Chapter 9: The Looming Date
Chapter 9
The Looming Date
Juneth 30, 3672
7:00 AM
Dear Diary,
It has been a while since my previous entry, and a lot has happened within that time. To address the elephant in the room, my wedding with Lord Sombra takes place tomorrow and is very quickly approaching. Although I have been keeping my composure about it in public, I have been terribly anxious ever since I began planning the event with my friend Luster.
My mother has been constantly reaffirming me that it’s natural to feel this way when such an important event is rounding its corner. But even so, I can’t help but feel that I’m simply overreacting to it altogether. Marriage was always an afterthought in my life. I hadn’t even considered the idea until now, and coming to grips with it has been difficult to put it mildly.
At the very least, Luster and I have planned the event very thoroughly which has helped ease my mind if only a little. Between inviting guests from outside of the empire, sorting out dresses, and hiring the Royal Equestrian Band, we have truly spared no expense to make this day the best it possibly can.
Today we are holding a small engagement party at the Crystal Empire. Many of the guests for the wedding that live in the Empire will be attending as well as a few from outside. Besides simply being a social event, it will be the first time I will see the completed wedding cake that we commissioned from Mrs Pinkie Pie. I can only hope that Sombra’s presence does not alarm too many of the guests. Everypony whom I’ve invited has been apprehensive about it simply because of his involvement. Truthfully, it is beginning to get tiresome to hear the same comments about it over and over all the while giving the same replies to ease their concerns.
As vexing as the comments and rumors have been, however, Sombra has been remarkably well behaved ever since the first days of his initiation into the Empire. But although I say that, I am still fearful of what may happen should something provoke him. I suppose for now all we can do is ensure that this wedding proceeds as smoothly as possible.
On a more positive note, it will be great to see many of my best friends again at the engagement party. With how hectic my life has been in recent times, I have not been able to visit them nor write as often. Luster is the only one I have spent a lot of time with recently, whether it be planning the wedding itself or casual visits, Dawn has been there for me when I have needed her most. Auntie Twilight is truly right when she preaches the importance of friendship in our lives.
Moreover, much of our extended family will also be attending the event as well. With the help of Discord, we even managed to invite my Aunt Celestia and Luna, to which they gladly accepted. Besides being nice to see both former Princesses, I would also like to ask the two if they know anything about this mysterious former ruler that the returned Crystal Ponies spoke of. Not knowing whom or what this ‘Countess Omni’ is has been plaguing my mind for the last few weeks, and though Sombra insists otherwise, I still feel he is somehow involved.
My parents have been trying to convince me that all will be well, but after having spoken to the Crystal Ponies that were returned, I have a very bad feeling about this whole situation. Stranger yet was when Princess Twilight showed me me the book of ‘The Five Monster Factions’ only to find pages missing on exactly the information I needed. Whomever this ‘Omni’ is, they don’t want to be discovered.
All I can do for now is hope that this wedding goes as smoothly as possible. But even then, I can’t help but feel that as well as this wedding has been planned, something is bound to go wrong.
-Flurry Mi Amore Cadenza
“I’m so glad you could make it today Cress! I thought you’d be too busy with the recital!” Flurry greeted as she exchanged a quick hug with the Earth Pony Mare.
“Oh please Flur, I could not miss this for the world! And besides, I’m no stranger to performing at weddings.” Kindly answered the Mare in a very elegant traditional Canterlot accent after the two released one another.
The Pony in question was very accomplished conductor, songwriter, and part-time pianist of the Royal Equestrian Band, Crescendo Melody. Although both her parents were from Ponyville, Cress had made a name for herself in Canterlot as one of the youngest composers for the Royal Symphony. The two were also good childhood friends, having been in the same year at the school of friendship. She currently addorned a very sharp gray suit and a black bow tie which contrasted nicely with her lighter colored coat and dark mane.
The white coated Alicorn chuckled, “Well, I’m glad at least one of us is confident for tomorrow…”
Both Ponies shared a brief chuckle before Crescendo placed a hoof on her royal friend’s shoulder, “You always worry so much Flur, try loosening up a bit.”
The dark coated Earth Pony then got closer before whispering, “Besides, Dawn helped you plan the event. She never misses a detail.”
The two then looked across the room to see the aforementioned pink coated Unicorn who was currently conversing with Princess Twilight’s personal assistant Spike. Flurry could not help but smile, “You’re right. Dawn has been such a great friend throughout this whole thing.”
As if by coincidence, Luster Dawn and Spike each glanced over Flurry’s way before approaching. Once in earshot, the pink coated Unicorn spoke up, “Cress! It’s good to see you!”
The Earth Pony nodded, “Likewise Dawn, I heard you were quite instrumental in planning this whole event.”
“Instrumental… I see what you did there.” Spike stated while chuckling to himself.
The others raised a brow at the Dragon’s bad pun before also joining Spike’s laughter. Once they had settled, the four friends heard a loud crashing noise at the entrance of the room. The noise attracted the attention of everypony at the party, and shortly thereafter, it was followed by a voice, “Oopsie daisy! Sorry everypony! Cake coming through! Make way!”
Flurry and her friends watched as Pinkie Pie dragged a cart into the room carrying an enormous wedding cake. Without wasting a moment, Flurry made her way over to the pink coated Earth Earth Pony, “Mrs Pinkie Pie! Do you need help with that?”
“Nope! Don’t you worry Princess Flurry Heart! I’ve got it all under control!” The energetic Mare replied.
The Alicorn gave a skeptical look and glanced back to the cake which was nearly hitting the ceiling of the doorway as it was brought in. Everypony watched in suspense as the cart made its way into the room with the top of the cake just narrowly avoiding contact with the ceiling. Once the cake was in, many of the spectators breathed a sigh of relief.
As Pinkie Pie brought the cart into the room, she made her way towards a large display table. After Pinkie Pie had stopped, Luster Dawn asked, “Umm, Mrs Pinkie? How are we supposed to get the cake off the cart?”
“No problem! I’ll just activate the Pinkie Pie Forklift 5000!” Stated the enthusiastic Mare while she headed to the other side of the cart.
The pink coated Earth Pony then took a seat on a chair at the back of the cart and flicked a lever. The cart then began to elevate until its platform was level with the display table. Both Flurry and Luster looked at one another with a shrug as the platform then lifted itself onto the display table. With the cake now secured on the table, Flurry looked up to finally admire the pastry. The cake was excessively tall, with 8 levels in all. The icing and decorations on the outside were expertly applied with many intricate designs using a multitude of colors from white, pink, sky blue, and even dark gray. At the very top of the cake were several marzipan figurines depicting the bride and groom. From further away, the cake resembled a depiction of the Crystal Empire itself in all its splendor.
“Wow, Pinkie, you really didn’t have to-”
“Oh pish posh! It’s your big day tomorrow Flurry Heart! I had to make this the greatest gateau in the history of wedding cakes! Now, the first level is a nice sweet vanilla with hints of strawberry and whipped cream snowflakes like the outside of the Crystal Empire! The second level is red velvet inside with multi-colored crystal fondant like the houses in the Crystal Empire! The third level is chocolate inside with…”
As the pink coated Earth Pony trailed on, Flurry and Luster merely looked at one another with a chuckle while they listened to the Party Pony’s long winded description of the epic pastry. While Pinkie Pie continued, Flurry’s other two friends approached to admire the cake as well.
“Well, this certainly looks like a Sugarcube Corner special.” Stated Spike as he too looked up to take in the sight.
“Quite. Dare I say it may be the largest cake I have ever seen.” Cress pointed out with a knowing smile.
Flurry nodded and was about to respond before Pinkie Pie finally finished her description of the cake with a massive exaggerated gasp. “So? How do you like it?”
Flurry couldn’t help but smile and nod, “I love it Mrs Pinkie. You did an incredible job.”
The Party Pony then threw her hoof in the air in triumph, “A super duper incredible job! I’m so glad you like it! Now I have to show everyone else before it gets all eaten up! See you all at the wedding!”
With that, the pink coated Earth Pony trotted off while hoping like a pogo stick. As they watched on, Luster commented, “Wow. When I asked for a large wedding cake I didn’t think Mrs Pinkie would build a tower.”
The others laughed, “Well, with Pinkie Pie concerned you should always expect the unexpected.” Spike mentioned.
As the four friends engaged in their conversation, they were approached by a sharply dressed Pegasus Stallion carrying a tray of wine glasses using one of his wings. “Pardon the intrusion, but would anypony care for a glass of Chardonnay?”
Flurry turned only to notice the Pony was none other than lieutenant Piercing Shield of the Royal Guard. Although it would normally be weird to see Ponies of the guard working as Castle servants, Flurry already knew that many soldiers of the guard were handling security for the engagement party as well as the wedding.
All four friends nodded without question and took a glass of the rich golden colored wine. They each thanked the Pegasus and were about to rekindle their conversation before the Pegasus chimed in once more, “Oh, and one more thing Princess, there is somepony who wished to speak to you privately at the balcony.”
Flurry glanced back to the others, “Sorry guys, but I need to go.”
Her friends each nodded, “Don’t worry about us Flur.” Luster stated.
Without wasting another moment, the young Alicorn made her way over to the balcony while using her magic to bring her wine glass with her. While making her way through the many groups of guests, Flurry pondered who it could be that wished to speak to her in private. While it could perhaps be her Mother or Father, she figured it was most likely either her Aunt Celestia or Luna who had just arrived. Still, it struck her as odd that Piercing Shield had not mentioned the name of this Pony.
After having arrived at the balcony, Flurry looked around only to find nopony. She found it odd that the Pony Piercing Shield had mentioned was not here, however, she figured that they likely left for only a moment to get a drink or some other common reason. As she waited at the ledge of the balcony, Flurry took in the pleasant fresh air of the summer day. Although she enjoyed being in the company of her friends and family, she also appreciated the odd silence and serenity that nature provided. Perhaps it was Mrs Fluttershy’s influence.
After waiting for nearly a minute, Flurry was beginning to worry. She looked over her shoulder, but there was still nopony accompanying her. This was certainly strange as she knew none of her friends or family would play such a trick or prank on her next to maybe Discord or Mrs Rainbow Dash.
The white coated Alicorn waited for another half a minute before she heard a voice behind her, “Princess Flurry Heart.”
Flurry immediately recognized the strong voice and turned around abruptly. After gazing upon the figure, the young royal was greeted by the sight of a very familiar Unicorn Stallion. “Caspian…” She stated with disdain while sporting a noticeable grimace.
The Stallion in question was quite tall and bulky as far as Unicorns went. His coat was as purely white as the plumes of a swan while his mane and tail were a very complementing cream color. His roached mane was quite short, but expertly styled, giving the stallion a very dignified look. On his torso was a very expensive looking navy blue tuxedo accompanied by a tie and white collared shirt.
“I do apologize for my tardiness your grace. I hope I did not keep you waiting long.” The Stallion stated with a charismatic grin while approaching Flurry. The Unicorn then took the Alicorn Mare’s hoof and prepared to plant a kiss on her silver shoe before Flurry yanked her hoof back with force.
“Two minutes. Now what do you want Caspian.” Flurry stated while turning her back on the Unicorn and returning to the edge of the balcony to stare at the Empire below.
The Stallion then pulled his own hoof back with a huff before regaining his composure, “I merely wanted to congratulate you Princess. This is after all a party celebrating your engagement.” The Unicorn pointed out while taking a spot at the edge of the mezzanine next to the irritated Alicorn.
“Why thank you, Baron Blueblood.” She answered with contempt while keeping her eyes as far from the other figure as possible.
The Stallion raised a brow, “Come now Princess, there is no need for such hostility. I have but humble intentions.”
Flurry merely rolled her eyes and continued to look upon the Empire while now taking a sip of the golden wine. Although the beverage was great, it did little to ease her troubled mind. Nor did it remove the problem in the room.
After a brief pause, the charismatic Stallion continued, “I must say, when I heard of your engagement to Lord Sombra, I was certainly taken back.”
Flurry quickly eyed the Stallion before adverting her gaze once more, “Yes. It is meant mostly as a truce to keep the Crystal Empire safe.”
There was one more pause as Flurry took yet another sip of the strong wine. The Stallion then chimed in, “I was also worried for you, my dear. All the rumors I heard throughout Canterlot. Noblecolts and Mares claiming that you’d gone mad. I, however, could only worry for your safety.”
Hearing this statement made Flurry want to vomit. She could easily resign from the balcony and leave the Stallion, but if her history with Caspian was any indication, he was unlikely to sit idly by as that happened. While the two overlooked the kingdom, the exalted Unicorn spoke up, “I have always admired the sight of the Crystal Empire. The perfect geometry, the colors, the tranquility. But each time I see this Kingdom, I am reminded of what true beauty is. I am reminded of you, my dear.”
Flurry yet again rolled her eyes while sipping the rest of the wine and placing the empty glass on the balcony edge. “You’re too kind, Caspian…” The Alicorn answered with biting sarcasm.
“I speak sincerely Princess. Not a day goes by when I don’t lament over our collapsed relationship. Over what could have been.” The affluent Unicorn stated while inching closer to Flurry.
Flurry sighed before backing sufficiently away from the encroaching Unicorn, “That’s far enough Caspian. I’m sure you remember why we broke up in the first place. As far as I’m concerned, you’re still the selfish snob that you always were, and always will be.”
This tirade set the Unicorn back, “How dare you talk like that to me? My father-”
“I don’t care what your father thinks. He is vile, much like yourself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to concern myself with.” Flurry interrupted with a raised tone.
As she began to trot away, she heard the Stallion call back, “Like pursuing an evil Shadow Pony? It seems those rumors about you are true, my lady. You certainly have fallen from grace.”
The Alicorn halted and looked up before turning, “What did you just say?”
The Unicorn Stallion did not back down from Flurry’s threatening tone, and instead held his ground. “You heard me. Come tomorrow, everypony shall see just how far you’ve fallen. You and I could have been adored by Equestria. We could have been so much more. And now look at you. Wooing a tyrannical Unicorn that enslaved your Ponies and cursed them to vanish for over a thousand years. The rumors are correct. You are nothing but a who-”
Before the Unicorn could finish his sentence, Flurry ignited her magic and growled, “Choose your next words carefully Caspian, otherwise it wont just be your inflated ego that is shattered tonight.”
This still did little to intimidate the white coated Unicorn who then smirked, “Such ferocity. In can see why you admire your Fiance. You both have that quality in common. In many ways, I pity your predicament.”
“I’m surprised you can feel any pity when your heart is as dark as Luna’s night.” Flurry retorted.
Caspian chuckled, “You mean to say as dark as your fiance? Tell me something, is he at least charming? Do you know how he is in the be…”
The Stallion trailed off as he noticed something behind Flurry. His expression immediately went from arrogance to that of shock. While she wanted nothing more than to retaliate at her ex, she too was interested in what had spooked the Unicorn so. Before she could even turn her head, another voice chimed in, “Well, what have we here?”
Caspian backed away from the white coated Alicorn as the other figure approached. “I trust I am not interrupting anything, am I Princess?” Stated the voice as its owner took Flurry’s side.
Flurry looked to her left to see her Fiance himself. Sombra was formally dressed with a button up shirt, a nicely folded ascot, and his signature royal red cloak. His mane and tail waved like a loose pure black tapestry while he held his head high. A confident smirk was evident across his face as he eyed the other Stallion with his two fangs exposed.
“No, you aren’t Sombra. I was just speaking to an old acquaintance, right Caspian?” Flurry added while noticing the look of fear on her ex’s face.
The Umbrum raised a brow, “Caspian… What a strong name. I am Lord Sombra. A pleasure to meet you.”
The Shadow Pony held a hoof up as stared Caspian down with his menacing crimson eyes. The white coated Unicorn was hesitant to reply, but offered his hoof as the two shared a formal hoof shake. “Baron Caspian Blueblood son of Duke Blueblood, at your service, Lord Sombra…” He stated with a gulp.
Being a creature of fear, Sombra could see the young Unicorn’s dismay on full display. He relished the feeling as it only strengthened him more. But as much as he enjoyed seeing others cower in front of his presence, the Umbrum could see his Fiance’s glaring look as she was trying to indicate for him to stop. Reluctantly, Sombra stood down but continued to stare the other Stallion down.
Flurry was about to speak up before the Umbrum unexpectedly planted a kiss on her cheek. This prompted a subtle blush from the Alicorn as she tried to make sense of the spontaneous action. “Well, I believe we should return to the party, don’t you agree, my dear Fiance?”
There was silence for a moment as Flurry looked her soon to be husband in the eye, “Uh-Yes. I believe we should.”
With that, the Alicorn turned and exited the balcony, leaving the two Stallions behind. Once his Fiance was out of earshot, Sombra returned his focus back to Caspian. A sadistic look formed on his face, “So… Caspian was it?” A ghostly echo followed the Dark Lord’s voice as he slowly neared the terrified Unicorn.
“Yes s-sir?” Caspian blurted out as he retreated to the railing of the Balcony.
“Have you ever heard of the stories of my kind?” Sombra asked while only inches away from the smaller Unicorn.
Caspian kept his mouth shut as he quickly nodded.
The Umbrum’s sadistic grin widened with his sharp canine teeth glistening like freshly polished swords. His vile purple magical aura ignited in his eyes as his body began to manifest into a shadowy ominous form. “Good. Then let me make myself clear. If you ever so much as set eyes on my Fiance again, I shall ensure that you spend every moment of your life seeing the thing you fear most flashing before your eyes. Whether you are asleep, or wide awake, you will be in a constant state of absolute terror from which there is no escape, nor release. Every horror you have ever imagined shall torment you until you inevitably beg for mercy.”
Caspian’s already white coat now looked as pale as Luna’s moon. His fur was perked up and his body was backed up against the railing overlooking the Crystal Empire below. “Have I made myself clear?” Asked the large imposing figure.
Without hesitation, the Unicorn nodded. After having been satisfied, Sombra resigned himself to his original form while still sporting a confident smirk. “Very good. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind.”
Caspian needed no further encouragement and immediately ran out of the room. Once his prey was gone, Sombra turned to rejoin the still lively party. Luckily, his dramatic exchange had gone unnoticed by most if not all the guests at the party. Flurry had been waiting for him just outside the balcony and had clearly seen his entire charade. A scowl littered her face as she watched him approach.
Once side by side, Flurry went on a light saunter to which he followed. “What a charming young Stallion. I assume you two have a history?” Sombra pried with a raised brow.
“It is none of your business Sombra. He is just an acquaintance. Nothing more.” Flurry answered plainly.
The Umbrum looked unconvinced, “I beg to differ Princess. There is clearly something you aren’t telling me.”
“I told you it is none of your business.” Flurry muttered while hiding her face from her Fiance.
Still skeptical of the Alicorn’s answer, Sombra made his way directly in front of her, stopping the Princess in her tracks. “You two had a relationship once, didn’t you? It is as obvious as the mare in the moon. My suspicion was correct.”
Flurry merely looked up at the Umbrum unamused, “I never said anything of the sort. And I didn’t ask for your help. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some business I need to attend to.”
With that, the white coated Alicorn trotted off leaving Sombra to watch with a confused but devious look. He chuckled to himself before making his way out of the party.
Once alone again, Flurry looked around the large room to check if her Aunts Celestia and Luna had arrived yet. Unfortunately, she could not yet see either of the former Equestrian Princesses. With a defeated sigh, the young Royal made her way to the drink counter. Although she’d already had a glass of Chardonnay, Flurry wanted more than anything to forget about her encounter with her ex. “A glass of Sauvignon please?” The Alicorn asked politely.
The bartender mare nodded, “Right away Princess.”
The Mare then filled a decent sized glass full of the crimson beverage and passed it to Flurry. The young royal thanked the tender and began to slowly sip the bitter drink using her magic to levitate the glass. As she took down the liquor, Flurry watched the many guests of the party conversing and mingling. Almost all of them were familiar, however, some had been invited by her parents, or by Luster. She felt envious about the simpler lives of many of these Ponies. Granted, she could never fully understand the troubles of others, however, she doubted they had ever been in a similar predicament as her before.
After having finished her second glass of wine, Flurry glanced over to the bartender, “One more please.”
The Unicorn Mare behind the counter looked skeptical, however, seeing who was asking, she decided not to protest and poured one last glass of the Cabernet. After taking the refilled glass, Flurry took another sip of the alcoholic drink while still watching the door of the room. As she indulged in the last glass of wine, the Alicorn began to feel a strange feeling below her eyes. Although she had a fairly high tolerance thanks to her Alicorn biology, Flurry knew that she was definitely beginning to feel buzzed.
With a sigh, she set the glass down and shook her head. She was beginning to wonder whether the two former Alicorn Princesses were going to show or not. However, to her relief, Flurry suddenly noticed the heads of some of the guests turn as several figures entered the room. As she glanced over to the entryway, she was thrilled to see the two guests that she had been waiting for all this time.
Without wasting a moment, the young Royal made her way to her long awaited guests. Celestia and Luna immediately noticed their niece approaching, “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! Thanks for coming!” Flurry cheerfully greeted.
The two elder Alicorns smiled with a nod before embracing the young heir in a heartfelt hug, “Thank you Flurry Heart. Sorry for our delay.” Stated Celestia with a comforting tone.
Flurry shook her head, “It’s no problem Aunt Celestia, I’m just glad you two could make it here. I know that you were both traveling the unknown regions.”
“Yes, but thanks to Discord’s ‘invitation’, we heard about your wedding just in time.” Luna replied.
Flurry was about to continue the conversation before realizing just how many eyes were trained on them. Knowing that the question she wanted to ask may lead to an unsettling answer, she asked, “Might we catch up somewhere more private?”
While both elder Alicorns looked at one another with concern, Luna was the one to answer, “I suppose so. Lead the way Flurry Heart.”
And with that, Flurry Heart led the three out of the venue and into one of the empty halls of the Crystal Castle. “I must say Flurry Heart, I am impressed that you managed to follow through on your plan. I was not sure whether Sombra would agree to your terms. You must have been very brave to confront him.”
Flurry nodded, “Yes, I was just as surprised as anypony else that Sombra agreed. As far as bravery goes, I just followed in your examples.”
The former Princesses smiled at the compliment, “You are truly a great heir for the Crystal Empire Flurry Heart. Your parents must be very proud of you.” Stated the Mare of the Moon herself.
Flurry almost blushed before composing herself, “Thank you auntie, but I’m afraid there’s another problem that has come up as of recently. If I’m being honest, it’s one of the reasons I went to such lengths to have you two come.”
Celestia raised a brow, “Another problem?”
The young Alicorn nodded, “It has to do with the returned Crystal Ponies. When I asked them about Sombra, they mentioned that he had nothing to do with their departure from the Empire. Instead they mentioned some fallen ruler that had convinced them to leave.”
Celestia and Luna shared a look before returning to face their niece, “Fallen ruler?” Luna asked.
“They mentioned a name as well. Omni. When I asked Aunt Twilight about it, she showed me a book in your private collection about the five monster factions. Unfortunately, many of the pages on this ‘Countess Omni’ were torn out or missing.” Flurry explained.
There was a pause as both elder Alicorns contemplated the young Royal’s summary. After each nodding to one another, Celestia began, “From what I remember, Countess Omni was a member of Grogar’s court in the days before Equestria. She was a cruel leader of a monster tribe that occupied the land that is now the Crystal Empire. Luna and I never saw Countess Omni. We only heard the stories. I’m afraid, this was so long ago that even I cannot perfectly recall.”
Hearing this only served to worry Flurry Heart more. That being said, however, her curiosity still remained, “That can’t be all to it Aunt Celestia. There has to be more!”
The wise white coated Alicorn sympathized with her niece. She could tell that this meant a lot to the young Princess who wanted nothing more than to protect her Ponies from this potential threat.
Breaking the silent pause, however, was the former Princess of the Night, “I do recall a couple things. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but a lot of my inspiration behind Nightmare Moon was based on the stories of Countess Omni. If I remember correctly, the Ponies of old formed an alliance with one another to face Countess Omni. However, they lacked the power to defeat their foe. It wasn’t until the late Princess Amore gathered the courage to face the monster and stand up for her Ponies. With the power of the Crystal Heart, along with her own magical powers and the unity of the Crystal Ponies, they managed to seal Countess Omni away for eternity.”
The hallway fell quiet once more as all three Alicorns exchanged glances to one another. “Wait, so Princess Amore actually fought Countess Omni?” Flurry asked with her curiosity piqued again.
Luna nodded, “Yes. However, sadly it is impossible to learn more about the tale from her. Not to mention I highly doubt anypony in Equestria would have been alive during that time, much less remember such a distant memory.”
Flurry placed her hoof on her chin as she took in the information. Although vague, it actually helped to provide more context. “That would explain why Sombra claimed he did not know about her. He wasn’t alive during her rule and downfall. His own memoir confirmed that. But it still doesn’t explain why the Crystal Ponies sought her out, or why there are missing pages in the book…” Flurry remarked as she pondered the new development.
Celestia placed a hoof on the younger Alicorn’s shoulder, “Do not worry Flurry Heart, the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Ponies will be quite fine.”
Flurry looked puzzled by this, “But how? This new threat-”
“Because they have a committed, noble, and powerful Princess to protect them.” The wise elder finished with a warming and trusting smile.
Flurry appreciated the compliment, and without warning, she embraced both her her Aunts with her two wings. “Thank you both. I really appreciate you sharing what you know.”
“You’re very welcome Flurry Heart. Never hesitate to seek our knowledge.” Answered the former Princess of the Night.
“Before I forget, I believe I have something that might be of value for your wedding tomorrow.” Stated Celestia as the white coated Alicorn summoned her golden magic aura.
Within a second, a small box appeared before the three. “This was left in my care by one of my first students, Radiant Hope.”
Flurries eyes went wide with realization, “That isn’t what I think it is?”
Celestia nodded and then used her magic to open the small box. Inside was a very finely crafted ring made of 18 karat white gold while housing a bright blue topaz gem inside. Upon closer inspection, Flurry noted a small inscription that read; ‘There Is Always Hope’.
“She meant it as a gift to Sombra. Sadly, she never had the opportunity to present it. But you can.” Celestia spoke as she offered the box to her niece.
Flurry was very humbled by this, “Thank you Aunt Celestia, but this isn’t mine to give. And besides-”
“I have a feeling Hope would have wanted you to give it to him. She wanted nothing more than to make her friend happy, and if it meant having somepony else offer him this gift, I’m sure she would approve.” Celestia interrupted.
Although unsure of whether or not to take the ring, Flurry knew that the elder Alicorn was speaking truthfully. Celestia never did anything without good reason, and this was certainly no different. After a deep breath, Flurry used her magic to take the box. “Thank you.” She stated simply.
The keeper of the sun nodded with a knowing smile, “You are most welcome Flurry Heart. We wish you the best of luck for your big day tomorrow.”
Some time had passed since the engagement party, and the air around the Crystal Castle had settled just as Luna’s moon was rising over the darkening sky. As the Royal family saw their guests out, Lord Sombra could be found roaming the hallway on the way to his quarters. While walking through the passage, Sombra thought back to the party, and to the big day yet to come. It wasn’t like him to dwell on such arbitrary things such as these, but lately it was one of the few things that occupied his mind.
He also could not shake the memory of the interaction he’d had with his Fiance during said party. Sombra was rarely protective of anything less it be his pride or being. He could not quite understand what had prompted him to defend his soon to be wife with such ferocity. Perhaps it was just an excuse to feed off another soul’s fear. Or perhaps it was something else entirely.
As he reached the entrance to his quarters, the Dark Lord twisted the knob and opened the large door. Once open, the Umbrum was puzzled to find the lights of his room completely dimmed. This was highly irregular for him, but he figured that it was likely as a result of the many Castle servants being preoccupied with the party. With a shrug, he entered the room and shut the door behind him.
After taking a few steps, however, the Shadow Pony heard the sound of a sword unsheathing behind him. “Walk no further, monster.” Stated a voice.
In a moment, the lights of his room all brightened slightly. All throughout his room Sombra could see soldiers of the Royal Guard wearing their service armor as well as baring their weapons. The Dark Unicorn counted nearly 30 guards in all.
“This had better be some elaborate prank.” Sombra stated with an unamused expression as he turned his head back to the one who’d addressed him.
“This is no prank, ‘my lord’.” Answered the Stallion in a crude mocking tone while taking his sword and pointing it at the neck of his target.
“You’re an enemy of the Crystal Empire and our Ponies, so it is our duty to remove monsters like you. I suggested this to our Princess and the Captain, however, they refused and said we should abide by our ‘truce’. So we decided to take matters into our own hooves.” Stated the Stallion with courage.
Sombra raised a brow while now sporting a devious smirk, “I see. And how do you suppose you will do that?”
“We’re only going to give you this one warning. Leave the Crystal Empire and never return.” The Guard replied with a determined scowl.
The Umbrum raised a brow, “And if I don’t?”
“Then we’ll be forced to make you. We aren’t afraid of you, and we’re prepared to do whatever is necessary to defend our Ponies.” The Stallion stated while he signaled to his other brethren who advanced closer to their target.
Sombra quickly glanced around the room to see the other guards approaching him, “Well, that is quite endearing. You will fall braver than most.” The Umbrum said with a now present echo as his previously casual expression became impatient.
“Last chance monster, leave peacefully or we will be forced to do things the hard way.” The Guard spouted.
The guards stood firm with their weapons drawn and held towards the target. But nothing could prepare them for what was to come next. In an instant, the Dark Lord’s form began to radiate a vicious black cloudy aura. His eyes illuminated the room with a ghostly green and purple ambiance. The guards began to feel a wave of chilling air around them.
“I have always preferred doing things the difficult way. Now, shall we begin?” Sombra stated with a tone so horrifying that many of the guards backed away.
The quill moved in quick succession from one letter to the next. Occasionally it was lifted ind briefly dipped into the ink before being set back to work by it’s user. Flurry Heart was currently finishing up her latest diary entry before getting some much needed sleep for the next day. It was rather unconventional for her to write her entries in the evening, however, considering the number of important events recently, and not to mention the importance of the next day, she figured now was the best time to do such an activity.
As she finished the final word a paragraph, the young Royal heard a series of knocks on her door followed by a strange chilling wave of air. “This late at night?” She thought to herself while setting the quill down into its resting place and ruffling her feathers.
Not even six seconds after the first, another series of knocks ensued. Whatever or whomever was at her door, they wanted her urgently. After reluctantly leaving her table, the Alicorn made her way to the door, “Coming!”
As she opened the door, Flurry’s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped before the sight. There, standing directly in front of her was her soon to be husband Lord Sombra. The Umbrum stared directly at his fiance intently with a horrid dark magic aura emanating from his eyes. His pure black mane and tail radiated like a raging fire, and steam exuded from his nostrils as he breathed loudly. His normally well kept cloak and attire looked to have been cut and scratched in many areas. Beside him he levitated a sword and a helmet that the Alicorn recognized all too well.
“Good evening Princess Flurry Heart.” The Umbrum spoke with a menacing tone.
Flurry began to shiver at the revelation, “S-Sombra… What have you done!?” She exclaimed.
The Umbrum’s attention did not waver. He took the sword using his magic and jabbed the blade directly into the floor before Flurry’s door. He then set the helmet down on top the sword’s pommel.
“That’s Flash’s helmet! What happened to him!?” Flurry asked frantically.
“So you do know him. Well, did you know that he brought a number of other soldiers from your guard to attempt a coup?” Sombra asked with a commanding voice.
Flurry was silent for a moment as she put the pieces together. “What!? No! I would never order them to do something like that!” She answered without falter.
“Surprising how little control you have over your own subordinates. Your loyal soldiers are alive, but should such a coup ever happen again, this may not be the case. Luckily, rebellions such as these will be a thing of the past when I am KING.” Sombra stated as his tone became more tame.
The shocked Alicorn did nothing but stare in horror as she feared the worst. “Now, I suggest you get your rest, my dear fiance. We have our big day tomorrow, and I would hate for something to spoil it.” The Dark Lord said before quickly and abruptly leaving.
As she stared at the sword and helmet in the floor Flurry brushed her shaky hooves through her mane, “What have I done…”
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Finally came out, I already missed this story.
11423215
Indeed. Hope you liked the latest one!
You're really leaning hard on the TOTR inspiration, huh?
11668770
What can I say? It's an awesome comic series and I'm a huge fan of Figment Forms