Life changed for everypony. For Ponyville, for the Crystal Empire, and for every life in-between.

Once a quaint and somewhat isolated town near the heart of Equestria, Ponyville had transformed into a stunning metropolis as the days grew into weeks, and the weeks into months. At least, the beginnings of a metropolis. Ponyville now seemed to be in a constant state of steady growth, expanding further, growing taller with its infrastructure, and strengthening its populace every single day.

All of this was due to the relocation of the Crystal Empire’s refugees.

With the destruction of the Crystal Empire following the Battle of the Three Kings months ago, the thousands of innocent lives were left without a home to return to. Discord was the first to bring them into a safe haven after he successfully evacuated the Empire, but it was Princess Twilight who decreed where their new home would be.

And as such, she gave her brother, her sister-in-law, and her niece a new place to call home. Her old castle became the beacon of light for the Crystal Heart to dwell, and the ruling thrones of the Crystal Empire’s royalty.

The effects of this relocation were immediate. Ponyville was empowered by the Crystal Heart, its magic and unity with the Crystal Ponies giving a beautiful, crystalline flair to the town. The magic flowed from Twilight’s old castle, now deemed as the Castle of the Heart. Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and Princess Flurry Heart ruled righteously and peacefully from within. The hierarchy of Ponyville did not change much. Mayor Mare still had her say, still spoke for the ponies of Ponyville, and nopony was neglected.

In fact, the introduction of the Crystal Ponies brought a new age of prosperity to the quaint, little village. Being the first of many advancements, the village grew exponentially. Humble brick and wooden houses stood alongside rising crystal towers and mansions. Infrastructure, notable statues and artwork, along with new festivities and entertainment skyrocketed Ponyville’s stance on the world market. Construction jobs were aplenty. Work was everywhere to be found. The economy swelled and only continued to grow.

It seemed Ponyville had become a smaller version of the Crystal Empire, but still retained its identity, never truly losing it, but merging it logically and naturally with the Empire’s