Twilight hums to herself as she walks up the stairwell to her room. Fortunately there was no commotion outside the Cathedral, the reporters having gone elsewhere. Allowing the party to head there various ways.
Twilight decided it would be best to head to the palace as it was already getting late. Her guards followed behind her ever dutiful even though the comment of sore hooves was raised quietly more than once.
However, none of this fazed her as she had a mission on her mind. This mission happen to be of the utmost importance. And she she would go to tartarus rather than to fail this task.
She walks past the many portraits and priceless heirlooms of the palace as she narrows her sights upon her destination. As she finally makes it to her door, after what felt like an eternity she gives her escort a pleasant smile and quick suggestion.
“You can all leave if you wish. As i won't be leaving this room for some time” Twilight says with a smile as she slowly opens the door and scoots in before she can get a reply.
The sweet aroma of cheese and fried goodness fills her nostrils as her stomach growls from lack of nourishment. She looks towards her desk finding the object of her desires.
A plate of cheesy fries covered in an Italian sauce, served with a bowl of garden salad. Her objective in sight she quickly moves foward to enjoy the heavenly food.
Twilight takes her seat after removing her saddlebags with but a thought and grasps the fork in her magic, shoveling the delicious food into her muzzle before somepony intrudes upon her.
Halfway through her display the door opens and closes before a familiar voice speaks up. “You know Twilight. It's not very Princess like to use your fork as a shovel” Spike states with a smirk.
Twilight turns herself towards the little dragon as she chews her food, sauce staining her muzzle. She swallows and glares at Spike before huffing “I do not shovel my food. And I would appreciate it if you and Shining would stop saying such” Twilight says hotly.
“Yea yea, got to make sure you don't ruin your image” Spike says with a hint of sarcasm earning another huff from Twilight.
“Can I help you Spike. I am busy as you can see” Twilight says narrowing her eyes at her assistant, who simply shrugs it off.
“Well. I searched the palace with Shinning today like you wanted” Spike begins with a smile peeking Twilight's interests. “And you'd be happy to know. Behind a bookshelf in the library and up some stairs. We found a door with a combination lock” He finishes.
“Thank you very much Spike” Twilight beams happily.
“Does that mean you'll share?”
“Not a chance” Twilight states with a smirk before returning to her food earning a grumble from the little dragon.
After finishing the meal fit for any Princess, Twilight heads to the the library looking for the passage which Spike had mentioned. Currently said dragon was sitting upon her back munching on some gemstones with a large smile.
“Sixth shelf down along the southernmost wall” Spike states before chomping on another gem stone.
“Thanks Spike” Twilight says as she walks towards the southern wall, deep in thought when it comes to this new find and the possibilities of what could be hidden within. After all. Sombra did leave a fairly complex puzzle behind.
After a few moments of brooding, Twilight finds herself standing before the false bookshelf. With a simple push of her magic it swings open revealing a hidden stairwell up and gaining an irritated sigh from Twilight.
“What's with that Stallion and Stairs?!” She cries out earning a chuckle from Spike as she walks forward.
Thankfully the walk was short and just as Spike had said was a door with a six digit combination lock. Twilight then takes out one of her notes with the order of journals and enters 6,1,3,2,5,4. This task done and her heart racing she paws at the ground with indecision.
“Alright here goes nothing” She says loudly, more to herself then Spike as she pulls the handle with a click and swinging the door open revealing a simple room covered in dust from lack of use and a bed in the right corner. Along with some lighting crystals hanging from the ceiling in the center.
Looking about, Twilight scans the room for any hidden traps finding nothing remotely close to a trap but instead finding the room heavily warded. “Alright. Be careful Spike. I'm going to set you down” She says gaining an affirmative from Spike as he is set down.
Walking around she finds nothing out of order, not a hint of Dark Magic or hidden trap. She even went so far as to look under the bed. “I don't get it Spike! All this trouble for a room that's never been used!” Twilight shouts in annoyance.
“Maybe Sombra never got around to using the room?” her trusty companion suggests as he sits on the bed kicking his feet, looking as bored as Twilight felt.
“Sombra had a lock and everything though! What's the point if you don't use it?” She says circling the room again, becoming more irritated with every moment.
“Well, I'm not an evil king. I don't know why” Spike says huffing at Twilight who frowns and sighs.
“Sorry Spike I didn't mean to shout. I'm just bothered is all, why would Sombra go through all of this trouble just for nothing?” She says apologetically to Spike who begins to respond as a crash is heard from behind them.
Jumping slightly and not letting out a frightened shriek, Twilight finds that half of the chains holding crystals fell, causing most of the crystals to shatter only leaving three of them. One faintly glowing. Catching her breath and giving Spike a sheepish smile she levitates the chains and finds the broken ends to be rusted, the most likley suspect for the damage.
“Well. Looks like this room was still affected by time” Twilight says to Spike as she levitates the chains and other fallen bits to herself.
“Shouldn't we leave it where we found it Twi?” Spike asks, causing Twilight to frown slightly before the thought vanishing.
“Maybe. But I doubt anypony will be around to clean this up. So we may as well. Besides. It's just light crystals and some chains Spike” Twilight says reassuringly.
“If you say so Twilight” Spike says before hopping of the bed walking to the door. Twilight right behind him.
As she steps out she looks over the room once more and frowns before closing the door once more and following her assistant down the steps.
After dropping off the crystals and broken chains to a servant pony, Twilight and Spike in tow prepared themselves for a night of well earned rest. Twilight preferring to do some late night studying but being convinced otherwise by Spike.
Said Dragon just finished brushing his teeth and now getting into bed. Twilight tucking him in before getting into bed herself. Exchanging good night's before she relaxes into the soft matters now just realizing how much she needed this. In just a few moments she finds herself in the realm of dreams not a care in the world.
That is before an unpleasant sensation, followed by a freezing gust of wind disturbs her forcing her to reach for a comforter and finding nothing. Slowly she opens her eyes finding that she is no longer in her bedroom and in fact is in a cave mouth looking out over some frozen tundra.
Her mind reeling she begins to go over all of the events leading up to her being here. Finding no explanation in her memories she begins multiple scans of herself and the area, the results both telling. One that there's faint signs of a long distance teleportation. Two, there's a spell faintly connecting her to the point she woke up from. The spell being eerily familiar to the many anchoring spells she found on Sombra Journals.
Suddenly her eyes open in realization as she search the nearby area, her horn blazing as it illuminates the cave. Only to find nothing but stone and a tunnel that heads deeper into the cave.
“Should have just listened to Spike” She mutters to herself as she swiftly dispelled the anchor upon her and looks back to the cave entrance. Seeing the bellowing wind outside and feeling the bite of the cold air, she shivers before heading into the cave proper. Her horn glowing in preparation for anything that is to come.
Twilight's hoof steps echo as she descends into the earth, mentally berating herself for the decisions she made. However, for all the negatives she no longer feels the cold wind, unfortunately it's still quite cold.
If she didn't know better, Twilight would assume that the cave system goes through a glacier as the stone around her steadily becomes ice. At the very least, the light from her horn is being reflected nicely making sure she doesn't miss her footing.
With that thought in mind she slowly makes her way through the tunnel before finally arriving at the top of a massive cavern which looks to be pony made. At the bottom there seemingly being a table of stone and some sort of passage. As she peers over the ledge she guess that the cavern is easily 10 meters across at the smallest being where she is, and 30 at the bottom.
She's about to make her way further down when a light comes from the passage causing her to lower herself and peer over the edge as quietly as possible. Her heart pounding in her ears as she tries to slow her breathing thinking even that is to loud.
Out from the passage comes a pony that's unmistakably King Sombra, holding a torch in his mouth which he puts in a holder by the passage entrance. Somewhat shocked by his lack of magic Twilight continues to watch as he looks over the room, never looking up before he seemingly finds what he's looking for. He lets out a throaty chuckle as he approaches the table and grabs something with his hoof before putting it away in a small satchel Twilight previously missed.
That simple task done he grabs his torch and heads back the way he came. Once the light fades completely Twilight mentally counts two minutes to both calm herself and insure he doesn't come back. This done she focuses on her new task. Stopping Sombra.
She with as much speed as possible without tripping or making much sound she descends into the cavern. Gently flapping her wings before landing gracefully to the side of the passageway. Pausing just for a moment to see if she's been caught, Twilight casts a silencing spell and rushes down the passage without a sound, finding it to be made of hewn stone.
Storing the information away for later she charges down the hallway making a right and slows as she comes to a doorway. She takes a few deep breaths and scans the doorway, finding a grease enchantment she smiles and slowly pulls it open enough to peek through. Thankfully the enchantment making it open without a sound.
Peering into the room Twilight sees what looks to be a fairly simple sitting room lit by a fireplace. A few sparsely used shelves and a chairs, but no sign of Sombra. As she pushes the door open more and more she sees what looks like a doorway off to the right hoof corner and an ever burning fireplace to the left. She slowly walks in her spell still masking her hoof steps.
The doorway in the right corner suddenly opens as Sombra walks out carrying a tray of bread and cheese on his back a content look on his face. Before stopping dead in his tracks as he stares wide eyed at Twilight who's returning the favor in kind.
Sombra begins to open his mouth as if to speak, but is cut off swiftly by a bolt of magic from Twilight. A shout and scowl being the only tell before he dives behind the cover of a chair. The food forgotten.
“You monster!” Twilight yells as she blasts the chair back gaining a yelp from the defeated king who rolls under a table as hay and dust burst from the chair.
“Let me ex-” The Dark king's begins before letting out a yelp as his cover is blasted apart by magenta beam of light. He rolls out from the ruins of the smoking table diving out of the way from another shot. A bookcase exploding with a thunderous clap. Paper and bits of wood flying in the process.
While Twilight is saddened from the loss of books, the matter of Sombra is still precedent. She let's loose another beam of magic catching Sombra in the barrel, gaining a surprised yelp and knocking him into one of the shelves.
Marching over to the fallen King amongst the damage and debris, Twilight finds it odd he hasn't fought back as he begins to stand up only to be pushed into the wall and restrained by Magenta chains. Forced to look at the angered Alicorn. He struggles to no avail against the restraints but swiftly stops letting out a defeated groan. Or at least that's how Twilight sees it.
“My brother defeated you Sombra! What are you doing back!” She shouts, filled with anger for the harm the pony before her caused. She fumes for a moment as Sombra seemingly catches his breath before finally responding in a hoarse voice.
“What I tried to say. Before” He begins flinching slightly as Twilight's horn glows brighter for a moment. “Your brother freed me. Not defeat”
This statement caught her off guard her spell coming apart causing the Dark king to fall to the ground in a heap. Shaking her head she glares at him again stepping back horn glowing. “What do you mean by that?” Twilight demands.
“What I mean. Is that I was possessed. And the heart freed me” Sombra says as he seemingly checks himself over and bending his head where Twilight notices a lack of horn upon his head and a lack of all his more villainous features. Like fang like teeth and armored form, all of this overlooked in her anger induced haze. She can even see his cutie mark, that being a cluster of red crystals.
Pushing the observation aside she speaks again “And I'm supposed to believe you why?” Twilight states firmly.
“Because, If I wanted to fight I would have won” He says sounding confident as he looks her in the eyes, where she notices his pupils are now round rather than slits.
“You lack a horn and any weapons Sombra. I doubt you could do much against me” Twilight says her voice filled with conviction as every instinct tells her to knock Sombra unconscious and move on.
“Dark Magic requires no horn, any pony can do it. And as I'm sure you are well aware. It's far more powerful then normal unicorn magic” He says casual before sitting where he is and leans against the wall. “However I must say. I'm surprised Princess Sparkler”
“It's Princess Twilight” She says grinding her teeth in anger at his comment. But cannot find fault in his logic regarding dark magic. As it didn't require a horn to channel.
“My apologies. That time is mostly a blur of rage and random thoughts” Sombra says bowing his head slightly, the action alone catching her off guard.
“Apology accepted” She says unsure of herself and the Dark King's words. Only earning a chuckle from him.
“Now. I hate to be a poor host. But could you perhaps not attack me while I grab myself a drink? Nearly dieing makes you thirsty after all” He says almost jokingly, however gaining just a glare for his efforts.
“And how do I know you won't attack me?” Twilight asks with a raised brow, her horn glowing with the statement.
“For starters. I already said I could have by now. Secondly I want to return to my Kingdom with a much good graces as I can get. Attacking you hardly helps that endeavor” Sombra states calmly before standing and walking to one of the shelves seemingly undamaged. He then grabs a bottle with a hoof and pulls the cork off with his mouth before downing whatever liquid was inside.
Twilight watches all the while, cautious of Sombra but unsure of his intentions. The Sombra she knew would have attacked her by now. However it's possible this is just a clever scheme to lure here into a sense of security.
“Your face scrunched whenever you think Princesa” The pony of her thoughts comments sounding slightly better as he puts the bottle away and surveys the damage. “And looks like only the couch survived your attacks” He says with a sigh.
“How was I to know you wanted to talk?” Twilight says defensively causing the Dark king to raise a brow.
He looks as if he wants to say something but pauses before speaking. “A fair point considering my actions of the past. Now. If you want you can take a seat, while I grab myself a seat and some food. I'd offer but I'm sure you'd think it's poisoned” He says before walking into the doorway before Twilight can say anything to stop him. He doesn't bother to close the door as his hoof steps fade slightly.
She then looks about the damaged room, shocked by the damage she caused. What once could have been called a homey atmosphere looked like something of a battle ground, wooden bits scattered about and scorch marks lining the walls. She considers leaving it as is but thinks better of it. Seeing as Sombra so far seems to be friendly enough and he nay be her only way to the Empire.
She focuses and casts a massive ‘Fix it’ spell repairing the broken furniture and removing the scorch marks from the walls. As well as cleaning up the bits of destroyed books and items, the spell unfortunately unable to replace finer things. Looking about the now restored room she feels slightly better by mending the wrong she committed.
Shortly after the magical display, Sombra walks out with a tray holding more cheese and bread along with a pitcher of water and two glasses. He seems shocked by the repaired room but doesn't let it hinder him as he puts the tray down on the now restored table adoring the center of the room.
“I thank you for repairing the damage” He says taking a seat and munching on some bread.
Twilight looks at him with indecision before sitting across from Sombra trying not to give him a dirty look as he eats.
After a long period of the crunching the bread and occasional gulp of water. Sombra let's out a content sigh. “So, I shall not pretend that you and I are friends. However I ask that you listen to my side of the story with an open mind. Once done I'll answer any question you have so long as I can ask a few of my own” He says his voice sounding more akin to what she remembers, just calmer and filled with conviction rather than malice.
Twilight nods her head in agreement. “Very well. But do not try anything” She says with a glare, only earning a nod in return.
“Now, I'm unsure what you've been told about my rise to power or even my time as Emperor. My family was among one of the few southern houses to remain after the unification three hundred years prior and after an illness befell the Royal family my father was crowned Emperor. Being he was the closest related relative to the previous Empress”
“My father at the time was merrily a young stallion who had yet to be married and never expected to be in charge of the entire Empire. Tensions were high and everypony wanted more power. However my father did something unexpected and married a merchant's daughter sending the majority of Nobles into outrage”
“The following years where tartarus for him as-” Sombra says before being cut off by Twilight.
“I fail to see how this explains anything” Twilight says, pushing her scholarly side away to stay focused on the matter at hoof.
“I'm merely explaining in detail what occurred but very well. I'll, skip to my coronation” Sombra begins with a sigh.
“After my father lived a long life, being the eldest child I was crowned as the new Emperor, I had already found a wife and we were happily married out of love rather than power. Another upset to the Nobles. However I was the Emperor of the people and thus I had more sway than even my father. And I sought to end the division of the common pony and noble. Trying to bring about something like the Crescent Republic, with the Emperor simply being a figurehead who looks after the best interests of the people”
“The northern nobles were hardly happy with this image of mine and tried everything in there power to retain their power. But all was for nought as they slowly lost their power and the people gained more. Finally the Nobles started a civil war and convinced the Equestrians that I was a tyrant. Even though the worst of my crimes was put prisoners to work mines” Sombra snorts as if remembering a foul memory.
“But then my problems took a turn for the worst. As even though I was fighting a war on two fronts, my life was still calm and victory was still in my grasp” He sighs sadly and shakes his head. “An assassin sent by the Equestrians killed my wife and daughter sending me in a fit of rage. One that never ended”
He looks at his hooves upon the table as if in thought before continuing no longer looking up as he slouches. “Something dark and Evil latched onto my hate and refused to leave. I remember bits and pieces but hardly enough. It's only during my battle with the Princesses that the fog lifts, the thing controlling me jumping to the Princess of Night. Free of its corruption I redoubled my efforts focused now on saving her from that thing. However it's during this time that Celestia rejoined our fight and pushed me to the limit. I felt the haze suddenly return and then I remember nothing until seeing the Crystal heart activate and the sensation of the corruption being burnt away” Sombra chuckles lightly shaking his head a smile on his muzzle.
“It hurt beyond imagine your highness, but the pain was worth it. However it all went dark and I really awoke here several hours later” He gestures around him. “Since then I've been content to regain my strength before heading out to face that corruption once more” The stallion finishes.
Twilight takes a moment to digest everything. Finding the holes in the story and filling them with information she knows or deeming it a question that needs to be addressed. Finally she looks to Sombra again and speaks.
“You are telling me. You were evil because of the Nightmare?” Twilight asks slowly causing Sombra to frown.
“You have a name for it?” He asks, his voice as cold as ice.
“Yes it's what causes Princess Luna's fall into madness and then the civil war shortly after” Twilight explains swiftly watching Sombra expression become saddened.
“I take it she is now killed?” He asks solemnly causing Twilight to recoil in shock.
“Of course not! What would make you think that?! She was banished by the elements of harmony and then freed recently by them”
Sombra nods his head a small smile gracing his muzzle. “The why doesn't matter. However it is good to hear that the reached thing has been defeated. It can no longer ruin lives and that's all which matters”
Looking as if she wants to refute his claim, Twilight stops herself and speaks again. “Saying that I take your word about the Nightmares involvement. Why would Equestria kill your family? That goes against everything we stand for”
This question earning a chuckle from Sombra as he shakes his head. “Perhaps today, but back then your Princesses dealt with things efficiently. However it could have just as well been one of the Nobles from Equestria. As for the why. The assassination was meant for me. But I was walking the halls when my chambers where lit ablaze, my daughter having joined us prior due to bad dreams” Sombra says with a slight edge to his voice, almost as if he is restraining himself or on the verge of tears.
Twilight frowns and looks away from the Stallion giving him a moment to calm himself. “Sorry your highness, even though it was centuries ago for you, it was but years for me. The wounds are still very much open. Do go on”
“It's alright, there's no reason to apologize” Twilight says sincerely. “Now while I would love nothing more but to ask about the past. I need to know how I got here. And how I get back”
Sombra frowns as if not expecting what was said. “How you get out is simple, we walk a few hours south to the capital. As for how you got here. I don't known. I'd imagine that you found my little puzzle and entered the empty chamber. But that was set in place to release my means of restoring the Crystal heart if it ever fell into the wrong hooves”
“However that is no longer needed so it simple transported a useless gem I hid away and some chains” He finishes with a shrug.
“You mean I can just walk to the capital from here? No trouble? And that you didn't play a role in me being here?” Twilight asks skeptically.
“Besides the cold yes. And for you being here, why would my emergency escape transport other ponies?” He asks pointedly causing Twilight to frown in thought.
“I guess that wouldn't make sense. But doesn't explain why I'm here” This only earning her a shrug from the previous king.
“Wouldn't know. I never tested the enchantments. Perhaps I messed something? However the problem at hoof is. What will you do knowing about my survival?” Sombra asks, his calm demeanor not wavering.
Twilight sits in thought got a moment before looking to the dark stallion opposite of her. “We return to the Crystal Empire. And you stand trial for your crimes” Twilight says simply and nods her head more to herself then him.
The stallion before her frowns at her plan but bows his head after a moment. Twilight let's out a breath she didn't know she had. “Very well Princess. If that's what it takes to clear my name” Sombra says calmly as he finishes the last of his food.
Twilight gives him a strained smile, still unsure about the tale Sombra told. “When can we head for the Capital?” She asks after a moment.
“Whenever you want. However it will be cold with the winter winds and it being night. We can just wait here tell morning” The stallion says waving his hoof around the room.
“I'll respectfully decline the offer Sombra” Twilight says her distaste for the stallion leaking into her voice. “We shall head out now. I know enough comfort spells to keep warm” She says straining to keep her voice neutral.
“Very well. Let's not tarry” Sombra says standing from his seat and walking to the door. Forcing Twilight to stand and follow him out, her horn glowing once more lighting the hallway for them.
“You seem a little eager for somepony to be put on trial” Twilight says in a conversational manner, earning an amused chuckle from Sombra.
“Still doubting me. Understandable considering our brief past. However if you must know. I have nothing to fear from a trail. I was not in the right state of mind” He says with amusement in his voice.
His calmness only irritates Twilight further as she follows behind. “If you are to be believed” She says insuring Sombra knows exactly what she thinks.
“Most certainly. If you want I can even tell you how to suppress my dark magic. Considering that's all I can do without a horn” He says as they enter the large cavern walking to the side to start his way up.
“And how do I know it's not some trap?” Twilight asks skeptically, yet curious about the possibilities of what he could show her.
“Well. You don't need to cast it. And I doubt I could show you in this cave as is. Unless you want to go back” He says looking over his shoulder at her, his tone still calm.
Twilight narrows her eyes at him unsure what he's trying to do. “I see. Then you can show myself and the court mages how to block dark magic. When we reach the Capital”
“Very well Princess” He says as they reach the halfway point of the walk up the cavern.
About to speak Twilight pauses mid step and looks to the stone table at the center of the cavern then returns her focus to Sombra who didn't seem to notice her falling behind.
“Sombra. When I first saw you, you came to this area and grabbed something. What was that?” Twilight asks as she catches up keeping a few pony lengths between them.
“Oh that? A trinket is all” He says casually brushing the question off.
“What kind of trinket” Twilight presses already irritated with the Stallion.
“One which is imp-” Sombra begins before Twilight's horn brightens greatly. “It's a phylactery” Sombra states swiftly and slowing his pace as he reaches the top.
His answer catches Twilight off guard. Having heard of such things but never seeing let alone knowing of somepony using one. “You” Twilight begins as her mind goes through a turmoil of emotions. “Made a phylactery. That's how you survived isn't it?” She says, her voice low.
His composure weavers for a moment as if unsure what to say. His voice sounding unsure. “Ah, yes. That's how I survived”
“Did you make it before or after your possession?” Twilight asks pointedly her voice still low.
“Before if I'm to be honest” Sombra says regaining his composure.
“Why?” She asks simply, a question that Sombra tense at slightly.
“I'm surprised you're taking this so well” He says with a small chuckle, earning a glare at the back of his head.
“Why did you make the phylactery?” Twilight asks again her voice holding an unusual edge to it. Something she is even surprised by.
He lets out a small sigh and turns looking at her. “Because I wanted to insure my survival. I already knew dark magic. What is Necromancy on top of that?”
“A perversion of magic! Of life!” Twilight shouts stomping her hoof down sheathing in anger at his lack of remorse. “It's horrible! Disgusting and Evil! I thought that maybe you were a victim! I sustained the idea! But this is proof of you being evil!”
“Does that make guards evil?” Sombra asks having stopped to look at Twilight.
“That hardly matters. What you've done is a crime against everything ponies stand for!” She sheaths her shouts echoing through the cavern.
Sombra nods his head “But it does matter. All magic is a tools. If I'm evil for using a tool. Then Guards are evil for using weapons” He says simply shrugging.
“That's a poor comparison and you know it!”
“Poor yes. But valid still” He says with a smile and a shrug. Twilight staring at him with hate in her eyes but after a moment let's out a long breath.
Seeing that she's done Sombra continues forward at a steady pace. Not saying a word as Twilight follows behind him, trying to bore a hole through his head with a glare.
The two travel in silence before they reach the cave mouth. Twilight casting a thin translucent bubble around them to make the temperature and wind bearable before the two walk in silence, the Dark king leading the way through the snow. There only source of light being Twilight's horn.