//------------------------------//
// Counsel 
// Story: Ambition Undying 
// by Vivid Syntax 
//------------------------------//

"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash's voice boomed across the large table and throughout the Hall of Friendship. It echoed off the smooth, purple walls, and even the ornate banners seemed to flutter at the force of the noise. "No way, Twilight!" She hopped up from her throne with a flap of her wings and zoomed over to the princess, stopping right in front of her face. "The Crystal Heart to banished King Sombra years ago, and we haven't seen him since! Why would he be back now?"

Twilight looked around at the five ponies, four on their own thrones and one hovering before her. "I'm not sure, but there's no mistaking it. What worries me is how we're supposed to help him. He's obviously using dark magic, but Onyx doesn't seem to be aware of what's happening, and when I asked his parents, they couldn't tell me anything unusual, either. All they said was that he's always been driven to succeed, and whenever he failed at something, he would snap."

A shrill voice pierced the air. "Well, then it's easy!" Pinkie Pie hopped onto the round table. "We just need to throw him a Super-Special-Happy-Time-Living-With-Your-Mistakes Bashtacular!" From nowhere, she pulled out a kazoo and played a marching tune as confetti rained down from above.

"Um… everypony?" None of them heard Fluttershy's quiet voice in the ruckus.

A quick lasso yanked Pinkie's instrument from her mouth, which Applejack caught with a free hoof. "Now, hold on there, Sugarcube. That kinda thinkin' never works with these big baddies. Personally, Ah don't see why we need to reinvent the wheel. The Crystal Heart beat Sombra once. Why not try the same thing again?"

Fluttershy spoke slightly louder. "Guys?"

Rarity lie down on her throne. "I agree with Applejack, and I think our course of action is clear: we shall bring Onyx to the Crystal Heart and use its power to banish any trace of Sombra." She playfully rocked her head back and forth. "No fuss, no muss, and we can send him on his way afterwards."

Twilight retorted, "But it's not the same! Sombra was a powerful unicorn sorcerer, and Onyx is just a colt!" She turned her head upwards. "Plus, if he's a reincarnation instead of a host, we could be sentencing an innocent foal to death!"

Applejack leaned forward and slammed a hoof on the table. "Whoa, now! 'Innocent' is way too strong a word. Did you forget who we're dealin' with here?"

Rainbow Dash fluttered back to her seat and crossed her forelegs. "What she said! Sombra's a huge jerk, and we need to be ready for action when he fights back." She slammed a hoof on the table for emphasis.

Twilight banged a hoof against her forehead. "Ugh! But we don't know what affect it will have. Nopony has even conceived of experimenting with the Crystal Heart like this before!"

Pinkie Pie spun, jumped back into her chair and smiled. "No time like the present! Rainb-ari-jack is right. Let's go back to the Crystal Empire! Then you can do your experiments! Whee!"

"So we have come to terms, then," said Rarity. "We will bring Onyx to the Crystal Empire and treat him there." She turned to Twilight and spoke in an even voice. "We won't do anything rash. We'll just investigate our options and keep him close by."

Twilight shook her head. "No. I am not comfortable with this course of action! And besides, quorum in this council requires that we reach consensus. Fluttershy, what do you think?"

"Um…" Fluttershy sunk in her chair as each of her friends turned to look at her. Slowly, she motioned to the door with her head. "I think we should hear what she has to say."

The Council of Friendship collectively turned their heads to the silent intruder, then gasped and rapidly bowed down in deference from their thrones.

Their guest made her way forward. A sparkling mane flowed from her form, tinted a beautiful blue that complimented her midnight-colored coat. Her black crown and ornate necklace spoke to her position, and she carried herself with all the grace expected of Equestrian Royalty. She stopped at the grand table, a dour expression on her face.

Rarity was the first to speak. "Apologies, Princess Luna. We did not hear you come in."

Luna nodded her head. "Please rise, everypony." Once they had done as commanded, she continued. "I apologize for being so firm, but you shall not bring the young colt Onyx to the Crystal Heart. To do so would risk not only the colt's safety, but also the security of the Crystal Heart itself."

Twilight breathed out a long sigh. "Thank you, Princess. Now, can we finally discuss how we're-"

"There will be no discussion."

The Council of Friendship snapped to attention.

"When my sister and I felt Sombra's presence and learned of his whereabouts, we immediately set to work. Onyx's parents shall be relocated to a sizeable home near the palace in Canterlot."

Rainbow Dash cocked her head. "Okay, but… what happens to the colt?"

Luna paused and smiled. "He shall come with me, of course."