Why keep her
"Twilight, we have been looking all over for him. I mean, can't we do something else? It's clear the nut doesn't want to be found," Dash said as she followed Twilight around the castle. Sombra had suddenly gone missing after the Princess arrived. They had been searching for him for the past three hours with no luck.
"I said soup! Now get this snow cleaned up before I have your head mounted on my wall!" a voice screamed.
"I think we found Mr. Grumpy," Pinkie Pie with a slight chirp as a Crystal pony raced passed them.
"Do we really have to go talk to him," Spike said, whining a bit as his claws dug into Twilight's shoulders. Twilight gave a solid nod. "I was afraid of that," Spike said. They found Sombra in a large wardrobe-like room. He was putting on his red cape again and the floor was littered in snow.
"Excuse me, King-," twilight started to say.
"What do you want!" he snapped as he glared at them. "I am not in the mood. If you are hungry, head to the kitchen. If you are tired, there are guest beds, and if you wish to leave, tough. But do not bother me!" he yelled. Spike was shaking on her back, hiding behind her head.
Twilight felt her little assistant shaking, and then she glared at the king. "I just had a few questions, you don't need to yell!" Twilight snapped back, glaring up at the king. The two glared at each other, but after a second, the king's glare broke
into a calm smile.
"Well if that's all, you can ask your questions," he said, his temper suddenly vanishing. Dash and Pinkie Pie glanced at each other with the sudden change.
Twilight took a moment to take in the change. Studying his stance and everything, she thought of a theory, and she wanted to test it. "I want to know why me out of all the ponies. Why keep me here? In terms of bargaining chips, both Cadence and my big brother would be worth a lot more," Twilight said.
"You raise a good point, Miss Sparkle," Sombra admitted, nodding his head. "To educate you, nothing more. That and you and the Elements; you’re the only things that would stop Celestia from trying to banish me into the shadows again. A normal crystal pony, or the entire capital. All expendable at best but those Elements, now those are irreplaceable."
"So as long as you don't do anything stupid," Twilight said, completing his explanation.
"So I live, you live. You die, well I don't much like the odds, well yet anyway," he said, smiling and baring his fangs.
"Once I work around that, well, I would still be keep you around. I find you fascinating," he finished as he eyed the purple unicorn.
Twilight felt her face heat up before Dash popped up in front of her. "No ideas, the Princess will find a way around your collar and when she does-"
"It won't make your defeat any easier to swallow. In fact, out of all of the ponies she could have left, I am surprised she left you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dash asked.
"Dash, he is-," Twilight interjected, tried to calm her down.
"Prideful, arrogant, hotheaded, and conceited. You are like the worst traits of any pony wrapped into a pegasi. Why do I get the feeling if you were ever given true fame or power, you would desert your friends faster than I could make a pony wet itself?”
"How dare you!" Dash shouted.
"In fact, it is interesting. We have an Element of honesty that lies, an Element of loyalty that if the stars aligned would leave her home for fame and fortune, an Element of generosity that is clearly greedy, and an Element of laughter who would let chaos rain for her own fun. You are all just one bad or good day away, depending on your view, from turning into a person just like me. Well except for maybe kindness, but even she has had her moments of cruelty. Definitely not my first picks.”
"That's not true," Twilight said. "Friendship isn't perfect and neither are ponies. How dare you pick apart my friends!"
"Truth is the perfect weapon, Miss Sparkle. You can't say these events never happened," he chuckled. Dash was just standing there silent. "I could pick you apart one by one. But to be honest, I have some studies to get back to. Maybe even find the one responsible for Celestia's defeat.”
"No, you don't get to run off!" Twilight shouted, teleporting in front of him. "For every act you can claim, they have done more than any other pony. Discord, Nightmare Moon, and even doing what they could against you. For those few acts, they have still done more than any pony has the right to be asked off. You can't deny that!" Twilight shouted.
"Fair point," he shrugged. “Now if you don't mind, I think your Element of loyalty is having a bit of a crisis. If you need me, I will be in the library." And with that he vanished.
"Well someone thinks they know it all," Pinkie said with a huff. "All that chocolate rain would have meant know flour, and no flour would mean no cake. AND THAT WOULD BE A GREATER LOSE THAN CHOCOLATE RAIN!"
"That's a very good point, Pinkie," Twilight said with a smile.
"Is he gone?" asked Spike. Twilight’s ears twitched as she remembered Spike was still on her back.
"Yes Spike, he left," Twilight reassured. Spike dropped off her back.
"Why can't he just go away? I think he likes his mind games way too much," Spike said as he looked away from Twilight.
"Spike, are you-" Her thoughts stopped as she realized Dash still hadn't moved. Moving gingerly towards her friend, she rested a hoof on her shoulder. Dash almost jumped out of her skin. "Dash, don't let him shake you up. It's just like Discord, only mind games.”
"It's not just mind games, Twilight. I want to be a Wonderbolt. When I do became one, it will take me away from my friends. And let's be honest, Twilight, fame hasn't been something I have been able to shoulder with grace and humility."
"Well my hoof didn't really help much. I still feel you let us off on that one," Twilight admitted. Dash just shrugged.
"No big deal, what is a big deal is finding where we are going to sleep tonight. That and getting that collar off as soon as possible," Dash said with a nod.
The four moved along the halls, looking for the guest rooms. "Everything seems so much colder now," Dash commented.
"Spooky, but they still reflect your image," Pinkie Pie reminded, stopping to look at a polished suit of armor. "Ohh," she said in awe as she moved back and forth, staring at her reflection. The three shared a good laugh at their pink friend’s antics.
"Crystal!" echoed around them.
"Well that sounds a bit more like the Sombra we know," Pinkie Pie said. Dash took flight, ready to investigate.
"I have had enough of him. I am going to let his majesty have his temper tantrum," Twilight said in a cold tone. Dash nodded.
Spike and Pinkie Pie glanced at each other. "Adventure time!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she flipped Spike onto her back.
"Time to brave the Great King Sombra.”
"I am not really in the mood for an adventure right now," Spike said as his claws dug into Pinkie's coat. If she felt it or not, her smile never wavered from her face.
"You know that reminds me of a song," Pinkie said with a smile as she looked back at Spike. Spike titled his head. "Did Twilight tell you about our first adventure with the scary tree faces?" Spike shook his head. "Well it involves you standing up tall and facing your fears," Pinkie said, leaping into the air.
"I don't much like this idea," Spike said in a low voice as Pinkie hopped down the hall with him on her back.
The pair moved quickly when a vase suddenly flew out of one of the room shattering against the wall. "I think we found him," Pinkie said in a low whisper. Peeking her head around the corner, her Pinkie Sense tingled as she pulled her head back. A magical blast hit the corner, deflecting away from her and Spike.
"Crystal!" Sombra screamed as ripping sounds could be heard from inside the room. "Fight, protect, TRAITORS!" he screamed out as Pinkie chanced a glance, only to see an empty room. A very destroyed room; the carpeting had been torn up, there were had massive holes in everything. The few pictures had been de-framed and one was even torn to shreds and smoldering on the ground.
Pinkie slowly started moving in as Spike held on for dear life. "This doesn't seem like a good idea," Spike whispered. Pinkie simply ignored him.
She stood in the center of the room. "Well that's odd. I could have sworn someone was in here," Pinkie said as she sat down with a dull thump. Spike slid of her back, landing on the ground as well.
"Maybe he teleported away?" Spike asked when her tail started twitching suddenly. She grabbed Spike and quickly leaped to the side as King Sombra dropped to the ground. He was growling at her like a feral animal.
"Why, you here?" he said in a very broken Equestrian.
"Just looking around," Spike said with a very panicked smile on his face. "Pinkie, do something," Spike whispered.
"Okay," she chirped. "Come little children..." Pinkie started singing, giving off a haunting melody as the growling slowly died on the King’s lips. The King seemed to slow as he looked down at the pink ball of energy. Continuing to sing, Pinkie watched the King slowly walk to the destroyed sofa and then flop onto it, seemingly sound asleep.
"I heard singing. What, what happened here?" Dash asked as she landed on the ground.
"King was cranky so I sang to him so he could sleep." Pinkie said.
"It was weird, it was just like when he chaced us. He could only say a few words, and outside of that, just seemed really angry," Spike said in a tightly controlled voice.
"Well, let’s book it," Dash said, ready to make a run for it.
"I can't leave," Twilight admitted. "So long as I have this collar, I am stuck here."
"Well then, I say we start this like all adventures," Pinkie Pie said as the others all glanced at her. "To the library!" she said, raising her voice.
"Shhhh," the other three hushed, everyone looking at Sombra. He moved as he reached out and rubbed his nose before turning away from them.
"No, no, no," Twilight frowned as she looked through another book. A lot of studies, history, and even some adventure stories that were long out of print was all they had found. "Argh, nothing on black magic!"
"What, do you think something like that would be left out in a library?" Dash asked as Pinkie dropped back to the ground before jumping up to look at another book.
"Wishful thinking on my part, anyway," Twilight admitted. Putting a hoof to her chin, she started to think. "Okay, if I was an evil book of spells and knowledge, where would I be?" she asked out loud.
"Oh, ohhh, pick me!" Pinkie said as she held her front hoof in the air. "Please pick me," she said in a strained tone.
"Pinkie Pie," Twilight groaned as her eyes narrowed in annoyance.
"Under my mattress," Pinkie answering as she finally let her hoof fall to the ground.
"Pinkie," Dash said a slight smile on her face as she shook her head.
"Wait, outside of the throne room? That would be the last place anypony would be willing to go, maybe even less so." Spike said as Twilight looked at her assistant than at Pinkie Pie.
"Such an idea, I could kiss you both," Twilight said. Spike turned red.
"Hey, I could go for a kiss," Pinkie Pie said with a bright smile. Twilight felt her smile falter for a second.
"Maybe later," Twilight said, feeling her own face brighten up a bit.
The group moved around the castle unhindered. The few ponies that were around never made eye contact. Twilight felt her chest pain her as she watched them pass. "We need to fix this fast, I can't stand seeing ponies being treated like this," Twilight said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"So does anyone know where his bedroom is?" asked Dash as another crystal pony passed by.
"M-may I ask why?" she asked in very subdued voice.
"We-" Twilight started only to be cut off by Pinkie.
"She is his new concubine. He has a thing for Pegasi," Pinkie said. "And he asked us to deliver her to his room," Pinkie explained. Twilight and Dash were at a loss for words.
"Twilight, what’s a concubine?" asked Spike. Twilight forced up a big grin as urge to kill a certain pony rose up.
"Nothing, Spike. I will tell you when you are older," she snapped, hoping the question wouldn’t come up again.
"In all my time, he never seemed the slightest bit interested-"
"That's nice, can you direct us?" Twilight said, really not wanting to think about it.
"Well, head down that hall, and it's at the end. You can't miss it," she said as she walked off.
"Pinkie," Dash growled, glaring at the pink pony. She just rubbed the back of her neck, smiling sheepishly.
"I still don't know what a concubine is," Spike said still very confused.
"Well, a concubine is a-," Pinkie tried to explain only for Twilight cover her mouth.
"When you’re older, Spike," Twilight snapped at her assistant. "Now then, before we decide to forget we have a young dragon in our company," Twilight emphasized as she looked Pinkie in the eye. "So before he wakes up, let's head to his room."
"Wow, you really would have a hard time missing that door," Dash said. "I mean, even Derpy would have a hard time missing it," Dash said, remembering her wall-eyed friend. The door took up the end of the hallway; it was pure black with blue like flames erupting from the bottom.
Twilight raised her head and cast a spell, opening the door. The room was a massive circle with each window covered in thick drapes, only allowing a small amount of light in. The center bed was massive, easily big enough to fit a small family and then some. A few shelves lined the wall, but nothing really caught her eye.
"And to think, he is currently sleeping on the destroyed sofa," Pinkie said, quickly leaping on his bed and giggling like a school girl.
Twilight went to the bookshelf first; none of the books had titles so she picked one at eye level and opened it.
Date log number 89
We have been working on a mean's to combat Discord, however progress has been slow. The king’s adviser has had us delving into a new kind of magic that makes our eyes glow and our magic black. He has dubbed this magic, sadly enough, black magic. Not a very original name but it fits. The magic's power is seemingly limitless, allowing us to lift and cast spells with a massive kick. However, today we have come across an interesting discovery. One of our subjects started to show a decrease in intelligence. Awaiting further study.
High Wizard Starswirl the Bearded
Twilight put the book back before grabbing another one.
Kings log 5
Working on a way around the intelligence issue is a big issue. Without it, fighting Celestia or even keeping the Empire under my hoof will be impossible. It's the reason the adviser advised against it. However, I have figured out a way around it. By linking with another pony, I have been able to reclaim my intelligence. The Crystal pony showed no signs of any issues, even after massive use of the black magic. Now with this knowledge, I plan to crush all resistance and bring this Empire under my rule.
Kings log 9
My plan has worked, my magical power is three times my old skill and so long as I keep a Crystal pony, *mental note: test it on other species of pony* I can keep both my intelligence and my power. But something seems wrong, I feel a thirst, I want more power when I shouldn't. This needs to be looked into. Maybe black magic has an addicting quality. I need to find a limit cap before this becomes an issue.
Twilight looked over the small logs, each one was more confusing than the next. At some points, he seemed like a well-meaning extremist; other days, he seemed more like a dictator detailing plans for capturing Equestria. She flipped to the back page.
Kings new log 1
My mind is a hazy fog. Sometimes I can think with no issues, and other times I feel incapable of understanding how to boil water. The small works I have collected on black magic are not helping. Some days the Crystal ponies look like monsters. Others they are normal but I will always know they are a threat. I am worried the black magic may be affecting my perspective. My memories come and go as they please. Sometimes Celestia is a dictator, a force of nature that shouldn't be in charge. However, some nights I can see my mentor as kind and compassionate as I remember. I need an apprentice, someone to watch. I need to understand this magic. Thankfully the Empire was not allowed to continue with its original plans. Celestia or not, I will never allow anything to happen to my home.
"Hey I found a friendship report," Dash said as Twilight rushed to her side to see a scroll rolled up in a bin next to a suit of armor. "Get this, ‘Dear Princess Celestia, I do not understand how a report is supposed to work on life lessons. But I do enjoy sending letters to you all the same. However I must ask as to why call back the troops. These incest like creatures, they have been changing into others. I think it would be wise to rid the world of them now, not to mention all the other creatures we have encountered. I understand all life is valued but some of these things are not something I want anypony to run into. Also, went out to the bar with the boys. Nothing eventful happened. Except for Commander Hurricane – she got wasted. I had to be a little rough with her – she almost walked off with a night walker. That however did not stop her from hitting on me. I don't know if I should be flattered or uncomfortable about it. She is a lot older than me. She apologized about the pass when she sobered up the next morning. But I let it slide, nothing worth worrying about. Still, she is an attractive mare." At this point, Dash started laughing.
"I take it the idea of a historical figure getting wasted is amusing to you?" Twilight asked as Dash rolled around on the floor.
"Yes," she wheezed out. "I mean, I looked up to her, but just the idea of her being just another mare. It's a twist I wasn't prepared for," Dash said, sighing as she got back to her feet.
"Well that cements it; he was a student and a leader. I wonder what changed him so much?" Twilight said as she replayed the memories in her mind. "So many. The door, try to find something about a door showing you your worst nightmare.”
"That sounds interesting," Dash perked up.
"No it's downright terrifying," Spike said as he suddenly appeared next to twilight. She almost jumped at his sudden appearance. She inspected him; the door shook him up a lot more than it had her. Putting her hoof around Spike gave him a bit more comfort.
"I will never let you go Spike, no matter how old you get," she whispered in his ear.
"Still, it would be interesting," Rainbow Dash said, the idea still mingling in her head.
"Well I know now what will not be an acceptable punishment," said Sombra as every hair on their necks stood up straight. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t keep you locked up?" he grunted as he stormed into his room.
"Cause you didn't say we couldn't," Pinkie chirped, bounding off his bed.
"I guess I didn't. You, pink one, I like you," he said with a slight smile.
"Yay," she celebrated. Twilight face hoofed as she shook her head. He moved over to his bookshelf, looking it over. A knowing grin formed on his face as he looked at Twilight.
"Well, if you’re that interested, I think I can teach you some black magic," he said with a grin.
"Maybe, but to be honest, I am more interested in the door in your throne room.”
"That would be a crystal artifact, so very little. All I know is that it feeds off black magic, but was built before black magic was secretly discovered in Equestria.”
"Any clues as to who made it?" Twilight asked.
"Not a one, and anyone who would know is currently in the dungeon and probably not all that big on talking," he said with a shrug.
"Can I talk to them?" Twilight asked.
"Sure, just stay out of my room. Except you, Miss Pinkie Pie. I would like to talk with you, in private," he said as he looked over at Pinkie Pie.
"But I thought Dashie was going to be your new concubine?" Pinkie said.
"What?" Sombra asked, his face reddening.
"Pinkie!" Twilight and Dash shouted at the same time.
"What's a concubine?” Spike asked again.
"It's a special type of company for lonely adults, and it is looked down on in pony society. It is not something you ask a mare, or stallion. Unless you are mature enough and are very comfortable around them. Am I clear?" Sombra explained.
"Yes Sir," he squeaked out. With a nod, he turned away as Dash, Spike, and Twilight all moved out of his room. The door clicked shut. The small group waited before Pinkie Pie started giggling behind the door.
"Hey, stop giggling and stop jumping on the bed!" he shouted. Not long after the final outburst, Pinkie walked out of the room.
"What was that all about?" Dash asked as Pinkie walked down the hall.
"Client confidentiality," she chirped back as Twilight and Dash shared a confused look. The two walked out of the hall, leaving the king to his room.
"Pinkie, I am going to get you back for that concubine comment," Dash said as she smiled at the baker.
"Spike, I need you to take a letter," Twilight said as she made it the guest room she claimed as her own.
"Um, okay," he said as she levitated a paper and quill.
"Dear Princess Celestia, I have recently discovered black magic was discovered during Discord’s reign as a means to fight him. Somehow King Sombra has acquired this knowledge, and I believe he has found a way around the draw back. Or at the very least, an imperfect one since he does show signs from time to time. However, the implication of his corruption seems to stem from a mirror. This mirror feeds off of black magic, but predates our discovery on the subjective. The mirror seems to show a pony's worst fears, and the implications of its existence do not bode well. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”