Tales of AppleScratch: Return of the Dark King

by The Batmane of equestria


...Or not then.

The Council and the Apple's were in complete shock. Twilight was the first to snap out of it.

"Okay, everybody. We need to get to Canterlot now." The others all gave affirmative nods.

"Ah don't think Ah'll be able to go, what with ma body in it's condition." Granny said. Twilight had already taken that into account.

"It's fine, Granny Smith. Apple Bloom, Big Mac," she said, pointing at them. "Would you be as kind as to look after Granny while we're gone?"

"Yeah, sure Twahlight." Apple Bloom said.

"Eeyup," Big Mac confirmed.

"Excellent! Quickly, girls..." she was cut off by a cough from the small boy at her side. "And Spike... We need to get to the train!"

"No problem, Twi. I got this. I'll just fly there!" Rainbow said, unfurling her Jupitarian wings and preparing to launch.

"No!" Twilight shouted, leaping forwards to restrain her, even though it would be pointless trying to resist Rainbow's strength. Luckily, it stopped her from taking off. Twilight's face hardened into a serious stare. "We need to stay together. We have no idea what we're dealing with and we can't risk one of us being hurt or worse."

Rainbow sighed and brought her wings back in. "Fine."

"Come on everyone! Let's go!" Pinkie shouted hopping ahead of the group. "We need to find out who that meanie-meanie was!" She broke off into a full on sprint, closely followed by the others.


As they arrived to the train station, Twilight darted to the timetable to check for the next train. After finding what she was looking for, she announced, "The next train should be here any minute." the girls and Spike looked worried, waiting impatiently for the train.

Finally, they heard a familiar toot as the train pulled into the station, and as soon as they doors opened, they hopped inside, not wishing to waste any time.

As soon as they boarded, a thunderous boom echoed out from Canterlot as some of the rocks on the magnificent mountainside city were shook loose.

"Oh no..." Twilight whispered as the others all stared in shock.


15 minutes earlier at the Castle...

The cloud condensed in on itself as it approached the Castle, finally settling into a humanoid shape as it approached the balcony of Princess Celestia's chambers. As the mist finally cleared, a tall dark figure clad in full steel armour, painted black, and wearing a grey steel crown with no embedded jewels, which sat upon his black wavy hair, made his way inside.His green and red eyes glowed with raw power, a dark purple mist emanating from within. His features were twisted into a growl.

Ashe stalked into the room, the same dark mist that he arrived in formed a shape in his right hand, which he held open to his side. The mist hardened into a solid, showing a large broad sword glowing red with dark energies and shining with an apparent enchantment, no doubt to inflict further damage to his prey.

As he approached the door leading into the corridor on the other side, he outstretched his left arm, and it was enveloped with the same dark mist that shaded his eyes. Suddenly, a concentrated beam of magic shot from the mist, sending the door crashing into the wall opposite.

The two guards at the door, who had been fought unawares, stumbled back. The tall man walked through, and without even looking at them, swung his sword at the one on the left, catching him in the shoulder and severing his arm, then bringing his sword in a wide arc to deflect the attack of the second guard, disarming him figuratively, then finishing his attack by disarming him literally. The two guards collapsed to the ground, the pain knocking them unconscious.

The man stalked the halls, easily defeating the guards that stood in his way, while making his way to the throne room, where the royal sisters, no doubt, were at the moment. Not once during his onslaught did he break stride, or even begin to falter. This scared the guards to no end, and the man relished in it. As he finally reached the throne room doors, he was stopped by a large man with blue hair, wearing the uniform of the captain of the guard. Interesting... Perhaps this one will actually pose a threat? He thought.

"Stop right there, fiend! You shall not pass!" The Captain shouted, taking up a defensive stance. The Armoured man simply lifted his arm and send another beam of energy. The man in Captain's armour raised a shield, only for the beam to penetrate it and send him cascading into the doors, which opened with quite a level of force. Or not, then...

At the far end of the room, Celestia and Luna sat on their respective thrones, their mouths hanging agape. Celestia quickly recovered and stood up to attack. But as soon as she did, the man reached behind his back and pulled out a crystal that Celestia recognised instantly: a crystal prison. He threw it at her feet and it expanded, trapping her in place. He threw another one at Luna, who was now also standing. Both princesses were trapped and they knew it. Celestia, with her free arm, fired her own magic, pouring all of her strength into it, aiming it at the intruder's chest. He easily sidestepped the attack, and started to walk forwards. The attack hit a wall, causing the entirety of Canterlot to rumble and shake.

As he approached the Princesses, the crystal prisons reaching their heads, he spoke. "I am Sombra, and I have come to reclaim my kingdom." he said in a deep voice. That was the last thing they heard before their world turned black.