Snowflakes landed with an ice angel's kiss on the stallion's nose, melting as he drew breath.
Cold. Why am I cold?
Clad in dulled metal armor, and with a red cape adorning his back, the large-statured crystal pony let out a groan- the only sound other than the howling winds.
For a time, he just focused on moving a few limbs.
Yes. Good I can still feel my hooves. That crystal heart nearly incapacitated my regeneration spell. Wait-
Eyes leaking soft purple wisps of smoke, King Sombra's gaze darted around the snowdrifts.
Where is he? His presence-I cannot feel it!
His fanged mouth parted in a grin as hoof by hoof, he managed to stand.
Perhaps the spell finally separated his consciousness. Interesting. But no matter. This will take time, with those new ponies ruling, I need to disappear for a time, gather my resources. Perhaps the northern area, find a cave, recover; It will take years. Hmmmmm.
The deposed king's thoughts were interrupted by the crunch of snow, the sharp sound drawing his wrathful gaze.
A pony? This far in the snow fields? Even at my limited strength, I will be able to-
No.
A sinister red glow pierced the blowing snowdrifts. Two bright red eyes accompanied it, narrowed and wrathful. The sight was enough to send pinpricks of uneasiness through King Sombra's heart.
Who?
A shape materialized as the pony hobbled closer. It was clear that injuries had taken their tole- perhaps even a broken bone or two, but come closer this pony did.
An injured pony? This far from civilization?
“Stay back!” The king's voice was infused with confidence, no matter how fake.
The other pony stopped, eyes never having left the king. The vague shape now resolved itself into the defined image of a red crystal sword, glowing as the other unicorn slowly drew it up.
“You dare speak to me?” The other pony rumbled, his voice easily heard over the howling winds. It was a deep voice that seemed able to shake solid stone, easily rattled the King to his soul.
The voice was another piece of the puzzle- but King Sombra had to know.
“Who are you?!” The once proud ruler gasped. Fear was an alien emotion to the king, yet at this moment, he knew nothing else. That voice, and those eyes; had one thousands years truly dulled his memory that much? He knew those eyes.
A guttural scream left the mysterious stallion's throat, sending the sword arcing across King Sombra's form, the flat of the blade easily breaking bone and sending him tumbling to the snow.
From his prone position, King Sombra finally got a clear look at his attacker. He stood just as tall, red eyes shining in the dim light. A mane, black as night, ran down his head, a short cropped tail and sideburns the more notable features. His fur was a light charcoal, his rose eyes a bright contrast.
The stallion walked closer, limbs shaking with both rage and pain.
“My name is Sombra, you vile creature.”
- -
The king cried out in agony as the sword fell, the flattened edge beating the stallion down as he tried to rise.
“You took everything from me. You took my life, my home, you took her!” Sombra bellowed, sending the sword down once again, denting the king's armor enough to break ribs.
King Sombra had no words, simply staring at the stallion, fangs slightly bared.
“I will finish what I started!" The dark furred stallion said, panting slightly. King Sombra now saw that multiple burns adorned the stallion's flank.
Perhaps, if I can strike him- The king mused as he formulated his attack strategy.
Any thoughts of retaliation faded as the attacker hefted the crystal sword with his magic, the blade positioned above King Sombra's neck.
"Finish what I started...Even if it takes me more than a thousand years.”
Even as the sword slowly raised, King Sombra refused to go quietly.
“You insignificant creature! You dare attack me! I will return, I will never stop! This is MY world! MY empire! Who do you think you are to take it from me?! My name will be revered across all these lands!” The King spat.
A cruel smile then formed on the injured ruler's features.
“You forget your place, pony. I am the darkest features of your soul. You cannot kill that which will always be in your heart! My name is-”
“That name is not yours to take, demon.”
The sword then fell, biting through metal and flesh.
“You dare to disgrace my name.”
The sword then shattered to dust, the severed head of the once-formidable king gazing with sightless eyes across the landscape. A beam of red magic picked up the severed part, laying it in the red coat. A brief infusion of magic swept across the horn- light blue in color.
The horn then faded, becoming as grey as the demon-creature's fur, which had already begun to fade into nothingness. The body slowly dissolved into shadow, which was blown away by the snowstorm.
Sombra stared at the head for a time, a weariness setting in that he had never known. He had not felt anything for over a thousand years, not physically at least, only emotionally.
Finally, after all this time, it is over. I finally sent that creature back, and yet...
I failed. I cost my home so much. My thirst for knowledge failed me.
I failed her.
He lay his head down on his hooves, red crystals thrusting themselves up from the ground to form a makeshift shelter over his head. The world spun as the spell overtaxed the wounded stallion's body, causing him to slump to the snow.
If I die now, then so be it. It would be more than I deserve.
A tear traced itself down the stricken pony's cheek, the snowstorm becoming fiercer. The stallion only had the severed head of a demon to keep himself company as he slipped into unconsciousness.
THIS WAS THAT ONE YOUTUBE VIDEO! Wasn't it?
3373572
Eyyyyup ^_^
Contacted the creator for permission to write a fanfic.......
and now she's a proofreader =)
3373594 awesome :mustache:
I mean
Sombra learned the hard way that darkness lives in the hearts of all of us. And we cannot destory it. We can only try to control it. For without darkness there can be no light and without light there can be no darkness.
3373703
hmmm.
Very insightful.
Even though this'll conflict with my own story, I enjoyed this so far and am looking forward to future chapters. I'd also volunteer to proofread but I've never actually proofread anything before... though I can always check for grammar and such.
3374181
Why thank you! =)
I figure, this is where the alternate universe thing comes in =P
I'd love it if you could mention any grammar/suchsuch that you catch.
Whoa...that was...extraordinary. You did a great job. It just so happened that I am working on a fic regarding Sombra's redemption as well...It's called Wendigo May Cry. I hope you can check it out. Excellent job.
3374416
Why thank you! I'll also be sure to take a look =)
3374656
Just saw the video...and I must say...that is one of the most sad...yet beautiful backstory I had ever seen. Although I picture Sombra with the black hair that runs down his snout, the concept of Sombra fighting his inner demon...literally, is one of the greatest ideas ever. I wish you good luck and if you need any help...I can give it.
Have you ever considered submitting this story to Equestria Daily? You can find out how to do so here.
3374982
I give all credit for that idea to SassySolitude. She came up with the character and animation for it. I just built upon it. Couldn't have done it without her. (To anyone else reading this....) feel free to check out her DA and leave a nice message =)
I could use another proofreader........
3375363
.....is it worthy? 0_o
3376479
Well, just let me know how you want me to help, and I'll do what I can. Just on an unrelated note, another song that would fit Sombra and his inner demon/shadow self would be 'The Animal I Have Become' by Three Days Grace, especially the part where Sombra and his shadow became one. (I think that is what happened on that video). And that scarf of good Sombra...you gave me a brilliant idea for my story. Ciao.
3376479 I think so. But you'll have to submit it to find out.
Favorited because Sombra :P.
Chapter four of mine is nearly done, just three more pages left to proofread.
Awesome to find a story about that video.
Please continue your great work.
I saw that video. It was amazing. Good Sombra seemed like an awesome guy.
Deffinitly want to see more of this.
“I will finish...what I started....” The dark furred stallion said, panting slightly. King Sombra now saw that multiple burns adorned the stallion's flank. Perhaps, if I can strike him-
Why did you switch to first person all of a sudden? Shouldn't it be If HE could strike him? Also, why did you switch to present tense? It wasn't speech....
Heck, even my grammar might be wrong, but I don't think you switched to first person intentionally.
Sorry if it sounds like i'm nitpicking.
that video makes me so sad, so naturally, I decided to fuel it and look for a fanfic . i dont know.
Head of a severed demon
Should be
Severed head of a demon
The narrative in this first chapter is rather confusing near the end, since you seem to be constantly switching between Good!Sombra and Evil!Sombra with only a minimum of indication as to who's speaking and performing an action each time. It might be a deliberate decision on your part, but if it is then it's still sloppy.
Well, time to finally round out my Radbunny experience, lol. Pretty sure this is the last story of yours I haven't read.
11203505
Hope you enjoy it! It's definitely one of my least-polished works. I should go back and re-edit it, tbh.