//------------------------------//
// A Story Told 
// Story: My Little Ponys' The Count of Monte Cristo 
// by kahnac 
//------------------------------//

Both Sombra, and Cadence sat alone at the rocky shore-side of Mareseilles. After Sombra had talked to her about the four month journey, as well as their encounter on Eldibar, the two were now simply enjoying the visual beauty of the late, afternoon sun hanging above the horizon. The gentle sea waves crashing against the rocks in a steady, loud, but also soothing rhythm. It was always such a marvel: especially around the spring time. She only wished Dantes was here to see this with her right now. The thought of it made her look down, and hold up a small band made of blue crystal, with a pin fashioned after HIS cutie mark, hanging on a simple, string necklace. A gentle smile crossed her face, and she asked Sombra, "Are you sure Shining will be able to find us out here?"

"Hm? What's that?"

"Well, it's just that...you drew me away from the Firm before I even had a chance to see him. I don't think he even knows I was there. Do you think he'll ever think to look here?"

Sombra merely scoffed at that question. "Please. When you're the subject, it's the ONLY TIME he ever really thinks. I mean, he didn't even use his pistol the right way on Eldibar. A Lunar soldier was about to shoot me when he fired his magic, and missed him. He ended up chucking his pistol at the freak - without even firing a bullet." He then gave a sly smile. "But at least he finally hit something, like i told him."

Cadence laughed aloud at the joke, and then sighed in relief. "You really are such a good friend, Sombra. Thank you for always looking out for my Dantes. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost him." This statement stirred some fires of resentment within Sombra. Just seeing her smile so brightly - brighter than even the sun itself, in his eyes - at the thought of that stallion continuously drove him mad. And he was finally having enough of it.  "Would it really be so bad, Cadence?"

Cadence was completely taken by surprise. She had never expected Sombra to have made such a strong statement. And one that spoke so negatively of his own friend. "What are you talking about?"

"Let's be real here: despite your heritage, you're still a young mare. And even if something happens to Shining, there are still many other chances for you to find another stallion. One who is not so naive, or fool-hardy. Who makes mistakes, and rarely thinks of anything. Someone-"

"Like YOU." Cadence finished Sombra's sentence. But in a way which showed hostility that surprised Sombra. What was worse was she was giving him that death glare she always did when he accidentally made her angry. Oh, how he hated when she did that. But she wasn't finished yet. "Sombra, we've been over this. I hate having to keep telling you this, but you never seem to get it. While I do love you.....i love you as a dear, dear friend. That's all there is to it. My loving Shining won't change how i treat you, because you're like my brother. Shining is the only pony I love. We've always been close to each other since we were foals. And now that we're older, we've grown closer than ever before."

Sombra's eyes shut, and were forced to stay close as his rage began to surface. "If you're that close to him......then he wouldn't keep secrets from even you."

Cadence only rolled her eyes. "There are no secrets between us, Sombra."

"You say that, yet how can you be so certain? How can you even be sure you'll ever truly be happy with him? A pony like you deserves better than one as foolish as him. I just don't want you to throw your life away just because you're so easily swayed by a lying, and incompetent fool who can't even take care of himself without someone to-"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" she shouted loud enough to echo against the rocks, and make Sombra flinch backwards in fear. Now she was looking at him in complete anger. And beneath that was pure disappointment. Disappointment in Sombra for his harsh accusations. "I have no idea what brought this attitude towards Shining on, but i'm not going to put with it! If you're going to try and hit on me, at least do it without sounding so desperate, arrogant - or like a child. Now, i'm only going to say this one more time: you and I are ONLY friends! I love Shining Dantes, and not you! Just get over your feelings, and accept it, already. And if you ever talk so badly about Shining ever again, we won't even BE friends anymore! Is that what you want?"

Sombra nervously stuttered. "N-no. I-i-i was-......I was only-"

"CADENCE!"

The familiar voice jolted both of them into surprise. However, when they turned to the path on their left, which led down there, they were met with a divisive sight: Shining at last finding them, waving his hoof in their direction, and now galloping down to them with the brightest, happiest smile he could ever have. Cadence was just as happy to see him making his way to her, while Sombra grew a disdainful look on his face. Even so, he knew he couldn't just let what happened between them stay fresh, and he tried to make amends. "Listen, Mercedes, I-"

But Cadence's memory wasn't wiped of their discussion, and she shot Sombra a disappointed glance. "I think we're finished talking, Sombra. You should probably go now." A hurt expression formed as he once more felt the sting of rejection. And all because he had to finally show up before he could straighten things out. He also knew there would be no way he could fix things now. With a defeated sigh, he said, "As you wish." And he galloped off in a huff. When he ran past Shining, the unicorn could've sworn he had seen purple smoke fuming out of his friends' eyes.......and his horn bubbling purple, and green. Must have just been his imagination, he thought. So he threw that thought aside, and kept his pace. Seeing Cadence, and her him made their smiles easily return. The unicorn was laughing loud, and excitedly, as he practically tackled Mercedes into the ground. Instead, however, he had picked her up, and was spinning her around in a steady way which made the alicorn laugh humorously. When he finally stopped, the two stared into each other's eyes as their emotions came to bear. They embraced each other in a firm, yet warm hug which took a long time. Eventually, they broke off their hug, and put their horns together as a sort of unicorn kiss. "I missed you so much, Cadence." Shining said in a low, tender voice.

"Not as much as i've missed you, my love." She replied gently. The two stood apart, and stood directly before each other. "So how was your journey? Sombra already told me some of what happened on Eldibar."

"He did?" He then looked down when he next spoke. "So....you already know Iron Hoof is......"

"Yes." Said Cadence, placing a hoof on his cheek in order to caress him, which he just melted into as he put his own hoof on top of it. "I'm sorry, Shiny. I know you cared a great deal for him." Shining nodded lightly. "He was like a second father to me." His demeanor soon changed as he smiled at his beloved. "But as I told mom and dad, i've had a month to make peace with it. Iron Hoof was great leader, and a strong fighter. He lasted a long time before he went, and all I can do is respect him for that."

"I'm glad to hear. Though I have to admit, it makes me wonder if things will be alright now that Tirek is General. Not that i'm doubting his abilities, or anything. There's just something.....off-putting about him."

"I know, Cadence." He said in disappointment. "I also don't think he ever really liked me to begin with. I just wish I knew why." He then sighed. "I guess it doesn't matter. If he hated me before, then I have a feeling my promotion's really gotten him livid." At the mention of promotion, Cadence raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Promotion? What do you mean by that?" Here, Shining began to grow excited when he finally managed to get to the point of what he wanted to tell her. "It was Iron Hoof's last request, and both Fancy and Twilight agreed: I'm General of the Equestrian Military, Cadence. And i've been given the  SS Noble Spear to command!" Cadence gasped in excitement, before she leaped into her husband to be's arms, almost knocking over. "Oh, Dantes, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you!" She finally stood back on the ground. "I know it's probably not the way you wanted it done, but you finally got your dream, Shining! Now you can protect Equestria in ways nopony ever did, and you get to captain a ship! You must be so happy about this!"

Shining chuckled and raised both hooves. "Relax, Cadence, it's not THAT big a deal."

"Not a big deal? Shining, you've told me this has been your dream ever since we were young. The idea of commanding your own ship to sail around, and protect Equestria's borders.....the kind of adventures you get to go on? Even i'm a little excited about the idea." She hesitated. "Though also.....a little nervous, too, since....when I think about it, anything could happen while you were out there. The sea's treacherous, and claims any unsuspecting souls who aren't careful. I know I shouldn't, but sometimes I DO worry about you. Just thinking of something happening to you, it's......it's just too much to think of. I don't know what i'd do if I lost you."

"Cadence." Shining said reassuringly, placing HIS hoof on her cheek. "You won't lost me. We made a promise, remember? I'll always be there for you. Like mercy, freedom, and justice.....and should you ever find the nights that fall to be lonely. All you have to do is never forget me."

"I'll never forget, my love." She said longingly as she looked into his eyes. "I made the same promise, and i'll always keep it. I'll always love you, my Knight in Shining Armor, until the end of our days."

"Even if I wasn't a general?" Shining asked curiously. 

"Even if you were an ordinary pony with no skills to call his own, I would still love you." She then reached for the ring. 

"Then....i'll always love you, too, Mercedes." Shining said with all his heart and soul. "And nothing will ever pull us apart." So taken were they by their longing gazes, and their vows of love, that their feelings were beginning to take hold. With eyes that were lulled shut, the two shared in a deep kiss that they put all they felt into it. Their lips pressed deeply into one another. Both taking in the others breath, and accepting their very essence. Both lightly moaned in soft, sweet pleasure as they held each other in embrace. It was these moments that they lived for: when they could fully express their love for each other to their fullest. And as the both of them sank down to the rocks, Their kisses becoming more rapid, and constant, they had every intention of making up for 4 months of lost time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"GRAAAAAGH!"

Sombra's horn again shot another burst of dark magic, which obliterated another another empty barrel, while also forming another spike of black aerinth crystal. His eyes surged with the familiar red, and green glow of dark magic as purple mist fumed from the sides of his eyes. His horn bubbled with the essence of Dark Magic, with greens and purples fizzling like foam. Sombra had not used his dark powers since his imprisonment in the frozen north thousands of years ago, during his rule as the Crystal Empire's king - when it was still around. He rarely ever used it, because he knew the effects it could have on his mind. But thinking about Mercedes, her last rejection of his affections........and him. Dantes, who proved such an enormous obstacle, was the fuel of his ever-growing anger and rage. The incident down on the rocks only saw to it reaching a head. Now he was venting his rage in an empty alleyway, out of sight. He had to admit, it felt good using this power, again. The rush it gave him from the enhancements. His strength, his emotions, and his mind feel keener, and sharper. But since the cost was him getting more enraged than he normally did. Using the Darkness was like taking drugs: it felt good, but it did horrors to you mind and body. But try as he might, Sombra had far more difficulty cutting off the power. He just continued thinking of Mercedes words to him.....and the stupid, smiling face of that lying, ignorant idiot who stole her away. He couldn't get him out of his head. His name pounded in his mind. His eyes growing wider, and his eyes dialating in growing anxiety, he found himself in far greater torture than he could ever imagine. And in a single moment, he unleashed that pain with his next words.

"CAN I NEVER BE FREE OF HIM?!"

His roar to the heavens was great, and terrible. And any pony, or creature passing by got terrified from the ferocity of it. However, once he finished, Sombra found himself physically, and emotionally drained. He had finally gotten his anger, and the dark magic out of his system, for now. But now, he was feeling the after effects, which left him in a weakened, and almost delirious state. As was the cost of not using Dark Magic often enough. He stumbled out of the alleyway, and into the streets of Mareseilles. Anyone looking at him would assume he was a drunkard who just had one too many pints at the local tavern. In all honesty, they wouldn't be all that wrong, given how he felt. But the funny thing was, he ended up actually falling flat on his face in front of the very tavern - and right in front of an awaiting centaur, and his quote-unquote griffon companion. "Well, well! Good afternoon to you, Lieutenant Colonel! Or should I just call you Colonel, now that you've also been promoted?"

Sombra groggily raised his head to stare at Tirek. "Call me whatever you want, Danglars, it doesn't matter. I'm in no mood for any of your-" he quickly caught himself. "Wait. Did you just say Colonel?"

"Yep!" Guild exclaimed. "Although looking at you, maybe we should call you the love-sulken dingus who sank beneath the waves of failure!" He chuckled for a few seconds, before he saw Tirek growl, and glaring at him. He was quick to nervously change his tune afterwards. "Uh,....I-i mean.....Sombra! Good buddy, good friend! How have you been lately? You look great!" He loudly said in an exaggerated tone, which made Tirek facepalm. Sombra just assumed a laying position as he stared down at the ground. "The biggest load of bull i've ever heard. If I don't FEEL great, what makes you think I would look great?"

"I don't. In fact, I should say you look absolutely abysmal. As if something horrible just happened to you."

Sombra chuckled drly. "Guess you wouldn't be wrong about that."

Tirek then glanced to Guild, who shared with him a knowing, and wicked smile."But why is that, i ask." he said, feigning ignorance. "Could some unfortunate circumstance have come upon you, my dear friend?"

"I should say so, sir!" Guild said, playing along with the ploy. "I've seen that look many a times in my day: that's the look of absolute rejection."

"What? No! Not someone as remarkable as Sombra!"

" 'fraid so, General Tirek." Guild placed a claw over his heart in fake sympathy. "A terrible thing, it is. Always gets the best of 'em out there. And from the look of it, it was a terrible rejection. Is that right, Sombra?"

Finally, Sombra turned, and glared at the two creatures. "Are you finished? Or did you just show up to mock me? Because trust me: i've had my fair share of that in my own way." Tirek raised a hand in protest. "Would never dream of it, my friend. There's simply no way I could ignore a fellow soldier when he's in such a rut. Please, come sit. Share a drink with me, and let's talk." He then looked to Guild. "That'll be all, Guild." Guild seemed a bit taken back. "Hang on, now, don't you think I should stick around a bit longer?"

"THAT! Will be all, Caderousse!" Tirek's tone was threatening, and imposing. It was more than enough to send Guild squawking away in fright. Sombra, meanwhile, decided he had nothing better to do but accept his Lieutenant-General's request. With that, he stood up from his spot, and took Guild's seat. "Now, then: tell me exactly what troubles you, my friend." He then pulled out a bottle of fine wine, and filled both their cups. Sombra, was only left staring into the wine's surface: and at his own pathetic reflection. "Tch. What ISN'T troubling me is what you should ask."

"Hmm. So it's that bad. Well, don't stay so down, my younger friend. Drink up, and relax. This is a special vintage wine I left to the tavern for safe keeping. It's 1801 rose': the best vintage imaginable. It's get your nerves down." Instead of replying, Sombra seemed lost in his own miserable thoughts. It seemed Tirek would have to push him to talk. "Come on, now. How do you expect me to help out if you don't even say what's wrong?" Finally, Sombra's hoof slammed on the table, spilling some of his wine as he lost his temper. "Maybe because there's nothing you can help me with! If Mercedes turned me down, yet again, in favor of Shining Dantes then what's to be said? She'll obviously never be interested in me, so why bother?" He lowered his head.

"Oh." Tirek said in understanding, a half angry-half pleased smirk appearing on his muzzle. "So it's Dantes that's the problem. I might have known." The next thing Tirek pulled out was a small case filled with 8 cigars in them. He pulled out one, put it in his mouth, ignited his thumb like a match, and lit it. After a good, long huff, Tirek blew out a cloud of grey smoke. "Ah, that's nice." He sighed. "Hope you don't mind: I always smoke when I have the opportunity. Keeps my brain clear of everything. But I only use the best." Sombra shook his head without paying much attention. Tirek stroked his chin in thought. He could see his guess was correct in that Sombra had somehow made an enemy out of Shining Dantes. That was clear ever since they left Eldibar. That was where he had common ground with the unicorn. For his plans to come to fruition, he would need to push all the right buttons to garner his cooperation. "So, uh,...tell me: how did you ever become friends with an.....upstart like Dantes'?"

Hearing mention of Shining's name made Sombra chuckle with disdain. "That's assuming alot at the moment." Tirek's eyebrow cocked, silently urging Sombra to continue. "We may have been close friends since the day he saved my life, but.......now i'm beginning to wonder if we ever were truly that close."

"But i've seen the way you two interact - it's almost like your brothers, or something." Another puff of smoke filled the air, smelling foul to Sombra's nostrils. Yet it wasn't as foul as his own thoughts towards the white unicorn. "Yes, that's true. But I obviously overestimated our relationship, and forgot he's a pony. Even when they're friends with others, they always have secrets to hold that they won't even tell their best friends."

Tirek perked in curiosity. "Secrets? What secrets?"

"Well......you remember the time we spent on Eldibar, right?" Tirek nodded, and confirmed. "Yet you probably DIDN'T know that Shining had a late night stroll.....with Empress Nightmare Moon." Tirek was half done with his drink when he heard this. He very nearly spit his whole drink out of his mouth, but managed to hold it in - especially after rereading his bottles vintage year. He swallowed what was left in refusal to waste even another drop. "Are you serious?" he asked in a sharp, incredulous tone. "Oh, yes." Sombra nodded. "I saw the both of them out of the window of the guest room we shared. While I was way too far away to hear what they were talking about, I could see everything. As they went on, she handed him some kind of letter. I subtly inquired about his conversation, but he refused to say anything." He frowned. "That could only mean he made some promise to secrecy - all because the idiots likes keeping his promises. Even if it means leaving your best friend in the dark."

"That's.......actually quite incriminating, Sombra." Tirek said, after putting his cigar in his mouth to stay. "If you have no knowledge of such an exchange, yet saw Shining Dantes receiving an item from the Lunar Empress, you could tell anyone that he was possibly committing treason."

Sombra was a little surprised by this. "Really?"

"Indeed so." Interrupted another voice, just as Tirek was about to speak. The owner was that of a thinly built unicorn of pure grey fur, in contrast to Sombra's ash grey. His mane was short, straight, and black as the small, triangular beard on his face. His eyes were green, yet carried a certain air of authority to them as they were always seemingly narrowed. His clothes were of a red robe, with a band wrapped around his upper chest. And he was somepony the two knew very well. "Neighsay Villefort! This IS a pleasant surprise." Tirek said in pleasure. "What brings Mareseilles most prominent chief prosecutor here, at our table?"

"Merely returning home after fulfilling my duties for the day. I was going straight away when I overheard the two of you talking. I apologize for eavesdropping, my good sirs, but...i tend to be quite curious at times."

"No worries, my friend." Tirek said, using his magic to pull out a chair. "Sit down, and join us, please." He smiled over at Sombra. "We were actually about to have a discussion about you."

"Oh, really? What a fine coincidence. Now tell me, what this business of this letter you mentioned is again." Sombra did so. And afterwards, Neighsay appeared far more concerned than before. But he quickly masked with with his usual, stoic expression. Though now he was considering this information. "So.....if what you say is true, then it may be possible we all have some common field with each other."

"Oh? You have something against Shining Dantes, as well?" Sombra asked.

"Actually, no. He is a respectable soldier, and a kind soul who is dedicated to his duty. In fact, as a servant of the law, I hold a degree of respect for him." Sombra only sneered in annoyance. He had finally taken a few drinks of Tirek's mind, and he was already beginning to feel better. His anger, however, remained all the same. "There's hardly anything to respect, anymore. What you said might be true - but it doesn't change the fact he is naive', headstrong, foolish, and always rushes into things without thinking things through."

"Not to mention far too trusting.....which could be useful to us." Tirek said.

"What do you mean?" Neighsay asked.

"Let me put this in simple terms: Sombra holds a grievance against Dantes for being the one the mare he desires loves instead of him.....and because he may have revealed his true colors to him. He also explained why I don't like him, but i'm also concerned of the time when he has me demoted from my position in the Equestrian Military." Neighsay's brow lifted. "Isn't that a bit of a paranoid notion, Tirek? Shining Dantes may have his flaws, but I highly doubt he would abuse his station like that."

Tirek's eyes narrowed. "Dantes is impressionable, and almost easily influenced. If Iron Hoof himself had doubts, and issues with me, then what makes you think his little teacher's pet won't heed his words." Sombra was actually stunned by this. "Wait, what? I don't understand: when did the general ever show or speak of an problems he had with you?" The centaur angrily puffed his cigar. "I heard him say so when i used a Wisp spell to spy on them." But then, a rather devious smile formed. "But that may also prove useful to us." When Sombra asked how, Tirek said, "Because, Sombra, if you'll recall, only Shining was called in to see the general in his final moments. Noone else was in there, nor did they listen in. Despite the fact his claims of the general appointing him his replacement is true......noone knows except for me - and now us." His gaze then turned to Neighsay. "Would you say that we COULD perhaps use such knowledge to our advantage. Like, perhaps, say....to frame Dantes for something?"

Neighsay hummed as he considered it. "Yes, we could. But  we would need incriminating evidence, as well as you speaking as a witness in order to have him accused, and prosecuted. And I suppose you would have come to me aid anyway. Correct?"

"Indeed so." Sombra said, before raising his brow. "Does that mean you're actually willing to help us form a plan?"

"If it means maintaining my families name, and my own status as Prosecutor, then yes. I left the Equestrian Education Society to do more good for our actual society. Law has been my firmest strong-suite, and I intend to ensure it remains that way."

"So, then.......does this mean we are officially uniting against Shining Dantes?" Sombra asked, having grown invested in this growing conspiracy between himself, and these two individuals. He had already begun concocting his own ideas as Tirek, and Neighsay spoke, and made suggestions. Those he was now ready to share with his newfound companions. Tirek saw the ambitious interest in the unicorns eyes, and was quite pleased. "It would appear so. Why? Do you, perhaps, have an idea in mind?" In response, Sombra's eyes began to glow with the dark magic within himself as he felt the excitement for such wickedness brewing inside him. Yes, it was against all that he had done since his reformation. But what did it matter? He was only fooling himself all these years, and hiding his true nature. Shining Dantes' had only reminded him of his true nature - and now he intended to pay him back for such a kindness.  His subconscious mind decided to place him in something much more suitable, and used the dark magic to wash over him like a wave.....and change his blue suit into an exact copy of his original, kingly robes. Though mildly surprised by this, neither ponies said a word. In fact, Tirek was actually pretty glad to see him so on board with this. "As a matter of fact....I think I do." he said, with a pure malice only seen during his days as a tyrant. "But perhaps it's better we discuss it inside, and away from prying ears. If we're really going to make a plan to dispose of Dantes, then we must combine our knowledge, and intellect to conceive of the perfect plot. To put it simply: Shining Dantes' fate is soon to be sealed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night had fallen over Mareseilles. And yet, Shining, and Cadence remained awake with their own clothes covering their now bare bodies as blankets. Cadence was resting in Shining's chest, while he had his leg wrapped around her to keep her close to him. Not that they would ever WANT to be separate from each other. Especially when they were now resting after their exhilarating time, which took up the rest of the day. Now, as they always did, they were gazing at the stars of the night sky. Both of them, simply enjoying the beauty the vast expanse above them had to offer. The stars shimmered like hundreds of millions of glittering diamonds. All different shapes, and sizes. However, there was one in particular that caught their attention. One that was much bigger than the others, and shined far brighter, too. It hung right next to the moon as though it were an ornament. Seeing it made Shining smile as he thought of something regarding it.

"Hey, Cadence: think that could be the wishing star?"

She merely giggled as she leaned up, and looked at him. "Come on, Shiny, don't you think we're a bit old to believe in childhood myths?"

"Who says it's a myth?" he inquired. "We live in a world of magic, and supposedly mythical creatures. Why should the idea of a wish-granting star be so silly?"

"Hm. You got me there." She said before looking at it again. "Still....i can also see how sailors use stars like that to navigate their way across the sea to find their way home. Just when they seem lost, a star brighter than all the others appears, and ends up showing them how to get back home. It's quite encouraging, if you think about it." She sighed. Funny enough, that concept was what made him start thinking. And eventually, he came upon an idea he knew his Mercedes would truly love. "Then let's make that OUR star, hun."

"What?"

"You said that stars could be used to find your way home, right? Then let's use that star to always find our way back to each other. Should any of us go astray, or we get split from each other, then we use that star as our way of staying connected. Even if we're hundreds of miles away, that star can help lead me back to you. How does that sound?" He received his answer in the form of a tender kiss. "I'd say that sounds reasonable. And that only you could think of something so pure. Yet another reason I love you."

Shining smiled at this. But then his smile fell, and a feeling of nervousness appeared when another thought arrived. "Listen, Cadence.......I-.....I don't think I can wait another year for us to get married. If it's alright with you......I want to get married tomorrow." 

Cadence was absolutely surprised. She, and he both rose up from their spots, and sat up to look directly at each other. "Tomorrow?" When he nodded, she did a double take. "But....Shining, this is so sudden. I know we made SOME plans for when we do get married, but doing it this soon? How would we get all the arrangements set in time? We don't even have a guest list for-"

"Don't worry, i've thought about that." He smiled again. "Since I know you don't care about a big celebration, I was thinking of just calling up those we know: my parents, Twilight and her friends. Even Firrel, and Mondego can come, along with a few others. Haven't really thought who those are, yet, but it's at least a decent size." Suddenly, Cadence felt a little uneasy. "Are you sure it's a good idea to invite Mondego?" Shining gave her a look of curiosity, with his head lightly tilting to the side. "Yeah, of course. He's our friend, after all, so...it only makes sense. Why do you ask?"

".......No reason, dear."

"Oh. Okay, then." Suddenly, Shining's eyes shot wide open, and his ears stood erect. "Oh, no, i just realized we don't even have wedding rings! What was I thinking? We should at least look around for a few before we-"

"Shining. You knew perfectly well I don't need to buy any kind of ring. Or did you forget already?" She then used her horn to lift up the ring around her neck. The sight of it made Shining feel a little silly when he made the realization. "Heheh. Eeeehmaybe by accident. But that's about it." He then looked at the ring with a sense of happiness. "So this means you'll finally wear it - officially?" In response, she lifted it up to her horn, and slid it down the shaft until it was firmly secured. "Just like that star, this ring is a sign our our union, and love. For as long as I live, I will make sure it never leaves either my horn, or my neck. For either way......it will always symbolize that my heart belongs to you." Shining couldn't help but fall in love with Cadence all over again. Every time she said things which made his heart sing, he always fell in love with her. She was just that amazing. The two shared another kiss before getting back up. With a though, their picked up their clothes, and put them back on with their horns. "Let's go home. Mom and Dad are probably wondering what happened to us, by now. I just hope twily, and the others didn't have to go out searching for us."

Cadence giggled. "I'm sure they're doing fine. By the way....are you going to tell Sombra directly>?"

"Actually.........I was thinking of making him my best man - just as Twily will be the best mare."

Cadence blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Definitely sure. I can't think of anypony else i'd want by my side, aside from Twily, on the day i'm getting married. I only hope he accepts the offer. It'd probably kill me if he did."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the while, that same night, back inside the tavern, the 3 imposing individuals were about finished with discussing their ambitious, and seemingly fool proof plan to deal with Shining. "So that is what we'll do." Sombra said with pride in his voice. Both Tirek, and Sombra were both quite intrigued by what Sombra had suggested after they shared their information, and began piecing them together for their scheme. "A most ingenious plan, I must say." Neighsay said, sounding quite impressed.

"Indeed so." Tirek said with vile satisfaction. "Now, i'm only sad none of us ever met sooner. Had you, Neighsay, been around thousands of years ago, then between the two of us, we could have devised a means of conquering this entire world! Even the Princesses would've been no match for us!"

"It's nothing much, really." Sombra said with fake modesty. "Simply an example of what happens when such great minds come together. Minds as cunning, intelligent.....and ruthless as ours can accomplish anything. Between the 3 of us, Shining Dantes doesn't stand a chance. After all........."
(Sombra, Tirek, Neighsay)



~We are friends, are we not?
And our interests are the same
We collaborate
And trust in fate
To parcel out the blame
There are ends we’ve all got that can justify the means
We negotiate
Then fabricate the facts behind the scenes

Sombra brought a hoof over his mouth, pretending to whisper while leaning over to Neighsay, who grinned in wicked amusement. Keeping all the details vague and secrets hidden[/b] Tirek rose out of his seat, and began flexing in a triumphant manner.
Safe in the balanced sheet of those you trust
Because history is a story told by the winners of the fight
You imply a little
Lie a little
 Testify and try a little sailor

Sombra jokingly shrugged his shoulders in amusement. Who’s gonna question what goes on
in the middle of the night? Not a tinker
Not a tailor
Not his father or Mercedes
Or a jailer

The 3 villainous figures laughed in fiendish delight.
So we all are agreed
Let’s be vigilant and wise

Just as Tirek continued adding to the scheme, he noticed a spider lowering from the ceiling onto their table. With a devilish smile, used his mug to smash the arachnid where it stood. Quickly, and without mercy.
We must all pretend our naïve friend
Was caught in his own lies
For our plan to succeed
we must share but one belief
Shining Dantès stays and ends his days
Inside the Chateau D'if!


Sombra's hooves were clasped together as he thought of the abysmal fate in store for his former friend.
Where the softest things he’ll touch are stones and darkness
Deep in a craggy isle in dungeon’s keep

Because history’s a story told by the men who make the laws
We supply a little lie
To help the gullible to buy a little fable

What will become of the righteous men who fashions Dantès’ flaws?
The rich
And well respected
Are no more to be rejected at our table

Sombra then began to beam with happiness when he thought to how this would 
finally allow him to gain the thing he desires most: the favor of Mercedes.
I’ll be a comfort in her time of grief and anguish
I’ll be Mercédès’ ever faithful acolyte
Every night

Neighsay, however, appeared somewhat apprehensive about this whole thing.
And part of me wishes Dantès didn’t have to languish
But I can see it’s him or me Let him sit there and rot til he’s forgot!

LET HIM ROOOOOOOT!

All three of them stood up to their full heights - though in the two unicorns's case, they were standing fully upright. While Tirek was still the taller of the 3, Sombra came in below his neck, and Neighsay under his chin. All three chiming in when they were drawn in by the delicious evil of their conspiracy. 
History’s a story told by the people who survive

Let me sign and then initial
 It’s the truth if it’s officially the story

What if it costs us one young man so three more men can survive?
He’s a price we have to pay
To live and fight another day for love and glory
 He was standing in the way
A threat to justice, you can see
So goes the story!
Stick to the story!

Here ends the story!~