"DIO," Spike said, walking into the room. DIO looked up, as after a long few days of preparing them all for battle and organizing a plan of approach, he was rather exhausted. Of course, with a Fluttershy cuddled beside him, platonically, he was petting her mane, platonically, as he was listening to Spike continue, "The Royal Guard identified a location stupidly close to the Crystal Mountains that Sombra may be hiding in."
"What evidence is there to suggest such?" DIO inquired, still petting Fluttershy in such a platonic manner that you wouldn't question it.
"Well, for one," Spike showed him a picture of a large black castle built into one of the Crystal Mountains, "he might as well have painted his face all over it."
DIO squinted his eyes with a disgruntled expression. It was way too obvious, Sombra had to be considering their arrival already. Still, it was going to take a while for them to get there anyway. He was certain he could defeat Sombra, especially with Jonathan by his side. The only problem was risking more lives than necessary, being already uncertain of Sombra's stand ability. Of course, there was that other equine that seemed off to him. Sometime told him things were going to be more complicated than anyone else was anticipating. However, he was sure they would encounter Stalker-54 somewhere along the way as their movement would surely not go undetected.
"Then we disembark today," DIO said, "but if Sombra is being this obvious with his recent behaviors, it is fair to say he might be expecting our arrival."
"That's true," Spike replied, "we'll have to be on our toes."
DIO looked at Fluttershy, who returned an uncharacteristically-stern expression.
"I'm going," she said.
DIO sighed, knowing he would not be able to convince her to stay as kind as she was. At the very least, it was a reason to take things more seriously, but he was surely uncomfortable with the thought in general of her presence near Sombra with what might have to be done. He wasn't precisely sure how violent he would have to be to solve the situation, but he knew for certain it was not something for equine eyes to see to brazenly-displayed. Yet, it seemed another harsh truth of their new world's fruits, and one that perhaps could not be avoided for long. He nodded, content with the risks and determined to make them negligible.
"You're going," he said to Fluttershy, who smiled in response.
"I sense they will be attempting to come to us soon," Sombra said to Phoenix, the both of them laying upon a great bed. Phoenix was nearly entangled with him, a show of compassion she thought to be impossible, noticing but willfully ignoring the lack of return on the part of Sombra.
"And what will we do?" Phoenix asked.
"What do you think we should do?" Sombra replied. Phoenix thought for a moment.
"I have a plan, we should—" Phoenix said before Sombra's hoof fell gently upon her muzzle.
"Good, then let us rest," he said softly. Phoenix blushed lightly, but looked confused.
"Do you not want to hear my plan?" She asked, but seemed a bit sorrowful in her tone which Sombra noted quickly.
"I have faith that whatever plan you have come up with is good," he replied, "you haven't come up with a bad plan yet. Your mind is brilliant, and your tactics are nothing short of genius."
Phoenix blushed, hugging him tightly. Something he wasn't sure how to particularly respond to, and simply remained still. However, it was increasingly uncomfortable for him as she nuzzled his neck, causing an unconscious response against his own will.
"Thank you, my king," she said softly, her eyes closed as she immersed herself in the sweet aroma of the king she might as well have been worshipping, "you're everything to me."
". . .Everything?" he questioned cautiously. She nodded into his neck, a drop of water brushing across it. Sombra noticed now she was crying.
"Everything." she said again, her voice loose as she held back what seemed to Sombra to be an unwarranted response, before she spoke again, "I-I'm sorry, I just—"
"Shh," Sombra said, rolling over to face her, "Do not apologize, I understand. You have fought well for me, and I should provide you that which you desire in return, it is only reasonable, no?"
"I. . .desire. . ." she said softly, with a shaky voice. After a long pause, Sombra quirked a brow.
"You desire. . ?" he said, hiding his impatience well. Phoenix looked into his eyes, and he nearly looked away but managed to stay there despite how uncomfortable it was.
"A kiss."
Sombra was taken aback, and unsure of how to handle such a situation. He didn't want to kiss her. Goodness. She was an asset, a viable strategic piece to conquering Equestria, but that was all. While she was indispensable, she was not irreplaceable. He found no need to cater towards her romantic interests, but what if that was the only thing keeping her loyal? On one hoof, he wished to test her loyalty, on the other, it seemed far too early to risk losing such an important piece of his plan. Of course, how foolish he was to already have promised to fulfill her desires. All-in-all, he would have to keep that promise in order to keep his leadership in the long run, as much as it pained him to admit that.
Knowing that the length of his thought might raise suspicion, he decided not to allow her the kiss, but instead to initiate it himself. Leaning forward suddenly and kissing her with the passion of the lovers on the moon. Experience is often misconstrued with passion, he knew, and thus it was once more as the mare fell under his influence in totality, and without even a second thought, progressing to a bond he knew would keep her much closer to him. Something that would convince her, in her blind compassion, to stay by his side no matter what he did. A perfect way to tamper with the design of intimate connection in such a way that it would result in a benefit for only himself in the end. Something only a heart as black and wicked as his could manage.
Phoenix had no idea. Just thinking to herself how wonderful it was that the one she cherished so dearly as first deity but now lover would share such a moment with her. She thought of nothing but the moment, and to draw it out as long as possible. For as truly sickening as his intentions were, she, in her ignorant adoration, knew no better. On that night, she gave up her will for his, no longer an individual, but a piece of Sombra.
After a while, Rainbow Dash and Jonathan had woken up to join the three at the living room of the cottage, preparing to leave. There were mixed feelings for all of them, but the most dominant was hope. Despite the spread of Sombrian Propaganda from Manehattan, and newly-designated local rulers under the New Sombrian Creed operating a militarized force that made a joke of Equestrian Royal Guards with the embracing of dark magic, the group knew that if they could show the weakness of Sombra, that support for him would fall quickly.
At least, that was the plan. DIO knew it wouldn't be that easy, and deep down the others knew as well. What they knew first and foremost, however, was that Sombra could not be allowed freedom any longer than necessary. He was the priority, and it was up to the Princesses to manage the growing unrest and militarization of their former citizens while the group dealt with Sombra himself. Hope was all they had left in these days, and they knew, deep down, that letting go of that would be an admission of defeat.
So they refused.
Hours passed, a long journey was still ahead of them as they continued closer to the Crystal Mountains. It would take them a very long time to get there, but they knew they would have each other no matter what. What they had not considered, however, was the tactful Phoenix working against them. After a couple of days passed, nights of staying in hotels and ad hoc campsites, they eventually arrived to Neighagra Falls. However, upon their arrival, something seemed so suddenly serendipitous but surely sullied with some sort of struggle sewing a stopover. They were not alone, here, as the equine called Saint appeared before them.
Spike, without a thought, charged at him, before vanishing underneath a recognizably-American flag. DIO and Jonathan turned to each other, having seen the arm of a stand retract to Saint. Fluttershy was speechless, while Rainbow Dash went to speak up before being interrupted suddenly.
"DIO Brando," Saint said loudly, "I see that you haven't instructed your posse well! Now, allow me to make an "executive order", if you will. If you wish to fight Sombra, then you shall prove yourselves separately against us, and if you can do so divided, then you will surely do so united."
"I'll kill you," DIO shouted, beginning to approach Saint before stopping as the Stand appeared above the equine's hood-obscured body.
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap may not be able to stop time," he said, "but I would advise you be careful about doing so now. After all, only I know where your beloved friend is now. Your best hope is to allow my Stand to do what is necessary by the order of King Sombra, or else your friends will be lost forever and Sombra will rule over this pathetic and colorful world."
DIO gritted his teeth. He cared more about the ones remaining than he did Spike, but he was not prepared to sacrifice Spike for the greater good. Jonathan turned to him.
"DIO, they will survive," Jonathan said, "we will reunite, I'll make sure of it. No one has to die."
DIO wanted to tear the jaw off of Saint's grin, but refrained from doing so as he knew Saint could not have been the only one present. Reluctantly, he stood back, turning to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. They nodded in response with looks of determination which gave DIO assurance.
"Fine, then," he said, "do as you wish. I will still kill you."
"I am sure you will have the opportunity to try," Saint said, "but for now."
A flag unfurled over Saint, allowing him to appear directly in front of them. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were taken away by one flag, and Jonathan by another. Saint looked up at DIO, who was the last one remaining.
"We'll be meeting again soon, DIO," he said, vanishing underneath the flag once more.
"Damn it." DIO said.