//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Let Me Introduce Myself: Mr. Sombrero. // Story: Sombra is back... Sombrero, actually. // by Seluxity //------------------------------// "Princess Celestia, we came as fast as we could!" Twilight shouted. "Something wrong? Is somepony threatening Equestria again?" "We... Don't know yet... How to say this? King Sombra is back…" "What?! We have to stop him before he takes over the Crystal Empire." "The problem is, he's not going to take her. And he had a significant change in appearance. Anyway, we don't know what to expect from him, so Luna and I would like you to follow him. And take with you the Elements of Harmony. If he becomes the same, do what needs to be done. "All right, Princess, we won't let you down. Come, girls. The six ponies left Canterlot's Palace and went to the station. They were to meet be someone they considered their enemy... *** Where am I? Wait, what?! I can't believe my eyes, I'm in the Crystal Empire. She was cursed by my other identity. Oh, what memories came flooding back. I remember how I once ruled this country. Ah, but my split personality didn't let me live in peace. Well, stop remembering the past, let's see what happens in the present. Ah, my poncho hasn't changed at all. Banjo, my old friend, it's been a long time since I took you in my hooves... And, of course, my symbol is my sombrero. I don't know why they named me after the hat. But I'm not complaining, I like my name. The first thing I decided to talk to the locals. "Excuse me, sir, can I ask you a few questions?" The red-haired pony with the Stargazer Cape turned around. "Hello, what do you want to know?" "You know, it sounds silly, but... Tell me about the Crystal Empire. I haven't been here in so long. I didn't even know she was back." "I don't quite understand you. Okay, I'll tell you what I know. But I haven't been here long. And I don't think we should talk outside. Come to my house." "Go." We walked a short time. During this time I looked around every house. Soon we came to the house of my interlocutor. There were books inside. "So, are you interested in anything in particular?" "Not obligatory. You can tell me everything you know." "Ok." And he told me a story about how the Crystal Empire actually came back quite recently. And guess who tried to take over? Of course, my other self. And six brave men were able to stop him... Me... no matter. He also said that now the Crystal Empire is ruled by Princess Mi amore Cadenza. Or, more simply — Cadance. "Honestly, that's all I know." "Nothing, me and this enough. What about Princess Celestia? Not retired yet?" "Only Princess Celestia?! Oh, really? She doesn't rule alone. Haven't you heard that Princess Luna has returned from her captivity?" At that moment, my heart was about to jump out of my chest. Princess Luna, my love. A ray of light in the darkness of my sleepless nights. "And in Equestria appeared the fourth alicorn – Twilight Sparkle. However, I'm surprised you don't know anything at all. Let me get your name." "Well, it may surprise you a little, since it bears a resemblance to another name. Well, my name is... Sombrero!" "Well, the name is really unusual. But what did you mean when you said resemblance?" "I take it you know a pony like Sombra." "Of course, who doesn't know him. Wait, so you're... His brother? But why?…" "I'm not his brother. I'm his other person. You see, we have a... Split personality. One person is me, the other is Sombra. More than that. I am the first ruler of the Crystal Empire." "What?! This can't be happening! But history says that Sombra was the first!" "Not exactly. The thing is, the split didn't happen at the Sombra, it happened at me. I'm a born version of this body. And Sombra is a second person. However, he was stronger than me. First he took control of the body, then the mind. After my mind, I completely disconnected from this world. But I managed to find out that he ordered to destroy any mention of me, and then cleared the memory of the pony to forget about me completely. I see he's done it. And so, after a thousand years, I came back. And I'm sorry, but I have to go. My beloved is waiting for me." "Well, I dare not detain you. By the way, my name is Sunburst." "Nice to meet you. Adios, amigo." "I went to the station and got a ticket to Canterlot. Surprisingly, I still have the money. While waiting for my train, I decided to play the banjo. The sound of my instrument brought the ponies together and surrounded me, enjoying the music. Then somepony came out of the crowd and said: "Sir, you play so well. But... Why haven't we seen you before? It feels like you came out of nowhere." "Well, my dears, it's time for all of you to know the truth about me. My name is Sombrero. You don't remember me, but that's okay." I told the whole story I told Sunburst. "Oh, what an interesting story, — came from the side. It turned out that the train had already arrived, and all the passengers also heard this story. "You see, Twilight. I told you we had nothing to fear." "Sorry," I said to the pink pony. "What do you mean, 'afraid'?" "Situation is such," she said. "Princess Celestia called us in and said Sombra was back. And she warned us that he, that is, you, behaved strangely and ordered us to follow you, and if something bad happens, to lock you in the Darkness with the elements of Harmony. But as I said, it's hardly necessary." "You're right. Sombra's gone. There are only a Sombrero. And since you're following me, I'll get you tickets. I want to go to Canterlot. "Oh, but we just came from there. I've already been did time on this couch all my ass", cried blue Pegasi. "Ah, that's the thing. Sir, please give me six more business class tickets. Thanks." I paid and handed the tickets to the six ponies. "Here, I think, now you will be more comfortable." "Wow, thanks." "Sombrero, I think you shouldn't have..." I wanted to argue with Twilight, but I interrupted her: "I don't want to hear it. You're taking custody of me, and I can't thank you enough for that. In the end, if you are so uncomfortable, you can pay with the story of Equestria." "Of course we'll tell you," said the pink pony. "Oh, we didn't even introduce ourselves. My name's Pinkie Pie and these are my friends: Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight Sparkle." "Very nice to meet you." "So, where do we start?" When we wanted to start talking, the train started. "Wait, why do you have to go to Canterlot?" "Looks like you need to tell another story," I got a banjo and began to play a tune. "Love story. Once, when I was still ruler of the Crystal Empire, I fell in love with a señorita. The brilliance of her eyes blinded me, it was comparable to the starry sky. And her beauty just captivated my heart. Every night I didn't sleep, thinking only of her, until my place was taken by Sombra. "And... What's that pony's name?" "Her name is... Princess Luna" All six gasped in surprise. "What?! You want to say that I love Princess Luna?!" "That's right. I loved her at first sight. And now I want to tell her I love her." "Oh, how romantic that is! But, darling, you're not going to see the Princess like that, are you?" "Why not? I've been wearing this poncho and sombrero my whole life. I won't take them off even if I die. Well, only if I wear a jacket to the wedding, because it's not proper for the groom to dress like a peasant." "W-wedding?" "Yeah. I don't think I'm going to have any trouble winning the heart of the pony of my dreams. Now, you promised to tell me about Equestria." "Yeah, right. So..." On the way I listened to the story of Equestria. It turns out that a lot has changed here. The new alicorn, the Guardians of the Elements of Harmony, the very Elements of Harmony – all this was new and surprising to me. And finally, we arrived. Now I'll see her again. Princess Luna, Princess Luna... Ah, I'm ready to repeat your name many times...