//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Blazing Shadows // by Mister Origin //------------------------------// King Sombra Autumn Blaze Rex Otis Roxy Buster Pablo Autumn Blaze's Cottage It was raining cats and dogs outside, as the rain was soon followed by lightning and thunder. But inside Autumn Blaze's cottage sitting outside of the Kirin Village, lights were shining through the windows with the silhouette of a certain dark unicorn being seen through one window. Inside the cottage, Sombra was sitting on a bed as he stared intently at a broom leaning against a wall nearby. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the broom as he started to force a surge of magic to flow through his horn. Only exerting a tiny glow of red magic followed by a few sparks as the broom started to become enveloped in a weak aura of red magic. Sombra gritted his teeth and started to sweat as he attempted to lift the broom off the ground. He remembered only a few days ago he could bring down an Ursa Major with one magical blast. But now, he could barely lift a broom as he continued his attempt to levetate the broom. But as the broom started to lift only a few feet off the ground, Sombra's magic konked out as the magical aura around the broom disappeared and the broom fell to the floor. Sombra glared at the broom and started to growl through his fangs. "Curses! Not again!" Hissed Sombra in anger as he hopped off the bed and kicked the broom aside with his forehoof. "Sombra, what did I tell you about straining yourself like that? You can't be forcing your magic through like that while your suffering from a magic-block. You can cause some serious damage!" Warned Autumn from the other side of the room as she was stirring the elixir that was being cooked in a pot hung over a fireplace. Sombra groaned in annoyance as he backed up and sat back on the bed. "Do you have any idea what it's like to loose your magic? It's HUMILIATING! I feel like nothing but a helpless foal." Groaned Sombra as Autumn turned back to the dethroned tyrant. "Hehe, well, back with the diamond dogs you didn't seem like a helpless foal. With how you stood up to those diamond dogs and what they said about you, it sounded like your a pretty powerful unicorn. I mean, I already KNEW you were a powerful unicorn by what you told me. But by having someone else back up your statement even more, you should be as powerful as one of those Al-I-Corns... right? *Am I saying that right? Al-I-Corns...*" Asked Autumn as she continued to stir the cooking elixir in the boiling pot. "Hehehe, I'm practically as powerful as an alicorn. Powerful enough to conquer a nation!" Exclaimed Sombra with a confident smile, immediately realizing what he just said as he turned his eyes to Autumn who stopped stirring the pot to look over at the unicorn with a confused expression. "Wait, what?" "Oh! Uhh... Or SAVE a nation from a powerful monster. Just relatively speaking of course..." Said Sombra with a nervous smile as an attempt to defuse any suspicion. "Oh, okay!" Stated Autumn with a smile as she continued to stir the elixir. "Is that antidote ready yet? You've been stirring in that pot for thirty minutes now." Stated Sombra as Autumn stopped stirring and skipped over to another side of the room, where she then levitated the Shennong in an aura of magic. "You can't rush perfection!" Stated Autumn in a sing song voice as she skipped back over to the pot of boiling elixir where she dropped the Shennong into and started stirring again. "I'm not rushing perfection, I'm rushing you." Replied Sombra as Autumn started to quickly stir the serum, only a few moments passed before Autumn took the wooden spook out of the pot and took a sip of the elixir. After tasting it and making an inquisitive look, she smiled at the result. "Perfect!" Exclaimed Autumn as she levitated a cup and a ladle over as she used the ladle to pour the elixir into a cup. Autumn then turned to Sombra and walked over to him, the cup of elixir levitating next to her. "Alright, here ya go!" Said Autumn as she levitated the cure over to Sombra who held it with his hooves. Sombra then looked down at the steaming serum before him as he raised an eyebrow, unsure of how the serum will taste. But the second Sombra took a whiff of it, he stuck his tongue out in disgust and held it away from his face. "Ugh! Are you sure something didn't crawl into this stuff and died?" Asked Sombra. "Trust me, it tastes better then it smells. And it's the only cure for your condition." Stated Autumn with an honest shrug as Sombra glanced back to the serum and narrowed his eyes at it. "*Sigh*... Fine." Groaned Sombra as he chugged down the serum with one quick gulp, as the foul tasting liquid ran down Sombra's throat and into his belly. Sombra then placed the empty cup aside as he expressed a look of pure and utter disgust. "See? It wasn't that bad." Said Autumn in an encouraging voice as Sombra shot the mare a small glare. "It tastes like a mix of swamp water, dishwater, and toilet water!" Growled Sombra as he stuck his tongue out, hopefully getting rid of the awful taste. "Well, we still have some time before we should hit the hay. Have any ideas to kill the time?" Asked Autumn as she looked out the window where it was still raining cats and dogs. "I don't know." Answered Sombra flatly as Autumn shot the dethroned tyrant a slight glowering expression. As Autumn put on an expression of contemplation, she looked over to a window nearby and happily trotted over to it. As Sombra was giving the kirin a confused expression. "Uhh... What are you doing?" Asked Sombra as Autumn started staring out the window with a smile. Before turning back to Sombra. "Well do you know what I like to do whenever I'm bored? Or angry? Or sad? Or... Really just any time I can?" "No. What?" "I love to... SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII- Uph!" But Autumn was cut off immediately as Sombra, somehow moved at the speed of sound from the bed to Autumn and placed his hoof in her mouth. Silencing her before the kirin could sing. "Stop that! Stop that! Your not breaking into song while I'm here!" Yelled Sombra as he pulled his hoof out of the mare's mouth and started walking back over to the bed. Autumn rolled her eyes in vexation as her eyes drifted around the room once more. "Okay then... How about..." Autumn trailed off as she looked around the room, until her eyes landed on a script book laying on a table nearby. "Wait, I have an idea. How about I read you the play script I wrote about?" Asked Autumn as Sombra shot the mare an inquisitive look before Autumn levitated the script play over to her and took a seat on a chair across from Sombra. "A play? You wrote a play?" Asked Sombra as Autumn failed to hold back a chuckle. "Well-Pff! I already told you I love plays! And I wrote a few of my own. This is my favorite, it's called 'Hoofilton'! You wanna hear it?!" Asked Autumn in an extremely excited tone as she held the script tightly to her chest and had an ear-to-ear smile. Sombra silently stared at the mare as he considered the offer. Normally, he would answer with a straight up 'no' and throw the sheets over himself and portend to got to sleep. But for some reason, he decided to legitimately think about it. It could be because the mare decided to risk her own safety just to help him get rid of his magic block. Or maybe the ex-king wanted a new relaxing form of entertainment after a crazy and radical adventure like today. Or maybe because she seemed so excited to share something she wrote with another pony she trusts and considers a friend... Either way, Sombra decided to not say 'no'. He locked eyes with Sombra and nodded his head in agreement as Autumn's smile got so big the dethroned king was surprised the mare's head didn't fall off. Autumn then flipped open the script at the speed of sound and cleared her throat to read the first sentence. "COMPANY: Manehattan. HOOFILTON: Pardon me. Are you Burro, sir? BURRO: That depends. Who’s asking? HAMILTON: Oh, well, sure, sir, I’m Alexander Hoofilton, I’m at your service, sir. I have been looking for you. BURRO: I’m getting nervous. HOOFILTON: Sir… I heard your name at Canterlot. I was seeking an accelerated course of study when I got sort of out of sorts with a buddy of yours. I may have punched him. It’s a blur, sir. He handles the financials? BURRO: You punched the bursar. HOOFILTON: Yes! I wanted to do what you did. Graduate in two, then join the revolution. He looked at me like I was stupid, I’m not stupid. So how’d you do it? How’d you graduate so fast? " As Autumn happily read on, Sombra listened as he leaned his cheek on his hoof like how a bored school colt would. Hours passed as Sombra listened and listened as the mare continued to read from her script. All the while the storm raged outside. Sombra eventually decided to try and zone the mare out, finding the story boring and uninteresting as he turned his attention to a nearby window. But after getting bored of doing that, he decided to give the reading mare another chance. Turning his attention back to her and listened to her as she read her play. Although this time was different, the story became interesting and enrapturing. When Sombra was in power years ago when he was in power in the Crystal Empire, he would usually read. But sometime down the road, he just started to loose passion for reading. He found the stories boring and dull when he read them, reading stories by himself with his own cold and dark voice was uninteresting and... lonely. However, Autumn was different as he became enraptured by her narration. In contrary to Sombra's cold and dark personality, Autumn Blaze's personality was warm, bright, and joyful. Perhaps it wasn't even the story himself that he was delighted by. Perhaps it was just Autumn Blaze herself he was interested in... 'Sombra, what are you THINKING!? That antidote must have some kind of temporary side effects that's affecting your mind. Like sleep depervation or laughing gas... Why are you ogling at this mare!? You have been doing this since the forest! Stop this and act like the dignified ruler you are!' Yelled Sombra's Id as it tried to overtake Sombra's currently dominating Ego. But Sombra's Ego won, for now. As Sombra continued to listen to the mare's story and admire her... appeal from afar. The sunlight shined through the windows of Autumn Blaze's cottage as Celestia's sun rose over the land. Autumn herself was slumped backwards in her seat, snoring loudly as the open script book sat on her face. But as Autumn was in the middle of her nap, a loud zap of energy woke the mare up. Kazap! "Ahh! Ahhh!" Screamed Autumn in shock as she awoke and fell off of her seat from the shock of the noise. "What's that noise!? Is the sky falling!? I KNEW this day was coming!" Yelled Autumn to herself as she picked herself off the floor and heard the same noise. Kazap! Autumn used her magic to pick the script off of the floor and placed it to the side as she followed the sound of the noise. Kazap! The noise came from outside, from the front of the cottage as Autumn walked over to her front door. As she opened it up to see what all that racket was, she saw Sombra standing there with his back to her. She could tell the unicorn had a smile on his face as his horn surged with red and purple magic as pieces of chopped wood and rocks levitated above him. Being coated in a purple aura. Autumn's eyes widened in surprise as she quietly walked closer, not wanting to interrupt Sombra with whatever he was doing. The remedy did the trick alright, the unicorn was able to use his magic again. The Kirin remained quiet as she silently watched Sombra use his magic to toss several of the rocks and chopped wood high into the air. Sombra bared his fangs in delight as his horn glowed brighter with magic as he fired several blasts from his horn. Kazap! Kazap! Kazap! And with 100% accuracy, the soaring blasts of energy hit the flying chopped wood and rocks as it shattered them to pieces. Sombra smirked at his accomplishment as his eyes drifted up towards his smoking crimson horn, as the ex-tyrant blew on his horn like a smoking gun. "Finally! At last I've regained my powers! That mare's remedy worked like a charm! Now I can finally set my sights on conquest and revenge! First the Crystal Empire! Retake my rightful place as ruler and lock those false rulers in the dungeon for eternity! Then... Haha, oh then... Those mares shall pay. For what they've done to me, they will know the true meaning of pain after I'm done with them... They will beg for forgiveness and release from their suffering, knowing the true power of King Som-" "Woohoo! Yeah! That was SO COOL!" Sombra immediately halted his open monologue as he turned around with fright to see the happy kirin standing there and cheering Sombra on. 'I have REALLY got to stop speaking out loud...' Thought Sombra in fear. Hoping the kirin either didn't hear what he said or was too much of an airhead to really comprehend what he was talking about in the first place. "Woah, Sombra! That was amazing! I had no idea unicorns could be that skilled. I mean, we kirin never even THOUGHT about doing anything like that with our horns. We only use our horns to carry stuff and move things around. I guess it's because of our lifestyle, we never get into any actual conflict. Or if we do get into conflict, we just turn into Nirik. Guess we never gave out horn a second chance." Stated Autumn in awe as she walked up to the fully powered unicorn. Sombra silently stared down at the mare, surprised she wasn't the least bit suspicious of him. But either way, he was thankful she didn't start to catch on. "Well, yes. Your antidote (despite it's awful taste) worked as promise. I feel as powerful since I ruled the Crystal Empire with an IRON HOOF!" "What?" "I-I mean, uhh... With a gentle hoof." "Oh." "Well, anyway... I'm glad to see your back in tip-top shape! And now I get to finally see what you can finally do! Honestly, when you kept bragging about all your amazing power... I kinda felt like you were full of hot air... But now, I can see that you really are as powerful as you said you are!" Said Autumn in excitment as Sombra merely puffed up his chest in pride and rubbed one of his hooves against his chest. "Well of course I am... I am the most powerful unicorn on the face of Equestria! If your impressed by me blasting a few rocks into pieces, it's foals play compared to what I can REALLY do..." Said Sombra looking away, but smirking and glancing back to see if the Kirin was still excited. "Do I!? What else can you do?" Asked Autumn enthusiastically as Sombra immediately spun around on his hoof as he aimed his glowing horn at a nearby tree. "Just sit back and watch this!" Said Sombra as he blasted a bolt of magic at the ground nearby. Crack! As a black crystal started to grow and rise out of the ground, soon followed by smaller black crystals that began to rapidly grow and spread across the ground. Autumn's awe soon transformed into slight fear as she saw that the crystals were creeping up all around her and Sombra. Crack! Crack! Crack! "Umm... Uhh... Sombra..." Spoke Autumn with a twinge of fright in her voice, as the Kirin started to be forced back into Sombra. Sombra merely looked back at the frightened Kirin with a smirk. "Hehe, no need to worry. Just sit and watch..." Uttered Sombra, confidence dripping from his voice as the black crystals started to grow and move inward. It appeared like they were forming a cage around Sombra and Autumn. But before the strands of black crystal could entrap the two completely, there was one more loud cracking sound that dwarfed all the other crystals. CRACK!! Suddenly, Sombra and Autumn were escalated rapidly into the air and blasted the crystal cage apart. When the ground they were standing on stopped it's movement, Autumn looked down with surprise and fright to see that the two were stand on top of a massive black crystal. Autumn looked on with a mixed look of awe and fear at the ground far below them that were still covered in growing black crystals. Sombra glanced back at Autumn to see her astonished face as the massive black crystal the two were standing on were overlooking the garden of black crystals. With one more prideful smirk, a white wave of magical energy exploded from Sombra's horn. As in a bright flash of light, the black crystals were annihilated and blasted into nothing. Kazap! As Autumn blocked her eyes from the bright flash of light, she suddenly felt nothing below her hooves. As if she was floating. Once the Kirin opened her eyes once more, she saw a red aura around her and Sombra as the ex-king gently leveated Autumn Blaze and himself back to the ground. As the two landed on the ground and Sombra's magical aura disappeared, Sombra kept his chin up, readying himself for the praise he was sure Autumn was about to shower him with. "I know, I am incredible. No need to praise me." Said Sombra with his eyes still close and waited for the praise. But when Sombra heard nothing, his eyes shot back open as he looked back as Autumn Blaze. Whowas starring at the dark unicorn with an unsure expression on her face. Sombra's smile faded away as he stared at the Kirin. "You, don't like it?" "Oh, no! No! It was great!" "Grr... Of course you wouldn't like it. It's unsettling isn't it? It's 'FRIGHTENING'... Just like all the others..." Trailed off Sombra was a disappointed growl as he turned away from the Kirin. "Hey! Hey! Look, it was a bit scary and unsettling at first. That is true. But that doesn't mean I'll never find it interesting. Just like being a Nirik. It's not about what you have it's about how you use it. It's just a bit scary when you did that with no warning." Said Autumn in a comforting tone as she slowly walked up to the dethroned king and placed her forehoof on Sombra's shoulder. A moment of silence passed, before Autumn asked another question. "Uhh... What was that thing about, 'like all the others?'" Sombra then straightened himself back up and turned back to Autumn with his chin held up once more. "It was nothing. Forget about it." "Oh... Alright then." Said Autumn as she turned away and slowly started to walk. "So umm... I guess you'll be on your way soon?" Asked the Kirin as she cheerlessly kicked a pebble aside. Sombra turned his attention over to the Kirin with a confused expression. "On my way?" "Well, I mean... No offense, but you seemed absolutely miserable here. Honestly, I'm kinda surprised you didn't hit the road the second you got your magic back..." Said Autumn with a depressed tone as she kicked the dirt once more. All the while, Sombra looked at her with a bit of an awkward expression. "That is true, my magic is brought back to it's full power yet again. Although... I'm not exactly miserable, right now at least. I'm, honestly impressed with your bravery, ingenuity, and creativity. I haven't had this kind of exciting experience in years. Plus, I really don't have anywhere else to stay..." Said Sombra in a bit of a bumbling tone himself, as Autumn's eyes shot back at Sombra with a spark of excitement growing in them. "Wait, are you serious? You... Really wanna stay here? With me?" Asked Autumn in even greater excitement as Sombra cleared his throat, in an attempt to sound less embarrassed. "Don't get yourself carried away. Just for now at least. But I won't be staying here for good. Just until I come up with a plan of where to go next." "YYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!" Shrieked Autumn in total glee as she leaped at Sombra with her front hooves spread out. "Aaahh-!" Screamed Sombra in surprise, before being cut off and tackled to the ground by the happy Kirin. After Sombra was tackled to the ground, he opened his eyes back up and looked down to see Autumn Blaze was happily hugging Sombra with her forehooves as Sombra's awkward expression only grew as he stared at the Kirin. "That is so cool! I mean, I never had a roommate before! Or even a temporary one... Anyway, we are gonna have so much fun! Before you leave I gotta show you the VERY BEST the village has to offer! I promise, you'll be happy you did it! And it'll also put you in the best of moods when you go back to your kingdom and take down those evil tyrants who dethroned you! Oh! This will be so much fun! I mean I haven't had this much fun since- Mff!" Autumn was silenced as Sombra's hoof covered Autumn's mouth yet again. As Sombra stared at the Kirin with a blank expression on his face. "#1. Talking too much again. #2. Don't touch the merchandise." Groaned Sombra in annoyance as Autumn immediately gave an awkward and nervous giggle before pulling herself off of the ex-tyrant and standing back up. "Oh, sorry... I guess I just got a little too excited." Said Autumn with a slight blush as Sombra stood up and dusted himself off. "Clearly." "Uhh... So, anyway, I'd still like to learn how to use magic like that! Since your gonna stick around, can you teach me?" Asked Autumn with a hopefully optimistic smile, as chuckled a bit to himself in an arrogant way. "I don't know, learning spells can be quite the complicated task. I'm not sure you can handle it." Said Sombra in a slightly playful, antagonistic voice. "Pff! Come on! I can take down several diamond dogs at the same time! I think I can handle it! Although, I almost forgot a promise I made to you. So how about a fair trade? You teach me how to use magic, and I'll teach you some hoof-to-hoof combat? A fair trade, wouldn't you say?" Asked the Kirin with a smirk as Sombra smirked back at the mare. "Well, learning a few moves could assist me later on. Equestria forbid I loose my magic again... A more effective way to defend myself if I get into that situation again. Very well, I will take your offer and learn how to fight... And hopefully not getting attacked by woodland creatures again..." Mumbled Sombra as he glanced away from Autumn. "What was that?" "Nothing." Exclaimed Sombra as he turned back to Autumn. "Even though I admit, you are skilled. I am not exactly a slouch myself." Stated Sombra as he placed his hoof on his chest, and Autumn walked up to him with a self-assured smile on her face. "Oh really? So... You don't think somepony like me can kick your butt?" Asked Autumn, the two's muzzles only inches apart as Sombra smirked back. "I admit, your fighting prowess is impressive, I am still taller and heavier then you are. Plus I am physically stronger then you. I doubt a few fancy combat moves could-Ugh!" Sombra was silenced as out of nowhere Autumn leaped on the confident stallion as she wrapped her back legs around Sombra's neck and performed a flying scissor leg takedown. Before Sombra even knew it, the ex-king was pinned to the ground face first, as Autumn Blaze pulled back one of Sombra's front legs and one of his back legs to keep him pinned. Sombra growled as he tried to break Autumn's hold, but to no avail. All the while, the Kirin giggled playfully as she held down the dark unicorn. "Still think it's all about size?" Asked Autumn with another giggle as Sombra huffed his nose in frustration. "Okay! I get it! Let me up!" Growled Sombra out of annoyance as the Kirin complied and let Sombra up. "Alright now, can you teach me some magic now? I really, really, really, really, REALLY wanna know!" "Well, very well then. Pay attention." Stated Autumn as he turned his head back to all the rocks and chopped wood he was using as target practice. The ex-ruler levatated a rock over to a wooden stump nearby and turned back to Autumn. "Alright, we are going to try a simple attack spell. Focus the magic through your horn, or... antler. Then fire it at your target." Stated Sombra as he pointed his hoof at the rock. Autumn nodded with a smile as she turned to the rock and tried her best to fire an attack spell, much like Sombra. But no matter how hard the Kirin tried, she just couldn't do it. Autumn tried several more times to unleash a blast of energy, but nothing came out. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the Kirin as he shifted his gaze between the rock and the Kirin. "Well, don't worry. Eventually you will get it. Besides a levitation spell, an attack spell is the second easiest spell to perform. If you've done it at a young age. Trying to perform one as an adult for the first time can be difficult. Just keep practicing and I will be back to check up on you. Stated Sombra as he turned around to leave. Autumn noticed this and stopped practicing and turned to Sombra who was still walking away. "Wait, where are you going?" Asked Autumn in confusion. "Don't worry. I'm just, going for a little walk. I will be back soon enough. Just keep practicing." Stated Sombra as he walked deeper and deeper into the woods. "Alright, just don't wander too far, okay?" Replied Autumn as she turned back to the rock with a her game face on. "Okay, ROCK... Consider yourself, BLASTED!" Exclaimed Autumn as the Kirin attempted to focus her magic, and blast the rock sitting on the stump. The Cave Within a cave only a few miles away from the Kirin village, the gang of diamond dogs that attempted to rob and kidnap a delivery Kirin the last day. From the dark cave was growling in inaudible speaking from the current residents taking refuge in the cave. But then, resounding laughter dominated the rest of the sounds in the cave. "Hahahahahahahaha!" "What are you laughing about!?" Angrily replied another voice. "I'm just thinking about the other day when that little Kirin beat you up so bad. Hahahahaha!" "So? He beat you up too, you moron!" "That's true, but at least I put up more of a fight then you. And I didn't look NEARLY as pathetic as you. Also, at least I look like a full grown diamond dog and not a pup!" Mocked Pablo with a smug smile as he and Otis glared each other down in the cave. "That's it! You wanna go!? Let's go!" Growled Otis as he lunged out at Pablo, only to be grabbed by a large paw and pulled back into Buster's arms. "Come on guys... Let's not fight. We were all humiliated by those little ponies. But that doesn't matter! At least we have each other!" Said Buster as he held back the angry Otis with little to no effort as Otis struggled as hard as he could to escape Buster's vice-like hold. "Oh, and I'll have Pablo... actually his NECK IN MY HANDS! NOW LET GO OF ME BUSTER!" Barked Otis as he attempted to break loose of Buster's grip to beat up the smirking Pablo. "Come on, where's your sensitive side, Otis?" "Let go of me!" "Uh, uh, uh... What's the magic word?" "NOW!" "No wonder we're dangling at the bottom of the food chain! Just look at ourselves!" Growled a feminine voice from a corner of the cave as the three diamond dogs stopped and looked over to see Roxy. Who was sitting there as she picked up pebbles and flicked them at a cave wall. After flecking another pebble into the wall, she stopped and glanced back over at the three diamond dogs who were just a moment ago fighting with one another. The female diamond dog expressed a cringing expression before picking up another pebble from the cave floor. "Actually, scratch that. Just look at YOURSELVES." Uttered Roxy as she flicked another stone at the cave wall, before standing back up. "Oh yeah, and you've been so helpful lately." Growled back Pablo as Buster let go of Otis and Roxy walked closer to the trio. "News flash, I'm not the leader... Yet. If I was the leader, we'd all be swimming in diamonds. Also, we wouldn't be banished from the Diamond Dog Kingdom." Replied Roxy as Pablo and Otis nodded in agreement. "At least in that category we agree." Agreed Pablo as Otis crossed his arms. "Besides hitting a few diamond rich caves, one of the only big scores we made was robbing that Zebra's little hut in the middle of the Everfree forest. And the best thing we got from that little hut was that useless amulet! We even finally caught a pony after WEEKS of looking. Or Kirin, whatever you wanna call it! And we lost him!" "If we weren't banished from the kingdom and actually had some HELP in our efforts, we would be rich. But no, Rex just HAD to kidnap ALL THOSE PONIES! I mean, ponies are good for two things, work labor and food. But he KNOWS the laws of the Diamond Dog Kingdom, there's a LIMIT to how many ponies a diamond dog can take before that Sun Alicorn takes notice! And because of that, we've hit rock bottom." "I'm pretty sure at this point we've hit a level lower then rock bottom. All we've done is go more and more downhill every day we're out here! And it's all because of that mutts big fat ego! He NEEDED to capture all those ponies! We're lucky Diamond Dog King Gora Morim didn't cut off our rear ends and hang them over his fire place! We're even more lucky that that those pony princesses didn't reduce us to ashes! Ugh... And it's all that mad dog's fault! But... Maybe all isn't lost. I think I have and idea of how to get out of this funk." Said Pablo as Otis and Roxy raised their eyebrows in suspicion. "Where are you getting at?" Asked Otis suspiciously as Pablo smirked at the short diamond dog. "What if tonight we take all the gem stones and other treasures we've collected so far and head out while Rex is asleep? That mad dog will never know anything by the time he wakes up! Heck, if we're lucky we can just go back to the Diamond Dog Kingdom and completely disassociate with that maniac. Maybe they'll let us back in the king- AAAAAHHHH!" Pablo was cut off as a horrible noise echoed through the cave. Making all the diamond dogs cover their ears in pain. SSSSSSSCCCCCCRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! As the terrible scratching noise stopped, the diamond dogs all uncovered their sensitive ears and looked over at the origin or the terrible noise. As all the color drained from their faces, seeing three deep clawmarks in the cave wall with the perpetrator standing next to it as he checked out his oversized razor sharp claws. "So... That's how it is, huh? Blaming me for our predicament, us hitting rock bottom, our banishment... Please, we're a team. So, if you have any constructive criticisms, please... SAY IT TO MY FACE..." Growled Rex in a low tone of voice as he slowly made his way over to his underlings. "Uhh, look, Rex. We didn't mean anything. We're just, a little upset with the situation. We didn't really mean any of the stuff we just said. Honest." Said Pablo fearful as Rex made his way to the four diamond dogs and stood over them. Except Buster who was the only one that was taller then Rex. "Upset, huh? Well, it seems to me that your all of you are off games lately. What happened yesterday was beyond an embarrassment. And starting to stab each other in the back, I thought we were all better then that. Your all disappointing..." Said Rex as he continued to talk down to his fellow diamond dogs and rub his index claw and his thumb claw together. "Except for you, Buster. You've been doing very good." Said Rex as he pointed to Buster with a smile. "Yay! I'm doing good guys!" Cheered Buster as the remaining trio of diamond dogs glared at the large lovable oaf. "Goodie goodie..." Growled Roxy under her voice. "The REST of you however..." As the trio turn their heads back to their leader, he got up to their faces and scared them into falling back onto the ground. "You all seem to forget the plague those sickening multicolored menaces have brought upon our race! On all non-ponies!" Rex growled deeply as he takes a few steps back and regains his calm demeanor, as the diamond dog leader started to slowly pace and began to talk. "Ponies dominate this entire region, there are more of THEM out there then the diamond dogs, the griffins, and even the dragons. The dominate this entire land! Even the Minotaurs bow down to the ponies pretty sun princess. We even speak their LANGUAGE for heavens sake! The original language of the diamond dogs aren't even taught in SCHOOLS ANYMORE! That just shows how much power those pathetic little equines have!" Growled Rex as he paced over to a large stalagmite sticking out of the ground, as he slowly dragged one of his oversized claws on it. Leaving a long and deep scratch mark on the stalagmite. "The only reason our own language isn't even taught anymore and only still exists because of a few brainiacs that preserve the language. It's even MORE infuriating when our own KING is terrified of those ponies! Scared that if we take too many ponies, one of the big bad princesses will come along and blast our nation to Kingdom come!" Rex removes his claws from the stalagmite, before grabbing it with his paw and starting to slowly crush it. "I'm not stupid. I know that those ponies are WAY more powerful then we can EVER hope to become! For Pete's sake, they have the Spirit of Chaos on their side! I might have gotten us banished by kidnapping to many ponies and risking the ire of Celestia... But it's a price I'm willing to pay! Ponies must be eradicated!" Growled Rex as he crushed the stalagmite completely. CRACK! As Rex pulled his hand away and looked at his claws again. "Uhh... Rex, with all due respect, we're not an army. We can't even take down a single Nirik. And your talking like we're about to destroy all of ponykind. We aren't anything compared to them!" Stated Otis in a brutally honest tone as Rex turned to the smaller diamond dog and growled once more. Making Otis shrink back in fear. "All we need is one good break. Just ONE CHANCE... And we'll be back on top of the food chain, and under our footpaws, where they belong..." "Greetings, filthy Diamond Dogs!" Rang a familiar voice from the opening of a cave. All the diamond dogs turned their heads to see the dark red horn stallion, Sombra standing in the mouth of the cave. All the diamond dogs stared on, frozen with looks ranging from surprise, to shock, to anger, to all of the above. Sombra merely held his head high with an arrogant smirk on his face, as he continued to speak. Each word dripping with pride. "No need to cower before me, mongrels. Yet, you should bow to royalty when they present themselves to you. Now, I am not here to fight (a little bit), all I want to do is to talk. You dogs have something that interests me, and I am willing to negotiate for it..." Sombra praddled on as he slowly marched deeper into the cave. As if the cave itself and everything in it was his, and the diamond dogs should feel lucky for basking in the arrogant king's glory. But that's when the diamond dogs looks of suprise and anger transformed into uncontrollable laughter, leaving the diamond dogs in stitches as Sombra continued his walk. Like the diamond dog's cocky laughter wasn't even going on. "Well, well, well... It seems like our dinner has just come trotting in... Don't let him escape this time." Ordered Rex, as suddenly all the diamond dogs got on all fours and began charging straight at the red horned unicorn at full speed. But as it seemed like they were about to get close enough to grab Sombra, the ex-king's horn suddenly glowed bright like a sudden torch brought to life. "Stand back, dogs..." CRACK!! Suddenly, a colossal black crystal shot out of the ground and instantly blocked the diamond dogs from attacking Sombra. Either stopping in their tracks or crashing right into the monolithic diamond. As the diamond dogs came to their senses, they started to take instinctual steps back, as Sombra walked around the massive crystal and stood next to it with a smug expression. "Unlike last time, I won't exactly be so harmless. My magic is powerful enough to match Celestia's. I won't recommend doing that again." The diamond dogs narrowed their brows in anger, as the dogs silently obeyed the dark ex-king and kept their distance. "So what? Have you come here to gloat?" "That is tempting, but no. You see, you have a special item I am very interested in. You dogs probably don't even know what I'm talking about. This artifact is powerful enough to overpower the princesses themselves, and if used by somepony like me. Hahaha, well... Let's just say I will be unstoppable." Said Sombra as he malevolently laughed to himself. "What are you talking about? 'Powerful item'? We have no idea what your talking about, unicorn. If you have something to say, just spit it out already!" Growled Rex, already loosing his patience with the ex-despot as Sombra glared back at the diamond dog. "Maybe if you diamond dogs had a single brain cell between the lot of you, maybe I wouldn't have to explain it, like explaining it to a foal." Shot back Sombra as Rex let out a growl an immeditally moved closer to the ex-tyrant, showing off his teeth. "Are you mocking me!?... I will eat you up, pony. Magic or no magic, it won't protect you from me! I'll eat you for breakfast!" Growled Rex as Sombra smirked back at the diamond dog and began to pace. "Yeah? Well, I'll give you indigestion!" Sombra snapped back. "I'll pick up some antacids to stop indigestion!" "Yet you didn't know your antacid tablets were expired!" "Then I'll just bring back the receipt and get a new bottle!" "Yet you just remembered you accidentally threw your receipt away!" "Then I'll talk to the manager!" "But you didn't know the manager was out sick that day!" "Ladies! Ladies! Your both beautiful. But, can you get to the point, pony?" Commented Roxy, breaking up the little match that was going on between Rex and Sombra. Sombra took a step back as he quickly cleared his throat and started slowly pacing. "The item I am referring to is the Alicorn Amulet. When worn by a unicorn, it can vastly ehance the users power to that of an alicorn and beyond. It was said to be lost to time, and I have no idea how you diamond dogs of all creatures got a hold of it, but it is more valuable then ALL the gems in Equestria! And with it, I can finally defeat the princesses, the elements of harmony, and even Grogar... So, hand it over." Ordered Sombra, stopping his pacing and turning back to the diamond dogs with glowing green eyes. "You mean this thing?" Asked Buster as he picked up the very same Alicorn Amulet from a nearby cart. "Yes, that. Now give it to me!" Growled Sombra as he started to become more irritated. Meanwhile Rex looked back at his biggest underling and held his hand out, signaling Buster to toss it over to him. Buster tossed the Alicorn Amulet to Rex as the leader of the diamond dogs held it up in front of Sombra, as if to mock the pony. "Now hold it right there, pony. What's in it for us?" Asked Rex with a suspicious look as Sombra expressed an annoyed look. Before the ex-king gestured to the massive black diamond he just summoned in the middle of the cave. "I know you diamond dogs love gems and crystals... I can summon you enough crystals to set you for the rest of your lives, and live in luxury." Uttered Sombra as Rex glanced at the massive crystal with little to no emotion. As he glanced back at Sombra. "If I knew that's all that you could offer me, I would take the deal. But, I know you have MUCH more to offer then just crystals." Said Rex as his shadow began to eclipse Sombra. "Hmm... Maybe, I have something that can benefit both of our parties." Stated Sombra with an evil smirk as the diamond dogs replied with inquisitive looks. "We're listening..." "I'm sure you remember that little Kirin from yesterday, or should I say, 'Nirik'. Imagine if you had an entire army of Nirik? All of them fighting for you and burning down anything or anypony that stands in your way? One of the spells that I excel in above all others is mind control. Once we've captured the Kirin, I will make them completely subservient towards you, your own personal army to do whatever you wish." Stated Sombra with a nefarious smile as Rex developed an expression of consideration as he scratched his chin. "But wait, what about your Kirin friend? I thought she was your ally." Asked Pablo. "Please, do you think I honestly care about some overly energetic and annoying Kirin? All I needed her for was to cure my magic block. Now that she's served her purpose, I can care less what happens to her or the rest of her kind." Said Sombra as he glanced back at Rex. Sombra smirked evilly as he hopped off his platform and landed in front of Rex. "So, what's your decision?" "... Alright, I accept your offer. But, I want my army first. You'll get your amulet once you completed your side of the deal first." Sombra's eyes widened at surprise at this statement, before expressing a look of frustration and anger at the diamond dog. He even thought about simply blasting the diamond dog and taking the amulet for himself. But, he managed to control his feelings of frustration and force a calm look on his face as he stared back at the diamond dog. "Fine! But, I still need you to do one more thing before I cast my spell..." "What do you need?" "I need more of those cuffs and chains in order to make sure those Kirin stay in line. These creatures aren't like your average ponies, if even ONE of them got loose, they can ruin our entire plans." "Very well, but it will take us a week to get all the chains and cuffs needed for such an endeavor." "Meanwhile, I will stay with the red haired Kirin, Autumn Blaze. Make sure that neither hear nor any of the other Kirin will realize what's going on, plus, gain their trust. Making it far easier to capture them then." Stated Sombra as Rex nodded. "Alright then, at the end of the week we will capture the Kirin and you will activate your little mind control spell. But, if you try to back stab us in any way, I will personally hunt your down and kill you..." Said Rex in a deadly serious voice. "Hehehe, fair enough..." Said Sombra as he turned around and began to walk out of the mouth of the cave. After the unicorn exited the cave, Rex turned to the rest of the diamond dogs. "Roxy, Otis, get started on getting enough metal to start making the cuffs and chains." Ordered the leader of the diamond dogs before turning to the last two members of the group. "Pablo, Buster, I want you to follow that unicorn around and spy on him. Make sure he's keeping his end of the bargain." "Come on! Why do I get stuck with the worst job? And to make this moron my partner?" Asked Pablo, gesturing to Buster as Rex marched over to him and stood over him with a furious expression. "Because you failed to stop the delivery colt from escaping, because you planned to backstab me multiple times, because your tiny and pathetic, and because I will SQUASH YOU if you don't!" Growled Rex, each time his face got closer to Pablo's. Making the blue diamond dog eventually lie on the ground as Rex stood over him. "... Any more reasons?" "NOW, PABLO!" Barked Rex as Pablo immediately stood back up and ran off, as he and Buster left the cave. "And what will you be doing while we're getting the cuffs?" Asked Roxy as Rex glanced back at her. "That doesn't concern you. Just get to work." Ordered Rex as Roxy rolled her eyes and walked away with Otis by her side. When Rex was certain that the two were gone, he held the necklace up to his face as he stared directly into the red gem in the middle of the amulet. As the diamond dog continued to stare, he felt a strange surge of power move through his hands. Realizing that the amulet was glowing with a seductive crimson aura surging from the artifact. As Rex started to smirk evilly at the Alicorn Amulet. Autumn Blaze's Cottage Sombra walked through the woods as he retraced his hoofprints back to Autumn Blaze's cottage. Besides regaining his magic, he was also happy he was finally becoming familiar with the layout of the woods. No more falling into nasty ponds and getting covered in leeches. Or getting ambushed by a bunch of homicidal woodland creatures. Even if he did face a new threat, he could blast them into nothing. But, now the ex-king had a new challenge. He needed to keep the Kirin occupied while the dogs worked on gathering the supplies needed for the attack. Sombra was wondering, could he honestly survive an entire week with this Kirin chatterbox? He was starting to consider getting sent back to the darkness by the elements of harmony or Grogar a better alternative. But if he wanted the Alicorn Amulet and finally rule Equestria, he'll have to do what he needs to do. As Sombra walked through a final collection of bushes, he made it to a small clearing where he could see Autumn's cottage and Autumn Blaze herself. Still standing several feet away from the rock sitting on the tree stump just how he left it. Sombra's eyes widened in suprise as he saw an exhausted Autumn Blaze standing a few feet away from the tree stump and sweating bullets. As if she attempted to pour all her energy into her attempt to fire a blast of magical energy, nearly completely depleting her of energy. Sombra slowly walked over to Autumn as she attempted once more to focus another blast of energy from her horn, only generating a few sparks from her horn. She looked like she could pass out at any moment. "Have... You been out here, practicing for three hours straight?" Asked Sombra in a slightly concerned voice as Autumn immeditally stopped and turned back to the ex-king. "Huh? Oh, well... Yeah. But I'm fine. I almost got it!" "You look like you just ran a marathon. Perhaps it would be best if you get some rest." Suggested Sombra. Not caring if the Kirin did actually passed out, it would just be an annoyance to drag her unconcious body back inside. "No! No! Really, I got it!" Exclaimed Autumn as she turned back to the stone as she attempted to fire another blast of magic. Only to fail once more. "Very well, if you refuse to go inside until you complete the spell, let me assist you." Stated Sombra as he walked closer to Autumn and hovered beside her, observing her from a close range. "Now... Fire again." Ordered Sombra as Autumn turned her head back to the rock. "Calm yourself. Just relax, then when your ready, focus your magic through your horn again and fire when ready..." Autumn stood as still as a statue as she silently stared at her target. Taking Sombra's advice, she stood as still as a statue. The Kirin attempted to calm herself as best as she could, as she let out a relaxing sigh as she closed her eyes. Inhaling one more, the Kirin opened her eyes back up as she glared at the stone with a determined expression. Sombra watched as the talkative Kirin focused her magic through her horn once again, but this time sustaining the magic much longer then before. As the magic built up and reached critical mass, she looked back at the target. And fired. Kazap! Sombra's and Autumn's eyes widened in shock as the two stared at the burnt stump of the tree where the rock once laid. Now shattered into a thousand pieces. Autumn's face started to slowly transform into a massive smile as Sombra smirked at Autumn's work. "Hmm, not bad." Commented Sombra as he looked over at Autumn, only for the Kirin to suddenly explode with excited cheers as she started to bounce all around the red horned unicorn. Like an excited little filly. "YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSSSSS!! I DID IT! I TAUGHT THAT ROCK WHOSE BOSS!" Exclaimed Autumn happily as she bounced around Sombra with pure joy. All the while Sombra looking at the mare with distain. "Did you see that!? DID YOU SEE THAT!? That was so cool! I mean, I can still do stuff like that with my Nirik form or my fighting skills, but to do that with my horn is just WAY TOO COOL! I wonder what else I can do? Can you teach me more!? What about summoning? Ohh! Or maybe transmutation! Teleportation!? Healing!? Force-fields?! I heard that unicorns can even time travel! Ohh that is so awes-Mph!" Autumn was halted as Sombra stuck his hoof in the mare's mouth. Stopping the mare from getting carried away again, as he slowly removed his hoof. "Do you EVER turn off?!" Asked Sombra in irritation as Autumn blushed and rubbed the back of her head. "It's a curse, I'm afraid..." "Well, it seems like your going to need more practice before moving onto more advanced spells." "Oh yeah! I'm so excited to learn new spells! Also, thanks, Sombra." Thanked Autumn with a sweet smile. "Yes, yes, sure thing. Have fun, I'm going to go back inside and read a book. Maybe make some tea." Said Sombra as he instantly turned around and started to walk back to Autumn's cottage. Autumn expressed a look of shock before trotting over to Sombra and standing in his way, stopping him. "Wait, wait. You just wanna stay crampt inside in the dark all day, reading books like some vampire?" Asked Autumn as a look of realization instantly crossed her face. "Oh, wait. Forgot who I was talking to for a moment. But anyway, it's still a great day, and we still have a lot of daylight left! And I have a few ideas of what we can do for today! Teaching you a few more fighting moves before going out and looking around the village. What do you say?" Asked Autumn with a huge smile on her face as Sombra stared back with a blank expression. "You enjoy yourself how YOU want to, and I'll enjoy myself how I want to..." Said Sombra smugly as he attempted to walk around the Kirin, only for Autumn to move and continue to block his path. "Please?" "No, Autumn. Let me through." "Please?" "No." "Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" "NO! Stop asking!" "PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-" "You can't keep that up forever." "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Yes I can! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-" "Okay! Okay! You win! Enough already!" Admitted Sombra in defeat as Autumn immediately stopped and cheered as she pumped her hooves into the air. "So your going to teach me a new fighting move?" Asked Sombra as he and Autumn slowly paced over to the middle of the open field in front of Autumn's house. "Yup! Now pay close attention! Just in case you find yourself in another situation where you can't use your magic anymore, this move is gonna help you take down an opponent in one move!" Stated Autumn as Sombra subtly rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'm already dying of anticipation..." "That's the spirit! Now, I want you to try and take me down. Without your magic. I mean, if you can... Remember this morning?" Said Autumn in a challenging tone as she raised one of her eyebrows at the ex-king. "Please, last time I simply wasn't prepared for your attack. Now that I am, your going down. And I'm not afraid to hit a mare." Replied Sombra as he squinted his eyes in anticipation. "Show me what you got!" Stated Autumn as she got into her combat position, before Sombra charged straight at her, horn pointed straight ahead. But as the stallion was only a foot away from her, Autumn leaped into the air and performed a spinning crescent kick, jumping in the air and spinning around with her back hoof extended. And her back hoof connecting with Sombra's chin and sending the stallion flying back. As Autumn landed back on the ground, she made her way over to where Sombra was lying back first on the dirt ground. With whatever dignity the ex-king had remaining, getting knocked out of him by the cheery Kirin's kick. Autumn made her way over to Sombra and looked down at the solemn king. As the Kirin attempted to hold back a few giggles Sombra only stared back with an annoyed deadpanned look. "Hehehe, hows the weather down there, Sombra?" Asked Autumn as Sombra slowly turned his head to the mare in irritation. "Your enjoying this, aren't you?" "Well, kinda. But don't worry, most untrained ponies don't know how to defend against an attack like that. Or even pull one off." Stated Autumn assuredly as she reached a hoof down to help Sombra up, as the ex-despot took it and got back up. "Come on! We're just getting started!" Stated Autumn as she wandered back over to the spot where she knocked down Sombra just a few moments ago. Sombra groaned in annoyance as he started to walk over to the mare. "Next week can't come fast enough..."