Over a month has past since Sombra was defeated during the return of the crystal empire. But Twilight still feels uneasy. Plagued with nightmares, Twilight has become consumed by fear. But in trying to run from her fears, she will put all of Equestria at risk.

Sombra may have been defeated after his attempt to retake the Crystal Empire, but he was not destroyed. He still lives, and now he seeks to work his way into the mind of Princess Twilight Sparkle. As she struggles with the implications of her new immortality, she finds less comfort in the wise words of Princess Celestia, and is drawn to the dark magic of a fallen king.

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!

Long before Sunset Shimmer went to the human world, Star Swirl the Bearded and Princess Celestia traveled across the multiverse in search of knowledge. Now, a thousand years on, the consequences of those travels have come back to haunt Celestia and threaten Equestria. Twilight Sparkle and her friends must venture to another world and face an all-too-familiar evil, all while considering the road not traveled and past mistakes.

This story is adapted from IDW's "Reflections" story, written by Katie Cook and illustrated by Andy Price. Additional inspiration is taken from the first issue of the FIENDship is Magic mini-series, written by Jeremy Whitley and drawn by Brenda Hickey. Cover art by Johesy - used with permission.

King Sombra survived his defeat, but just. By the time he returned to form, Twilight became the newest princess of Equestria and the Crystal Empire was restored to its former glory.

He cannot take over Equestria the same way he tried before, but he has a card up his sleeve. Twilight won't see it coming, and Sombra might gain a powerful ally in the process.

And it will all begin...with a book.

Edits on Chapter 1 done with the help of TempesttheDragnix.

Major props to InuHoshi-to-DarkPen for letting me use this. That artist is really good.

Twilight had reached her peak, she was at the happiest point in her young life. The day of her coronation as Equestria's newest princess had finally arrived. Then the unthinkable happened, Sombra appears in the throne room alive and well demanding his chance to be reformed by pony society. The unthinkable happens again, when his wish is granted, spearheaded by none other than Princess Twilight herself. Will Sombra's nefarious plans bring her to ruin, or will she succeed against all odds? Only time can tell as it reminds them both that plans have a way of changing all on their own.