//------------------------------//
// The Chat 
// Story: A Chat Among Devils 
// by King of Madness 
//------------------------------//

Cerberus stood guard at the gates of Tartarus as he always did; ready to attack any intruder who dared to trespass and any inmate who dared to try and escape. Not long ago, the prison had been fed a new inmate: Lord Tirek. He had attempted to steal all of Equestria's magic for himself and rejected the offer of friendship given to him. Too dangerous for risks to be taken and too hateful to seek redemption, he was condemned to Tartarus for eternity.

It seemed like it would be an incident free day, but this was not to be the case.

Cerberus growled as a dark pony entered through the gates. The three-headed dog barred it's teeth as the pony approached. The intruder gave off a vibe that filled Cerberus with a sense of dread and made him hesitant to attack. The pony came closer and started to turn into some kind of living shadow before pouncing the guard dog.

Cerberus snapped his jaws and rolled around, trying to attack the stranger, but found himself all alone. He felt smaller. Vulnerable. He examined himself to see he was just a puppy. It was then that he heard a growl. No, several growls. He looked up to see several three-headed dogs closing in on him. All bigger than him; all looking at him with murderous intent. There was nothing he could do as they swarmed him.

Sombra stood back and watched in amusement as the three-headed guard dog wallowed and yelped in fear and agony before moving on with his visit.





Tirek opened his eyes when he heard the sound of hooves clopping against the stone ground approaching him. He raised his  head and turned to face the unexpected visitor. The moment he saw those red and green eyes, he knew who it was.

Sombra placed himself right in front of Tirek's open chamber. The centaur's wrists were shackled and chained to the ground. He was unable to use his magic and Sombra was at a safe distance so that Tirek couldn't try anything. The evil unicorn wore the same sadistic smile he usually wore, showing off his fangs.

"Hello, Tirek." He greeted. "It seems your plans of conquest did not go the way you intended."

Tirek rose and tried to attack Sombra, but was held back by his restraints.

Sombra chuckled at his futile attempt.

Tirek took a deep breath and stepped back. "What do you want?"

"I came to answer your question." Sombra explained. "The reason the Princesses did not know of their sister's death nor the state of the Crystal Empire is because I had kept up the illusion that I was Amore. I took the time to study her writing so that I could flawlessly copy it. I studied her and the things she did. What she would say and how she would say it. I kept up the act until it was time to strike."

Tirek raised an eyebrow. "You came all the way here to answer a question?"

Sombra hummed to himself. "Actually, I came here to let you know about the war."

"What war?"

"The war I have waged on Equestria. I heard all about your attempt at conquering Equestria. I heard of the ponies you drained. I heard of how your destroyed their homes and left them as broken shells. I also heard of how the Princesses foiled your plans and locked you down here. I just had to see for myself."

Tirek clenched his fists. "They only defeated me because of my brother! He betrayed me!"

Sombra laughed.

"What's so funny?!"

"I just find it amusing that someone who cares only about himself has the audacity to whine about betrayal. You had put too much faith in your brother. That overconfidence is the reason you're here just as it's the reason Discord is a stone statue. But now, I've plunged Equestria into war. I've taken control of ponies' minds and bodies and have made them my soldiers. I am assimilating Equestria into my power and all that resist shall be met with death and destruction."

"But how could you have accomplished that?" Tirek questioned.

"The Crystal Heart. With it, I have corrupted the land with fear and hatred. Didn't you notice the wendigos?"

"You summoned them?"

"Yes and they have provided an obstacle even the Princesses have trouble dealing with."

Tirek thought to himself. He believed there was still a chance he could persuade Sombra into a helping him. "What if they regain the Crystal Heart?"

Sombra chuckled once more. "I have made arrangements. The Crystal Heart will not be easy to get to."

"And what if they defeat you regardless? You've talked about overconfidence, so surely you must have it in your mind that you may lose?"

"I have considered the possibility of my defeat and I have made arrangements for that as well."

"Hmm... You've definitely made plans, but regardless of how many arrangements you make, you can't possibly know what will happen when the time comes."

Sombra raised an eyebrow.

"I would have had Equestria under my hooves if my brother didn't betray me. How was I supposed to know he would do that? No matter how many plans you make, there's no telling what will happen."

"And what do you think will happen?"

"The Princesses will defeat you and you'll end up here or least somewhere just as bad. But that's exactly why I want to help you."

Sombra scoffed.

"I need out of here, you need an ace. It's a deal nether of us can refuse."

Once again, Sombra laughed at Tirek. "Do you think me a fool, Tirek? Setting you free would be my downfall. Like you said, we are very much alike. I know what goes through your head because it would go through my own head. I would stab you in the back and take over therefore you would do the same."

Tirek let out a frustrated sigh. "You're smart, I'll give you out that."

"I'll show you the Princesses' heads once I'm done with them." Sombra promised before turning and starting to walk away.

"Mark my words, Sombra,"

Sombra stopped and looked back at Tirek.

"I will get out of here one day and when I do, I will destroy Equestria."

"Heh. If you get out of here, they will send you right back."

"And they will kill you before they can send me back."

"We'll see." With that, Sombra left Tirek to fester in his prison, freeing Cerberus from his spell as he left.

Little did the Princes of Darkness realize just how right they were about each other.