Shadow and Twilight

by The-Black-Knight

Chapter Three

When Twilight woke up, Mr. H wasn’t to be found anywhere but his shadows were all around her. The young mare moved her side bit, noticing that her injury was healed up. This caused her to smile. “Mr. H?” She said, into the darkness, and looked for her mentor in the shadow arts.
For a moment, there was no reply, when Twilight repeated herself, somewhat concerned that he had left now, the voice she hoped for spoke up. “I am here, sorry about that. My attention was elsewhere.” The Shadows came alive, before Twilight knew it there was a covered plate seeping up from it. “I also thought you’d be hungry… The rations they bring, would weaken you greatly.”
When Twilight opened the plate, she found her favorite foods and sweets were found on the plate. She looked around, “How did you know?” She asked.
“Easy? You talk in your sleep.” Mr. H answered, laughing a bit. “Seriously, some may think you have a rather crazy obsession over Celestia.”
The moment he mentioned her talking about Celestia in her sleep, Twilight gained a bright blush. “She’s always been a great mentor! I swear, she acts so motherly and sweet I can’t help but remember the times she acted so lovingly when I was a foal!” She announced
“Heh… Interesting, some of these incidents actually came up in your sleep. I have to say, Celestia seems to enjoy nuzzling and hugging her favorite stuuudent…” He teased, making Twilight blush even more to the point her entire face was red.
“Shut up!” She yelled, hearing the laughter die down a bit.
“I was only teasing, Twilight… Now, we have a lot of training to do.” Mr. H said, as Twilight felt herself lift off the ground and turned around. “I’ll be able to keep Sombra back for the entire day, but only half of tomorrow… Understand? During that last half day, I won’t be able to commune with you. My shadows will stay, because of you, but I won’t be here.”
Twilight looked up at the mass of shadow. “Wait… So you’ll leave me alone here?” She asked, her fears of being alone in the place returning once again.
Before she started crying, she felt a shadow lift her chin up. Her eyes opened noticing that the shadows had formed a pair of eyes. “Do not worry, Twilight… I won’t leave you alone.” He comforted, making he feel a bit better. “So long as the shadows are around you, I’ll be there.”
She gave a nod, wiping away a tear, “Um… Mr. H?” She said, as his attention lingered. “Why haven’t you shown your cloak yet? I mean… Last night, and now, you’re just a body of shadow.” She asked, tilting her head.
“Oh, this?” The shadows expanded out a bit, then returned to where they were. “It is really what I am, when not in my real form. The cloak is an illusion to help people, who aren’t attuned to shadow, cope with my presence.” He answered, making Twilight nod.
“That’s… Actually understandable.” She smiled.
“Good… If there are no more questions, then you should eat. We have a lot of training to do.” Mr. H said, as Twilight nodded and started to eat her breakfast.

Twilight was channeling another spell through her horn, concentrating the best she can. A black energy, outlined with a white aura, appeared around it while a white mist flowed from her eye lids. “That’s it, Twilight… You almost have it.” Mr. H whispered, as she continued the spell.
Within a second, her concentration broke and she opened her eyes. The spell was still being controlled, showing the whites of her eyes had turned into a pure black with a white mist flowing out form them. But, it didn’t remain controlled for long, and the spell instantly back fired on her! Sending Twilight back into the wall, without harm fortunately. “Oh hay! I can’t get it!” She said, frustrated.
She felt the shadows swoop beside her, helping the young mare up to her hooves. “The Shatris Aegis spell is not an easy one to learn. But once you have it, an invincible protective barrier will appear around whatever you wish to protect…. Though, make sure you’re in it because the spell is very taxing.” He said, moving around to her front. “Let’s try another spell…. How about Shatris Telpor?”
“Shatris Telpor? Is that the...” Twilight said, noticing the shadows were nodding.
“The Shadow Teleport spell. It is a little past the basics, but once you’ve learned it? It’ll be like the normal teleporting spell you have, but can’t be disrupted by ones like Sombra.” Mr. H said, before going into the instructions. “Alright, since you’re new to the spell… I want you to imagine teleporting to this point.” A solid shadow slowly floated up, making a marker. “Concentrate on the point, but use the shadows around your body to send you, and the chains, there.”
“Why the chains?” She asked, confused about the fact she had to keep them on.
“Because it will sap your energy, when new. After a bit of training, and practice, you’ll be able to do it multiple times before it weakens you.” Mr. H explained, “So, let’s keep those chains on, because we don’t want Sombra to walk in on a suspected escape.”
Twilight nodded, before she stood up straight, and started to concentrate. The shadow glow appeared around her horn, while the white mist appeared around her eyes again. She could feel the shadows build around her frame, as if it was becoming a second skin to her. She slowly imagined the shadow skin of her was where Mr. H had pointed out, seeing the form within her mind, just standing here and looking back at herself. Shatris Telpor! She cast the spell from within her mind, her body suddenly feeling like it was thrown through a cascading wall of smoke, before her legs gave out and she hit the floor. Her breathing became rapid, Mr. H wasn’t kidding about it sapping energy from her.
“Well done, Twilight… And you kept the chains on, as well.” Mr. H said, making Twilight open her eyes to the sight he was talking about.
She had went from her spot, by the wall, to nearby the cell door, exactly where Mr. H marked! Even better, the chains remained around her body…. Which means, she could actually do this with her own things. “I-I did it?” She said, between her breathes. “I did it!” She yelled, feeling excited for being able to try an above basic spell. But, her body refused to move. “You weren’t kidding about that spell, Mr. H.”
He just chuckled by what she said. “Trust me… That’s the least of it.” He said, as she felt her body lifted up and soon returned to where she was before. “Now, let us try another spell.”
“Huh? But, aren’t I too weak to try another spell?” Twilight asked, looking up at the massed shadow in front of her.
“True… However, this is a basic defensive spell. Ironically, it was created for when the user was weakened after a high level spell, or one they used that their body couldn’t handle yet. So, it doesn’t require energy to use.” Mr. H explained.
“What is the spell?” Twilight asked, becoming more eager to learn it now, that it’ll help protect her.
“It is Shatris Tentalis. The Shadow Tendril spell.” He answered, shadow tendrils appearing all around Twilight, whipping around and surrounding her in a protective shield. “They can form into just about anything, even a protective bubble. While they can be penetrated, unlike the Aegis, they also react. In other words, if you do attack them they’ll attack you.”
Twilight was astonished by what he explained, but then something hit her. “Like… The spell King Sombra uses…” She said, becoming rather worried.
“Almost. But they are a good example.” Mr. H admitted, the tendrils backing away. “His are corrupted, but they also show how easily they react to their user’s will. A simple thought, and they’ll lash out.” Twilight nodded.
“Alright… How do I do this?” She asked, wanting to see if she’ll be able to use the spell right now.
“The thought on it, is rather easy… Use the shadows and see them as whips or vines. Give them form, give them life, allow them to breathe around you and grow.” He explained, allowing Twilight o start concentrating on his spell. “In return, they’ll protect you and fight for you. They will refuse to allow you to be harmed, because you gave them the chance to actually become alive.”
In her concentration, Twilight actually was able to talk. “So… Give the shadows life?” She asked, her horn starting to glow with the shadow aura.
“Exactly! Feel the shadows around you, even more so around you. Create their form, and give them life. Bring them into this world…. Like a mother would, for her foal.” He answered, making Twilight’s imagination soar! The thought of having her own children, the thought of actually getting the chance to have them, made her concentrate even more.
Before long, Mr. H watched as the tendrils shot to life! Swarming around Twilight, their long bodies having a white outline around them. They just moved around her, like waiting snakes taunting any to attack the young mare at their center, some even wrapped around her frame. If anything, Mr. H was actually impressed with how many Tendrils had appeared at Twilight’s call, there were hundreds of them! He could hear their voices, each of them saying Defend mother! Or even Fight for mother! Those words actually made him smirk past the veil.
“Good, Twilight… You’ve done very well.” Mr. H said, as the tendrils disappeared in a shadow mist.
Twilight suddenly collapsed on to the ground, breathing heavily again. “I-I… Did?” She asked, looking up at the shadows, as they moved in close to her.
“Yes… You far exceeded my expectation in that spell… A beginner can only summon up around five or six tendrils, with barely a thought.” She felt the shadow tendrils hold her muzzle, like a father would when they wanted their daughter’s attention. “But you? You summoned the amount a well-trained shadow user! Like those on Sombra’s level, and they each had a thought of their own… When I heard them, I could sense how much love was within them…. It made my heart flourish more so.” He ended, as Twilight laid her head down.
“S-So… The Shadows are… Love?” Twilight asked, becoming ever so weaker, on the verge of falling asleep.
“I couldn’t put it better myself, Twilight… Now rest.” Mr. H said, making her starting to close her eyes.
“I know it’s strange, but… Think I could…” Twilight was feeling her body weaken quite a bit. “But… Could I have a lullaby? I know I’m not… A filly anymore… But I could use one, right about now.” She admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. But the reply, shocked her.
“I don’t mind a bit, nor will I judge…. In fact, I’ll sing the one, I used to do for my little sister.” Mr. H said, before Twilight felt his shadows all around her, like he curled around her smaller frame. “Rest now, little one, for I am here. Sleep now, little one, for I am by your side.” His voice had become soft, like he was really singing to his baby sister, and Twilight didn’t mind at all. “Don’t be afraid of the shadow, for you will find me inside. Rest now, little one, for I am here. Sleep now, little one, for I am by your side…. Don’t be afraid of the darkness, for you will find me inside.” The moment Twilight was fast asleep, a shadow tendril rubbed the side of her face gently, as he finished the lullaby. “Goodnight, my little Princess."
While he watched her sleep… Mr. H couldn’t help but feel like she was his own. Something within him was lighting up once more, something that hasn’t been around for a long time. He even started to think of Princess Celestia, smirking a bit at how Twilight reminded him of her. It seems… I’m starting to feel like my older brother. This is probably why Tia sees her like her own, ironic.

In the upper levels of the ruined castle, King Sombra’s throne.

“My lord? Why haven’t you paid a visit to our…. ‘Guest’, today?” Feather Drop asked, kneeling in front of her lord.
“I don’t really know, myself. I just haven’t felt like dealing with her today.” He thought about it for a moment, before leaning against the throne’s arm. “Besides that, how goes our little…. Work?” He asked, eyeing the mare.
“It goes well, my lord. We have enough soldiers to attack anywhere you like, long as no force is too great there. The kidnapping of unexpected ponies has worked.” Feather Drop answered, the number of guards around the ruined castle tripled.
King Sombra just laughed, “Perfect…. Just perfect.” He couldn’t help but smirk a bit. “And with my powers within them, they are more than a match for any of those crystal ponies in the Crystal Empire.” He continued to laugh, smirking. “It seems I won’t be needing that worthless mare after all, a shame really.”
Feather Drop looked up at him, a confused look on her face. “My king? I don’t understand…” She said, the dark tyrant looking down at her.
“Easy… With the force we have now, plus my chaotic power thriving them, corrupting any they touch, we’ll storm the Crystal Palace with ease. Which makes that mare we have, in the dungeon, worthless now.” He explained, the grin remaining where it was. “I could use a student, however I do not have the patience to try and break her any longer. My real plan will move forward with, or without her.”
“And what of the Crystal Heart, my lord? It is still a problem.” Feather Heart asked, looking up at him.
“I hid it before, I can hide it again. And this time? Their little heroes won’t be there to save them this time.” King Sombra said, leaning back into his throne.
“I see, excellent, my king… When do you plan on disposing of the mare?” She asked, standing up on all four hooves.
“Tomorrow… I plan on ending her tomorrow. Shortly after the sun rises.”

“Princess Celestia?” A young voice asked, as a purple baby dragon carefully entered the Princess’ chambers. “A-Are you here?”
The response made him jump in surprise. “I am Spike, is there something you need?” Celestia asked, appearing to his right, tilting her head. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“I-It’s fine! Really… Um… I was wondering. Is there any word on Twi?” He asked, looking up at her, a concerned look in his eyes.
Celestia looked down at him, and frowned. “I’m sorry, Spike… But there hasn’t been much word yet.” She admitted, looking away, as if she failed.
“Um… If I may ask, why are you still here?” Spike asked, looking up at her, “Why not join in the search? I mean… It may inspire more of the guard to search better, if you were there searching too.”
Celestia looked dumbfounded, actually hearing that coming from the baby dragon. “Spike… I can’t just leave Canterlot like that. There are duties I have to-“
“Luna can help with them! Me as well… I mean, I want to help search for Twilight, but I wouldn’t be much help. It’s too cold for me up there.” He admitted, looking down.
Celestia noticed this, and thought about his idea…. She gave a nod, “I’ll… See what I can do, Spike.” She said, smiling at the baby dragon. “You really are her number one assistant… Who also seems like her baby brother.” She patted his head with her hoof, gently, which made Spike blush a bit.

The next morning, in Sombra’s dungeon.

Twilight Sparkle was suddenly awoken by a kick to her side. It was painful, and the spot where Mr. H had just healed her broken rib. She grunted a bit, before looked up to see who it was that kicked her, to her horror, it was King Sombra with a devilish grin.
“Wake up, little mare… I have some news for you.” He said, leaning down while the mist around his eyes just danced around. “News you are going to love.”
“Um… Are you setting me free and turning a new leaf?” Twilight asked, giving off a slight meep by the sound of his voice. The look in his eyes, actually terrified the young mare. The past two weeks, he’s been trying to tempt her into joining him, but this look was something else entirely. It was like his real personality was coming out.
“Not. Even. Close.” Sombra answered, his curved red horn suddenly lighting up with dark magic. “It seems my plans have progressed further than expected, without you…. While it is a shame that I won’t have a gifted student, I will at least hit Celestia where it will hurt the most.” His eyes suddenly shined green… Tendrils appearing all around the dark tyrant’s body. “Good bye, Twilight Sparkle.” His words said, the tendrils flying straight for her! Their ends turning into spear-like shapes.
Caught off guard, all Twilight could do was scream, when the tendrils flew towards her. She didn’t even have a chance to actually cast a spell… All she could do, was close her eyes, shield her face, and have one thought. I’m sorry, Celestia. Before she suddenly heard a hissing sound, and felt like she just went through a wall of smoke.
When Twilight opened her eyes, the young mare noticed she had somehow ended up outside of Sombra’s ruined castle, out in the snow. “H-How did I get out here?” She asked herself, looking around while the wind blew through her mane.
“Me, of course.” Mr. H’s voice spoke up, as he appeared next to her. “I sent you through a shadow portal, and was able to get you out here.”
Twilight looked at Mr. H, as he appeared in his cloaked form. “Wait, Mr. H!? I thought you said you wouldn’t be able to appear until half of the day was over!” She yelled, looking up at him in shock.
“Uhhh… About that...” Mr. H said, before he was interrupted.
“There she is! Quickly! Recapture the unicorn for the King!” One of Sombra’s soldiers yelled, as five of them were charging straight for Twilight.
“Damn… No time.” He looked back down at Twilight, “Quickly… I need you to cast a spell. Do the same as the tendrils, but push the shadows towards them. I’ll do the rest!” He said, moving to her.
“Wait, why? What are you goin-“ Twilight was able to say before…
“JUST DO IT!” Mr. H yelled, making Twilight squeak a bit before following his direction, and charging the shadow energy around her. Her horn glowing with the same shadow energy as before, the whites of her eyes turning black.
The moment she was ready to send the attack forward, Mr. H placed his sleeved arms around her, and Twilight could feel his energy pushing into her. The moment she released the shadow energy, she was horrified at what came out of it all…
Ripping through the ground, using her shadow to appear, a massive monstrous nightmare clawed towards Sombra’s guards! Its claws were long, and looked lethal to the touch, while it’s face was opened, revealing shadow fangs which could only have one purpose. The monster was laughing with each second it got closer to the guards, its eyes darker than rest of its body. Its laugh sent a chilling feeling down Twilight’s spine, as it collided with the guards. She then watched the worse possible scene, of the creature actually devouring who it could grab, ripping apart any other.
That was when she felt her body suddenly give out, her body slamming into the snow. “Don’t worry, I got you!” Mr. H said, before the shadows quickly surrounded her body, and melted Twilight into the ground.

Twilight slowly appeared from the ground, looking around the cave with only the entrance to light up the area. Within seconds after she appeared, Mr. H was next to her, and on the ground. Both of his hands were on the ground, while his lower body seemed to be just slack. “That was…. More tiring in this body, than what I’m used to.”
Twilight’s gaze suddenly became hidden behind the banes of her mane. “You lied to me…” She whispered.
“Huh? What did you say?” Mr. H asked, not quite hearing what she just said, but didn’t like the response he suddenly got.
“YOU LIED TO ME!” She yelled, at the top of her lungs. “You were teaching me the very same magic Sombra using! B-Because of you, I killed five ponies! Because of you… I... I…” She said, tears starting to fall from her eyes, “I used magic for something it wasn’t meant for…” Her tears were just flowing out. “What’s worse… Is that you could have gotten me out of there at any moment... But didn’t.”
Mr. H, hearing her words, slowly reached to try and comfort her. “Twilight… I’m sorry, but I had to… I-.” He was suddenly interrupted by the mare.
“Don’t touch me! Get away from me!” She demanded, moving away from Mr. H’s sleeved hand and curled next to the cave’s wall. “Just… Go away…” She whispered.
Mr. H didn’t predict this reaction… So, instead of lingering, he decided to leave the mare for a few moments, his presence disappearing from all senses. His last words just whispered out. “I’m sorry…”