//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Rise of King Sombra (Fluttershy) // by DemonMuffins //------------------------------// Another dead end. Sombra let out a growl of frustration as he forced the heavy tome shut with his hoof. As he rubbed his temple he could feel another headache coming on. It seemed not even the great StarSwirl the Bearded had thought about his theory. It was just another testament that Sombra was truly treading unknown waters in the world of magic. The ticking of the clock on his work desk in his study did little to quell his annoyance. He wasn’t sure how long he had been invested in his theory this time, let alone what the weather was like outside. His black mane was a mess and his simple clothing of a white button up shirt with black trousers were also in disarray; but his determination drove him to continue. He would prove them wrong. Sombra had spent many years of his life devoted to research for the Crystal Empire, yet his colleagues still had the audacity to doubt him. They called him a fool; said he had gone mad. But they are the ones who will pay for their doubt. Earth ponies can reach the magical capabilities of unicorns. And when he can provide proof to his theory, he shall be the one laughing when the King and Queen of the Crystal Empire praise him for his discovery. It may even gain the respect of the immortal Princesses of Equestria. Only time would tell of course. His chair creaked in protest as he stood and made his way toward his bookshelf, tome in hoof. The location he was provided by the university was a quaint little space in the three-bedroom apartment. Though it did not reach the grand expectations his research should have earned him it was better than nothing. After placing the heavy tome back in its proper place, he scanned the shelves. He had read these books thousands of times before, some were generously gifted by his parents or colleagues for his accomplishments, but regardless of a book’s origins Sombra would leave no stone unturned. There was always something that could assist new theories and tests. Eventually Sombra’s eyes settled on a plain green volume about plants. He considered skipping it over momentarily but something about the volume nagged at the back of his mind. His research had focused on the mystical essence of magic, how it always seemed to have a unique magical core tied to a pony from birth. But life always disintegrated and returned to the ground in one form or another. Sombra nudged the volume out with his right hoof, gently gripped the spine with his teeth to place it in his right hoof, then carried it back to his desk. The clock continued to tick away as he settled into the worn chair and carefully flipped through the pages. Lilies, orchids, sunflowers… it was just one ordinary plant after another used for teas or medical properties. Useless. He needed pants with magical properties not useless drivel. Of course, the author neglected to add a table of context to make his search easier. What he wouldn’t give to have the magical ability to flip through the pages with magic than to struggle with hooves. Sombra continued to flip through the pages and even considered putting the book back on the shelf until he paused on one particular passage. At first glance the sketch of the plant seemed like every other flower. But it had been marked in the corner to indicate the flower had magical properties. Curiosity peaked; he leaned forward in his seat to examine the page further. The Anemone flower is very delicate plant discovered within the regions near Griffin territory. Due to its sensitive nature, it is very rare to find the plant to be growing it in other parts of the world. “Of course,” Sombra muttered but he continued to read. Those who have been fortunate enough to discover the Anemone flower have learned the flower’s petals have the ability to increase one’s magical core. Many unicorns have been known to use the plants’ properties in battle or to win the affections of another. (Affects the Anemone flower may have on a Pegasus or Earth pony has not been determined.) Due to its dangerous and volatile nature if prepared improperly many kingdoms have banned the use of the plant in an effort to prevent the peace treaty from being broken. However, there are some who are known to possess the plant for educational purposes such as the Canterlot private gardens, the Saddle Arabia oasis, as well as the Crystal Empire sanctuary. Sombra leaned back in his seat contemplating his recent find. Such potential is hidden behind a simple flower. The scholars that came before him were fools not to explore the flower’s effects on Pegasus and Earth ponies. He would not make the same mistake. Fortunately, the book said the flower grew within the Crystal Empire sanctuary, but he would require permission from the King. An easy feat for someone such as himself. He may not have been born with the crystal gene or blessed with a unicorn’s horn, but he had worked tirelessly to become a renowned scholar within the kingdom. He reached across the table for fresh parchment and gripped a quill in his mouth to write his request for audience with the King. Then, on a separate parchment, he made a note of the flower and the volume he had found it in. Once he finished Sombra spit the quill out of his mouth and looked down at the letter triumphantly. He was one step closer to his dream. The second the ink dried he folded the letter, carefully used a lit candle to drop fresh wax to seal the letter (marked with his family crest) and rushed out the door toward the nearest postal service. The letter was carefully stowed in his saddle bag. Time was of the essence, and he refused to waste a single moment. The soft clinking of piano keys filled the drawing room of Hazleblossom’s home. Years of training had taught her to be efficient yet dainty as a flower. Her audience of suitors were drawn into the melody, the beauty, but not her. The green gown her mother had selected for her was beautiful; it matched well against her glittering light-yellow fur and was ornate with the latest fashion in the Crystal kingdom and ruffles lined the back of the dress creating a layered effect. But it had been laced almost as tightly as her pink hair that had been done up with delicate braids encircling a high bun. As the final note hit, she stood from the small stool and curtsied politely amongst the cheers. “Marvelous, just marvelous!” “Lady Hazelblossom you are truly extraordinary.” She smiled nervously but couldn’t bring herself to say anything. “We thank you gentlemen for your kind words but I’m afraid your time has just run out. If you’d kindly follow our maid, CherryTwist, we shall await your call another time.” Her mother crowed, she wore a simple violet gown and had her cherry red hair done in a neat bun. She said she wanted to dress modestly to keep the suitor's attention on her daughter but to Hazelblossom her mother could never look simple in anything. The suitors glumly obeyed, some approaching and wishing them a good evening with hopes to see her again before exited the manor. Hazelblossom waited until the final stallion left before allowing herself to let out a small sigh of relief, she thought they would never leave. “Oh, Hazelblossom isn’t this just grand, you have so many suitors to choose from I’m certain you shall be matched before the end of the season!” she wrapped her wings around her daughter in a hug. “It is certainly exciting.” Hazelblossom murmured, she lifted her right leg to hug her mother back, but her mother had already moved away and started trotting around the room. All this fuss to attract a gentlecolt whose only interest was in an obedient wife. Treated as a prize rather than a mare with thoughts and feeling of her own. Hazelblossom still couldn’t wrap her mind around the concept no matter how hard she tried. “I’m certain your father will be thrilled by the news; we must act post haste! Perhaps another visit to the tailor is in order?” The thought of having to stand still as somepony poked pins too close for comfort again made Hazelblossom cringe. She had barely managed to survive the last visit and the seamstress had such a fierce look in her eyes. “Um, mother…” “Don’t start sentences with ‘um’ dear it is unbecoming.” “I’m sorry. Mother, I was wondering if perhaps I could schedule a trip to the Flower Sanctuary instead.” Her mother paused mid step and looked at her daughter like she had grown a second head. “The gardens? Darling, I don’t believe that will be possible. With the season in full swing and the upcoming festival the gardens won’t be safe.” “I promise I will be careful; my wardrobe already has more than enough gowns to keep the suitor’s interest and I will have my maid, Ginger, accompany me so that I am not unsupervised.” “But to go without a suitor…” “Please mother.” Hazelblossom held her breath as her mother contemplated her request. She just wanted one day to herself. No suitors or her mother breathing down her neck to make a match. A simple stroll through the gardens to forget her problems for one day. “…Very well, I shall talk to your father. But if you are granted permission, you must keep Ginger with you at all times. I do not want to hear about some riff raff trying to court you while you’re unsupervised.” “Oh, thank you thank you mother!” Hazelblossom dashed across the room and enveloped her mother in a hug. Her mother’s demands of following proper decorum fell on deaf ears as Hazelblossom raced out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. There was much to prepare for her future visit to the gardens and Hazelblossom knew her father would never refuse her request. He loved the gardens just as much as she did. Of course, everything must meet her mother’s approval in case she came across a possible suitor. But Hazelblossom couldn’t care less about impressing a gentlecolt, she was going to visit her favorite place in the entire Crystal Empire.