A pony called Harmony Spark has revived King Sombra from the dead and she attempts to befriend and possibly reform him. But Harmony finds out that there is more to him than meets the eye.. She fears something... Or someone, is controlling him. So
A pony called Harmony Spark has revived King Sombra from the dead and she attempts to befriend and possibly reform him. But Harmony finds out that there is more to him than meets the eye.. She fears something... Or someone, is controlling him. So, Harmony Is willing to help the stallion to enlightenment. But maybe, just maybe, she might get a feeling she never had before...
One early morning at the peak of the Crystal Mountains, a young mare coloured white as the snow, trekked through the perilous snowstorm that occurred. The young mare was named Princess Harmony Spark, a princess of imagination and creativity in both mind and body. The alicorn trotted against the icy breath of the mountains, against the bitter, arctic temperatures. Normally, a pony with this amount of courage would turn back. But not this mare. Harmony persevered up the hostile mountain, breathing every ounce of pure air lingering in her lungs.
As she was about to collapse to the cold ground, Harmony found her destination. She found a vast, desolate cave, coloured an pitch black with only the entrance as its light. An exhausted but strong-willed Harmony then explored the cave when she discovered an ancient tomb, damaged and very dusty. The white mare tried to open the tomb with her every muscle of strength but try as she might, the tomb wouldn't open. The white mare growled in frustration and angrily used her bright purple magic to blast it. The magical energy blasted a hole big enough for Harmony to reach her hoof in and then she found the horn of the deceased, evil King Sombra. Harmony then placed the horn on top of a nearby crystal in the cave. She then stood back and focussed on the crystal. Harmony used her mind power to imagine that there was nothing else in the cave except for her and the crystal.
"Okay, here it goes." said Harmony in determination.
The alicorn began to use her magic as her magic aura turned bright, sparkling purple into a twisted black. Hazes of green and purple started to form around Harmony's horn, while her eyes emitted a purple smoke. Suddenly, she shot the dark magic onto the crystal. The crystal and the horn both combined in a pitch black colour, smothered in dark magic. Harmony was only concentrated on the crystal as her fuelled magic was burning with pure strength. Her eyes glowed a bright green and her now red irises narrowed into slits. This magic was exhilarating, Harmony thought. All her remaining energy was running extremely low, this may kill her, but Harmony had to try. Finally, the spell was complete. Harmony then feel to the floor as she breathed heavily, thankful for keeping herself alive. Harmony's eyes and her magic then reverted to normal.
She watched in unease as the crystal connected with the horn formed a black, eye-blinding smoke, the cave grew black crystals from its walls. Then, as a red and green spark was beginning to form, Harmony realised the spark gained more energy as she leapt behind a stalagmite for cover. Then, there was a sudden explosion, fumed in colossal black smoke.
As the smoke cleared, the white alicorn carefully walked towards a black, oozing substance in the middle of the cave floor. As her hoof touched it, it began to form a hoof. Harmony gasped as she witnessed the black substance shaped itself into a tall, grey stallion with grey armour and a flowing black mane. The horn connected to the substance grew onto the stallion's head, along with a small pointed crown. The stallion opened his eyes coloured a blood red, vivid green and trailed purple smoke. The stallion was King Sombra.
" It's so good to be back!" said King Sombra as he laughed demonically. "Tartarus was most unwelcoming. But hopefully, that's the last time I'll set my eyes at that hellhole. Now, who shall I thank for my rising from the dead?" he asked.
"Uh, me actually." Harmony replied timidly.
"You?" the king replied, confused.
Harmony was quite nervous meeting this sadistic creature, but she mustered up the courage to greet him with respect as she normally would.
"Um, hello. I'm Harmony Spark, the princess of imagination. I sorta brought you back to life and I'm here to help you." She meekly asked with an awkward smile.
King Sombra was surprised that an alicorn princess actually revived him from the dead. The fact that she was a ruler of goodness who resurrected him, a king of shadow and fears, was truly puzzling for him.
"Tell me, young mare. Why did you bring me back? Why did you come all this way just to let me live once more?" he asked.
"Well, as everypony knows, you've been responsible of taking over the Crystal Empire and have tried to enslave the Crystal Ponies along with it. As much I despise you for your horrific crime, I still think there's a chance to reform you. Princess Cadance has given me permission to revive you and I wanted to help you turn over a new leaf and become a better stallion." Harmony explained.
"Reform me? That's your task? To bring me back and make me one of your own low-life, pitiful subjects?!" Sombra replied in a burning rage.
"Well, yeah. Scratch the 'low-life' bit." Harmony replied.
As the king turned away, his anger grew stronger. How dare an insignificant mare bring him back to life and force him to become one of those pathetic, small, foolish Crystal Ponies who never respected him as a glorious king! His anger was forming massive amounts of dark magic; he was ready to annihilate the mare in front of him. But then, an idea began to form in his mind. This alicorn has revived him and wanted to reform him. Maybe if he can gain her trust and use her royal status to learn about Cadance's weaknesses, convince her to join his side and be ready to rule the Crystal Empire once again. Why not, he thought. She seemed an easy target and naïve. Maybe she can become his Queen if he liked her enough. He gave a conniving, malicious smile before he turned around to face Harmony.
"What was your name again, young mare?" the king finally said.
"H-Harmony Spark." Harmony replied. Even though she was confident of meeting Sombra, his mere presence did send some chills down her spine. She wasn't sure whether he was going to kill her or not, but something about him was enough for her to keep her spirits up a little.
"Harmony Spark, it would be an honour if a wandering, lost soul such as I would be reformed kind, thoughtful princess like you." Said King Sombra, as he charmed the mare.
"Hm, thanks." The princess answered as she blushed.
"Please, take me to Princess Cadance." The king smugly requested, knowing Harmony would easily accept.
With a knowing smile, Harmony then escorted the king outside the cave's entrance, where the harsh weather had fortunately died away. King Sombra was exuberant. With an incredibly gullible princess by his side, he will finally, after more than 1000 years, to finally take over the Crystal Empire once more and KEEP it that way. All his hopes and dreams, all that time and energy taken away from his life, clawing his way up to his true destiny. He finally had his chance in his hooves. He was about to achieve his destiny.
"Sombra, I'm really sorry about this." Said Harmony Spark.
"What do you m-?" Before he could finish, he suddenly fell to the icy ground, he slowly looked up to the alicorn, noticing a small syringe,that levitated by her magic aura. He tried to figure what was in it, but he slowly, slowly became weaker and weaker. Then, everything went black.
A weakened King Sombra slowly opened his eyes, his senses were working at full speed and his conscious was then regained. The first thing he noticed was the room. He was supposed to be at the Crystal Castle! He saw that the carpets were different; there were stained glass windows, especially the one with the Crystal Ponies in it. In fact, the more he looked around the room, the more he realised this wasn't the Castle at all. He hadn't been in any other castle before. What is this place? The king thought and why was he brought here? Sombra must find out.
After a few blinks, he saw the alicorn mare he just met, talking extremely close to his face and spoke in a suprisingly cheerful tone;
"Whoosh, he blinked! Whoosh, he blinked and boom! He's back in the room. Had a good sleep, Sombra? No need to thank me, you're quite welcome." said Harmony Spark, who helped the grey stallion up to his hooves.
King Sombra anxiously observed the castle room, and saw four other alicorns standing before him. He immediately recognised Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadance and also was perplexed at Twilight Sparkle; the purple mare with a blue, pink and purple mane, the pony that defeated him a year ago as he tried to take back the Crystal Empire once again, had actually gained princesshood. King Sombra then stared in confusion.
"I know, this castle is brilliant, ain't it? In fact, this castle gets even better every time I visit. Is it the floor, or the stained glass windows? And is the castle's windows ALL stained glass windows and-?" Harmony Spark commented then was interrupted by King Sombra's anger.
"What is going on? Why aren't we in the Crystal Castle?!" he shouted in rage.
"Ha-ha! You really thought that I was THAT gullible? I knew that you had the eyes set on the Crystal Empire the moment I resurrected you, so I quickly injected you with chloroform so I can take you to Canterlot, without you trying to kill everypony. Besides, you wouldn't be a good stallion if you dictated an empire, murdered a princess, gained the energy of the Crystal Heart and sent the Crystal Ponies in an endless path of depression, wouldn't you? " Harmony explained, with a proud smile. This further angered Sombra.
"You conniving, treacherous fool! I was THIS CLOSE to rule the Empire once again, I waited a 1000 damn years to achieve this moment. My whole life was about to change if I stepped hoof in that place! But you… You had the nerve to blind me and trick me into your ridiculous plan! But not THIS time. NO pony will stop me now and no pony makes a fool out of me!" Sombra yelled and he was about to blast the mare with his dark magic, bubbling and flickering in energy.
Luna, Cadance and Twilight Sparkle were about to interfere, but Celestia calmly stopped them in their tracks. She knew Harmony was in control of this situation. She knew Harmony was one step ahead of Sombra.
As the king charged at her, Harmony then quickly reaches her mind. Her magic inside her imagination then constructed a weapon, a sword, made of crystals and Harmony visualized the sword into life. As the other princesses watched in concern, Harmony then quickly dodged Sombra, her horn glowed a bright purple as her magic power turned her imagined weapon from her mind into life. She quickly slashed the unicorn king across the chest with the mystical blade, grabbed him and threw him to the floor. As blood smeared across the castle floor, Sombra looked up astonished. It never came to his head that this princess had an incredible strength. He never knew that her mind power and her magic power were connected. He knew she had magical power, yes, but not this kind. He saw Harmony Spark, as she pulled a stern look and responded to the wounded stallion.
"If YOU have the nerve to attack me or ANY of my subjects, you'll get a one-way train-ticket to Tartarus. Now do yourself a favour; shut up and listen to Celestia and NEVER use that filthy magic again. Understand?" said Harmony in an icy, still tone. She then used her magic to clean up the blood upon the floors and fixed the blood wound on the king's chest.
King Sombra smirked at this mare's determination and grit. As nopony questioned his authority or even stood up to him, it almost seemed like a joke to him. He may be amazed by Harmony's extraordinary power, especially for an alicorn, he knew for a true fact that she'll fall, she must have a weakness. And if there's a weakness, he can use it to his advantage. But Sombra won't go ahead of himself, he can play along. For now.
"My, your courage amazes me, Harmony. The strength of your mind and your magical ability is very powerful. Very well, since you're the one who 'revived' me, I'll obey your command and listen to what you and 'Princess Celestia' has to say." said King Sombra as he arrogantly smiled. He then stood up and faced the princesses.
Princess Celestia was offended by Sombra's words, but she stayed calm and collected;
"King Sombra, as you already know, Princess Harmony Spark has revived you from the highest peaks of the Crystal Mountains." said Celestia to the grey stallion.
"I know, you obviously sent her there." King Sombra replied. "Now I think about it, why did you want to bring me back anyway? That's not like you, Celestia. Bringing a fearless and so-called 'evil' king up from the dead because he 'terrorized' an empire? Is it Cadance? Is she too pathetic a leader to perform a simple duty as ruling-"He insulted, before being interrupted.
"BE QUIET!" Twilight Sparkle growled, not taking any more of Sombra's cruelty.
"Twilight, I'm not offending anypony, I'm merely asking a question." He replied innocently.
"Well, Celestia can ANSWER your question, if you just be quiet." Twilight retorted.
"Thank you, Twilight. King Sombra, as confusing this may be; I only gave PERMISSION for Harmony to revive you. It was all Harmony's idea."
"What?! Why?" King Sombra exclaimed as he looked at Harmony, as she smiled awkwardly. For once, he stopped in his words and began to listen.
"Harmony sent a letter to me yesterday, suggesting that she found a way of reforming you. Harmony has quite well-known in her home town for seeing the goodness in everypony, no matter how evil or corrupted they are. She even befriended the Bat Ponies, who used to live in the Everfree Forest. Now, thanks to her, they are welcomed members of society. And I knew she can use her good nature and willpower to help reform you, Sombra. So I decided to provide her the whereabouts of your remains in the Crystal Mountains and allowed her to revive you."
Sombra was speechless. He had no idea that this whole idea was from this white mare that stood before him, he couldn't figure it out. Why is this happening? Why did it happen to him? Sombra's mind was swimming in thought. He was about to protest but the more princesses talked, the more he understood what's going on. Princess Cadance now began to talk to the stallion.
" King Sombra, since you are now becoming a member of society, there are a set of rules you must follow. Firstly, you MUST follow everything Harmony says. She will teach everything on how to become a citizen. Secondly, you must treat everypony with respect and kindness. It will be hard, but it's the right thing to do. And finally, you will no longer be allowed to enter the Crystal Empire UNTIL you are a fully-certified citizen. If you even think about sneaking into the Empire, the forcefield will annihilate any evil that comes across and don't think on using dark magic because the force field is resistant to any evil magic."
The rules Cadance explained turned Sombra's feelings from stunned curiosity into burning fury. How dare the princesses think HE should be reformed! A member of society? Him? The omnipotent and noble King Sombra? No, he thought, he can't just be normal stallion with useless life. He was destined for greatness, he knew he would be a glorious ruler and they think that he should be good enough to be nothing more than a servant, obeying to their command? No, he won't let these so-called "rulers" puppet him on his way of life. He wouldn't let them. As he began to form his dark magic, Cadance continued to talk.
"And by the way, Sombra, there are some things that you need to return to me." She added, looking at his armour and his horned crown. "You're not a King anymore."
As Princess Cadance said those very words, Sombra froze in horror. What he thought was his perfect day had now turned into his worst nightmare. He had to wake up, he thought; he can't stay any longer in this nightmare. Sombra closed his eyes, pleading and begging that this was nothing but a dream. It had to be a dream. He slowly opened his eyes, to reveal him back in the princesses' castle. It wasn't a dream.
"No, no. You can't do this to me!" Sombra roared; he then glared at Harmony in sheer rage.
He forcibly smashed his front hooves to the ground, which caused large, pitch black crystals to form around Harmony Spark. The princesses tried to intervene, but Harmony stops them in their tracks. She then looks up at the tall, ominous crystals and began to hug each one. Sombra was deeply amused by this;
"Hahaha! Oh please, is that the BEST way you can think of? Giving my invincible crystals a pathetic act of love?" Sombra jeered, before his laughter died away as he gazed in shock.
Harmony's hugging had somehow turned the crystals colours from black to a bright, glowing purple. She then used her magic to then levitate the crystals, aimed at Sombra and threw them towards the stallion. Sombra knew he had to move, but he was too busy just staring at this strange act of magic, He then closed his eyes to meet his death, but opens them, finding out that the crystals were stuck in the ground. Sombra then looked up at a stern-looking Harmony and growled softly.
"Second warning." Harmony replied to the stallion, as she blasted the purple crystals to dust. "Now, I believe you owe Cadance a certain crown, armour and robes?" She added.
He wouldn't dare to give over his kingly possessions, but Sombra knew that Harmony would be always ready with her perplexing magic if he refuses. He had no choice. Sombra then reluctantly handed over his robes, crown and armour. His red, green eyes with purple smoke turned into red-snake like eyes. Harmony pulled a small smile at her stallion friend, as she was hoping to ensure no hard feelings, but Sombra remained livid.
"Now, just like Cadance said, you must follow what Harmony Spark tells you. She will explain what it means to be a good friend. And to make sure none of this mess happens again, you are hereby prohibited to use any dark magic from now on. You can now only use normal magic for the rest of your life." commanded Princess Luna, to a now horrified Sombra.
She then placed a magical spell on Sombra's curved horn, as it created a helical ribbon of blue magical light around it. Sombra looked up to his magically-secured horn; he quickly retaliated as he used more dark magic to break the spell, but to no success.
"Thank you, sister. Twilight, I want you to accompany Harmony with Sombra back to Ponyville. You do have a spare room available in your house, Harmony?" asked Princess Celestia.
"Sure. (gasps) It'll be just like a sleepover! Instead of one night, you'll be staying for weeks and weeks, until you get a job! I gotta pinch myself, because I must be dreaming!" Harmony energetically answered and hugged Sombra tightly.
"How I wish it was." Sombra bemoaned.
"Harmony will report your status to me, Sombra. And if you're fully reformed, Luna will break the spell. However you are still banned from using any dark magic again, after you're reformed. You may now be accused." Celestia added.
Harmony, Sombra and Twilight both walked out of the hallway. Sombra pulled a menacing glare at the princesses, before closing the door. As they walked out of the castle into the streets of Canterlot, Sombra marvelled at the newly improved Canterlot. He had never been to Canterlot for over 1000 years. The more he saw, his anger quickly turned into wonderment. There he stood mesmerized; he looked upon the countless shops and the town viewed by all of Equestria as Celestia's radiant sun glowed its rays onto the spacious gardens behind him.
"It's…It's beautiful." Sombra muttered to himself. The sheer beauty of Canterlot's environment had somehow got to him. If he ruled the Crystal Empire, it wouldn't look anything like this. So prosperous, so bright. He can't help but smile. "Canterlot is better than I remember. I haven't been here for a long time. To be honest, I think that it was really nice of you to bring me back to life, Harmony. You're really nice and very strong-willed. And Twilight, I wanted to say congratulations on your coronation. You truly deserve it." said Sombra gently.
"Huh?" said Twilight and Harmony in unison. Since when did Sombra act pleasant all the sudden? That's not like him at all. As she stared in confusion, Harmony then noticed the change in Sombra's eyes. Curiosity began to grow inside her.
Before Sombra can reply, his eyes shone a dark green. Inside his mind, he felt something coming. It looked like a creature of some kind. Sombra cried in throbbing agony as the creature in his mind tried to overcome him. He couldn't tell what, but he wanted it gone. His eyes glowed from normal to green whilst the creature inside him gnawed at his conscience. The creature took full control of Sombra's body. He told him to do something. The ponies of Canterlot witnessed the event and galloped away as the crazed Sombra glared at them with pure fury.
Twilight held back an anxious Harmony, as Sombra prepared himself. He then stopped in the middle of the street, with only two alicorn mares watching in helplessness. With his teeth ground sharp, Sombra then pierced his teeth into his own limb. Harmony cried in distress, as blood dripped across Sombra's limbs. Tears dripped down the stallion's face. How he wanted it to stop, but he couldn't. He wanted to fight it, but he couldn't. He was powerless against the creature. Sombra then tore out his blood-stained fangs out of the wounded leg and then collapsed to the floor.
"Sombra! What's happened to you? Are you okay? Please wake up. Please." She tearily asked as she ran to Sombra's side. To Harmony's joy, Sombra then slowly opened his eyes. But her delight was short-lived. His eyes weren't back to normal.
"GET OFF ME, MORTAL!" He yelled in a more twisted, demented tone. He then lunged at the two mares, about to blast them with some dark magic. But Luna's spell kicks in and stops the unicorn in his destruction. The blue magic around Sombra's created a magic barrier which stopped the black magic from being formed. The barrier then caused Sombra to fall on the ground, as he trembled from his bleeding wound that smeared the streets.
As Sombra fell into unconsciousness, both Twilight and Harmony looked down upon the injured stallion with concern. As blood still dripped from his injured leg, Twilight looked out upon the now empty street, her mind now made up after this tragedy.
After turning to Harmony, Twilight argued, “Harmony, usually your ideas are well-thought out. But I’m sorry, this is a HORRIBLE idea. What were you thinking?! You can’t just let Sombra run free and expect to reform him! What if THIS sort of thing happens again, what if next time he attacks somepony else or perhaps an entire city? It’s too dangerous!”
Harmony did agree with her friend. It was a dangerous task, but after remembering the kind, friendly Sombra before going back into his old violent self, she knew that there was more to him than meets the eye. And for that, she had to defend him.
“Twilight, listen.” She looked down at the Sombra, the odd phenomenon that had happened right before he snapped. “Something is wrong with him.” She said calmly.
“He’s NOT evil. He may act evil but deep inside; I see a kind and gentle soul. You were there with me. You heard what he said. You saw how he was acting before he had that outburst. He was being friendly and sweet. But…” Memories flashed before Harmony’s eyes, remembering Sombra’s cries of pain and pictured Sombra’s eyes. The way they had suddenly switched colour; the excruciating pain he must have felt. “But…something turned him, something inside his mind made him more of a monster than usual. That something is taken away.” A spark of fear entered her heart as she got a little closer to the unconscious stallion, looking him over and wondering if he was going to suddenly jump up and go on a rampage again. “Now that I think about it, I think he might be possessed.”
“What?” said Twilight absurdly, looking in disbelief. Surely she couldn’t be THAT acceptable in Sombra’s “goodness.”
“I’m not sure, but the way his eyes shifted colours like that… that tormented look on his face and…” Tears trickled from her eyes as she remembered again that pained look on his Sombra’s face. “The way he cried out in agony. I feel that’s a sure sign that he’s being tortured by someone or something. Maybe...” She quietly mumbled; but perked up as she turned to Twilight to continue her words. “Maybe if I reformed him, then I can cure him of this possession. I will stop this something or someone if it’s the last thing I’ll do.”
With Harmony’s courage, Twilight truly wanted to trust her friend with this, but her doubts still clouded her; she felt that the stakes were rising if they carried on with this dangerous task.
“I value your determination, Harmony, but this is too much for you to handle. You can’t just reform somepony like Sombra. You remember the stories of what he did to the Crystal Ponies back then, don’t you? Of how he mentally and physically tortured them until they had no hope of escaping his grasp or ever having the courage to fight him? I KNOW Cadence had told you all about it. Besides, if we do reform him, there’s no guarantee that he’ll STAY reformed. So, for the sake of everypony’s safety, I suggest you send Sombra back to Tartarus before he causes any more havoc.”
Harmony Spark did know the stories, and she understood where Twilight was coming from. However, she wasn’t as silly or naïve as her friend thought she was. Meeting Twilight’s eyes head-on she said, “Come on, Twilight. I’m not just doing this on a mere whim. I did it because I can see the good in every pony, just like Celestia said. I want to become his friend because…because I care about him. If you don’t want to help, then that’s fine. You don’t have to.” Closing her eyes, she knew she did have to admit the possibility. “If…things go wrong, and Sombra DOES attempt to harm or kill any others because of my bringing him back to life, then I’m prepared to accept full responsibility for my actions.” She opened her eyes once more, staring into Twilight’s. “Twilight, I want to become his friend. Not for Celestia, not for Equestria, but for the sake of friendship. You, Twilight, one of the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony, should know more than anypony else that friendship is one of the most powerful magic there is. My instincts, my heart says we should give him a second chance. Please…I know that you don’t agree with me but please… please give me this chance.” She wore a nearly depressing look at the thought that Twilight would refuse, but she wasn’t going to beg.
After letting out a long sigh, Twilight closed her eyes to think. She thought long and hard about the possible consequences of giving in and letting Harmony have her way. She knew the possibility of a large amount of damage was almost certain. There was no guarantee that Luna’s spell would hold on forever. And if Sombra somehow was, then he would surely do all he could to find a way to remove it so he could use his dark magic to become the tyrannical warlord he was once was.
But…Harmony had said that she was willing to accept responsibility for anything that went wrong in her endeavour, and she knew her friend was just as powerful as Sombra. Besides, she’d proved twice already that she could overpower him if he got out of control. There was still a danger, but she then remembered that one of the most important parts of friendship was having trust in your friends and lending them a hoof if they weren’t strong enough on their own.
“Okay, Harmony. I trust you. You can give it your best shot to try and befriend him. And if you need help, I and the others will always be there for you. But, he’ll have none of our trust until he’s COMPLETELY reformed, and you’re fully responsible for his actions.” Twilight kindly, but firmly replied.
“Of course I will. I said that before. Thank you, Twilight. You truly are a great friend.” She jumped up, giving Twilight a big hug. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Sombra will come around shortly.”
“I hope so.” said Twilight, with a trusting smile. But that wasn’t the only reason she was smiling. She felt that Harmony Spark bore a strong resemblance to Pinkie Pie in personality. She was quirky and energetic, did all she could to make new friends, refused to see the bad in others, and despite their cheerful nature, both of them knew to get serious when it was necessary.
As the two mares reconciled, Sombra slowly awakened from the creature’s control. He was still King Sombra, but he no longer felt like a possessed monster. His vision was blurred. His mind still felt infected from the creature inside him, but his senses were slowly coming back to him. “What…what happened to me?” He asked slowly, trying to collect his memory. Suddenly he saw the upside-down face of Harmony Spark above him, a smile appeared on her face.
“Well, apart from going blooming insane, calling me a mortal, scaring the living daylights out of everypony, and cutting yourself, nothing happened.” Her smile switched to a concerned expression. “Seriously though, are you alright?” She looked worriedly at Sombra’s bleeding limb.
“I…I’m fine.” Sombra replied dismissively as he got to his feet. “It’s just a scratch.” “Scratch, nothing! You almost cut your hoof off. We need to get you to a hospital and quickly!” Harmony sternly responded.
“Harmony…” Twilight started hesitantly. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but after that outburst, I don’t think that the Canterlot Hospital will want to look after him.” Thinking it over, she hatched an idea. “Harmony, why don’t you do it? You healed him before. And you did pass a medical course in Trottingham University.”
“Yeah, I did heal him, but I’m still not that good at magical healing. All I did was close the wound because the slash I gave him earlier with the sword was very shallow and I only did it to show him I meant business. The wound here is a lot deeper, so I don’t know if just closing the wound is going to be enough. We need to get back to Ponyville, quickly.” Harmony concluded, whilst she and Twilight both helped the injured stallion to the nearby train station.
As the train left for Ponyville, the two princess sisters watched it race down the tracks. Celestia and Luna each had a different expression. Luna watched hopefully, believing in Harmony and hoping Sombra would be reformed and freed from his evil just like she had been before. As she stared at her sister, however, she could see a worried look was all over her face. “Do not fear, sister. Harmony knows what she’s doing. And my spell will prevent Sombra from casting any dark magic.”
Staring forlornly at the train vanishing on the horizon, Celestia replied, “I know, Luna. But even though his dark magic is gone, he might still be a threat...”
“Good, we’re back. Twilight, help me out please.” Harmony asked Twilight as they both carried the wounded Sombra off the train’s platform of Ponyville. “I’ll wrap the wound up again, just to be safe.” Harmony added, magically wrapping more bandage around Sombra’s front hoof. Several ponies looked at the alicorns in sheer horror, what were Twilight Sparkle and Harmony Spark, two alicorn princesses, doing with the one creature that threatened the Crystal Empire twice? Why is he back? Has Celestia gone mad? What if Sombra will seize control of Equestria? Twilight pulled a smile to reassure her Ponyville subjects, but it made them more paranoid than before. She knew how they felt, she felt the same way hours ago, but she knew what Harmony was doing.
“Don’t worry, Harmony. I’ll explain everything to them later. Hopefully, they’ll understand.” Twilight reassured her alicorn friend. “Yeah, I hope so. I know it may seem like a big risk, but we got the others to help, don’t they?” Harmony cheerfully replied.
“I don’t think that anypony would be able to help anytime soon.” said an unsettled Twilight.
“Well, if we explain that the situation is and we tell them what we need to do, I’m sure they’ll understand.” Harmony explained to Twilight, as she figured out a plan to make everypony understand the dire situation they’re in and whether the ponies will give them the benefit of the doubt.
“Will you both SHUT UP and take me to a hospital? The less speeches I hear about petty friendship, the happier I’ll be.” Sombra added, irritated by Harmony’s personality. Twilight clearly was peeved by Sombra’s behaviour but after seeing Harmony’s optimistic look, she knew that Harmony did care for him and Twilight wanted to help her alicorn friend.
“Don’t worry, Sombra. We’ll take you to Ponyville Hospital and get that wound sorted. It won’t be far, Sombie.” Harmony replied, slightly giggling at the nickname she just made up.
“Don’t EVER call me that.” Sombra coldly sneered back, struggling to contain his anger. He may not be King anymore, but he wouldn’t DARE being embarrassed by ponies naming him an irritating pet name.
As the mares walked Sombra off the station, several ponies froze in shock as they witnessed Sombra supported by two alicorn princesses. Twilight and Harmony saw their happy, bright looks slowly turn into looks of fear and anxiety. They began to whisper, as they wondered if Sombra would strike at them, if Cadance was defeated or if the princesses they saw before them were under his spell... Then, Ponyville went quiet. Quiet, but not at peace.
Twilight didn’t want any more controversy over this situation. She already knew that Harmony had this plan handled. She began to comfort the citizens to put down their defensive, yet afraid sides. “Listen, everypony. We know this is wrong and we know how dangerous the situation is. But, Harmony has brought him here for a good reason.” Twilight asked reassuringly to the worried crowd, but that just made their fears rise.
“Everypony, don’t worry! I brought Sombra back to life not to cause any more fear or worry He is here because I want to reform him. I understand this is extremely dangerous but I and the other princesses are sure that I can reform him. When I do, I will be responsible for my actions and if he ever goes on a rampage, I will do everything in my power to keep him under control.” Harmony explained to the troubled ponies, trying to get the pressure off Twilight and the fear out of the rest of Ponyville.
Ponyville residents began to murmur amongst themselves. Harmony’s plan seemed too much of a risk for them. Twilight attempted to speak in order to gain their trust but everypony stopped talking. Sombra then stood on all four hooves and walked towards the ponies, as they froze in horror. Sombra stared at them. Everypony was afraid that he might attack them right out of nowhere.
“Sombra, don’t you dare hurt them!” Harmony shouted angrily, as her horn glowed, ready to tap into her imagination again. She wouldn’t allow another riot.
But to her surprise, Sombra didn’t hurt them. He pulled a menacing smile at the ponies and spoke: “Don’t be afraid, fellow ponies; I am not here to take over this town. I’m here to STAY. However, you all must understand that I didn’t rise from the dead myself. Harmony DID come up with this mission. If you should be afraid of anypony, it should be her. She DID bring the very sources of your nightmares back to life.” said Sombra calmly. His words caused the ponies to pull maddened looks at Harmony. But Harmony won’t stand for this any longer.
“SOMBRA!” Harmony yelled furiously, as tears started to form in her angered eyes. Doubts began to cloud her. She then realised that Twilight did have a point. Sombra WAS too difficult to control. Before she can do anything, Sombra continued: “Harmony, I’m only having a conversation. As a matter of fact, I’m telling the truth. If you brought a so-called ‘EVIL’ and powerful king such as myself back from the grave, doesn’t that mean that you’re a bad leader? If Celestia made you a princess, she’s clearly doesn’t realise how pathetic a leader you truly are.”
Harmony then stood in fear, as she flashbacked to a memory almost two years ago... She recalled her howling, maniacal laughter… her uncontrollable sobbing as she woke up every morning… the agonizing thought that she was unloved... Sombra was bringing up a dark, cruel memory to her, even though he didn’t know it at all… Harmony clearly underestimated Sombra’s nature. In a fit of rage, she attempted to charge at the inconsiderate stallion, but Twilight calmed her alicorn friend to come to her senses.
“Harmony, calm down! Listen, I know you weren’t a good leader and you did some really bad things in the past. But we helped you. Remember? You learned from your mistakes and everypony now respects and loves you. Don’t ever forget that. And remember what you said about Sombra. You KNOW there’s still good in him, you said yourself. Don’t let his mean-spiritedness get to you. I know you can do it.” Twilight encouraged her alicorn friend to remember her mission. After Harmony pulled a meek smile towards everypony else, especially at Sombra; Twilight knew without a doubt that Harmony’s determination would help her succeed.
Sombra stood in disbelief. As he first heard Twilight’s words ‘did some really bad things’, his curiosity began to grow. This mare of royalty, a pony who is strong-willed, free-spirited and constantly cheerful, had a psychotic breakdown in the past? He was also blown by the fact that this pony’s patience was underestimated. Harmony was so close to her boiling point and just when he thought that Twilight’s comforting would only make Harmony angrier, the opposite occurred. Wasn’t his threat to Harmony strong enough? Shouldn’t he hurt Harmony in order to get her fury back up again? Sombra though he would. But before he could take one step, his injured hoof ached, causing the stallion to groan in pain.
Noticing the pain Sombra was in; Harmony confidently looked up. “Come on, Twilight. Let’s get him to the hospital before he gets even more damage.” she asked, as she and Twilight helped carry the unwilling stallion from the ground and walked down the street, with countless ponies following them in concern. “Everypony, calm down. We got this situation under control.” Harmony added, as she tried to comfort her subjects. But as the crowd of ponies vanished beyond the horizon, both Harmony and Twilight knew that worries were still lingering in everypony’s minds.
*** After several hours, the three walked out of the hospital with Sombra’s now bandaged leg. He was relieved that he didn’t have to suffer any more physical pain from his wounded limb, however he was more concerned that the white alicorn smiling alongside him is a mental pain, who knew how to strike her enemies when least expected. He looked the alicorn’s everlasting happiness, as she kindly held his injured leg. Although her help was much needed, Sombra couldn’t bear to have an alicorn teach him about the futile rules of courtesy. Even though his kingly position is longer his, he was more determined than ever to get it back. He just had to lay low for the time being.
“Sombra, are you feeling any better? That was a nasty wound you had.” Harmony asked, reassuring Sombra over his healed wound. “I’m fine. I’m not a foal. And I would have gone through the pain without ANOTHER pain by my side.” Sombra snarled back at Harmony, hopefully trying to anger her. But she remained blissful.
“What side? Your back or your front?” Harmony jokily replied, attempting to make a simple pun to cheer her friend up. However, by Sombra’s unamused look, she knew her result wasn’t pleasing. “That…was a joke.” Harmony shyly added. Sombra then smirked at Harmony’s desperate attempt at humour. She may seem to be collected and strong-willed, but he knew that her pathetic attempt at cheering up another soul was anything but successful. “Please (!), you don’t even know the meaning of the word.” replied Sombra, further antagonising the mare. But Harmony wasn’t going to fall for the same trick again.
“Yes, I do. It means a sentence or question that causes somepony to laugh. On the contrary, it seems that YOU don’t the meaning of the word.” Harmony calmly replied with a smug grin.
Sombra growled in frustration as Harmony continued to support Sombra’s leg. Before the trio decide to go home, a deeply concerned Mayor Mare approaches them.
“It’s the Mayor! What’re we going to do? If we tell her we got our permission from Celestia, there’s no way she’ll believe us!” Twilight worriedly asked to Harmony, still concerned over Ponyville’s thoughts towards their mission. Harmony was worried as well, but she remained confident.
“It’s okay, Twilight. We just need to convince her that we have this under control.” Harmony answered calmly as Sombra decided to voice his opinion on this.
“How about we MAKE her trust you? It’s hardly likely that she’ll believe anything you’ll say.” Sombra advised to the troubled alicorn, but his plan wasn’t pleasing to the others.
“NO. I’m here to reform you and the first thing you gotta learn is not rely on violence to solve problems.” Harmony argued back to the stallion’s unhelpful solution.
“What is the meaning of this? Why is King Sombra alive? And why in all of Equestria are you two responsible for this?!” Mayor Mare exclaimed, both shocked and angered at the two alicorns involved in this wrongdoing.
“Yes, Mayor. We are. But just let me tell you why.” Harmony replied softly. After putting her word into account, Mayor Mare then calmed down, cleaned her glasses and as she put them back on, allowing Harmony to continue, “Yesterday, I sent a letter to Princess Celestia, explaining that I can find a way to befriend and reform Sombra. I then got permission from all of the princesses, especially Twilight, to do just that. I can assure you that I have not gone crazy, like last time.” Harmony explained calmly. “Please, I know it may be hard to believe but please just help me reform him. I’ll be responsible for his actions.” She added, as she found it harder and harder to convince.
The mayor knew Twilight and Harmony well enough to trust them. They are princesses after all, but that didn’t excuse the fact that bringing a villain who has been long gone dead back to life was clearly the work of evil and who knows what damage he’ll bring to not only Ponyville, but all of Equestria. She will not allow any evil presence in the town.
“I’m sorry, Your Highnesses. But I simply cannot allow a demonic creature like that destroy our prosperous town! You do realise what damage you’re causing for Equestria? I allowed Discord because he was reformed and Equestria has suffered enough of Changelings, disharmony and eternal darkness. We certainly do NOT need a filthy animal who calls himself a king in my town!” Mayor Mare debated. She was eager to get rid of any more evil from flourishing in her town.
Sombra felt a surge of anger grow bigger until his boiling point. He had had enough of ponies questioning his authority. He may not have magic but one way or another, somepony has to pay. “You’ll regret for ever insulting me!” he shouted and charged at the mare, but both Twilight and Harmony both blocked his attack.
“You see?! THIS is why I can’t have that beast from living in this town! You can’t possibly control him!” Mayor Mare cried in anger and was to the brim of paranoia. But Harmony will not stand for any more bitterness or fear. The Mayor’s words shocked and disgusted her about Sombra. She had to make a stand.
“He is NOT a beast! Nor a king or an animal! You may not see it, but I see a gentle, kind heart trapped under an evil, twisted corruption. Have you no shame? Insulting one of MY friends in MY presence?!” Harmony retaliated, defending Sombra. He was surprised. Not at her bravery, but this act of defending him as truly something he never seen before. As far as Sombra could remember, no pony ever stood up to him or defended him. Of course he didn’t need to, but when he did… somepony actually helped him… At first he pulled a confused expression but… he began to feel something inside… Something warm and welcoming…
But something else striked back, a sudden great powerful surge shunned away his first sign of good... Nevertheless, Sombra wanted Harmony to continue: “You must understand that I DO have this under control and I WILL take responsibility for my actions. I understand that you and Ponyville are scared and so would I. But you and everypony else must understand that I have this under control and if he does get out of control, I’ll have my magic at the ready and make sure that nopony gets hurt. Please, just give us some support.” Harmony added.
The mayor was shaken at this sudden outburst from a princess but she was also shocked at the fact that Harmony showed loyalty to Sombra. Still, Harmony made a good point and for the first time in a long time, the mayor felt stuck. Twilight then looked at a confused Mayor and attempted to compromise with the Mayor as well since she felt the exact same hours ago.
After taking a long time to think and calm herself, Mayor Mare reached a conclusion. “Alright, I trust you. You both have this situation under control and this wasn’t an easy decision to make, but since I understand how dreadful the situation is to you, Harmony, you are allowed to let you and King Sombra stay in Ponyville.” Mayor Mare settled. Harmony then squealed in joy as she hugged Sombra tightly. “But we’ll discuss the rest of the details tomorrow morning. You three must have had a long day. I must be going now; I’ve got tons of citizens to comfort and paperwork to do.” The mayor added, as she walked back to the town hall.
The sun was beginning to set beyond Ponyville’s horizon, Twilight saw the lateness of the hour and decided to head back home: “I’m gonna go back home now, harmony. Spike’s probably worried sick and I’ve got some studying to do. See ya tomorrow, Harmony and good luck.” She said, whilst flying back to the library in the distance. Now that Sombra and Harmony were both alone, they decide to walk along the dirt road back home. Sombra, still surprised over Harmony’s act of defence earlier, he decides to tell her why: “What did you just do?” he said in a genuinely curious state.
“What do you mean?” Harmony answered back, confused about his sudden question. “You stood up for me. I wanted to fight her back but you and Twilight stopped me. Then you protected me. Why? What was that act you just performed?” Sombra replied, still in a questioned manner.
“Because you’re my friend. I couldn’t stand to see one of my friends be insulted. The mayor didn’t know any better and now that Ponyville will understand, you’ll be able to walk along town without be shunned or scared by anypony. I wouldn’t like it if somepony insulted me and got away with it.” Harmony explained happily as she finally realised that there was still some good in Sombra. “But I WANT to be feared. Why should you rely on useless talking when you could use your powers to take them down yourself?” Sombra retorted, still proving his opinion.
“My powers are used only for the benefit of my subjects. I only use them when I want to and I would never use it to control others. ” Harmony replied, slightly disappointed in Sombra’s point of view but remains optimistic since she learned to be patient. “Remember what I said about not resorting to violence to solve a problem? I used that to help protect your honour and that I would never let my friends be looked down upon.” She added eagerly to get Sombra to learn his first lesson.
“But why? Why would you defend me? A ruler of shadows and fear?” Sombra ultimately asked.
“Well, I care about you. Nopony, not even a ruler of darkness should deserve to be unloved. Besides, I always see the good in everypony. Now come on, let’s get back home so I can get dinner cooking.” Harmony answered, fulfilling Sombra’s curiosity. She then walked cheerfully down the dirt road towards the town square back home. As Sombra followed her; he started to get that warm feeling again. He felt like smiling. As he attempted to perk up, the creature came back. His head then throbbed in agony, his eyes flashing green to red.
Harmony, realising his pain, runs towards the stallion in aid. “Sombra! Don’t worry; we’ll sort out this possession. And when we do,” Harmony asked the aching Sombra before being interrupted.
“GET AWAY FROM ME! If you want to live, you NEVER touch me again!” Sombra violently cried, as he pushed the mare away from him. However, Harmony could plainly see he was under a powerful curse and she will not stop until her friend is lifted of this spell. “Okay, well at least let me carry your bandaged hoof for balance.” Harmony replied softly, respecting Sombra’s space. As Harmony carried him off into town; for the first time Sombra felt guilt. He was happy for the first time in over a thousand years. But this creature inside prevented him from feeling any emotion he so desperately wanted to feel. It began to talk to him, whispering the words ‘love is a weakness, remember your destiny’ over and over until the creature took Sombra over into silence. Sombra finally thought he MUST get his crown back. But still, it was nice of Harmony to be there for him…
Sombra and Harmony walked past many houses and roads, with a glowing sunset beaming on the horizon. The sky slowly turned from its crimson orange to a deep night sky blue. Finally, they walk upon a house on top of a hill, which had looked over all of Ponyville. A long, bended tree was its only decoration. Sombra was surprised how a house so simple and rustic could be the home of an alicorn princess? Speaking of which, Harmony herself recognised his confused look and managed to strike a conversation with him.
“Well, this is it. I know it’s a little simple and it’s a bit unexpected from an alicorn. But hey, it’s a home.” Harmony asked, with an optimistic tone. “Okay, I’m gonna get dinner ready, so why don’t you look around the house? Oh and your bedroom is up the stairs, first door on the right.” She explained calmly. Using her hoof, Harmony opened the door. Sombra gazed with wonder as he first caught his eye on the décor. The hallway was a mist blue, covered with waves of white, which almost looked like clouds. The velvet carpets were in a rich cerise and a deep purple. He looked in the kitchen, where his eyes were temporarily blinded by the cream white that was painted on the walls with blue tiles as the floor. Sombra HAD to know who did this. His amazement of the interior was truly something he wanted besides his power.
“I thought that Canterlot was a sight, but this…This was a work of art. Harmony, who did this?” he asked Harmony.
Harmony was surprised that Sombra appreciated art, but she was also concerned that the last time Sombra complimented on something, that something in his mind tortured him. Harmony didn’t really know what to say. But as soon as she saw Sombra’s genuinely curious look, she took a deep breath and answered: “Why do you want to know?” Harmony responded, slightly nervous over his reaction.
“I just want to know because… your house looks…looks… looks beautiful.” Sombra replied, struggling to suppress positivity in his voice, worrying that the creature might torture him again. Harmony then saw his look of worry quickly turn to his permanent scold. Harmony then knew that Sombra was scared about this creature that possessed him and she wanted it to be her duty to prevent this creature from destroying Sombra. His quick impression of fear and his stammering proved to Harmony that there’s a whole heart of goodness in Sombra, but this creature inside him was clearly something supernatural. She tried to carry on the conversation.
“Well, I don’t wanna brag, but I painted it. I’ve always had an artistic flair, even as a filly.” Harmony added. Sombra looked upon the mare with genuine surprise. Her art and her personality showed her pure, kind and devoted heart as he kept pondering at the brilliant blue swirls that coloured the ceiling. He was actually impressed. Not himself but in the colourful world Harmony scoped. Happy that his nerves were removed, Harmony continued to talk; “I also did a literature, medical and an art course in Trottingham University.” She added, suddenly perking up Sombra’s curiosity.
“You lived in a mere country town?” Sombra questioned.
“Yep, I was born there. My family own a big bakery over there, which has become extremely popular over the years. I really do miss them; they were like my best friends. Of course, I have friends NOW. But, when I was little, I was pretty much alone…” Harmony explained to a curious Sombra.
For the first time, Sombra wanted to know how did Harmony move to Ponyville? Why was she so alone if she still had such a likable personality? He wasn’t doing this for some evil conspiracy, but he just…wanted to know. At first, Harmony’s bright, exuberant nature annoyed him deeply, but now after her standing up to him and constantly trying to help him, even though he didn’t need it; he wanted her to tell her what happened to her and maybe, if he can, without getting detected by the creature, he can tell Harmony that it’s okay… He was afraid to say though. This creature inside him was about to strike at any moment if he showed some morality. Or emotion, for that matter. All he could do is make an expression. Something to carry on the conversation…
“What’s the matter, Sombra? Do you need something?” Harmony asked to Sombra, twitching and shaking in anxiety. He then found a note. He used his shielded magic to grab a nearby quill. He wrote a message in very unsteady handwriting. But the message was clear enough for Harmony to understand. As the alicorn read the message Sombra wrote, it was only three, modest words: “Tell me more.”
At first, Harmony was sceptic. She looked closely into Sombra’s eyes to check that, the creature that has possessed him, was trying to deceive her. Fortunately, the stallion’s confused eyes were his usual red colour, but no green or purple appeared. To her relief, Harmony continues her story:
“Well, when I was a filly, I was quite different than everypony else. Not individually different, but different in the mind. I was very imaginative and creative when I was a foal. Ponies everywhere LOVED my work. They always wanted to be my friend. And I wanted to be theirs to. I was childish and I played with toys, but so was everypony else. So it seemed like life was a breeze for me. But things changed for them, especially me.” Harmony explained to Sombra. She stopped, still unsure of sharing her past with an evil spirit. But Sombra was really concerned and curious about her. So with a cautious heart, Harmony continued.
“As soon as everypony in my class went to a primary school, I was still my creative self, always playing with toys but mature enough to do my studies, but everypony didn’t respect me anymore. I didn’t know what happened. I didn’t do or say anything wrong. So my parents and teachers had a meeting with me about school. That’s when I realised that I didn’t grow up with my classmates. Sure I’m responsible and I always try to take care of myself, but ponies alienated themselves from me… Life just took a blow to me and I didn’t know… So, I normally spent my time alone with my family, helping out with the deliveries, playing with my dogs and yeah, I was alone, but I got used to it……So, after I got my cutie mark,….. my parents decided to have a mentor to take care of my studies, so Princess Cadance took me in.” Harmony continued her story, suspiciously pausing her sentences nervously..
The moment she mentioned Cadance’s name, Sombra stood in confusion. How is Cadance suddenly her mentor? How did she become an alicorn in the first place? He knew Harmony was hiding something. Something very valuable. Something to aid him in his plans. His curiosity slowly turned to anger. As soon as he calmed down, Sombra then thought, maybe he should stop trying to get answers out of the alicorn. Maybe she doesn’t want feel comfortable telling me. But as soon as he considered this, something came back… Something that Sombra knew that would come. He tried to fight it, but to no avail… he was once again under the creature’s spell. Harmony stopped in her conversation as she saw the whites of Sombra’s eyes turning green. Worried, Harmony took a step back and tried to stand tall and explain her reasons of not telling the entire story.
“Why did Cadance become your mentor? Why did you become an alicorn? Tell me, my curiosity is overpowering me. ” Sombra asked in calmly twisted tone. He wanted to know what was going on. And he did NOT want any excuses.
Harmony, angered that Sombra would not listen without getting information out of her, simply answered back: “I’m not telling you, Sombra.” She wanted to share a story with somepony, not to get interrogated.
“I want you to tell me.” Sombra replied, struggling to contain his fury. Harmony, beginning to feel scared, kept on walking back against the wall. As the alicorn gritted her teeth in aggression, Sombra slowly walked towards her, growling under his breath. The two meet eye to eye. Harmony doesn’t want any of this chaos. She was tired. Tired of dealing with too much hatred and fear. She was tired of dealing with this conflict. She didn’t want to hurt her friend. No matter how much he offended her. Eventually, Harmony took a deep sigh, looked at an enraged Sombra in the eyes once more and merely said in a slightly annoyed tone; “I’m going to bed.”
Sombra was ready to lung at the stern mare as she walked away, but he just stood, staring lividly at her. He was too angry to do anything. He wanted to get this frustration all out. Throw something at her, strangle her or hit her until she falls to the floor. Anything. But somehow, he just couldn’t do it. As Harmony left the room as she walked up the velvet stairs, Sombra sat down on a chair, pondering on what just happened. Why didn’t he attack Harmony? Why couldn’t he let all this anger out on her? All day, things have been nothing but questions for him. Every hour, something made him confused, something made him curious. There was change all around him. But as the grey stallion thought about his anger, he realised it wasn’t HER fault that Harmony made him angry. It was himself. He thought that, maybe she didn’t want to tell him because… because she felt scared or worried about telling me. Sombra didn’t know why she didn’t tell him but he should probably leave Harmony alone. He should try to stop trying to get information but of her and try something else…maybe.
Upstairs, an angered Harmony quickly went into her bedroom and leapt onto her bed, tired and upset. She had enough of Sombra causing such trouble for her. How dare he would insult her in not only her home, but everywhere they’ve been! How inconsiderate! How cruel! But after lying down on her bed, looking up forlornly to the ceiling, her anger simmered down, she then had second thoughts:
“Don’t worry, Harmony. He’s just been stripped of his royalty and things haven’t been going well for him.” Harmony said to herself weakly, as she yawned. “I know there’s good in him. It’s gonna be a while until he’s reformed, but in the end… it’ll all be worth it… baby steps.” She added, as she then drifted off to sleep.
