> A Grayish Light > by JusSonic > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Grayish Light Back within Pinkamena's secret dungeon, Sombra was practicing a levitation spell on his fellow friends; Golden Heart, Jack Zen, & Omega while they put up a struggle to give some tension in the guy's focus. Havis was having Hikari & some Light Elves that were not in stasis help keep track of the ones still processing elsewhere. All was going well until Pinkamena and Autumn Gem came into the room with looks that seem either thrills or concerns from the former to latter. "Hey Sombra, guess what!" Pinkamena spoke off happily with this to say to the guy. "Don't tell me, you decided to let Autumn Gem give you a makeover?" Sombra responded in not paying attention and made a guess. "No silly, we're about to have you meet some important ponies for this important task." Pinkamena spoke off to issue that there was someone that the guy should meet. "And they are?" Sombra raised an eyebrow in whose the important ponies are; as long as they aren't the Mane Six group. "Well dear...it's....Twilight and her group." Autumn Gem slowly spoke in stating this with concerns in what the response may turn into. "WHAT!" Sombra yelped so loud that his focus was averted and made the ones above drop. "Kabamfruvhmmm...." And boy did they drop with which it was Omega on top of the other two stallions, "Oh, sorry guys." He yelped in seeing that he lost focus and caused a problem. "No....problem." Goldie & Jack Zen responded to push themselves out from under Omega's heavy weight. "I apologize for this uncomfortable state." Omega spoke in saying he's sorry his weight almost crush these guys. "And what are you talking about, have you forgotten that they hate the Evil King Sombra?" Sombra turns to debate with the pink pony as if she's forgotten; he's a hated enemy of the past. "You fail to mention....'Former'....Evil King Sombra, you're good now, remember?" Pinkamena pointed out that the guy is now a former villain, so it should be good. "But this is too soon." Sombra protest that this action came up sooner than he expected. "Then when is 'soon' gonna be here for you to finally meet the gang?" Pinkamena raised an eyebrow in suspicion in when Sombra was finally gonna be brave and meet the heroes. "Maybe....a century; Give or take a few more over the years?" Sombra sheepishly spoke in stating what he thought be nice, a longer period of time. "Hugh, sis, aren't we kinda rushing here? Maybe pushing things too fast might make the problem more difficult for him?" Goldie sighed in stating that from this situation; maybe they are kinda rushing things. "But if Sombra doesn't face them and show the gang that he's change, then what can he do? He can't fight from the shadows forever; he's bound to be exposed." Pinkamena stated that Sombra can't be kept in the dark forever; ponies will learn that he's return, best to start off that he's a change pony now from his old evil career. "That does sound logical." Jack Zen slowly nodded in hearing this out. "Indeed." Omega nods in confirming the idea as well. "Please dear, we'll bring your cloak to hid you and try to help slowly build trust. Maybe get some aid from Discord." Autumn Gem calmly spoke in asking her love to just try to meet the heroes, they can keep his identity a secret until the time is right. "Well....I'll do it if...you're there." Sombra slowly hesitated to say this, but if his love is there, then maybe that can be comfort for him. "Don't worry, it'll be fine. I mean, what's the worst that can happen?" Pinkamena waved off to say in thinking that nothing could go wrong here. Course in some cases, there are many ways things can go wrong...they just don't show up until...far later while everything goes dark here. -------------------- At the current moment of what was going on outside of Ponyville, someone else is seen entering the scene…and in a strange fashionable approach. He seem dressed like some unknown figure who looks pretty powerful, and his helmet conceals much of his face. “Oh hello, um….who are you?” Derpy spoke off in happening to see someone nearby, and pondered who the gent was. “Tell me, is this Ponyville?” The mysterious dressed figure asked forth in a solum gentlemen’s tone that held….authority & control. “Yep, but it’s also a part of the Rainbow Kingdom, ruled by Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Derpy nods off to say this while pointing a direction about their home to the guy. “Rainbow Kingdom…Twilight Sparkle; It all sounds like a new kingdom has arisen out of nowhere. Just as I have heard,” He spoke in pondering over these things, as it all sounds…astonishing. “What of Celestia & Luna?” He asked forth this next question about the royal sisters. “Oh easy, they’re visiting Twilight with her Council of Friendship discussing stuff.” Derpy replied off to say this like it was an easy answer. “Thank you, I shall go and see this for myself.” The mysterious stranger responded in hearing this. Then the guy was walking off in a high-diligent manner of being like an important figure. “Okay, goodbye!” Derpy happily spoke to the person that went off. “Hey Derpy, who was dat strange fella,” Tough Apple asked from coming nearby to see Derpy spoke to some stranger. “I have no idea. But he didn’t seem evil.” Derpy spoke off to say this without much worries or concerns. “Oh boy, let’s hope ye be right. Last thing we want is another evil run o' 'de mill work.” Tough rolled his eyes in hoping that it ain’t a villain coming to town, the last thing they want is one of those. As things darken a bit, the scene focuses on the castle that was the center of the Rainbow Kingdom…as the mysterious figure character was walking up to it. ------------------ At this time, the scene focuses on what’s happening within the Rainbow Kingdom’s castle. And what a matter it was, Celestia & Luna were visiting Twilight’s castle to which in the past, Twilight’s group went to see the Royal Sisters in their castle in Canterlot. But now one can go either way now, I suppose, depending on who comes over and who stays. The Royal Princesses, along with Prince Ben, Nyx, the Baby Dragons and the Mane Six as the Council of Friendship, were all station at their spots. “I must say, Twilight, you and your family have certainly dealt with the strangest of cases.” Celestia spoke off in stating a fact here. “Thank you princess Celestia,” Twilight slowly nods her head on the subject. “But the action from the Crystal Empire must be served as a reminder and that goes for you council ponies as well.” Luna looked to the others as if telling them what NOT to try. “Yes Princess Luna.” The Mane Five rolled their eyes to repeat in union. “Man, sounds like we’re in a classroom in the responses to teachers.” Ben spoke off to say something here that seems kinda like a school feeling. “Just like how my class does for Miss Cheerilee.” Nyx spoke off to say this from out of nowhere. “Hey, here’s a good question, how come me and Spike don’t go to school?” Phobos asked off the question about something on his mind. “You actually wanna go to school besides that Twilight teaches us from us living in what used to be a library filled with facts and books?” Spike points out a fact to the Moon Dragon about who teaches them things. “Eh, on second thought, probably to save on the embarrassing matter in front of many classmates, let’s stick with home-school.” Phobos spoke off in suddenly changing his mind over the issue it seems. “Oh brother, the things I put up with here!” Spike slaps his forehead in hearing Phobos say such awkward things. Suddenly at this moment, Fred & Barney came rushing in, looking like they were in a big hurry. “Pri-Pri-Princess Twilight & Prince Ben,” Fred spoke off from gasping a few times for his breath. “An-And Princess Celestia & Luna,” Barney was also trying to speak his gibber-jabber words out. “There’s some guy that wants to see you all.” Fred pointed behind him in stating someone was here. “Right, and he looks like a serious competitor!” Barney stated with a serious look about who was here. “Um, okay, well…show him in.” Ben slowly responds in not knowing who was here, but may as well see the guy. As the Royal Guards went off to inform the person here to visit, the others were chatting in who it was. “I wonder who could be here?” Twilight asked off in not knowing who was here to visit them. “Silly, it’s a serious competitor.” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this as if the answer was easy. “Oh my, he must be serious.” Fluttershy yelped to say in thinking that must be very true. “But who is he anyway?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in not knowing who it is they are about to meet. “Heck if any o' us reckon’ know.” Applejack shrug off to say that neither of them got a clue as to who. “Well, maybe we’ll soon to find out when he comes into the room.” Rarity stated in thinking of a brighter picture. Then suddenly without warning, many of the metallic objects in the room started to clutter of wobbling noises that earn the groups attention, and the armor knight statues, silverware, metal weapons were all suddenly shot off into the air and were soaring around above. “Wow Aunt Pinkie Pie, neat trick.” Nyx stated in thinking this was some act. “Thanks, but this isn’t one of my works.” Pinkie responded to say this out here. “Then who’s doing it? Wooh…” Rainbow asked off while yelping from what almost hit her now. “Can some pony explain why all the things here are flying?” Rarity asked off to duck from almost being hit by a silver spoon, a spoon, really? Then there was some sorta electric pulse from much of the objects that was seen by the Royal Sisters. And then without warning, something from the front doors open up, and something was seen floating in what looked like an electro sphere. And then with a wave of the being’s left arm, caused all the metal to return to their stations and look like all was well. “Oh, they’re all back from where they started.” Fluttershy sighed to say in seeing things have calm down a bit. “Well at least dat’s over. Now fer de bigger question…” Applejack sighs in seeing the ruckus has finally come to an end before focusing on another. “Like who’s in that strange sphere thing?” Spike asked off in seeing that someone just popped in unannounced. “Must be another enemy, kinda bold to barge in here though,” Phobos stated in his thoughts of who they got coming in here. “Wait….this is no enemy.” Celestia ceases everyone from jumping to conclusions, this was no enemy…she knows this. “Wait, if not an enemy, then…who?” Luna responded to say in not catching her sister’s statement. “Allow me to answer that, princess Luna.” Spoke a strong male voice from before the electric magnetized sphere. Then without warning, the magnetic sphere lowered its presence around whoever the caster was for all to see. He is a unicorn stallion with gambogeish gray color fur coat, medium messy mane & medium messy tail that are dark white/gray color, a chip part on the ear and light-ocean blue eyes. He’s seen wearing an outfit that’s mostly red on the legs, sleeves & chest region and dark violet purple on the back knee to hoof spot, four boots, waistline to the flank, a cape, and a chest plate. He’s seen wearing gray jewel bands that cover around his upper knees with crimson gemstone color in the center. He wears a strange fashioned red helmet that is like the Royal Guards’ type, but more style to this character’s appearance of mystery. On his flank & apparently on his outfit shows a black symbol of two pickaxes in a bend down ‘M’ form with something above that look like two dragon heads, as this Cutie Mark was the symbol for a revolutionary league, for one that wants to build a revolution. “Magnus,” Celestia responded in being surprise to see who was here; a pony she knows. “It’s been a long time since I’ve come to see you, Princess Celestia.” The revealed pony named Magnus responded in sounding like a wise, calm, and gentle man who speaks like a leader to all fellow ponies of sorts. “Celestia, who is this pony,” Twilight asked off in not knowing who this Magnus pony was. “Twilight, Luna, everyone, allow me to introduce to you…Magnus….known as the Master Of Magnetism.” Celestia spoke i about to introduce Magnus to all, and what he is known to be. “Master of Magnetism,” Many of the group responded in almost finding that kinda title to be…well, quite the self-proclaimed title of description. “I have come here, to seek the knowledge…of all things that have happened. You are nearing a war, are you not?” Magnus responded to say this in what he is here for, and stating what is coming. “War,” Twilight yelps to say in almost hating to picture her quiet town going to war. “Wait, we’re not near any war, but….we have been through a couple of battles against….well…a lot of enemies. And…” Ben was trying to explain things, hoping this wasn’t gonna be like with Smartscar again, and luckily, it isn’t… “Please, take your time.” Magnus humbly spoke to jester that Ben not rush on his account. “Vrusvhmm…./Grusfruvhmmm…” Then from a wave of his right hoof, he took the metal bars that were left by for some unknown reason, and the guy form them into a throne made of metal to seat on. “I shall make myself accustomed in your presence, while you explain, everything that has transpired.” As he spoke, he removed his helmet to let it rest on his armrest. Everyone was quiet for a few minutes in almost being astounded, Magnus just bench press those seriously heavy and strong gutter bars like they were northing. It take a seriously strong muscular stallion to do that in a few 15 or so minutes, this guy took less than mere seconds to pull that off. Looks like the title he holds reflects him after all. “Very well, I’ll begin the introduction and explain to you, what we are facing.” Celestia nodded slowly in about to get onto business i what they must try to discuss here. Everything soon goes silent, as Celestia is explaining things while the scene zooms away for some moments, as while this was going on….another event we shall see taking place. ------------------ At this moment in time during the meeting of those within the Rainbow Castle, some other guests were showing up for a visit as well. And it was Goldie’s group, and with the group was Pinkamena, Omega, Jack Zen and a surprise, Autumn Gem and a certain pony that was underneath a gray cloak & wore gray baggy clothing to hid much of himself and had the hood down over his face. Yep, it was Sombra, the guy was not taking any caches to appear out before many that would see his face without causing a panic. Right now, Golden Heart managed to ask the Royal Gaurds to let them in, which they agreed while informing the guy of another visitor meeting with Twilight’s party and the Royal Sisters. “Okay, we can meet the others, but it also looks like another important figure is inside.” Goldie spoke off to say this in having a feeling that they can get in, but it looks like another matter is going down. “Oh, then…maybe we’ll try again tomorrow.” Sombra spoke in suddenly having second thoughts. “Not so fast! You ain’t chickening out of this one that easily!” Pinkamena pulled Sombra’s cloak to keep him from leaving. “But what if it’s a Mystic?” Sombra asked for fear in if it’s either a Mystic or that scary Frozen Sage mare that hates him from what he did. “Scanners are not detecting their unique magic energy signature.” Omega explained that there is no Mystic inside. “You see darling, it’s nothing to be concern with. I’m here with you.” Autumn Gem pats to hug his arm to encourage him. “Um, well…alright,” Sombra slowly spoke in swallowing up some courage here. “Well, then let’ do this.” Jack Zen stated in feeling they better get going. Soon Goldie opened the doors with his magic and after a few short minutes, they met up with the gang by their meeting room with other royal guest and whatnot. “Woah; Um, hey guys.” Goldie yelped in seeing that there was more than just Twilight’s group. “Golden Heart,” Twilight replied in seeing the guy. “Hey, nice of you to join us,” Ben smiled off to say this to a pal. “Oh, and they brought others too.” Rarity spoke in seeing who else came in. “I see Pinkamena and Omega, but….” Raibnow was speaking in who they knew. “Who are them partners there?” Applejack asked off in not knowing the others. “Oh wait, isn’t that Autumn Gem, from the Crystal Empire that she met with Twilight?” Pinkie Pie spoke off in seeing to recognize the mare of the group they seen before. “It is, wow, that’s a surprise.” Spike spoke off in seeing that pony from the first time that they were told of the Crystal Heart. “Your highnesses, it’s an honor to meet you all, and I once again wish to give you much thanks. I’ve heard you helped save my old home from a terrible situation.” Autumn Gem bows to give her word of thanks to those for helping the Crystal Empire. “It’s no problem; I’m actually surprise a Crystal Pony is here and with Golden Heart’s group.” Twilight spoke off to say such things in what they are seeing. “Speaking of others, whose mister hidden there?” Phobos pointed off in narrowing his eyes. Sombra kept his head low and hood over his head, afraid to be notice. The rest of Goldie’s band saw this, the guy was shy; they have to help give him a push. “Oh, he’s someone that’s with me, in fact, I came to Ponyville because Pinkamena told me he was here. He’s a close pony that truly cared for me.” Autumn Gem explained the part of the truth of the manner of what happened, while not mentioning too much of anything else. “Aw, that’s very nice of you, mister…um…?” Nyx smiled to say before not knowing the name. “Um, sir…what is your name?” Ben asked off that they need a name to respond. “It’s…ughmm…” Sombra spoke off from his hidden state, however… “Hey, your voice sounds familiar…” Pinkie Pie spoke in having heard the voice from somewhere before, and… “Wait! Oh course, I know who you sound like!” The pony replied in having a feeling who the guy was… “I…um…” Sombra was starting to look nervous as the others with him felt like he was gonna pull off a teleportation to escape suspicion, but… “Yes….’Big’ Jim Miller, that’s who you sound like! I knew I recognize the voice!” Pinkie Pie randomly spoke off in a Fourth Wall Breaking message here. Everyone was quiet in hearing that and were unable to even figure out…what the pony was talking about. “Pinkie, you are so random.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes to say this to her friend. “So what’s yer name?” Applejack asked off again for the name. “Guys, meet….” Goldie was about to say Sombra’s name, but the guy cuts him off. “Arbmos,” Sombra spoke off quickly the first thing that pops in his mind. “Cough, that is my name. Sorry, I’m….a bit shy around meeting such high officials.” He clears his throat to explain himself as best he can. “Ohhh, it’s okay, I understand your shyness.” Fluttershy spoke in feeling like she understands the guy’s feelings. “Yes, and don’t feel shy, being in the custody of princess, princes, even councilmen ponies, we won’t think badly of you.” Rarity humbly spoke to let Arbmos not feel out of place. “Right….we brought Arbmos so he could meet you all.” Golden Heart spoke off to explain the case here. “And who’s he?” Jack Zen pointed in who the other new guy was. “Our guest, Magnus,” Luna explained forth the pony before them. “Magnus!” Goldie’s group except for Sombra/Arbmos & Autumn Gem responded in hearing the name as that name is well noted. “We have just finished speaking about introducing everyone to him, and that he’s here because he’s heard about the attacks.” Celestia spoke to explain the matter of why he was here in the first place. “Thank you Celestia, I am lost for words, I feel I should have been here to stop such actions of out of control warfare from getting so out of hand.” Magnus nods his head in accepting the concerns from Celestia, he regrets what has taken place. “It’s okay, true, there were close calls, but we’ve managed to help each other out. Right girls,” Twilight replied off to say this in understanding the case. “Right,” The Mane Five replied off in fully agreeing there. “Cause that’s what friends are for,” Rainbow Dash proudly spoke off to say here. “And for those you love too.” Ben nods off to say this in knowing the truth. “I see.” Magnus spoke silently as if in deep thought of the matter that earn his attention. “But tell us, why are you called the Master of Magnetism?” Spike asked off in why Magnus had such a title name. “It is because…I am the Element User…of Magnetism.” Magnus explained forth the reason he is known by such a title…for it’s his element. “What!” The other Mane Sixe group and Goldie’s respond in surprise; that’s news to them. “Wait, didn’t Iron Brave say that he was the keeper of that element and he gave one to a good pony and another to a bad one on a poor choice? Is this guy it?” Phobos asked off in recalling something, what if Magnus was the bad pony? “Phobos, that’s rude to say, course he isn’t!” Nyx scolds her friend for suspecting Magnus of being evil. “Do not be so hard, caution is the ways to avert catastrophe, those that have it are sharp, but they must be even sharper…to not let what could harm their lands blind their judgments, and fall victim to schemes.” Magnus explained the case of where one needs caution to be ahead of any enemy attack, but they need to also not be victim to it as an enemy can use that weakness. Sombra was silent in hearing those words; they sound sit like what he went through long ago. “Tell me Magnus, are you planning to stay long?” Celestia asked forth this question that was on her mind. “I plan to stay for a short while, to see how well this kingdom can stand strong. I wish to be an observer, my judgement will only reflect on what I’ll do in my own work and will not affect yours, Princess Twilight, Prince Ben.” Magnus explained this matter to those here of what he’ll do. “Well, hearing that, it’s more better than thinking about Smartscar turning Ponyville into a battlefield or fortify it.” Twilight spoke with relief on that thought out of her mind. “That, and knowing you won’t wanna take over like when Frozen Sage wanted to do that in the Crystal Empire.” Ben stated in knowing another factor as well. “Would you, um…care to be staying in our guest chamber?” Twilight asked off in the guy wanted to stay for a while. “Thank you, but I am needed elsewhere for the time being. But perhaps the next time I visit, I’ll stay longer. I shall leave you for now, but I will also be in touch.” Magnus spoke off this of what he’ll do at this current moment on. As Magnus was standing up, he used his magnet magic powers to make his helmet levitate up to his head, and even undid his metal throne to be as what the gutter metal bars were. This surprised everyone AGAIN and the new group in seeing how powerful one who has the power of magnetism can bend any metallic objects to their will. And the got coated himself in his magnetic sphere to levitate upwards and then go through an open window of the castle, and was out of sight. The guy sure knows how to make an exit. “Well, time fer us 'ta head on out, we gotta help do a few things around town.” Applejack spoke off in changing the subject here after that show. “Yes, sorry we can’t stick around to chat with you all.” Rarity spoke off to say this to Goldie’s bunch. “We’ll hang later, kay fellas?” Rainbow Dash spoke off to say this. “But we…” Omega was about to say something, but was cut. “Bye-bye!” Pinkie Pie waved off to the group they were passing. “Oh don’t worry, maybe we’ll hang out later…um, if you’re not busy.” Fluttershy meekly spoke to say this to those that were sticking around as they pass. As the Mane Six were leaving and the Royal Sisters also had to leave to return to Canterlot, Goldie’s group was left alone in the Council of Friendship hall. Now what was they gonna do, they wanted to introduce Sombra, but that plan sorta backfired. “Well that first start didn’t work.” Jack Zen shrugs off to say in what just happened here. “Sombra, why did you stop me from telling your name?” Goldie asked off annoyed by that action Sombra did. “And you made a use of it by speaking it backwards? Sombra & Arbmos, they’ll be bound to know sooner or later.” Pinkamena stated how the name he gave off was cliché; the heroes are bound to realize sooner or later what the connection is. “I’m sorry, but…I was worried.” Sombra apologized to say this as his excuse. “Come on, let’s head out, maybe we can still catch them.” Autumn Gem insisted that if they hurry, they can meet up with the others. “Let us go while we still can.” Omega responded to say this i what they should do now. Soon Goldie’s group was rushing off to try to catch up to Twilight’s group; hopefully they can TRY to get things right in showing Sombra and explain he’s reform…hopefully. ------------------ At this very moment, Goldie’s group caught up to the Mane Six party, only to see that Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon and Maxin Talos were picking on the CMC. “Oh brother, there they go at it again!” Nyx moans to say in watching what was happening. “Guess we better step in and stop whatever act is going on.” Twilight stated in knowing they have to settle another Diamond Tiara issue event here. “Right, no matter if the excuse was they bump into me or spilled juice on my fur.” Ben nods in agreement even if giving a poor excuse. “Wait! Why not have Arbmos take care of it?” Pinkamena spook in having a thought for the group to try. “M-M-Me,” Arbmos yelps off in hearing this, where this come from. “You sure, that Maxin Talos is a tough brute?” Spike asked off if the guy that’s hiding himself would last that long. “Oh trust me, this guy here’s an even tougher fighter.” Jack Zen nods in stating their friend, is far tougher. “Right, he was also training with us when he was very weak and helped get him on his feet.” Goldie nods to explain that they were all training together. “Well alright then, go show them bullies what for.” Phobos replied off in nesting no problem here. “A word, please?” Arbmos spoke to pull his friends away to ‘talk’ to them in private. “What are you all doing?” Sombra silently snapped to those that were trying to pull something here. “Trying to help you with your image; if you help those fillies from that mean bully, they’re sure to see you’re a nice guy, and then we can introduce you.” Pinkamena stated a reason of what they are doing that can help the guy out. “I don’t know, maybe I need a couple more good performances done first.” Sombra spoke in having second doubts here. “It’s okay honey, but you can do this, this will show them that you are trying to be friendly and helpful.” Autumn Gem pats her love on the shoulder to encourage him. “Well, alright, I’ll give it a go.” Sombra silently mumbled in seeing he can’t win this argument, so may as well try to help. Soon Maxin Talos was was this close to about to break some bones when… “Hold it…” Someone spoke in stopping the scene while all eyes are on…Arbmos. “Leave the fillies alone.” He points to the Snotty Duo in wanting them to leave the CMC alone. “Hey buddy, they made a remark and I’m countering it!” Diamond Tiara protest to state her business. “Looks more like bulling to me.” Sombra stated in knowing what he sees. “Well, he does have a point in sicking your bodyguard out over that tiny issue.” Silver Spoon lightly agrees on the subject itself here. “Not now Silver Spoon, Maxin Talos…show this hooded guy that he should keep out of our business.” Diamond Tiara hushes her friend while giving her bodyguard the order to pounce this hero. “Right miss.” Maxin Talos nods in hearing this and shall do so. Soon a fight goes off in which Maxin Talos charges against Sombra, but even in his cloak and baggy outfit, he shows impressive skills to dodge while his opponent crashes against a wall. And as the bouncer gets up to through some punches, Sombra summons what looks like a style spell of the Eternal Style in forming a blade sword made of red gems; Rarity noticed the interesting choice of fighting. Sombra was showing he was quite skill in having Maxin Talos be unable to keep up with him and show that he had more skill then brute force against a mindless muscle bodyguard. “It would appear the training has paid off, he has won the fight and has impressed the Mane Six group.” Omega stated from what they see, Sombra is showing his impressive skills. It looked like Sombra was earning the trust of many ponies that were watching his performance. But when Sombra swung his sword to knock Maxin Talos off in the gut, the foe grabbed his cloak. And once the thug was sent flying and crashed against some cartons, many saw the cloak was off since in his grasp, and they all saw Arbmos’s real face. “Uh oh,” Goldie yelps in seeing that Sombra was now exposed. At this moment, Sombra may have won the little fight, but soon realized his cloak was off and many were seeing his face. The Citizens all yelped and scream to panic what was going on. And if that wasn’t enough, the heroes walk up in looking in shock at seeing an old face that they never thought they see. “Is that…King Sombra?” Rainbow Dash asked off in seeing this. “As in de evil dat was banished 'ta de Frozen North?” Applejack stated off in surprise in seeing this too. “Or it could be the Sombra from another world we met?” Pinkie Pie randomly pointed out a fact in what they have seen. “But, wasn’t he also turn evil as well?” Fluttershy questioned the same thought of what happen to that Sombra. “Heavens, which is he?” Rarity asked off in fearing which Sombra this was. “Um, I think that’s the real guy….which means…he might be upset over what I did in stopping him from getting the Crystal Heart!” Spike yelps in thinking if that’s the real Sombra they dealt with, then this could be bad. During this time, a hidden Lorcan was watching in his cloak. He slaps his forehead while groaning, "Sombra; what's next: a marching band of Changelings?!" “No wait…” Sombra tried to reach out to explain, too bad that wasn’t gonna happen. “Stay back Sombra! I don’t know what you’re doing in deceiving us, but we won’t be fooled!” Twilight snapped forth in where she and her friends were preparing to fight off this sneaky villain. “Oh yeah; it’s beat the crud out of the villain day!” Phobos proclaimed in seeing what they are gonna do here. Soon everyone was getting ready, and Sombra doesn’t know if he should fight to prove that he’s a threat or runaway while showing that they’ll hunt him down. What is the guy supposed to do here? “Wait, stop! Don’t hurt him!” Autumn Gem suddenly came in between the heroes and her love to cease this moment. “What?” The gang responded in shock, why was someone defending Sombra? “But, why…?” Nyx asked off why this mare was doing this. “Listen, we can explain this!” Goldie spoke in where he and the other of his group step up. “At least we hope we can.” Jack Zen stated that they hope they can explain all of this. “What’s going on here, why is Sombra here when he was banished to the Frozen North?” Twilight sternly asked forth for an explanation. “Um, that’s actually my doing. You see, I found him and have been helping to restore him.” Pinkamena spoke sheepishly to explain the case here. “Restore King Sombra?” Ben repeated in hearing this right, restore the evil king from his weaken state. “But listen, not restore him to being evil, but to he was once long ago. The evil that changed him was removed.” Pinkamena spoke to finish in her explanation of the issue. “You expect us to believe such nonsense after what we put through with that witch who said she was his lover?” Phobos stated in recalling the time someone who said she was Sombra’s wife and the curse issue the Mane Six were under. “She said those words because she only loved the evil part; I love the stallion that is now here that is not the villain you believe he is.” Autumn Gem protest in stating that Sombra is her love because of his good nature, not the evil that made everyone thinks otherwise. “H-H-How can you be sure? What if he put a spell to make you say that, heck, Boris once was controlled to say some weird things?” Spike asked off in thinking that this situation might be that Sombra is controlling someone to fool them. This earn much suspicion around everyone, that made trusting Sombra all the more harder with how Goldie’s group try to explain. Seeing there was no way out of this, there was but one act for Sombra to take. “I knew this was a bad idea!” Sombra spoke as he dropped his sword which vanished afterwards. “I was afraid of this rejection, and it’s still around.” He spoke in sounding sad over what has played out. “Sombra,” Autumn Gem looked to the stallion in seeing his sadden face. Then the known evil king magically grabs his cloak to cover himself except the face to just move off near the gang; but stop while they think he was up to something. “The fact remains, no one trusts me, if you want, have Royal Guards around that I don’t leave town.” Sombra explain what would be best to do if this kingdom doesn’t trust him. “I only ask that you review my case with those here that are defending me, but if you object to it, then don’t lock them away, they are not responsible for any hidden agenda.” He requested this as a simple means of speaking of his behalf and to spare the others that are involved. With those words spoken, Sombra leaves the scene while many of the citizens yelp to watch him move along. The Mane Six were also a bit surprised, that sorta action seem…unlike the Evil King Sombra…could he be telling the truth? “Wait Sombra, I’m not deceived, I know you’re good.” Autumn Gem calls out while rushing off to catch up to be with her love. “Sis, you and Omega keep an eye on them while me and Jack try to convince the others.” Goldie spook to two of the ones with him to watch Sombra and Autumn Gem. “Right,” Pinkamena & Omega spoke while going after Sombra while those left behind have to explain the case. “Listen you guys, we’re sorry if we kept this secret.” Jack Zen apologize the matter of what happened. “For how long,” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in having a suspicion over this. “Um, since….back when Smartscar visited I think.” Goldie spoke off to meekly say this case in when it was they had Sombra come around, perhaps. “Why did ye keep it a secret?” Applejack asked off in finding this too darn shocking to accept. “Yes, that you had Sombra this whole time, what if something went wrong?” Rarity asked off in what were these ponies thinking. “Like if you removed his evil essence and shot it off and it’s on the loose?” Pinkie Pie stated this random subject which in truth…isn’t far off from being true in how that was played out. “Oh dear, that’s not true, is it?” Fluttershy asked in worry to the two stallions that had worried looks. “Ugh, from what I heard, it’s a possible maybe.” Jack Zen rubs the back of his head in answering this. “Look! Remember how Discord was bad, but he turns good, how did it happen? Remember when doubt clouded our minds with the Changelings, think back, and answer this…if we don’t help Sombra, who will?” Goldie tried to explain some things to the gang about what happened that they have learn and to not repeat certain mistakes of the past and give Sombra this chance in seeking help. That question did leave many to ponder the thought. If they turn a blind eye, would that be cruel to abandon Sombra when those who say he’s changed is trying to make up his mistakes. This is all so sudden, they need time to think this out. “I…well….alright, give us time to think this over and give us every detail about him turning good.” Twilight hesitated a bit before coming to terms that they’ll decide in what to do about Sombra. “Hopefully if your story checks out, then maybe there can be hope for the guy.” Ben stated this fact in what they’ll do to at least clear Sombra of now being a former villain, if not…well, they not rather say. Goldie & Jack sigh with some relief in thinking there was a chance to help out Sombra. But for now, they best get ready to explain a lot of things and hope this can help Sombra out….hopefully Autumn Gem along with Pinkamena & Omega will watch over him even with a few Royal Guards posted to keep an eye on any suspicious evil activity if proven the guy is not reform. The scene goes dark as time will be the judge of one pony’s fate over past crimes! --------------------------------------------- The scene opens up to where we see Sombra keeping his cloak on, but his face is seen. The only ones with him are just Autumn Gem, the only one comforting the guy. As they were walking through the market place in town, many of just about every pony were started at first, but their fear lessen to keep their guard up about trusting whatever the evil king would plan to do. “Hugh, they all still give me that hateful look in knowing what I’ve done.” Sombra sighed in knowing that many still hate him. “It’s okay, I’m here, and I know the truth.” Autumn Gem pats her loves to calm him. As Autumn Gem was speaking to one merchant that wasn’t gonna take Sombra’s request of what food products he was selling…something was going on nearby. A unidentified hooded pony was watching the scene, and when he saw Sombra under the hood, it seem to…trigger something. “It can’t be, the rumors were true.” The unknown hooded figure responded in what he saw there and was starting to sound worry. “If Sombra sees me, he’ll recognize me for sure, and he’ll want payback for what I did in turning him evil! I must slip away undetected.” He spoke off to say these things before quickly turning to leave, but… “Guuagh,” But then when he was gonna walk away, he bumps into something metallic, and looks up to see he hit something…or someone. “And just what do you think you’re doing?” Omega spoke off in seeing this action that built suspicion. “You were spying on Sombra, weren’t you? And judging by that expression, you know something about him, don’t you?” Pinkamena narrow her eyes in seeing this hooded guy was hiding something. The guy under the hood was silent while the action was causing a few other ponies to pay attention. “Well, looks like the mouse has left his little hole, I bet Sombra like to meet with you again.” Pinkamena responded to say this which seem to make the guy’s eyes flash open as if saying ‘oh no’ on them. “Bam-Boom, Kurpowwvhmm…” Suddenly, some explosive works happen that made Sombra & Autumn Gem turn away from the food merchant to see a fight was going on. Pinkamena used her Pinkie Pie Sword to clash against the mysterious guy’s hidden sword before deflecting Omega’s shots. But then the two heroes dive bomb to pin down the hooded pony to which cause the hood to show what he look like underneath his cloak. It is a brown long mane unicorn wearing a blue robe, he has blue eyes, a long brown tail and his cutie mark is a dark crystal that appears to be cracked. His mane appears to have two braids in it. “Hugh….grrrr….” Sombra had gasped in wide eyes before his shock was replace by a low growl noise. “That’s him…THAT’S the one who brought evil to the Empire!” The guy last recall seeing this guy long ago who somehow tricked him to casting a spell that brought out his evilness. Then without delay, Sombra charges into the battle while leaving Autumn Gem behind that looks worried and hopes Sombra will be okay. “Woah! Sombra’s charging straight at us, or more less for this guy!” Pinkamena yelps in seeing who was coming, and they are in the line of fire. “I suggest that we move out of the way.” Omega spoke off in stating what they best do here. Soon the heroes turn about to leave the scene while the hooded figure of the strange pony gets up. “Hahaaaah, that’s right. Run cowards! You aren’t a match against Unalaq!" The revealed foe revealed himself before he turns to see why his attackers left, “Oh no.” He yelps with wide eyes in seeing why those heroes left, as he was about to move, only for Sombra to cut him off. “Gem Assault,” Sombra used his glowing horn that fired red gemstones at the hooded pony, as his front right hooves that held his blade were yanked by two gems that harpooned into his cloth and stabbed him against the wall in which the gem was lock in place. “Grrr…GRRRR….” Unalaq struggles to break free, but he was stuck tight here. Then without knowing it, many Royal Guards came out to pass the citizens and aim their weapons at the troublemaker who stop his useless struggling. Then Sombra was approaching to pass the guards to give a cold glare at the creep as Autumn Gem slowly moves to be beside her love while wondering what he plans to do; it couldn’t be he wants to…end the pony? “You, I could never, EVER, forget the one that watched as I summoned an evil form that looks like me while it ran off with the Crystal Heart.” Sombra snapped off against this guy from a 1000 years ago, he caused the issues that ruin the Crystal Empire. “Hey, you have the wrong guy. I haven’t the foggiest of what you’re talking about.” Unalaq spoke in trying to make it sound like he’s innocent. “Then you don’t remember the amulet that caused my trouble?” Sombra raised an eyebrow in bringing up a subject here. “Amulet; I thought that was from you reading that book that brought your evil…Ooops….” Unalaq was about to explain what truly happen in the history of the memory, only to yelp in exposing the evidence of his crime. “As I thought, you were the one from years ago, someone who was working for one of the Three Lords. The Dark Mystics,” Sombra snapped off to say in seeing this was the guy that done the crime and now that he’s here…it’s time for some payback. Then Sombra summons a gem sword into his grasp, and points it at the vile enemy’s neck that made him twitch a bit while the guy was readying to attack; Only for Autumn Gem to grab Sombra’s backside to hold him from doing anything. “Wait Sombra, don’t do this!” Autumn Gem pleaded to which the guy looks to see her tears in her eyes. “Why should I? He ruined my life, all I ever had were taken from me. My home, my dignity, my love of everything,” Sombra protest in blind anger in seeing there was no reason to stop now. “He will pay for it, it’s thanks to him, that when my evil side took to possess me, he made Hans betray his love and made all Crystal Ponies slaves, they set me up from my weakness to strength the empire. So I’ll end his life for all the wrong!” He issued in explaining his own just cause for the one that caused so much pain to him and everyone, well no more. But just as Sombra was moving closer to kill the enemy, Autumn Gem hugs him even tighter, trying to stop his actions. “Please don’t, if you do so…you be no better than him if you take his life.” Autumn Gem protest to say that if her love chooses this path, then he’s no better than the villain that caused so much pain. Sombra stops upon hearing that, while this jerk deserves everything for making a mess of many of those a 1000 years ago in the Crystal Empire suffer, would just killing him now make up for everything, would the pain leave, would there be satisfaction? Sombra finally lets off a sign from his breath, as he puts away his sword while it made the troublesome villain sign in seeing he’s saved. “The others or Pinkamena will handle him, they’ll force him to give info about why he setup the scheme, and then they will most likely either lock him up for the rest of his life or let Pinkamena do the death penalty…or face even heavier trials from those above.. Autumn said gently. “Hugh, very well, I suppose so. But I wanna watch his demise if he gets the death penalty.” Sombra signed to slowly speak in what he wishes for the crook. “Hmmmm…I’m glad you can see a justified view here.” Autumn Gem hugs Sombra and comforts him on his wise decision. “Besides, I think for the pain he caused, even to Mystics back then, like Frozen Sage, I think she want to PERSONALLY handle the one that pulled the trigger.” Sombra made a sly smile in thinking someone ELSE would wanna slowly beat this foe to death, namely for making him evil, then having Hans steal Mystic Frozen Sage’s gear and cause so much of distrust to stallions; that Mystic would SURELY want to do this personally. Just as Unalaq looks worried in what was gonna happen, a dark sphere is fired from above that implodes between him and the Royal Guards & Sombra. And then as the smoke clears, everyone sees that the bad guy got away during the distraction. As many citizens were lost i what just happened, the Royal Guards were giving the order for the crowds to move along, as there was nothing to see here. “It’s okay, we’ll deal with him if he comes again, I’m proud of you.” Autumn Gem pats her love’s back to say that this isn’t a lost; they’ll find the crook someday. “Thank you, the support helps.” Sombra lightly spoke in thanking his love back. Soon Autumn Gem lightly hums a little tune and Sombra nuzzles the mare from both trying to help the other feel at ease. As they slowly took their leave while Pinkamena and Omega stuck around to answer questions to what happened. As things slowly went dark from this mysterious event that played out, and many questions rose up…and we’ll wonder, what will happen from here? ------------------------ It wasn’t long before Sombra was called into Rainbow Castle to meet with the rulers there. He was there along with Autumn Gem, Goldie, Pinkamena, Omega & Jack Zen in coming near the Council of Friendship table. There the Mane Six, Ben, Spike, Phobos and Nyx were around, all awaiting those that came in. So now that everyone was gathered, it was now finally time to get down to some serious business here. “You…wanted to see me?” Sombra asked a bit nervous while Autumn Gem held his hoof for support. “Yes, we decide to come to a conclusion.” Ben spoke in being serious over the issue itself. “So are you ready?” Rainbow Dash asked off in wanting to know if the guy was ready to hear what they have decided. “Cause here it comes!” Applejack stated that they are gonna bring it. “It’s what you’ve been waiting for.” Pinkie Pie stated in preparing to announce the big news. “Our decision to decide your fate,” Rarity stated firmly on the subject on Sombra’s account. “And it’s…well, Twilight can tell you.” Fluttershy meekly spoke in seeing their princess should do this. All eyes were on Twilight, as she had slowly open her eyes in looking serious. This was it, the decision to decide Sombra’s fate now. “I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, along with Prince Ben & The Council Of Friendship…hereby acknowledge that you are now…a reform villain.” Twilight spoke in high degree in preparing for the big moment…before it all sounded more pleasant to hear in the end. “Hugh? Say again…” Sombra yelped in feeling like he didn’t catch that, did they say he’s… “Mommy means that you’re now welcome to be our friend.” Nyx smiled off to say this. “But…how?” Jack Zen asked off in not following this. “Well after how we all acted to you when we found out who you were, and stuff…we were…kinda behaving like jerks.” Spike shrug off to say that what they were doing and behaving was a bit selfish of them. “It’s like the Canterlot Wedding event again where we didn’t trust Twilight.” He recalls that event, and it was not of a happy one. “Also, Pinkamena and Omega fill us in on what happened in the market place, how the bot boy recorded a confection about someone making you evil and ruining the Crystal Empire.” Phobos pointed out that they were informed and given evidence that proves that Sombra was a good pony before he was turn evil. “Poof!” Then coming out of a poof of smoke was Discord, as he too had something to say. “Not to mention, Twilight recalled how being good to others is more than keeping grudges, especially during my role in the Tirek return scene. So if I can be asked to join the gang as their friend, then so can you.” Discord explained the case here to help Sombra out over recalling that if those that seek to be reform and redeem are given a fair shot, then a true friend can help them out and even help them see the light. “Oh Sombra, this means you won’t have to hide anymore!” Autumn Gem smiled for joy in realizing what this could mean. “Congrats man, now you’re an official former villain and good pony now.” Jack Zen pats Sombra on the back in hearing the news. “I can confirm.” Omega nods in agreeing to the subject. “So, what do you have to say?” Pinkamena asked off in how their now confirm to be acknowledged friend is good is feeling. “I am…thank you all. I couldn’t have gotten by this…without the help of those that had fate in me.” Sombra spoke in giving his thanks towards Twilight’s band while staring at Goldie’s group; they help make it possible for him. “All we have to do is inform Celestia & Luna, and a few Mystics, and we’ll be set.” Golden Heart stated out in what else they gotta do here. “We’ll get on that, but for now…welcome to our kingdom Sombra, you may not be the current king of the Crystal Empire with Cadance and Shining Armor running it, but your welcome to stay here in Ponyville.” Twilight stated in what they’ll do while saying Sombra can stay in Ponyville since even though he was king of the Crystal Empire; that’s now run by the current new rulers of her family. “Thanks, I think…I’ve gotten to accustom to my living style now.” Sombra spoke off to say while not minding who rules the Crystal Empire, he’s gotten well comfy in Pinkamena’s secret dungeon. “Then come on, lets go and enjoy your new good life.” Ben spoke off to say with a smile on his face. “Right, time to PARTY!” Pinkie Pie cheered forth in stating what they’ll do next here. Soon everyone was laughing at the pink pony’s idea of having a party to celebrate Sombra becoming a good guy now. Now that be a party that might be very well over the list of how they’ll even throw it, but hey…that’s what the party planner is there for. Sombra is seen laughing happily in seeing that now his good life can truly start over, a new home, new friends, and old love ones to keep him on the straight. Truly, this might mark the day, he is now officially declared to be…a reformed Villain. The End