//------------------------------// // Chapter 30: Unexpected Generosity // Story: A Somber Tale: FIENDship is Magic // by Maltrazz //------------------------------// "Hehehe," Rarity forced out a laugh, doing her best to hide her nervousness at the situation she found herself in. "Seriously? I've had bad hair days more intimidating than this. Show yourself, then take me home immediately." Something rushed past the stone throne Rarity was tied to, a smoky trail and the sound of displaced air the only sign that something was there. "R-Really, that's the best you've got?" Rarity asked, starting to sweat. "Wooshing around in the dark?" Dozens of entities began to flit about her. "Admittedly, that was a twinge creepy," Rarity said, squeezing her eyes shut as she flinched away from the unseen figures. When she opened her eyes, terror began to creep over her at what she saw. "Oh, dear... That is definitely a step up..." The smoke she had caught glimpses of was not just the aftermath of their movement. In the room before her were dozens of entities that seemed to be made entirely from dark smoke, except for their glowing eyes, which were all fixed on the unicorn mare. Rarity swallowed anxiously, whispering under her breath, "Good show, wooshie things..." "The Nightmare Forces?" Twilight asked rhetorically, after hearing Princess Luna's explanation. "They were the ones who took Rarity?" "It's a bit more complicated than that, but that would be the simple answer, yes," Luna replied. "Ever since I was purified by the Elements of Harmony, the remnants of Nightmare Moon's power have been waiting for another chance to take the kingdom they were promised, lurking in wait in the Nightmare Dreamscape." "Nightmare Dreamscape?" Spike repeated questioningly. "The temporary kingdom established by Nightmare Moon on the dark side of the moon during the thousand years she was trapped there," Luna explained. "The Nightmare Forces somehow knew exactly what to say to convince me... To give me their energy and hate. After my curse was broken by the Elements of Harmony, I believed the forces of darkness would wither and die... but it would seem that I was wrong." "But, why does that gobbledy-goo care a flying feather about us?" Applejack asked. "It is due to the Elements, is it not?" Sombra said, finally speaking up after having held his silence through the explanation. "Indeed," Luna said. "Together, you possess the Elements of Harmony, which have defeated the dark forces before. Now, they will come after all of you, the ponies who can defeat them, and destroy your home..." "We've made our offer very clear-" the leader of the shadowy beings was saying, before being interrupted. "Clear?" Rarity said, having recovered her courage for the moment. "You know what's crystal clear? The fact that a new set of drapes would do wonders for this place. Bad decorating decisions aside, I would never and will never stay here. Ponyville is my home." "Oh, but we know that all you ever want to do is help..." the leader said leadingly. "...And we do need help from a pretty lady," spoke up one of the other shadowy creatures. "Don't we, Larry?" The leader glared at the minion as he wrapped a tendril of shadow around where their neck would be in they were corporeal. "I, uh, mean, don't we, Shadowfright?" The goon quickly corrected himself. Continuing on as if he had not been interrupted, the now identified 'Shadowfright' said, "Without you, our entire existence is meaningless. Your generosity would save us..." "No!" Rarity protested. "My friends! They need me!" "Do they?" Shadowfright asked, as if to himself. "Or will they reject your gift once somepony new comes along? After all, how can you be expected to match up to somepony that can conjure things from thin air?" Rarity hesitated, unable to keep herself from thinking about Twilight's new scarf, something the other unicorn was rarely seen without since she received it. 'I've made my friends so many dresses and accessories, but none of them wear what I make that often,' Rarity thought. Out loud, she asked, "But... they wouldn't forget me, would they?" "Stay with us, and your kindness would never be taken for granted," Shadowfright cajoled her. "You would never be forgotten," add the goon from before. As Rarity's resolve wavered, a spark of Dark Magic rose from the surrounding darkness and shot towards her. "Never?" Rarity repeated softly as the spark connected with her horn. "I just want to help..." "And you will help," a voice echoed in her mind as the shadows swirled about her. "More than you ever dreamed." Below in Ponyville, it had been decided that Luna would lead the remaining bearers of the Elements to the moon to rescue their friend, while Celestia and Cadance would stay behind to organize the defense of Ponyville should the worst-case scenario occur. Needless to say, however, there was one pony who was less than pleased with this plan. "Allow me to go with you, Twilight," Sombra demanded. "Surely you still remember what happened the last time you faced such a dangerous foe alone. I would not be able to bear it if something like that happened again because I was not by your side." Twilight smiled, her heart warmed by the concern in his voice, but said, "Ponyville needs you more. Besides, I won't be alone. Along with my friends, Luna will be there as well, and she knows this threat better than any of us. We'll be back before you know it." "Then, at least promise me that you will not do anything reckless," Sombra said. Twilight paused, knowing she would not hesitate to throw herself into danger for the sake of her friends. As she realized an opportunity, however, she grinned and replied, "Fine, but I want a promise from you, as well. Promise me that whatever happens, you won't go back to how you were before." "What do you mean?" Sombra as cautiously. "You've changed," Twilight said. "I know it, and I'm sure you do, as well. It's definitely been for the better. I want you to promise me that if anything happens to me, you won't go back to how you used to be." Glancing to where the princesses were waiting with their friends, she added, "I'm sure that even if they find out who you really are, you could still find a place for yourself as you are now, even without me." "Twilight," Sombra said, his expression dark, "do not even suggest-" "Just promise me," Twilight insisted. Sombra was silent for a moment, before saying, "You wish for an oath? Then so be it. I swear that I will stay by your side for as long as you will have me. And should some force take you from me before then, I will travel to the depth of Tartarus and overcome Death itself if that is what I must do to have you with me once more." "Sombra..." That was all Twilight could say for a moment. From anypony else, she would think those words hollow, but for all his flaws, Twilight had little doubt he really would do that if he could. "W-Well, I suppose I'd better not die anytime soon then, huh?" Leaning forward she placed a quick kiss on Sombra's cheek as she turned to leave. Watching her go, Sombra stood in dumbfounded silence for a moment, slowly raising a hoof to the spot her lips had touched. As Twilight approached the others, a blush lit her face as she realized anyone looking in their direction would have seen her display of affection. A thought that was confirmed when she saw Celestia, Cadance, and her friends looking at her with knowing smiles, except for Rainbow Dash who was saying something about losing an entire paycheck by this point. Clearing her throat, she said, "We better get going. Don't want to keep Rarity waiting any longer than we have to, after all." "Indeed, we wish you all the best of luck," Celestia said. "Come, Cadance, we should consult with the local Knight about the town's defense." "That, and a few other things, if we have time," Cadance agreed. Approaching the still shell-shocked stallion, the Princess of Love asked eagerly, "Let me guess, first kiss?" Stirred from his stupor by the question, Sombra lowered his hoof, and replied, "Yes, well, given my rather intimidating appearance, I am hardly used to such... attentions." "As much as I would love to continue this line of discussion, we really must focus on the current threat," Celestia said. "Besides, there will be plenty of time for such talk later." After arriving on the moon and entering the Nightmare Dreamscape, (and having Applejack make a wry comment about Nightmare Moon's lack of originality when it came to names,) the group came under attack by the Nightmare Forces, brought low by terrifying dreams. Thanks to Sombra's nocturnal training and some assistance from Princess Luna, Twilight quickly broke free of the nightmare they trapped her in and helped her friends escape similar predicaments. No sooner was that situation taken care of than the group found themselves surrounded by shadowy beings. "You want some?" Rainbow Dash shouted defiantly. "Well, we aren't afraid of you!" "Ah, but some of you are afraid," Shadowfright said as he came forward. "Isn't that true... Luna? Is that what you're going by now?" "That is my name," the alicorn said firmly. "My past as Nightmare Moon is long gone." "But there is something you fear..." Shadowfright replied. "Come back as Nightmare Moon and we will spare your friends," his goon added. "After all they've done for you, this is how you will repay them? Tsk-tsk," the leader of the shadowy beings went on in a chiding tone. "Of course, you know our other alternative..." "No!" Luna protested. "You can't. These ponies saved me. Rarity saved me." She wanted to deny them, and yet, part of her had already entertained such thoughts. "I will go-" Suddenly, amethyst crystals burst from the ground, cutting off Luna's reply as they momentarily dispersed Shadowfright's form. "You aren't going anywhere, Luna!" Twilight declared in a commanding tone as she stepped in front of the alicorn. "Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed, swooping next to the princess. "Like we're gonna let some goth-loving cloud take another one of our friends?" "Darn tootin'!" Applejack added, stepping up as well. "I'm your friend?" Luna asked. "Well, duh," Pinkie Pie replied. "We all trust you," Fluttershy said. "We know you would never lie to us." But you are hiding something from them, aren't you, Luna? The voice in her mind so much like her own caused Luna to wince in guilt. Fortunately for her, Shadowfright drew the attention of the others. "Well, I see you have some real friends here," he said. "Friends who would do anything for you... And these friends won't be dissuaded." "No way!" Rainbow Dash declared, getting up in his face. "This is your last chance, 'Luna'," Shadowfright whispered to the alicorn as he reformed, "before they find out what you let happen..." Luna looked away in shame, but stayed silent. "Well, my pony friends, I can see that we will not be able to make an... arrangement," Shadowfright declared as he drew back. "Luckily, we came prepared. We will get the kingdom we were promised!" Twilight's eyes widened as she felt a powerful source of Dark Magic approaching. However, the one the power belonged to was making no attempt at stealth, and the others turned as well as a burst of shadow announced their arrival. A pair of glittering blue eyes shown through the darkness. "Now the Elements of Harmony will be destroyed forever and Ponyville will be defenseless! Meet our new queen..." Shadowfright announced the arrival of... "Nightmare Rarity!" Meanwhile, down in Ponyville, ponies stopped what they were doing to look up, whispering in shock and terror as they saw the shadowy image of a mare spreading across the surface of the moon. "My poor sister, forced to be Nightmare Moon once again..." Celestia said sadly, but as she looked up, something seemed off to her. "But that doesn't look like Luna..." "I knew it was foolish to send Luna there," Sombra said with a scowl. "We might as well have gift wrapped her before she left." "We can only hope that the others succeed in rescuing Rarity, so they can use the Elements once again," Cadance said. "You're right," Celestia agreed. "We must trust in Twilight and her friends, and focus on preparing the town." However, they had barely gotten back to work when the sound of wingbeats announced the approach of none other than Luna, herself, head hung low but clearly no Nightmare. "Where are the others?" Celestia asked, as her sister landed. "They were captured," Luna replied softly. "Then we have to rescue them at once," Sombra said without hesitation. "I will not allow any more ponies to risk their lives," Luna said, firming her resolve. Turning to Celestia, she went on, "The Nightmare Forces are on their way. They will attack Ponyville." "Don't worry, sister," Celestia replied. "We'll be ready for them." Suddenly, the area grew dark, as Dark Magic so powerful that all three princesses could feel it erupted behind them. Cadance hurried over as the sisters turned around, seeing 'Black Knight' surrounded by writhing shadows, his head hung low and wild mane obscuring his eyes. "So, not only did you abandon my friends and come running back with your tail between your legs to save your own hide," the stallion growled out through fanged teeth that seemed to grow more pronounced by the moment, "but now you want us to simply leave them at the mercy of monsters you are responsible for creating and leaving to roam free? If you are too fearful and irresponsible to clean up your own mess, then I suppose I have no choice but to handle it myself." As he turned to suit word to action, Celestia hurried in front of him, saying, "I know you're worried about them, but all of Ponyville is at stake, and these are not foes we can afford to take lightly. Once we have foiled their attack here, then-" Celestia stopped abruptly as she found herself staring into a pair of glaring, green-glowing eyes. Eyes that had looked at her with a similar fury a thousand years before. "Your sister's cowardice is bad enough, but you would actually stop me!?" Sombra growled. Calling on all his power at once, his horn began to bend into a curve and turn red as he roared, "To Tartarus with both you light cursed sisters! I refuse to stand idly by while my Twilight is in danger!" With that, he shifted into Shadowform and shot off to rescue the mare that consumed his thoughts, leaving a trio of stunned alicorns in his wake, and even more shocked citizens that anypony, especially the polite 'Black Knight', would ever speak to a princess that way. Sombra arrived at the castle in the Nightmare Dreamscape just as the Nightmare Forces were massing to depart. "Now is the time for Nightmare rule!" Nightmare Rarity declared, preparing to lead her forces in their invasion. "So, this is what became of you," Sombra said as he approached. "I am afraid I shall have to make this quick, as you have caused me far too much trouble, already." "Be careful!" Spike called from where he was restrained nearby. "She a lot more powerful than Rarity was!" "Well of course I am," Nightmare Rarity preened. "I am the Queen of the Nightmare Forces!" "Yes, no mere pony could hope to match up to our-" Shadowfright began, only to be interrupted as a tendril of shadow wrapped around him... only to withdraw after draining the Dark Magic from him, leaving only a strange but harmless inhabitant of the moon behind. "What!?" Nightmare Rarity cried out in surprise as Sombra simply walked through her army, pulling the Dark Magic from them and into himself with ever-increasing alacrity. "No... What... How!?" "Why should I bother explaining things to a mere parasite who is about to get erased?" Sombra said with a sneer, as he drained the last of the shadowy beings' power. Gathering herself, Nightmare Rarity retaliated with a beam of magical energy, striking the stallion square in the chest as she declared, "Do not think I shall fall so easily! Mine is the power of Darkness itself!" "You think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I did not see the light until I was already walking, and even then it betrayed me," Sombra replied evenly, seemingly unaffected by the attack. "I have finally found comfort in the calm glow of Twilight, and you dare to threaten that? I refuse. I refuse to let you stand in my way any longer!" With every word, Sombra forced himself closer, pushing through the magical attack until his target was in reach. Pressing his horn against hers, he pulled, drawing out the Dark Magic, and the Nightmare itself. "Rarity!" Spike called out, as the mare he loved returned to normal and fell to the ground. Stepping over, Sombra casually shattered the chains binding the young dragon, allowing him to run to Rarity's side as she began to stir. "Rarity, are you alright?" "I... I think so," the mare replied as she got to her hooves. "Sombra, you... saved me?" "Of course, that is what friends do, is it not?" He said with his usual smirk. "Now, you two run along and free the others, I need to-" Suddenly, wisps of shadow began to leak from the stallion's form, and he fell to one knee with a grunt. "Sombra! What's going on?" Rarity asked as she rushed toward him. However, spikes of crystal burst from the ground around him, causing her to stop short. "Do not concern yourself with me! Go help Twilight!" Sombra commanded through gritted teeth. "Go, and tell her... Tell Twilight... that I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise..." Rarity opened her mouth to protest, but a glare from the former tyrant made her think better of it. As she turned toward the dungeon where the others were held, she said, "You can tell her yourself. Don't keep Twilight waiting too long, or I'm sure she'll be worried about you." Watching the unicorn and dragon leave, Sombra fell to his side as the Dark Magic within him slipped even further out of his control. "Such good friends... It was nice while it lasted. Would you have been proud of me, Hope? Will you remember me, Twilight? I... I only wish it could have lasted longer..." And then his eyes closed, as his body was consumed in a burst of shadow.