Read the other AppleScratch stories for this to make perfect sense. This is the return of the Dark King, the one they call Sombra.
A quiet Monday at Sweet Apple Acres, birds tweeting absent-mindedly, the sun bathing the orchard in it's rays, the residents working the farm. Just another normal day, right? WRONG!!!!! The Dark King has arisen from his tomb, his soul goal: destroy the Council of Harmony and the three princesses. Now, only time will be able to tell if The Council and the Apples can stop this madman before he completes his sinister scheme.
Part of the AppleScratch verse group. If you wish to write your own AppleScratch story, contact MariacheatBrony.
The suns light rays warmed up the orchard as Jacquelyn "Applejack" Apple and Vinyl "Apple" Scratch were busy harvesting their limited special product that grows only once a year: Zap Apples. Vinyl's powerful legs kicked a tree in it's centre, causing all of the zap apples to shake and drop off into carefully positioned baskets. No sooner had the zap apples landed than she had moved onto another tree. Applejack, however, simply gave a comparatively light kick, causing all of those zap apples to drop, and shaking some of the zap apples from neighbouring trees loose.
Both women were sweating as the exerted themselves to their limit.
"AND APPLEJACK IS IN THE LEAD BY 37 TREES! WAIT, NOW IT'S 38!" Came an amplified voice from above. Pinkie Pie flew above the orchard on yet another flying machine, this one having wings like and bird, only, unmoving, and made a continuous buzzing sound as it flew at high speeds. "IT'S CLOSE MARES AND GENTLECO- I MEAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Why do I keep forgetting that I'm in humanised fics?"
Vinyl's hands were covered in a faint blue hue as she continued to kick the trees. Slowly, a large ball at the far end of the orchard increased in size, vibrating and pulsing with energy. Back at the homestead, the rest of the Council of Harmony, Arabella Smith, McIngtosh and Apple Bloom stood in silence. All of the council had learned from last year and had placed all of their chips on Vinyl, except for Rarity, of course. McIngtosh was leaning on crutches due to a broken leg, caused by Timberwolves no less than 5 days ago.
"NOW IT'S A WHOPPING 45! AND ONLY TEN SECONDS TO GO! TEN!"
The two women picked up their pace as Pinkie started her count down.
"NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN!"
AJ's speed picked up almost twofold, making her almost a blur as she worked.
"SIX! FIVE! FOUR!"
Vinyl maintained her pace as Applejack frantically kicked the trees.
"THREE!"
AJ was starting to tire out as she pushed herself.
"TWO!!!!"
Vinyl stopped and concentrated her magic into her hands.
"ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Vinyl released her pressure, causing the giant ball of energy to explode outwards, shaking the zap apples out of 70 trees and sending a tremendous boom echoing throughout the farm. The force was so much that the Council and the Apples could feel it through the ground.
"AND STOP! THIS YEAR'S WINNER IS VINYL SCRATCH WITH A LEAD OF 19 TREES!!!"
The two women made their way towards the homestead, AJ sighing in defeat. Pinkie's contraption landed near the barn and a parachute deployed to slow it down. As the trio arrived at the homestead, Rarity begrudgingly paid up on her bet and gave the other four council members 10 bits each. "I still maintain that Applejack is the best apple bucker." She fumed. The others all laughed at her reaction.
"C'mon sugarcube. Y'all know Vinyl beat me fair an' square. No need ta go beatin' yerself up 'bout it." AJ said as she approached.
Pinkie was hopping behind the two sisters. "OH MY WAWOIE ZOWIE! AJ WAS ALL LIKE KABAM," she screamed, kicking one of her legs out in a way surprisingly similar to the way Applejack kicked. "AND THEN VINYL WAS ALL LIKE BAM!" She reinforced this statement with another kick. "THEN AJ WAS ALL LIKE KABAM KABAM KABAM!" More kicking. "THEN VINYL WAS LIKE KABOOOOOOOOOM!!!" As she said that last word, she collapsed backwards with her arms stretched out. Everyone raised their eyebrows at her in either annoyance or complete confusion, though most of it was confusion.
"Meh," Rainbow said at last. "just Pinkie being Pinkie, I suppose." The others all shrugged their shoulders in agreement as Pinkie picked herself up from the dirt, shaking her body in order to rid herself of the dust.
"Anyway," Applejack said, turning her attention to Vinyl. "Ah swear that that darn thing you make with yer magic gets bigger every year. How in tarnation am ah supposed ta keep up with y'all when y'all keep doin' that?" She asked, though not entirely requiring an answer.
"Well, maybe next year, you should ask politely for me not to do that." Vinyl replied, her voice dripping with mock sarcasm.
The group diverted their attention to their own conversations as Vinyl and Applejack finished theirs.
As Applejack turned to speak with Rarity, Vinyl strolled up to Octavia. "Hey 'Tavi! How did I do?"
That question was answered as Octavia pecked her on the lips, wrapping her arms around Vinyl's neck. Pulling back but leaving her arms in place, she replied, "You did just fine."
"I still feel kinda bad for always using my energy ball."
"Don't get yourself too worked up about it. You still won. Besides, maybe I'll help you celebrate your victory in a very special way tonight." She finished her sentence in a sultry tone.
"Ooh, I'm liking where this is goi..." Vinyl was interrupted by Pinkie popping up between the two of them, causing them to jump back with startled cries.
"Congratulations! You've won this years ZAP APPLE HARVEST!!! How are you gonna celebrate, huh? Huh? Huh?" Pinkie said in her usual ecstatic voice. Vinyl and Octavia could only stare in mild annoyance and a glint of amusement at Pinkie's antics. "CAN I THROW A MASSIVE APPLE PARTY WITH ZAP APPLE JAM AND ZAP APPLE PIE AN..."
Vinyl stuck a hand into Pinkie's mouth. "Yes, Pinkie, you can throw a party, but will you please let me and 'Tavi have a private conversation?"
"OKIE DOKIE LOKI!" She said, before skipping into the house to, no doubt, plan a celebration party.
Once sure Pinkie was gone, Octavia spoke up. "Well that was... Strange."
"What did you expect from Pinkie?" Vinyl retorted.
"Well, I... Uh... Actually, that was pretty normal for her."
As they all delved into conversation, Applejack headed towards Rarity. As she approached Rarity, she was suddenly attacked by a leaping bear hug from said woman.
"Applejack, darling, you were simply fabulous out there." Rarity said, still clutching Applejack's back, resting her head on her chest due to her size.
"Thanks, Rares, but Ah think Vinyl won that round." Applejack countered, easily removing the clingy fashionista from her mid-rif.
"You're better than her and you know it!" Rarity said in a mock angry voice.
"Whatever ya say, sugarcube." Applejack chuckled, pulling the brim of her Stetson down over her eyes slightly.
"You know, I used to think it was funny the way you called everybody sugarcube. Now it's starting to get annoying, especially since you keep patronising me for standing up to you." Rarity huffed, crossing her arms and shifting her weight onto one hip, her face betraying the fact she wasn't really angry at all.
Applejack placed her large hands on Rarity's arms, drawing her attention to the farm girl and no-one else. "Look, sugarcube, as much as Ah'd like Vinyl ta stop using her titanian magic, there ain't no rules against it. Besides, it's only a bit o' friendly competition. Y'all have nothing to worry about." As she said this, she noticed the area was getting darker, and the others around them were giving shocked gasps.
Applejack looked up to see a large shadow cloud block out the sun, making headway towards the capitol of the country: Canterlot. The speed it was heading was unbelievable, and the farm people and the council could do nothing but stare as it passed overhead.
Finally, Applejack broke the silence. "What in tarnation is that?"
The cloud reached the castle and suddenly compressed, collapsing in on itself. The cloud collapsed to the point where it was no longer visible.
Suddenly, Rarity slapped Applejack. "That is for jinxing our day."
The Council and the Apple's were in complete shock. Twilight was the first to snap out of it.
"Okay, everybody. We need to get to Canterlot now." The others all gave affirmative nods.
"Ah don't think Ah'll be able to go, what with ma body in it's condition." Granny said. Twilight had already taken that into account.
"It's fine, Granny Smith. Apple Bloom, Big Mac," she said, pointing at them. "Would you be as kind as to look after Granny while we're gone?"
"Yeah, sure Twahlight." Apple Bloom said.
"Eeyup," Big Mac confirmed.
"Excellent! Quickly, girls..." she was cut off by a cough from the small boy at her side. "And Spike... We need to get to the train!"
"No problem, Twi. I got this. I'll just fly there!" Rainbow said, unfurling her Jupitarian wings and preparing to launch.
"No!" Twilight shouted, leaping forwards to restrain her, even though it would be pointless trying to resist Rainbow's strength. Luckily, it stopped her from taking off. Twilight's face hardened into a serious stare. "We need to stay together. We have no idea what we're dealing with and we can't risk one of us being hurt or worse."
Rainbow sighed and brought her wings back in. "Fine."
"Come on everyone! Let's go!" Pinkie shouted hopping ahead of the group. "We need to find out who that meanie-meanie was!" She broke off into a full on sprint, closely followed by the others.
As they arrived to the train station, Twilight darted to the timetable to check for the next train. After finding what she was looking for, she announced, "The next train should be here any minute." the girls and Spike looked worried, waiting impatiently for the train.
Finally, they heard a familiar toot as the train pulled into the station, and as soon as they doors opened, they hopped inside, not wishing to waste any time.
As soon as they boarded, a thunderous boom echoed out from Canterlot as some of the rocks on the magnificent mountainside city were shook loose.
"Oh no..." Twilight whispered as the others all stared in shock.
15 minutes earlier at the Castle...
The cloud condensed in on itself as it approached the Castle, finally settling into a humanoid shape as it approached the balcony of Princess Celestia's chambers. As the mist finally cleared, a tall dark figure clad in full steel armour, painted black, and wearing a grey steel crown with no embedded jewels, which sat upon his black wavy hair, made his way inside.His green and red eyes glowed with raw power, a dark purple mist emanating from within. His features were twisted into a growl.
Ashe stalked into the room, the same dark mist that he arrived in formed a shape in his right hand, which he held open to his side. The mist hardened into a solid, showing a large broad sword glowing red with dark energies and shining with an apparent enchantment, no doubt to inflict further damage to his prey.
As he approached the door leading into the corridor on the other side, he outstretched his left arm, and it was enveloped with the same dark mist that shaded his eyes. Suddenly, a concentrated beam of magic shot from the mist, sending the door crashing into the wall opposite.
The two guards at the door, who had been fought unawares, stumbled back. The tall man walked through, and without even looking at them, swung his sword at the one on the left, catching him in the shoulder and severing his arm, then bringing his sword in a wide arc to deflect the attack of the second guard, disarming him figuratively, then finishing his attack by disarming him literally. The two guards collapsed to the ground, the pain knocking them unconscious.
The man stalked the halls, easily defeating the guards that stood in his way, while making his way to the throne room, where the royal sisters, no doubt, were at the moment. Not once during his onslaught did he break stride, or even begin to falter. This scared the guards to no end, and the man relished in it. As he finally reached the throne room doors, he was stopped by a large man with blue hair, wearing the uniform of the captain of the guard. Interesting... Perhaps this one will actually pose a threat? He thought.
"Stop right there, fiend! You shall not pass!" The Captain shouted, taking up a defensive stance. The Armoured man simply lifted his arm and send another beam of energy. The man in Captain's armour raised a shield, only for the beam to penetrate it and send him cascading into the doors, which opened with quite a level of force. Or not, then...
At the far end of the room, Celestia and Luna sat on their respective thrones, their mouths hanging agape. Celestia quickly recovered and stood up to attack. But as soon as she did, the man reached behind his back and pulled out a crystal that Celestia recognised instantly: a crystal prison. He threw it at her feet and it expanded, trapping her in place. He threw another one at Luna, who was now also standing. Both princesses were trapped and they knew it. Celestia, with her free arm, fired her own magic, pouring all of her strength into it, aiming it at the intruder's chest. He easily sidestepped the attack, and started to walk forwards. The attack hit a wall, causing the entirety of Canterlot to rumble and shake.
As he approached the Princesses, the crystal prisons reaching their heads, he spoke. "I am Sombra, and I have come to reclaim my kingdom." he said in a deep voice. That was the last thing they heard before their world turned black.
The train pulled into Canterlot station and the 8 women along with Spike ran out of it. They instantly froze in shock, staring at the scene that was being portrayed around them. It was like a nightmare.
The city was being overrun with large dark-purple shards, leaving not one building untouched. The populace was being chased by crystal and shadow based demons with glowing purple eyes. Those who didn't escape were captured and carried off, no doubt to the source of this trouble. The sun was not visible for the black clouds covering the sky.
"No..." Twilight trailed off, unable to comprehend what was happening before her. Shouldn't the Princesses be helping everyone? Where are they?
Vinyl started running and shouted, "Girls! Come on! We have to get to the castle! The Princesses could be in danger!" She didn't look back, but knew that, no doubt, they were all following her. She put on a determined face and sprinted as fast as she could, enhancing each step with her magic. Only Applejack was able to keep pace, running faster than was physically thought possible by any Eponian.
They reached the castle after a mere two minutes and barged through the gate to the entrance, which was left unguarded, which in turn worried Vinyl.
The duo reached a set of stairs leading to the throne room and launched themselves up them at a speed that would make the best of endurance runners jealous. As they reached the top, they heard footsteps in the foyer at the entrance to the castle, which they guessed was the other girls (and Spike) catching up.
The doors to the throne room were sealed shut with a purple crystal wall that was so dark, it was almost black. This was no problem for Applejack, and she launched herself in the air. She extended her right foot, turning to her side to provide stability in her kick. As soon as she made contact, the crystal shattered and the doors buckled and fell from the force.
1 minute earlier...
Sombra sat on his recently-made crystal throne, using his dark magic to see through the eyes of his puppets that were terrorising the populace. He smiled darkly at the mayhem, almost ecstatic that he had accomplished so much in less than an hour of entering the castle.
The frozen statues that were Celestia and Luna were either side of his throne, a grim reminder to all those that dared oppose him that he was more powerful than any force that they could put together.
His ears twitched and his head shot up. Is that... footsteps? He growled about the fact that, despite all he had done, there were those who were still willing to oppose him. He shot a beam of dark magic at the door, pulling them closed and sealing them with a thick layer of concentrated crystal.
He heard the footsteps reach the landing and smiled, knowing that they will have seen the door covered in crystal and will no doubt simply give up on their efforts. But he was surprised when he heard the footsteps continuing towards the door. What in the... He heard one set of footsteps stop, signifying to him that the person that the footsteps belonged to either stopped still or had jumped. Surely no-one would be foolish enough to jump at the door? he frowned at the thought. But, before he could shrug it off, the crystal cracked and shattered, and the doors themselves buckled and fell as if hit by a minotaur.
He looked in shock at first, but then his expression became amused and he chuckled deeply.
"A mere farmgirl and a punk managed to knock down my door? Now I've seen everything." He mused, mostly to offend the two figures who stood at the door. One was a large woman with rippling muscles, a shirt that was at least one size too small and denim shorts, her long blonde hair covered with a large brown stetson. The other was a slightly smaller woman, with spiky dark blue hair with electric-blue highlights, a white tank top and dark blue jeans. Both wore a similar angry expression on their faces.
Those angry faces soon turned into shock as they noticed the two statues either side of the throne.
Vinyl was the first to make the connection, having seen Celestia trapped in one of these prisons before. She turned to the armour-clad man at the throne and spoke as plainly as possible, with an undertone of uninhibited anger. "Sombra, I presume?"
"KING Sombra, to you, peasant. You are quite astute." Sombra stood up off his throne and grabbed his sword. "And who might you be?" He said in a mock-pleasant tone, ending with a small chuckle.
"Your worst nightmare." Vinyl said, extending both arms. Her hands were coated in a light blue aura as light blue tendrils came into existence. They then started to vibrate, creating a high pitched sound that caused Applejack to cover her ears, along with the council members who were still on their way up the stairs.
Sombra simply remained standing, feeling no effect from the sonic attack. When Vinyl had finished, he chuckled again.
"That was impressive. My turn." With that, he roared so loud that it caused Vinyl and Applejack to fall on the ground. He then swung his sword, bringing it down on the ground beneath him and causing a crystal barrier to keep Vinyl away and to keep Applejack in.
Said woman stood up and readied her fists. Sombra threw his sword to the side, removed his metal armour, replacing it with black clothes, and put his fists up in preparation for the upcoming fight. Applejack lunged first, throwing a punch straight at Sombra's face. As she neared her target, she suddenly switched attacks and brought her left fist up in an uppercut into Sombra's chin. Sombra remained still the entire time, a smug smile on his face. The punch connected, but Sombra remained standing while Applejack clutched her hand in pain, the mangled fingers a clear indication that she had broken her fingers.
Sombra held up his hand in front of Applejack's face, holding his middle finger down with his thumb. He straightened his thumb, allowing his finger to spring forward and into Applejack's left cheek. The simple flick connected, but sent Applejack crashing into the wall of the crystal barrier.
The council members had arrived at this point, and were surprised to see Vinyl lying on the floor in pain, and the Armour-clad villain fighting Applejack within a crystal arena. They could only stare in disbelief as the villain flicked Applejack, sending her cascading into the wall.
Twilight acteds fast, charging her magic for a teleportation spell, the likes of which she has never done before. She channeled all of her magic into her hands, and her nose started to bleed from the sheer concentration. Her head was swirling and her magical reserves were being depleted. Can't... give... up... need to... save... friend.
On the other side of the wall, King Sombra jumped into the air and brought his fist behind his head. He fell forwards, extending his arm as he did so. He smiled and shouted, "FALCOOOOON PUNCH!" before hitting where his opponent was with everything he had, sending himself crashing through several floors, only to find that she was gone, as were the women (and boy) on the other side of the wall.
Impossible. She can't have teleported. Perhaps I underestimated this woman?