> A shining Knight and The Dark King
>  by kahnac
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> What lies beneath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had already been several weeks since Queen Chrysalis had infiltrated the pony nations with her changelings, and replaced the most important figures of Equestria in order to steal the love of both them, and the rest ponies in the land. But thanks to the most unlikely of teams, consisting of Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Discord, and the gentle Thorax, the Queen of the Changelings had been overthrown. And in the process, Thorax had become the new leader while also entering a metamorphosis with the rest of the hive: allowing the love within them to change them into better Changelings. Now Equestria had a new ally in the form of the reformed Changelings. Since then, peace has been reestablished. And all in Equestria continued on with their lives without a care in the world.

Little did anypony realize that there was one who had plans to shatter that peace.

Deep beneath the crystal empire in the frozen north, in the bowels of the palace of the Royal Family, exists a hidden study. One which has not seen the light of day in over 1000 years. This study was once the personal study of the dreaded King Sombra, during his reign over the empire itself. It was here he learned to harness his dark, magical powers, and all manner of evil spells most of ponykind would find taboo. Were it not for the alicorn Princesses, Cadence and Twilight, coming down here to learn what they could of the dark king, it most likely would have remained vacant for the rest of time. With Sombra gone, there was no true value in this place. And thus it seems it would remain vacant. However, it was not as vacant as many would like to believe. On the day of the princesses visit to this foresaken place, something far from noticeable found its way into this place.

A curved, blood-red horn.

And with this horn came the living shadow of an evil entity. One that was hoped to never be seen again. But alas, this shadow, in time, transformed the horn that was its physical container, and made it into a living shadow. In doing so, it allowed the shade to assume the form of a Wraith: a creature of darkness with immaterial form staggering between the lines of the living - and the dead. Since then, this wraith has used the magic tomes containing the most potent of scrying spells to observe all that had transpired in Equestria. So far, it had kept tabs upon everything that had happened. And now was the time for its plan to take effect.

"”So the ponies have once again acquired peace."It said in a deep, strong, commanding male voice. ”It matters not. Once i obtain a physical form, i will take the crystal empire for myself. And its power will allow me to spread across the land, and my power to grow with it. But first.........i must find a worthy candidate for such a thing.” He then began using his spells to search across the empire, and to scan the ponies themselves in order to search for something. Anything that may end up proving useful to him. Sadly, as he observed, there was absolutely nothing of value worth looking for. He growled in frustration as he said, "Cursed ponies! Thousands of them in this empire - the very limit of my sensory spell - and i can't find a single candidate for-[”/color]

But then he stopped. Suddenly, his senses had flared up like a flame. He sensed what he was after - and the one who was giving it off, in general. With haste, he turned his scrying mirror spell over to the location of the source he was picking up. And his shadowy face, covered in black smoke, and piercing red eyes, smiled a wicked, jagged grin at what he saw. "Yesssss. Exactly what i need. I never thought that onewould feel so much inner turmoil, and anguish in his very soul. More than enough for my old spell to activate. And who it is makes it all the better. A perfect vessel for my essence to inhabit. A perfect new body for me to command. Now the Empire WILL be mine again!"

And as swiftly as a raindrop falls through the air, the wraith himself exited the underground study. Creeping through the secret crevices which led down there, the wraith allowed himself to change into shadow. His form attaching itself to the castle surface as he slithered like a serpent out of the throne room. He passed through the darkened halls of the castle, with the light of Luna's moon shining brightly outside. The wraith continued his way through the halls as he approached his destination. As expected, the night patrol guards were stationed through the halls, while wandering around with their horns shining light in front of them. Yet none of them noticed the wraith as it passed over them, sniffing the very emotions they held. Flash Sentry was also passing through the halls, unsuspecting of the wraith looming behind him. It looked down on him as he stood in place for a few seconds..........but then passed over him. It continued on this way until it had finally reached its true objective.

The bedroom of the royal family.

While everypony inside slept soundly, the wraith easily slipped under the doors. Like an inky, black ooze, he slithered through before materializing into his shadowy, physical form. His red eyes scanned the whole room, looking for his target. They soon fell over a crib in the corner of the room, with its occupant sleeping soundly inside. He moved over, and saw the little baby alicorn, Flurry Heart,  in her little bed, with part of her blanket pulled off. Eyeing the infant intently, the wraith formed a black, skinny, clawed hand from his shadowy form. That hand slowly began to reach down towards the unsuspecting baby. It seemed as if it would grab a hold of the  baby. But instead, it grabbed the little blanket, and pulled it back over the alicorn infant, before another hideous smile formed. "Rest well, young one. Though you are not the subject of my intent...........you will serve me will with your power in time. After all: a king without an heir is absolutely nothing."

The Wraith then went on over to the other part of the room, where the only bed was. There, resting comfortably beneath the covers were both Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor. Both were asleep in their bed, lying together in quiet peace. As the Wraith observed, Cadence was especially peaceful in her slumber, with a small smile on her face. Whatever she was dreaming of, it must have been especially pleasant. That made the Wraith sick to his figurative stomach as he glared at the pink alicorn. Deathly hands formed once again: both reaching out, threatening to throttle the alicorn in her sleep. "How easy it would be. I could end it all in a single motion. A single, snap, and all of the empire could be mine once more - with the only other threat to my reign ended." A few seconds later, and with what seemed to be a look of disappointment in his eyes, he reluctantly drew back his arms into himself. "But as i am, i couldn't so much as crush the infant - much less your worthless neck." Suddenly, his gaze turned to the sleeping form of Shining Armor, with a look of satisfaction. "But it won't matter. I'll get to you soon enough: once i have my vessel."

The Wraith moved over to Shining's side of the bed, like a silent ghost passing through the air - unseen, and unheard. He loomed over the white-furred unicorn, as he rested in peace. However, unlike his wife, Shining wasn't sleeping as soundly as her. His eyelids tightly clenched, as small grunts escaped from him. His head moved side to side several times. And he soon turned over in the Wraith's direction. The Wraith lightly chuckled with devious glee as his hideous hands rubbed together. "As i suspected: all is not well within the mind, and heart of the crystal consort. It seems Luna has not visited him yet, if his dreams remain so painfully obtrusive. Perhaps a nightmare of immense terror, strong eough to even call out to me? Either way,now is my time. Thank you, consort prince for opening the door to me. Now allow me to make myself at home!" And in the blink of an eye, the Wraith completely changed into a black smoke, which then became a pitch-black, ash-like miasma which shot upwards towards the ceiling. It then shot back down - passing right into Shining Armor's ear. He moaned a little as he seemed to feel something enter his body. But afterwards, he calmed down a little. Sadly for him, the bad dreams he was having would stay with him all night. Thanks to a certain darkness that now lives inside him.

"Now the real work begins. To take complete control, I need this one to truly doubt himself. Doubt always leads to fear, then anger, and finally: hate. So many ways there are to slay a pony. Flesh that burns, and bones that break. But to shatter ones spirit is to truly destroy him. And once his spirit dies, so too does the one called Shining Armor. And like the Phoenix, i will arise once again. And this time, nothing will stop me!"
> The Crystal Prince's woes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Shining Armor woke up, feeling absolutely dreadful. While true, waking up so early in the morning would make most ponies feel that way, for him it was part of his own routine, which came with training as a soldier. Even now, as a prince, he still made sure he woke up early in order to be fully ready for the day. However, this time he actually DID feel rather tired. More so than usual. 

*yawn*"Oh, boy." he said, in a mildly tired, yet still upbeat tone as he rubbed his hand over his face. "Guess that dream really ran me ragged last night." But then he shrugged his shoulders, and stood up. "Oh, well. Better just get to it, then." He then proceeded to do several different stretches to keep his body loose. Afterwards, he went into the bathroom to do morning business, like taking care of his teeth, and.......other business. He then went over to his still sleeping baby, Flurry Heart, to check up on her. She was still asleep, as expected. Still blissful in her silent slumber. Seeing his daughter so peaceful made shining smile happily, and with affection as he stroked her cheeks as gently as possible so as not to wake her.

"My sweet little Flurry." he said sweetly. But his smile lessened a little as he thought of something. "How did someone like me end up with a daughter as wonderful as you?" He then looked over to his wife, also still asleep. "Or a wife as amazing as her? Cause sometimes i wish I knew." He sighed before shaking his head. He had no time to be thinking such thoughts. Not when there was a special event to prepare for.

And he had a feeling this day was going to be special.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A while later, after putting on his white shirt, and black jeans, he got on down to the dining hall to have breakfast. As the chefs readied his, and what they knew would be the princess' meal, he was busy reading the newspaper. From what he had read, the Changelings had been officially welcome as part of Equestria, and were now allies of the nation. The front page had a picture of Princess' Celestia and Luna standing next to the changeling leader, Thorax. He seemed quite excited, but also a bit nervous, in the photo he and the royals were in. Seeing this made Shining smile in a sense of satisfaction. Though something in his mind made him think about something that had occurred before. Something involving Thorax, AND the Changelings. Both feelings which were not quite so pleasant. But a yawn, and the sound of cooing drew him out of his thoughts as he turned to see his family coming in. And the sight of them made him very happy.

"Morning, darling." Cadence said, carrying Flurry in her arms.

Shining smiled warmly as he got up, and gave her a quick kiss before saying, "Mornin', honey." Then he went down to flurry heart, and in a silly voice said, "And good morning, my little sweet flurry boo. Daddy loves you lots." This earned giggles from the alicorn baby, which made Shining chuckle himself as he kissed his daughter on the cheek. Cadence also couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her loving, dorky husband showing their daughter such affection.

"I swear, you are such a goof, shiny."

"Yeah, i know." he replied, giving a knowing smirk. "But that's why you love me."

*giggle* "Well, you're not half wrong." And she then gave him another kiss. Only this one was longer, and more affectionate. And he most certainly didn't resist. Once they parted, she asked, "So what's for breakfast."

"I thought about it for a while, but i think i picked something special: chocolate AND blueberry pancakes."

"Oooh, yum!" Cadence went happily. 

"Because both are sweet, and delicious - like you." Shining said, making Cadence giggle again. "Plus, i figured we'd have something nice to help us get the day started."

Cadence's ears perked as she levitated Flurry's baby-seat over, and set her in. "Oh, that's right! I forget the empire's welcoming the Changelings today. All to celebrate their integration into Equestria as our new friends and allies."

"I heard Thorax was especially looking forward to this." Shining inquired.

"Oh, he is, believe me. Based on what aunty Celestia told me in one of her letters, he was pretty excited when he found out he, and his fellow changelings were being invited to celebrate their reformation." She then chuckled lightly as she thought of something. "Who would have though it would all come to this. It wasn't too long ago we considered Thorax an enemy before we accepted him. And after getting abducted by them again: Thorax, of all others, is the one to help them see the true power of love. I guess he got what he wanted when he first came here: the chance to share his lessons in love, and friendship with the Changelings. It really is amazing."

But while Cadence was quite ecstatic over the whole thing, Shining's mood suddenly felt a bit down. Because Cadence's brief recap of recent events reminded him of things he wasn't feeling too proud of: the changeling's, while still under Chrysalis' command, being able to steal them all away while they least expected it. And without even a fight. Worse yet, his poor treatment of Thorax when he first came to the Empire...........and the secret resentment he still held over him. All because of what the changelings did during his wedding. And now that they were ALL friends to Equestria, especially after Thorax had risked his own life, along with his sisters apprentice, Starlight Glimmer, and even Trixie and Discord: all he could think of was how stupid he was back then. Especially for not believing Spike when he hinted at the possibility of a good changeling existed. Even after his sister, and Cadence accepted him..........shining himself couldn't. Not deep down. He went along with it, and acted like everything was fine with Thorax - but every time he saw him, he was reminded of his greatest near-failure which had almost brought Canterlot itself to ruin. He silently cursed himself for letting such a past experience blind him to other possibilities. A good ruler - a good CAPTAIN - always stays open to ideas, and possibilities, no matter how extreme they seemed to be. True, he was also being protective of his daughter, but that hardly excused anything in his eyes now. Maybe it was all a sign. Maybe he isn't cut out to be a prince, after all. Maybe...........

"Shining? Is everything okay?"

Cadence's voice drew him out of his thoughts, almost startling him. He turned, and saw that she had a somewhat worried expression on her face. Not wanting her to stay that way, he put on a fake smile, and said, "Don't worry, sweety. Everything's fine."

"Are you sure?" Cadence insisted, not completely convinced.

"Cadence, please. Everything's okay. I'm just a bit.........out of it right now. I didn't sleep too well last night."

Her head tilted to the side. "A bad dream?"

"Yeah." Shining nodded. "But nothing serious. It was just-......just one of those nightmares you get once in a while. I barely even remember it." He said. Though it was far from the complete truth, he didn't want to share the details. He knew EXACTLY what his dream last night was. But he wouldn't worry cadence with it: not when they had important things to do today. Either way, Cadence seemed less than satisfied with the answer she got. But she decided to let it go, and not pressure him any further. "If you say so, Shining. Just remember i only ask because i love you. And i don't want anything bad   happening to you."

Shining nodded his head gently as he looked to her with a small, mildly sad smile, on his face. "I really don't deserve someone like you, Cadey."

"Yes, you do, silly. You deserve all the love, and happiness the world has to offer." She smiled warmly. And while her words did seem to help him somewhat, something inside kept him feeling down. Like he was wondering if that was true......given how many times he failed her, already. Was he truly deserving of love, and happiness? Was he really deserving of anything these days? These kind of questions weighed silently over him, as breakfast came to the table. And as they ate, with Cadence trying to feed Flurry Heart her "favorite" mashed peas - which resulted in a bit of the normal mess that comes with it - Shining looked at them. Still unsure of if he was deserving of such a wonderful family.

Little did he suspect that a black marking seemed to begin appearing under his shirt - and up to his wrist. Eventually, he did notice, with some much reasonable concern. Feeling a bit unsure, Shining rolled up his long-sleeve a little - and saw a blackish-grey patch on his arm which he swore wasn't there before. He questioned what it was in his mind at first. But just as Cadence began to set back down in her seat, he pulled his sleeve back up. He then decided that he must've gotten some kind of rash from somewhere, and that it was only now coming on. Either way, he knew he couldn't let it bother him.

He had to be ready, and make sure this day was special.
> Doubt and Fear leads to Anger and Hate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are you sure you don't need my help with this?" Shining asked Cadence as they got into the throne room.

She smiled at him as she said, "Don't worry, Shining Armor. These dignitaries from vanhoover were surprising, but i think i should have them taken care of in time. That gives you the chance to oversee the preparations for the event. I know how much you don't like handling political issues, anyway."

Though a bit disappointed, Shining didn't disagree with that last statement. If there was one thing he wasn't all too comfortable with, it was trying to handle politics. He was a soldier, first and foremost. Though it was a shame he couldn't be there for Cadence to help her take care of it. But quickly thought of something else he could do alongside his task. "Then, you need me to handle Flurry Heart while you take care of the dignitaries?"

"Actually, i asked Sunburst if he would be willing to look after Flurry heart for the day. Given how busy our day's probably going to be, it's probably best to have someone else she knows take care of her for a while. That way you can stay focused on overseeing the festival's preparations without having to worry about Flurry, too."

Shining's ears dropped just a bit before he said, "Oh, right. I guess that makes sense. I was just hoping to spend a little more time with her - what with me being busy lately." He then put on a smile, and said, "Oh, well. I guess i can wait till later."

"Don't worry, Shiny: there'll be time we can BOTH spend together with Flurry later." Cadence said enthusiastically. "Right now, we better just get to our businesses."

"Yeah, i-" Suddenly, Shining felt a small coughing fit come on. It was short, but it felt a bit painful at the same time. His mouth was covered as it passed - but as he looked to his hand, he noticed the black rash had grown bigger for some reason. His eyes widened in panic as cadence came over to check on him, feeling concerned. "Shining? Are you alright?"

"Uh....y-yeah, i, uh-" Shining started, trying to fold his long-sleeve up to hide to the rash. "Guess my throat was a little dry. I haven't had anything to drink for a while." he said, in a slightly nervous tone.

"Are you sure?" Cadence insisted, noticing the tone in his voice. But he was quick to try, and ease her as he placed his right hand on her cheek, and said, "I'm fine, Cadence. Really. You just take care of the dignitaries: i'll go see how everything's being handled in the empire." He put on another smile to try and make her feel less worried. But she could tell that it wasn't all that genuine: like he was hiding something from her he didn't want her to know about. She wanted to know what it was badly, but....... she knew better than to try, and pressure him any further. So instead she sighed, returned the smile, and said "Okay, Shining. Try and have a good day, okay?"

"Will do. Take care, sweety." he said, brushing his hand across her cheek as he began exiting the room. As soon as the doors closed, he had something of a concerned expression as he reexamined his arm. And yes - somehow the rash HAD grown larger since he saw it.

Or at least what he had assumed was a rash before. Now he wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe his coughing was related to this. If it was some kind of sickness, odds are it could be harmful to him in the future. He considered telling Cadence about it so that they could perhaps work together to-

"Wait a sec." he suddenly thought. "Why are you getting worked up over this? It's just some weird rash, and worked-up allergies. They happen all the time. You have no time to worry about this when there's more important things to worry about? Besides..." His eyes narrowed a bit as his thoughts continued. "It's not like Cadence would be all that concerned, anyway. She's too busy with her own things to worry about a husband she doesn't need bothering her, or your own foal. Forget about her right now. There are plenty of other things to worry about." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day moved along as steadily as one might expect. After taking care of his troops normal drill routine, Shining Armor went to work overseeing the preparations of the celebration. With him was Flash Sentry, assigned as his personal escort through the day. While he expected no trouble, Shining knew it was best to keep those he trusted nearby. Either way, the preparations were all running smoothly. Banners saying "welcome" had all been set, the buildings had been shined and polished, all manner of party linings had been set up. And every pony was a bustling as they set up stands for the festival itself. Though Changelings once fed on love, their metamorphosis allowed for them to safely try new things. And odds are that they'd like some of the foods, and even the items being sold when they arrived. Either way, everything seemed to be in order. This looked like it would be quite the welcome for the swarm.

"Everything definitely looks great." Flash said pleasantly. "Don't you think, Captain?"

"Yeah, i do. But flash, you don't have to call me "captain", anymore." Shining said, with only mild irritation.

"Oh. Sorry, your higness." Flash said, rubbing the back of his head. "I just want to be respectful to the rank, that's all."

"I appreciate that, flash. But all we're doing is overseeing festival preparations, and they're practically done. Not much call for formality unless we're on patrol, or an emergency kicks up. If you want to call me anything, just stick with Shining Armor. It's less formal."

"I guess that makes sense." flash said, before looking around again. "Still hard to believe the Changelings are on our side now. Given the general chaos they've caused, it seemed impossible. Glad that Thorax was able to turn things around."

Shining Armor smiled at hearing that, given how pleased he was about the events. However, something inside made any positive feelings leave him in almost an instant. And again he was reminded of when the Changelings abducted himself, and everypony he knew before they were saved, and how he couldn't prevent it. How Thorax's first introduction to the empire had been met with mistrust, prejudice, hate, and almost having the young changeling be either arrested for life, banished from the empire - or worse, if not for spike. But more importantly was his own wedding. The moment which proved that he might not be as pure as he liked to think. And just how worthless he really was. Now they were allies to Equestria: and he had nothing to do with it. All he seemed to do was add to a problem that arose. And he hated himself every minute for it. It seemed even his own body couldn't stand him anymore, and he started up another coughing fit. This time, it made him bend over as he hacked, and coughed painfully. Much to Flash Sentry's growing concern.

"Prince Armo- Shining Armor! Are you okay?" he asked worriedly, placing a hand on the prince's back. But after a minute, Shining Armor was able to catch his breath, and stand up straight - though he'd attracted a small crowd of onlookers. Once he stood up, he put on a fake smile as he raised up his hand. "I-i'm alright. It's okay, Flash: don't worry about it."

"Okay, but........what's wrong with your hand?"

Shining's eyes widened in horror as he looked to see that he'd raised up his blackened arm, which was now engulfing his hand. The blackness was up to his palm, and around his thumb. As quickly as he could, he brought down his arm, putting it under his other arm to hide it. "N-n-nothing! It's nothing!"

Flash raised an eyebrow as he said, "Are you sure?It kinda looks like you caught a little frost bite, or something. Maybe you should see a doctor, or-"

"I SAID IT'S NOTHING!!!" Shining snapped in a fit of anger. This startled both Flash, and the pedestrians watching. However, it didn't take long for him to realize what he did, as a remorseful expression appeared. "Flash, i-...i'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap like that. It just-"

"It's okay, sir." Flash said, still a little nervous, but being able to tell Shining felt bad about his actions. "You're probably stressing out with the festival."

Shining didn't say anything else. He wished to avoid dragging the issue any further, and just nodded. "Y-yeah......that's all it is." he said with uncertainty. "Look, there are still some things in the empire i need to check over before the festival gets started. You can tell Cadence the preparations are pretty much done: i'm going to head off alone."

Flash didn't really seem to agree with such an idea. Not after Shining Armor's little display - and not after seeing that mark on his body. "Are you sure about that? Cause if you want, i can stay, and-"

"No!" Shining said hastily, but quickly recomposing. "I mean, no, no thank you. I just- .........i'd like to be alone for a while. I'll see you back at the castle!"

And before Flash could get another word in, Shining Armor ran off down one of the streets. As much as he wanted to stay by his side, as his lieutenant and friend, he wasn't sure if his presence would do any good. But it was clear as day that something was wrong with Shining Armor: anypony could see that clear as day. Yet it was uncertain what that black mark has to do with it.......or if it was connected to his outburst. Still, Flash had a feeling something bad was going on. And right now, there was only one pony who could possibly help out. Flapping his wings, and taking off, Flash flew back to the crystal palace to inform Princess Cadence that something was wrong with her husband.

He just hoped it wasn't too late.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After several minutes of running, Shining Armor finally stopped to catch his breath in an alley. But he found that a bit hard when he began coughing again. Only it was harder than the previous times, and his chest hurt with every forced expulsion of air, forcing him to his knees. But eventually it subsided, and he was able to breathe again. Sadly, what he saw next was of no help to his ever-growing anxiety: his hand had been completely engulfed in the black rash. However, what he found most disturbing was the fact his hand had long, and sharp claws which seemed to actually serve as his fingers. He moved them about to see if they worked normally, which they did. And after seeing what happened to his hand, he began growing worried about his situation.

"What in the name of celestia's happening to me?" he exclaimed frantically. "Whatever this is, its like it's changing me. I don't even know why i snapped like that, or....or why i keep acting like i'm hacking up my own insides. I just keep feeling so many things! I feel........i feel.........." But he soon lost his train of thought as he seemed to slip into some manner of daze as his thoughts once again spoke to him.

"You feel stronger. All these feelings of anger, and fear, and resentment: they're making you stronger. Maybe your bodies going through a magical change, and it's taking time to work in. It may seem scary, but.........maybe it's a good thing. Perhaps you should embrace the change that's coming over you. Perhaps-"

"Excuse me, your majesty?"

Shining snapped out of it when he heard a voice next to him. It was a crystal pony stallion, with cherry fur, aqua hair, and a cutie mark shaped like a scale. Shining didn't know this pony personally, but he figured he should at least figure out what this pony wanted.

"Can i help you?"

"Um, well........i just noticed you over here, and you saw you didn't seem so good."

"I'm perfectly fine." Shining said, his tone suddenly turning low, and cold. "Why wouldn't i be?"

The pony in question grew a little nervous as he said, "Well, you were coughing really badly, and k-kneeling on the ground. A-and-and when i came over, you looked out of it. Almost like-"

"What's it to you?" he asked rather rudely.

"Wh-uh.......i--i-i....i just......wanted t-to see if y-you were alright, your highness."

"As i said: i. am. perfectly. fine. Which is why..."Suddenly, Shining grabbed hold of the pony by his shirt, and pushed him against the wall of the alley they stood in. Then, with little warning, Shining brought forth the black-clawed hand he had been hiding all this time, and scratched the wall with a horrible, screeching noise which made the pony cringe. But when he looked to the prince, his ears folded back under the hardened, and anger-filled glare which began boring into him. His next words were on of threat, menace, and nearly of murder. "You'll keep quiet about what you just say, understand? You didn't see me here: not as you saw. Because if you tell ANYPONY what you just saw..........i'll make sure you never see the light of day again. Are we clear?"

".............c-c-c-crystal!"

"Good. Now GET out of here!" Shining angrily exclaimed as he shoved the pony out of the alley. He then ran as fast as he could away from there, severely confused, but even more terrified. Many of the other ponies wondered why he acted like that, and some looked to the alley. But when they looked, they could see nothing. They had little idea that Shining Armor had somehow just turned himself into shadow, and moved himself into another part of the area. When he materialized again, he looked down to his clawed hand, flexing them again as the black mark suddenly began to form on his shoulder. He paid no mind, as he felt a rush from what he had just done. Thanks to his emotions of anger, he had been able to become living shadow, and use it to travel unseen. This strange power he was feeling was truly something. But another coughing fit quickly drew him out of it, and he suddenly remembered what he had done.

"No, nononono! What's wrong with me?! That pony didn't deserve to be treated like that! I-.....i have to find him, and apologize-"

"NO! You don't need to waste your time. That pony is long gone by now. He should have known better than to stick his nose where it didn't belong."

"H-he was just concerned. That doesn't give me any right to-"

"To what? To just tell him to mind his own business? And to give him a little incentive? What's so bad about that? It's not like you hurt him."

"Maybe not physically, but-"

"But nothing. It's not that big a deal. You just told somepony to mind their own business, and you didn't hurt anypony. Yes, you seemed harsh in how you did it: but that's tough love. Every ruler must be cruel in order to be kind. And you ARE a ruler, Prince Shining Armor. Even though nopony will ever see you as one."

Shining said nothing as his thoughts began running wild. Normally, he would never allow himself to think like this. However: ever since he had woken up this morning, things had been going strange, lately. A force compelled him to feel negatively. And with each passing minute, it seemed as if his will were slowly being drained away. Like he was loosing the will to stay positive about anything. Either something influenced him..........or he was finally opening up to the truth of his own feelings.

"That's right. To all of equestria, you are nothing but a consort for the crystal princess. And nothing you have done has ever given credibility to your title. 6 times you've failed those around you: and in doing so, have only proven how worthless you truly are. That's what everypony thinks of you. They see you as only a burden to carry. Aren't you tired of it all? Having to endure being so inferior to others, and failing when you try to be something you're not?"

A horrid scowl soon appeared on Shining's face as he scratched at his back. "Yes. I am."

"Then be patient. It will all be over soon enough. In time, you will show these ponies what's inside you. Let your feelings free. Your emotions give you strength. They give you clarity, and strength. You will have no need for those who doubt you, and disregard you. Let go of your notions of love, and harmony. Let fear fuel your soul, and the true path of your destiny will arrive!"

to be continued.
> Only suffering remains
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After many long hours, the dignitaries Princess Cadence had to deal with were finally ready to leave. They had wanted to know if they could perhaps negotiate the right to have some items (mainly some crystal furnishings, and household products) be sold in Vanhoover to better improve certain businesses. In the end, Cadence agreed to it, and promised that they would receive shipments of imported crystal items in time. They were very grateful to her. Once they were gone, she was at last able to have a moment to herself. These kind of meetings somehow always felt a bit draining on her. Now she was regretting not letting Shining Armor join her for this - though she already felt bad about it before. But it couldn't be helped: Thorax, and his Changeling hive were set to arrive around this time, and they couldn't BOTH be occupied with surprise dignitaries she only recently learned about. At least one of them had to oversee the preparations, and Shining was the only other candidate. Still, she felt bad about it, no matter how she looked at it: especially since she was afraid Shining might have gotten sick, or something, overnight. She'd be sure to have the doctor give him a check-up once the festival itself was over. For now, she went to the only other place that would cheer her up: the playroom that had been set up for Flurry Heart. Sure enough, she was indeed in there, with Sunburst, who was teaching her to work on her magic-telekinesis a bit more - and playing with her toys in a way which made her giggle happily. And in turn making Cadence happy, too, as she approached.

"Looks like you two are having a good time." she said, getting sunburst, and flurry's attention.

"Oh! Princess Cadence! Glad to see you here." he said, fumbling a little bit before standing up. He then looked to an excited Flurry Heart, who flew up to her mommy, and gave an affectionate, and adorable hug to her face. He smiled as he said, "But yes, Flurry is a delight: and her magic is growing more focused. You should be really happy to have a foal as perceptive as she is."

Cadence giggled happily as she picked Flurry up in her magic. "That's not the only thing i love her for." Flurry giggled again as she, and Cadence brushed noses together before the latter held her in her hoofleg. "By the way, Sunburst: i also came up here so that i could ask you if you were coming to the festival to greet the Changelings. I'm sure Thorax would be happy to see you, too."

"Well, of course! I wouldn't want to miss something like this for anything. Ever since i heard about what happened from Starlight, i've wanted to see the new changelings for myself. It might make a very interesting record to note."

Cadence smiled as she said, "At least you're enthusiastic about the whole thing." Suddenly, there came a knock at the door. Everypony turned to the door to see Flash Sentry standing there. Only he didn't look happy about something. In fact, he seemed terribly worried. Something which was not a good sign.

"Princess Cadence? I need to talk to you - urgently."

"What is it, Flash?" Cadence asked with concern.

At first, Flash seemed uneasy about whether he wanted to discuss it, or not. But he knew this was important. And there was no way he could wait to tell. "It's.....it's about your husband, you highness."

"Shining?" she said as her expression widened. And a small sense of dread began to grow within her. "I-is he alright? Did something happen to him?" She asked, trying to keep calm, and collected, though the worry still showed in her tone.

"I think............i think something might be wrong with him." Flash said hesitantly.

"What do you mean?"

"To be honest, i-i'm not really sure: one minute we were talking about the Changelings. Next thing i knew, he was on his knees, coughing as if he were horribly sick - and a weird, black mark was on his arm. I tried asking about it, and suggesting he have it looked at, but," he said, as he drew in another breath, "then he lost it for a sec. The way he shouted at me.......he actually scared me. I know he can get a bit strict, and seem harsh at times when he's under stress, but this? It was like for a moment, he was somepony else. He apologized, and said he was okay, but.....i could tell he was hiding something."

All the while, Cadence's worry was mixed with confusion, and then a bit of revelation. She also noted how Shining had a terrible cough just before they both went to their own separate tasks. He insisted he was alright, but she could tell he was trying to cover something up. Now she seemed to know what he was hiding earlier. But what made her more confused was the description of his action. That gave her more reason to be concerned for her love. "But where is he now?"

Flash lowered his head a little as his ears drooped. "I'm sorry, princess: he ran off before i could stop him. I wanted to go after him, but i was afraid i might upset him, and make him do something worse. So i decided to come here, and inform you about it." He then looked to the princess with concern as close to hers. "Princess, there is something seriously wrong with him: i can feel it! And as part of the guard, it's my duty to protect everypony in the empire - even the prince. We have to help him right now, before he does something drastic."

"Isn't that exaggerating things a bit?" Sunburst asked. "I mean, we can't just assume he'd do something terrible just because of a moment of stress."

Flash shook his head as he said, "Sorry, Sunburst, but you weren't there. Though it was brief, i could hear the intensity of his anger. Even at his worst, i've never heard Shining Armor sound like this. Plus, there's that black mark to consider: it could be some kind of infection we didn't know about that's making him act this way. What if it takes things further, and makes him do something he'd never do on his own? Can we really afford to take that chance?"

Sunburst didn't say anything, because he had no response to that bit of logic. So instead, both he and Flash turned to the deciding factor of this debate: Cadence herself. As hard as it was for her to consider, everything Flash said could very well be true. Especially given he was a trustworthy soldier who is ALWAYS honest, and loyal. If he believes something was wrong, then she was willing to consider it true. And with Shining's behavior that morning, it was hard to not rule out the possibility of the lieutenant's concern. She gave Flurry Heart a brief glance, earning a confused sound from the little foal, before making a decision.

"Lieutenant Flash." she said with authority. "I want you to inform the guards to be on the lookout for Shining Armor. If they see him, they must bring him back as soon as possible: his life may depend on it."

"Yes, your highness." Flash said, bowing. "I'll get on that right awa-"

"Your highness!" came the call of one of the castle staff, who rushed in quite quickly. "King Thorax, and the Changelings have arrived. They are awaiting your arrival at this moment."

Cadence groaned a little as she said, "Oh, no! Of all the times, it had to be now?" She then sighed before handing Flurry Heart over to Sunburst, who drew her baby carriage for transport. "Very well: tell King Thorax we will arrive very shortly." The attendant bowed before heading out to do as instructed. "Flash: you go, and do as i instructed. But keep the number of guards down to a small number. We don't want to draw attention."

"As you wish, Princess Cadence." Flash said, bowing again before heading to the doors. Before he left, he turned back to give a small smile to her. "Please don't worry: i promise we'll find him, and bring him back safe, and sound." He then left the 3 ponies to dwell on their thoughts - minus Flurry, who was playing with her Whammy. Cadence had only one thing on her mind in regards to what Flash had said.

"I hope so, Flash..........at least before it might be too late."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in another section of the empire, Shining Armor was seething. What he was seething about nopony knew. And anypony who saw him kept their distance out of fear of angering him somehow. Sadly, that was somewhat difficult, given the crystal prince's state of mind. At this moment, his mind was laced with anger, and hate. He could no longer remember what this anger was directed at, or who. All he knew was that he was angry, even as he continued coughing. The claw-like fingers which had formed twitched, and curled in anticipation. They seemed ready to cause some manner of harm to anyone who crossed Shining Armor. And the rash had grown up to the back of his neck. It itched like nopony would believe, and it only seemed to fuel his anger further. He had long forgotten what he was doing before. Nothing mattered right now. All he was doing was walking down the street, heading to nowhere in particular. And interestingly enough, he seemed to be avoiding everypony around him. Perhaps to avoid any incidents that might occur.

Sadly, that would not last as a pair of tourist friends - an earthpony mare, and a stallion pegasus - were walking along, just talking and minding their own business. And Shining was facing the ground, not looking where he was going. In time, the duo approached him unknowingly, and he ended up pushing past the pegasus stallion, bumping into him in the process. The stallion was annoyed by that, and made a silent, unheard remark.

Yet Shining Armor seemed to have heard it just fine as he stopped in place, and spoke in a cold, venom-filled tone far out of character for him.

"Excuse me..............but i think you owe me an apology."

The duo heard him speak, and turned around to see if that was the case. The stallion asked, "Are you talking to us, pal?"

"I'm talking to YOU." he said harshly. "And i'm noone's "pal". And since you're either deaf, or stupid, i'm gonna repeat myself so you can hear what i said - only more specifically: you owe me, Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, an apology for being disrespectful."

Both looked to each other before the stallion said, "Hey, look here: you were the one who bumped into me."

"So what?"

"So if anyone should apologize, it's you! What kind of "prince" randomly pushes past other ponies, and expects THEM to apologize? Clearly a lousy, and rude one."

Shining's eyes narrowed, as a purple miasma began flowing out of his eyes. "One last chance. And i'll give you till the count of 3." he threatened. His voice growing deeper, and more laced with hateful anger. The duo seemed startled by this, and the stallion tried to ease things up. "H-hey, look: i don't want any trouble, okay?"

"One."

"Come on! Don't take it so seriously! We can talk it over, and-"

"Two."

Now the stallion was growing nervous. "P-please....we didn't mean any trouble! Just let us go, and-"

"THREE!!!"

And then, his horn lit up, and he thrust the clawed hand forward as he cast a spell. But instead of his own magical aura, his horn and hand had been covered in an onyx colored aura with purple and green energy bubbling around it. A beam of black lightning-shaped magic surrounded by this bubbling dark magic shot forth at the pegasus stallion. As he yelled in panic, he was struck by the beam of dark magic. And as everypony in the area watched, something horrible began to happen: the stallion's body began encasing in a dull, red crystal which slowly consumed his body. Panic, and terror was all he felt, and expressed in his final moments. And then he knew no more as he became encased in crystal. Shining cut off his spell, as he breathed heavily from the amount of power the spell had used. And everypony around was no quite fearful, as they had just witnessed a display of a power which had been their force of oppression for many years........when their former, evil ruler once reigned. However....

CLLAAANCCKK!

As small bit of debris shot everywhere, and some even hit Shining Armor in the head, it appeared to have made him come to his senses. And in that moment, he wished he didn't as his, and everypony else's expressions quickly transformed into horror over what they saw: the statue of the pegasus had fallen to the ground - shattered into numerous pieces. What nopony had noticed was that as the spell washed over him, the stallion was about to get ready to move backwards. One of his legs had been raised before he had crystallized. The result was as everypony saw it: the statue lost its balance, fell and shattered.

A dread silence fell over all those in the area. None of them were able to say a single word in response to this unexpected event. All they could do was stare in shock and horror. However, none were as horrified as Shining Armor at that moment. His eyes widened to saucers, and his pupils had shrunken to the size of pin-pricks. His breathing was slow, shaky, and labored. His body was shaking uncontrollably. And he felt sick to his stomach. He couldn't believe what had just happened. And yet it had been so: he had somehow used dark magic to turn a pony - an innocent civilian who deserved nothing wrong - into a crystal statue, only for said statue to shatter, and break apart. He had murdered an innocent pony in his own empire.




"No."



His head slowly looked down to the horrible, black hand that he no longer recognized as his own. And yet, there was no denying the truth. Whatever was happening to him, whatever dark magic, or infection was slowly taking him over barely made any difference. He had deviated from the one thing he lived for. The thing his cutie mark represented, and that he wore as a badge of honor as well as a symbol of his own destiny. He was no protector of ponies anymore. He had just taken one's life for no other reason............than he was angry.



"NOOOOOOOO!" 



His cry of despair echoed across the city itself. Few had ever heard such a thing before. And yet Shining Armor brought it to them as he ran away from that spot. Leaving the other ponies to look over the remains of the stallion. Hopeful that one of the crystal guards would arrive, and help sort this out. Shining, meanwhile, had found himself in another alley. One that had a barrel filled with water in it. As he ran beside it, struggling to catch his breath as he hacked and coughed again from the amount of stress, and anxiety he was under. He panted like mad as his mind raced in directions he could not control.

"What have i done?!" he exclaimed in abject disgust and horror. As he leaned against the barrel, he pushed himself back up on his feet, overlooking the reflective surface of the water. His mane covered his face as the black mark rose up further. He tried looking into his own reflection, questioning his own actions. "I'm-......i'm a murderer. I killed him! I didn't mean to, but-.........oh faust! What's happening to me?! I feel so horrible! I-...........i feel........i......feel........."

Suddenly, he threw his head back, revealing the black mark had now covered half of his face. Yet it had dulled down to grey over the right side of his face. His teeth had also changed: they were no longer straight and flat, but were instead thin, pointed, and sharp. Even that half of his mouth formed into a mask-like set of teeth that covered his mouth. The black had also reached his horn, and was making it into a dull, but extremely dark red color. And his right eye was no longer the sapphire blue it once was. Now it was bright red, and slitted liked a dragon's. And when he spoke again, his voice had grown deeper, more gutteral, and savage. As if his voice was changing into somepony else's.

"I feel ALIVE!!!"

Yet he slipped back into his normal self long enough to look at himself, and note his voice change for just a moment. And what he saw horrified him greatly.

"What-....what IS this?!" But the darker voice spoke out once again: it seems that something else was now talking through him. "The natural progression! Doubt and Fear leads to Anger and Hate. And both combined lead to ultimate power!"

"No! This.........this isn't right!"
"Everything is right!"
"No, it isn't! I killed an innocent pony!"
"He disrespected his better!"
"I'm not better than anypony! I had no right to do what i did!"
"We have EVERY right to assert our authority! We don't need the love and care of others: only their respect, and obedience! And we do not need anypony but ourselves. Not the changelings, not the equestrians, not the crystal ponies, and not-"
"Not Cadence, my daughter, and my sister?! Those are NOT my thoughts! Get out of my head right now!" he exclaimed before he began scratching at the black substance on his body. He was desperate to get whatever it was that was apparently bonded to him off. But no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get it off. Instead he was left coughing horrifically once again, gasping for air as he leaned against the barrel again. However, the other voice spoke through him again. Only in a much deeper, and sinister voice that he recognized all too well.

"Your efforts are in vain, boy. You cannot be rid of me anymore than you can rid yourself of your own soul. I have taken root within: mind, body, and soul. All of your struggling simply allows me a firmer grasp upon your being. Now you are mine!"

"You?!" Shining spoke, with unquestionable fear in his tone. "How?"

"Evil such as mine cannot die so easily. And you opened the door to me. Your own insecurities - your doubts, and fears. Your feelings of worthlessness, and of no longer being needed: all was fuel for your funeral pyre. Your disgust for your own family - and especially yourself - has given me all that i need to return."

"What are you talking about? I don't hate my family! I could NEVER-"

"No, you don't." the voice interrupted, seemingly satisfied to have gotten Shining Armor angry for at least a moment. "But you hate yourself more than anypony alive. Even more than the Changeling queen, or Tirek..........or even me."

"W-what are you-"

"Do not forget how easily you were enthralled by Chrysalis. How she fooled you so easily, and enslaved your mind to be loyal to her. And as such, how you turned so harshly on your own sister for ever daring to say that the love of your life was evil."

Shining shook his head in denial. "That wasn't my fault. Chrysalis made me say all that, i didn't mean-"

"Lie to me, and lie to others: but you cannot lie to yourself. Changeling magic, when used to make thralls of others, forces them to be unquestionably loyal, and devoted - to never suspect anything wrong. Once you were at your weakest, your will was obsolete, and your mind was imprisoned within you. But before that, you showed your own sister such cruelty as she'd never seen from her own sibling...........her "BBBFF", whom she only wanted to protect. And how did you repay her love? By casting her out, and banishing her from your own wedding. Oh, how i wish i could have been there to see......and savor the pain."

"No-......i didn't........i would never have meant what i-"

"But you did. The magic only made you devoted: you brought forth your inner feelings of anger, and hate. Your brought true feelings to the surface, though you used different words to express them. Everything you did in that moment was of your own volition. I can sense emotions, and can see into your mind's visions of the past. And i know you better than you know yourself now."

Shining said nothing. He was only struggling to argue against what was said. He desperately wanted to say those were lies. That he would never intentionally hurt his sister - his Twily. But the more he thought about it, the more doubt began to plague his heart, and make him question his resolve. What if it was true? What if he DID feel resentful towards Twilight? What if the rehearsal was what brought those feelings out? Could he really have done all that on his own? At the moment, he was no longer sure. And the voice didn't give him time to ponder it.

"Yet that is not the only sin you have committed against the world: because of you, the Changelings were able to invade Canterlot. You were charged with protecting the capital, yet you failed. Worst of all: it was only because of Twilight, and Cadence that you were able to drive them back. Without them, Canterlot would have fallen.........all because of you."

Shining closed his left eye, as it seemed the only one he could control, as he remembered that day all too well. Despite his skills, and his attention to his duty, the Changelings queen had used him to pave the way to conquest. All while Cadence had been locked away in those horrible caverns, alone, and no doubt terrified for him. The city would have fallen were it not for Twilight saving Cadence. Why was he so stupid? Why hadn't he ever noticed? It was his duty as Captain to protect all in Canterlot - especially those he loved - and he almost let it all fall to ruin. Sadly, it wasn't just one time.

"Indeed not: when the crystal empire returned, what happened? You foolishly attacked the Dark King after Twilight Sparkle had arrived: no doubt to prove yourself. And in the end, you became a magical cripple. Useless to everypony around, and leaving your darling wife to protect the empire with her own magic.......as the strain of continuously maintaining a shield of love and light began wearing her down. How she must have suffered back then. Again, you proved yourself worthless as she, and the baby dragon saved the empire, instead of you."

"I........it wasn't my-"

"Your what? It wasn't your fault? Or it wasn't your place because of Celestia's test for your sister? Perhaps it WAS your place when Tirek, and Discord united to invade Canterlot - and you so easily bested without even putting up a true fight."

"I TRIED to stop them, but i couldn't! Not alone!"

"And as a result, the princesses, including your wife, were banished to Tartarus for your failure. Left to possibly suffer in ways she would not admit as to ensure you peace of mind. Yet did you ever take the time to consider what such an experience did to the poor girl? Just like the other two disasters, i imagine it had quite the psychological effect on poor Cadence."

A pang of sorrow came over Shining as he thought about it again. After being told what happened to her, he just couldn't help but feel such guilt for not being able to prevent it. She said she was alright, but he most certainly didn't. For a long time, his thoughts had been plagued by what might have happened - even though they didn't. And how he had allowed it to happen. "Cadence...." he said, in a pained, heartbroken voice. But the dark voice wasn't finished quite yet, and had one last thing to talk about.

"But perhaps your greatest offences involved the changelings once again. How you let them slip in on the dead of night, and snatch you, your princess, and your darling offspring from your beds, and take you captive once more. Twice once more, you failed to even register the invasion, and it cost you more than ever before. Your only salvation came in the form of a black sheep: a little, pure-hearted Changeling who taught them the ways of love. And after you had shown him fear, and mistrust. The dragon whelp brought forth the notion of a good changeling, but you dismissed it based solely on the actions of ONE. 'There's no such thing as a nice changeling.' Is that not what you said?"

"How......could i have known-?"

"Granted, i imagine his first appearance had caused a reasonable fright: given his introduction to your love-filled infant. However, beyond that, did you even hear his attempts to apologize? How he made no moves to attack? How even when disguised as a pony who doubtlessly never existed, did not even try to abduct your foal and escape?"

"None of us could have known." shining said, his voice seeming to grow weaker as time went on. It seems the more he thought over everything this voice brought out, every mention of his failures causing him to feel doubt and fear, his body seemed to grow weaker - while the thing inside him seemed to grow stronger.

"Perhaps..............but you still held on to your prejudice even after he had been given a chance to prove himself in the empire. A good prince and soldier always keeps an open mind, and never jumps to conclusions: yet that was what you had done in the end. Though you knew what would happen if you spoke, you kept your hatred for him and his kind to yourself. Allowing it to fester, and grow. Even now, a part of it still exists, along with a hate for all those who have done harm to you, and those you were sworn to protect. Only that hate had a new target after the Changelings had turned to the side of good.................and that was yourself. Ever since then, you have grown to hate yourself every day for all of your failures. You failed to stop the Changeling's infiltration of Canterlot, and then from abducting you and your family, failed to take charge and protect the Crystal Empire yourself, failed to prevent Tirek from reaching the princesses.......and failed to live up to the role of a true prince."

Shining said nothing. The words cut into him, and burned every part of his soul like hot coals. Because deep down, he knew every last one of them were true. As he sat to the ground, his hands covering his face as tears fell from his eye, he acknowledge the horrible truth for what it was. He was a failure. A worthless, pathetic, weak, insignificant failure who always needs someone to rescue him, and can never live up to his responsibilities, and duty. And he had almost cost the lives of those under his charge - especially his beloved family.

"You are no prince. You are no protector. You are nothing. An accessory for your princesses to use as they see fit. A fool to be compared to his successful alicorn of a sister who outshines him at every turn. You've gained everything you have now based solely on your luck, and connections to those of higher position in life. You did not earn anything: it was handed down to you. Therefore, you are unfit to continue this charade you call life, and unfit to keep everything you possess."

"What......what do you want?" he asked in a voice that was low, weak, and filled with pain.

"I want to reclaim what is mine - and whether you like it, or not: YOU will help me to obtain it.......once this vessel is completely mine. But now, there is something else i need..........back at the crystal palace."

Shining's eye widened as he quickly understood what that meant. "No! I won't let you hurt them! You won't use me for-" But then, he found his body beginning to move on its own as he slowly stood up. The voice then chuckled as it spoke again. "You have little choice in the matter. Your hate, doubt, and fear has fed me long enough: now you have provided me the right conditions to assimilate this form. Just enough to show you what it truly means to be a heart-breaker."

"They'll stop you.......you hear me? You won't get away with this!"

"As cliche'd as it is to say............i already have."
> The Shadow King Strikes Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere, a crystal pony had been relaxing in his home. One of his house's curtains were drawn so that he could better be able to relax on his sofa. Then suddenly, something came smashing through the window: something which looked like a black clawed hand. The pony panicked for a moment, but found that there was no home invasion taking place: the hand had grabbed hold of the curtain, and ripped it off its hinges to wrap around a white-furred pony, who covered his whole body, including his muzzle, only revealing the left side of his face before he ran, almost staggering, away. Yet this was not the most perplexing thing to the pony. What was strange, and at the same time terrifying, was that, for a brief moment, he could have sworn that pony was pitch-black with a blood red horn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at the palace, the festivities had been going over very well. The re-introduction of the Changeling race had gone over very well, and now those who wished to enjoy the festival itself either did, or went home afterwards. And the changelings were having the most splendid time of their lives. From watching crystal jousting for the first time, to enjoying the many numerous foods of the crystal ponies, along with the games, to also enjoying the games that had been set up. But most of all was the fact that they were able to converse and intermingle with the crystal ponies so well. Before there was a bit of nervousness, and skepticism from the shape-shifting race: but the empire's welcome ceremony put that all to rest. Not the two present leaders were conversing together.

"It really is wonderful what you've done with this place, Princess Cadence." Thorax said happily. "It's even shinier, and prettier than i remember it."

"Well, today is a special day, Thorax." she replied pleasantly. "We wanted to make sure the empire looked as presentable as possible for you, and your swarm. I'm just glad things went alot smoother than they did with Miss. Harshwhinny."

THorax looked to Cadence with a bit of confusion. "Who's Miss Harshwhinny? She doesn't sound all that nice."

"Actually, she's not all that bad.........though she can come off as a bit stuffy. But basically, she's the inspector for the Equestria Games that picks places to host said games. Last games, the empire won the candidacy."

"Ooooh!" Thorax said, with a hint of excitement. "That sounds like it was pretty cool!"

"Oh, it was - though let's just say things got a bit nuts at the time because of a.....misunderstanding?"

Thorax's ear tilted. "What kind of misunderstanding?"

"It's a long story: i'll tell you about it later."

Thorax just nodded before saying, "So, any idea where Shining Armor is? I was really hoping he'd be here too so we could show him our gift of appreciation."

At the mention of Shining Armor, Cadence grew a concerned expression. Though she did her best to mellow it down for Thorax's sake. Something Sunburst picked up on rather quickly, and moved in to take charge of. "Uh, h-he's, um.....oh, right! He's doing a last minute patrol of the empire! Almost forgot for a second, but.h-he'll be back." he nervously smiled.

Thorax gave him a concerned look as he asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yep." Sunburst said quickly.

"But....when do you think he'll be back."

"He already is." Came the familiar voice of Shining Armor - though it sounded strained. All 3 looked in a certain direction, and sure enough, he was right there, walking slowly towards them. Though strangely enough, he was covered completely in a curtain of some kind. Only the left side of his face was visible. Cadence, and Sunburst were equally confused, and concerned about this. But before either of them could interact with him, Thorax excitedly came in to say hi.

"Shining Armor!" he exclaimed happily. "It's so cool to see you! I was afraid you would be too caught up with your work, but i guess things went faster than expected, huh?" Shining Armor didn't say anything to him. But Thorax ignored that, and continued. "Anyway, there's something i wanna show you. It's something we at the hive have been working on for a long time. And even though it's taken a loooooong time, we finally made it. Check it out!"

 He pointed his hoof over to a stage, where the welcoming ceremony undoubtedly took place. But leaning against the base of the stage, were six large glowing changeling cocoons. Inside each one was a white pink substance which seemed to sparkle, and glitter in the same way as Crystal ponies and their magic do when at their peak. "Since the crystal empire was the first place that willingly showed me love, and friendship, "Thorax said, sounding nostalgic, "I figured i should return the favor, and give some back! We found out we could transfer some of our own natural love substance, and turn it into a liquid form. Not just that, but after some testing with a few willing ponies, we learned that it's a good source for healing liquids. It helps heal certain injuries, and it gives all kinds of creatures a positive charge of emotions. Basically, gives them a euphoric feeling, and helps calm the senses. Since the Crystal Empire is all about love, i thought you guys could make good use of it. Since you've got those spa's, and i think you guys use potions, and stuff, i think. It's been a while, so-"

"Princess Cadence!" Suddenly, in came Flash Sentry, with a few guards who had just come back from their mission. "We've looked all over the empire, but we still can't find any trace of-" then he noticed the pony in the cloak, and recognized him. "Prince Shining Armor! You made it back! Thank Celestia you're all right. We were real worried about you, and-" A low, guttural growling, and some kind of hardening sound coming from Shining Armor silence the lieutenant. In fact, now everyone was feeling hints of confusion, and concern.

"S-Shining Armor?" Thorax asked gingerly. "You seem tense about something. And your emotions smell.....out of whack. Are-.....are you alright?"

"I........." Shining began, struggling as hard as he could to talk. Trying his hardest to resist one final time. But it was no use. He couldn't say anything short of a single word. "I-..." His eye closed hard, and another tear fell from his eye as he braced himself. He knew what was about to happen - and he was powerless to stop it. Just as he'd always been. Just as he always will be.

"S-shiny?" Cadence said, her tone sounding worried, and pleading.

It was at this moment when everything went mad: bit by bit, the curtain had been reduced to shreds by black, bladed tendrils which shot through it like the fragile thing it was. Every part of him was finally revealed. And what they all saw had made them gasp in fright, and their expressions to widen in horror. For Shining Armor no longer stood in that spot: in his place was a creature that looked like a pony, yet it was not. Wearing Shining's now tattered clothes, its exposed body was black as night, and seemed to be made of shadow, and smoke. Its hands seemed to be made of long, slender claws capable of cutting through anything. It was literally two-faced: except for the same place which revealed Shining Armor's eye, and part of his face. The rest of it was dull, and dark-grey with a streak of black going down the snout. On its forehead where Shining Armor's horn stood was now a curved, blood-red horn surging with dark magic. And its right eye glowed bright green with the pupil still dragon-like, but glowing bright red as purple smoke whisped out of the side. Its mane, or what they could figure was mane, was as black as the rest of its body, and flowed like it was made of liquid - same as its tail. And a pair of jagged spikes shout out of each shoulder. Once the reveal was complete, the creature let out a horrid, and evil laugh which echoed across the empire itself. Those who stood, saw, and heard this were already intimidated, especially thanks to an aura of fear which was apparently being released. But for the crystal ponies, and even Cadence herself, only true terror crossed them as they easily recognized this figure. However, it was what he said next which only confirmed their worst fears having come true.

"I AM KING SOMBRA: THE RIGHTFUL LORD, AND MASTER OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE! AND I HAVE SLAIN THE ONE YOU CALL SHINING ARMOR! THROUGH HIM I LIVE ONCE AGAIN! AND I HAVE COME TO RECLAIM WHAT IS MINE: AFTER I SHATTER THE CRYSTAL HEART, AND PURGE THE EMPIRE IN ICE, AND SNOW!"

With ponies and changelings gasping - or in the case of several crystal ponies, also running away - King Sombra leaped over Thorax, Cadence, and Sunburst (who still had Flurry Heart in a crib next to him, though now she was crying), and made his way over to the crystal heart. Seeing this, Flash was very quick to respond.

"Crystal Guard: don't let him near the heart!"

"Yes sir!" All said before rushing to attack. This prompted Thorax himself to take action.

"Come on, everyone! Let's help them out!" And Thorax, with many of the changelings, and even Pharynx, rushed beside the crystal guards. Sombra himself was so focused on the heart he didn't even acknowledge them before it was too late. Before he could even respond, he was punched, kicked, and slapped with spear ends before being thrown back. However, he got up REAL quick, and righted himself back up. He looked around to see himself surrounded by Ponies, and Changelings alike. Yet he was not intimidated in the slightest, and even seemed to grin in amusement.

"So it IS true: the fearsome Changelings have transformed upon opening their hearts to love. How interesting." He then saw Flash, having drawn his sword. With a devious smirk, he aimed his hand towards the pegasus, and opened it. Next thing Flash knew, he felt a powerful force pull on his sword. And in moments, he let it slip from his grasp as it flew into Sombra's hand. After that, black tendrils wrapped around the blade, and transformed it into a long, jagged, purple sword which glowed with dark magic, and had a demonic handle that resembled a bunch of horns. Once ha had that, Sombra began cracking the bones in his body as he said, "Either way, now is the perfect opportunity for me to let loose," then his head twisted in a full 360 degree angle, cracking as it did, "And reassert my dominance over my sssssssslaves!"

Although they were fearful, the pony guard, and the Changelings refused to stand down. They knew much was at stake, and the empire's safety rested with them. Just as Flash was given a spear to replace his lost sword, however, Sombra made his attack. Launching into the group, he began slashing, and striking at pony, and changeling alike in a display of impressive combat maneuvers, both in physical, and with the blade. As hard as they tried, none of them could truly stand against him. Several of them had already been rendered unconscious by his assault. Seeing that they were getting nowhere, Flash ordered the soldiers to back off, with Thorax doing the same. The Changelings, and Ponies did so, and made some breathing space between Sombra, and them. However, it was at this moment when Cadence herself, along with a nervous Sunburst, stepped forward, much to Flash's concern.

"Your highness, stay back! It's too dangerous for you to-"

"I'm fine, Lieutenant Flash." she said with a hint of anger. Her focus was then turned on the shadow fiend standing in front of the garrison itself. Seeing her made Sombra especially scowl in disgust. "So, we finally meet again, crystal princess."

"That's assuming you think i even know who you are." She said, faking a sense of forgetfulness.

"I'm most surprised you could even forget me........after i had cursed your beloved husband, and drove you to the point of overexertion before i could reclaim MY empire! At least, if not for that insolent brat they call a dragon ......and you."

Cadence's eyes narrowed. "It IS you. How is it possible? The love and light of the empire, along with the crystal heart should have destroyed you for good, Sombra!"

He smirked as he said, "As i told your prince before: evil such as mine cannot die so easily."

"What did you do to my husband?!" Cadence shouted in anger.

"Rest assured, your beloved still lives - as a prisoner within me."

"What do you mean?" Thorax asked.

"It's quite simple, insect: like a parasite, i infested Shining Armor's body with my essence. Then, over the course of the day, i subjected him to his own feelings of doubt, fear, anger and hate: amplified by my mere presence. Yet it was these feelings of his which has provided me sustenance and strength - the strength to slowly, but surely entrap his body, and convert it into my own."

A gasp of horror could be heard from Cadence, who was now more fearful for Shining Armor than she had ever been.

"He made it so easy with the amount of guilt he held inside. And now, the change is almost complete. Soon i will convert this body into my new vessel: permanently extinguishing the life of your precious crystal prince."

Flash glared hard at the tyrant before declaring, "No way in all of tartarus are you destroying my captain and prince, freak! I'll take you out myself before that happens!"

"Me, too!" Thorax said, as well. "Noone hurts any of my friends, and walks away!" he practically growled, surprising some of his fellow changelings a bit. But they knew they shouldn't be surprised, given how deeply Thorax cared for all. Sadly, such threats had no effect on Sombra.

"You have no say in the matter. And it is already done. Now all i need do is shatter the crystal heart, and ensure that the only thing which can defeat me is gone forever!"

"But that's insane!" Sunburst exclaimed. "You can't destroy the Crystal Heart! Its magic is the only thing protecting this place from the Frozen North itself! If you destroy it, you'll end up killing us all!"

But Sunburst's concerns were met with cruel laughter, as Sombra said, "Do you take me for a novice, crystaller? I know of the heart's protective spell, and the repercussions of its destruction. Which is why i won't destroy it: i am going to simply shatter it. Or do you think i do not know how to perform that same reconstitution spell you cast when that brat of an alicorn shattered it?"

Hearing this actually shocked everypony there, as they had no idea how Sombra could have known about that incident.

"Oh, yes: i have been keeping an eye on recent events, so i am aware of everything. It's only a shame that you do not know the scale of my magical knowledge. I know how to perform the spell you cast. And what's more: after the raging storms of the north begin to lay waste to the empire, and drown this city in terror, i will ensure they remain as it does so. The fear they will produce shall elevate my strength to a level that will surpass ALL the alicorns. When that happens, as i cast the spell, a fragment of my own essence will be used as a conduit. And as i have done with your consort, it will infect, and corrupt the crystal heart: transforming it into a source of hatred and fear. In doing so, it will be bound to me - merging its power with my own - and making me into a force of godlike power. Nothing will then stop me from corrupting all of equestria. And then.........THE WOOOORLD!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!"

"That's what you think! So long as i am princess of the crystal empire, and the keeper of love, you will never perform such evil!" Cadence proudly proclaimed, as her horn and hands began to glow. "And i think it's time you got out of my husband - RIGHT NOW!" She then targeted her magic towards the crystal heart, allowing her love magic to empower the influence of the heart. The crystal ponies sensed this influential power, and knew they were needed. Channeling their own love, and light, they sent it directly into the Crystal Heart, empowering it so that it may protect the empire once again. It spun at its incredible speed, before it unleashed its wave of love magic. Changing every pony there into a crystal pony who wasn't, and giving the changeling's a potent, magical boost they had never had before. Sombra, meanwhile, grew rather fearful as he saw the wave begin to come over him. He yelled as he felt the magic of the heart strike him...........but nothing else.

In fact, once the heart had completed its spell, he saw that he was indeed still standing, and unharmed. And as expected, the ponies had grown horrified when their greatest defense had failed. A knowing smile crossed Sombra's hideous face as he spoke. "Yes! It is exactly as i thought would happen! Now not even the crystal heart can harm me as i am!"

"But how?" Cadence questioned incredulously. "The love, and magic of the empire should have been enough! It worked before!"

"Indeed it did..........back when i was an umbrum in pony form! In my old body, i was still susceptible to the heart's power. But now i am becoming full pony as i take your precious prince's form. My power remains, but i now have the flesh of a true pony. I am the culmination of Umbrum, AND Equestrian in perfect unison. The heart CANNOT destroy me! And as he is now, that insolent fool, Shining Armor, no longer has the strength of will to cast me out of his body. Victory is mine!!!"

Yet just as every pony began to loose hope, something about what Sombra said made something click in Sunburst's mind. And it made him think of something that may in fact help them out. Then he finally got an idea. "Princess Cadence, i think i have a solution! I'll take Flurry Heart somewhere safe first, but i'll comeback with some things which might help out! Try and hold out as long as possible!" Though she was understandably confused, she agreed, and let Sunburst do as he requested. He took Flurry Heart, and ran back into the castle. The rest of the pony guard, and the Changelings stood ready to fight with the princess.

"Already one of your own has fled, Crystal Princess." Sombra mused mockingly. "Are you sure you do not wish to follow his example? It may spare you from your fate a little longer."

"In your dreams!" Cadence said, as she fired a beam of magic at the shadow king. Though he was quick to reflect it with his blade. "So be it, then."  And he began to approach them again. This time, however, the changelings were ready with another attack: and began firing beams of their own magic at sombra, with any unicorns present doing the same. Yet with flawless accuracy, and bolstered by his magic, Sombra was able to reflect every blast that came his way in a series of swings, and twirls. Some he sent back to their owners. Yet still they persisted in their attack. So now, Sombra would also be ready with an attack of his own. He charged up his fist, and thrust it into the ground. A wave of dark magic washed toward the changelings, and ponies - before erupting into pillars of onyx spikes which almost impaled them. Many were simply knocked aside, while others were able to fly away. It was here Sombra made his move as he summoned red lightning from his sword, and fired it at the armored pegasi.

Many of them dropped tot he ground like flies, while some were fortunate. The changelings again resumed their attack, only for Sombra to erect a shield this time. None of the changeling's beams could penetrate his shield. And so, they were forced to move in to attack again. This time, though, some of them tried using their shape-shifting to their advantage by turning into different animals - mythical or otherwise. Sadly, they would find this as futile as everything else they did: since all of their fear and anger-based strikes against the dark king only fueled him further. And thus gave him the power to do something TRULY incrediible. With a surge of immense dark power, he trapped every changeling, and pony soldier that charged him in a magical hold. And he did so without so much as a strain. He then used his power to place all of them in a spell akin to that of the door of fear Twilight and Spike once faced: all of them trapped in an illusion of their worst fears. And all of them incapacitated as a result. This only left Princess Cadence, Flash Sentry, and Thorax to fight.

"Okay, that's it!" Thorax said angrily. "Now i'm REALLY mad!" He then transformed into a bear, beating his chest, and then roaring furiously. He charged King Sombra like a mad bull, intent on roughing him up quite alot - though with the hopes to not hurt Shining Armor in the process.......IF he was still alive. Sadly, Sombra never gave him the chance. Just as soon as Thorax got close, Sombra ducked beneath, grabbed his neck, and used his momentum to spin him around, and then up into the air. Sombra then fired a violet beam at him while in the air. When he came back down, Thorax had crashed into the grown encased in a violet crystal, with a surprised look on his face. Now only Flash Sentry, and Princess Cadence remained. And as he set his sights upon them, Flash's glare hardened, and he readied for a fight. Much to Sombra's amusement.

"Over a dozen trained fighters, and shape-shifters combined - and you think YOU can succeed where they failed?"

"Odds might not look too good. But you better believe i'll still try! I'll stop you, no matter what it takes."

"So will i!" Cadence said, standing beside Flash. "I won't let you take my Shining Armor from me."

"He is already mine, princess. Just as the empire itself will be soon. If you truly wish to stop me...........the only way is to destroy me."

"Never!" she yelled.

"Why not? His existence is worthless, anyway. And he would wish for you to do what is necessary to ensure the safety of the empire. His life has no meaning, so it is better to remove it completely. It's not as if anypony else will miss him when he's gone."

"Stop talking about him like that!" Cadence demanded. "You have no right to say who is worthless, or unfitting to live! No life matters to you anyway! So who are you to try, and say such trash?"

"One who has been into the inner recesses of the consort's mind, and see all of his inner-most fears, and doubts. As much as you wish otherwise, he hold his life nowhere near the same regard as you do. His failures far outweigh his accomplishments, and nothing he has ever done will ever amount to anything. This is the only thing he knows, and the only thing he believes."

"STOP LYING!" Cadence shouted, firing her strongest beam of love magic at Sombra. To her horror, it blasted a hole right through sombra's body. And when it did, it wasn't sombra's scream that came out: but Shining Armor's. As her eyes shrank down to pin-pricks, she watched as Sombra's body fell down to the ground, and he fell seemingly lifelessly on his back.

"No! Shining!" She screamed as she ran over to his body. She knelt beside him, with the side of the face that belonged to Shining Armor. His eyes was closed, and she feared the worst. Tears fell from her eyes as she picked up his hand, and brought it up to her face. How horrible it was for her: in her own anger, she had struck down the one pony she had loved. She had botched up any chance of saving him. And now.....Flurry was without a father, and Cadence was without her one, and only love.

"S-Shining." she sobbed silently. "I'm so.....so sorry!"

"Not as sorry as you WILL be!"

To her surprise, the hand she had held suddenly jolted, and grabbed her around the neck. When she looked, both Shining Armor AND King Sombra's eyes opened again. Only Shining's was filled with sadness, and remorse. As Sombra rose back up, the hole in his chest swiftly closed back up. And when he smiled that arrogant smile again, she realized she had been played. "That's the interesting thing about anger and hate: when used right, they can be devastating weapons. But when used foolishly, and alongside sentimentality - they only lead to ruination. Now i see why you married the consort: you're as weak, and pathetic as he is, so you can relate to him."

"Let her go!" Flash ordered, before attempting to charge Sombra. But with a look of disinterest, Sombra snapped his fingers, and an aerinth crystal trapped Flash in place. Try as he may, there was no way for him to break free. And with him taken care of, Cadence was the last one left: and she was completely at his mercy.

"Again i find myself so close to ending it all in an instant. Like a twig, i could so easily snap your neck, and end your insignificant life. It would so easy. Far too easy............which is why i won't."  While still trapped in his strong grip, Cadence was still able to give him a confused glare. But then he gave her a solid punch to the gut that knocked the wind out of her. He then dropped her like dead weight, levitated his corrupted blade, and then walked over to the Crystal Heart. "I have learned that to break the spirit of another is to truly destroy them. Your shining armor proved this already. But for you? The destruction of your only hope is enough to break you. Now say goodbye to your precious heart as you once knew it to be!"

As Cadence struggled to catch her breath, she watched in despair as King Sombra raised his blade up above his head, and prepared to shatter the Crystal Heart. All around, Crystal ponies and Changelings who didn't fight watched in terror as Sombra prepared to obtain his victory. Cadence, Flash, and even Thorax watched on in helplessness, cursing themselves for not being strong enough to stop him. He swung down...........but then stopped. His arms began shaking as Sombra struggled to move. To the surprise, and relief of those watching, Shining Armor WAS still in there. And he was desperately fighting to regain control. He had already done enough: he would not let Sombra destroy the empire.

But sadly, this was a battle of wills: and Sombra had done far too much damage to Shining's spirit already. His strength already began to wane, and Sombra began to regain control. Shining struggled as hard as he could, doing everything he could to fight. But when he realized he just couldn't do it, another tear fell from his eye as he closed it. He had failed once again. He just could bare to watch what happened next.

SLASH!

Sombra struck the heart with intense speed. Though at first, nothing really seemed to happen, and the heart kept spinning around, and around. But then suddenly, it halted in place. Followed by a clear line cut right across the side. This was followed by the heart cracking, and crumbling. Then, right before everyone's eyes: the Crystal Heart shattered once again. As King Sombra bellowed in triumphant laughter, the heads of the Empire's protectors fell. They had well, and truly failed. And now, all hope had been lost.

However, what happened next stunned everyone. "Um, excuse me?" came a voice from behind Sombra. Surprised, he looked back to see Sunburst with a narrowed expression. And before he could even do anything, Sunburst smashed his face with some kind of shimmering, blue potion in powder form. Sombra then suddenly began coughing, and hacking as the potion began taking effect on him, much to his confusion, to which Sunburst enlightened. "In case you're wondering: yes, that's a powerful sleeping powder i just hit you with. A little something from Princess Luna. Guaranteed to put any pony to sleep within minutes. And seeing as how you said you were truly part pony now, well......." he let that sink in, as Sombra understood fully. Even so, he refused to let this go unabated. Turning back towards the smaller pony, Sombra raised up his blade, and got ready to cut him down. But he was far too late, and it dropped out of his hand, reverting back to normal as Sombra lost control. As the body began to crumble to the ground, everyone's shock turned to sadness as Shining Armor, for just a brief moment, right before losing consciousness, said one last thing with true misery, sorrow, and remorse.

"Forgive me."

Once he was out, Sunburst went over to help up cadence. It was at this point, she noticed he had a satchel with several books inside. But immediately he used his magic to levitate them all, and began skimming through them until he found something he was looking for. "Ah, here we are! Uh, Princess Cadence? Seeing as how you're currently the only one adept at magic, i think you should try these spells. This one will free Flash Sentry," he explained, pointing to a spell in one book, "And this should let Thorax loose." he finished, pointing at another. Examining both closely, she nodded as she prepared to cast the spells. While she wasn't as good at magic as ponies like Twilight, she could manage enough to perform these spells.

First, her horn ignited in a bright light, as did her eyes. And from it, a light washed over Flash, and caused the black crystal trapping him to crumble, and crack away into nothing. Letting him fall to the ground for a moment before getting back up. She then turned to Thorax, who was still locked in that violet crystal, reexamining the other spell Sunburst had shown her. Another beam of white light shot forth, and struck the crystal. It began to fracture, before shattering completely, releasing Thorax as he reverted to his real form. Though he was a little unnerved by the experience.

"Oh, Jeez! That was.......super-freaky! I couldn't move, but i could still see, and breathe somehow! What kind of psychotic nutcase would make a spell like that?!"

"Iiiiii think it'd be better if i didn't tell you." Sunburst said, before turning to the other Changelings, and guards. "Let's not forget about them."

"I got it." Cadence said, already knowing how to undo the spell they were under. Her horn ignited with her typical magic, and she began casting her love spells over all of them. This spell proved the antithesis of the fear spell, and before anyone knew it, all of the changelings and ponies were awake.

Sadly, nopony had time to relax, even with the Sombra/Shining hybrid now unconscious. As expected, following the shattering of the Crystal Heart, the dreaded blizzards of the Frozen North were rolling in once again. Only this time, Cadence wasn't about to give it leeway, and erected the every same shield she used to defend against King Sombra the first time. The spell did its work, and shielded the city from the storm. However, it was already beginning to put a strain on her.

"This is really bad!" Thorax said, sounding worried. "What are we gonna do?"

"The only thing i can think of right now: i'll send a letter to the Princesses, and see if they can make it here on the double, before things get worse!" Sunburst said.

"But what about Capta-....prince Shining Armor?" Flash said. Concern for his idol, and respected leader evident. Upon mentioning him, the group looked down on Shining/Sombra's unconscious form. All of them more than worried for the crystal prince's condition. Sunburst began looking through another book he had picked up, and began rummaging through it, before doing the same to another. After giving the blackened pony, and Princess Cadence, a concerned look, he formulated a plan.

"Thorax: you said those gel sacs contained the love you changelings had, right? Like, the actual, literal love of Changelings?"

"Uh, y-yeah, i did." Thorax answered, seeming a little confused. "Why do you ask."

"Because i think it might be the key to helping Shining Armor. Flash?"

"What is it?"

"Could you bring a giant, wooden basket, and four large metal poles? And have your guard bring as many of the crystal ponies here as they can."

"Yeah, i can do that. But what exactly are you planning?"

Sunburst then cast a worried glance back upon Shining Armor/Sombra.

"To see if we can help Shining Armor fight the Dark Infection inside himself......... before we loose him forever."
> The Dark War for the Soul
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Please, be strong, shining armor!" cried a voice in the deepest reaches of his mind. "You must not loose hope! And you must not give up your existence! Only you have the strength to fight this evil - and only you can expel it! You must be strong! For all our sake's, you must be strong!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After what felt like ages, Shining Armor groggily woke up. Feeling horrible in ways he had never thought were possible before. Yet he was still able to notice something.....peculiar: namely, he was being elevated above a tub of the Changeling's love substance, while he was held and tied up by his wrists and ankles. His clothes had been reduced to tatters, exposing his well-toned, athletic form. Yet his body was also still covered in those black splotches. And his mind felt like it had just been placed in a cake-mix, and battered senselessly. Even so, he was able to observe his surroundings, and see where everyone was. To his surprise, a number of changelings were positioned around him, alongside several crystal ponies. Each of them had horns glowing, and seemed to be transferring their crystal magic to the tub, respectively. And there, standing in front of him was Sunburst. The empire's crystaller was currently examining one of the books he had acquired, trying to get as much info as he could. It was the sound of Shining Armor stirring that drew his attention.

"Prince Armor?" he asked happily, running up to the side of the tub with a gentle smile. "Oh, thank Celestia! I was afraid we'd lost you, despite what we were doing! It's good to see you're alright.......mostly."

"S-sunburst?" Shining asked weakly. It was hard for him to speak at this time, but he still had enough strength to do so. He only wished he had the strength to forget what he had done - everything Sombra had made him do. Like the affliction he was under, only pain, and misery fell over him as he recalled everything that led up to shattering the crystal heart. Including everypony who had tried to fight him. "Oh, no!" he said weakly, but with clear worry in his tone. "Cadence.......Thorax.......Flash! Are they-?"

"They're alright, your highness." Sunburst tried to assure Shining. "The worst that happened were a couple of bruises. They're fine now, i promise."

While that info had given some relief, Shining was still concerned for the ponies, and Changeling in question. "Where......where are they?"

"Right here, Shining." came the sweet, compassionate tone of Cadence. Turning to the direction he had heard her, he looked to see her approaching with Thorax, and  Flash Sentry on both her sides as they approached him. "But we also brought some help, too." Though he was at first confused, her indication behind her showed him 4 other ponies had apparently shown up: it was none other than the Royal Sisters, Celestia and Luna, his dear sister, Twilight, and her former student, Starlight Glimmer. All of them looked equally concerned for him, yet none moreso that Twilight. Yet she managed to hold together, knowing full well what was happening.

"I am so sorry we had to meet once again under such circumstances, Shining Armor." Celestia said with sympathy. "I only wish we could have known about this sooner: then perhaps we could have done something to prevent it."

"Perhaps we should have arrived earlier than intended." Luna added. "Then we may have been able to save the crystal heart from this act of deception." she finished with bitterness.

"Princess Luna, please." Twilight said reassuringly. "Nopony could have known this would happen. Otherwise, we probably could-"

But her speech was suddenly cut off by the sound of low sobbing. Everyone looked, and saw that it was coming from Shining Armor, most surprisingly. And to be honest, it was a hard sight to see. Shining had always been considered a pillar of strength - one that rarely gave into such an act without good reason. And here, he was releasing what all could here was sorrow in his voice as his body shook. It was most disheartening, to say the least. Especially for his family, who got as close to him as possible, standing next to Sunburst who looked to them sadly.

"S-shining?" Twilight said, in a low, sad voice. "BBBFF?" she said, hoping that her sweet nickname for him would get him to finally respond. It seemed to work - though his next words, spoken in a low, broken voice didn't help matters.

"I'm so sorry, Twily - ALL of you! I'm so sorry i got you involved in this! It's all my fault this happened! Just like everything is my fault!"

The group each looked to each other in confusion. None quite understood what he was talking about. None knew what was supposedly his fault. But it was clearly breaking him from within. And Twilight couldn't stand to see him like this. "Shiny: whatever you think you did, it wasn't your fault. You jus-"

"Just what? Just continued proving how worthless i really am? How much Equestria would be better off without me? How all of YOU would be better off without me? 'Cause if that's so, then you're right."

"Don't say things like that!" Cadence exclaimed, tears in her own eyes from listening to Shining Armor verbally abuse himself so. "You're not worthless! How could you even say things like this? Why would ever think we'd be better off without you?" But Shining said nothing, and just lowered his head in shame as he silently wept. This only urged cadence to keep on trying. "Shining, please! I don't know what that monster did to make you like this...but you can't keep your feelings from us! I made the mistake of not making sure you were alright - and now all this has happened! I'm to blame for what's happening to you now, so if there's a way i can stop Sombra from destroying you, then by faust i'm GOING to do it! But i can't unless you tell me everything that's wrong: it might be what's letting this happen! Please!" She cried out.

And Shining breathed deeply as he tried settling down. If there was one thing he hated more than anything, it was seeing his love cry like that. It hurt more than whatever Sombra was doing to him, and he couldn't let it stand. As much as he wished he didn't have to, he knew he couldn't hold it in any longer: he was too weak to do it, anyway. So he finally gave him, and laid bare his feelings.

"I........i couldn't protect you, Cadence." he said in despair.

"What?" Cadence said, not understanding.

"All my life, from the moment i received my cutie mark, i always knew what my destiny was: to protect those who can't protect themselves. To be the shining knight, and a guardian to the innocent, and the ones i love. It's what i was always meant to do, because it was what i always loved to do. Keeping other ponies - or other creatures - safe from harm always made me feel good. Like i truly had a purpose. That my life had meaning. And then......" he paused, looking to Cadence as a sad smile crossed his face. "You came into my life, and became something else to cherish - something more than i could ever have dreamed of: a loving wife, and the mother of my beautiful, baby alicorn of a daughter. Then my life had even more meaning to it because i had something new to always protect. Something to treasure all of my life." Then his smile went away. "But what good does it do me if i can't even protect those i love when they needed me the most? When an impostor abducted you, took your place, and brainwashed me into thinking it WAS you."

Cadence felt a sour feeling in her heart as she remembered that day: her own wedding day, no less. What was supposed to be the happiest day of her life became a twisted guessing game as the Changeling Queen kidnapped her, locked her away in the canterlot caverns, and then took her place. It was a frightening experience for her at the time. Yet the thoughts of Shining Armor were what kept her from going insane down there. She was only thankful Twilight saved her, and helped set everything right. But now, as she saw her own husband, dangling in the air as he began pouring his heart, and soul out.......maybe things hadn't truly been set right.

"All the while you were left in the deepest caverns of the city: alone, cold, and probably terrified beyond belief. I didn't pay attention to the signs Chrysalis left by mistake - and in the end, it probably forced you to suffer so much. I screwed up horribly in ways i can never forgive. Yet that doesn't even come close to how badly i screwed up....with
my own, baby sister.........my LSBFF."

Now it was Twilight's turn to feel bad on account of what she knew Shining was about to bring up. "You tried to warn my, Twily: you tried to warn me that there was something badly wrong with Cadence.......and i didn't even bother listening. I just thought you were being a jealous little filly, and i-...i-.......oh, twilight, i'm so sorry!" he cried aloud. "I'm so sorry for what i did to you! I was just so-so...so angry, and i-....i hurt you. I cast you out of my own wedding - i practically disowned you! How could i have done something so horrible to my own sister?!" Fresh new tears fell from his eyes. "I'm your older brother - "big brother best friend forever", as you like to say. And yet, when i came down to it........i disgraced myself as a brother - and as a best friend. I promised i would never hurt you in any way........any yet i probably hurt you most of all. I'm a horrible pony in every sense of the word because i never even apologized for what i did! I'm so.....so horrible!"

"No you're not, Shining!" Twilight defended, trying hard not to let her emotions get the better of her. "That wasn't your fault: I was the one who barged in on the wedding recital without any proof, or evidence to prove Cadence was evil! I acted like a little filly - of course i would seem like i was just being jealous. But i already forgave you for that, Shining: i never held you responsible, and neither did Cadence!"

"She's right, Shining." Cadence said, feeling hopeful they could reach him. "It was Chrysalis' magic that made you that way: that influenced you to do what you did. But don't you remember? It was thanks to you that we stopped the Changelings back then. Without our love, they would have taken Canterlot. You can't keep blaming yourself for what happened that day: you were as much a victim of Chrysalis as anypony else."

Sadly, though, their hopes had been dashed when Shining shook his head, and said, "You're wrong, Cadence - Chrysalis didn't make me do any of that." Confusion came over the mares as they looked to each other. Both unsure as to what he meant this time. However, he was quick to explain himself. "All she did was make me faithful, and devoted to her as you. Everything i said to Twilight before she completely took me over? That was all me. I let my own anger, and frustrations out. I let myself turn on my own sister. And I'M the one who acted so cruelly to her when she was only trying to help me. I should have listened to you. I should have just listened to you!"

"Stop saying that! It wasn't your fault: she fooled everypony!" Twilight said desperately.

"Everypony except you, Twily."

Twilight was taken aback by that statement.

"You were the only one who noticed Cadence was acting differently. And don't you remember when you tried to talk to me about it? In private, and in my home? But then that-.....that filthy bug-witch called me away, and you saw me getting zapped by her magic. Funny thing was that, as much as i thought it was a healing spell - i never felt any better after she cast it: it was like a small reprieve. Either way, Twily, you saw what others were too blind to see............what I was too blind to see. I was a fool, and it almost cost us Canterlot - all of equestria, because i couldn't do the one thing i earned my cutie mark for."

"Shiny...." Twilight said sadly, with the others also feeling for the crystal prince as he continued.

"And let's not forget all my other blunders: King Sombra, Discord and Tirek.........and again with the Changelings. I tried as hard as i could - tried as hard as i can to be the knight i always trained myself to be. To defend an empire, and ponies as part of my sworn duty. And look at what happened: i end up crippled by Sombra, humiliated by that demonic, magic-draining fiend........and again outsmarted by the Changelings. And it was worse this time because it wasn't just my wife i couldn't save..........but my own daughter. My baby flurry. My greatest treasure.......and i failed to protect her! Instead, we were ALL saved by Starlight, Trixie, Discord, and Thorax: former enemies of equestria! And one of whom.............i still didn't fully trust."

Thorax was a little startled when he heard that last part. But even moreso, he was confused. "Shining Armor? What do you mean by that?" he asked nervously, with Shining turning his head away in shame.

"It's like i said: even after Spike, and Twilight, and even Cadence vouched for you-" he hesitated for a moment. He knew what his next words would make Thorax feel. There was a chance his trust in him would be shaken......and even broken. But he couldn't keep it a secret anymore. He had already revealed so much already. "I still didn't trust you. What Chrysalis did..........i can never forgive her for it. She hurt me in ways i never want to go through again." When he said this, his voice had quivered hard as a memory came to pass. But one that he had no wish to talk about. Though Cadence seemed to notice. "So my belief in Changelings only being love-sucking, pony-stealing, mind-destroying monsters was cemented. For spike's sake, i WANTED to believe you weren't here to hurt us........but i just couldn't let go of my hate for Chrysalis. So i put up a facade of trust, because i knew it would be expected of me. But deep down, i always believed the worst about you. I deliberately expected you to do something only a changeling could do - just so i'd have an excuse to take you out."

And indeed, Thorax seemed saddened, and uncomfortable from the revelation. He had a feeling Shining might have still mistrusted him based on the emotions he always picked up around him during his time in the empire. But now he knew exactly how deep such a well went: and he was sad that, even after he did his best to be friends with all, Shining would never give him that full benefit. However, things changed when Shining let out a deep, remorseful sigh as he continued.

"But then you went and did what a part of me would never expect: after abandoning the changelings to look for something they never cared for, you risked your own life going back there to save every-pony they abducted - including me. It was thanks to Starlight AND you that we were saved. But you didn't just save us: you literally proved a Changeling can Change in more than one way. You finally earned your deepest wish, Thorax.........and all i could feel afterwards was guilt for thinking the worst of you. As both captain, and prince, it's my duty not only to protect: but to also keep an open-mind, and never simply assume you know everything about something. And i did just that with you. I've never felt more ashamed of myself than i do now. I'm not-......i'm not worthy of being a captain. Or a prince.........or a husband, and father. I failed my sister, the princesses i was charged with protecting - including my wife - my subjects, and-..........and those i'm supposed to call friend. I'm not good enough for anything. I don't deserve anyponies forgiveness.............and i don't deserve the love that's been wasted on me for so long."

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Cadence shouted, in a level that would rival that of Luna's own RCV(Royal Canterlot Voice). She garnered everyone's surprised attention as she faced her husband. And the tears were strong in her eyes as she challenged what he said. "Every pony is deserving of forgiveness, and love! It's a part of what makes life worth living for. And i am not going to stand by, and let you destroy yourself like this!"

"But, Cadence-"

"NO! You're unfairly blaming yourself for things beyond your control! Yes, two of the villains you mentioned seemed to beat you with ease: but that was only because they were on a level that rivaled even an alicorn! Nopony could expect a solitary unicorn to defeat such a nightmarish force all by himself! But the fact that you still tried to stand against them showed your character, and just how brave and strong you are! Even hopelessly outmatched, you stood your ground till the last second! And the Changelings back when they were evil took everypony by surprise: none of us expected them to attack when they did. Even Celestia, and Luna, and they're the princesses of the sun and moon!"

"She's right, Shining!" Thorax tried to add. "And.........even though it hurt to hear it, i don't hate you for mistrusting me. I know what Chrysalis did was awful. Anypony who goes through that is sure to have some kind of bad psychological effect: it's only natural. But the fact that you do regret it shows you aren't above forgiveness. Despite the distrust, you still let me stay here. I'll always be grateful to you for that, and i'll still never let you regret it. That's why i forgive you."

Even Celestia said, "Even the mightiest of warriors can face adversity at times.......and even a ruler can make mistakes. Luna, and i have had our share of shortcomings and mistakes." She then gave a glance to her sister. "Some more personal than others. But what's important is that we do not allow them to define who we are. It is our better deeds which outweigh the worst. If you only remain focused on the dark, you will never see the light."

Twilight finally said, "None of us have ever held you responsible for the things you said, shining. You might not be perfect.........but nopony is. We all mistakes: but learning from them helps us to become better ponies. So you don't have to keep beating yourself up anymore. Whatever this darkness is that's trying to take you, you don't have to let it control you. We don't hate you, shining: we love you. And we forgive you."

All of the words of his friends, and family cut deeply through Shining Armor like a sharp blade. Hearing them all say these things was not something he was prepared for. He figured that they would agree with everything he said, given how badly they pulled open old wounds. But instead of telling him what the darkness WANTED him to hear, they instead told him what he NEEDED to hear. And knowing that they still loved him despite his shortcomings, and failures was more than he could ask for. He wanted so desperately to accept it: to say how much he loved them, and how happy he was for them to be there for him. But just as he was about to speak, the feelings of pain, and sorrow tore right through him again. And once again, he was forced to forget everything they said as the black splotches grew in size, inch by inch. And one thing came to mind which would challenge everything these ponies, and changeling, had said to him.

"Maybe you can forgive me...........but how could i ever forgive myself for causing you all some level of pain? How can i forgive myself for allowing this evil to take control? For-" he briefly choked as he recalled what he did. "For killing an innocent pony, and allowing Sombra to shatter the Crystal heart after almost killing all of you? Now the crystal empire is doomed........and it's all my fault. I'm just sorry i got you all involved in this. I'm sorry for all of it!"

He then started groaning, and yelling in pain - much to the ponies panic - as he felt the corruption from before threaten to take him over again. Working fast, Sunburst took a large spoon, and poured the love gel on top of Shining Armor's head. And both Changeling and Crystal Pony, amped up their spells to boost its effects. It seemed to work as Shining was no longer shouting in pain. But the black spots still continued growing. This did little to alleviate the worries of those who loved him.

"Sunburst? Is he-?" Cadence asked desperately.

"He's alright, princess." Sunburst reassured her. "But.......it looks like this spell is even worse than i initially thought."

"What do you mean?" Starlight said, coming up to Sunburst. "What's even happening to him?"

"Well, honestly, it's a bit sketchy, but i managed to find references to a magical affliction similar to this one." Sunburst then flipped the pages over to one of significance. "According to the tome of magical afflictions, this is something akin to a parasitic-symbiosis spell."

"Parasitic-symbiosis?" Cadence asked, not liking the sound of that.

"A spell in which a spiritual force forcefully inhabits the body of another pony. Apparently, as the spell goes on, the spirit perfectly merges with the body of its host. But the down side is that it results in the ponies body being converted into a new vessel. Overtime, the parasite keeps drawing strength from them, and eventually changes the body into its own - forever."

"What about.........the host pony? What happens to them?" Thorax asked nervously. However, a bleak expression from Sunburst gave him the answer he wasn't sure he wanted, but still received. And it left a chill down his spine. Yet he wasn't the only one as Luna herself considered how similar this was to her own corruption. But it seems that this was on a far different scale. "So, King Sombra.......it seems your wickedness truly knows no bounds." She said aloud.

"How did King Sombra even do all of this?" Starlight asked. "From what i heard from Spike, he was blown to bits by the crystal heart. So how could he take over Shining Armor?"

"King Sombra is not a foe to be trifled with, Starlight Glimmer." Princess Luna said, with a hint of contempt. "He is a cunning, and resourceful fiend who always plans ahead for many situations. And he holds no regard for the lives of others if they can be of some use to him. And in the end, his manipulations, and tenacity is greater than even Discord, and Chrysalis. This is how he came nearly close to reclaiming the empire the last time."

"And it doesn't help that he's apparently part of an ancient, and powerful race of shadow-ponies known as the Umbrum." Twilight revealed. "All they require is hatred, and fear to sustain them, and they can probably survive mostly everything. But," She then turned to Shining Armor. "It still doesn't explain how he got into Shining Armor."

"And i don't think it matters in the long run." Sunburst said grimly. "While looking through the archives, i also found a record of cases like this: where spirits of darkness possessed ponies to make them into their new bodies, and wreak havoc on the world. The umbrum seemed to be the same........and if what princess Twilight says is true, then it looks like King Sombra learned how to do the same trick."

Cadence made an audible gasp as her eyes widened in realization. "Then, that means ......."

"Shining Armor is being consumed by living darkness: the kind which is devouring him in mind, body, and soul. Are you listening, Shining?" Sunburst asked to the prone form of the prince. Though it was troublesome, he managed to raise his head to look at Sunburst. Though it already seemed his spirit was fading, and fast. "That's another reason you can't forgive yourself.......and why you probably keep being so negative about everything, and filled with sorrow, and despair. Is this how you feel right now?"

"Y-.....yes." Shining said in a low voice, as his head lowered once again.

"It's because Sombra is trying to break your spirit. He's plaguing you with your deepest regrets - your inner pain. All of your fears, and hate: he's using it all against you. He's become a living infection that's trying to assimilate you. The more despair you feel, the stronger he grows. He's keeping you in this state to salt the meat, so to speak. He wants to destroy you in every way possible before he makes your body his."

Shining looked to Sunburst once again, fully understanding what he was talking about. And in his eyes, there was a desperate plea. The kind that none of the other ponies had seen in him before. "Please......help me." Sunburst actually shushed him as he pours more of the substance over his head.

"We're doing what we can to slow down the corruption. I figured the Changelings physical supply of love magic would manage to suppress Sombra's control, when combined with the crystal ponies AND Changeling's magic. But it's just a means of delay. Even with the crystal heart, it was already shown this is not something to be dealt with easily."

"But you can help him, right?" Twilight asked, sounding hopeful. "There's a way to save him?"

"Actually, yes there is - but it's not that simple." Sunburst said, looking through another one of the books. "This is a spiritual spell: one based in the realm of the soul. That's why no spell we know, or even an outside magic can expel it. Sombra has become one with the inner darkness inside Shining Armor. And the only force that can triumph over Darkness is Light. It basically comes down to being a battle of wills. Which means that only Shining Armor's will can hope to cast out Sombra before it's too late. He needs to find the inner strength within to win."

"I........i can't." Shining said, his voice sounding even more strained than before. "I'm too weak - you have.......to help me."

"I'm sorry, Shining." Sunburst said sadly. "But it's like i said: it's a battle of wills, and fighting inner demons. Sombra is an infection now: and the sickness he brings is one only you can truly cure. You need to be strong. Only the light within you can defeat him."

"I...........can't. You......need to.....you........" Suddenly, just as Shining raised up to look at Sunburst one last time, in a matter of seconds, the terrifying visage of Sombra from before returned, causing panic to rise again in many of the crystal ponies.

"YOU WORTHLESS, INSIGNIFICANT SPECK! I'LL KILL YOU DEAD, AND THEN EAT YOU FOR DINNER, YOU BOOKWORM! I'LL DO THE SAME TO ALL IN THIS WORTHLESS EMPIRE: I'LL EAT EVERY LAST LIVING SOUL! DRIVE YOU MAD WITH FEAR, AND THEN KILL YOU ALL! FEAST UPON YOUR FLESH AS I FEED UPON YOUR FEARS! I'LL DEVOUR YOU ALL JUST AS I HAVE CONSUMED THE SO-CALLED CRYSTAL PRINCE! BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!!!"

Everypony stood on edge at this terrifying display as the rest of the blackness completely began to engulf Shining's body. All the guards, the other 3 princesses, and Starlight, prepared for a possible fight. The only one who wasn't poised for a fight was Cadence herself. Instead, she seemed as if she were coming to grips with a harsh reality, and struggling to deal with it as tears once more filled her eyes. Was it truly too late? Have they really lost Shining Armor? Was this truly what it felt like to fail, and lose something precious, and dear?

But then, something inside Cadence snapped. Her sorrow filled expression turned to one she rarely ever used: one of anger. It had at last reached the point where she was finally sick of standing by as her husband suffered. She would no longer have it. And her horn began to charge up as she approached the shadow king.

"I'm done with you, Sombra." She said in an angry tone, which only seemed to grow as time went on. "All you've ever done is lie, deceive, enslave, manipulate, and hurt all around you. You caused my crystal ponies endless suffering for your own sick, twisted ambition. But worst of all: you tried to take my Shining Armor away from me! You convinced him that he has no meaning in existence, and that his life has no value. You tortured him in ways that may never truly be undone. And you tried to take him away from his daughter. Now you've finally crossed the line, Sombra. And now i'm going to ensure that you're not only evicted from Shining: but that you NEVER see the light of day again!"

She then unleashed her most powerful love spell onto King Sombra's form. Like all the times she ever used it before, it floated behind Sombra's head before the two, bubbly halves joined as one, and cast the spell over the dark creature. Yet he did not feel any hint of love inside him. And instead, he just laughed at what he assumed was the crystal princess' last ditch effort.

"Was that truly your final effort, Crystal Princess? Or have you forgotten that i am the embodiment of hate, and fear? The antithesis of love. Your spells have no effect on one whose heart is blacker than the night, itself."

"Who said it was for you?" Cadence said with a smirk, as Sombra's eyes widened in realization. But her smirk went away as she once more worried for her husband.

"That was the best i could do: please let my gift help you to save yourself, Shining. For my sake, and Twilights.........and for Flurry Heart."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was so dark in here. And not a single speck of light could be found in this vast, but empty expanse. None save for the one that came from a small colt of a boy. Curled up in a fetal position on the cold, dark floor. His eyes closed as the darkness hovered around him. The darkness scared him - terrified him. He hated every moment he spent within it. And he hated the horrible voice which spoke to him all the time.

He felt so small.

So frail.

So weak.

"I can't do it." Shining Armor said, trapped in the dark. "I hate being alone. I can't do it alone - i don't want to be alone!"

And yet you are alone. You have nothing - for you are nothing. Simply a speck in the darkness. A candlelight that refuses to die. You only prolong your suffering in this meaningless existence. All you have to do is submit - give in to the Darkness, and you will be free. Free of the pain, and misery of your life. Why should you bother to struggle? I am the only one you can rely on. There is noone in all the world that cares for you.

"That's where you're wrong - there IS someone. And she's with him right now."

That voice again. It had finally come back to him, again. Only this time, its presence was even stronger. In fact, he could swear that he felt something warm, and soft wrapping around him in a gentle embrace. However, he soon realized something WAS holding him. And when he looked, he saw it was a familiar, and welcoming form.

"Cadence?"

"Yes, Shining. Don't ever believe what that monster tells you. You are NOT alone. You never have been, and you never will be."

"But....how are you here?"

"I'm always here, within you - just like you're always within me. Love and Hope are powerful forces: they bind us together, and join us together. They are the forces that drives us, and give us purpose. It's what we fight with when all else is lost. And i never gave up hope that our love would stay strong. Thanks to it, you can always find me here, in your heart. And it's here where we'll make our stand. I only ever defended you once when you've done so for me more times than i can remember. Now it's time for me to help you again."

"How? I don't even have the strength to believe anymore. There's no hope for me anymore."

"Yes there is. Hope is all around you: in many shapes, and forms. Especially in those you've befriended. Now their hope is what will help you see this through to the end. They believe in you.......just as i do."

"But.........i wasn't able to protect you - any of you. I failed so many times before. And all i seem to do is fail."

"That's not true, Shining. Sombra twisted your mind to pain, and misery. He sought out your doubts, and fears because he knew that he couldn't beat you otherwise. He used what you fear most, and plagued you with your failures to weaken you from within. But you seemed to forget all the good that you've done - all those who have grown to care for you as much as i do, Shining. You have to understand that the evil forces victories are NOT your failures alone. You don't have to bear the burden of the whole world. Noone blames you for anything. If anything, we forgive you, even now. All you need to do is find the strength to forgive yourself."

Shining's eyes clenched shut as he thought about what Cadence said. "But.......what if i only fail again? What if i fail to do the duty i was chosen to do - that i cherish doing? What do i do, then?"

Cadence smiled as she held him closer to her. "Then you do what any pony does when they stumble, and fall: pick yourself back up, and keep moving forward. I love you, Shining Armor. More than anypony in the world, i love you more than anything. And it's because of who you are, not WHAT you are: and you are honest, brave, strong, loyal, devoted, passionate, and not afraid to be silly. You care deeply for all those around you, and fight as hard as you can to protect them because you care so. That's why you were still hesitant to trust Thorax: you just wanted to keep your family safe. It's not evil to want to keep your loved ones safe, so long as you don't let anger, and hate blind you. All Sombra has done is fed you lies, and made you doubt yourself. But you can't lose faith. You CAN win. You ARE strong. And you ARE loved. Everypony out there gives you their blessing, and their faith. They believe in you, Prince Shining Armor. Are you going to let it go to waste?"

Every single word struck with the strength of truth. All he's ever wanted was to protect others around him with all his strength. So whenever he was unable to stand against previous threats, or even made certain mistakes, he counted it as a personal failure. All because he cares for all others. But it seems that all this time he had forgotten one thing - something Sombra himself tried to hide many times already: that there were others who cared for him just as much. His sister, Twilight, his surrogate brother, Spike, his mother and father, Cadence, and now Flurry Heart. And yet, as he looked back, he now realized that they were no longer the only ones whom had formed a bond of friendship with him. Twilight's own friends, the Royal Guard of Canterlot, The Crystal Ponies, Sunburst and in turn Starlight Glimmer, Flash Sentry, Thorax, the new Changelings..........and even Princess' Celestia, and Luna. They were all a part of his life, and considered him as closely a part of theirs, as well. They respected, and cherished him. Saw him as someone to care for, and even admire. And also to look to for leadership, and guidance, in the case of the Royal Guard, and ponies, of Canterlot and The Crystal Empire. All this time, he was forced to believe his life was meaningless, and that he mattered to none. Now he understood how wrong that was. And now it was time to put an end to this terrible facade. With dedication, and ferocity in his eyes, Shining Armor stood up with determination, he gave Cadence his answer.

"No. I won't. It's time to end this - and i could use my lovely wife's help to do it."

Cadence smiled happily as she stood, and gave him her hands. A bright blue light began to shine off of her as her magic began to join with him. Just as she herself vanished, she gave one final request to her husband.

"Go get 'em, honey. Show him how powerful love really is!"

And in a flash of light, Shining Armor had regained his mature age. However, now he was decked out in his royal guard armor. And there, before him, was a ray of light, shining like a beacon in the darkness. This was the light that shined within him: brought forth by his return of spirit, and the love of his wife. Now he was finally ready to use it to set things right. His eyes narrowed in determination as he grasped the light, and it formed into a single sword. He raised it up........and then swung it downwards. It cut through the darkness like a piece of fabric. And in that instance, the world of black became a nexus of shimmering lights, and sapphire blue space. As he observed, it was as if he were standing in the most beautiful expanse of outer space itself: the lights shining like millions of stars. The ground on which he stood was reminiscent of a galaxy. This was when Shining understood that this was what his soul truly looked like: and it truly was a beautiful sight to behold. However, there was someone who didn't seem to care, nor were they thrilled to see it. And he soon noticed the remaining blackness beginning to form into a bipedal shape. One of grey armor, darker-grey skin/fur, a long, flowing red cape with a white trim, a blood-red curved horn part of a devilish crown, and crimson, red and green eyes glaring hatred into Shining Armor. And the prince new all too well who this dark warrior was.

"King Sombra."




"How dare you." Sombra snarled in anger. "How DARE YOU resist me?!"

"Oh, i dare, Sombra!" Shining said back. "Because you made the mistake of crossing me. And what's more, you thought you could get away with what you've done to me. And yet, while i can admit: i almost did buy into the things you said - i won't ever let that happen again!"

"And why is that?"

"Because now i remember that i'm not alone. I've got the love, and magic of friendship on my side. And with it, i'm gonna send you right back out onto the curb where you belong!" Shining proclaimed, swinging his sword of light around, ready for battle.

"How interesting." Sombra said, before calling forth another version of the blade he used to shatter the crystal heart. "But also idiotic, Then come forth, and show me the level of strength your pathetic love, and friendship has to offer!"

Without wasting a second, Shining immediately rushed Sombra with a loud battle cry. And after leaping at him, the duel began. Both Shining, and Sombra delivered a series of well executed blade strikes worthy of skilled warriors. They swished, thrusted, parried, and struck their blades in a spectacular show of skill, and strength. However, it seemed a mite evident that Sombra may have had more experience in the field of combat. For Shining was the one doing most of the striking. And yet Sombra was able to parry every blow thrown at him. In time, he delivered a solid kick to Shining's torso which sent him careening backwards.

"Spare yourself the further pain, and humiliation, boy! I have already consumed much fear from you, as well as my slaves. Soon i will take control of your body - and then the empire itself. Followed by Equestria."

Shining got back up to his feet, and readied to fight. "Never! So long as i stand, and can still fight: you will never have control of the empire! You have no right to it, and you never will. Your actions only prove that you can never rule the empire again!" He then attacked Sombra once again. He struck from the left, right, right, left, and right, with Sombra parrying again. Sombra went on the offensive as he swung his blade at Shining. But the crystal prince managed to either block, or evade the blows. And in an overswing, he managed to nick Sombra in the leg. He did not take well to that, and swiftly grabbed Shining by his arm, punched him in the torso, and then threw him to the side.

"And who are you to proclaim such a thing?" he shouted, as he attacked Shining again. "You are only a consort: royalty through marriage alone. You did not earn your royal status: it was handed to you on a silver platter! I claimed the title of king with my own power. I transformed the empire into a dominion that others fear, and respect! I proved myself worthy of being a true ruler! What could an insolent whelp like you ever know of such a thing?"

"I may not have been born royalty: but i definitely know that you don't earn your title through force, or through enslavement! Being a ruler isn't about forcing others to bow before you, and bow to your every whim out of fear: it's about protecting those under your charge. By leading them through example: guiding them, and ensuring they remain safe. And you have to earn their respect. You don't deserve any of those things after what you put the crystal ponies through!"

"WRONG!!!"

Sombra pushed back Shining Armor, before rushing in to deliver a series of solid hits that managed to incapacitate Shining. Before he could even recover, Sombra grabbed him by the throat, and heaved him off the ground into the air. And right now, he was completely at the shadow king's mercy.

"Those ponies you are so willing to protect are not as innocent as you care to believe: it is because of them i became what i am. All that i did to them was simple retribution. And a means of showing them where their rightful place in life is: beneath the heel of their betters. And i am a spirit of Hate, and Fear. Superior to the Crystal Ponies. To rule over them is my right, and privilege. Their power is a resource to be used as i see fit. They belong to me, and me alone. And no living being in the world - not you, not the princesses, not that dragon filth, and most certainly not the crystal wretch you call a wife - has the power to change any of that!"

"There's.....more to it than you think, Sombra!" Shining strained to say, as he struggled in Sombra's grip. "Being a ruler isn't about power, respect, OR recognition. It's about serving your subjects, and earning their devotion and respect. A responsibility to never be taken lightly."

"Respect has nothing to do with it." Sombra sneered. "Like you, the empire, and all who live within it is MINE............forever."

But finally, Shining had enough. And his eyes began glowing with a bright light, as did the rest of his body. With a shout, he let loose a burst of light, and pushed back Sombra, who recoiled in pain and surprise. He then once more drew his blade of light, as he prepared for the next round.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Sombra: but forever doesn't last as long as we all like to think." He, and Sombra then reengaged in their sword dual, with both being quite equal at first. However, as Shining's form continued to glow with inner light, it became clear that the odds were turning against Sombra now. Shining's speed had increased, and Sombra found it harder to defend. Eventually, he ended up getting slashed across the chest as he roared out in pain. Shining then delivered some punches, and kicks which dealt with Sombra quite well. The shadow king began to grow desperate when it seemed victory would be lost. Backing up, he attempted to encircle shining with his onyx crystals, but they did little to ensnare him, thanks to his shield. Even when Sombra transformed himself into a mass of shadow, and fired his dark magic at him, the shield held strong. The power of his, and Cadance's love once again proved stronger than the evil which threatened them. And after making a dart-roll towards the base of Sombra's form, Shining slashed at it with his blade, cutting through it, and even causing it to burn from the power of the light, and love the blade was made from. He kept hacking away at it, until it began shrinking down into smaller forms that began spreading around him. And these clusters of shadows formed into variations of Sombra. In desperate fury, they attempted to try, and overwhelm him with their numbers. But Shining didn't falter in the slightest. And instead, cut down every last shadow until only one remained. But even at such odds, Sombra would not give up so easily, and roared in fury as he fired dark magic. Shining's spell once more reflected it, and he slowly approached the umbrum king. And no matter how hard Sombra tried, Shining didn't halt his advance. There was a fierce fire in his eyes that couldn't be extinguished. He was determined to put an end to this once, and for all.

"How? How can you do this? After i broke your spirit? How do you win when there is no hope?"

"There's always hope, Sombra. You made me forget that for a while, but i'll never let it happen again. Because i'm stronger than you know."

And with a swing of his blade, he cleaved the shadow in two. And in a dark puff, it vanished completely. The whole realm suddenly began to turn pure white as Shining began to wake up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the outside, Sombra's form began to fracture, and crack. Cries of his own anguish, and pain began filling his lips as the reality of what happened set in: he had lost the battle for the soul. And now he had been ejected from his host. And in mere moments, his screams gave way to Shining Armor's yell as the outer shell that had been King Sombra exploded. The pieces themselves scattered across the courtyard, littering the area. Some of the pieces actually fell into the tub, and dissolved from the liquid love's touch. And Shining Armor himself had broken loose of his bonds, and fell into the tub itself. He began panting profusely as he recovered from the ordeal. The struggle, and everything else he went through was rough, and exhausting. But as he looked up, he was greeted with a sight that made it all worth while: the smiling, and happy faces of his friends, and family, who had stuck by him through all of this havoc. He truly couldn't asked for anypony better to help him save his life. And now at last, it was finally over, and King Sombra was no more.

It would seem.

to be continued
> The Doom of Fear
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Shining Armor got out of the tub of love substance, and weakly got to his feet, he was met by the embrace of his loving sister, and his darling wife. Both of whom were more than happy to see Shining Armor was alright. And he happily embraced his family with equal love, and happiness as fresh new tears filled his eyes. Only these were different tears: tears brought on by the joy of being free from his torment, and for having others who stood by him through it all - and ultimately saving him from a fate worse than death. The other ponies, and royals smiled happily at the display, thankful that everything turned out well as the sparkle-family spoke.

"I knew you could do it, Shiny: i just KNEW it!" Twilight proclaimed happily. "Nopony messes with my Big Brother Best Friend Forever, and gets away with it."

"Thanks for the high praise, Twily." Shining laughed. "But to be fair: it was whatever Cadence did that helped me in the end. I don't think i could've won without her. Not that i'm ungrateful in the slightest."

"Sorry to disappoint you, my hubby-kins.......but all i did was give you a pick-me-up." Cadence admitted. "It was all you in there. You found the inner light within yourself, and cast out the darkness within. This was your win."

"Indeed." Luna interjected. "And i commend you. Long do i still think of my own fall to darkness 1000 years ago. And even now, i wished i had the strength that you had to banish it from my being. Rarely have i seen such an act of inner strength. You are truly a valiant pony, worthy of being considered a knight, and prince of his realm."

As Shining smiled at such a marvelous compliment, Princess Celestia also had her own words of encouragement. "And that is why i always considered you the greatest among the captains of equestria. It may have taken a slight nudge from sompony close: but your dedication, loyalty, passion, and strength is what makes you something special." She smiled. "Even now, you shimmer like a shining, white shield. I always knew it was right to send you here with my niece: you are both the shining beacons of hope, shielding others with your love, and strength. A magnificent gift, if i ever saw one."

And lastly, Thorax said, "I agree with the princesses a whole lot, Shining. I'm glad to have someone like you as a friend."

There were really no words for Shining to say. After what felt like ages of doubt, and self-mental abuse: to hear such magnificent words of encouragement, praise, and accomplishment felt extremely rewarding, and uplifting. He closed his eyes as his final tears fell, and a warm smile stretched across his face. "How could i have ever asked what i did to deserve ponies like all of you?"

"I dunno: dork infection, maybe?" Cadence teased, earning a chuckle from Shining, and a bop to her mane. Everypony else also shared in the chuckling laughter. Both Twilight, and Cadence had let him go, but still stood by him as he steadied himself on his feet. Now that the danger had passed, they could at last relax, and prepare to undo all that was done. And Shining could finally rest easy from his ordeal.

However, any happy thoughts were cast aside when he noticed something moving behind the group: several black, oily blobs slithering their way towards the group, with seemingly noone noticing. His eyes widened when he saw several curved, red horns protrude out of the blotches, and charge up some manner of dark spell - aimed for them.

"ALL OF YOU, LOOK OUT! BEHIND YOU!!!"

But despite his warning, none of the ponies in the group were fast enough to evade. And all in the group: the 4 alicorns, Thorax, Starlight, and even Flash and Sunburst were struck by bolts of black lightning added by purple, and green essence. All screamed in terror as they watched the eight ponies being struck by dark magic: unaware that, amid their screams of agony, they were also being used as conduits. Conduits for one simple thing: to drain the fear of each one of these creatures, and draw it into the black substance - and ensure every one of them suffered in agony as it happened. Shining watched in horror as his friends, and family, were not only being tortured, but also seeing the black blobs increase in size as they sucked out the fear, and consumed. But he was far from helpless, even though he was still feeling weak - though that was why he was left unharmed. That proved to be a great mistake as he summoned up as much magic as he could to perform a small love-infused magic bolt Cadence taught him to use. Already suspecting what this was, he fired a bolt of his magic from his hands, infused with his own love, at the nearest blob.

It burned on impact, and exploded as a horrifying wail suddenly echoed across the empire, frightening all in reach. Either way his theory got proven right, and he managed to save the others from the attack. Sadly, the whole of them had dropped to the floor, feeling terribly drained from the experience. And much to the distress of everypony else, the shield barrier Cadence had placed over the empire flickered on, and off briefly exposing the blizzards outside. And it continued to do so from then on. Seeing this, and left with great concern, he went to Cadence, and Twilight, making sure they were alright.

"I'm okay, Shining." Cadence said, sounding beat. "Just so.....drained."

"Me, too." Twilight said. "It felt like......like it was a parasite spell - kinda like Tirek's, only.......so much worse." She shuddered a little.

Though thankful they were okay, he still couldn't help but worry. Sadly, he had far more to worry about as he saw the black blobs begin slithering towards each other near the front of the castle. All of them began merging into one, until they formed a much larger mass. Then, to everyone's shock, something began happening: the black mass began to shift, and move about as it seemed to take shape. Suddenly, one by one, limbs began sprouting from it. Equestrian in form, yet oily black, with tendrils flailing about. Next, the black form began to harden, and shape into an armor akin to an exo-shell. Yet even so, the black mass still shifted through the crevices of this organic armor. The legs became clawed, and draconian in shape. The arms held vicious claws like the hybrid-sombra. A long, almost serpentine tail, constantly shifting, and writhing with black tendrils formed. And then, as the shadow monster rose, the armor began to take the familiar silver, and grey colors of the dread King Sombra. There was even a red cape to go with it: only this was long, ripped, and in tatters. And his head was shaped like a nightmarish helmet: the blackness flowing like his mane of old, as his horn and crown were joined together, as part of the shadow king's mask-like face. One with eyes not of the kind using dark magic, nor simply his red eyes: these eyes were glowing crimson red, as dragon-like slits stared forward in a monstrous glare. His mouth opened to release an inhuman - or pony - growl as his teeth, all shaped like sharp, and vicious blades, released steam from his mouth, with what should have been his lips lifting up to expose the teeth, as if they were slots. Hard as it was to believe, they were not seeing things.

King Sombra, in a frightening new variation of himself, was standing before the royal ponies with vile contempt.

Shining returned the look with a glare of his own as he said, "So i guess it was too good to be true that you were gone for good, monster."

The monstrous king, with his teeth covered once more, seemed to smile in amusement. "You still manage to underestimate me. Such is the weakness all ponies share. But you of all should have realized that, even though you cast me out, i would still be able to survive with the fear you gave me. All i required was additional fear to take form once again. And now................now comes the feast!"

In spite of their weakened states, the princesses, Starlight, Flash, Thorax, and several guards, and changelings, stood ready to fight. Shining himself also stood ready, as one of the troops was kind enough to give him a sword. "Go ahead, and try, Sombra! Even though we're a little weak, we STILL won't let you win!" To emphasize his point, Celestia, and Luna used their magic, as weak as it currently was, to don mystic suits of armor of shimmering gold, and glistening dark, each bearing a spear and sword respectfully. Even Cadence herself summoned armor resembling that of the crystal guard, with a beautifully curved blade. Twilight, Starlight, and Thorax simply powered up their hands via their horns, and got ready to fight - with the obvious exception of Sunburst. Either way, Sombra was in for another fight. And he seemed thrilled by it.

"So now i get to receive a battle before i feed? How thoughtful. A perfect exercise to wet my appetite. Well, then..............let's get started." he finished, in a low, growling voice as he lowered his head once again. The group almost let their guard down as they wondered what the umbrum king was doing. A few moments later, they got their answer - and a loud one in the form of a nightmarish, troll-like roar as his lower jaw split open, revealing dozens of razor-sharp teeth, and at least 3 black tendrils flailing out of his mouth as his roar pushed into the heroic ponies, almost knocking them over from the force that could rival the Royal Canterlot Voice itself.

It was while they were recovering from the assault of sound that Sombra attacked.

Rushing forth like a savage predator, his claws grew in size, and formed into savage blades. When a group of guards stood in his way, he slashed into them, and threw them to the side. He then jumped into the air, turning his hands into scythes, and lunged for the group. All of whom evaded as they drove into the ground. Shining ended up falling to the ground as he dodged, but was still unharmed. That wouldn't last long as Sombra focused his attention on him. Repeatedly he stabbed at the ground, hoping to impale Shining as he moved backwards, evading every strike. Just as he was about to aim for his chest, two beams of lavender, and bright blue magic pushed him back. Both Twilight, and Starlight, worked together to blast into sombra with their magic. They managed to blow several holes in his body, making it resemble melted metal. But they all reformed as quickly as they were made. And after erecting a black shield, he punched into the ground, and formed an onyx fissure which sprouted aerynth crystals, and split the two friends apart. That was when he attacked Twilight, grabbing her by the throat with a snarl, punching her in the gut several times before throwing her into a bunch of guards. Thorax transformed into a boa, and tried wrapping around Sombra's form, while the other Changelings tried to dogpile him. With a loud roar, he unleashed a mystical pulse which threw every-ling back, and even reverted Thorax back to normal as it did.

The alicorns were next in their assault - luna and celestia almost feeling deja vu' over fighting Sombra like this. Combining their magic, even if they were not at full strength at the time, they still unleashed a multi-colored ray of powerful magic from above, seemingly striking Sombra where he stood.He surprised them with a pillar of onyx shooting between them, but that quickly got blasted apart as he lept off. Celestia swung her spear at Sombra two times, with the shadow fiend producing a black blade that blocked the spear twice, as he ducked beneath a third swing. Luna came in with a downward slash, but Sombra blocked it, as well. Celestia exclaimed in anger as she fired a beam of magic from her spear - only for it to hit Luna as Sombra turned into shadow. "Luna!" Sombra came up behind Celestia, and used his hammer-shaped hand to strike her from the side. Yet even as that happened, Flash stabbed him in the chest with a spear, surprising the dark one. But that was all Flash was able to really do. And immediately, Sombra got over his moment of surprise before he grabbed the spear, pulled it further through his body - and in doing so, pulled Flash closer and slashed him across the chest, thrusting him backwards in an upward spin.

Pulling the spear back out, he turned once again to Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence. Both side by side against their enemy. And the sight of it made Sombra hiss, and snarl in vicious rage as his mask-like lips once again lifted up to show his maw. He then let another horrible roar loose as he bolted towards the couple with frightening speed. Yet once again, Shining was his primary target. And he knocked him on his back, as he attempted to snap his jaws at the crystal prince. Only his sword, which he lodged in Sombra's maw, kept the shadow fiend at bay, though it was a difficult task. "Get off of him!" Cadence exclaimed as she lunged her sword at the fearsome demon. But surprisingly, he caught the blade in his hand, and held it in place. He then let Shining's sword out of his mouth, rose up to his feet, and grabbed Cadence by the throat. He then prepared to tear into her with his savage teeth - before Shining jumped up into his back, and tried to throttle him from behind, forcing to let go of Cadence.

"Don't you dare hurt her!" He angrily exclaimed, not letting go of Sombra, even as he flailed around in savage rage. Suddenly, both Twilight, and Starlight used mystic beams to form lassos that grabbed Sombra's wrists, and held him in place. This gave the alicorn sisters a chance to thrust their weapons into his body, along with Cadence, and Flash, who drew his own sword - all trying to hold him down with their weapons. Even Thorax tried to help out by biting Sombra in the leg, while a few crystal ponies, and changelings tried ganging up on him with Shining. Another roar, and another pulse later, the ponies and lings were thrust backwards, along with their weapons - except Shining, who still managed to hold on. But Sombra fixed that by grabbing the back of his head, and throwing him over his shoulder onto the ground. Before he could recover, Sombra's arm changed into a tendril, and wrapped around Shining's neck like a large snake. He struggled to get loose, but the more he did, the tighter the grip seemed to be.

A low hissing growl, followed by another puff of steam, escaped Sombra's maw, as he held his helpless hostage in his grasp. All the while, watching as the ponies were mortified when they saw him holding Shining Armor in his grasp. He could taste their fear - fear of what he was going to do to their beloved prince. It was like ecstasy to him, and he enjoyed every moment of it. But it didn't last long as Sombra began casting another dark spell. Only this time, after charging his fist with the dark magic, he punched directly into the ground, next to the base of the Crystal Heart's station. It proved most fortunate that Sunburst had gathered the shards together just in case: because moments later, the dark magic turned the center pitch black, before the thorn-like pillar sank into the ground. As it did, a circular hole began to form in the very heart of the Crystal Empire. A pit, which seemed endless in its deep expansion. And slowly, Sombra began to pull Shining towards it.

"Stop!" Twilight shouted. "Let him go, or we'll-"

"Come any closer, and he dies!" Sombra threatened, making everypony weary of what to do. "You ponies, and insects, have interfered with me long enough! I should have had this fool's body for my own by now! But i will have it. Once we're away, i will have a true, physical form again, as i almost did. Then i will have my revenge on you all."

"Let him go!" Cadence shouted next.

"NO! I'll take him. I'll take him into the darkest depths of the empire. Where only shadows, and evils beyond imagining reside. And there i will break his spirit beyond repair as i feed upon his fear. As intended, he will then become my new vessel, and the empire shall be mine - and ALL of you will perish! Unless........" he said, knowingly. All the ponies, even the citizens around who had been nervously watching. Each of them fearful not just for themselves: but for their rulers, and protectors. Cadence, and co, were even more fearful as Sombra hinted at an insidious bargain coming on. Something proven to be true.

"Unless one of you takes his place."

"NO!" Shining yelled, still struggling to break loose. "Don't listen to him!"

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked nervously.

"I have no limitations to whom my vessel is. I can take any one of you here, in exchange for the life of the worthless consort. And if you agree..........i'll just take you, and leave the empire in peace for a long time. A time for me to take a long rest. And your precious prince, and crystal ponies will be allowed to live in the safety, and tranquility you worked so hard to accomplish. Live to grow old, and live happy lives.......until mortal ponies who reside, return to the dust, and is blown aside. One life........for the lives of many. Is that not generous? Or would you prefer that i be cruel? You've only seen a small portion of my cruelty - would you care to see my wrath fully unleashed, with no power to protect you?"

And much to Shining Armor's worry........everyone actually seemed to consider Sombra's proposal. Each of them looking to each other, contemplating the ultimatum. What made it worse was the fact Shining knew full well that they were all willing to give their lives for something like this. And to make things worse, Shining was able to figure out another motive behind such a bargain: if one of them gave themselves up for him, it would tear him apart from the inside, knowing that he probably could have prevented it. That they would basically die because of him. And so, the ponies began drawing closer, each about to offer themselves for Shining. Cadence showed herself to be the first to do so.

"No. No, Cadence, don't! You can't let him-!"

"I have to, Shining! I almost lost you to this monster once before: i'm not going to let it happen again. Besides..." A combination of sadness, and a smile formed as she looked to Shining Armor. "Flurry Heart needs at least one of her parents to raise her. With you, she'll at least be strong enough to lead......and you'll give her all the love she could ever need. That's more than enough for me."

Shining's eyes widened as he thought of that. His mind, racing fast, thought of his daughter, Flurry, and what it might be like without her mother around. Like her, Cadence was his world, and his life. If he lost her, he would never be the same again. Could he truly raise Flurry all by himself then? And how well would he raise here, and would she turn out well? These thoughts threw across his mind like a pebble crossing a mighty river of uncertainty. The more he thought of it, the more he realized he couldn't let such a thing happen. Flurry deserved both a father and a mother: not just one parent who may be emotionally broken by the loss of his wife. She deserved the love, and guidance BOTH could provide that would help her be the strong, but caring ruler she could one day be. But that would never happen if he just kept thinking about it - moping about it. Or let Cadence do this. He loved her too much to condemn her. And he would not let it happen.

"So, crystal princess: do we have a deal?" Sombra asked, oblivious to Shining Armor as he raised his left hand to shake. Cadence seemed uneasy about this, and the others wanted to try, and stop her: but they were just too afraid of what a wrong move could do. In the end, there really was no choice. But cadence could at least live knowing those she loved were safe. Slowly, she began to raise her hand, and accept the offer. "Alright, Sombra: I ac-"

A flash of shimmering light from Shining's horn halted her sentence, and turned hers and sombra's attention to him, as he spoke in a low voice. "Don't. Even dare. Finish that Sentence." His head then lifted, as that same fire in his eyes from the battle within himself, burned once again as his horn suddenly began to glow brightly, much to Sombra's irritation. "I know you think this is the right thing to do, Cadence. But it's not. You're the one who reminded me that i should never give up  - so don't you go, and do that now! Because i'm NOT giving up! Not anymore! My love for you - for our daughter - for our friends and family - it all gives me the strength to keep hope alive! It's what gives me the strength to stand up for myself, and not give in to fear anymore! It's what saved me from myself, and Sombra: and it's what's going to save this empire, and all within!"

Suddenly, his whole body began glowing brightly, and Sombra's arm began to burn in this light. With a growl, he released Shining armor, and backed away as the latter got to his feet. He then turned to the shadow demon, narrow eyes fierce with determination, and pointed to him in challenge. "And that's one thing you'll never take away from me, Sombra! My love is stronger than my hate - stronger than my fears! All my doubts, insecurities, and feelings of failure don't matter anymore! What matters is that i can protect those i love with all my heart: just like Cadence would! And that's exactly what we'll do! Together!"

And then, what happened next was a thing no living pony had ever seen before. Even the royal sisters themselves could not believe it when they saw it: as the light surrounding Shining Armor grew stronger, the fragments of the crystal heart suddenly shot out of Sunburst's saddle bags, and flew towards Shining Armor. The small fragments glistened like beautiful stars as they circled around the confused prince. He was unsure as to what was happening right now. But his answer came when the fragments actually touched his body: their magic restored his magical strength, and then they transformed into a suit of armor that was an exact copy of Shining's own captain armor - only it was transparent, gem-like silver, with a bright blue trim. And in his hand formed a crystal sword, with his cutie mark forming the handle, with the emblem of the heart square in the middle. When this magical act was complete, everypony was in awe of this magnificent sight. They just couldn't believe it, because nothing like this had ever happened before. And Shining was just as confused as before as he checked himself over.

"What's...going on?" he asked, unsure. Though Sunburst, who seemed quite excited about what he just saw was more than happy to speak up. "That. was. incredible! The crystal heart literally just formed a suit of armor for.....well, Shining Armor! A magical relic actually changed into a suit of armor! This is amazing!" he proclaimed, hopping into the air, before starlight asked, "But, how is that possible? I though the crystal heart was no good after it was shattered - and i doubt it could do this before. So how could this happen?"

This, Sunburst had no true idea. Neither did anypony else there. That is, except for one alicorn mare who smiled as she quickly understood after putting 2 and 2 together. "I think i know." The ponies turned to her, wishing to hear what she had to say. All she said was a single word that had more significance than anything else in the world.

"Love."

At first, Shining wasn't sure of what Cadence meant, until she elaborated. "The Crystal Heart is the physical embodiment of love, and hope. That's what it needs to exist, and in turn provides to all. It's alive in a way we could never understand, kind of like the elements of harmony. And it no doubt sensed the strength of the hope, and love in you, Shining Armor, when you refused to let Sombra have his way. It must have sensed how strong, and pure your love is: so it provided you its aid. The embodiment of love allows your love to take on a physical form - to stop the power of hate, and fear! You can do this now, Shining, because love is truly on your side, and can help you overcome anything!"

It didn't take long for Shining to understand everything. And it all made sense to him. And it gave his spirit even more strength, and confidence as he smiled to Cadence once more. She returned it with joy. However, the only one tired of all this was Sombra, who roared once again into the air to draw everyone's attention.

"Spare me this romantic nonsense! Love is weak! Fear is the absolute power of this world! And it is forever greater than love could ever hope to be!"

"That's where you're wrong, Sombra!" Shining declared, raising his sword. "And i'm gonna prove it right now!" And with a snarl, Sombra charged at him once again with terrible speed. Only this time, Shining was able to duck to the side, and slash at Sombra IN his side. The result was Sombra screeching in pain as that part of him seemed to burn away, before at least 10 seconds passed before it regenerated. Now Sombra was truly angry, and ready to make Shining suffer greatly. Out of his back sprung two huge spider legs with blades at the ends. Both of which struck at Shining with him blocking their blows. He then cut them both down, and they burned to nothing. Furious, Sombra drew a blade, and slashed at Shining at least 4 times. Each one was blocked by Shining Armor, before he began attacking Sombra. And this time, Sombra was on the defensive: the armor Shining wore radiated with the same power of the Crystal Heart. And the longer he spent close to it, the weaker he grew. After all, this was as close to his natural form as one could get. So he needed to kill Shining Armor before he was destroyed. Sadly, this proved practically impossible as Shining kept delivering blow after blow, weakening him further. He was losing ground fast while his opponent stayed strong.

Desperate times emerged as he attacked the others again.

But the Crystal Heart also seemed to have restored their own strength, as well. And with Sombra's strength diminishing, he held the advantage no longer. Worse, he had chosen Celestia as his first target. Turning his arms into Spider's legs, he tried to impale her with them, but she held them up with her spear. And as she did, her horn ignited, and she called upon her own light magic to blast a hole through Sombra's chest. He was pushed back, and then surprisingly, Luna came in, and cut off his arms. As he bellowed his troll-like cry, black substance - his own shadowy essence - seemed to pour out of the holes in this body before reforming his parts: except his chest was now a patch-job, and his arms were no longer fully armored. Before he could move again, Flash, Cadence, Thorax, and Shining worked together to continuously strike down Sombra, while Twilight and Starlight repeatedly blasted him. Punches, kicks, stabs, and slashes began tearing through Sombra's form. Causing the black tendrils to writhe, and wriggle as pain afflicted him. This was insane to the dark king: he was losing! The embodiment of fear was losing. And seeing Sombra be humiliated like this had a profound effect on the crystal ponies. They no longer saw the terrible tyrant who had enslaved, tormented, and cursed them long ago: they saw a monster receiving his just desserts. And it gave new strength to their spirit, and courage they did not truly know they had before. They began cheering for their champions, and protectors. Assured that they would win. And their energy flowed into Shining's armor, and flowed all around the empire in a sea of shimmering, blue light.

And this had an even worse effect on Sombra as he convulsed from the positive emotions the crystal ponies were feeling.

"Impossible! They should be trembling in fear in my presence! Why aren't they? WHY aren't they afraid?!"

"Because they see you for what you really are, Sombra." Shining declared. "You always used fear to control others. But what happens when you can't make those significant others afraid of you anymore? What happens when their tormentor is exposed for the weak coward he truly is? This. They aren't afraid anymore - so you have no power over them anymore."

Sombra panted in pain, and rage as he staggered back to his feet, turning to face his enemies. He eyed them all, one by one, hating them all by the second. Yet as he did, he realized there was one ploy he still had left. One final trick up his sleeve which was sure to let him win.

"Then let's see if i can't use YOUR fears, instead!"

He charged again to the group, and drew Flash Sentry forth. The pegasus, however, was unaware that this was a feint. And when he rammed his spear through Sombra's jaws, dozens of dull, grey, undead hands emerged. The hands of ponies who had died because the Equestrian Military couldn't save them. Flash began to panic as he saw what he was afraid of: the dead pieces of those he himself might end up failing to save. All reaching to him, coming for revenge.

But Starlight saved him by blasting Sombra right in the face, making him spin around in a circle. When he turned back to face her, she was met with a sight she wished never to see again: her own face, from her days of being the despotic pony she had come to hate. The side of her she was afraid might still be there. "Who do you think you are, you worthless fool?!" The equalist Starlight shouted. "Have you forgotten what Twilight Sparkle did to you? What cutie marks do to ponies? We're supposed to make equestria a better place for ponies, but you threw it all away - and for a false friendship! How dare you do this?! How dare you cast aside everything you are?! Everything we-?!" The equalist starlight was then blasted by the real Starlight, who only glared at the vile shade that used her face. "Don't bother bringing up my past, you shadowy freak! I already moved past it, thanks to my friends - and i won't let myself go back down that road!"

The black shadow that had been Sombra's head reformed into an inky, black mass. This time, turning towards Thorax. And what he saw startled him: the angry, and hateful visage of Queen Chrysalis, his former ruler. One he had feared more than anything else in life. "Traitor!" The Chrysalis head screeched, before lunging at Thorax. However, he didn't let it reach him, and instead blasted it backwards with his magic. He may have been afraid of Chrysalis once before: but he wasn't so afraid anymore with the hive standing by him.

Cadence got ready to strike next, with her sword poised to strike. But when Sombra turned to her, his head morphed into her own dreaded fear: Shining Armor, with his face looking dried up to a husk, and his eyes bright, eerie green. And his voice was trying to sound sweet, but lacked any emotion behind it. She recognized the victimization of an evil Changeling's feeding, and as what she feared would happen to Shining Armor, because of that insect witch. "Cadence, my love! I'm so happy to see you alive! I'm sorry i failed to protect you, but i forgive you for leaving me to Chrysalis. Come with me: i'll show you there's still love inside me. My love for you will always burn, no matter what you let the bugs do to me." She was horrified, at first, to say the least - but only until Shining himself called her name, with a look telling her he was still there. And that he blamed her for nothing. This was enough to shake the feelings away, and with a battle cry, slashed the fake-shining away from her. No matter what she felt, she never failed Shining Armor - and she never would.

Twilight was the next to take a shot at Sombra, and actually spin-kicked him to the ground. But when he lifted his head back up, she saw a betrayed-looking Spike staring her right in the face, which made her visibly gasp. "Why? Why do you keep hurting me, Twilight? I thought you cared about me! I thought i was your friend!" Then the spike head snarled at her, and fired a torrent of black slime in her face, instead of green fire. "Guess i really am nothing but a nuisance: a burden for you to carry around to make into your slave! I hate you, Twilight! I hate you for life!" Instead of breaking down in tears, or in fright as Sombra hoped, Twilight seemed overcome by another emotion: rage. Rage that he had dared use Spike, and what part of her fears about him against her like this. To use anyone she cared for in such a way was unforgivable. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU EVIL MONSTER!" And she fired a ray of her strongest magic at "spike's" head, throwing Sombra in the direction of the Royal sisters.

Almost unsurprisingly, the thing he turned into that they both feared the most, was none other than Nightmare Moon, herself. Because she embodied the darkest moment of their lives: the moment which split them apart far longer than they ever should have been. And left a pang of guilt, and pain which still haunted them both to this day. Even now, Nightmare could see this etched on their faces, and worked on taking advantage of it. "Well! Quite the glittering assemblage of betrayers. One who betrayed her younger sister with negligence, and disregard.....and one who betrayed her own ambitions of old. How low the mighty have fallen in such a short time. Yet unsurprising, given what sort of cowards you two a-" But a sudden stab in the chest by both sisters silenced the illusion. They had already faced this part of their lives numerous times before. Now, they were more prepared to handle it.

Yet Sombra was unable to handle what had happened: each of these ponies refused to give in to their fears. As he kneeled there, with Celestia's spear running straight through him into the ground, along with Luna's sword, his mind kept questioning how this could be. Everything was going as he had planned. He was so close to winning. And yet somehow - because of Shining Armor - it was all going downhill. Victory was slipping. And as weak as he was growing, the anger, and hate brought about by this filled his heart with no end. And after melting away, and absorbing the weapons, he  made one last charge at Shining Armor. This time, Shining didn't even bother with his sword: as Sombra tried to swipe at him, and he evaded, Shining simply used his gloved fist to begin dealing with Sombra, as he put his blade away. And Shining was just as good in hand-to-hand as he was with weapons. So he had no problem beating Sombra senselessly as they slowly approached the pit. In his final act of desperation, Sombra began morphing his head into what he still believed Shining feared.

Cadence, "Shining, please! Don't do this!"

PUNCH!

Twilight, "How could you do this, BBBFF? I thought you loved me!"

PUNCH!

Chrysalis, "Come back for second rounds, lover boy?"

PUNCH!

King Sombra of before, "Tremble in fear, and die!"

PUNCH

Tirek, "I'll take all of your magic, and the magic of every pony in equestria, if it's the last thing i ever do!"

PUNCH!

Thorax, "Please, Shining! I just want to have friends! Is that too much to ask for?!"

And another hard punch threw off the illusion, and exposed Sombra himself as he is. "Stop wasting your time! It may take a long time - but i WILL move past my fears! There's nothing you can show me that can effect me!"


"Is that so?! Then what about this?!"  Sombra said, before taking on a final face which made Shining's eyes widen, and a feeling of hesitation come over him: the face of his own daughter, Flurry Heart. Only she was aged up, and looked like a young adult. And even though he knew this wasn't real, he still hesitated in his attack - while everyone else grew worried about what they were seeing.

"What's wrong, daddy?" she said in a mature, but still sweet voice. "Aren't you happy to see your daughter?"

He shook his head as he said, "You're not my daughter."

Seeing that he might make a move, "flurry" said, "Do you remember the day i was born? And how you promised that you would always protect me from harm?"

".............Yes. I remember."

"Well, now it's my turn to protect you, daddy." Flurry said, as she slowly approached him. Behind her back, a blade formed. "Please, come with me. I forgive you for all your failures. I forgive you for putting me in danger."

Shining shook his head, making "Flurry" seem worried, as he said, "No. I don't need forgiveness anymore: what happened with the Changelings wasn't my fault."

"Flurry" placed a hand on his shoulder, saying, "Daddy..."

"NO!" Shining exclaimed, pushing his not-daughter's hand off him. "I'm done placing blame on myself needlessly. No one pony can put the weight of the world on his shoulders, nor can he blame himself for everything he does. What matters is that i learn from my mistakes, and work to be a better pony than before." He then narrowed his eyes as he yelled, "You tried making me forget that, Sombra! And now you're gonna pay!"

"Flurry" glared hatefully at Shining Armor, before reverting right back to Sombra. "YOU DIE!" And he raised his dagger from behind his back, and swung it toward's Shining's heart. Seeing the attack, Shining reached for his sword as fast as possible - and was surprised when it vanished in a flash of light, and appeared in his hand. But it didn't last long, and just as Sombra made one final swing at him, Shining slashed upwards, and cut off Sombra's arm, before slashing his chest. His body burned in pain as he backed up to the edge of the pit, almost falling in. As he looked back to the ponies, he made pained gurgling, and chocking sounds. He sounded as if her were in unbearable pain from something. And it didn't take long for Shining to figure out what it was.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" Shining said, in a calm, neutral voice. "Fear was what gave you everything that made you who you are. But it wasn't just your power source..........it's what keeps you alive." Sombra seemed to grow nervous as Shining went on. "Because you're Umbrum: and Umbrum feed on the fear of others to survive. That's why you wanted me - a living body to make you half pony, and free you from that hunger. Cause without it, you have no true power. Your slaves rise against you, and your enemies stand against you, no matter how much fear you subject them to. And it's starving you, while the love we have poisons you. You pride yourself on hate, and fear and your control over both, along with the power to draw from them. But you don't have either of them anymore, because you've met your match. Nopony, or Changeling is afraid of you......................now you're the one who's afraid."

Sombra couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't understand how anypony could see through him like this. And it added to the terror he tried, but failed to suppress. He was finally on the literal brink of his own defeat - his own destruction. But he couldn't give up now. Not now. And with a furious growl, he tried to swipe at Shining Armor again. But the prince ducked beneath the blow, and delivered a final impalement through the shadow king's body with his sword. This time, however, he left it in Sombra's body as he staggered backwards, slipping into the pit. But he didn't fall all the way, because he managed to grab the hold of the side of the edge with his claws. Thought it was but a reprieve as he slowly began slipping into the hole. Desperately holding on for dear life. But then he looked up once again to see Shining Armor staring him down. The unicorn whom he believed could be easily broken - was the one who ended up breaking him. He still could barely understand how he could do it. But he found the answer when the other ponies slowly approached from behind to stand with Shining Armor.  It finally sank in. And at that moment, his body could no longer sustain, and maintain itself, thanks to the lack of fear, the overwhelming love and hope......and even the sword sticking through him. It began to crack, and crumble as his form began flowing into burning flakes of ash. The shadow within seemed to evaporate slowly in the light of the crystal armor's radiance. The end was here for King Sombra. And in his final moments, he acknowledged the force which had bested him once again.

"Love."

He then released his hold, and he fell into the cavernous hole he had made. Everypony looked down into the hole to see if they could still see him But rather quickly, they found that it was impossible to see in that dark expanse. And in moments, the hole itself began to close itself shut. Finally, the hole had completely shut closed, and the bottom half of the crystal pedestal array returned. It seemed that this ordeal was well and truly over. King Sombra was defeated. This time, for good.

"You think he's really gone?" Starlight asked.

"Sadly, with King Sombra: it's difficult to say." Celestia said wearily.

"But we actually saw it this time." Twilight said.

"And we saw it last time, too." Cadence retorted. "If there's anything to be certain of, Twily: it's that nothing is ever truly certain. Though it might be slim, he may come back some day."

"Maybe." Shining said neutrally, right before smiling to his wife. "But this time, we'll be ready, in case he does."

Cadence also smiled warmly, as she prepared to embrace Shining Armor. Suddenly, the crystal sword reappeared in his hand, momentarily splitting them up. Shining looked to the blade itself, pondering over everything that's happened recently. Whether he was certain he'd be truly ready, or not couldn't be determined right now. But he'd still make an effort to try, as could be expected of him. However, there was at least one final surprise left for all in the Crystal Empire: several moments after getting the sword back, it and the armor made from the crystal heart fragments suddenly began glowing bright once again. So much so, that nopony could see what was going on. In time the light did die out, and their sight returned. Imagine the surprise when the Crystal Heart hovered in front of Shining Armor - back in his tattered clothes - fully restored, and shining brightly. Before anyone could even move, the heart returned to its proper place. The shield around the city dissipated, and the heart spun in full rotation, unleashing its power through the city, giving everypony, and every-ling the glistening coat of a crystal pony, before its magic surged through the castle spire, and shot into the sky, clearing the storms away, and finally ending the Blizzard before it could claim them for good.

The crystal ponies cheered in happiness, and glee at the beautiful sight above them. And even our heroes couldn't help but enjoy the views with glee. Yet in this moment, when all was once again right with the world, two lovers who had stayed by one another through such terrible adversity stared lovingly into each others eyes. And soon followed suit with a kiss that went on for a few minutes. All of their love was poured into each other, as their horns shined with their inner lights. It was like magic dancing around the lovers. But soon enough, they parted to catch their breath. But they still held each other in an embrace of comfort, placing their foreheads to one another. They were surprised when a bright, yellow flash popped right between them. But they both laughed happily when they saw it was Flurry Heart, giggling happily in her parent's embrace. No doubt she could tell things were right again, and was tired of waiting to see her mother and father. So here she was: being gently caressed, and kissed on the cheeks by her mother. And her father? Well, let's just say that he still had plenty of joyous tears to shed seeing her, after fearing to never see her again. Now, he could hold her as close as he wanted, sharing the love he had for her happily, and with no restraint.

This was a moment to add to the cherished memories he would have for the rest of his life.

And then Sunburst said, "So, who's ready for a bath in the changeling goo?"
> A Crystal Clear Ending
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just as Sunburst suggested, the next day, Shining Armor, and the rest of those who helped vanquish Sombra had begun taking a long, soothing bath - in the Changeling's love substance which had already been used on Shining Armor. But now, it was being used to help soothe the hearts, and minds of this pony group, inside the empire's own spa, no less, after issuing a day off for themselves. All to ensure any lingering feelings left by their fight with Sombra - or in Shining's case, lingering essence - were removed. Needless to say, it was the most relaxing experience any of them had experienced. All of them had donned bathing suits, and shared the large tub of love gel to better make the experience better. Thorax especially enjoyed this dunking, as the only one who fed off of this essence, even though it was no longer for necessity. Just a delightful pleasure. As pleasurable as the tea all of them were sharing together, which further helped calm the nerves. Though Shining still felt a little bad about something.

"Thorax?" he said, garnering the royal changeling's attention. "I know i only said this back when Sombra was torturing me, and had me on the breaking point, but i want to say this again as honestly as i can. And this goes for all of you: i'm sorry for getting you involved in this catastrophe, and almost got you all killed. Words really don't mean much, but i'm hoping to make it up to you all somehow. After all, if i didn't keep the obvious signs of something being wrong to myself, we could have avoided this." He sighed lightly. "Sorry for ruining the festival for you."

"Oh, don't worry about it!" Thorax exclaimed happily. "Even with the surprise bad-guy showing up, and everything after, we changelings had a blast. The crystal ponies are definitely warmed up to us now. And i'm pretty happy to say that, after all that's happened, the Crystal Ponies and Changelings are closer than ever before. So honestly? I think everything worked out pretty well in the end - just a couple of bruises to show for it. So no hard feelings, Shining."

After a moment, Shining gave a friendly smile to his changeling friend. "That's great to hear, buddy."

However, Cadence and Twilight picked up on something he had said. "Say, you said you noticed signs to what was happening." Cadence said. "What signs were those?"

Shining looked down to his hand, feeling bad about the memory, and explained, "Strange black markings that eventually covered my whole body - and all of you saw the end-result of that. A voice in my head, along with my own negative feelings being increased for some reason. And i was really aggressive to everypony around."

"I think i can vouch for that." Flash said.

"Well, if that's so, then....why didn't you tell me about it before?" Cadence asked.

"I..........didn't you to worry, Cadence. Not with everything that was going on at the time. I figured it was some kind of emotional phase i was going through, and figured i'd get over it. Tch. We all saw how well that turned out."

"Oh, Shiny." Cadence said, stroking the side of his face with tender care. "You know you don't have to keep things from me - especially if they might seem important. I understand now it was Sombra influencing you all this time, but you can share anything with me. Next time, i might be able to help you before it's too late."

"Or end up doing something bad because you kept it to yourself." Twilight said. "Spike can definitely attest to that after that incident with Rarity, and that Inspiration Manifestation fiasco." Curiosity peaked, Shining turned to Twilight with a curious glance. "Inspiration manifestation?" He asked confusingly. "It's-......it's a long story, and Spike's the one who went through it. Ask him next time when you get the chance."

"Oooh! I definitely know I will." Thorax said.

Shining only smiled as he heeded his families advice. "You're definitely right." he said to both of them. "I won't forget that if something similar happens." He then chuckled at a thought which just sprung to mind. "What's so funny, Shining?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing much: just thinking about how i actually learned something from all this. And that if we were in ponyville, i'd probably be writing it down as a lesson. Or if this were 4 years ago, i'd have written a friendship report to Princess Celestia. Kind of ironic, i was thinking."

"Not that ironic, prince armor, considering mine, and Luna's presence." Celestia said gladly. "So, Shining Armor? Would it be alright if you shared what you learned with all of us through this ordeal? I'm sure we could all benefit from such a lesson."

Shining nodded with a smile. "I think i'd be honored, your highness.  *ahem* "Dear Princess Celestia" Suddenly, he began chuckling a little with Twilight giving a bewildered look. "Sorry, sorry! It's just your reports always started like that, Twily. I figured i'd pay some respect to it."

Twilight quickly relaxed herself after hearing that. "Okay, BBBFF........even though you're still a dork."

"That i am." Shining proudly said with a fun smile, before clearing his throat, and getting on with what he was about to say. "Today i learned something extremely important: that fear, and doubt are a part of who we are. And often, they come from moments cemented in our lives as moments we'd rather forget. And there will always come a day when such feelings will arise in any given form, and seek to overwhelm you- make you think that you're life has no meaning or value, and that the world is better off without you. But keeping it to yourself, along with any problems you have no idea how to fix, is a sure way of getting yourself in trouble - often leading to disaster. And it can often lead to something truly ugly.......or even to harm others, including yourself. That's why it's important that you seek out those you trust wholeheartedly: like close friends, or family members. Because the love they show you can always lead you out of the dark, and back into light. With their help, you can find the inner strength to stand against anything - even your darkest fears, insecurities, and thoughts. Replace hate with love, let those who care for you guide you, and you can survive. Because in the end............there's ALWAYS hope. Something noone should ever forget. Your faithful subject, Prince Shining Armor."

Celestia's smile grew more profound as she nodded in respect. "A very good lesson to learn."

"And one that many ponies could certainly benefit from." Luna added.

"Thanks-er, thank you, princesses." Shining said proudly. However, his ears fell to his side, and a sad face replaced his happy one. "My biggest regret in all of this is knowing that the innocent pony Sombra killed won't ever have a chance to learn anything again."

Sunburst's ears perked up. "Wait a sec: Shining, what pony do you mean?"

"In the empire, there was a stallion i ended up crossing. And because Sombra was increasing my anger, he made me cast a spell on that pony, and turned him into crystal. He fell over, and shattered on the ground. What's more.........i don't think i'll forget the look of terror on his face when it happened." He sighed heavily. "I don't even know who he was, and he probably has family out there. Somewhere. Once i'm back at 100%, i'd like to try and find his family so i can tell them what happened. They deserve that much, at least."

"Actually, Shining Armor, there isn't any need for such a thing." Sunburst stated.

"Why?"

"Because that pony, Scribe Marker, is alive, and he's in the medical wing of the castle recovering."

Shining's face was completely filled with shock, and surprise as he turned to Sunburst. A hopeful look also mixed in with it. At this point, though, Flash Sentry took over, and explained.

"After Sombra shattered the heart, and we began tying you up, one of the patrols told me - and in turn Sunburst, and the others - that he saw ponies in distress about something. He reported saying that there was a crystal statue, shaped like a pony, lying in some broken pieces. Another pony told us what happened, and he took the statue-um, sorry - pony to us."

"I analyzed the dark magic behind the spell, and once again looked through the records of dark magic involved with Sombra. As it happens, it was a stasis spell which turned ponies, or any living thing, into Crystal at will. But the tricky bit was that even if the statue is shattered, the pony within is still alive: just completely shut out to the world. A while later, after Starlight and the Princesses came, i cross-referenced a number of healing spells, and anti-spells for personification, and spells close to it until i figured out a solution."

"He told me, and Twilight what it was, and after gathering the pieces together, and reassembling Scribe Marker, Twilight and i combined the spells we knew, along with the ones Sunburst showed us. Thankfully, it worked out, and we were able to revive him." Starlight explained. "Though it was pretty hard: that dark magic spell was pretty powerful."

"If it could be used to crystallize the former princess of the empire, then i should think it is." Twilight interjected. Though Shining didn't pay mind to that. All he could do was gently lean himself back into the tub, and sigh heavily with content. A great burden had been lifted off of his shoulders - once again thanks to his friends and family. Now he wouldn't need to blame himself for anything Sombra did anymore. And he was happy. Something the others noted quite easily.

"See, Shining? You don't have to hold anything against yourself anymore. You were just as much a victim as Scribe was. We even explained it to him, and he seemed to understand. Noone blames you for anything. Everything's well now." Twilight said.

However, another thought crossed Shining's mind. Nothing serious, but nothing pointless, either. It was just of something he wanted to do to make everything truly better.

"Almost everything."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the medical wing, as Sunburst said, the pony Scribe Marker had been sitting in his hospital bed as comfortably as well as could be expected. He was wearing a simply hospital gown, with a vital monitor hooked up to him. Sitting right next to him was his friend, the mare from before. She had been the one who explained what happened, had been there to see the royals return Scribe to normal, and was now here as he finished recovering. And after what they went through, she had the right to feel a little concerned for him.

"Are you sure you're okay, Scribe? I could maybe ask the doctors for somet-"

"I'm okay, Lilly." he assured her. "Just a little groggy. It feels like i was having a weird, dreamless sleep. You ever have those before?"

"Maybe a few times. But i'm just glad you're back to normal.........just like the prince is, now."

Scribe lowered his head a little, feeling a small bit of shame for what he thought he might have contributed to a growing problem. "Yeah. *sigh* Poor guy. From the sound of what the princess' told me, he was even worse off than i was. And i probably helped make things worse with how i talked to him."

"Don't beat yourself over it, Scribe: nopony knew what was going on. Not even the crystal princess. Besides, i don't think he really blames you for anything."

"Probably not.......but i still don't feel all that great about it, either. I just wish-"

"Pardon me, Mr. Marker?" asked an attendant of the castle, as she approached the pony in question. "A letter just arrived for you. The writer wished it delivered immediately. Considering who wrote it, it must be important." She then handed him the open letter, and left to attend other duties. Scribe pulled out the piece of paper, and began reading through the short message. When he finished, his eyes widened for a moment. But then a look of relief spread across his face, followed by a smile. Much to his friend's curiosity.

"What is it?"

He then handed it over to her so she could read it, as he said, "Closure."

"Dear Scribe Marker,
I've been told that you recovered from your ordeal, and have been returned to normal. That makes me feel far better than you could imagine. I know there are few words i could say that can make up for my role in your......incident. And part of me wishes i could go back in time to stop it. But we can't change what happened.......nor can we blame ourselves for what others did. Or for what we perceive as our greatest failures. Despite the fact i did unwillingly play a role in what happened to you, that doesn't mean i'll let myself go insane over this. Yet neither will i refuse to acknowledge it. And even if it was someone using me to do it, i still want to give me deepest, and most honest apologies to you. You were just someone caught up in something he had no right to be caught in. An innocent bystander. And every life has meaning to me. Which is why i will strive to be a better protector to ponies like you. 

I also hear that you already forgave me. Thank you for that. Now it'll make it easier for me to forgive myself. Just as i hope you can forgive yourself in case you somehow blame yourself for adding to the chaos. You had no knowledge of what was happening, so you were blameless. Just standing up for yourself, and your friend. A quality i admire in other ponies. Which is another reason why i wish to compensate you for your time in the empire. Even if they don't live here, everypony in the empire is considered a citizen: and one worthy of our respect, and care. So please, enjoy your time in the empire, and the paid expenses provided to you. It's the least i can do to make it up to you. Just remember one thing: if you ever feel like everything that's wrong with your life is your fault, and that things would be better without you: don't. Do a double-take, looks to your friends, and family - who probably care a great deal about you - and remember that you are loved. More than anything you are loved. And it always helps to have them there to remind you of that, especially in your worst days.

I know i sure did.

Your faithful Prince, and Captain,
Shining Armor."


The End