A short trip around the block ended up turning quite a bit different. The Doctor and his three friends find themselves on the threshold of the Crystal Empire, 1000 years ago when still ruled by the evil King Sombra. The Doctor strangely enough does not want to stay and investigate why they are there but before they can escape they are captured and imprisoned by the evil king.

The Doctor's friends, Private Iceland, Dew Doe and Foxy Stripes are separated from him and must face the fearsome tyrant alone, wondering how the Doctor knows him and this land that from their perspective doesn't even exist in their memory. A difficult journey is ahead for all four as they must escape the tyrant and his web of fear and hate.

This story is part of The Equestria Tales series, although set in an alternate universe.

From the perspective of some of the characters, only season 1 and parts of season 2 have happened. The crossover tag is on due to the use of elements from Doctor Who.

Cover by Silhouette

Parts of the story edited by Hail King Sombra.

In a feat of jealous rage, King Sombra kidnapped Princess Skyla from her crystal cradle, and took her to a faraway land. She was supposed to be his twisted legacy, his way to reclaim the Crystal Empire, a mere tool to exact his vengeance on the Crystal Princess. She was never meant to become his daughter.

Searching for any records King Sombra may have left behind, Twilight learned of the shadowy king's tragic past. However, she also discovered his horn, in which his mind and remaining power were contained. Determined to learn how to use his Dark Magic for Good, Twilight brought Sombra back to Ponyville with her. After all, what could he possibly do as a horn? ...Or will he stay that way?

Edited by Darth Vendar and Myrkur
Inspired by Issue #1 of FIENDship is Magic
Gore tag just to be safe.

Edit 06/15/23: Now in the top 2K stories on the site, by rating! Thank you all!

For over a thousand years the crystal ponies have been frozen in time by the curse of shadows, how lucky they are. While the crystal ponies are in deep slumber, King Sombra’s thoughts are restless.

Inspiration

The Crystal Empire was saved. Sombra was cast away via the Crystal Heart's bright light. The battle had been won, however, there were some unfinished business between the King and the Princess of the Night. She wished to see him. Speak to him one last time. She wanted to finally let go and speak what was in her heart. Though perhaps, it was already too late.

Deep under the resplendent city of Canterlot lies a web of vaults, containing many secrets hidden from the common folk. One of such undercrofts shelters an extraordinary artifact – the crimson horn of King Sombra, the uneasy spirit of the corrupted unicorn still within it.

After months of careful consideration, Princess Celestia ventures down into the delves underneath to confront the fallen king, determined to aid him and bring him serenity at long last.

Given the successful befriending of Discord, Princess Celestia deems that no longer will villains be defeated but instead reformed. While most have the chance to submit willingly or continue to fight, King Sombra is given little option. Brought back from the dead and stripped of all his powers and strength, it's all become a game of futility. Now Sombra only wishes he could have stayed dead all along.

Edited by spigo.

Twilight, my Faithful Student, my friend, if there is anypony that can create a world of Harmony, true Harmony, it is you.

More than a thousand years ago, my sister and I sought to create a perfect world, a world ruled by Harmony. A world free of evil. We were powerful and believed ourselves above the laws that governed this world. But this world is governed by the laws of Magic, and Magic, it seems, demands balance.

Where there is Light, there is Darkness.
Where there is Order, there is Chaos.
For there to be Love, there must be Hate.
For every Dream, there is a Nightmare.
Each begets the other.

And like boiling water over a fire, each can extinguish the other.

I should not have been surprised when the day came that the evil I had to fight was my own sister. It was the world restoring the balance we so foalishly ignored.

Perhaps, it is for this balance that I now stay my hoof. I have chosen to have you,Twilight Sparkle, act in my stead as the evils I thought vanquished, inevitably return to Equestria. It is in hopes that you may learn this balance, that you may learn from my mistakes. It is not something I alone can teach you, when I myself still understand so little. It is why I must now rely on the help of an old nemesis.

He intends to take you away, my protégé, and make you his own. You must not succumb to his influence. Yet if you are to learn the balance that is at the essences of all things, it will be through him. For the future of Equestria and for the sake of Friendship, you must prevail.

I hope that some day you can forgive me.

Years before the liberation of the Crystal Empire, King Sombra invites six citizens to feast in his castle on the last night of each month. Seldom few are ever seen again. Now a young pegasus who will become known as Guest Number Five has been invited to dine with the King, although his own plans for the night might just lead to everyone's salvation.

Five courses. Three chapters. Served up over three nights.

The day of the Canterlot wedding came and went and the Changelings triumphed over all. Chrysalis should have felt satisfied with her victory, but still something large looms over her, while unexpected feelings have made themselves known. But what are the odds of the defeated stallion who could barely look her in the eyes ever returning such love? Maybe tonight that would change.