crystal Empire, a sudden pulse of magic rippled through the air. The protective shield shimmered back into existence with a brilliant flash of light, slicing through the advancing darkness.

A piece of Sombra's twisted horn was severed clean off as the barrier reformed, falling to the snow with a soft thud. The dark king recoiled, his shadow form writhing in agony as he released a bone-chilling roar that echoed across the frozen north.

"ARRRGGHHH!" The sound was primal, filled with both pain and fury. His red eyes narrowed at the Empire, hatred burning within them. "This... isn't... over!"

Back in the palace, Braeburn released the breath he'd been holding, his shoulders sagging with momentary relief.

"That was close," he said, removing his hat and wiping sweat from his brow despite the chill in the air. "Too close."

Comet Tail observed Shining Armor kneeling beside Cadence, the stallion's face tight with concern as he supported his wife. The princess had managed to summon enough strength to restore the shield, but at great cost. She lay trembling on the crystal floor, her mane limp, her breathing shallow.

Before Shining Armor could speak, Comet stepped forward decisively.

"Stay with Cadence," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "She needs you more than we do. Twilight and I will go look for the heart."

Shining opened his mouth as if to protest but then nodded grimly. "Find it quickly," he said, looking back at his exhausted wife. "I don't know how long she can keep this up."

Comet turned to Braeburn, who was adjusting his hat back onto his head. "It's up to you and the rest of the elements to keep the spirits of the crystal ponies up," he explained. "The higher their spirits, the stronger their magic, and the stronger the crystal heart will be. We need time."

Braeburn's green eyes hardened with determination. "Say no more, partner," he replied, tipping his hat. "We'll keep 'em so happy they'll be sparklin' like Cheese at a party supply store." He galloped off to rejoin the faire, already calling out to Soarin and the others.

As Comet and Twilight prepared to depart, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"I'm coming with you guys!"

They turned to see Spike rushing toward them, his small claws clenched in determination. The young dragon skidded to a halt in front of them, slightly out of breath.

"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed. "I thought you were helping at the faire."

"I was," Spike replied, "but when I saw Comet and Braeburn galloping back to the palace like their tails were on fire, I knew something was wrong. So I followed them." He crossed his arms stubbornly. "And now I'm coming with you."

Comet Tail frowned, adjusting his glasses as he considered the small dragon. "It's too dangerous, Spike. We don't know what we're going to encounter down there."

Spike's expression didn't waver. "We're brothers, Comet," he said, his voice unusually serious for the typically jovial dragon. "There's no way I'm doing nothing when my family needs me." His eyes narrowed. "And don't try to talk me out of it because it won't work."