//------------------------------// // Interlude 1 // Story: Showy Chaos // by HeartfireFirebrand //------------------------------// I blinked, my hooves felt heavy. I looked around to see the snow, I sighed where is this. I was defeated by the princesses and then I woke up here. Wait they cast some spell on me I remember, but what was the spell. I saw a large pack of wolves, I knew these what these were the accursed Ice Wolves, icy golems that took wolf form. I sighed, these foul things lurked here in the north. I followed them until I saw large city before me, I sighed the Crystal Empire. It belongs to the Princesses now. They won and the loser serves the victor after all. The wolves dashed into the city. I galloped after them, I saw a pink barrier but the wolves passed through it unscathed. I knew this power, the Crystal Heart, would it let me in. I had no choice, I jumped through the barrier without hesitating. I smiled as I got through. I charged as I saw ponies screaming for help as the wolves chased them, I saw a pony trip. I used a dark crystal to tear though the creatures skull. I looked down at the mare who looked at me with fear much to my confusion. How does anypony know me, it’s been 1000 years. I said “Get out of here before they come for you.” The wolves were all around me, I smiled as I summoned my sword “You have no idea who your dealing with.” I smashed one with my hoof before cutting another’s head off, I headbutted another, I could feel the thrill of combat in me veins again. I then heard the sound of metal clattering. I saw ponies standing there in crystal armour, the large white stallion glared at me. The wolves bolted at the sight of so many guards. The stallion said “King Sombra, why are you here?” I frowned “I’m just Sombra now and how do you know me?” He snarled “Are you kidding me, you tried to take over the Crystal Empire as a giant shadow monster.” I blinked “When, I have been asleep for over 1000 years?” He scowled “I’m Shining Armour, Prince of the Crystal Empire and it wasn’t that long ago that you attacked us.” I asked confused “Did you usurp Celestia and Luna?’ Shining Armour snarled “No, me and many wife are ruling the Crystal Empire as they have to rule Canterlot.” I said “Well then I pledge my life to your service for as long as I live as I would have done to the Princesses.” Shining Armour asked confused “Why would you serve us?” I said “It’s my duty, the loser serves the victor. Celestia and Luna won against me, so I live to serve their cause which means I serve you as you represent them.” Shining Armour frowned “We’ll escort you you the castle so my wife and I can make a decision on what to do with you.” I nodded, we all headed to the castle, ponies glared at me with distaste. When I entered the castle ponies sneered at me and some even wanted to throw food at me, I had no idea why. Shining Armour said as we entered the room “Cadence my love, we need to discuss something.” Cadence asked “What is it Shining?” They revealed me. Cadence scowled “What is he doing here?” Shining Armour said “He was protecting some ponies who were being attacked by those wolves, we really need to station more guards around the perimeters.” I said “I pledge my service to you, but I would like to know why everypony hates me so much.” After the explanation he sighed “It seems I have a lot to atone for, what is your first request of me.” Shining Armour said “I need you to go to Ponyville and watch over my sister, I also want you to keep an eye on Discord.” I gasped “Discord’s free.” Cadence said “He’s somewhat reformed but after his assistance of Tirek we are keeping an eye on him, we not sure if he turn on us again.” I said “Very well, you wish is my command. If you lose contact with me, assume I’m dead, from what you told me I’m not well liked. Don’t worry this won’t come back to you.” I turned into smoke and flew off to Ponyville. ****Meanwhile**** Cadence asked “Are you sure we can trust him?” Shining Armour frowned “No, that’s why he’s in Ponyville Discord or the Celestia and Luna will deal with him should he try anything, I don’t trust him up here and Discord will confront him should he cause too much trouble by having both of them in the same area they lower each others threat rating.” Cadence said “Let’s just hope this doesn’t backfire.”