//------------------------------// // Chapter 6- The Fiends and Sombra // Story: The Beckoning of Nature // by Dragonborne Fox //------------------------------// "Where are my slaves?!" King Sombra bellowed, looking at the carnage that lay before him. Everywhere the Dark King looked, there was blood, wrecked houses, and piles of gemstones scattered about. Nothing else that was living or breathing was there aside from him. Because the Crystal Heart was removed from the vicinity of the ruined Nation, he was released. "Who dares destroy MY kingdom?! Who dares challenge ME?!" Sombra hissed, as dark purple shadows began swirling around his form. Dark crystalline structures emerged from below him, raising him to the sky. From there, he saw all of Equestria-- the clouds, Canterlot Castle, the landscape, and.... "What's this?!" Sombra grolwed, noticing something jutting out from the ocean. It was another castle. "So, it's spreading...." Sombra said as he turned his eyes to the wrecked Gryphon Kingdom. His eyes then glanced to the wrecked Changeling Hives. A draconian roar reverberated throughout the air. It nearly sent Sombra falling down. "Who's there?!" Sombra hissed as he rebalanced himself. Silence reigned. "ANSWER ME!" Sombra caterwauled. "Oh, I apologize for destroying your kingdom. But it will be rebuilt later, wouldn't you say?" A voice answered. "Who's there?!" Sombra yelled. "In front of you." The voice said. Sombra turned from the direction of the hives and his eyes dilated. In front of him stood a flaming wyvern. There were burning wood planks on its body, and its eyes were jet-black with small scarlet irises. "You wrecked my palace?!" Sombra hissed. "No, that was my leader who did that. I'll berate him later. Right now, we must get rid of the Elements of Nature." Said the wyvern. "The who?" Sombra asked. "Come with me, Sombra. I will explain everything to you when we reach out destination." Replied the wyvern. "Very well." Sombra said, climbing onto the wyvern's back. The wyvern let of a draconian roar before flying away from the ruined Crystal Nation. Ruined rubble flailed about in the gust created by the wing-beats. ---- "So, we have the Dark King before us, and he's angry that I wrecked the Crystal Nation?" The Shadow asked. He was just that, a shadow forged in the shape of what looked like a person with demonic features. "Yes. I told him we'd deal with it later." Replied the Wyvern. "Explain to him the Elements of Nature, if you please." Sombra looked to his left, and saw a creature created from what was left of the hives. It had a somewhat feminine appearance. It had long, wavy 'hair' that consisted of murky swamp water, glowing Changeling blood and plant vines for whatever reason. It was built in the shape of a unicorn, and it had eyes of glowing mist. "Might I ask you, who are you?" Sombra asked, looking at the creature. "My former name is of no importance. But you may call me Kelpie, if you wish." Replied the beast. "Ah, I see. What have you on these so-called Elements of Nature?" Sombra repeated. "There are a total of five: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning. In our previous lives, we've been bested numerous times by their bearers before they even were recognized as said bearers. They help resolve natural disasters. As such, they and a select group of others have become immortal alicorns, including the Elements of Harmony. I'm certain you remember them." Replied Kelpie. "Does Celestia know of the damage you've done?" Sombra asked. "Yes. But the good thing is that they're still reeling from it. However, the bearer of Water has seen us in her dreams. We must take care of her first!" Said the Shadow. "Her?!" Sombra said, taken aback with shock. "Yes, my dear Sombra. Her. I've got a little deal for you." Answered the Shadow. "That being?" Sombra asked. "We will rebuild the Crystal Nation, get you new slaves, put the Crystal Heart right at your doorstep for you to destroy once all that's been said and done if you bring us the bearer of Water. She is sky-blue with an oceanic mane. Her eyes match her mane, and her armor is mist silver. Bring her unscathed unless she proves to be.... a bit of an annoyance. But be weary: the Element of Fire is her mate. If you must do so out of absolute necessity, get rid of him." Replied the Shadow. "I think I'll gladly take that offer." Sombra hissed with a wicked smile on his face.