//------------------------------// // Who ultimately did not want to destroy me, // Story: A shadow of what I once was. // by FaelaArts //------------------------------// Sombra ascended the crystal staircase as he created the crystal in front of him. Behind him were the elements, Twilight currently casting the spell keeping the cold from freezing them. As the ice froze the path behind them, it also provided support, ensuring the staircase would not topple over. Sending a blast of magic at one of the windows, he shattered it, and began to descend through it. Sombra stepped onto the ground of the throne room, and looked at the three bodies huddled around what looked to be a fire. It had long since frozen over, and he waited for the Elements to enter the room. While under his control, they still were quick to file out around him. “Restrain Luna and Chrysalis.” Sombra levitated out two limiters and passed them to the Elements, who took places beside the two frozen forms as Sombra cast the spell to unfreeze them. Two were quickly dealt with, and the third… “Sombra?” Celestia saw the spell as it came down to hit her, and tried to resist. However her mind was weakened by the ice, and she soon bowed, eyes leaking purple mist as they glowed green. Sombra turned toward Luna, who spat at him. “You miserable pile of droppings, how could you? How could you?” Luna lowered her head, and began to sob, tears streaming down her face. Sombra approached, and cast the spell, rendering her under his control. Briefly, Sombra winced and rubbed his still glowing horn. ’The strain of keeping those two is a lot more than expected, It should still be fine though.’ Sombra turned to Chrysalis, and prepared to cast the spell. “Wait, before you do, I have something I want to say.” Chrysalis looked calmly at Sombra, who paused, but raised his head, and waited. “I have slowly been sorting through the memories the hive still has, and I know a little more about your mother. We remember her death as a personal outrage.” Chrysalis paused, and sighed. “Sadly, while we have no memories of more than her final moments, there is one gift I can give you. It is about your Crystal Heart.” Chrysalis waited as Sombra hissed, and looked away, visibly flinching. “Queen Pupa recorded her final moments, including a message for you, if she ever got the chance to pass it on, as I am doing it right now.” Chrysalis bowed her head, closing her eyes. It had taken her some time to work out how to breach the issue, but knew time was of the essence now. “I can show you these memories, if you wish.” Sombra blinked, and slowly turned, and closed his eyes tightly as he clenched his teeth, digging his front hooves into the ground. After a moment, he relaxed, and stood up tall once more. “Release her, remove the limiter,” he spoke finally, approaching the Queen. Chrysalis lowered her head, horn sparking to life. There was sympathy in her eyes as she closed them. Sombra closed his own, and they touched horns. ”Listen Crystal Heart, your death is inevitable, however I am not cruel. I will give you one chance to send a message to your husband, and if such a chance arises we will deliver it.” Queen Pupa stood calmly over the crying form in front of her, desperately trying to keep her wound from bleeding out. Looking down, she clenched her teeth, and then smiled, looking up and letting the warmest smile created flow from her face. “Sombra, if you are hearing this, I did not survive the attack. I’m sorry, I failed the kingdom, but I know you would not want me to worry about that. As this might be the last time we have to talk, that is, if you ever manage to hear this message, I want you to know that our first meeting was one of the best memories of my life. And not because I managed to get a loogie on your face.” The mare chuckled, before wincing, now gasping for breath. “I know it hurts...And I know you will likely be unable to forgive yourself for this. I know what you’re like. But I...You need to remember...the good times...don’t let sadness cloud you...be strong for the Empire...Protect our subjects...And know this...even though...being yours has cost me my life...I would never...trade it...for...another. I love you.” The mare collapsed to the ground, tears falling down her face, and she was gone. Chrysalis opened her eyes, and raised her head as Sombra turned away. Deftly, she ignored the moisture running down his face, and the sounds as his body jumped slightly on occasion. After barely a moment, he ceased and straightened up, turning back to her without a wink of water staining his face. “I know this is an offer you will most likely not take up, but I feel it important to mention it. The hive mind will always be open to you, should you wish to join us. None will discriminate against you due to your mixed blood.” Chrysalis looked evenly at Sombra, and continued. “We will always be here if you need us.” Chrysalis bowed her head, and smiled warmly. Sombra paused for a moment, before his expression softened and he nodded. Both knew that despite the past, there was no bad blood between them. “Thank you, and goodbye.” Sombra lowered his horn, and Chrysalis fell willingly under his spell. Turning, Sombra walked toward the staircase, and all descended it, heading for the train. As soon as they were on board, the train started up once more, and began on its way to their final destination. ‘End of the line.’ Sombra leaned his head once more against the window, knowing there was no chance he could relax with both the Elements and two Alicorns pounding at his magic for release. The final ride to the Crystal Empire. And then he would finally join her.