"Unfortunately, I do princess. King Sombra is returning." I said.
"But, how can you be sure?" She asked.
"Well, in addition to Ponyville and Canterlot, the Crystal Empire was recently added to my jurisdiction. One of my scouts spotted a suspicious looking black mass forming not far from the kingdom. Upon reviewing the pictures taken, it was decided that this black mass was indeed King Sombra." I said as I pulled out my phone and showed everyone the picture.
It showed a black cloud taking the vague form of a unicorn. They all gasped.
"How is this possible? We saw him vaporized by Cadence's magic." Twilight said.
"Well, perhaps my magic merely vaporized his physical form at the time." Cadence said.
"Perhaps, princess. Either way, I fear for the kingdom. That is why I came myself. I can help defend it in Shining Armor's absence." I said.
"How did you know Shining Armor wasn't here?" Cadence asked.
"Princess, it's my job to know everything that happens within my jurisdition. I wouldn't be captain if I didn't keep up with the latest intel in Ponyville, Canterlot, and the Crystal Empire." I replied.
"Ah, I see. Well, the help is greatly appreciated. Do we know when he will make his move?" She asked.
"No clue yet. But, I have my top agents watching his movements." I replied.
"I will receive a message if there is any change." I said.
"Good. That means we have time to formulate a plan." Cadence said.
"Exactly why I came." I said as I pulled out a roll of parchment.
"I know that you ladies no longer actually possess the elements, but, hear me out. If you ladies can access the powers of the elements, that combined with Cadences power of love, should weaken him enough for me to finish him off." I said.
"But, what if we can't access the powers?" Twilight asked.
"Then Celestia save our souls." I said.
"How you figurin' on us doin' this?" AJ asked.
"Well, he was spotted off to the North of the kingdom. If Cadence stands within the spire and blasts her magic while at the same time, you six blast him with the elements from the base of the castle, it should sap enough of his power to make him vulnerable to attack. Then, that's where I would come in. I would use my stealth to sneak in behind him and use my sword to cut him down." I said.
"What would your sword do that none of us could?" Rainbow asked.
"Well, my sword is made of a special magic metal, created by Starswirl the Bearded. It's a special issue given to only the captain of a squad. It disrupts, nullifies, and absorbs any and all dark magic. Thus, rendering the host of said magic harmless. He would become just another disgruntled unicorn." I replied.
"Well, I suppose it could work." Twilight said.
"And when it does, we can have a big party!" Pinkie screamed.
"I don't like this plan. Can we do something else?" Fluttershy said quietly.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy, but that's the only way." I replied. She squeaked and hid behind AJ.
"Well, until then, what shall we do?" Rarity asked.
"I guess that we can all go out and enjoy the Crystal Empire. I can get your girls numbers and when I get the message, I can send a mass text to meet back here." I replied.
"Sounds like a plan." Pinkie said.
"Hey, Jet. How about a sparing match?" Rainbow asked.
"Okay. But I must warn you, I have never been beaten." I said.
"Well, that's because you've never faced anyone as awesome as me." She said.
"We'll see about that." I said as I noticed Pinkie behind her smiling at me.
"Where can one spare around here, princess?" I asked.
"We have a wonderful training ground. Just follow me." Cadence said.
"One thing first." I said as I got everyone's numbers.
"Okay, princess. I think we're ready." I said as everybody left and Rainbow and I follow Cadence down the hallway to a large set of crystal doors.
She pushed the doors open, revealing a large field with several types of exercise equipment on it.
"Feel free to use whatever you want." Cadence said.
"Sweet. Thanks princess." Rainbow said as she ran down to the field. Cadence laughed a little.
"Have fun you two." She said. She leaned close to me.
"You know, you two would make a cute couple." She whispered.
"You really think so?" I asked.
"I know so. My magic can sense love, remember? Don't be afraid to tell her how you feel." She said as she left.