“Flash? Flash! Hurry, we’re gonna be late to the train station!” Twilight called out from the foyer of her castle. Her purple figure standing regally next to her dragon, Spike, who carried her packs while they waited for a certain pegasus to come from his room. Twilight had been waiting and calling many minutes for her guard, to which she still had no response. Her and Spike were both ready to go to the train station to meet with the other three Princesses of Equestria, and if it weren’t for Flash’s unpunctual personality, they would have already left the castle steps.
“Flash?” Twilight called out again, each time making her increasingly annoyed. “Would you go see what’s holding him, Spike? I can’t have the Princesses waiting for us, we need to be there when they arrive.” Twilight asked more kindly, her head looking up at the tall purple dragon with a distressed face.
“Yeah, I’ll go see what’s up…” Spike lightly dropped the pack of essentials on the crystal floor with a low thud before exiting the foyer to one of the many hallways in the castle. He sped along as he made his way to Flash’s room across from the kitchen, which was considered to be Applejack’s guest room. The blue, wooden door was slightly opened, a crack allowed light from the room beyond to leak into the darker lit hallway. Not much else was visible to the adolescent dragon until his light knocking on the door had opened it into the room slightly.
“Hey Flash-?” The instant Spike had let the door squeak and slightly open, a rustle of bed sheets and a slam of a book could be heard. The entry to the room grew wider as the dragon stepped in to see Flash on his bed, his hooves up against the drawer of the apple wood nightstand.
“-uh” Spike paused for a moment, taking in the scene before continuing. “Yeah...sorry Flash, but, um...well, Twi has been calling you for the past five minutes. We’re ready to leave for the train station to go see the Princesses. You should totally tag along.” Spike added with a satirical tone and quick eyebrow lift. Though his sarcasm went unnoticed by the pegasus across the room. The orange stallion quickly hopped off his bed and fled for the door, trying his best to lessen his contact with the dragon. Spike watched the guard curiously, and before Flash could step a hoof out, the dragon smiled and purposely slid in the way.
“Hey bud, slow down there. What’s the matter?” The drake inquired, his scaley brow furrowed an inch, awaiting the stallion’s reply. The dragon blocking Flash’s exit acted genuinely out of concern, smiling gently and gazing at the pegasus. Even though Spike felt Flash was trying to make something vague and run away, the strangeness of his behavior seemed off from the guard's usual charismatic nature. It would be obvious to anypony that they weren’t close as friends, but Spike did feel the obligation to talk with him if there was a problem.
Flash looked up at Spike with the best mask of innocence he could muster, his eyes straining to keep his gaze on the dragon.
“Nothing, nothing’s wrong. I just figured you’d want me to hurry since Twi is in a rush.” The stallion reasoned. Spike looked at him with an intense focus, before looking ahead of the guard to the nightstand by the bed.
“What were you up to?” Spike’s voice lowered to a more quieter but equally bold tone. Flash was a bit taken aback by the intimidating disposition, his smile twitching slightly from the pressure.
“Nothing. Honestly, I was only reading.” Flash paused, before his eyes widened a bit and he smiled brighter. “I was reading one of my training manuals! I can get so into focus that I just kinda block out the rest of the world while I study. Sorry if that got in the way of Twilight’s plans.” The guard finished with an apologetic grin and innocently closed eyes. Spike looked at Flash in question, his muzzle opening to speak before a compelling and aggravated voice called out from the foyer of the large castle.
“Flash! Spike! You colts better hurry or I’m leaving your slow tails behind!” Twilight’s booming voice sounded throughout the large castle, every beat of annoyance in her voice being noted by the two stallions. They looked at one another with cringing faces before hurrying out of the room and galloping down the hall to the impatiently waiting alicorn.
Twilight, again, stood next to her dragon son Spike, with the addition of her guard. They both stood patiently on either side of the purple alicorn, eagerly waiting for signs of a train coming down the tracks. The group had only stuck around for a few minutes after arriving at the station. However, the waiting, plus Twilight’s consistent hoof tapping, was becoming increasingly unbearable and stirred anxiety within them.
The young princess hadn’t seen her royal family in quite some time, and even though she had grown comfortable to the customs of royalty, she still got nervous before seeing them. The excitement of waiting for them, and the added tension of reasoning thoughts as to why they were going to be arriving in Ponyville in the first place, compelled Twilight’s hoof to tap the wooden platform below her. Why were they coming? What was going on? Tap, tap. Why did Cadence send the letter, and not Celestia? Tap, tap, tap. Was this a regular get together that just seemed important? Or was this another noble task that Twilight had to complete? Tap, tap, tap, tap.
Flash eyed Twilight’s nervous twitching and incessant tapping before grazing her backside with his wing. The gentle touch made Twilight swiftly turn to Flash with a blush.
“Hey, it’ll be alright. They’ll be here soon. I’m sure it’s nothing you can’t handle-" Flash smiled kindly at her as his wing continued resting on her back. The alicorn blinked owlishly at the stallion, the nervous tick of her hoof coming to an abrupt stop at the first contact of his wing. "...whatever it is.” He added smoothly.
“Um-” She looked back at his feathers resting on her naturally and then back at him bashfully. “Thanks.” She spoke out of gratitude, before gasping quietly as the sound of fast chugging and steam made its way to her ears. The purple alicorn’s head jerked to the side so quickly her crown would have fell to the floor if she hadn’t caught it and held it tightly on her mane. Her eyes laid on the horizon of the tracks and the crystallized train that moved with such speed as it made its way to Ponyville’s lone train station.
Twilight studied the train just as well as she could from her distance, noting the sun’s reflection on the train and it’s beautiful shine it created on either side of the tracks. Blues, pinks, and purples of light and crystal brilliance casted their charms on the grass and tracks of Ponyville. The sight in and of itself was glorious enough, with the added efficiency of speed the train had, to make Twilight gape at the marvelous piece of Equestrian engineering.
“That’s the Crystal Express for the Crystal Empire. It’s the fastest train in history and at present. It’s usually used as Cadence and Shining’s train for personal routes and emergencies. I thought it was a little strange that Cadence had sent the letter, but now I’m more curious as to why they’re all coming from the Northern Mountains and not showing up separately.” Twilight watched the train slow itself down on the tracks as it pulled into the station, a loud whistle exclaiming the arrival of its destination to Ponyville for all its passengers.
Spike took Twilight’s words into recognition and shrugged unnaturally, nerved by the loud train and Twilight’s inquiries.
“Maybe they just thought it would be better to travel together?” The dragon suggested for the alicorn. The purple princess shook her head confused by the thought.
“Why would Celestia and Luna travel so much? That doesn’t make any sense. If they were travelling back from the Dragon Festival they would have gone back to Equestria’s mainland, it being the fastest way back home. A trip to the Crystal Empire then to Ponyville would have been inconvenient for them if it wasn’t for something important.” Twilight searched the train's windows, her eyes watching intensely as if she were expecting something to jump out at her. Finally, the purple gem doors slid open dramatically, dust from the bottom of the train airing outward and above her hooves as Cadence stepped out of the train car. The petite mare looked either way of the platform before noticing Twilight and her entourage smiling her way. The pink alicorn squealed with delight at the sight of her sister-in-law and galloped toward her. The two fell in an embrace, each holding the other tightly, the long months of little time to see the other fading faster the longer they held one another.
Twilight buried her muzzle in her sister’s shoulder, hugging just a little tighter, trying her best not to be emotional after not seeing her for so long.
“I missed you Cady…” The older alicorn kissed Twilight’s head gently, accepting all the love Twilight had to give. The little foal she once knew had aged and had become wiser over the years she had been princess, and the time they spent together was very limited. Yet, Twilight’s heart still conveyed nothing but pure love toward her old foal sitter. Cadence had always seen Twilight shine the best of her emotions, usually brighter than any other she had seen besides her husband’s. Princess Twilight continually showed her place as a princess, even by the smallest of acts, she always had the right emotions for every task and situation. Even during the toughest of moments, the small purple mare prevailed and knew the right way to feel.
Cadence watched the brightness of white swirl around Twilight, strengthening her unending faith that Twilight could undo what had been done long before their time. That even though the task may be difficult, the young alicorn would succeed in the end.
The mares released their holds on one another, allowing for an awkward pause to sneak its way into the meeting. Twilight stood proudly, smiling, expecting Cadence to mimic her and join in a small exchange they always had done when first seeing one another. However, Cadence only smiled half-heartedly, standing tiredly, then turned her head around toward the other two passengers from the train. Twilight’s smile dropped into a look of concern, never having been rejected a ‘Sunshine’ dance from Cadence.
I-It’s only a little unusual. I’m just used to it is all. There probably isn’t anything wrong and I’m just overthinking like I usually do.
Twilight’s thoughts were quickly interrupted by Celestia’s warm voice, and Luna’s presence.
“Twilight. I’m pleased to see you after so long.” Twilight smiled at her fellow princess and bowed respectively. “Oh Twilight, no need to bow, remember? You’re a princess now too, a hug will do just as good.” Twilight smiled brighter and gently hugged Celestia’s shoulders. In return, Celestia patted the young mare’s head. After embracing her past mentor, Twilight looked over at Luna thoughtfully. Luna gracefully nodded and made a pleasant face, which was the usual greeting they gave one another.
“We share a mutuality of you as well, Miss Sparkle. We-er-I...missed thoust frequent company greatly. If not for recent times and events, I would have come to visit quaint little Ponyville for more of you and your friends’ presence.” Luna struggled with her words, trying her best to not show too much of her excitement from seeing a friend but also using in-decade language. Twilight stifled a giggle and nodded once more.
From behind the group, a cough broke the conversation, as the attention of all three princesses turned to the only dragon and stallion on the platform.
“By the way ladies, we’re here too.” Spike grinned, gaining small laughs from the mares.
“We’re happy to see you too Spike.” Cadence added thoughtfully on the princesses’ behalf. The pink alicorn grinned at the dragon before changing her eyes focus onto the stallion beside Spike. She immediately recognized him as one of her subjects, and smiled brighter. “And you too, Flash. How have you been?”
“Hm? Oh, uh, I’ve been alright. I haven’t been here too long, but I’m enjoying Ponyville and its residence.” Flash nervously answered, not admiring the attention on him. The stallion’s blue eyes peered over at Twilight unconsciously, focusing on her tidy blue bun and tiara. Her dark hair and pastel colored streaks tucked neatly under her crown, and her bangs were pinned to one side of her head. She looked lovely this morning, definitely royalty, definitely earned. He looked down, again without thinking, his eyes now distracted with something else that wasn’t in his near presence.
I want to go back to reading it… The stallion wishfully thought.
Cadence eyed him, the edges of her face lifting in a pleasing manner. His aura glowed white dimly, and swirled around him slowly. Even though Cadence still noticed signs of sadness diving in and out from him, she watched the fabrics of love more attentively. The young alicorn looked over at Twilight who stood not that far in front of her, continuing to smile. It put Cadence at ease knowing that her sister would be protected and cared for through the trials ahead. At that thought, the alicorn’s face became more distressed, but she tried to keep her attitude as contented as possible.
“Twilight.” Celestia spoke up. The latter looked back at the tall regal princess, her eyes twinkling in admiration. Twilight grinned genuinely, but her face fell upon seeing Celestia’s seriousness etched in her features.
“Celestia?” Twilight asked worriedly.
“Princess Twilight, if it’s no inconvenience to you, may we proceed with our meeting in your castle’s council room?” Celestia inquired, her attitude suddenly reserved and professional. Twilight looked at her oddly, but nodded respectively.
“Yes, of course.” Twilight held out a hoof toward the direction of her castle as Spike and Flash came up on either side of the purple alicorn. “This way.” The princesses held their chins up and walked off the platform to their destination. Cadence, however, looked back at the train before joining the group in their walk to the castle.
“We’re leaving now. Bring the contained.” Cadence then peered at Twilight, her face deprived of happiness and instead replaced with melancholy. The pink princess allowed a pause before continuing off the train station platform, Twilight and her entourage staying a few moments behind. The stallion and drake looked at one another with furrowed brows, then at Twilight who watched guards file out of the train. One guard carried in his green magical aura a small box covered in cloth, which then was placed in a protective bubble as the guards circled around it, all walking in the direction of Twilight’s crystal tree castle.
Again, Spike and Flash looked at one another, then at Twilight. The Princess’s eyes were wide, her face in bewilderment and confusion.
“I don’t think this is intended to be a casual meeting.” Twilight concluded.
The room was magnificent, small fractal lights dangled from the ceiling off the ends of a tree’s roots, creating a show of reflections on the floor of the council room. There was a round table centered underneath the large tree, a multidimensional map spread across it to the edges of the crystal structure. Around the magical table, were a set of seven stone chairs, each having it’s own distinct mark on the head, minus one. One was a bit larger than the rest, it displayed a bold pink star identical to Twilight’s. The others had carbon copies of her friends’ cutie marks as well, and Equestria’s formally named ‘Elements of Harmony’. Fluttershy’s had her three innocent pink butterflies, Applejack’s seat was stained with her red apples, Rainbow Dash’s had her popularly known lightning bolt, Rarity’s chair fashionably displayed her three gems, Pinkie’s proudly captivated her trio of balloons, and the chair without any mark was Spike’s for him to seat at when the girls were over. The room had looked as normal as it had been last Twilight was in there, until the guards from before came into the room with the bubble protected case.
Twilight stood by next to the others with a face that could only be described as shaken. Celestia and Cadence eyed the squad of stallions as they set the box down on the table, Luna only looking at it with distaste. As the small crate was set down into place in the center of the map, the guard that had formed the bubble let the force fall, then gently unfolded the wraps from the box’s corners, allowing the chest to be free. Twilight inspected from a distance. It was a small dark purple box, the edges aligned with gold, and small ivory pearls and jewels lined the chest and covered the entirety of the lid.
The youngest of the alicorns looked over at the other princesses’ faces. They were deadpanned, melancholy, and disgusted at the sight of the jeweled box on the table in front of them. Twilight now more than ever felt her anxieties take hold of her mind, her whole body breaking out in sweat, and her eyes wide and stressed.
Finally, after the box was secure on the table, Cadence asked the guards to leave the room and wait outside. Flash figured that was also his cue to leave as well, but before he could Cadence spoke up.
“Not you Flash, you should stay here.” Flash’s ears drooped back a bit in annoyance, but he complied and waited right beside the exit. Cadence nodded, “Spike, please close the doors.” Her voice sounded tired, but stern. Spike did as he was asked and closed the double doors, walking backward into the room as they shut with a loud and low click. As he did so, Cadence made her way to the table and sat in one of the chairs surrounding its round edges, the others following suit. Unpurposely, they avoided seating next to one another, instead sitting across from the other or on the far sides creating an ‘X’ between the four of them. Twilight looked out across the large table to her company, waiting for one of them to speak and to break the awkward silence that haunted the council room. The tension was heavy, all eyes were on the box that had been neatly placed in the center of the entire room. Though the box was appealing to the eye, in no way were any of the princesses enjoying its presence. It casted a spell of intimidation and malaise, even when Twilight didn’t know what was in it, it gave her a feeling of sorrow.
“In this box a very weak, but once powerful creature, is being contained.” Celestia broke the quietness, her calm voice coming out clear and precise. Despite this, the lengthy time without words being spoken caused her voice to pierce the room like a knife, almost like a shriek or a loud ringing that made Twilight cringe for a second. Not only that, but what Celestia had just said contributed to the young mare’s bewilderment and shock that came to her face.
“What?” Twilight uttered quietly in disbelief, almost a whisper.
“I found him four days ago, in my castle...where me and you had once found his journal.” Cadence explained. Twilight’s eyes widened even further as realization of who Cadence was talking about dawned on her.
No. How?
Cadence continued her story after letting the news sink in for Twilight. “I had saw something horrific that led me to him, the halls were covered in...darkness. I could hear his screams. When I found him, he was being attacked by something...something that’s very dangerous to us and to Equestria.”
“The Umbrum.” Luna finished.
“Umbrum...the journal...Sombra…?” Twilight mumbled to herself, the sight a bit unnerving but also understandable to the other royals.
“Twilight?” Spike came up to the alicorn with a look of concern etched in his scaley features. He rested his claw on her shoulder, the gentle touch bringing Twilight back to the present. The lavender alicorn looked to her side at Spike, her face softening.
“I’m alright, Spike...just…a little shocked.” Spike nodded understandingly, then let go of her shoulder, but continued to stand near her chair. The dragon looked back to see if Flash would come join everypony else, but he was nowhere to be seen. Spike rolled his eyes, not too concerned or broken up about Flash’s absence as there were more important things to be thinking about.
Twilight, now more calmed, took a couple steady and deep breaths before speaking again.
“So...Cadence, you found him in his office, and he was being attacked by-?” Twilight trailed off, Celestia nodded.
“The Umbrum. By what Sombra had told Cadence in their encounter, Sombra’s species seeks vengeance on their champion. Sombra didn’t succeed in overthrowing Equestria, and if my reasoning is correct, not prevailing in releasing the Umbrum from their hell. Because he had failed, he is now wanted by his fellow creatures to be tortured, which would be barbaric of us if we let that happen.” The white alicorn’s explaining and reasoning was sound, no one dared object. A dead silence fell at the table, the only thing to be heard was a deep sigh from Spike, taking it all in.
“I see.” Twilight answered at last. “I wouldn’t wish torture on another creature...even if they had attempted to overthrow Equestria-” The lavender alicorn looked over at Luna soon enough to see the Princess of the Night look away with a face of shame and disgust. “--he wouldn’t be the first. But, why is he here? What do you plan on doing with him? And...how exactly is Sombra fitting in that box?”
Cadence would have giggled at the innocent question if it weren’t for the seriousness of the situation, so instead she sparked her magic, levitating the box toward Twilight.
“He isn’t in the form you remember, Twilight. He’s too weak to take any such form other than a piece of something he used to be.” The enchanted chest came to Twilight enveloped in Cadence’s blue aura, then was set down in front of the purple mare. Cadence slowly opened the chest, a golden magic cover sliding back seconds after the lid had been opened, the protection spell being released from the box. Inside was Sombra’s red tipped, black horn cushioned on top of white silk. Twilight looked at it confused, her feelings obvious to Cadence.
“I don’t understand.” Twilight stated in a shaky voice.
“I didn’t either.” Cadence said in a comforting tone before continuing. “This was the first thing he could latch onto at the moment of his defeat. He’s been using his own horn as a vessel all this time, trying to gain some of the strength he once had. Albeit, he’s still too weak to hold up a decent spell, let alone be strong enough to get his pony form back.”
“Interesting.” Was all Twilight could think to say to Sombra’s impressive survival. “Why is he here, Cadence?” The lavender alicorn continued looking at the horn, her face now deadpanned.
“We think thou hast already concluded the reason Equestria’s royalty have gathered here at thine castle, Princess Twilight.” Luna spoke boldly toward the youngest princess.
“Celestia?” Twilight didn’t bother to look up, instead she eyed the useless horn in front of her, waiting for Celestia to tell her what she didn’t want to hear.
“We wish to reform him, Twilight. We wish for you to reform him.” The eldest spoke with faith in her voice, knowing full well Twilight’s character, and predicting what she would say.
“No way.” Spike’s voice shook in disbelief. “You can’t have Twilight reform him! He’s the worst villain to have reformed next to Tirek!” The dragon spat in Twilight’s defense.
“Spike.” Twilight said calmly. “It’s my duty.” Spike looked at his alicorn mother with a face of bewilderment and discontent.
“You can’t...this is our home, Twilight! He’s evil, the real evil...he doesn’t deserve this…you don’t deserve this.” The adolescent dragon’s voice whimpered, knowing this battle had been lost before he had even objected to the idea.
“We had given Discord the same chance, and many after him. Sombra deserves that at least...at least a chance, Spike. It doesn’t matter how we feel about doing it, what matters is actually doing it and giving somepony else that second chance.” Twilight reasoned as Spike was becoming increasingly livid.
“You can’t forgive everypony, Twilight! He’s not like Discord or Starlight or the others! He consciously caused death to hundreds of ponies and enslaved the Crystal Empire to do his bidding! A pony like him shouldn’t even be given the chance to see the light of day let alone walk Equestria free!” Spike’s voice had risen, his blood boiling. He had to protect his family, and letting such a stallion into their home would break them apart. It already was.
“Everypony deserves forgiveness, Spike.” Twilight argued, but Spike wouldn’t have anything to do with what she had to say. Spike hunched down on all fours and walked out of the room, the door slamming hard against the frame, a chip from the gems on the side breaking off from the force.
“Twilight...I wish I could say there was another option, but there isn’t.” Cadence said sympathetically, her delicate hooves then being set at rest on the table. “If the Umbrum are after him, he can’t stay with me at the castle...and though this is mostly for his benefit, reforming him may help us understand how to keep the Umbrum from taking over Equestria. It’s my belief that if they were capable of inflicting pain on Sombra even from beyond their entrapment, then they are getting stronger. They’ve been locked away for so long, even before The Crystal Empire had been sealed away from the rest of the world. It’s only a matter of time before they grow too strong to keep behind the door and we need to know Sombra will help us in their defeat.” Cadence finished, her chin trying to stay high, but her body aching from restless sleep and stress. Twilight finally looked away from Sombra’s horn and at her sister-in-law at the far edge of the round table. It took a long moment of thinking in silence before Twilight spoke up. She looked over to Celestia from across her.
“What do you want me to do?” The white alicorn lowered her head in thought before answering her once prized pupil.
“We need Sombra to stay here in your castle while under reformation. It may take a little while as he’s one of the worst villains Equestria has had, and he hasn’t been in this world for a very long time nor seen what’s outside of The Crystal Empire.” Celestia informatively stated, her eyes now focused on the box containing the disembodied king.
“But what about his magic? He’s weak now, but couldn’t he just escape or wreck havoc on Ponyville once he gets his energy back?” Twilight pointed out, to which the others looked at one another with knowing expressions. Twilight eyed Cadence as she got up from her seat and made her way over to the lavender mare in silence. With her magic, the entry to the council room opened and through the door came yet another small box. This one was plain and wooden, but the saddening black paint that covered its exterior made Twilight look at it with a wince. Cadence pulled the small black box toward the table with her blue aura, the alicorn's face etched with determination. Finally, after what seemed like so long for the chest to travel in front of the youngest alicorn at the table, Cadence spoke.
“This will help with that.” Cadence moved Sombra’s horn to the side and let the black box softly land on the table in front of Twilight, the lid to the chest opening. Inside the simple black box were five rings, all the same except for one that was red while the others were gold. Each one had symbols etched in them, blue light shining dimly through the cracks of the writing. Twilight looked beside her at Cadence who had continued to explain. “These horn rings are enchanted with an old and powerful spell that isn’t used by any regular unicorn. This spell is usually considered dark magic to those who can’t wield it correctly, however, for an alicorn…it’s possible to control if they are strong enough in will and magic.”
“What’s the spell?” Twilight whispered, her eyes straining to read the small symbols.
“‘Tis a spell of binding. The spell has not been used in quiet some time for there was no need to use such a spell...until now.” Luna yet again frowned deeply at the horn visible to everyone at the table. Twilight looked up at the Princess of the Night with a look of utter shock and disgust.
“A binding spell?!” The young mare gasped, her volume reaching significantly higher than what it had been. Her voice echoed through the room, a call of guilt and shame hovering over the group. The princesses looked down in discomfort, their faces obviously stressed from the situation.
“We have no other choice Twilight, as you’ve said, what is to stop Sombra from terrorizing everypony once he gains his magic back? This isn’t as bestial as you think.” Celestia spoke softly and in a calm manner, trying her best to soothe the princess’s nerves. Cadence took it as her cue to begin explaining the logistics of the spell and their plan.
“These rings will be worn at all times by Sombra, Celestia, Luna, you, and me. They can’t be taken off unless the binded has completed his purpose of the spell, or one of the binders passes.”
“What will be his purpose?” Twilight questioned yet again.
“Former tyrant Sombra will have accepted harmony and peace for the rings to break and the spell to be nullified.” Luna answered, her scornful glare never leaving the horn unwatched.
“We will perform the spell once all the rings are placed on our horns. Once the spell is complete, each of us will be in control of Sombra’s magical usage, bodily movements, and speech. It’s a great responsibility, we must all be careful and only use these rings when absolutely necessary.” Celestia looked over at her sister from the corner of her eye, then looked at the rest with a determined brow. “This is for Sombra’s sake and for the protection of Equestria, we must be cautious of the powerful magic in these rings.” Celestia, with her magic, picked the rings out of the box and slid each of the gold rings on the princesses horns, the red one sliding gently down Sombra’s curved one.
“We will perform the spell now.” The white alicorn stood from her seat and faced forward with her chin high, the others following suit.
Once all the princesses were ready, Celestia lit her horn, then Cadence then Luna then Twilight, each of their auras glowing brightly. The light shimmered and spiraled down the crevices of each horn, growing more powerful and more bright as it swirled slowly. Finally, beams from all the princesses horns shot forward at Sombra, then upward in a pillar of light. Soon, the air rushed and became wind that swirled around the alicorns and their spell casting, picking them up off their hooves. Symbols that matched the ones on the rings appeared then faded away as if never existing, though none of the princesses would have noticed. Each of them lost in the magic of their spell.
Twilight’s eyes glowed white with powerful alicorn magic, as did all the others. Her mind ventured as it was overlaid with layers and layers of magic and feeling. Through the entirety she concentrated on Sombra and his reformation, him becoming a good stallion, someone to call a friend, and for a moment she saw it. She saw Sombra stand in front of her with a look of disdain, his eyes looking down on her. The place she was in was of course her mind, but the ambiance of the room made her feel like she was at different place. It was dark, but she could still see him so clearly. He looked at her, his expression deadpanned, and his eyes intimidating. Suddenly, without his mouth moving, his deep baritone voice echoed through Twilight’s head.
“The drake is right, Princess.” Sombra didn’t move, he stayed absolutely still, his mane blowing lightly without a breeze. It took a minute for Twilight to reply back to the figure in her mind.
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t deserve this. I shall never change...you cannot change fate or destiny. It’s all chosen for us. My fate? I am destined to be evil, as you are destined to be a true ruler. Accept this, give up, lock me away from this world.” He sounded like he meant it, every word. Twilight shook her head in disbelief.
“You’re wrong!” Twilight felt the pain of her magic leaving her, her concentration fading as the spell was being cast and completed.
“Foolish mare.” Sombra faded away with the atmosphere in Twilight’s mind. What felt like hours was only minutes. Twilight’s face scrunched in concentration before the magic died out and her muzzle relaxed. The other princesses were gently set down on the crystal floor once again, their manes a mess and their bodies worn out. In the center of the table sat still Sombra’s curved horn, not even moved an inch from the spell he had just endured.
Celestia breathed heavily before speaking once again.
“It is done. We leave him with you Twilight.” The alicorn made her way for the door, exiting without using her magic to aid her. Luna also walked toward the door, but before she stepped out, she looked back at Twilight.
“I trust you Twilight Sparkle.” She began with a worried look, then it deepened into a frown that would be considered intimidating. “Don’t be afraid to teach the tyrant a lesson if he is to ever step out of line.” Her words were threatening and said with so much aggravation and utter hatred. Then she left. Cadence was the last to leave as she stayed behind to hug Twilight goodbye.
“I’ll miss you, Twilight. I know you can do this, I believe in you.” Cadence let go and smiled tiredly at her fellow princess, then she left the council room. The guards watched her leave the room before they too began to march after her and down the hall. Twilight looked out at the empty space, then back at the horn that sat proudly and perfectly still in the center of the room. She eyed it carefully, her face deadpanned with no ounce of feeling visible. The lavender mare eyed her throne before sitting down on its cushion, then just as before, continued to stare at the curved object in front of her. She stayed like this for the longest time, staring, almost like waiting for something to happen. The seconds, minutes, hour she sat there staring ticked away quickly as she observed what was now Sombra. Finally, she let out a sigh before looking back up at her untalkative company with a worried expression.
“What should I do with you?” She whispered, before reaching her hoof out to touch the object. She stopped herself for a moment out of hesitation, but then gently touched the horn. Twilight looked at it for a second more before pulling it closer to her. She held Sombra’s horn in her hooves as she released a bit more of her magic. The ring around her horn glowed dimly, as did Sombra’s. His horn shimmered gold, then the light faded from it returning to its original darkness as Twilight completed the small spell. From all the magic usage she had done that day, her energy was quite low, so she decided to go to her room to rest. The princess's magical aura enveloped Sombra's horn, placed it back in its chest, closed the lid, then carried it to Twilight's back for it to balance there.
"Let's get you settled then." With a quick yawn, the mare turned toward the exit and took one of many steps to her bed chambers.