> Shattered Harmony The Corruption of Twilight > by NightmareTRXY32 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Deception > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A thousand years ago Sombra was defeated by the Princesses Celestia and Luna. He never forgot that day, the day that he lost his entire Kingdom to them. Even though he had warned Luna during their fight that Equestria would see many foes in the coming centuries, there was one he never told her he foresaw, the one that foresaw who among them would become his queen and help him retake what once was lost. Even before she was born, Twilight would have a role to play in the coming century, even her hero and idol Starswirl had been aware of the same prediction that Sombra had come to. That this Unicorn would be elevated to Alicorn status by one of the princesses, and that she would hold the future of the land in her hooves, albeit good or bad. In all his wisdom, even the Great Starswirl the Bearded could not see the storm looming on the horizon of Equestria's future. It was something that would haunt the unicorn Wizard for his remaining days. He also could not have foreseen the dangers that he himself had created when he made a Master Time Travel Spell. A spell that would one day fall into the hands of a misguided and troubled unicorn. A Unicorn by the name of Starlight Glimmer. But alas Starswirl could not see the inherent danger that was to come with such an undertaking. Celestia believed she was grooming Twilight for leadership as her future heir. What she couldn't have foreseen was that Sombra would use her student as a pawn in an Ancient Prophecy. Celestia would come to see the dangers of dark magic herself as well as the intoxicating effect it would have on Twilight. Although Celestia had no idea that she too would become corrupted by its taint, She came to the realization that it would corrupt her student and friend. There would also be one more tragic consequence before all of this was over. Of all the creatures in the world, Sombra was the most dangerous of them all. He used fear, intimidation, and brute force to get what he wanted. And what he wanted was the Crystal Empire. And now he had seen the means to regain it, but it would take time and patience to achieve that goal. By the end not only would he regain his Kingdom, but that of the whole of Equestria, and all it took was the marriage and mentoring of 3 ponies. But no one could have seen the destruction that would result from one powerful Alicorn, one that was the Element of Magic, and also a Princess, being tempted by a book that spoke of the power of Dark Magic. And in doing so her life, and not only that of her 2 friends would never be the same. There's an old saying: Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Just outside of Ponyville Twilight woke up and noticed she could barely see five feet in front of her, let alone stand on her own 4 hooves. It felt it had been days since she had seen the sun, let alone the sky. Twilight could not let herself get distracted, though, she had to find a way out of here. She called out into the darkness to see if there was any pony else in here with her. "Twi.Twilight?", she could hear faintly echo from the darkness. She could tell by the softness of the tone that it had to be Fluttershy. Twilight used an illumination spell to see if it was her and to light the way for them to find a way out. "How did you even get in here?", Twilight asked her friend. She was supposed to be at Applejacks helping with the chores around the Farm. Twilight couldn't let herself get side tracked, or panicked in front of Fluttershy. " I was, I was on my way back to my cottage when I felt something hit me in the thigh. I felt a bit groggy, but when I woke up I found myself here, with you calling out in the darkness." , She told Twilight. Now that the Illumination spell was active, they made their way around the building looking for the Exit. It looked like an abandoned factory on the out skirts of Ponyville. Twilight remembered seeing it once when she first moved to Ponyville but thought nothing of it until now. "Where are we?", Fluttershy asked. "I'm not sure yet, but it feels like that factory on the outskirts of town." , Twilight told her. "But I do know that we need to get out of here as soon as we can." She continued. She Turned around in time to see a cyan colored pegasus with a Rainbow colored mane, fly towards them out of the darkness. She was hoping it was somepony else, mostly the pony she'd been dating for a month or so. But she knew deep down that she'd still see him again. It was guaranteed, from something cryptic he told her on their last get together. "Rainbow Dash?!!?" , She hollered, as she pulled Fluttershy out of the way. "No time to explain, we need to go. Now." , Rainbow Dash told her Alicorn friend. The Blue Pegasus swiftly showed her friends the exit for the building. As soon as they got outside Twilight turned to Rainbow and asked her again. "Now answer my question. What the hell is going on Rainbow." , She stated again. "It's Pinkie." , Rainbow Dash explained. "What about her?" , Twilight said. "She's gotten it in her head that one of us could be a Changeling." , the Cyan coated Pegasus looked at the ground before answering Twilight's query. "What!?!", Twilight said in shock. Why would Pinkie Pie think that of all things? "She was gonna trap whoever she suspected of being one in the factory. ", Dash told her in a worried tone. Twilight decided that they needed to confront Pinkie Pie, and set the record straight that none of them were changelings. She decided they'd pick up Applejack and Rarity and then get to the bottom of this. As they neared town, she told them she needed to check on something in the forest. He was right where he said he'd be. No one, not her friends, or even Celestia could foresee the danger that was to come. This mystery pony she was meeting was, in fact, a certain shadow pony that she thought she could "reform". Both had spent enough time together to realize they were in love with each other from the first moment they met. " I knew you'd be here." , she told him, blushing a bit. "Did you bring the book?" , he asked her. "Yes. but I have to hurry." , She gave him the book and kissed him on the cheek before leaving the woods. Everything is going to plan, he thought to himself. Soon she would be so deep in love with him that She'd be forced to choose between her friends and ruling all of Equestria by his side. > Enemy in the Midst > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack and Rarity had gone to Sugar Cube Corner to meet up with Pinkie Pie. They had no idea of what she had to done to Twilight and Fluttershy, until now. As they rounded the corner, AJ spotted Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy walking towards them. Twilight told Applejack what had transpired earlier. Something made Rarity a small bit uneasy about it though. When Pinkie asked them to meet her there, she was cryptic about it. "Seriously?", AJ said with some skepticsm. "I know she's not lying, it's pretty convincing what she told me.", Twilight expected AJ to give Pinkie the benefit of the doubt. Not today. "Let's go talk tah Pinkie Pie and see what all this fussin is about.", She said with that southern drawl of hers. The door to the buidling was wide open. All of the them walked inside, albeit cautiously. As soon as they were inside the door slammed shut on them. " WHAT are they doing here, Dashie?", Pinkie had a tone of Paranoia in her place of her Energetic voice. Even Twilight could tell something was creepy about the way she asked Dash that question. "Their not Changelings Pinkie," Dash said with absolute assurance. Something wasnt right though Twilight thought to herself. The room was filled with a sense of cold fear. Twilight was about to speak when Pinkie started to explain why she did what she did. "I know that now, Rainbow," She said with a more relaxed tone. "I figured out who it might be after i put Twilight and Flutterhy in that factory," She looked at Twilight, and Twilight knew from that look that Pinkie was feeling extreme guilt over doing something like that to 2 of her close friends. "Its ok Pinkie, we all forgive you, go ahead though and tell us who you think the changeling is," Twilight's voice reassured her friend that all was forgiven. "I think it might be one of the CMC ( Cutie Mark Crusaders)," Pinkie said with a breathe of relief. From the look on Applejack's face, one could tell she wasnt going to have any of it. "Are You Accusin my sister or one of her friends of being one of those things?!?," She raised her voice a bit as she spoke. "I know for a fact its' not Applebloom AJ.", With that out of the way She noticed Applejacks demeanor relax a bit. "I think it might be Scootaloo actually.", when she looked towards Rainbow Dash, the glare RD gave was very noticable. "Really?", Dash told Pinkie. You could tell that there was a hint of contempt laced into her tone. "Dashie...", Pinkie started to speak, but Rainbow Dash cut her off mid sentence. "There is no way that Scoots is a changeling. If she had been, i wouldnt of did what i did a week ago." Rainbow Dash was trying to mask the joy she was feeling for what she did last week. It was something that she had never considered until meeting Scootaloo. Now was a good a time as any to make that Scootaloo was given the best care and better yet, a future. " What are you saying Dashie?", Pinkie and the others were a bit confused as to what RD might of been trying to imply. Scootaloo was her adopted sister, Twilight thought. She wouldnt blame Rainbow for wanting to defend Scootaloo's honor, whatever the truth held. "Im adopting her.", Dash told her friends. "I put in the paper over a week ago.", She continued. Twilight then got the sense that they werent alone in Sugar Cube Corner. "Ya'll wanna know who the Changeling really is?", came a familair voice. Out of the Kitchen came three small fillies. The Mane six turned to see Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo standing in the doorway to the kitchen, with a rope in Applebloom's mouth and a small black mass tied up on the floor behind her. While all that was occuring, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked at each other, the latter with a smile beaming across her face. She heard what RD had told the others and was overcome with joy. "How?", AJ looked at her little sister somewhat perplexed. "Well, Sweetie and i noticed a change in Scootaloo's behaviour. Like she seemed really distant or something.", She told them. "We decided to follow her one and saw what comfirmed our suspicions.", Sweetie chimed in. "The Real Scootaloo had been tied to a tree at the edge of the EVer Free Forrest.", Applebloom contiued explaining. "We' untied Scootaloo when the imposter left the forest and headed back to town.", Sweetie Belle explained. Twilight walked over to where the changeling was tied up on the floor and kicked it to wake it up. The thing cocked its head to one side and stared at her with crystaline Greenish hued eyes. "You....", the changeling sputtered out. Huh?Twilight thought. "If i hadnt been discovered you'd be dead right now, you purple bookworm.", She could tell there were hints of hatred in its voice. This thing must of been part of Chrysalis' invasion force during the siege of Canterlot. Even all this time later there were still mysteries surrounding how Chrysalis had managed to sneak in and impersonate Cadence so well and fool everypony, all except for Twilight. "If it werent for you and Cadence, we'd of conquered Canterlot by now, and not be starving.", The changeling directed all the rage it was feeling towards Twilight. She could tell thing wanted nothing more than to get Revenge against her for her part in defeating Queen Chrysalis. " You tried to invade our kingdom, and you tried to hurt my friends and loved ones.", Twilight spat back at the Changeling. "We couldnt just stand by and do nothing", it hissed,"Your Monarch She knew that this 'thing' wasnt at all responsible for its actions, but it didnt have a choice at anything else. It had been taught since birth that love and friendship were signs of weakness, that the only way to get something was by force. She actually felt pity for it... right until she heard it's cold buzzing voice tell them what it's orders had been. "I was ordered to get as close as i could and impersonate one of your' students. and when the time came, to Kill you without hesitation. I was to make it look like the orange one had done it in a fit of Jealous rage.", That's when she could tell that it gladly excepted the mission without question. Twilight was torn as for what to do with this thing. They couldnt just let it go, not with what it knew. There was only one recourse. She'd have to kill it. Halfway across Equestria. Damn them, she thought to herself. No one humiliates the QUeen of the Changelings and lives. All she could think of was how close she had it. She realized she had become over confident and underestimated the power of Cadences' love for Shining armor. She did take pleasure in one thought, though. For a moment she had become more powerful then Celestia. Then Chrysalis thought to herself. Was Celestia power Weakening? She put these thoughts aside to focus on the one thing that mattered most of all. Revenge. And not just revenge against Twilight and Cadence, but revenge what Celestia had done to her beloved almost 1,000 years ago. Back then Chrysalis was entirely different creature then what she is now. She was actually a pony at one point in time. And not just any pony, but a queen. And an Alicorn. Then the unimaginable happened. Her husband was overthrown from power and through the spells of a certain unicorn Wizard she was turned into what she is now. There had been moments since then that she could turn back into the pony she once was, but those moments were becoming harder to do. IT was almost as if the spell had been written to prevent her from doing such. To prevent what Starswirl had done to her to ever see the light of day. She was still a queen and she still had her subjects to look after. But little did the changeling queen know, or anypony else realize, was that Sombra wasnt really dead. And that he was hatching a plan to take all of Equestria out from under Celestia's nose. And that the plan involved her prize student. If he could bring Twilight under his sway with the offer of marriage and reformation, he could get close to Celestia and eliminate her without breaking a sweat. But there was one thing that none of them was counting on. He and Twilight were in love with each other. He knew about her inquisitive nature on the subject of magic. And he used it to his advantage as much as he could since his return. He sought her out and started courting her with the belief that she was the only one that could reform him, personaly. They had reformed the Lord of Chaos, Discord into using his magic for mostly good, then why not with the King of Shadows. At least thats what he let her think. No one had accounted for the fact that he could store his essence into his horn and still be able to use a Ressurection spell when the time came. Sombra had never really loved Chrysalis, he saw her a pawn that he could use. And her used her pretty well, well enough that she could no longer survive in the Crystal Empire without drawing suspicion. That and the Crystal Ponies would never trust her again after what had transpired between the two of them. His Ressurection spell had drained him of most of his magic, so he decided that there was only one pony in all this land that could help him recover it. That pony would be Twilight Sparkle, and she was about to become his strongest ally, and his only true lover. But Even he couldnt of forseen the dangerous path that he was sending her down. Back in Ponyville. "So what do we do with this thang?", Applejack looked at Twilight and could tell she was thinking of something , but it wasnt gonna be pretty. Twilight walked over to the changeling and with one thought, killed it right then and there. She had used a mind spell that she had read from a very old book. The same very old Book she had given to her "lover" when they met in the woods prior to coming here. If Chrysalis had learned of what was happening between Twilight and Sombra, she of killed one or both of them, probably the first because of her 'History' with Sombra. Twilight realized that Chrysalis would become aware of her scouts disapperance and either forget about it or send more. Twilight didnt realize the Queen would do the first, and just up her timetable for the Invasion of the Crystal Empire. Sombra didnt know either. And in a way that benefited him. They'd be too distracted to see an attack from inside Canterlot, let alone be able to stop him. The Crystal Empire. It was a clear day in the empire, there was a cool breeze blowing through the courtyard. Cadence was asleep, with Shining Armor sitting on the throne for her. One of the Crystal Guards came rushing into the throne room. Shining could tell that the news he carried was most dire. The pony tore his helmet off his head to reveal a large scar across his left eye and there were scorch marks on his left half of his face. "Queen Chrysalis is making a move against the empire." That certainly was bad news, but that wasnt the last piece of it. Shining could tell from the look on this stallions face that something much worse was coming. "Sombra.... isnt dead.", The Crystal guard stuttered.. "He did this.", The pony said, referring to the scars on his face and neck. "there's more isnt there?", Shining Armor asked. " Before i got my bearings back, he said something about searching for 'That purple Unicorn'. I think he may go after your sister Twilight.", The guard told Shining Armor with some hesistance. Shining Armor knew he had to find Twilight. He also felt the need to inform Celestia and Luna that Sombra wasnt dead, and that the Changelings were making a move against the Crystal Empire. He went back to the Royal cottage and told Cadence he had to go see Celestia about something, she knew he couldnt tell her what it was about, just that it was important. He boarded the Crystal Train and caught the next ride to Canterlot. Out of all the thoughts screaming through his mind, the only that stood out the most was the news about Sombra. He had to warn Celestia about him. But nothing could of prepared him for the news he'd receive from the Royal Sisters. Princess Celestia was in her dining room with Luna, when Shining Armor came in. "What's wrong?", She could immidiately tell that something was troubling him. She could also feel the tension in the room grow. "I just received news that Sombra may still be alive.", he felt as if a small weight had been lifted from his chest after saying that. "One of the Crystal Guards also said that he might be looking for Twily.", He left out the part where the Gaurd tried to scuffle with Sombra, out of the fact he could that he didnt want anyone to know foolish something of that nature was. Then he noticed the way Luna was observing both of them. Celestia gave her sister a nod and with that the worse news ever unfolded in front of him. " Tirek escaped from Tartarus again." Luna had a distant look in her eyes when she spoke those words. Every thought that Shining Armor had been thinking up until now, came to a sudden crash. His sister was the one responsible for putting Tirek in his place. And she didnt even have the powers now to stop him a second time. I.. I have to find Twilight." with those words he rushed out of Celestia dining room, and out of the Palace. He had told the conductor of the train to wait for 15 minutes and that he'd be back in that time. All he could think of was finding his sister. Thats the only thing that mattered as of this moment. He had to find her and warn her of what was coming. It was about two o'clock in the afternoon now when he finally arrived in Ponyville. It had taken less then 2 hours to get from Canterlot to the Ponyville Train station. He caught sight of her walking back to her Castle from Sugar Cube Corner. "Hey Big Brother, what are you doing in Ponyville?", She asked him with curiousity. She was a bit surprised to see him so soon, but not that she wasnt happy to. She could also tell something was up with the look in this eyes. "I have bad news Twily, i think your friends will want to hear this as well.", He told her as they walked back to her castle. "What's so bad you had to come and tell me in person?" She asked her brother. He could tell she was wondering why was it so important to come in person and not through sending a scroll. When they got to her castle her friends were also eager to find out what this news was. "Sombra isnt dead Twily.", Her brother thought the life would drain from her face after hearing that news, What he didnt know was that she already knew. Hell she was dating him for pony's sake. But that wasnt the worst part of it. "Chrysalis is attacking the Crystal Empire.", He wasnt sure how she would also deal with the fact that Tirek had escaped from Tartarus again. He decided to wait awhile to tell her that part. She could tell that he was keeping something from her after telling her about Chrysalis and the Changelings. But what was it she wondered. ; "There's more isnt there Shining Armor.", The tone in her voice was laced witih concern. "I dont know how you'll handle this, but Tirek escaped again.", This time the life did drain from Twilight's face. She looked like she was gonna faint. That piece of news was overwhelming at first. Some of their most dangerous enemies were returning to exact some form of revenge. Twilight knew she wouldnt be alone in this. She not only had her friends and her brother, but she knew she could count on her "lover" as well if she had to. She just didnt know how to break it to her friends and Shining Armor that she had the misguided idea to try and reform Sombra. Especially when she could feel that both of them had fallen in love with each other. She decided that they'd tackle the matter of Chrysalis' invasion of the Empire first before dealing with Tirek. What none of them realized was that there was already an enemy in their midst. Her name was Twilight Sparkle. End of Chapter 1 > The Coming Storm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Coming Storm “Im coming for you princess Twilight”, Tirek thought to himself. That’s all he could think about. It consumed his every thought. He had been so close to having it all. He stopped and thought about Discord for a moment. He realized it was a mistake betraying him, if he hadnt theyd both be ruling Equestria right now. For once in his life, Tirek Actually regretted that decision. He decided that he would seek Discord out later. For now he had the Changeling Queen’s proposal to consider. She was offering an alliance in return for his helping her conquer the Crystal Empire. He didn't realize that he'd never get the chance. But Discord would still find out though from an unlikely source. Tirek had a feeling that somehow he might not be around the next day. He couldn't place it, but something was telling him in the back of his mind that he was going to die today. He told one of Chrysalis' changelings to go and seek out the lord of Chaos, and to tell him that Tirek regretted betraying him. The Changeling shimmered with magic and took the form of a small pony, and then ran off in the direction of the forest without Chrysalis noticing. The changeling got on the next train heading to Ponyville at the Crystal Train Station without being questioned. For all they thought this was just a pony going home, none of them realized it was a changeling for Ponies sake. When the train finally reached its destination the small 'pony' got off and headed towards Fluttershy's cottage. Discord was there tending to the animals when the creature approached him. He turned and glared at it. The Changeling didnt bother to change its form at first, but it did when Discord threatened to turn it into a bucket of carrots for Angel Bunny "There's no need for that," It replied, " I have a message from lord Tirek. "That wretch of a Centaur is supposed to be locked up," Discord stated. "He escaped,"the changeling started, " and he wanted you to know that he does regret his actions towards you the last you two were together." Tirek regreted betraying me? Discord thought for a moment. But more over, that sly dog escaped again. The lord of Chaos mused to himself. But what Discord didn't know before now was that Sombra was still alive and that Twilight was playing into the King of Shadow's hooves. He would see it for himself soon though. And with that the Changeling retook its pony form and left the cottage. While that was going on, Tirek was being addressed by Chrysalis' and her plans. In a show of good faith, she let him steal the magic from some of her forces. As Tirek did this he could feel his Strength returning. He had no idea that Princess Twilight would be arriving at the Empire to confront them. He also didnt know that she had been Corrupted by King Sombra. “You have a deal.”, he told Chrysalis with a sly grin. He listened to her plans with a noticable interest. He also knew not to repeat his mistake he made with Discord for a second time. As they made their plans on how assault the Empire, Tirek noticed something out of the corner of his. IT was a Grey crystal pony approaching their location. He looked and saw that Chrysalis didnt seem concerned. Then he watched as the pony shimmered with magic, to reveal a changeling. “Our Scouts have reported that Twilight is indeed here in the Empire, My Queen.”, The changeling said with a hiss. “Even better than i hoped.”, Chrysalis mused. Inside the Empire. I Cant Remember what happened in September, when everything is gone Where is everypony? What happened when i became so alone.... Twilight couldnt stop thinking of what her brother had told her when they were in Ponyville. She also wasnt sure how he would handle his sister sleeping with the King of Shadows. She couldnt stop thinking about Sombra though. Her brother had in his head that he’d come after her for revenge. She... was in love with him. Something came to mind. Something that never dawned on her until now. She would be a Queen next to him. With rule over millions. A voice started speaking in her mind. Still cant remember what happened when everypony died Just that something really strong came out of this world... The voice was faint but grew stronger. Why Revenge? a voice spoke to her. Twilight looked around the room, but there was no pony else there but her friends and her brother. My Brother thinks its Revenge that Sombra’s after, not me. She thought to herself. Then she felt a chill run down her spine. the voice. the voice was coming from within her mind. Who are you? She thought again. Who do you think i am? it said cooly. Wait... it cant be. Twilight realized that it was her voice, but there were traces of a dark and discordant tone. It was the dark magic she had practiced. the dark magic inside of her. Think of what you could achieve if you just.. gave in. Gave in and took what was rightful yours. You know what Sombra wants from you dont you? the voice spoke. We’re in love, and he wants.. me to be his queen. she replied back, mentally. You’d also have the power to defeat Tirek and Chrysalis on your own. the voice informed her. She also realized she’d be powerful enough to RIVAL Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. She could feel it now, the power growing inside her. Soon, she thought to herself, soon there would be no one to Oppose them, TO OPPOSE HER. Now i remember what happened in September... This worse than what i knew... Im the one that killed them all I SURVIVED AFTER THE FALL..... “Are you ok Sugarcube?”, Applejack looked at Twi, and could tell something was wrong. Twilight began to crack a wicked smile, and AJ noticed. The room they were gathered in became as a cold as a Crypt. She couldnt place it, but Applejack knew something was way off about her friend. As she began backing up, Shining Armor and the others began to take notice of the change in Twilight’s stance. His heart was on the verge of shattering into a million pieces. Thats when he noticed her eyes. Her irises became green with wisps of purple smoke trailing out the sides of the eyes. The Twilight they knew would be no more. Everypony in the room was in shock. Twilight could literally feel the power surging through her now. It was unbelievable the strength of the dark magic coursing through her, filling her essence with undescribable amounts of energy. “Spike.”, Shining ARmor whispered. “Yes?”, The purple dragon said without drawing Twilights attention. “You need to get Celestia and Luna here as fast as you can.”, Shining Armor said in a hushed tone. Spike managed to sneak away without Twilight hearing or seeing him, and penned a message to the Princesses. It read ‘Come quick, Twi’s in danger. She’s being overtaken by Dark Magic.’ And with that he sent out the message in a puff of green smoke. Celestia was preparing for bed when she received the message. There had to be some mistake she thought. Just in case she summoned her sister, then both Luna and Celestia flew to the Empire as soon they could. It was hard for Luna to believe that Twilight would toy with something was dangerous as Dark Magic. Twilight was a good student and a dear friend to both of them. What had driven her to pursue such a dangerous course of action? Then a possible answer came to Luna’s mind. What if Twilight thought this was the only way to battle Tirek and Chrysalis? No matter what happened in the next few hours, the fate of Equestria wasnt the only thing at risk. Even if Tirek and Chrysalis were defeated, there was still Sombra to deal with. But, what would become of Twilight afterwards. Could she be reformed after her use of such magic, or would she be banished, never to step hoof in Equestria again. Then she came to a horrific conclusion. What if SOMBRA was behind her use of Dark Magic. She couldnt bare to tell that to Celestia, to find out that her friend and former student had been defiled by the King of Shadows would of broken Celestia’s heart if not her mind. Luna decided not to tell her sister that Twilight had been defiled by that monster. They were half way to Crystal Empire now. Luna hoped that when the got there, the situation with the Tirek would be resolved at least. Twilight’s demeanor continued to change, and not for the better. Twilight stared at Applejack and just smiled wickedly at her. The Voice continued to speak in the back of her mind. You now they’ll never accept your love for him. They’ll try to reform you, and make you think he’s a monster. They’ll even resort to banishing you if it comes to it. the voice said coldly. It wont come to that, she thought to herself. Wont it? the voice answered back. Oh god. Celestia thought as she walked in the door. “Twilight?”, the princess stammered out. Twilight turned in time to see a look of shock, sadness, and anguish on Celestia’s face. “Im doing this to defend Equestria, and my LOVER...” She told them all. What did she mean by lover they all thought. and then it hit Celestia. OH GOD. SOMBRA?? “Wait a second.”, Applejack paused for a moment. “ARE YOU TELLING US THAT SOMBRA’S THE ONE YOU BEEN MEETING IN THE WOODS?!?!?”, She said a state of panic. “Yes.”, Twilight stated bluntly. What none of them realized was that not only had they consumated their relationship in the woods that night. but that she was also with FOAL. As all this was going on , something was taking place back in Ponyville. The CMC ( Cutie Mark Crusaders) were sitting in their clubhouse, going over the events of the last week or so. Everypony could tell that Scootaloo couldnt contain her excitement about Rainbow Dash wanting to adopt her, as well being a mentor. While see was dwelling on that, Applebloom noticed Sweetie Belle staring out the window She asked her what she was staring at. “I thought i saw something coming in and out of the Forrest just now. “, She told Applebloom, while continuing to fixate on the woods. “It’s probably a rabbit or somethin’.”, She was trying her best to make her answer sound rational. “i dont think it was a woodland critter.”, Sweetie retorted. “In fact, i think it’s something that Twilight was following into the woods over a week before they all left for the Crystal Empire." Sweetie Belle continued. That caught Scootaloo’s attention. “It wasn’t a shadowy pony was it?”, she asked with some pause, and a hint of sarcasm. > Curiosity is Deadly > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “ I think it was.”, Sweetie Belle replied, a bit surprised as to how Scoots came to that conclusion. What the three fillies didnt know, or realize, was that the “shadow pony” was King Sombra, and that he had been dating, and bedding, Twilight for quite awhile now. Out of nowhere, Sweetie Belle could hear a voice in her mind. Who are you?, she said to herself. In due time my dear, i merely noticed you were spying on me, the voice echoed through her mind. Applebloom and Scootaloo stared at their friend with curiousity. Sweetie was going to tell them of the voice she was hearing, when her horn suddenly activated, and the filly unicorn found herself outside the clubhouse and near the woods. Standing in front of her was a grey coated Stallion, with a Green eyes, and a flowing red cape. “Dont worry, i dont bite, much.”, The Pony told her. And with that , he levitated a book in front of her. The Title was old Sweetie could tell, but she made out the words Poninomicon Codex Magika Starswirl. It was Starswirl the Bearded’s study on the use of Dark Magic. The book that Twilight had given to Sombra in the woods the night before last. She was confused, and he could tell she was. “Why?”, she asked him. “Twilight let me borrow it, and now im returning it. Since im done with it now, i thought id bring it back and have somepony return it to her Castle for me, since she’s out of town atm.”, He told her. “Wait, how do you know Twilight?”, she asked him. “Well, i supposed i know her enough, since she’s my speical some pony.”, He told Sweetie Belle with a smirk. SPECIAL... SOMEPONY!?! Belle Thought to herself. And with that he disappeared back into the forrest. As the book lay at her hooves, Sweetie Belle did something she shouldnt of. She Openned it and stared at the first page. She skimmed the first page until she found an offensive Spell. she memorized the words and closed the book. She levitated it onto her back and walked into town , presumably to take the book back to Twilight’s Castle. As she got to the door, she got a curious sensation. She wanted to read the WHOLE BOOK. She used her magic to open the door and walked down the long narrow hallway until she got to the Library of the Castle. She put the book on the table in the Center, and oppened it again. for a moment she could feel her heart grow cold. She continued reading the next page, until she decided to stop for now. She’d ask Twilight if she could borrow it for herself when she and the others returned from the Crystal Empire. She couldnt of known the dangerous she had put herself down right at that moment. She also didnt count on the fact that Dark Magic had a corrupting influence on those that used it. But she would soon. She couldnt stop reading it, there was just something mesmerizing about the pages of the book. She didnt notice the shadow hovering near the window, or the that fact that Sombra was now standing behind her. Sweetie Belle looked up to see him towering over her like a lion standing over its prey. "Tempting to read, isnt it?", He asked her. Sombra knew that she'd be curious about the book, after all, so was he at her age. He just stood there waiting for her response. "Yesss... it is..", She stammered out. "You know i could teach you to control it, but then again, you wouldnt be able to go back to your 'old' life if you did.", What he said made sense to her, he could see it in her eyes. Yes, he thought. With her and Twilight by his side nothing would stop them, not even Celestia. But how would Rarity take the news of her sweet little sister suddenly turning to Dark Magic. And how would she react to find out Sombra was the one schooling her in it. " Let's go see how our dear Twilight is doing..", He told Sweetie Belle. "How, shes in the Crystal Empire.", She said with confusion. "I'll take us there my dear.", he replied. And with that Sombra enveloped her in a black mist and soon they were off to the Crystal Empire. And when they arrived they'd see just how strong Twilight had become by giving in to the Darkness inside her, and the shock on Celestia and Twilights' friends faces. Imagine the looks on Celestia and Luna's faces when they arrived. One could only imagine how Rarity would feel when she saw her sister with a monster like Sombra. That would be the least of their troubles. Sombra had no idea that Twilight would out shine him in terms of magical power. But then again it didnt really matter. She was going to be his queen. And together with Sweetie Belle they'd rule all Equestria. " What.. what's going on?", Twilight asked Sombra. He had gotten there in time to see Celestia with a look of shock on her face. And much to Rarity's surprise and shock, out from behind Sombra stepped her sister, Sweetie Belle. Right at that moment everyone's hearts sank when they saw that her eyes were the same color as Twiligiht' and Sombra's. Rarity felt like she was frozen in place from the shock. How.. how this have happened she thought. Right then and there, she broke down and started crying. Sweetie snapped out of it for a moment and asked Rarity why was she crying. Rarity looked at her sister and hugged her, smiling at the same time. "I was crying dear because i thought i was going to lose you to that.. that monster Sombra.", Rarity said as she hugged her sister. Suddenly Sweetie pulled back and her eyes returned to being Green. Rarity knew that at that moment her little sister had basically told her good bye in her own way. Rarity got up and walked over to Twilight, and slapped her in the face before going back over to the others. Twilight reared up and and shot a magic blast at Rarity for slapping her. The bolt stuck the white unicorn right in the face and threw her backwards into the wall. The others watched as she crashed into a table before hitting the floor underneath it. Celestia scolded Twilight for taking that kind of action towards her friend. Twilight cracked a smile and looked at Celestia before speaking. "Once Im done with you, you'll be begging for a merciful death.", She sounded almost prideful as she spoke to the Princess. Celestia could hear the dark magic resonating through Twilight's voice. And it disturbed her. She felt so broken inside looking at Twilight now. Gone was her former student and friend. What stood before her was a Alicorn consumed with lust, power, and the strongest magic ever known to pony kind. Celestia knew at that moment that Twilight had surpassed her in magical ability. And there was nothing the PRincess could do but wait for this 'thing' to strike her down and take her place on the throne. Damn you Sombra. You monster. How could i have not seen this happening at all. How could i not have sensed his foul corruption taking hold of her. Oh Twilight, I'm sorry. You leave me no other choice if you dont stop this recklessness. "But first things first.", and with that she teleported outside of the Castle, and teleported to where Chrysalis and Tirek were located. Tirek thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he saw her approach. Was she really going to be foolish and take him on? She didnt have the power of the other alicorns like she did last time. But he was in for a surprise. In fact it was Chrysalis that first took notice of Twilight's eyes before Tirek could. The queen reeled back. Green... Her Eyes were Green. The same color as her dear ex lover Sombra. Then it hit her. Sombra had found a way to CORRUPT TWILIGHT SPARKLE. She let out a hysterical laugh before snapping back to reality. "Well, well, The purple bookworm has finally crossed to the dark side. How ironic, that a do gooder like you could fall so far from grace. ", She smirked as she said this. "And yet i'll succeed where you failed miserably Chrysalis.", Twilight spoke with confidence. Twilight turned her attention back to Tirek, and let out the most powerful blast anyone had ever seen. He took it head on and ended up being hurled into the mountain side far behind where he had been standing. After that Twilight teleported to where he landed and sucked all the magic out of him, the same way he had done to her when they had fought. Apparently she had copied a Centaur shaman's magic absorbing skill when she had read the Book of Dark Magic. Twilight sent the Centaur flying into the mountain again. And the last thing he saw was an intense beam of light hit him in the chest. It spread out from there as Tirek realized he was being incinerated. In seconds there was nothing left of him but a pile of blackened ash. Chrysalis looked at it in horror. Twilight didnt even show any signs of sympathy, regret, or decency over what she just done to the Centaur. Twilight returned to where Chrysalis was and used the same spell again to steal the magic from Chrysalis and her changelings. As soon as she did that, Chrysalis started begging her to be spared. Twilight spared her in exchange for feilty to her and Sombra, which Chrysalis obliged. Her first conquest and she didn't even have a throne yet. That would change soon. Twilight could feel the magic she absorbed fill her essence to the point she felt like she was drowning in its power. Now the only opposition she and Sombra had to contend with was Celestia and her friends. She teleported back and stood in the Crystal Castle's courtyard. Celestia could feel it too, and it frightened her. Before she could act, Twilight appeared in the sky over the Crystal Castle. Her voice boomed as she spoke in a Canterlot Voice. " CELESTIA YOUR RULE ENDS NOW!!", She shouted at the top of her lungs. All the Crystal ponies stepped out of their houses to see what was going on. Celestia and Luna exited the building, along with Sombra, Sweetie belle, and Twilight's friends. She could tell Celestia didnt want to hurt her in front of the others. Twilight at this moment couldnt of cared. She charged the Princess as fast as she could. Celestia flew up into the air with the intent of drawing her away from the others. Twilight teleported right overhead of the Princess and struck her with a blast of magic. Luna watched in horror as her sister screamed out in agony before hitting the floor of the Courtyard. The force of the impact also had the unfortunate side effect of breaking her back legs. As Celestia struggled to get up, Twilight was wearing the most evil grin anypony had ever sported. "Stop this insanity!", Luna yelled to her. "You are in no position to be giving me DEMANDS.", Twilight shouted back. Before she could fire off a Magic blast at Luna, Rainbow Dash landed right in front of her. She stared at Twilight with the most grief stricken look ever. She could see the pain and confusion in Rainbow Dash's eyes. No one was prepared for what happened next. All Rainbow Dash could think of was Twilight. She was going to abandon them all to their fate, but not Twilight. They had a connection stronger than anything in this world. From the moment Twilight had gotten her cutie mark because of Dash's Sonic Rainboom, to the first kiss they shared together on Hearts and Hooves day. Nothing mattered more to her now then Twilight's well being. Even if ment doing the unthinkable. " Lets leave this place." She directed it at both of them. But it was really ment for Twilight. Rainbow Dash turned her back on her friends and the Princesses for the first time in her life. AJ had a total look of disbelief on her face. She didnt know that Rainbow Dash and Twilight were in a relationship together. Or that she had known about Sombra's return from Twilight. She didnt tell them either that Scootaloo was waiting for them back in Ponyville. Scootaloo had always looked up to Rainbow Dash. She knew it might be hard to convince scoots to leave Ponyville for awhile. But she was guranteed by Twilight that Scootaloo would be safe with them. She still would have Sweetie Belle to hang with if AppleBloom proved unwilling to come with them. As they left, Applejack couldnt help but feel betrayed by the both of them. The Elements of Harmony were broken, for now. As they helped Celestia recover, she tasked AJ with sending a message through the magic mirror to Sunset Shimmer. She was convinced that Sunset could help them in some way. As they all headed back to the Train station to return to Canterlot, Applejack carried Rarity on her back. the white unicorn was in bad shape. As soon as they had gotten to the capitol, they got Rarity to the Royal Hospital. Everypony waited in the hallway outside the ER until one of the Doctors came out and gave them the news on her condition. " She's stable for now, but i dont expect her to be able to walk for awhile," he paused for a moment, wiping some sweat from his brow," three lower vertebrae in her back, as well as both of her back legs were completely broken to the point that we had to reset them." This was the worst news of the whole day. Applejack walked to the restroom of the hospital, locked the door, and started to cry. This was one of the few times in her life where she let herself go. The first time was after her and Appleblooms parents passed away. the next time was when Rainbow's pet turtle Tank was getting ready to hibernate, although she didnt show it on the outside. But this, this was one time she could let herself openly show it. She still had a hard time believing that RD and Twilight had turned their backs on their friends. But she did know that with or without Sunset's help, she was gonna get them back, and she was going to make Sombra suffer for everyone in her life that he hurt. But little did AJ know that Sombra knew something of her past. > Somtimes you Can go home Again > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Human world. Dear Princess Twilight, I need your help. I've been having these really odd dreams about Fluttershy and some strange man that i keep seeing in a mirror. I know it sounds crazy but i could really use your help Twilight, i feel like i'm going mad or something. Maybe I'm just feeling homesick or something Twilight, I really could use your advice on the matter. I hope you get the chance to read this ok? Your Friend, Sunset Shimmer She woke up in a panic, her sheets covered in cold sweat. Sunset couldnt believe what she had seen in her dream. There standing in front of her was Fluttershy, wielding a Chainsaw! But the odd part was what she had seen in a mirror behind her friend. She couldnt see his face, but she did see the blades attached to one hand, and a burnt and ripped red and black sweater. Maybe it was too many horror movies. Her and her friends had watched the Nightmare before Elm Street last night. Sunset was about to write in her Journal again, when she noticed that it was flashing now. It was an urgent message for her from Twilight's pony friends. Sunset Shimmer decided to get dressed and run to the school. As soon as she got there, she saw something unexpected. There standing next to the portal was Pinkie Pie. She realized this was the one from the pony world, because she had just come from Pinkie's House earlier. Waiting on the other side for them were some of her other Pony friends. And PRincess Celestia. Sunset rushed over to Celestia and hugged her as tight as she could, almost crying in the process. Celestia did the same. She felt so relieved to see that Sunset was here, and she could tell that there was a huge change in her as well. After the tearful reunion, they explained why they had need of her help. And how dire the situation was. "Twilight's been corrupted by Dark Magic," Celestia tried to hold back tears as she spoke," and apparently so has Sweetie Belle. We tried to reason with them both, but alas it did not work out as i had hoped." Celestia neglected to tell Sunset that Twilight' nearly broke both of Celestia's legs. "Why..why would she do this, her friends mean everything to her." Sunset looked over at Twilight's friends, and noticed that a certain brash young flyer was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Rarity. Applejack happened to take notice of this. "Where is Rainbow Dash, and where's Rarity?" Sunset was getting worried, and Applejack wasnt sure how to break it to her. Applejack took a deep breathe. "Sunset," Applejack paused,"Rarity is in the Canterlot Royal Hospital." Applejack started to choke up as she gave Sunset the last bit of news. "Rainbow Dash is with Twilight." She finally let out. As for Rainbow Dash, she was having what would constitute as a nightmare. I tried my best to block out the screams, but they wont stop. I stoked the fire, seen more pain then you can know. Now ive awoken. Everything falls away around. But the screams haunt me in my dreams. It was the same words she was hearing over and over. Rainbow Dash couldnt understand why she was hearing them, until she realized that she was thinking of how Scootaloo would feel when she found out that Rainbow Dash turned her back on her friends. She tossed to one side and then the other as the nightmare evolved into her standing in front of Scootaloo. They were on a platform in some kind of Factory. She just stood there like she wasnt in control of the dream, and watched as 2 other pegasus foals ran past her. Scootaloo just looked at her with what was clearly pain and confusion in her eyes. "Why?" the orange and Purple maned pegasus asked, " I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY SISTER?!", Scootaloo in the dream paused, " HOW COULD YOU JUST LET THEM KILL ME?". Rainbow tried to answer but she felt like something was weighing her down. Why was she having a nightmare like this? WHY in Celestia's name was this happening to her? She turned over to see Twilight sleeping peacefully. She tried her best to fall back asleep, but that nagging feeling came back. Even though she loved Twilight, she realized she may of made a mistake. But she had to stick with it now, or at least until they were confronted by the others. She still couldnt sleep, the Night terrors kept coming back to her in her sleep. She did what she could to lessen the impact that they had on her, but it was to no avail. It kept coming back to that platform. Why werent you there for me? Why did you abandon me Rainbow Dash? It was the same again and again. Rainbow Dash could feel her sanity slipping away at that moment. YOU FAILED ME SCOOTALOO. She could hear herself shout it in her Nightmare. YOU FAILED THE FLIGHT TEST. YOU FAILED ME. WHAT?! Rainbow Dash realized what the nightmares were all about now. If Scoots failed her flight Test, what would happen to her, and would Rainbow Dash really abandon her like that? NO. NO. NO. Rainbow Dash thought, I am not like that mare in the nightmare. I'd never abandon Scootaloo like that. The next morning there was a meeting planned with the princesses to discuss possible terms. She knew personally that Celestia would never surrender to Sombra, but she would have the rest of their friends there to act as representatives. As the morning came she put on the armor that Sombra had personally crafted for her. It was Red and Black with Sockets openned up in back for her wings to stick out of . That morning Celestia were waiting for them just like Rainbow Dash had thought. Sweetie Belle tagged along with them, just in case she'd be able to see her sister again, even if it was for the last time. She didnt. Rarity was nowhere to been seen. "Where.. Where's my sister?", Sweetie asked Applejack right away. "She's in the hospital," AJ said this as she glared at Twilight, "Twilight nearly killed her with that stunt in the Crystal palace' Courtyard." "It wouldnt of happened if she hadnt slapped me, AJ," Twilight cut in, somewhat annoyed. None of this would be happening if we hadnt let Sombra trick us Rainbow Dash thought to herself. Everything that was happening was Sombra's doing. She knew that. And yet she was pregnant because of him. RD decided that no matter what she raise that foal to be everything she was and the father wasnt. Her kid was not going to be cruel king like Sombra was, her foal would know what friendship means. As Twilight watched everyone, she was secretly keeping an eye on Celestia. After some more dialogue was exchanged everyone broke for the rest of the day. It was determined that there'd be war after all. Something that Celestia, and surprisingly Rainbow Dash, did not want. There was only one Princess that wouldnt live to see the next day. And that would haunt Twilight for the rest of her life. It was like being in a dream. A dream that turned into a nightmare. Twilight Sparkle's reign would be short lived to say the least. She realized there were two options if they lost the battle, Reformation or being turned to Stone. > Break the mind > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was getting late, and they had to be ready for what the morning brought. Twilight knew that Celestia and the others would be coming for them sooner of later. She needed to be ready just in case they thought they could out smarter someone like her. She didn't know though that her friends would be accompanying the Princess this time. Everything Around her was black, her bedroom, the Castle, Everything. All Twilight could hear was Sombra's voice Guiding her through the darkness until she had arrived at the entrance to a large room. As she walked through the doorway she was taken back by what she saw in there. Sitting on a large bed in the center of the room were Sombra and Rainbow Dash. RD was giving Twi bedroom eyes. The entire night was filled with nothing but carnal pleasures for the 3 of them. Sombra used this as a means to get the both of them further under his spell. He decided to consumate this partnership by getting the both of them pregnant with his spawn. The Night ended with the 2 mares passed out in each others arms. Sombra left smiling as he decided to go check on Sweetie Belle. #To cast an offensive spell, just focus the magic spell through your horn and try to hit the nearest target for maximum damage. Any disruption and the spell be cancelled out. Sombra walked through the door to the Practice range just in time to see Sweetie Belle destroy eight targets within moments of each other. He smiled wickedly to himself at how well she was progressing. He could also tell she still missed her sister Rarity, so he decided to show her how to create magic constructs. She could create one to Mimic her dear sister, that way she wouldnt feel so lonely all the way out here. She seemed appreciative for the gesture. She liked it alot. He decided to leave her to it, while he finished making the rounds of the Castle, their new home. He had no idea though that Twilight was only using him to achieve her own goals. Once that happened, her and Rainbow Dash would no longer have any use for Sombra. There was only one pony that Twilight was truly in love with , and that was Rainbow Dash. Neither of them had any idea that Celestia had brought in some outside help. Everyone of their other friends were still convinced that the two of them could still be saved somehow. Back in Canterlot Sunset Shimmer's homecoming was still hard for her to handle. Yes she had finally come to Equestria but it wasnt exactly the way she had planned it. The one bright spot though was her reconciliation with Celestia. She knew it would get better for her over time though. Sunset was happy to be with her former mentor. She had realized that Celestia had always been like a mother to her. That, and she only wanted what was best for her former puil. She had always regretted her actions, but it wasnt until she stole Twilight's crown that she had secretly found a way to be redeemed. Earlier that day Canterlot Royal Hospital "These hospital drapes are just DREADFUL," Applejack could tell that Rarity was feeling better by the way she was complaining about the curtains in her hospital room. "There's the Rarity we all love," Applejack said with a smile. As much as the two of them fought and squabbled like friends do, Applejack always knew how to make her or any of their friends smile in the end. "I hope my dear Sweetie Belle is ok," Rarity thought out loud. I hope your more than alrigiht my dear sister. I cant picture as to why you would of gone with a monster like Sombra. Some Trickery must of been involved. Thats the only answer that i can think of. "We're gonna get her back, Rarity," Applejack paused for a moment, " We're gonna bring them all home." She could tell that saying that, the mood in the room lightened a bit. "I hope so, I can't imagine what that beast is making her do right this minute," Rarity shuddered at the thought as she spoke the words aloud. Little did they know that Sweetie Belle was being mentored by Sombra, and that Twilight and Rainbow Dash had been impregnated by him. How would the others handle that kind of news if it had been told to their faces? Not very well one would expect. But that would be the least of their troubles. Celestia and Luna were gathering the bulk of the Royal Canterlot forces in the forests outside of where Sombra had made his new Castle. The Next Day All of their hopes and fears would be broken or come true the following day. AJ and the friends that remained left Rarity's hospital room and headed on over to meet up with Celestia and Luna. Their presence had been requested by the princesses in the off chance that Twilight and Rainbow Dash could be persuaded to come back to them, or at least to meet and discuss terms if it came to it. Everypony were in for a shock when Rainbow Dash landed at the meeting spot in Black and red Pegasus battle armor, and Twilight was wearing Sombra's battle armor from 1000 years ago. She looked intimidating wearing it. The following day there was a terrible sound, like a thunder clap high in the sky. Luna came out of the command tent to see what the commotion was about. As she looked up, she saw a glint of Purple and then a massive discharge stike the center of the camp. Twilight had cast the first stone. Only a handful of troops had been struck by the magic discharge. Some of them were in critical condition. Others were dead or wounded. How. How could she of fallen so far from grace like this. I understand what the influence of dark magic can have on one's mind, given my history as NIghtmare Moon, but this... This is something different. She's become a separate entity from the Twilight Sparkle we all knew and loved. I can still sense our dear Twilight inside her, hanging on by a thread. I swear when this is done, whatever the outcome, i will try to restore you my dear Twilight. and then only time will tell how much your wounds will heal my friend. Celestia came out to see as well. She looked up into the skies and saw that spot of purple hovering over the camp. This ends she thought to herself. Even if i must make the ultimate Sacrifice, this will Twilight. With that Celestia launched herself into the air to confront her former pupil. While all this was happening, Sunset had just arrived at the camp from Canterlot. She looked for the command tent and found Luna transfixed on the Skies over the camp. When she looked up to see what Luna was looking at , she saw 2 bright streaks clashing with each other set against a nearly crimson and blue sky. CELESTIA!. It was Celestia and Twilight battling in the skies over the camp. Sunset took her jacket off and revealed something that no one was expecting. Luna looked at her with the most awe struck and commanding gaze. Sunset had Wings?! Sunset shimmer never told anyone this, but apparently when she fought against the Human Twilight after the events of the Friendship Games, she discovered that she had essentially become an alicorn, in human form. So one could of surmised that if she ever returned to Equestria, that she would physically be one there. And it was true. Sunset flexed her wings until the sun was glistening off the feathers. She opened them and took flight. She wasnt going to sit there on the ground as Twilight fought with her mentor. In fact both of them stopped to take notice of this. The looks on their faces were as priceless as one could get. Twilight couldn't believe what she was witnessing, but Celestia could. She had heard of Sunset's fight in the human world from Twilight, and her Transformation there, so she had alread assumed that Sunset had the potential in her to become an Alicorn if she ever truly came home. Celestia resumed the fight by striking Twilight in the face with her left hoof, sending the purple Alicorn reeling backwards. She returned the favor by hitting Celestia in the side of the neck, sending the princess plummeting downwords. Sunset and Rainbow Dash both witnessed this. Sunset tried to reach for the princess but lacked the speed to catch up with her. Rainbow bolted towards Celestia, shocking Twilight in the process. She caught her moments before she hit the ground. Celestia looked at her in disbelief before thanking her for doing what was right. At that moment the rest of their friends gathered around her and hugged her. Rainbow Dash wasnt just gonna become that mare in her dreams, she couldnt just run away from her problems anymore or abandon those she loved. If there was anyway to Twilight to come back to them, she would find a way to do it. Now ive awoken and im taking BACK CONTROL... Ive heard the screams blocked them out as best i could now i realize my purpose what i mean to those i love "Twilight, It doesnt have to end like this," Sunset and Rainbow both pleaded with her. Twilight dropped to the ground to make her response clear. It could be clear to them all. "Oh?," She said coldly, " What makes you think i care right now what happens to the lot of you?" A black mist took shape next to her. It was Sombra, and he had the most defiant grin ever. He started laughing maniacally, and Twilight joined him. What was there to laugh at? this wasnt a joke. Apparently they both found the situation to be humorous on some level. "I dont think you understand my dear," Twilight directed at Sunset, " This country will be ours, and theres nothing any of you can do to stop us from ruling what rightfully belongs to us!" Twilight sounded so sure of herself. "He's only using you Twilight, " Celestia had to find a way for Twilight to realize the truth. Sombra was a master manipulator, he had corrupted Starswirl the bearded at one point in time. Which leaded to Celestia having to destory him. Not even Twilight knew that, but she would now. Celestia decided that now was the best time to come clean with one of her worst mistakes ever. "Sombra, why dont you tell Twilight about what you forced me to do to Starswirl," Celestia spoke coldly to the King of Shadows. "What are you talking about?" Twilight interjected. "Many years ago, Starswirl read from the same book you did Twilight, it had been created by Sombra as a way to get back at me for banishing him from the Empire. It became apparent that Starswirl had become a threat after that, so i was forced to destroy him. And i could never forgive myself for it. He was a dear friend. I made many mistakes in my life, and that was one of the most painful." Celestia waited for Twilight to speak. But she didnt. She hit Celestia with one of the most powerful bolts of magic ever known. And Celestia let herself take it full force to the point where she nevver got up from it. Twilight couldnt believe it. She had just killed her own Mentor and friend. She turned to see the most evil look on Sombra's face. It was at that moment she realized that he had in fact used her. She felt broken inside now more than ever. That was until she heard a faint voice call her name. She rushed over to Celestia's side and held her mentor in her hooves. What Celestia's last words were surprised Twilight to no end. "I always knew you'd surpass me," Celestia's life was draining from now, and there was nothing anyone could to stop it. She spent her final moments with her most precious gift. "Whatever happens, i dont blame you Twilight. I blame Sombra, and myself for not seeing it sooner," Twilight held her closer as she spoke, " I want you to succede me as heir, i always had that planned," She began to cough up blood," and to have Luna advise you on the nuances of it all." Twilight was on the verge of a breakdown. She felt so much anger for letting herself think that he actually cared for her, when it was all a ruse to get rid of Celestia. She could feel it down in her soul. After Celestia died, Twilight erupted in a glowing orb of purple and white. She forced the dark magic out of her and into oblivion. She turned her anger towards Sombra and rid themselves of his likeness forever. Not even his horn could survive such a powerful blast of magic. it shattered into a dozen little pieces before fading into nothingness. > Remember the Light > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna still couldn't believe that her sister was just gone and never coming back. Even in death King Sombra had the last laugh at her expense, and it had cost the life of her dear and beloved sister. She was the sole ruler of Equestria now, Twilight Sparkle abdicated her Royal duties to Luna. She didn't want to be reminded of what Sombra had forced her into doing. Even Luna had tried to convince the young alicorn that Celestia's death wasn't entirely her fault. But it didn't work. Twilight blamed herself for Celestia's death, and it affected her so much, she felt she had no choice but to step down from the Throne. At least she still had her friends Luna had thought. The Princess of the Night knew deep down that Twilight's friends would cheer her up at least. Months later they had laid Celestia's body to rest in the Crypt beneath Canterlot. Those in attendance paid their dues to the memory of the Princess. Twilight gave a eulogie followed by Luna giving one of her own. She paid great reverance to her sister. Speaking often of the rift that had been mended by Luna's reformation by the Elements of Harmony, and Twilight's endearing friendship to both of them over the years. Twi and Rainbow Dash held hooves as they watched Celestias casket get lowered into the mausoleum. Everyone paid their last respects. For a second Twilight thought she heard Celestia's voice whisper to her. She paused for a moment before catching up to Rainbow Dash. The two of them had a big night planned. Most of it involved Wine and the bedroom. Last night was a blur for Twilight, she didnt care though. Her and Rainbow Dash had spent the night together after celebrating the death of Sombra and the tragic events that happened. They both drank a toast in memory of their beloved Princess Celestia. Luna was now the sole monarch in Canterlot. Twilight felt the need to step down from anything relating to royalty for the time being. Luna didnt see a problem with it. After everything that Twilight had gone through, and the way that beast Sombra had manipulated her, she deserved to spend time with those she cared about. The Next morning wasnt as much of a blur, but she still felt hazy. Rainbow Dash decided to make the two of them breakfast. She promised Twilight she wouldnt burn down the kitchen like she nearly did 2 previous times. All that mattered now was their happiness. That and raising Twilight's filly foal, Twilight Slade Sparkle. They decided to just shorten it to Slade for now. They were going to do everything they could to make sure that both Slade, and Scootaloo deserve every once of love they showed them. And to make sure they both had a solid future. Twilight was still adjusting to raising a kid, and dealing with Celestia's death in turn. She couldnt get it out of her head how that monster Sombra had used her in such a despicable way. At least she had Rainbow Dash to fall back on. Her other friends didnt completely trust that she could raise a child on her own, much less with another mare. Add to that the fact that the foal was Sombra's, and you had a recipe for disaster down the road. Slade though proved to be nothing like her father. She took after Twilight more than anything when it came to studying. Rainbow Dash's foal never made it past gestation. Although her friends gave her condolences, she knew there was a part of her that was glad. Now she could spend her time with Scootaloo and Twilight. Scootaloo apparently didnt know that Slade's father had been Sombra. It had been agreed upon after Slade reached age 5 that she be told of the horrible things Sombra had done, and had forced Twilight and Rainbow Dash to do for him. That was when the filly decided that it was best she never learn anything more, for fear that she'd become like him and threaten the countryside. One morning Slade walked in on Twi and RD in the shower together. And she appeared to take it well. In fact she took it very well. She was glad that her mom was happy now. There were no more dark days to fret about, just the warmth of the sun and the brightness of the future to look forward to. Rainbow Dash and Twilight made quite the power couple. Slade was studying magic for Princess Luna when she was forced to create a bubble of silence because her 'parents' were going at it like they had no inhibitions at all. Apparently it was still a bit of a shock for some of Rainbow and Twi's friends to get used to seeing the both of them together. Then the ultimate shocker came when they announced they had been approved by Luna to be allowed to marry the other. This marked the first recorded time in Equestrian history that two mares were allowed to marry. It was almost supernatural for something like this to happen. Twilight and Rainbow Dash exchanged their vows beneath the Moonlight, seeing that Luna had the power to arrange the marriage. She could tell that they were so happy to no longer have to hide how they felt from others. This was also one of the few times that Applejack cried tears of joy in a long time. Then something unexpected happened. Rarity walked over to Applejack and put a hoof on her friends shoulder, before saying something that caught the cowpony off guard. "I.. I've been hiding my feelings from you for the longest time Applejack," Rarity expected some kind of sarcastic comment, what she got instead just confirmed how she had felt all those years. "I know Rar," AJ got up as she spoke," I've been hiding mine too." She kissed Rarity right on the lips in the most passionate kiss Rarity had ever felt in her life. And she wasnt going to make AJ stop. Luna ended up with two marriages that night. Twilight to Rainbow Dash and Applejack to Rarity. the small number of close friends that had gathered for the occasion were all shedding happy tears. All except poor Spike. He got to watch his only crush marry the one she really loved. The poor little dragon. But he didnt feel that way for long. Fluttershy had quietly snuck up beside him and put a wing around him, pulling him close to her side. The two shared a moment under the moonlight as the looked forward to spending time together and being happy for their friends. Through all the darkness, There still shined some Sunlight. Rumors were starting to abound of a nameless pressence within Canterlot. Deep under the castle lay the mausoleum that housed Celestia's body. Shadows creeped along the wall until they took the form of a tall almost regal shadow alicorn. You were a fool Sombra. It hissed in the darkness. My dear sister, death's embrace is coming for you.... And with that the shadow creature disappeared into the night. Patiently waiting to confront the sibling that let it die all those years ago. The Grim Reaper would be coming for the Princess of the Night soon... It's name was Celestia..