Shadows of War: The Tale of the Six Heroes

by heavens-champion


Chapter 5: The King of Shadows

CHAPTER 5: THE KING OF SHADOWS

The Crystal Empire. This mysterious city rested in the frozen north of Equestria, protected from the weather by powerful magic. Nopony knew of its history. Even Princess Celestia’s own knowledge of the Empire was limited.

It was home to a race of ponies who were just as mysterious: the crystal ponies. It was said that the crystal ponies possessed coats that shined bright like the crystals that were used to build their city.

But now, the crystal ponies were nothing more than slaves, as they had been a thousand years ago. Only this time, they were forced to fight.

Hundreds of thousands of crystal ponies had been forced to wear enchanted armor that controlled their minds, turning them into obedient Crystal Warriors, unquestionably following the orders of their king.

The same king who had ruled the empire a thousand years ago, and now ruled much of Equestria from the city.

He was the Shadow King, the Lord of Despair, the Regent of the Darkness, the Master of Fear, the King of the Monsters.

He was Sombra.

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The dark unicorn looked down from his tower upon the rallying fields, observing the latest ‘recruits’ for his ever-growing army. He watched as countless crystal ponies, as well as Equestrian ponies from the conquered regions of Vanhoover, Mustangia, Coltsberg, and Stableloft were rounded up, Crystal Warriors and Storm Riders pulling carts carrying mind-control helms and armor to the fields, and placing them on the prisoners.

The process was quick for most victims. Once the helmets were placed, the victims were put under his mind control spell in a matter of seconds. However, for others, like those from the parts of Equestria he already ruled, it was slow, as they struggled to resist the control, but eventually they would succumb. He watched as a pony from Mustangia tried to desperately pull off his helmet, only to slowly remove his hooves from it, standing still like a statue.

The evil king smirked. He enjoyed watching his prisoners futilely struggle to resist his spell. It made conscripting them more entertaining.

Yes, he thought, struggle all you want. You can’t hope to resist my power.

He heard a pair of wings flap behind him, as well as hooves landing on the crystal floor. He turned to face one of his commanders.

He was a tall pegasus stallion. He had a black coat, a red and gray mane and tail, and blood red eyes. He wore the black and gray combat armor of the Crystal Empire’s Storm Rider Corps, a silver helmet with a bladed crest resting upon his head. His cutie mark was a red thunderbolt.

“General Black Wind,” Said Sombra, smirking. “How pleasant of you to join me.”

The pegasus, Black Wind, bowed before the king.

“I live to serve you, King Sombra,” He said, his voice dark and menacing. “As do all the Pegasi of Hyperborea.”

“Yes. I know.” Said the evil unicorn. “What do you have to report?”

“Our finest warriors have arrived,” reported Black Wind, “And are ready for further training. Soon, the Storm Riders will be stronger than before. And next time, they shall bring you victory.”

“I should hope so,” Sombra replied. “After my duel with Princess Celestia, it will take me a while to recover the power I’ve lost. Make no mistake, Black Wind. I may have been weakened at the Borealis Fields, but I am still the most powerful in the Empire.”

“And that, my king,” Said Black Wind, “Is why the Storm Riders serve the Empire. Only the strongest and most cunning have the right to rule.”

Sombra grinned, pride emanating from him. The strongest and most cunning. He liked the sound of that. After all, it was his cunning that denied the Royal Sisters a decisive victory a thousand years ago, as he cursed the Crystal Empire to disappear. He would not give his enemies the luxury of boasting. The empire belonged to him. Its citizens belonged to him. Its power belonged to him.

And soon, Equestria would belong to him.

“Rise, Black Wind,” He commanded. “General Wind Rider and the others are waiting for us, and I expect our ‘guest’ to be brought there, as well.”

“The Commander of the Wonderbolts?” Asked Black Wind.

“Yes,” Answered Sombra. “She is one of Celestia’s closest allies, and will most likely know every plan the Princess has come up with to stop me from achieving my plans. I intend to find out what she knows.”

“Commander Spitfire is notoriously stubborn,” Black Wind commented. “She’ll never tell us Celestia’s secrets.”

“Even if she doesn’t,” Replied the king, “I may still find use for her. She is one of Equestria’s finest military commanders, and I would hate to have such a keen mind go to waste.”

The two evil ponies walked down the hall leaving the balcony, two Crystal Warriors accompanying them.

On their way, Sombra recalled the fight at Borealis Fields, where he had led his personal army, General Wind Rider leading the new Storm Riders by his side, toward the city of Canterlot itself. The Borealis Fields were weakly defended, and thus made a perfect path to Equestria’s capital.

At least, they were, until Princess Celestia, commanding twenty squads of the Canterlot Royal Guard, two E.U.P. Royal Army regular regiments, one Rock Trooper regiment, seven Stalwart Horseshoe battalions, and dozens of Air Cavalry Squadrons, including the elite Wonderbolt Squadrons, set up base on Foal Mountain, launching an offensive that nearly took the King’s Army by surprise. Regardless, the Crystal Warriors managed to fight back, especially when the Imperial Storm Riders took flight, fighting their very first battle.

However, despite capturing Commander Spitfire, and killing many enemy troops, the Imperial forces were pushed back into home territory, giving up much ground.

Sombra himself had been gravely injured by Princess Celestia in personal combat, and was brought back to the Crystal Empire, where he needed to restore his energy.

Of course, he still needed commanders to lead his armies in the field while he replenished his power. That was why he gathered his commanders.

Soon, they arrived at the massive doors to the throne room, the Crystal Warriors guarding it standing to attention as they approached. Sombra’s eyes began to glow green and red, a purple haze flowing from them, as he concentrated his magic into his horn. A violet and green aura accompanied by black bolts of dark magic surrounded his horn, and fired a beam of dark magic at the crystal above the doors. The doors swung open, and King Sombra and Black Wind entered, their escorts close behind.

The throne room was enormous, built from black crystal, enormous windows on the left and right walls showing the city below, a red carpet leading to a black and purple throne made of crystal, a Crystal Pegasus Guard in black armor standing on each side. Hanging from the ceiling were jet black tapestries displaying King Sombra’s sigil, a green and red eye wreathed in violet flame.

Waiting for them was General Wind Rider, along with five other pegasi, clad in armor similar to Black Wind’s. The six commanders bowed as Sombra entered, the brainwashed Crystal Pegasus Guards standing to attention as he passed by. Once he reached the throne, he took his seat, observing his loyal commanders. He noticed that his prisoner, Commander Spitfire wasn’t there. He turned to the guard on his right.

“Send word to the dungeon,” He ordered, “Tell them to bring Commander Spitfire here for interrogation.”

The guard bowed silently and left the throne room, the doors closing behind him. Sombra turned his attention back to the Storm Rider commanders gathered before him.

“Greeting, gentlecolts,” He spoke, “I have summoned you here today for an important announcement.”

“We are yours to command,” One of the Storm Riders said, pounding his hoof against his chest. Sombra smirked. It was nice to have at least some enthusiasm among his commanders.

“As you know,” the king began, “Our recent defeat at the Borealis Fields has forced us back into the Empire, allowing the enemy to reclaim several regions, such as Tall Tale, Hoofington, Gallopstead, Percheronia, and Pinova Gulch. In addition, many of our Crystal Warriors were killed or captured during the battle. However, despite the ground we lost, it is a minor setback. We still control much of Equestria, with more than enough prisoners to replenish our forces, and our resources are vast. However, I have lost much of my power after my duel with Celestia, and I will be out of the fight for a week or two until I can gather my strength. Thus, I will need you to take command of my forces in my absence.”

The Storm Riders saluted. Sombra faced Wind Rider, who stood to attention.

“Wind Rider,” He commanded. “You will be in charge of my personal army alongside Black Wind. Your first task is to gather more ponies to become Crystal Warriors. The villages to the southeast should be more than enough.”

The renegade Wonderbolt saluted, a smirk on his face. He was pleased to hear that he was chosen to be a commander of the King’s Army. Granted, he would have preferred to be sent to Eastern Equestria to launch an invasion on Manehattan rather than gather recruits from the slaves, but he dared not speak against his king.

After Sombra assigned his commanding officers to their respective duties, the doors opened, and the Crystal Guard from before arrived.

“Your Highness,” He said, bowing, “We have released Commander Spitfire, as you commanded.”

Sombra grinned. “Excellent,” He chuckled. “Bring her in.”

The guard nodded and looked behind him.

“Bring forth the prisoner!” He ordered.

Soon, two Crystal Warriors entered the throne room, pulling Spitfire inside. The Wonderbolt was led inside with ropes lassoed around her waist and neck, as she struggled to free herself from her captors.

“Let me go!” She shouted. “You’ll be sorry!”

The warriors brought her before the throne, and forced her onto her knees. Spitfire looked up to see King Sombra himself, as he stood up from his throne, an evil smirk on his face. Spitfire stood in shock at the sight of the unicorn.

His coat was dark gray in color, and his mane was as black as his heart. His horn was red, sharp, and curved, not like an ordinary unicorn’s horn. He stared down at Spitfire with blood red eyes. His body was clad in gray armor, a red cape flowed behind him. On his head rested a gray and black spiked crown with a red crest.

Spitfire felt her stomach churn at the sight of him, although she did her best to put on a brave face. She didn’t want to give the monster the satisfaction of seeing her afraid.

However, Sombra could tell she was afraid. He could smell it. She reeked of fear.

He gave a low, quiet chuckle. It was a sound that would make anypony’s blood run cold.

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire, commander,” He said. “I trust you’re enjoying the accommodations.”

Spitfire glared.

“Cut the jokes, Sombra,” She snarled. “What do you want from me?”

Black Wind spread his wings, baring his teeth in anger.

“Insolent mare,” He growled, “How dare you speak to the king in such a manner?!”

“Enough,” Commanded Sombra. “Stand down, Black Wind.”

Black Wind calmed himself and stood to attention. However, he still gave Spitfire an angry glare. The Wonderbolt, however, was undeterred. Sombra may have unnerved her, but this pegasus was nothing more than a pompous windbag. A Breezie’s scarier than you, Storm Rider, she thought.

“To answer your question, my dear,” Sombra continued, “The answer is simple: Information. You are one of Princess Celestia’s trusted commanders, correct?”

“Yeah,” Answered Spitfire, “What’s that to you?”

“Like I said,” Said the unicorn, “I require information on everything Princess Celestia is planning. I believe she entrusted you with such vital information.”

At that, the fear in Spitfire vanished, replaced with defiance.

“Forget it, Sombra,” She snarled. “I won’t tell you anything! I’ll die before I betray Equestria!”

“Typical Spitfire,” Smirked Wind Rider, “Stubborn to the end. Just like you were at the academy.”

Spitfire’s eyes widened when she heard Wind Rider’s voice. She then bared her teeth, and lunged at him, only to be held back by the Crystal Warriors restraining her.

“YOU BACKSTABBING SON OF A WINDIGO!” She shrieked. “WAIT TILL I GET FREE! I SWEAR WHEN I DO, I’LL RIP YOU TO PIECES!”

Wind Rider simply smirked. Granted he was a little shocked by the commander’s sudden reaction, but knowing that Spitfire was restrained by her ropes was enough to assure him that she wouldn’t be able to do any harm. Even if she tried, Sombra would discipline her.

“What’s the matter, Spitfire?” He asked. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“I’m as happy to see you as I am to have the feather flu, traitor,” She snarled, anger burning in her eyes. “Why did you do it, Wind Rider? You’re supposed to be one of the greatest Wonderbolts in Equestria.”

“What can I say? I hate losing,” He answered casually, completely unfazed by Spitfire’s glare, “It’s better to fight on the winning team than on the losing one.”

“So you joined Sombra because you thought he’d win?!” She shouted.

“That’s what I said,” Wind Rider stated bluntly.

“Enough,” Stated Sombra, “This is neither the time nor the place for petty arguments. Commander Spitfire is here to give us information on Princess Celestia’s strategies, not discuss loyalty with you. Is that understood, general?”

Wind Rider was silent, but bowed. “Yes, my king,” He said reluctantly.

You disgust me, thought Spitfire, snarling.

She felt her head turn to face Sombra. She could see his horn glowing red. He used his magic to force her to look him in the eye.

“Now then,” Said the king, “Let’s begin. What is Celestia planning? An assault to liberate Vanhoover? An alliance with any realms that aren’t under my rule? Or a spell that she thinks will free my warriors from bondage?

Spitfire glared, anger burning in her orange eyes.

“Well? Tell us,” Said Sombra. “Don’t leave us in the dark.”

In response, the Wonderbolt spat in the evil king’s eye. Sombra barely even flinched. The gathered Storm Riders (minus Black Wind, who looked like he would explode in anger at any moment, and Wind Rider, who simply rolled his eyes), cringed with fright, worried how their sovereign would respond. There were many things one didn’t do when in the presence of the King. Spitting in his eye was just one of them. Spitfire smirked, proud of her display of defiance.

“There’s your information.” She quipped.

The evil king, however, chuckled, amused by the commander’s refusal to cooperate. His horn began to glow a crimson red.

“Your will is strong, commander,” He commented. Suddenly, Spitfire was enveloped in a red aura, and was lifted into the air. A gasp of surprise escaped her lips, and she struggled to escape Sombra’s grip. Sombra’s smirk transformed into a wicked smile, displaying his teeth. His eyes then began to glow green and red, purple mist emanating from them.

“I will enjoy breaking you.” He growled, his voice deepening as dark magic flowed through his being. The red aura surrounding his horn transformed into purple and green, black sparks of dark magic shooting out of it. The aura engulfing Spitfire turned into the same color. The Wonderbolt then felt a sharp pain in her skull. She clutched her head, writhing in agony, pained groans emanating from her lips. Her eyes changed to the same color as Sombra’s. She felt like her head was being ripped open. It didn’t take her long to realize that the evil king was attempting to read her thoughts.

No, she mentally cried, I won’t tell you anything!

Sombra grunted. He could already feel Spitfire resisting his control. He knew that she was strong, but he never thought that her loyalty to her homeland would be so great. He supposed it couldn’t be helped. Cloudsdale Pegasi were as inflexibly loyal to Celestia as they were hot-blooded. But this mare was especially stubborn.

He sighed, eventually letting Spitfire down, his eyes returning to their original color. Spitfire landed on her knees, panting heavily as the pain in her head subsided, and her eyes turning back to orange.

“It seems I’ve underestimated you, commander,” He said. “I was told you were stubborn. I never imagined that you would be strong enough to resist my interrogation spell.”

Spitfire looked at him with tired eyes, managing a slight chuckle and confident smirk.

“What can I say?” She said. “I never was one to take orders from trash like you.”

Sombra smirked, amused by her defiance.

“We shall see, commander,” He said, his tone sinister, “I may not be able to extract information from you, but that does not mean I don’t have any other uses for you.”

Spitfire frowned, furrowing her eyebrows.

“What are you gonna do? Turn me into one of your slaves?” She growled.

Sombra chuckled evilly. It was so amusing how his prisoners continued to try and be brave in his presence. He leaned closer to the Wonderbolt, an evil glint in his eyes as they stared into her own.

“Oh, you’ll find out,” He said. “Rest assured, your abilities will be put to good use. After all, there’s no greater honor than serving the Crystal Empire.”

An enraged snarl escaped Spitfire’s lips as she gritted her teeth.

“You think, that just because you have me, you’ll win this war?!” She growled. “Equestria will keep fighting, with or without me, until we’ve sent you back to Tartarus where you belong!”

Sombra was unfazed by Spitfire’s declaration. He then turned his attention to the Crystal Warriors restraining her. “Take her to the dungeon,” He commanded. “We’ll find a use for her soon enough.”

The Warriors silently obliged as they dragged Spitfire to the opened doors. The Wonderbolt kicked and screamed as she was dragged along the floor, struggling in her ropes. She casted a rage-filled glare at Sombra, who wore a look of indifference as he watched his warriors drag her out.

“You can’t win!” She screamed. “You think you have the upper hoof, but we won’t go down so easily! Equestria will never surrender! NEVER!!!”

The doors closed, silencing Spitfire’s screams of defiance.

“Such heroic nonsense.” Sombra muttered, staring at the doors. He then turned his attention back to his commanders.

“I trust you already know your assignments?” He asked. The Storm Riders nodded. Sombra smirked in response.

“Good,” He said. “Now go. Lead my armies to victory, and continue the battle, until all of Equestria is under my rule.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The Storm Riders said in unison, slamming their hooves against their chests. The gathered commanders spread their wings and took flight, exiting the throne room through the massive windows. With that, Sombra was alone in the throne room, left to his own thoughts.

Until he heard the sound of somepony teleporting, accompanied by the voice of one of his spies.

“King Sombra,” said a soft, feminine voice, “We’ve just returned from Equestria with vital information.”

Sombra turned around to see his spies bowing before him.

“Excellent,” Said Sombra. “What do you have to report?”

Moonsong was the first to speak.

“During our mission,” She began, “Our attention was drawn to three ponies that were met by guards sent by Princess Celestia. According to these guards, Celestia sent them to find these ponies and bring them to Canterlot. We followed them, Canterlot, and infiltrated their castle, where three more ponies were gathered.”

“Go on,” Said Sombra, gaining interest.

“Apparently,” Moonsong continued, “Celestia had gathered these six ponies for a special mission.”

“And what might that be?”

“She said she was forming a special team consisting of these six ponies to be sent to the Everfree Forest and retrieve the Elements of Harmony. Apparently she believes that they will be able to use them to win the war in Equestria’s favor.”

Sombra was silent, his serious expression becoming one of shock. The Elements of Harmony, he thought to himself, They still exist? Why would Celestia hide them in the Everfree Forest?

He then narrowed his eyes.

“Did she explain why they were in the Everfree Forest?” He asked.

“Other than hiding them after she banished Princess Luna, not really,” Said Suri, speaking before Moonsong had the chance to answer. “All we do know is that she’s sending these six ponies over there to find these Elements of Harmony.”

Sombra narrowed his eyes. Strange, how Celestia would send six mere ponies on such a task. Truly, she would retrieve the elements herself if she believed they would help. After all, they served her and her sister well in the past.

But then, he remembered their duel in the Borealis Fields. True, she had injured him greatly, but he noticed that her power was not as strong as he remembered, and the Elements were completely absent.

Finally, realization dawned upon him. The Shadow King chuckled wickedly as it all came together.

“Of course,” He said to himself. “Celestia, you clever girl.”

The four spies looked on in confusion.

“Um, your majesty?” Asked Svengallop.

The gray stallion then turned his attention to them.

“Summon my apprentices and Commander Lightning Dust,” He commanded. “I have a task for them.”

Still confused by their king’s reaction to this revelation, the spies bowed and left the throne room.

Sombra sat back in his throne, a sly grin stretching across his face.

“So, Celestia,” He said to himself. “Your link to the Elements has been shattered, thus, you can no longer use their power yourself. And these six ponies you gathered must be their new bearers. Is that why you sent them to the Everfree forest to retrieve them? Is that why you think they can stop me?”

An amused chuckle escaped his throat, and transformed into a menacing laugh.

“I should have known you would do such a thing,” He said. “Well, if these ponies truly are the key to turning the tide in your favor, then I’ll just have to dispose of them and the Elements. I have waited a thousand years to claim Equestria. I will not let six ponies deny me my destiny.”

Soon, the doors opened again, and three ponies stepped inside. One of them was a pegasus mare, and the other two were unicorns.

The pegasus mare had a light turquoise coat, an amber and gold mane and tail, and brilliant gamboge eyes. Hugging her body was a black flight jumpsuit, accompanied by black and gray body armor, a gray and black helmet tucked under her left wing. There was a scar on her right cheek.

The two unicorns wore dark gray cloaks, but Sombra could still make out the colors of their coats, as well as their eyes under their hoods.

The first had a pale, light gray heliotrope coat, her eyes a moderate blue. The second had a brilliant amber coat, and her eyes were cyan.

The three ponies bowed before the Shadow King.

“Arise, my servants,” He said. The three ponies raised their heads.

“What is your bidding, sire?” Asked the pegasus mare.

“Celestia has made plans to retrieve what she thinks will end this war,” Sombra began. “The Elements of Harmony. Long ago, Celestia and her sister used the Elements to protect Equestria. But it seems that banishing her sister has broken their link. Now, she has gathered six ponies to find and retrieve the Elements. You must stop them at any cost.”

One of the unicorns, the one with the blue eyes, spoke, her voice carrying a smug tone.

“You have nothing to fear, your highness,” She said, “With my magic, Celestia will regret standing up to your rule.”

“Get over yourself, Starlight,” Scoffed the unicorn beside her, unimpressed by her partner’s boasting, “We all know you’re not nearly as good as I am.”

The other unicorn, Starlight, snarled in anger.

“You might be Sombra’s number one apprentice,” She hissed, “But that doesn’t mean you’re better than me.”

Her partner chuckled, amused by her partner’s response. “Isn’t that cute? Little Glimmer thinks she’s the next Star Swirl? Seriously, Starlight. You know that out of Sombra’s students, I am the best.”

Starlight growled as her horn lit up, illuminating her enraged visage.

“You arrogant little,” She growled, “We’ll see how confident you are when I---”

SILENCE!!!” Sombra boomed, his voice echoing across the room. Immediately, the two unicorns ceased their bickering, facing Sombra. The pegasus mare rolled her eyes.

“Way to get His Majesty peeved, Starlight.” She muttered under her breath.

“This is neither the time nor place for this argument. This mission requires your complete and utter cooperation,” Said Sombra, calming down from his outburst. “I cannot afford any infighting amongst you. Commander Lightning Dust, you and the Night Phantoms must collaborate with my apprentices. My spies tell me that the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place. Many of them died to give me this information. I suggest you be cautious. It would be a waste to lose ponies of your talents.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Said Lightning Dust, saluting. “We won’t fail you.”

“I should hope not,” replied Sombra. “No doubt these ponies have already begun their training.”

“Then let’s destroy them now,” Declared Starlight, “The sooner they’re dealt with, the better!”

“I understand your eagerness,” Said Sombra, “But that would be far too risky. Celestia will be watching over them, and none of you are powerful enough to stand against her.”

He glanced at the amber unicorn, smirking.

“Not yet.” He added.

Beneath her hood, the amber unicorn smirked. Starlight, however, glared at her, envy in her eyes.

“You will be deployed deep within Celestia’s territory,” Sombra continued, “Close enough to the Everfree region. Once there, you will travel into the Everfree Forest and find where the Elements are hidden. If Celestia’s little task force is already there, follow them. They should lead you directly to the Elements. Once they do, well, you know what to do next.”

The three nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

“I’ll go and gather my Night Phantoms at once, my king.” Said Lightning Dust.

“Very well,” Said Sombra. “Dismissed.”

The green pegasus bowed and left the throne room. Sombra turned his attention to his apprentices, an evil grin on his face.

“I expect great things from you,” He said, “Especially you, Sunset Shimmer.”

The amber unicorn grinned at the mention of her name as she removed her hood, revealing her face. She had a red and yellow mane, her cyan eyes burning with pride, flashing green with dark magic for a moment.

“Rest assured, master,” Said Sunset. “I won’t disappoint you.”