After preforming her first sonic rainboom Rainbow Dash meets King Sombra and Equestria may never be the same.
How did this happen. King Sombra has returned and taken over the Crystal Empire, the elements bearers are divided, and Equestria is at war. To understand the end we must start at the beginning, and it all started when Rainbow Dash preformed her first sonic rainboom.
Cover Art by Ccphony on DeviantArt. Made the popular stories 9/3/16, 9/4/16, 9/5/16. Awesome! Three days straight.
Rainbow Dash, along with Hoops and Dumb-Bell, stood at the starting line. Rainbow prepared herself for what could be the greatest race of her young life. Little did she know that today was the day that would not only define the future of Equestria but herself as well, whether it be for better or worse. Fluttershy gave the signal to start and all three zipped passed her causing her to fall off the cloud she was on. The three maneuvered through rings that were throughout the course. Dumb-Bell was taken out of the race early when he crashed into a cloud pillar. Only Dash and Hoops remained and they flew through a few more rings before Hoops slammed into Rainbow knocking her away.
“Ha! Later, Rainbow Crash!”
“Hay!”
Rainbow quickly caught up and flew past Hoops sending him into a spin. Dash’s speed picked up as she headed to the ring that was close to the ground. She went faster and faster, a cone began to form around her as she pushed herself harder and harder until it happened.
*BOOM!*
Rainbow Dash shot up into the air leaving a trail of rainbow in her wake from having just preformed a sonic rainboom. Rainbow couldn’t be more proud of herself. She had just done the impossible. She then crossed the finish line victorious and got her cutie mark. Later that evening Rainbow turned in for the night and fell asleep, then found herself surrounded by darkness.
“Hello…is anypony there? Where am I?”
“Greetings,” said a mysterious yet young sounding voice.
Out from the darkness stepped a unicorn colt. He had a black mane and tail with a grey coat.
“Who are you and where am I?”
“This is the dream realm and my name is Sombra.”
“Oookay, are you some kind of figment of my imagination or something?”
Sombra let out a low chuckle. “I assure you I am quiet real. This is the only way I can communicate with you at the moment.”
“Well I’m Rainbow Dash. So why are you in my dream?”
“I felt a disturbance, a surge of magical energy, your sonic rainboom. I have to say I’m impressed. I thought such a feat was mere myth. You Rainbow Dash are one talented little filly.”
“Yeah, I am pretty awesome aren’t I,” she said like it was no big deal.
“I should say so.”
“So what’s your story? If you’re just a colt then how are you able to enter my dreams?”
“Ah I am no colt. I have merely chosen to appear before you as one because my adult form can be…intimidating at times.”
“I don’t scare that easily.”
“I bet you don’t, still its better this way if I’m eye level with you.”
“So how old are you?”
“I’m over a thousand years old.”
“WHAT! No way, only alicorns can live so long.”
“It’s the truth. I am a powerful unicorn and know many spells which is how I am able to enter your dreams. As for my story I don’t want to go into the details at the moment. But I do hope that we can get to know each other better and be friends. Also I wouldn’t mention me or our meetings to anypony. They might start to think you’re crazy.”
“You may have a point there…and you do seem cool so far so yeah why not.”
“Thank you Rainbow Dash and mark my words, this sonic rainboom is only the beginning, you’re going to go on and do great things.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
(5 years later)
Five years have passed since Rainbow Dash first met Sombra and in that time they had become close friends, and aside from Fluttershy and Gilda her only friend. On this night Rainbow and Sombra were racing through the sky (Sombra having temporally turned his horn to wings) as they have done from time to time. Sombra did his best to catch up but she had gained too much of a lead. Rainbow crossed the finish line triumphant with Sombra trailing behind her. They both came to rest on a cloud.
“Even in a dream I can’t hope to match your speed.”
“Hey come on when you first started flying you could barely get off the ground and now you’re flying better than some of the graduates from flight school, and considering my talent is flying you can’t exactly expect to keep pace with me.”
“True, you are the fastest flyer in Equestria.”
“And that’s how I know that someday I’ll be a Wonderbolt.”
“You may even be the youngest initiate in the history of the Wonderbolts.”
“I don’t doubt it,” she said looking proud.
Sombra cleared his throat. “Rainbow we’ve known each other for a while now, yes?”
“Yeah, and?”
“Well it’s just that…at any point have you ever thought of me as more than just a friend?” he said while rubbing the back of his neck and looking away.
Rainbow blushed a little. “Oh…well…no but I’m not opposed to the idea, it’s just…you’re cool and all but even after all this time it still feels like I hardly know you.”
“Because I’ve avoided telling you about my past. Well that changes now, it’s time you knew.”
“Really, you’re going to tell me.”
“Better than that, I’m going to show you.” His wings disappeared and his horn returned. “My youth is of little importance, it’s what I did when I reached adulthood that defined me. For you see a thousand years ago I was known as King Sombra, ruler of the Crystal Empire.” Then there was a flash of light. Rainbow rubbed her eyes and when she could see again she was in a very different place. Dash found herself on a balcony overlooking a city made of obsidian crystal and saw ponies in chains along with snow everywhere. “Welcome to my empire.”
Rainbow turned around and the first thing she noticed was how tall Sombra had become. He stood a good head or two above her and sported a powerful physique. Next she noticed his armor and regalia. His horn was smooth and curved, his eyes had changed, and…are those fangs?
“What is all this?”
“This is what the Crystal Empire was like during my reign a thousand years ago.” Sombra walked to the edge of the balcony to gaze upon the city. “I went by many names back then, most of them negative. They called me a tyrant, a monster even, just because I saw the world in a different light. I went from being a nobody to royalty, and then in an instant I lost everything.”
“How?”
“The princesses came and used their Elements of Harmony to exile me to the frozen north, but not before I cast a spell to make the empire vanish for as long as I remained imprisoned.”
“That explains why I’ve never heard of this place. Wait princesses? There was more than one back then?”
Sombra turned to face Dash. “Yes, there was Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Celestia’s younger sister. Although you know her as Nightmare Moon.”
“The Mare in the Moon. That’s just an old story designed to scare foals.”
“Oh it’s quiet real. She was banished to the moon shortly after my defeat. One day I will return. I’ll take back my empire and I will be king again. I am King Sombra, lord of shadows, master of the dark arts, and I will have my vengeance! Now that I’ve told you about my past I have one important question for you. Do you hate me?”
“I…well no…it’s just this is a lot to take in, I’m not sure what to think.”
“I understand, you need some time to think things over, and thank you for not rejecting me right away. But know this, it’s a cruel world out there and the only way to get ahead in life is to be just as cruel. I’ve lived long enough to know you don’t get the things you want by being nice or playing fair, if you want something you have to take it. I’ll visit you in one week, and if you decide that you never want to see me again…well I’ll be heartbroken but I’ll respect your decision. See you in a week.”
Rainbow awoke with a start, it was morning and she had a lot to think about.
A week passed by and Rainbow fell asleep waiting for Sombra to arrive. She had made her choice. It wasn’t long before Sombra appeared before her.
“So have you thought about what I said?”
“I have.”
“And?”
She let out a sigh. “I don’t hate you. I’m sure you have your reasons for doing the things you did and even though I don’t agree with it I know you have a kinder side to you from all the time we’ve spent together. So what I’m saying is that I would like to continue this and give us a chance, then see where thing go from there. But I have to ask, why me? Wouldn’t you be better off with some powerful unicorn or something?”
“No, I don’t want to be with somepony just because they are powerful. True your sonic rainboom is what first caught my interest but you Rainbow Dash are the reason I stayed.” Rainbow blushed and looked away while Sombra walked over and hugged her. “And thank you for giving m- err us a chance. You’re a loyal friend Dash.”
(3 years later and one week before Nightmare Moon’s return)
Rainbow Dash and Sombra have been in a romantic relationship for the past three years and still going strong. In that time Sombra had found a way to mentally communicate with Rainbow during the day but she would still often take naps just to be with him. She was also slowly coming around to Sombra’s way of thinking, especially after the years of bullying she went through in Cloudsdale. Eventually she decided to follow Fluttershy and moved to Ponyville to start over with mild success. Although she was not happy at the moment having just read over another rejection letter from the Wonderbolts. She proceeded to crumple it up and threw it away.
“Damn it!”
Let me guess another rejection letter.
Yeah! Every time I apply they give me the same line of bull “Sorry but we’re not actively seeking new members at this time,” give me a break.
It’s just like I’ve been saying, you don’t get the things you want-
By being nice or playing fair. I know, but what can I do?
We’ll have to revisit this train of thought later. Right now there is something I need to tell you.
What?
Something is going to happen soon, something important. I can feel the stars aligning. I can’t say exactly what it is or when it will happen just that it’s soon, like in the next few days. So stay safe and keep your eyes peeled.
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll be sure to look for anything out of the ordinary.
Just try and be subtle about it, although I know that’s not your strong suit.
It was just another day in Ponyville on the day before the Summer Sun Celebration when Rainbow Dash collided with a unicorn mare with a rather sour attitude by the name of Twilight Sparkle. Sure Dash knocked her into a muddy puddle but she cleaned her up and dried her off with not even a thank you. Then Twilight had the nerve to say that Dash wasn’t Wonderbolt martial and tricked her into clearing the sky of clouds lickety split. Rainbow tried to shrug it off as Twilight left.
What the hell was her problem!
I’m not sure, but I know of her.
You do?
Yes, years ago when you preformed your sonic rainboom I felt a second surge of magic coming from Canterlot, and her.
So why didn’t you go visit her instead?
Because it was your rainboom the triggered her surge. Without it nothing would have happened. Besides with the kind of magical talent she possesses she would be more of a rival then a friend, and well you see the kind of pony she is.
True.
As the evening came Pinkie Pie told everypony about a party at the library and Rainbow thought it would be a nice way to kill time until the celebration started, Pinkie throws a mean party after all. Only it was a party for that new girl Twilight but luckily she didn’t stick around very long and Rainbow just hung out for a while. Finally the time had come and everypony headed to see the princess raise the sun. The mayor started her speech when Sombra piped up.
I can feel it, it’s happening.
Wait what’s happening?
Remember what I told you a week ago that something important was going to happen?
Yeah.
She’s returning.
“And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...Princess Celestia!”
When the curtains were pulled back the princess wasn’t there. Ponies were starting to panic while the mayor was trying to calm them down. Then Rarity came out and said Celestia was gone. A purple and blue mist appeared on the balcony where Celestia was supposed to be. It soon took the form of an alicorn mare who started talking to everypony, but Rainbow was too busy listening Sombra.
So Nightmare Moon has broken free from her imprisonment.
That’s Nightmare Moon?
Yes it is. With her escape it means that my own imprisonment is not forever as well.
Dash snapped back to what was happening and heard Twilight speak up.
“I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon!”
Everypony gasped. Twilight and Nightmare Moon had a brief exchange before she declared the night would last forever. Guards tried to seize Nightmare Moon but she turned to mist and escaped. Twilight headed back to the library and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy followed. They made it there and confronted Twilight about what she knew. They learned about the Elements of Harmony and found out that they are located in an old castle in the Everfree Forest. Although she wasn’t that enthusiastic about it Sombra advised Rainbow to go with them. The group journeyed in and faced a few obstacles along the away. Like falling off a cliff, a manticore, some scary trees, and a raging river with a sea serpent. Then they came to a downed bridge and Rainbow flew across to fix it when she heard somepony calling her name.
“Rainbow…”
“Who’s there?”
“Rainbow…”
“I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!”
“We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.”
“Then you’ve come to the right pony. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'cause I've been trying to get into that group for like, ever.”
Then three ponies in fight suits similar to that of the Wonderbolts appeared. “No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us, the Shadowbolts. We're the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain. The most magnificent-”
“Yep.”
“Swiftest-”
“Yes.”
“Bravest flyer in all the land.”
“Yes, it’s all true.”
“We need…you.”
“WOOHOO!”
Rainbow listen, do not be swayed by their words. They are mere illusions conjured up by Nightmare Moon to try to keep you from completing your task.
Really! Man I knew this sounded too good to be true.
“Well?”
“Thanks for the offer but it’s a no.”
She finished tying off the bridge and returned to the others. They crossed, reached the castle, and found the elements, well most of them anyway. One was missing. The others left while Twilight concentrated on a spell, they heard Twilight and they ran back into the room in time to see her and the elements disappear. They saw lights coming from another part of the castle and ran that way. When they entered Twilight started talking.
“You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here.”
“What?”
“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of...honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of…kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of...laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of...generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of...loyalty!”
The shattered elements floated around the five mares.
“You still don't have the sixth element! The spark didn't work!”
“But it did! A different kind of spark.” Twilight turned to look at the others. “I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all...are my friends!” Just then the sixth element appeared. “You see, Nightmare Moon, when those elements are ignited by the...the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of...magic!”
The elements turned to necklaces except for magic which became a crown and was placed on each mare. Then their power combined and shot a rainbow into the air redirecting at Nightmare Moon who cried out one last time before it consumed her. Twilight and the others briefly passed out but woke up in time to see Princess Celestia return and after a brief exchange between the princess and Twilight they turned their attention to the now transformed Luna. Celestia and Luna made up and they all returned to Ponyville to celebrate. There Celestia tasked Twilight to study the magic of friendship in Ponyville. Later Rainbow returned to her cloud house, crawled into bed, and fell asleep.
“Congratulations Element of Loyalty. Did I not say you would go on to do great things?”
“Yeah, this is pretty awesome.”
“This is a fortuitous turn of events indeed.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because the elements can only be used as a set and now that they have passed ownership from the celestial sisters to you six…well my eventual return should go a lot smoother. After all you wouldn’t use your element against me would you?”
“No! Of course not!”
Sombra walked over and kissed Rainbow passionately. Sombra pulled away after a few seconds much to Dash’s disappointment.
“Then there is only one other item that can pose a serious threat to me. The Crystal Heart.”
“The Crystal Heart?”
“It’s an ancient relic that was used to protect the empire before my takeover. I hid it away where no pony would find it but that could change.”
“So what now?”
“You are an element bearer and must play the part.”
“I’m not sure how keen I am on being friends with those other ponies. Fluttershy is alright but I feel we’ve been drifting apart lately and the others are more like acquaintances.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to bare and grin it for the time being. Equestria had many enemies in its early years and I doubt that Nightmare Moon will be the last threat you face. So for now you’ll just have to play nice and pretend to be friends with them.”
A few months passed by with little incident other than a boastful magician and an ursa minor attack, a sleeping dragon, and a swarm of parasprites. Although she did run into her old bullies at the best young flyers competition Rainbow was feeling pretty good after winning the competition where she not only saved Rarity and the lives of three Wonderbolts but pulled off her second sonic rainboom. But the biggest disaster was at the Grand Galloping Gala were Rainbow tried desperately to get the attention of the Wonderbolts. Only she and her ‘friends’ ended up ruining the evening for the other ponies, except for Princess Celestia who seemed to enjoy it.
It started out as a normal day in Ponyville until Rainbow came across a cotton candy cloud with chocolate milk rain. Then she followed it to Applejack’s farm.
What the hay is going on?
This isn’t right.
What was your first clue.
That’s not what I meant. I knew I felt something happen. This looks like Discord’s work. He must have broken free but it was so sudden and subtle that I wasn’t sure what had happened.
Who is Discord?
Discord is the spirit of chaos and disharmony. He lived a thousand years ago and was imprisoned in stone before my defeat. Be careful, he can appear to be a harmless trickster but he can be dangerous.
Dash made it to the farm and the others arrived soon after but the situation only got worse. Twilight tried to fix everything with a spell but it didn’t work. So Dash and the other girls managed to corral the clouds together and let the animals devour it. Then they received a letter form Celestia asking them to come to Canterlot a once. Upon arriving they were taken to the room that contained the elements while Celestia talked about Discord. When they reached the vault that the Elements of Harmony were being held in Celestia explained that they had to use them to imprison him once again. Only when she opened the vault and the chest containing the elements it was empty, everypony gasped.
“The elements! They’re gone!”
“That chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break! This doesn't make sense!”
Then they all heard a mysterious laughter. “Make sense? Oh, what fun is there in making sense?”
“Discord...show yourself!”
Discord chuckled then appeared in a stained glass window. “Did you miss me, Celestia? I missed you. It's quite lonely being encased in stone, but you wouldn't know that, would you, because I don't turn ponies into stone.” After some back and forth between Discord and the ponies he finally gave a clue as to where the elements were located. “To retrieve your missing elements, just make sense of this change of events. Twists and turns are my master plan. Then find the elements back where you began.”
“What do you reckon he meant? Twists and turns and ending back where we started?”
“Twists and turns...twists and turns...twists and turns! That's it! I bet Discord hid the elements in the palace labyrinth!”
“Good luck, my little ponies. The fate of Equestria is in your hooves.”
“Thanks, Princess. We won't let you down.”
They arrived at the labyrinth only to stop when they realize how difficult this would actually be. Rainbow shot into the air to fly over the labyrinth to see if she could spot the elements but was quickly grounded when her wings disappeared. Then Fluttershy’s vanished along with Twilight and Rarity’s horns. Discord appeared and laid down the rules of his game. Then they all stepped into the labyrinth only to be immediately separated from one another. While they all searched, Discord visited all of them except for Twilight, starting with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, and twisted their minds. Meanwhile, Rainbow continued to search for the elements while chatting with Sombra.
I don’t think the elements are in the labyrinth.
Really?
I’ve been thinking about what Discord said and I may have a hunch as to where they are. I think they are somewhere in Ponyville.
Well now is this a privet conversation or can anypony join in?
Dash immediately stopped after hearing Discord’s voice in her head. “Where are you?! Show yourself?!”
Oh why don’t you come find me I’m far too comfy where I am. Rainbow started walking.
Be careful, Discord's ability to twist reality is impressive and he won’t be afraid to play dirty or throw some low blows to get his way.
Oh sir you flatter me. Who are you anyway?
No pony you need concern yourself with draconequus.
Rainbow rounded a corner and saw Discord lying on a cloud hammock. “Oh. I can see why you like these clouds so much. Very plush.”
“Get off there and put 'em up! Come on! Let's go!” she said while punching the air.
“Hey, I'm here to deliver a message.”
“I've got a message for you too!” she said while punching some more.
Rainbow calm yourself, you can’t take him on alone.
“Listen closely, this is important. A weighty choice is yours to make: a right selection or a big mistake. If a wrong choice you choose to pursue, the foundations of home will crumble without you.”
Rainbow was show a vision of Cloudsdale falling apart. “Cloudsdale? Crumble...without me? No!”
Rainbow! RAINBOW! Listen to me, it’s not real. Discord is trying to deceive you, don’t fall for it.
Too late for that. Dash’s colors began to dull and gray. Then a box appeared. “That box contains your wings. You can take them and leave the game, or you can carry on aimlessly wandering this maze. Your choice.”
Rainbow took her wings and flew off. Twilight spotted her and couldn’t believe Dash would abandon them like that. The labyrinth disappeared and Discord was standing there ready to gloat over his victory.
Rainbow Dash flew around for a good while before coming to rest on a cloud, and then she laid back and relaxed. Sombra had been trying to snap her out of it since she left but to no avail.
‘Damn it! How can I get through to her?’ Then he got an idea. That’s it! I apologize in advance Rainbow. This will hurt.
Sombra concentrated, gathering what strength he could and cast a spell. Rainbow’s eyes shot open, she put her hooves to her head, and let out a piercing scream. She shot up into a sitting position and took deep breaths while her color returned.
“What the fuck was that?!” she then heard Sombra groan. What happened?
Again my…deepest apologies but…the only way to snap you out of it…was to reset your brain and it is a painful experience. Unfortunately it took…a lot of my strength…to do it so I must rest for a while. Now go…find the others and stop Discord.
Right.
Rainbow flew to the labyrinth but it wasn’t there so she headed to Ponyville and saw a wide hole in Twilight’s library. When she flew in she noticed that the others colors were completely grayed out except for Twilight and they were playing a game of keep away with a book. But Twilight managed to get it.
“Get back! All of you! This is my book, and I'm going to READ IT!” Upon opening the book she gasped. “The elements!”
“Umm Twilight what’s going on here?”
“Rainbow, let me guess you’ve turned into a jerk like the rest of our friends.”
“What! No! They’re just under Discords spell. I was too until I snapped out of it.”
Twilight let out a sigh. “That’s a relief. Wait how did you break free?”
“Uhhh through sheer force of will. Anyways shouldn’t we be stopping Discord?”
“Right.”
Twilight put the elements around the necks of her friends and got them all outside where Discord was waiting.
“Well, well, well, I see you've found the Elements of Harmony. How terrifying!”
“Discord! I've figured out your lame riddle. You're in for it now!”
“I certainly am. You've clearly out-dueled me, and now it's time to meet my fate. I'm prepared to be defeated now, ladies. Fire when ready.”
Discord then produced a target for them to aim at. They grouped together and the elements began to glow, although Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked less than enthusiastic about it. But a rainbow shot up and right at Discord who cried out as he was once again turned to stone. Afterwards everything Discord did was undone and the others color returned.
Applejack shook her head. “What happened? Did we win?”
“We sure did. Thank goodness you’re all back to normal,” said Twilight.
Well it looks like you helped save the day again. You must be feeling pretty good.
Kind of, it doesn’t have the same rush as it did the first time around. How are you doing?
I’ll be fine. I just need a few days and I should be good. Hopefully Equestria won’t have another world ending scenario before then.
A few more months passed by, again with little incident other than Twilight freaking out over a friendship report and sending the whole town in to a frenzy, Spike getting greedy on his birthday and nearly destroying the town, and a disaster of a royal wedding where changelings invaded Canterlot.
Rainbow was furious after receiving another rejection letter from the Wonderbolts. She tore it to shreds.
“Fuck!”
When will they ever recognize your potential.
Never in looks like. I helped save Equestria at least twice and saved three of them while winning the best young flyers competition and they still won’t take me. What do I have to do, sleep with them? Not that I would.
Now you truly see what I’ve been telling you all these years.
You’re right. You’ve been right all along. I’ve tried doing things their way and where has it gotten me, nowhere. I mean even the other ponies don’t think me and the others are anything special anymore. They see us as equals, like were just as good as them. We are not equals! When was the last time any of them stepped up to the plate and defended their nation or something. Well screw them! If the Wonderbolts don’t want me then I don’t want to be a Wonderbolt.
Dash was on the verge of tears.
It’s ok Dash, you still have me.
Yeah but…dreams are fine and all but I want to be with you for real.
Well then I have good news for you. Recently I’ve felt the bonds holding me start to weaken. I estimate I’m only days away from being strong enough to break free.
R-really?
Yes and then we can be together. Rainbow when I return will you marry me and be my queen?
Rainbow smiled. Did you really have to ask?
I’ll take that as a yes. We must take this time to plan and prepare. I have no doubt that Celestia will be alerted when I escape and try to send you and the others to defeat me. That will be her undoing.
Princess Celestia was in the throne room filling out paperwork when a guard entered with news that the Crystal Empire had returned. She quickly penned out a letter to Twilight asking her to come to Canterlot to take a test. Twilight then proceeded to inform her friends to meet her at the library. Dash was flying there when she heard Sombra.
Rainbow it’s happened, I’m free.
Really, that’s awesome! That must be why Twilight called us to the library.
Be careful Dash. You need to play it cool, act casual, and pretend to not know what’s happening.
Right.
After they all arrived Twilight explained the situation and they hopped on a train. Once in Canterlot Twilight headed for the castle to take her test. Only when she got there did she learn that it was a different kind of test. Celestia told her about the Crystal Empire and the unicorn king whose heart was as black as night. Then she tasked Twilight to find a way to protect the empire from him. When Twilight came out she returned to her friends and she told the others that they were going to the Crystal Empire much to their confusion. Soon enough they were on a train bound for the frozen north.
Rainbow we’ve run into a snag.
What do you mean?
I’ve managed to reach the empire but it would seem that other alicorn Princess Cadence and her husband Shining Armor beat me there and put up a shield blocking me from entering. I’ve already scouted the landscape and know exactly where you’re going to be when you arrive. I’ve placed a black crystal shard under a bench on the train platform, grab it when no pony is looking and tuck it under your wing. I believe Shining will be meeting you all at the station. I’ll arrive soon after and do my best to neutralize Shining’s and the others magic so they won’t interfere. If I succeed then you’ll have to take out the alicorn’s magic as I won’t be able too.
How?
Use that crystal I left for you. Merely touch it to her horn and it will infect it with magic suppressing crystals cancelling out her magic. The shield will drop allowing me to enter.
Got it.
They arrived in the frozen north and departed the train. Shining Armor soon appeared and while the others were distracted Dash took the opportunity to grab the crystal from under the bench and tucked it under her wing.
“We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark.”
Fluttershy gulped. “What kind of things?”
“Let's just say the empire...isn't the only thing that's returned.” They began making their way to the city. “Something keeps trying to get in! We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place.”
“But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected.”
*Howl*
Fluttershy gasped. “Th-That's one of the things, isn't it?” she said in a panicked voice.
“Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!”
Just then a mass of shadows shot up from behind and started chasing them. They began racing toward the shield. Shining had turned back to face Sombra. The others made it inside the barrier and seconds later so did Shining, but his horn had black crystals sticking out of it cutting off his magic. They then made their way to the palace.
Excellent, Shining’s magic is disabled. I don’t think Twilight or Rarity will give us trouble so that just leaves Cadence. You still have the crystal right?
Sure do, and believe me, they won’t know what hit them. Sombra chuckled.
They reached the Crystal Palace and went inside where Twilight met Cadence and they did their sunshine, sunshine ritual. After, Cadence’s magic flickered for a second and so did the shield.
This will be too easy.
“One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance.”
“Are you okay?”
“Cadence has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra.”
Cadence took a deep breath. “It's alright Shining Armor, I'm fine.”
“She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade...well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen.”
“That's why we're here.”
“Why we're all here.” The others agreed.
“Well, with Cadence putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies.” Rarity got excited about Crystal Ponies. “But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the empire without having to use Cadence's magic.”
“A research paper!”
“Huh?”
“That must be part of my test, to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers! Don't worry, big brother. I am really good at this sort of thing.”
Now is your chance.
They were about to leave when Rainbow spoke up. “Well doing a research paper is fine and all but I think we have a problem.”
“What do you mean?” said Cadence.
Rainbow closed the distance between her and Cadence until she was right in front of her. “Well, the way I see it, there is one element here that can ensure King Sombra’s return.” Dash said, as she started to reach under her wing.
“And what would that be?”
“Me.”
Rainbow whipped out the crystal shard and touched it to Cadence’s horn. It instantly absorbed in and the same crystals on Shining’s horn appeared on hers. Cadence back peddled and everypony was shocked as to what just happened while Dash just had a smile on her face. She then flew to the opening to the balcony and watched the shield disappear. Her smile grew wider and the others snapped out of it while Sombra made his way in.
“Rainbow! What in tarnation are you doin?!”
Dash turned to face the others. “What’s it look like?”
“Dash, how can you do this? You’re the Element of Loyalty. We’ve your friends.”
“Oh Twilight, we were never truly friends, even though we did have some fun times together, and you’re right. I am the Element of Loyalty, but my loyalty is to Sombra, not you. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this very moment. I’ve known him longer than any of you with the exception of Fluttershy. We go back to when I performed my first Sonic Rainboom.”
“B-but that was nearly ten years ago. You’re really saying that we weren’t friends, not even me?” said Fluttershy looking sad.
“Sorry Futtershy but we just grew apart over the years.”
“You’re a disgrace to your nation and your element!” said Shining.
“Like I care what you think.”
“I’m sorry darling but I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around this. You do realize your sentencing the Crystal Ponies and possibly the ponies of Equestria to a horrible fate!”
“And what have the ponies of Equestria ever done for me? Nothing but put me down. They continued to deny me entry into the Wonderbolts and treated us like we were nothing, like we were no better than them. We only helped save them at least twice and yet they don’t give us the recognition we deserve, like we’re not special but we are. They should be treating us like heroes, like nobility practically. Well if they won’t respect me then they shall fear me.”
“Can’t you see he’s just using you? Once Sombra gets what he wants he’ll just toss you aside,” said Cadence.
“That’s not true, we love each other, and you’re looking at the soon to be queen of the Crystal Empire.” Just then there was a rumble and a crystal spike jetted out of the ground up to the balcony where King Sombra in pony form stepped off with a toothy grin. Dash couldn’t contain herself and rushed over to him, wrapped her hooves around him and kissed him passionately. When she pulled back she gazed into his eyes. “Please tell me that this is real and not another dream because this feels way too good to be a dream.”
“This is not a dream, I’m real.” Rainbow couldn’t be happier to finally meet him in the flesh. Sombra pulled back and started walking to the others. “Now then, what to do with the rest of you?”
“EVERYPONY TO ME NOW!” yelled Twilight while flaring her magic.
Sombra cast a sell to nullify her magic but it was too late and they all vanished in a bright flash.
“Damn, I didn’t think she could cast a mass teleportation spell like that.”
“Should we go after them?”
“No, let them flee like cowards. There’s nothing they can do to stop us now. We have control of the Crystal Empire and must make preparations for war.”
Twilight and the others appeared a little ways south of the city. Twilight had spent so much magic that she could barely stand so Shining had to carry her as they hoofed it south. In that time Celestia sent a message through Spike and they penned out a response saying that the empire had fallen. It took them a few hours to reach the town of Stalliongrad and they hopped on a train which took almost a half a day to ride but they made it back to Canterlot Castle and entered the throne room where Celestia and Luna were waiting.
“There you are. Are you all alright?”
“Yes, but…I failed,” said Twilight looking depressed.
“It’s alright Twilight. It wasn’t your fault,” said Cadence.
“I’m sure it wasn’t but I need to know exactly what happened.”
“Wait! Where is Rainbow Dash?”
Celestia hadn’t noticed Dash was missing until Luna pointed it out. “Did she not make it? Was she captured?”
The others exchanged looks and Shining stepped forward. “Rainbow Dash has betrayed Equestria and joined King Sombra.”
Celestia and Luna were taken aback by that. “But she is the Element of Loyalty. It’s not in her nature to betray,” said Luna.
“It’s true. Apparently she’s known Sombra for years and even clamed to love him,” said Cadence.
“Then this is worse than I thought. Without Rainbow Dash we can’t use the Elements of Harmony against him, which will make this situation exceedingly more difficult. As of now I’m instituting a draft and declaring a state of emergency. Captain Shining Armor return to your station and prepare your troops. For the first time in a millennia, Equestria goes to war.”
