//------------------------------// // chapter 4 // Story: Rebirth // by twilightpiesparkle //------------------------------// There were very few creatures in Equestria that knew the location of the castle of Queen Chrysalis. Even fewer were ponies. But there was one, King Sombra. He had told the precious Element of Magic that he had gone to visit a “sick relative”, and being the naïve pony she was, she had believed it. In reality he was visiting the realm of Queen Chrysalis. He needed an army, and the Changelings would be perfect soldiers. He approached the looming black castle. Any other pony would have felt a sense of apprehension, but not King Sombra. He just sneered at the tacky black castle. He was spotted by a Changeling lookout who immediately went to inform his mistress. Sombra waited impatiently at the castle gates, sneering once more at the time it took to get an audience. At long last, the gates gave a grinding sound and haltingly lowered. None other than Queen Chrysalis emerged. She was flanked by two changeling guards. “Why is the Element of Generosity standing before my castle, like a lost puppy?” asked Queen Chrysalis with an arched eyebrow. “Don’t tell me that the ever so bold and beautiful Celestia has decided to attack me in my home now. She already drove me from Canterlot.” “That manipulative lying piece of scum that calls herself a princess would not dare to attack you in your majestic kingdom.” King Sombra said in what he hoped was a flattering voice. “Oh you have a bit of a temper don’t you. What has brought you here, foolish child?” enquired the Changeling Queen, completely ignoring the attempted flattery. “I have come seeking your assistance. Your Highness, I wish to destroy Celestia and conquer Equestria. Join me, and we shall rule it together!” Sombra exclaimed. The Queen had a shocked look on her face which quickly turned to suspicion. Her eyes narrowed in anger. “Why would you wish to do that? You are one of little monkeys that Celestia uses whenever she is too lazy to do something herself, are you not?” the Queen hissed. Sombra considered the question. “Yes and no,” Sombra cryptically replied, “I may look like the one called Rarity, but that is far from correct. I am King Sombra! I have possessed the Element of Generosity so that I may complete my mission with ease. I have power behind your greatest imagination! ” “Do you really expect me to believe you? If you really are King Sombra, prove your identity.” The Queen smiled. “If I have reason to doubt you, I will kill you.” King Sombra sighed in in irritation, knowing that he would have to waste time preforming Dark Magic. He closed his eyes in concentration, and Rarity’s horn began to emit a sickly glow. All around the King, shards of gray crystal formed. King Sombra focused his magic and channeled it towards the unsuspecting Changeling guard. One blast of magic later, the guard was dead on the ground. “Well, well, well,” said the wide eyed Queen. She didn’t seem to care much at all for the fallen Changeling. “I have heard much about you, King Sombra, but I never expected to meet you. I had heard rumors you had been destroyed.” At this, the King laughed, “My methods of how I am here are not to be shared with the likes of you. But, as I previously mentioned, I am seeking your assistance. Will you be willing to lend me an army and become my accomplice?” probed the arrogant King. “I am afraid that I cannot,” the Queen sighed, “You see, if we help you to take over Equestria, with your ruling methods, the ponies will be frightened and vile, they will be filled with everything but love! The only reason that we wish to take over Equestria is so that my subjects can feed off of the love of the ponies, but that would not be possible in the type of world you propose.” As the Queen explained this, Sombra’s face twisted with distaste, for this was not the reply that he had been anticipating. “Very well,” snarled the spiteful King, “If you do not wish to join me, that you shall fear me! If you had agreed, you would have been showered with fine luxuries and expenses! But now, expect for a horrible dark future for you and your Changelings.” He spat. With that, Sombra turned around and began to make his way back to Ponyville. “WAIT!” a raspy voice cried after the king. Sombra turned around to see at least a dozen Changelings gathered behind him. The one in a guard’s uniform approached Sombra and said, “We wish to join you on your quest of conquering Equestria. Our mistress was foolish to decline your offer.” Sombra pondered this for a moment until he thought of a perfect plan for the Changelings. “Wonderful!” he said “We shall make our way to Ponyville immediately. However, you will need to go into hiding until I can fit you into my plans. A dozen Changelings would cause a commotion.” “But what are you going to do with us?” One of the Changelings asked. “I’m going to use you to destroy Canterlot from the inside."