//------------------------------//
// Den of Shadows 
// Story: Diary of a Mad King 
// by Strange Harmony 
//------------------------------//

	As the moon descended across the horizon, the sun began to make its grand entry in the celestial stage, completing another rotation in the perpetual cycle. The sun's radiant rays spread across the empire, bathing the landscape with warmth not usually present in this region of Equestria. Thin sheets of ice resting on top of the tents and equipment began to slowly melt. However, against the thick blanket of white frost covering the bygone buildings, the sun’s rays only caused a sharp contrast, creating an almost lurid glow.

*****

The flaps of the tent were slightly parted, a result of the battering wind of the night. From the opening, light penetrated the tent, landing right over Amber's body, making her golden coat shimmer. Moving her left hoof to her mouth, she yawned, silently, before opening her eyes. The bright light was alien to Amber. Ever since the team had departed from the mystically sunny realm of the crystal Empire all they had known was grey and blinding winds. Amber was in the process of creating a beautiful mental picture of what the ruined Empire might look like under a different light when a grim thought possessed her thoughts. Remembering the entry of the king, a wave of desperation and worry washed over her consciousness, making her feel weak with sadness. Another feeling introduced itself. Uncertainty, uncertainty for what she had read, uncertainty about the accusations King Sombra had made against the princesses and their subjects. Her thoughts were a maelstrom when she realized something weighty rested on her stomach. Looking down, she saw Relic’s right foreleg extending over her stomach, and turning to her right revealed her coltfriend facing her, still asleep. Her heart began to pound, blood rushed to her face. Only once before had they shared sleeping space. Months ago, in a remote corner of Equestria. She remembered that expedition very vividly, as the usually cool and collective Relic Wonder acted like a complete buffoon around her, not knowing what to say or do, not even knowing how close to her he should get, remembering that always made her laugh. Never before had they slept this close together. She didn’t even remember falling asleep the previous night. Suddenly, her pounding heart began to calm, and she noticed something. His heat, Relic’s heat, the same presence that had been there last night as they embraced...and had always been there, she had just never fully appreciated it. This warmth made her feel secure, comfortable, and dispelling the thoughts of Sombra. Calming down, she realized how comfortable she actually was and even tried to move closer to Relic, as she felt herself drift back to sleep someone bellowed.

“Wake up ladies! Rise and shine! it’s six o’clock and it’s a beautiful day!" The clamor seemed to resonate throughout the entire empire, and just as it had plenty of times before, it awoke everyone who heard it.

Amber felt Relic stir, and retreat his foreleg. Don’t Move! She almost felt like yelling. “Uhh,” complained the Stallion. “Is he crazy? does he always have to wake us up this early?!”

“Come on!” continued the robust company leader from outside, “You guys know I’m crazy when it comes to new expeditions. Now get your flanks out here on the double, oatmeal is served!” The order was greeted with slothful protest as the team members began shifting about. Relic himself stood up, picking up a brush to comb his short mane and tail. Amber simply sat up, feeling cold once more, and slightly disappointed. 

Placing the brush on the counter they shared, Relic turned around to ask something when he noticed Amber’s crestfallen expression. She appeared desolate, as if something she was enjoying had been taken from her. Biting a coat from where it lay folded, he walked to her and placed it on her shoulders. Then, sitting behind her, wrapped his forearms around her, and placing his head on her shoulder said, “You looked kind of cold there? I hope this helps.”

Amber felt a wave of warmth wash over her body, as well as her consciousness. Appreciating what Relic was trying to do, she gently rested her head against his, and for what she wished could have been an eternity, the two simply rested. As she began to drift off to sleep again, the loud voice of Granite boomed, “Relic, Amber! Where are you?!”

The two simultaneously grunted, laughing when they realized it. “Alright,” Relic started, nuzzling Amber. “Let’s not keep the beast waiting,” he joked as he stood up and offered Amber a hoof. After helping Amber up, Relic gave her a warm smile, and began leading her out into the beaming snow.

Much to their delight, the sun rested proudly on an almost impeccable sky, beaming down and returning some life to the decaying empire. In this type of atmosphere the scene taking place at the table in the middle of camp almost appeared like the ideal family picnic, but much to Relic’s annoyance, it appeared that Golden Globe had already gotten his breakfast and gone back to his tent. 

Relic and Amber joined Mira on one side of the table, parallel to Lime, Prime, and Quake. They observed as their friends sluggishly consumed the oatmeal, waiting for their perspective portions.

Relic felt his eyelids flutter, and constantly yawned,  catching his head several times before it hit the table. Quake appeared to notice this and chuckled to himself before saying,  loud enough for everyone to hear, “You sure look tired Relic. Were you busy last night or something?”

Embarrassment began coloring Ambers face, and as Relic noticed he cursed the thoughts that had kept him up last night...along with Quake. “Enough,” started Relic, irritated. “Not all of us can pig out on oatmeal like you and right after crash without a care.” Relic knew Quake wouldn’t take the insult seriously, and just like he expected the brown Earth Pony simply returned his attention to the oatmeal, an amused grin plastered on his face.

Sensing the souring atmosphere, Mira decided to intervene, “Relic! Lime and Quake here filled us in on what you and Amber discovered about Sombra.”

“That they did,” said Granite. A couple of feet from the table, there was a modest fire, and suspended over it was a pot. Relic scooped oatmeal into two bowls, and placing the bowls on a tray he balanced on one hoof, began walking to the couple. “Today, I expect  great breakthroughs, from everyone. Now eat up, the weather here is unpredictable and I don’t want to waste any good daylight.”

“Yes sir,” responded everyone, with varying levels of sarcasm. Granite nodded in approval and retreated to his tent, hoofsteps leaving behind dents about two inches deep in the snow. 

After Granite departed, breakfast progressed silently. Relic groggily lifted the spoon to his mouth, listening to his friends eat and occasionally asking for something to be passed. Looking around the table, he noticed that everyone seemed well rested, with the exception of him. Even Amber had gotten a pleasant night sleep, despite of what she had read. Remembering how Mira had fallen yesterday, he was about to ask her how she felt when a strange sound surprised all of them.

A meter from the table, a rat dug itself out of the snow. It’s black fur rustled in the wind while it sniffed the air.  “Wow!” exclaimed Lime stone, resting his spoon in his bowl to observe. “I would have never thought any animals inhabited this region. The weather is extreme and food seems scarce after all.”

“Hmm, only you would care about rats,” commented Prime, sounding bored. Mira kicked him under the table, scowling in disapproval. “I didn’t mean that to be an insult,” replied her brother sheepishly. “Lime knows that, right?” he asked, turning to the unicorn. Lime, however, appeared to not have even realized what was happening behind him. He simply stared, along with everyone now, at the rat, as it made its way across the snow. 

“What do you think it’s looking for?” questioned Quake.

“Food.” stated Lime, ripping a piece of some bread he had and throwing it at the ground. The rat seemed to notice and dashed for the bread. “To survive here he must live in a den underground, and obtaining food must be a tedious task, so why not make his job easier?” continued Lime, enthusiastically following the vermin with his gaze. Less than a meter from his goal, the rat greedily scampered for the discarded piece of bread when suddenly, the ground directly in front of him erupted upwards, revealing a wicked pair of fangs. The group of friends -excluding Trench, who had a grin on his face- winced as they observed a hairy spider sink its fangs into the rat. The rodents sickening shrieks filled the air as the spider claimed its victims life, dragging the body back into its previously concealed den. Mira raised a forehoof to cover her mouth and pushed her bowl away, grimacing. Lime Stone turned back, looking slightly disturbed, “Well...that’s nature for you.”

“Survival of the fittest,” Quake said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” whispered Lime. Shaking his head, he continued, louder this time, “Alright guys, I think that concluded breakfast this morning. Now let’s go get ready, Granite is counting on us.” Excusing himself he began walking away, “Oh, and don’t worry about your dishes, Granite said he would take care of those.” After him, Trench wished them all good luck before leaving with Prime, seemingly discussing “the spiders awesome hunting technique." Looking a little sick, Mira departed to her tent, leaving Amber, Relic, and Quake at the table. 

“I think I’ll go prepare our saddlebags,” offered Amber, standing up, “I’m sure you want to talk to Golden before we leave for the day again.” 

“Thanks,” responded Relic, “I’ll be there in a second.” As she walked away, Relic followed her with his gaze all the way to their tent. It wasn't until Quake cleared his throat that he looked away, blushing. Locking eyes with the stallion directly in front him, Relic rubbed his right eye as he said, “Listen Quake, I really didn't get a good nights sleep, so I’m not in the mood for your teas-”

“Relic,” said Quake in a tone so concrete Relic opened both eyes to look at him. The earth ponies eyes appeared dead serious as he continued. “I’m sorry if I honestly upset you earlier, but you listen to me here. You have yourself a wonderful mare. Amber is beautiful, kind, intelligent, and independent, don’t you forget that. You need to treat her like a princess you hear me? There are countless stallions who wouldn't hesitate to give anything for someone like that, don’t screw this up.”

Relic was astonished “Wait, Quake, I already knew all of that, so why tell me? Also, will you ever stop teasing us? I guess it’s entertaining but you can overdo it sometimes you know?” 

Quake’s ears perked up. He thought about Relic’s inquiry, and couldn't really come up with an answer. “I don’t know, I guess I’m a bit jealous,” he said, standing up, “and don’t worry, I’m not referring to Amber. I’d say more of your luck, plus, someone needs to remind you of what you have every now and then. As for the teasing, don’t worry, that’s all it is, teasing. Besides,” he said chuckling to himself as he started walking again, “I know you’re not bold enough to go that far.”

Relic sat, simply staring after the Earth Pony, still not sure of what had just happened. I’ll never understand that guy, he thought to himself as he stood up and walked to his tent. When he passed the area where the spider had come out of, he looked down, noticing the snow had not been re-positioned. What he saw, made a feeling of dread sink into his stomach. Were the spider had emerged from, thanks to the sun, he could see a tunnel leading deep into the earth. But even with the suns help, he could only see so much. Eventually, there was only black, and the den appeared to be bigger on the inside than one would expect. Simply thinking of what the spider must be doing to the poor rat at that moment made his stomach turn, and he continued walking. Looking at the sky, he noticed several large clouds moving in, like a grey curtain gradually working to block a window during a clear summer day…

The heavy doors opened against Relic’s mass, revealing the old but still florid great hall Relic and Amber had been mesmerized by yesterday. Relic stood aside, motioning for his marefriend to go in first. 

“What’s the matter?” Amber laughed, “Is Relic Wonder afraid of a dark castle?”

Grinning to himself, he followed her inside, but not before turning around and noticing the steadily darkening sky. Leaving the heavy door opened, he turned around, and just like yesterday, marveled at the sight before him. Moving next to Amber they stood by the entrance, gazing at the ornate decorations that covered every inch of the room. The sound of their hooves hitting the cold stone echoed in the massive room, and a steady stream of air seeped in from the shattered windows. Just like yesterday, Amber unfolded her wings, slowly flapping them as she often did when feeling trapped. While the castle appeared the same, something was amiss. The air yesterday had been filled with wonder and excitement -at least for Relic- but now it felt heavy, even sad. Sombra and Umbra, from the various portraits hanging on the enormous walls, seemed to be looking at them, blaming them, and the entirety of Equestria for what had transpired in the empire. 

“Somehow...being here isn’t as enjoyable as it was yesterday,” commented Relic as they reached the stairs leading to the smaller chamber.

“Something doesn’t feel right Relic…”said Amber, as they walked up the stairs. “I-I don’t know what I’m trying to say but it’s like the castle doesn’t want us here, if that makes any sense...”

Truth was, Relic also felt uneasy, in fact he had felt this way ever since he peered into the spiders den, an unexplainable feeling of anxiety. “Don’t worry Amber, as long as I’m here, there is nothing to worry about remember,” Relic said, doubting his own words. “Besides, nopony has been here for millennia, what could possibly reside here that could hurt us?” While neither said it, the diary of King Sombra pushed it’s way into their thoughts as they entered the boardroom with the interactive map of Equestria. “Hey Amber,” started Relic, determined to lighten the mood, “Want to see the room of King Sombra?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure Relic. I don’t really-”

“Oh come on, you have to see it. The room is absolutely beautiful, and you get a great view of the Empire!” 

“Well….I guess,” replied Amber as she let herself be dragged up a set of stairs to a long corridor. Upon observing, many doors could be seen trailing down said corridor. The first door seen when coming up the stairs stood out, as it was trimmed with gold and other impressive decor.

Reaching for the golden handle, Relic excitedly instructed Amber before opening it. “Alright, now I want you to stand right there,” he motioned to the stone floor directly in front of the door. “Are you ready?”

“Can you just open the door?” she asked, feeling impatient. 

“Alright Amber, prepare to be amazed!” exclaimed Relic, pushing the door.

“Aaaaahhh!” shrieked Amber.

“Well that’s not the reaction I expec-” Relic’s heart skipped a beat as he peered in. The ornate room from yesterday was gone, and in its place was a destroyed mess. The frame of the canopy bed was demolished, littering what had yesterday been a  neatly folded bed with wooden debris. The window overseeing the entire empire stood shattered, allowing a vicious current of air from outside to seep in, battering the couple and the room with a cold stream. Dust, spider webs, and detritus littered every inch of the room. The mirror resting on the dresser was shattered and the bottles of perfume in no better condition. Relic tried to move, or say something, but his muscles wouldn’t let him, all his attention was on the ghastly sight. 

From behind him, came the sound of Ambers quivering voice, “Relic, what...what is that on the floor?” 

Looking down, Relic saw what she meant. A liquid as black as coal had spilled out of the room and now covered his hoofs. Lifting one up, he noticed it was completely dry, making confusion, alarm, and fright spread throughout his entire body. “Amber,” he said as he backed out of the liquid, “I-I...I think we should get out of here…”

...Spontaneously, the mysterious liquid dissolved faster than the eye could follow across the corridor. Startled, the two simply stood, trying to process what had just happened. Relic was about to grab Amber’s hoof and run when he felt something. Looking up, his fears proved true as more of the liquid seeped through the stone and fell upon him. More and more of the liquid fell from above, causing a wave of panic and bewilderment to freeze the couple in place. 

SCREEEEEEEEEE!

A directionless earsplitting screech bounced of the stone walls, sounding like a piece of steel dragged across stone floor and sending a chill down Relic’s back. “Run!” he screamed, and snapped Amber out of her own shock. Following her down the stairs, he turned around and was further confused to see that the fluid wasn’t making it’s way down the stairs as it should. A little relief passed over him before hearing Amber scream. Before he knew it, he had ran headfirst into a wall of smoke, and now stood seemingly surrounded by pitch black. “Amber!” he screamed, swatting the smoke around him. They should be in the boardroom, but it was impossible to determine when he couldn’t even see his own hoof. At least, he comfortingly discovered he could still breath. “Amber?!” 

“Relic! f-follow the sound of my voice! I found the stairs to the great hall!”

Doing as instructed, Relic almost tripped on various objects before feeling Ambers hoof wrap itself around his. Now standing with her on the stairs, he looked at her, with a smile, and opened his dry mouth to speak when the smoke from the room rushed down the stairs, startling them. Alarmed, Relic ran down the stairs, only to be mortified by a horrible sight. Save for the windows and the entrance -which remained open- the entire grandhall was black. There were no liquids, no smoke, only black. The carpet covered stairs gave way to what should be the floor, but it was covered by the mysterious black substance. 

Amber joined Relic, only to react in the same way. Unable to comprehend what was happening, she turned to him, choking out between gasps, “What...what do we do?”.

Unable to answer, Relic simply stared back, thinking of something, but nothing would come.

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Came the horrible sound again, as if answering the dumbfounded couple. 

Prompted by the earsplitting sound, the two ran down the stairs, galloping at the speed only possible through adrenaline. Relic felt his heart pound against his chest as he touched the black floor, unsure of what would happen. Beads of sweat trickled down his face as he turned around to make sure Amber was following; however, the sight that met him was unexpected. Amber threw herself at him, knocking them them both into the floor. Shocked, Relic was about to question her when he saw the reason for her actions. Impaled into the ground, where he had just been, was a single black thorn like object that seemed to have dropped from the ceiling. 

“Relic, get up!” screamed Amber frantically, pulling him up.

Before climbing to his four legs, the sound of several objects cutting through air pierced his ears. Grabbing Amber and pulling her down into the ground, he braced himself for whatever might happen. *CRUNK-CRACK-THUMP* came the sound of breaking stone. Feeling Ambers still breathing body under a foreleg, he opened an eye to see what had happened. A gasp escaped his mouth as he saw several more thorns of varying sizes virtually surround them. He could feel Ambers beating heart, which had harmonized with his own. As well as her trembling body, which shook no less than his own. Breathing heavily, he simply laid there, unsure of what to do. Through openings in between the masses that surrounded them, he could see the still open door and snowfall outside. With newfound determination and adrenaline he softly said, “Amber, get ready, I’m going to break through whatever is in front of us.”

“What?” she asked picking herself up, worry etched into her voice. “How exactly are you going to do that?”

Without a word, or a thought, Relic took two powerful steps forward and threw his body against the wall of thorns. Expecting to collide against something solid, he was surprised when he kept going and landed on the black floor outside the circle they had been encased in. Sprawled on the floor, mouth agape, the confusion was soon dominated by urgency. “RUN!” he screamed. 

The clip-clop of hooves soon reverberated in the hall as Amber ran through the seemingly solid wall and continued at full speed to the door, followed by Relic. The whooshing sound of splitting air could be heard behind them, almost instantaneously followed by the sound of splitting stone. Nearing the entrance, Amber lunged forward, landing on the courtyard snow, where there appeared to be no sign of the shadows. 

Biting one of the iron handles, Relic began pulling the doors together, the strain becoming clear on his neck. Amber was making her way to help him when she noticed something. From the slit that was now the entrance, an extension of the being inside the castle shot out, shaped like a blade, and made for Relic’s chest. 

"NO!” she screamed as she rushed to him. Unconsciously, she jumped, and pushed Relic out of the way. A sharp, cold pain on her chest immediately followed. Her numb body fell on the steps, and shock paralyzed her as she saw her blood reden the otherwise unblemished snow. In that instant, the wind seemed to howl and cry. As if the blood had reminded the empire of a dark memory long forgotten, long buried, long concealed by snow. 

“AMBER!” bellowed Relic, horrified. Pulling the door shut, the bloodied sword silhouette vanished into thin air. Taking of his saddlebags, he bolted to her sides, cursing his lack of medical expertise. The sight of her blood agonized him, and everything felt surreal as he looked for the smoke signal Lime had given him. Finding it, he frantically looked for his box of matches and lit the fuse, throwing the object a few meters away, to not be covered by the soon to be tower of black smoke. 

“Hold on Amber, stay with me!” he pleaded, looking for a scarf she had given to him as a present. Tearing it with a bite, he folded half of it into a solid square. Then, gently forcing off her woolen sweater braced himself to see the wound. It was on her chest, and even though it hadn’t cut into anything critical, it was deep enough to cause considerable bleeding. He gently picked her head up with one foreleg, and with the other, applied pressure to the dagger sized wound. “You’re going to be alright,” he shakily whispered, “we just need Lime to get here.” Feeling helpless, the scenarios he had tortured himself with the night prior seeped back into his consciousness. Thoughts of Amber being gone, never seeing or hearing her again. Tears welled into his eyes, and he nuzzled the weeping mare. “I’m sorry…”

"Relic...I never want to go back in there...please..." she cried softly...feeling her consciousness blur…