//------------------------------//
// Shattered Innocence 
// Story: Echoing Shadows 
// by LordSiravant 
//------------------------------//

Chapter Ten: Shattered Innocence


King Sombra stumbled back away from the Mirror, growling in anger and disoriented. "Grr! Discord!" he roared. "That infuriating mismatched dullard!"

Sombra shook his head and stormed out of the Mirror's chamber, passing by a number of frightened maids. He paid no heed to them as he briskly trotted over to the main balcony overlooking the Imperial city. Using his magic to amplify his voice, the evil king made his declaration.

"Guards! Take two thousand slaves and bring them to the dungeons for immediate conversion! And make those that remain pick up the slack! I will not tolerate any delays in mining production!"

Without another word, Sombra turned away from the balcony and disappeared from view. Screams and pleas for mercy rose up amongst the Crystal Ponies as Obsidian Guards removed their restraints and dragged them off towards the palace. Sombra was about to retire to his personal chambers to relieve his stress on his pipe organ when the Obsidian Commander blocked his path.

"What is it, Commander Death Dealer?" Sombra snapped impatiently at the unicorn.

"Our scouts reported having made contact with a Diamond Dog pack of considerable size not far from the Empire's borders. They have expressed interest in allying with us if we provide an ample supply of crystals for them."

Sombra raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Diamond Dogs, you say?"

"Their leader is waiting for you outside the throne room, Your Majesty. He wishes to discuss the terms of our potential alliance."

Sombra smirked and headed off. "I shall be there presently."

XXXXXX

Three large Diamond Dogs stood silently outside the door that led to the throne room, closely watched by a squad of Obsidian Guards. The one in the middle was beginning to snarl impatiently as the minutes ticked by. Finally the large doors slowly swung open, revealing Amethyst Twinkle on the other side, her head lowered in constant sadness. "His Majesty, King Sombra, will see you now," she spoke in a dull, near-lifeless tone.

The Diamond Dogs gruffly walked past her towards the throne, where King Sombra had just made himself comfortable. The demonic unicorn stared down at his visitors as the lead one bowed respectfully. Sombra scrutinized this ape-hound in particular. He was a fine specimen. His fur was white with black splotches all over his body. He wore a black leather vest. A necklace decorated with bones and teeth hung around his neck. He wore a crude belt that proudly displayed a bleached-white pony skull dangling off a leather string. The Diamond Dog was also covered with scars, one of which went over his left eye, which was obscured by an eyepatch. His head roughly resembled an Alaskan malamute. It was obvious this beast was not afraid of a fight and had years of battlefield experience under his belt.

Just what Sombra needed.

"Greetings to you, King Sombra of the Crystal Empire," the Diamond Dog spoke in perfect Equestrian, though with a thick Horsewegian accent. "I am Bjoräl, clan leader of the Rültvek tribe of Diamond Dogs. We come seeking an alliance with your prosperous kingdom."

"In exchange for a share of the crystals my slaves produce, correct?" Sombra asked.

Bjoräl let loose a guttural grunting Sombra interpreted as laughter. "You get straight to the point. I respect that. Yes, we desire your crystals. But that is not the main reason I have come to you."

Sombra raised a half-curious eyebrow, granting Bjoräl permission to continue.

"I come because I wish for aid in conquering a rival tribe of ours that resides in Equestria. We wish to seize control of their mines. We cannot do it as we are now because the Equestrian princess forbade us to enter her country with the intention of conquest, even towards our own kind. And we both know that Celestia is not a foe to be trifled with."

The dark king's expression was unreadable. "Your terms are acceptable, as long as you aid with the main invasion of Equestria. I will deal with the Princesses. Celestia is currently bedridden and her sister is not as capable a leader as she. Luna is gullible and normally looks to Celestia for guidance."

Bjoräl nodded. "My tribeshounds are excellent warriors. We have slain ponies before, when a group of them attempted to lay claim to our territory. We will follow your orders so long as they are not suicidal for us."

Sombra smirked. "As you wish."

XXXXXX

Applejack was a nervous wreck, a far cry from the strong-willed, hardworking pony everypony knew so well. The stress of the last few weeks was not treating her well. After all, she had watched a pony she knew die right before her eyes, and listened to the anguished cries of her devastated child. She had had to leave Granny Smith and Applebloom behind, just when they needed her and Big Mac the most. The look on her little sister's face had been so heartbreaking. She knew very well that Applejack and Big Mac might never return. Granny Smith was already a very old mare, and she would be the only thing Applebloom would have left. After Granny finally passed, where would she go? Another family member would probably take her in, but Applebloom was not as close to any of them as she was to her immediate family.

The farmpony sighed as she lay in her bunk at the Earth Pony camp, listening to her bunkmate Octavia snore softly above her. Applejack had gotten to know the cellist somewhat, but she was a very refined pony who was having some trouble adjusting to the fact that she was being recruited into a war, and was being taught various ways on how to drive a lance through another living being. Applejack had dealt with these kinds of upper crust ponies before, but Octavia was down to earth enough for Applejack to connect with her without there being a sense of awkwardness between them. Applejack had been nudging her along, giving her a few tips on how to deal with the drastic change in lifestyle.

But Applejack had her own problems that were undoubtedly more severe than the musician's. Octavia hadn't seen somepony die in front of her. Octavia didn't take another pony's life, even though they were just a hollow shell of the pony they had once been. Nor had she seen her hometown burn around her. Or leave behind a doting family that depended on her every day, and know very well she might not live long enough to see them again.

And then, of course, there were the events of the past week. She had heard about the attack on Griffhala, and that the battle had been won. What she didn't know was whether or not Rainbow Dash had gone with the relief force, and if so, if she had survived. She also had not completely recovered emotionally from the Elder Wyrm's attack that had crippled Princess Celestia. That had been the most terrifying experience of her life.

But the worst thing was what she had heard about this morning. That during the night, King Sombra had had the audacity, the nerve, to possess one of her best friends and turn her against her companions. At least a dozen unicorns had been killed in the attack, many more injured. Applejack couldn't even begin to imagine how Twilight was feeling right now. Applejack never thought she'd hear herself think this, but thank Celestia for Discord.

But that left an unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was sure this was shared by everypony around her. What if Sombra could do the same to any of them? Applejack didn't even want to think about it. Having her mind, body, and soul utterly violated by that unholy abomination that wore the guise of a unicorn...

Applejack sighed wearily as she closed her eyes, allowing sleep to overcome her, and with it, horrid nightmares of fire and brimstone, faces of the dead and dying, and the cruel laughter of a mad tyrant obsessed with power.

XXXXXX

Applejack slowly awoke the next morning, feeling groggy and emotionally exhausted. For a few seconds, she blearily pondered why the revelrie wasn't blaring over the loudspeakers before she realized what day it was.

Sunday. The day when all the soldiers at the three bases could mingle and take the day off in Canterlot.

Applejack blinked away her residual sleep as she took in her surroundings. Most of the other Earth ponies had already gotten up and left, though a few others were still sleeping soundly in their bunks or just relaxing by themselves. The farmpony grumbled incoherently to herself as she reached for where she always kept her hat...

...only to realize, once again, that she had had to leave it with her family, as the base had a strict dress code banning hats, jewelry, and various other regalia.

"Consarn it all," Applejack mumbled in displeasure.

"Ah, you've awoken, I see," came a voice from above.

Applejack looked up to see Octavia looking down at her from the top bunk, polishing her violin. Applejack inclined her head. "Mornin', Octavia," she greeted.

"Actually, it's half past noon," Octavia corrected.

Applejack blinked in surprise. "Why didn't ya wake me?"

Octavia closed her eyes and put down her violin. "Applejack...for a good deal of the night, you were tossing and turning. It eventually stirred me from my sleep, and I distinctly heard you whimpering in yours."

Applejack frantically shook her head. "Ya must've been hearin' things. Ah don't cry in my sleep."

"I didn't say you were crying. I heard only whimpering. The point I'm trying to make is, it took nearly two hours for you to calm down. I woke up at ten this morning, but I thought you needed your rest, so I left you alone."

"Well...thanks, Ah suppose."

Octavia sighed. "I know about what happened in Ponyville, about the things you saw. I don't pretend to comprehend what you've gone through, but..."

"Octavia...Ah know you're tryin' to help 'n all, but...this...this is somethin' Ah gotta deal with mahself. Ah had to watch one'a the most dedicated mothers Ah ever met die right in front of her young filly. Ah'll never forget her cries. Ah just...Ah need to move on, my way. Ah appreciate the thought though, Octavia."

Octavia slowly nodded in understanding. "If that's what you want, I'll not pry further."

Applejack then started walking off. "'Sides, Ah have a friend who's even worse off than me. Today's the day Ah can see her."

Octavia promptly climbed down from her bunk and trotted up alongside the farmer. "If you're heading to the Unicorn base, I can accompany you. I'm meeting some friends down there anyways."

Applejack nodded. "Fair enough."

The two mares walked towards the Unicorn base, occasionally trading small talk about their hometowns. It was about thirty minutes before they reached the entrance to the Unicorn base, where a pair of armored soldiers stood guard. They gave Applejack and Octavia curt nods as they passed. The two mares wandered aimlessly throughout the compound, searching for any familiar faces.

"Applejack!"

Applejack turned to see Rarity, Vinyl Scratch, and Lyra trotting up to her. "Applejack, it's good to see you're well!" Rarity exclaimed, hugging her friend.

"Good to see ya too, Rare," Applejack greeted.

Meanwhile, Vinyl and Lyra trotted up to Octavia. "Hey, Tavvy, how ya doin'?" Vinyl asked, hugging her friend.

"Still getting used to the idea of warfare, I'm sorry to say," Octavia replied. "But Applejack here has been helping me through it."

"How's Twilight?" Applejack asked Rarity.

"I don't know," Rarity answered sadly. "After the...incident, she was taken to the hospital to recover. Her injuries weren't too serious, but she was just so emotionally distraught when they took her away. We were actually going to see her shortly, so you're both welcome to come."

"Hey, girls!" came a familiar voice from behind.

Applejack and Rarity both whipped their heads around to see Rainbow Dash touching down, still wearing her pegasus armor. She was instantly knocked over by an exuberant Applejack and Rarity as they hugged her tightly.

"Rainbow Dash! Ah thought Ah'd never see ya again!"

"I'm so glad you're safe, Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow chuckled with embarrassment. "Well, why wouldn't I be? This is Rainbow Dash we're talkin' about here! You know, the most awesome pegasus in all of Equestria?!"

The two friends released her. "Good to know ya haven't changed, Dash," Applejack said.

Rainbow looked around. "Hey, where's Twilight?"

The smiles immediately left Rarity and Applejack's faces as they looked morosely at the ground. "Oh...so you haven't heard," Rarity mumbled.

Rainbow immediately knew something was wrong. "Girls...what happened? Is Twilight alright?!"

"Last night," Applejack hesitantly began. "Twilight was...possessed by King Sombra. He forced her to attack her fellow unicorns...at least a dozen died. If it hadn't been for Discord, they might'a been forced t-to...kill her."

Rainbow gripped Applejack by the shoulders. "Applejack! Is Twilight okay?!" she pressed.

"Discord managed to drive Sombra out of Twilight's mind," Rarity explained. "But the whole ordeal is bound to have left some emotional scars. We were actually just about to go see her at the hospital. Now that you're here, Rainbow Dash, you can join us."

Rainbow looked to Vinyl, Lyra, and Octavia, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "You guys too?"

Vinyl nodded. "Twilight's my bunkmate. I was the first one to see King Sombra take over her body."

The DJ shuddered. "I'll never get her screams outta my mind."

"Do Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie know about this?" Rainbow asked.

"They're staying in the castle," Rarity answered. "I think it's safe to say somepony informed them."

Rainbow nodded. "Let's go, then."

The six ponies then began an hour-long trek up the mountain path to Canterlot, saying little during the journey.

XXXXXX

They traveled through the considerably less-packed streets towards the local hospital, eventually reaching the building as late afternoon rolled around. Applejack led the way in, walking up to the front desk, which was manned by none other than Nurse Redheart. Applejack did a double-take. "Nurse Redheart?! What're ya doin' here?!"

Redheart raised an eyebrow. "Doing my job, Ms. Applejack. I'm a healer, not a soldier."

"Well...nevermind that. We're here to see Twilight."

Redheart's face fell. "Ah yes...Ms. Sparkle. She hasn't spoken or eaten since the ordeal. Poor dear. I can't imagine what it must have been like to have such an evil menace invading her mind and commandeering her body. Ms. Fluttershy and Ms. Pie are already here. I'll take you to them."

Applejack nodded. "Thanks, Nurse."

Redheart said nothing as she led them down a corridor to Twilight's room. Once she led them to the door, she trotted off to return to her duties. Applejack tentatively opened the door. "Twilight?" she said.

Applejack suddenly was engulfed by a large mass of pink. "Applejack! I'm so so so so happy to see you again!" Pinkie Pie cried. "I thought I'd never get to see you again and I was all sad and then Twilight got hurt and I was even more sad but now you're here and everypony's back together and I'm so happy to see you all safe!"

Applejack patted Pinkie on the back. "I'm glad to see yer alright too, Pinkie."

Pinkie then let go of Applejack and latched onto Rarity, spouting off her relief at seeing her too fast to be coherent. She then moved on to Rainbow Dash, who was too happy at seeing her friends again to protest the invasion of her personal space. Fluttershy then timidly walked over and joined the Mane Five in a group hug while Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra stood off to the side, allowing the closer circle of friends to enjoy their time together.

Soon they broke apart to attend to the last remaining member of the Six, who lay unmoving in her bed, staring ahead into nothingness. Twilight had a number of bandages covering her body, and she looked haggard and exhausted. "Hey, Twilight," Applejack said, smiling softly. "How're ya feelin'?"

Twilight gave no indication that she had heard Applejack. "She's done nothing but stare like that since we got here," Fluttershy quietly explained. "I wish she would say something, but I don't want to push her..."

"It's alright, Fluttershy," Rarity said, putting a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "We understand."

"Twilight," Rainbow spoke, leaning by the traumatized unicorn's bedside. "Twilight, it's us. Your friends!"

Rainbow gently nudged Twilight's shoulder, which seemed to snap her out of her trance-like state. She looked up at the cyan pegasus and slowly blinked. "Rainbow Dash? You're alive?" she whispered.

Rainbow nodded. "I just got back. When I heard about what happened, I came as fast as I could. Look, Twi. We're all here."

Rainbow gestured towards the rest of the Mane Six, who, along with Vinyl, all drew closer to Twilight's bed, warm smiles on their faces. Twilight looked at them all and smiled softly. "Girls...I'm so happy to see you all again."

The lavender unicorn shuddered. "I can...I can still hear his laughter...I felt his hate...I could feel his pleasure when h-he forced m-me to..."

Twilight couldn't bring herself to finish as she covered her face with her hooves and sobbed. "I-I k-k-killed innocent p-ponies because of h-him!" she cried. "T-their families w-w-will remember m-me as a-a-a murderer!"

"Nopony blames you, Twi," Vinyl said. "You weren't in control."

"And you can be damn well sure we won't let him do it again!" Rainbow vowed.

"We'll stand by you through whatever comes our way," Rarity added.

Twilight managed to calm down some. "Thanks, girls."

Her expression suddenly went cold, stunning everypony present. "I won't let Sombra get away with this. He turned my brother and sister-in-law into statues, burned my home to the ground, nearly killed Princess Celestia, and then took over my body and used me against my own friends! I swear I'll make him pay for everypony he's hurt! He'll regret ever starting this war!"

There was a moment of silence until Applejack spoke. "Ah'm with ya, sugarcube. I wanna get the chance to buck his head in."

"If I ever see that good-for-nothing sleazeball, I'll put a lance right between those freaky eyes of his!" Rainbow vowed.

"I may be a civil, sophisticated pony," Rarity added, a fiery glint in her eye, "but I have every intention of inflicting grievous harm to that wretched king's body for threatening mine when I see him."

"I won't let that mean meanypants hurt you again, Twilight!" Pinkie promised. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

Fluttershy whimpered. "I-I don't know how I can h-help you...but I-I-I'll stay by your side no matter what."

"I may not've known you for very long," Vinyl finished, "but I don't leave any of my friends hangin'. I'm stickin' with you 'til the end, even if Sombra himself shows up!"

Octavia and Lyra hung back, saying nothing. But it was obvious they shared the same sentiment. Twilight looked at each of her friends, genuinely smiling for the first time in days. She knew in her heart that they spoke the truth. She had the power of friendship on her side.

And that was something King Sombra could never take from her.