After nearly dying, Sombra is nursed back to health by the Kirin, Autumn Blaze. But will the talkative Kirin's warming glow be enough to melt the icy exterior around the ex-tyrant's heart?
After King Sombra narrowly escapes his demise yet again after his attempts to conquer Equestria. Sombra was weakened and wandered through Equestria only to end up in the Kirin village, completely exhausted. But luckily one talkative Kirin took in the dark unicorn to nurse him back to proper health. Sombra was annoyed by the talkative Kirin, but decided to wait until he returns to full power and crush all who defy him. Only if he survives the Kirin's insistent talking. Or, possibly even warms up to her and see the world in a new light.
King Sombra Twilight Sparkle Rainbow Dash Applejack Autumn Blaze Crazy Old Pony Random Royal Guard
“NO! THIS CAN’T BE POSSIBLE!” Yelled Sombra as the main six held hooves and beaming with an insanely powerful aura of magic and energy. All of Sombra’s attacks were useless when he tried to take down the six heroes of Equestria.
This made no sense. How in the world could these ponies possibly produce this power without the Elements of Harmony? This shouldn’t be possible. Sombra was once the predator, closing in on his prey to finish them off. But now, thanks to their infernal friendship, they are the ones who became the poweful ones. The predators. As Sombra was as helpless as any tiny rabbit.
"Your magic can't defeat mine! I DESTROYED THE SOURCE OF YOUR POWER!" Yelled Sombra in terror and shock. All of that intimidation and arrogance falling apart to reveal who King Sombra truly was, a scared cowardly stallion who realized how much he underestimated Twilight Sparkle and her friends.
"You can't destroy our friendship, Sombra!" Commented Twilight as pure magic surged through her.
"And we keep telling bad guys-..." Continued Rainbow Dash.
"But ya'll just don't seem to remember-..." Added Applejack.
"That friendship... IS MAGIC!" Yelled the six mares in unison as the aura of magic only grew stronger, forcing Sombra back.
Sombra attempted one last time to attack the main six with a blast of dark magic. But it just bounced off as the aura of magic continued it's expansion. Forcing Sombra back into his black crystal throne as the energy hit him. Tearing him apart as he let out one final scream.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Before being blasted into nothing. But as the energy wave expanded and spread throughout all of Counterlot and Ponyville, it destroyed all black crystals and freed all those who were under Sombra's mind control.
But, just like several hours before in the Crystal Empire where Sombra merely faked his demise and survived as a hardly noticeable puff of black mist, performed the same trick once again. As the girls believed they zapped the tyrant into oblivion just like last time, Sombra managed to send a part of himself away and luckily escaped the friendship death blast.
The puff of black mist flew and dashed outside of Counterlot castle and landed in the royal gardens. It took around a minute, but King Sombra managed to reform himself and slowly stand back up.
"No... They... They defeated me?... NO! NO! NO! THEY COULDN'T HAVE DEFEATED ME! THIS MUST BE A DREAM!" Denied the weakened king as he spoke to himself.
"How!? HOW!? I calculated everything perfectly! I was even able to defeat the lord of chaos himself! I will go back up there and- UGH!" Sombra groaned in pain as he collapsed on the ground from his extremely weakened state.
"No... No no no no no no no no no no no no no NO! I will not be defeated yet again by the power of LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP! I am King Sombra! It took the power of TWO alicorn princesses t defeat me in the first place! I am... I am King Sombra!" Yelled King Sombra, motivating himself into fighting against the weakness and pain as he stood back up into a more regal position.
"I am King Sombra! And I will destroy all who stand in my way! For I am the embodiment of hatred and fear! The lord of shadow! The prince of darkness! The rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire! And all those who DARE TO STAND AGAINST ME WILL COWER BEFORE MY-!"
"Hey! I think I heard something over there!" Spoke a voice from nearby as King Sombra looked over to hear galloping that got closer and closer. Sombra already knew it was the royal guard, already having their control from him eliminated, no doubt by that annoying blast of magic. But they are nothing but a bunch of mere royal guards, King Sombra will blast them into nothing once they show up!
Sombra attempted to charge his weakened horn with a surge of dark magic, but the dark energy immediately burned out. Leaving the horn completely vacant of power as Sombra looked back up at it in concern.
"AAAGH! It took everything I had just to escape that infernal bombardment! Those blasted ponies will pay for-!"
"Hey! I think the voice is coming from over here! We're getting closer!" Yelled a royal guard as the patrol of guards got closer and closer to Sombra's current position as Sombra looked over once more in worriment where the voices were coming from.
"Curses! I have got to stop talking to myself!" Growled Sombra to himself as he turned and started galloping away from his current position in the opposite direction of the castle and the royal guards.
The once infamous and feared King Sombra, has been reduced to nothing more then a nomadic wanderer of Equestria. After his failed attempt to retake the Crystal Empire and conquer the rest of Equestria, he was completely drained of magic. After escaping the frontal assault of the main six, Sombra was nearly destroyed. But he managed to survive, severely weakened but still alive. The dark unicorn had no other choice but to flee, to flee Canterlot and Ponyville in order to find a safe place to properly hide out and lick his wounds.
There was no way in Tarturus that he would ever return back to Grogar. His pride was already damaged enough, and the dark king would personally be blasted back into the aether then returning back to Grogar's hideout, and be mocked my an old goat, a withered centaur, a fallen queen, and a little pagusus filly. Much less even work with those pathetic fools.
King Sombra wandered the Equestrian country side for heaven only knows how long. Even after a few days or probably even weeks passed, his magic was still as weak and useless as it was when the main six foiled his evil plan yet again. If the dark king had to guess, he would say that it was yet another affect of the friendship magic the main six used against him. Perhaps forming some kind of block to his dark energy, preventing him form currently causing any more harm.
Sombra was wandering through a field of grain with tired red eyes and bags under his eyes. He as been currently wandering for five weeks now... Or was it three months? He's been alone and wandering for so long that he can't even remember how long he's been out there.
Even though any other pony would drop from exhaustion at this point, the ex-tyrant of the Crystal Empire was made out of tougher stuff. Or so he thought as he continued to wander through the field of grain.
"Okay, I should be getting closer to the next village by now..." Said Sombra as he just barely ignited his horn and pulled out a rolled up map. Unrolling it as he looked at the map in front of him while scratching his chin with one of his whooves. Thinking.
But before Sombra could open his mouth to speak outloud once more, the magic in his horn fizzled out once more as the aura around the floating map disappeared and fell to the ground.
"Grrr... And of course, still barely enough magic left in me to pick up a map." Growled Sombra to himself as he reached down with one of his whooves and held up the map. Looking at the next nearby village he would be coming across. He looked at the map that presented the village, then looked back up in the distance to see what appeared to be a village in the distance.
"Hphm! Walking to one tiny village shouldn't be too hard!" Sombra exclaimed to himself as he held his head high and rolled up his map before putting it away and once again, walking through the field of grain.
Sombra walked for what had to be over two hours before walking up as small hill. Sombra looked ahead of himself with a confident smile as he marched up the hill. He knew that right over this hill would be the village he was marching towards for the last two hours where he could get something to eat, something to drink, and if he was lucky, find a book of spells to find away to reverse whatever magic blocking condition he had. He was excited to think about what he would do once he got his powers back. One thing he knows he will do is enslave an entire army of creatures before returning to the Crystal Empire and Ponyville and separating the main six before destroying him. No more games. No more allowing his pride to make foolish decisions. Once he got his power back, none will stand in his way.
""Hahaha, that wasn't to hard..." As Sombra got over the hill and looked ahead with a smile... it immediately disappeared as he saw that the village he was walking towards was even farther in the distance then it was before.
"Are you kidding me!? How is that even possible?!" Roared King Sombra in anger as he growled while gazing into the distance. But he managed to calm himself and take a deep breath before moving along and continued walking.
"*Sigh*... No matter. I will get there soon enough. How far can it possibly be?" Asked King Sombra out loud, followed by a small laugh escaping his mouth before he continued walking.
Sombra dragged himself on the ground with his front two hooves, finally making his way into the village. The exhausted and on the edge of death pony then pushed himself back up off the ground as he looked around with bloodshot red eyes and a semi-psychotic smile on his face.
"Ha! Hahaha! HA! There! I finally made it! Take THAT YOU BLASTED FIELD OF GRAIN! I BEAT YOU! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Laughed Sombra, pumping his hoofs into the air in success before actually getting a good look at the village he was in.
And just like that, Sombra's smile disappeared as he got a better look at the town. The houses were disintegrating and falling apart, windows were boarded up, the surrounding shops had boards covering the doors and windows of the shut down establishments, and a single tumbleweed blew through the town.
Sombra looked all over the town in fear and anguish, not seeing a single pony or a sign of life for miles as his frustration only grew greater and greater.
"Wha- What!? Oh no! No! No! No! No! Noooooooooooooooo!" Screamed Sombra in pure rage as he continued to scream to the sky and continue his tantrum.
"Noooooooooo! All I wanted was some food, some water, and enslave an entire town and brainwash them into being my dark army! Was that too much to ask!?" Yelled Sombra in anger.
"What are ya doing here!? Can't decent folk get some peace and quite!?" Sombra immediately stopped his whining as he looked over, only to meet a very old and possibly crazy pony eye to eye as the pony glared at him. Making the dark king jump back out of temporary shock.
"What is wrong with you!? You can't just jump out of nowhere and spook ponies like that! What's wrong with you!?" Yelled Sombra in frustration as he stood back up to face the old pony.
"Well, maybe if you weren't screaming and hollering like that and disturbing anypony... I wouldn't have to yell at you!" Retorted the old crazed pony as Sombra glared at the old pony and looked around the town once more.
"Disturbing who!? There's nopony around!" Yelled Sombra as he used his magic to pull out his map to show it to the old pony in front of him.
"This map told me this town would be hustling and bustling with ponies! Why is it suddenly a ghost town!?" Asked Sombra as the old pony gazed as the map as he scratched his chin with his hoof.
"Oh, see your problem right here is that this map was printed eighty years ago. This town was abandoned around sixty years ago. Sorry pal, but your outta luck." Stated the old pony with a shrug as Sombra looked back at the map with an furious glare. Managing to summon up enough dark magic from his horn to burn away the map in black fire. After the map burned away and Sombra's magic died out, he looked back over at the old pony.
"If this is just a ghost town, what are you doing here? Just to be a cliche creepy old pony to scare off any travelers?"Asked Sombra sarcastically as he moved his hoofs in quotation marks while rolling his eyes as the old pony started to walk away.
"Well, THAT and because every ghost town needs a tumbleweed salespony." Said the old pony as he walked up to a cart full of tumbleweeds. Picking one up and cackling madly before tossing it away and allowing the tumbleweed to blow in the wind. Sombra only staring at the display of madness and stupidity with an emotionless expression. Before suddenly growing angry and took an aggressive stance as his horn started to surge with dark magic.
"I have had just about enough off this FOOLISHNESS! First the neverending field! Then wandering to a ghost town! And now this! You will fear me old pony! And my new army of darkness will begin with you!" Yelled Sombra as he aimed his red horn at the old pony and attempted to fire a bolt of dark magic at him. Only for his horn to burn out once more, with only a few black specs of dark magic to fall from Sombra's horn and on the ground before burning out.
Sombra simply looked back up with a glare. But before he could speak or do anything else, the old pony dashed up to him and silently looked at the dark kings horn. As Sombra looked back with a strange look.
"What?"
The old pony simply grabbed Sombra's head and pulled him closer in order to get a better look at his horn.
"Get your filthy peasent hooves off my head before I cram all those tumbleweeds of your up your nose." Hissed Sombra as the old pony looked as Sombra's horn for another moment, before stopping and taking a few hoof steps back.
"Oh! I see what's wrong with ya! It seems like your havin' a little trouble focusing your magic." Concluded the old pony as Sombra glared at the old pony with an annoyed look.
"Brilliant deduction there... What's going to be your next extraordinary discovery? Fire is hot? Water is wet?" Growled Sombra in an extremely sarcastic tone.
"But luckily for you, I know where you can go to get that little problem of yours fixed!" Exclaimed the old pony. Sombra merely rolled his eyes as he decided to play along.
"Very well, and where is this place of miracle workers your talking about?" Asked Sombra.
The old pony lifted his hoof and pointed over at a mountain nearby covered by some greenery and several large jagged pieces of rock. "The Kirin. After becoming allies to the nation of Equestria, they have become known for their natural healing medicines and herbal tea. They have also been known to help out creatures who have been having trouble focusing their magic. If you wanna fix that little problem of yours, that's the place ya gotta go!"
Sombra simply looked at the old pony, and glanced back at the mountain he pointed to. Of course Sombra could just dismiss him as nothing more then a crazy old pony. But, he did read about the legendary Kirin when he was younger, and this area WAS the place where the Kirin were said to live. But, going there would still be better then just staying in a ghost town with a crazy old pony.
"Hmm... Very well old pony. I will seek out the Kirin and find the cure for my mysterious magic block. And once I get my powers back I will- Bgh!" Sombra was interrupted as the old pony stuffed a rolled up map in Sombra's mouth, stopping him mid sentence and stopping him from talking.
"If yar gonna go and seek the Kirin your gonna need a map to know exactly where your going. There's a lot of wilderness out there and it'll be easy to get lost of you don't know exactly where yar going." Uttered the old pony as Sombra reached for the map that was crammed in his mouth and pulling out, angrily unraveling it as he spoke to himself once more.
"Once I get my powers back I swear..." Sombra looked at the map to see exactly where he needed to go and where the Kirin village was. The words on the map were actually very skillfully well-written with the illustrations being artistically impressive. Sombra lifted an eyebrow with an impressed grunt before looking back up at the old pony.
"Hmm... Perhaps the old pony isn't as insane as I-..." But Sombra stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that the old pony cackling like a mad pony as he started tossing tumbleweeds out of his cart.
"They laughed at me! They ALL LAUGHED AT ME! They all called me crazy! Now look at me! Hahahahahaha!
"Nevermind." Said Sombra as he slowly started to back out of the ghost town before turning around and walking away.
It was later that night as Sombra started wandering through the dark woods. He held the map in front of him with his magic as sounds of the birds and insects of the night were all around him. He hated walking though the woods, he could remember back then when he was sitting on his massive throne years ago. Ruling over an Empire with an iron hoof and indulging in the best luxuries money could buy. But now, here he was. Wandering though the woods like some nomad.
"Ugh... I loath the woods... I hate the trees, I hate the cool fresh air, I hate that my hooves are starting to hurt, I hate the animals and their annoying notices, I hate the rocks, and I don't know how much longer I can complain." Growled the king outloud as he continued to inspect the map he held out on front of him with his magic.
"Hmm... According to this map, the village is only a few more- Ugh!" Sombra didn't even finish his sentence before tripping over a root and falling face first into a shallow body of water. Sombra stood back up as he brushed away the the dirty excess water that was in his fur and spat out the water that made it's way into his mouth.
As Sombra looked down, his eyes widened in disappointment as he telekinetically pulled up his wet map out of the water. "My map!"
Sombra uncrumpled the map as he attempted to read and memorize the rest of the route. But unfortunately for him, the illustrations and words on the map were smuged and unillegible thanks to the water.
"Just wonderful. Yea-No, that's just wonderful. No more map." Growled Sombra as he crumpled up the map and tossed it aside.
"Forget it, I'm sure I can find the village myself. It's not like things could get any worse." Said Sombra out of pure annoyance as he continued to walk through the forest. As he did, he felt several eyes peer down at him as he continued his solitary march.
But Sombra soon started to get angrier and more annoyed as the unknown predatory creatures behind him got closer and closer. And as Sombra stopped in his tracks and the creatures loomed over him, he turned around and roared as loud as he could. Baring his sharpened fangs and summoning what magic he could to enhance his aura and make him seem more intimidating.
The creatures immediately turned tail and ran away back into the dark forest as Sombra laughed to himself as he continued down the trail.
"Haha! Even without my magic, there is no creature in these woods that are more fearsome then I!" Stated Sombra pridefully outloud as he continued his walk. But only five minutes into his walking, he stopped in his tracks yet again as he got a weird feeling all over his body. Like several 'creatures' were on him and squirming around.
"What's that squirming? Is something on me?" Asked Sombra as he looked down to see that his legs and body were covered in leeches.
"LEECHES!? AAAHHH! AAAHHHH! AAAHHH!" Sombra started to panic and scream as he brushes his legs and body to get rid of the leeches.
After a little more (rolling on the ground and scraping his body against trees and boulders, he continued down the trail. While occasionally brushing his body to get rid of any unnoticed leeches. After brushing the rest of the bloodsucking parasites off his body, the ex-tyrant cursed under his breath as he continued his way down the trail. But as Sombra continued his semi-peaceful trek down the trail while thinking about when he regains his power he will raze every forest in Equestria to the ground and push the leech species into extinction... His stomach growled as he looked down.
Sombra hasn't eaten anything in a little while. Not packing any food, Sombra had no other choice then to look around for something to eat as he continued down the trail. Perhaps he would stumble across an apple tree or maybe some other fruit baring tree. As the king looked around the area, he stopped and looked down at something that was blocking his path.
It was a small rabbit sitting in the middle of the trail and holding a carrot. As the bunny was preparing to bite into it, Sombra gave an insidious smile as he used his magic to snatch up the carrot right as the bunny bit down into thin air. Sombra started to take a bite out of the carrot before looking back down at the rabbit that shook it's fist at him. Making several noises that were no doubt the bunny cursing him out.
"Hahaha! And what are you going to do about it, bunny? If you haven't noticed, I am far BIGGER then you... Consider yourself lucky that I didn't step on you..." Smiled Sombra as he swung his hoof and knocked the bunny aside before laughing and continuing his way down the trail. The bunny stood back up and gritted it's teeth at Sombra before turning around and walking away.
Sombra continued his walk down the trail as he finished up eating the carrot that he stole from the helpless bunny. As he swallowed the final morsal, he looked around to see that he ended up in a clearing of sorts. Looking up, he saw that he was standing in front of the jagged mountain that the old crazy pony pointed him to and claimed to be where the kirin were.
As Sombra continued to inspect the area, he found that there were several rock formations forming stairs that led up to what appeared to be an entrence with beautiful waterfalls all around it. In the moonlight, the waterfalls were beautiful. One could only imagine how beautiful it would be in the sunlight, in the daytime. Except Sombra only rolled his eyes at this thought. That wasn't beautiful. The only thing that would make THAT beautiful would be giant black crystals.
Sombra smiled at the thought as he took a hoof step forward, but before he could take another step he saw from the bottom corner of his eye that something was blocking his path. Looking down he saw the same rabbit from before standing in front of Sombra with an angry look in it's eye and it's forelegs crossed.
"Hahaha, it's just you. So what do you want? Have you come so I could steal more of your carrots? If not, step to the side. Or I will not hesitate to stomp on you..." Threatened Sombra with an evil smile as the bunny held it's fist out and started chirping outloud. King Sombra looked in confusion, but as he did he heard the scampering of tiny feet, wing beats, and hooves from all around him as Sombra looked all around him. Only to see that dozens of woodland creatures surrounded him. Dozens of squirrels, ferrets, birds, rabbits, deer, and more.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh no! Herbivores! I am SO SCARED!" Exclaimed King Sombra as he continued to laugh to himself, nearly having a heart attack from his insensate laughter. But suddenly out of nowhere, the woodland creatures started lunging out and viciously attacking him.
"AHHH! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! GET OFF OF ME! I COMMAND YOU! OBEY THE KING! AAAAHHH! GET OFF OF ME! YOU STUPID! ANIMALS!" Screamed Sombra in agony as the comedic scene of Sombra getting viciously attacked by harmless woodland creatures only got worse and worse. For him, anyway.
Sombra thrashed here and there as he tried to get all the bloodthirsty forest creatures off of him as he stumbled around the area and fight off the cute and harmless creatures all throughout the night.
The sunlight shined through the windows and openings of the shoddily built shack. The dark unicorn known as King Sombra was lying face up on a bed with a blue sheet covering his lower body and acupuncture needles covering Sombra's head, face, and the rest of his body. Along with several bite and scratch marks from multiple animal species all over his body.
The sunlight shined on Sombra's sleeping form, causing Sombra to stir and growl. The dark king started to return to consciousness as he slowly started to open his eyes. As he slowly opened up his eyes, he looked around the new location he was in. Even though he was groggy, he still saw that he was no longer in the woods any more. But instead some old shack, he growled and closed his eyes as he just noticed that the sun was shining right in his eyes.
But as he was about to push himself up from the bed, he noticed a shadow appeared over him. Looking up he saw the face of a smiling pony-like creature hovering over him with one of the biggest smiles he's ever seen in his life. About as big and shining as the sun itself. He hated it, but that brief millisecond of hate was quickly replaced by shock that somepony was standing over his sleeping form.
"AAAAHHHH!"
"*Gasp* Hi there! I mean- Good morning sleepy head! I found you passed out in the woods nearby while I was collecting herbs and other plants for medicine and tea so I brought you back to my home and saw that you were all banged up. So I decided you needed a good old session of acupuncture. So why are you here? Are you hungry? Reflective? Thirsty? I mean-Oh! Just look at me going on and on and- So are you a unicorn? 'Cause not many other unicorns have crimson sharp horns like that! That coo- OH! And I just love your mane it's so floowy and dark and I have SO MANY QUESTIONS and I-Oh I almost forgot! Drink this!" The Kirin spoke so fast Sombra laid there in the bed, dumbfounded by how fast the kirin talked that he just noticed that she was holding something up to him. He looked down to see a cup filled with... some kind of medicine he assumed. Or maybe she was just crazy and was trying to poison him. Either way, it smelt repulsive.
"Ha... Yeah, like I'm going to drink-Blaaaa...." The Kirin simply removed one acupuncture needle on Sombra's face and stuck it on another side of his face. Making Sombra loose muscle control around his mouth as it opened up, allowing the Kirin to simply toss the foul tasting medicine down Sombra's throat before pulling the pin back out.
"Oh, sorry about that! It's just a little medicine to help with the healing process. Anyway, hi my name is Autumn Blaze and do you mind if I ask what you were doing out in the middle of the woods because normally ponies or other creatures don't hang out in the middle of the woods (unless their not sentient like rabbits, birds, or squirrels). But you are a pony and you were in the middle of the woods, so can I ask you why you were in the middle of the woods and why are you covered in bite marks? And why is your horn red? And why does your main flow like that? And why-Hhm!" Autumn Blaze was silenced as Sombra placed his hoof over Autumn's mouth.
"Now. I am going to remove my hoof. And when I do, I want you to talk SLOWLY and in an UNDERSTANDING TONE... DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" Asked Sombra in a slow and intimidating voice as Autumn Blaze nodded.
"Mm-Hm..." Vocalized Autumn Blaze as Sombra removed his hoof, allowing a moment of silence to pass through the cottage.
"First, what is this place? Why have you taken me in? And are you one of those... Kirin?" Asked Sombra as he pulled a needle out of his head.
"Haha! Well duh! I'm a Kirin! This place is my lovely cottage and I took you in because you you seemed in pretty bad condition out there! So, what brings you around here?" Asked Autumn, still possessing a huge smile on her lips as Sombra just glared back at her with suspicion.
"So then, if your really a Kirin, Is it true that your all healers like ponies say?"
"I mean, I already treated you for your wounds. So of course! But there's no need to rush!" Said Autumn Blaze as she quickly dashed away and came back a millisecond later, carrying a coffee pot in one hoof and two coffee cups in the other hoof. Quickly pouring the coffee in the two cups before handing one to Sombra and placing the coffee pot on the side before taking a sip.
"I thought it would be cool if we got to know each other! I mean, I never seen a unicorn like you before (I mean I never saw a unicorn in general) but I didn't know they were as grim and serious-looking like you. So, who are you? Where did you come from? Why are your teeth so pointy? Do all unicorns have pointed teeth? What's your-"
"ENOUGH!" Yelled Sombra in a semi-demonic voice that made the Kirin stop talking and give a look of fright. Sombra silently placed his hoof on his head and began to rub one of his temples.
'*Sigh*... Alright Sombra, look... You don't have any powers, from what I've seen she currently she doesn't know who you truly are... And you CANNOT risk being exposed again. I cannot risk being taken down in this vulnerable state... Play nice until she can reverse this magic block...' Thought Sombra to himself silently. Sombra then lowered his hoof and looked back at Autumn Blaze.
"...Can you just tell me if you Kirin are healers like I heard about?" Asked Sombra in the nicest tone of voice he could muster up.
"Yeah, sure. Is there something wrong with you?" Asked Autumn in a concerned voice as she stood up and walked over to Sombra.
"After an... Altercation I've had with other magical forces, I can't focus magic through my horn like before" Said Sombra as he pointed to his horn. Autumn tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow before gently grabbing Sombra's head and pulling him closer to get a better look.
"Hmm... I'm not sure what the problem is yet... Try focusing some magic." Stated Autumn before letting go of Sombra and taking a few hoof steps back.
Sombra did as the Kirin asked and struggled to simply perform a simple levitation spell. But only three seconds in, his horn lost power. Only a few sparks of magic fell from his horn. Sombra looked back up at Autumn to see that she was scratching her chin with a thoughtful look on her face. She remained that way for several more seconds before lowering her hoof and looking back at Sombra with a smile.
"So, can you fix it?" Asked Sombra with a hopeful tone in his voice.
"Yeah, don't worry. It can happen to Kirin too if we use up too much power at once. The good news is, I can fix it!" Exclaimed Autumn with a smile as Sombra cocked his eyebrow with a suspicious look.
"And the bad news?..."
"It's gonna take a little while to make the cure." Said Autumn Blaze with a nervous smile on the mare's face as Sombra face hoofed himself. Sliding his hoof down his face, the king let out a groan of annoyance before speaking.
"*Sigh*... Very well... I can be patient..." Uttered Sombra as Autumn Blaze walked up to the unicorn yet again.
"Actually, come to think of it... I never got your name. So... What's your name?" Asked Autumn Blaze looking up at the tall stallion in front of her. Sombra merely looked down at the Kirin in front of him with a look of discontentment on his face.
"You may refer to me as, King Sombra!" Stated Sombra with pride as he held his chin up in a snobbish manner.
"Ohh! Your a KING!? That is so COOL! What Kingdom do you rule? Tell me everything! I never met a king before!" Said Autumn excitedly as she held her hooves together with a big smile on her face and moved up and down in place. Each movement followed by a cute squeaking sound.
"For I, King Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire and is the most powerful, skilled, and intelligent unicorn to ever live! But alas... My position was overthrown by those infernal..." Sombra stopped and glanced over at the excited Autumn Blaze.
"Now where was I? Oh right. I was overthrown by that infernal pink alicorn, that annoying white unicorn, and that worthless purple alicorn and her friends..." Growled Sombra as Autumn Blaze had a sympathetic expression on her face.
"That sounds horrible. I'm sorry that happened to you, but maybe when you get your magic back you can overthrow those tyrants!" Exclaimed Autumn Blaze with a huge smile on her face and swung one of her front legs.
Sombra merely rolled his eyes and waved one of his front hooves, dismissing the comment.
"Yeah, yeah... Overthrow those tyrants or whatever... Now, when can you get started on that elixir of yours?"
"I actually have to go out and get some ingredients first." Said Autumn Blaze as she looked over at the door and opened it with her telekinesis, before looking back at Sombra.
"So, what are you waiting for? Come on, we can talk on the way! I wanna get to know you better, your majesty." Said Autumn as she playfully bowed with a giggle. Sombra looked back with an annoyed expression.
"I'm sure your more then capable of getting the ingredients YOURSELF... Why would you want me?" Asked Sombra was he rolled his eyes.
"Well, because we're friends. Duh!" Stated Autumn as Sombra started to laugh at the statement.
"Hahahahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHA... Um, NO. We are not friends. You are a healer to me, just someone to cure my ailments. Besides, I don't need friends." Clarified Sombra with a dead serious expression.
"Come on now, everyone needs at least one friend. And who says we aren't friends? I see you as my friend." Said Autumn with a big smile on her face as she and Sombra awkwardly stared at each other for a few more seconds.
"*Sigh*, fine I will come with you... Just no friendship speeches. I'm already aching enough for today..." Gave in Sombra as he walked to the door and Autumn Blaze.
"I'll do my best, your majesty." Said Autumn Blaze as she playfully bowed and giggled as an annoyed Sombra passed by. Soon the two walked out the door and down the path leading into the woods.
But instead of walking down the path like Sombra expected, the Kirin suddenly stopped and grabbed hold of Sombra as she looked over at the rising sun beyond the cliff.
"Oh! Oh! Wait! You gotta see this real quick! It's beautiful!" Exclaimed Autumn Blaze as she grabbed Sombra by his hoof and without even having enough time to process what's going on, the Kirin dragged the unicorn to the cliffs edge.
"Oh my goodness... Isn't it beautiful?" Asked Autumn Blaze as she pointed at the sun rise with her hoof as Sombra stared on with an annoyed and bored expression on his face. Sombra remained silent as Autumn continued to take in the gorgeous sun rise.
"I absolutely love sun rises... To see the source of all life and heat in the world to rise above our heads and cast warmth and light throughout the land with it's benevolent gaze. To show the true beauty of the world around us and show how the sea, the land, the sky, the plant life, and all of us are connected and show that none of us are truly ever alone. To show that we are all connected in one way or another." Autumn stated as she looked over at Sombra with a big smile on her face as Sombra merely gazed back at her with a emotionless expression on his face.
"What could be better then sun rises anyway?" Asked Autumn as Sombra turned to her with a massive frown on his face.
"Being DEAD. Or anything else..." Growled Sombra as Autumn looked at him with a surprised expression, before rubbing the back of her head and laughing to herself.
"Oh, hehe. Yeah, I guess not everypony likes poetry or sun rises. But that's cool. Let's get going." Stated Autumn as she turned around and walked away from the cliff. Sombra doing the same as he walked right next to her.
The two walked down the path and through the woods as the two remained silent the entire time. Sombra glanced at the mare next to him and looked at her with annoyance.
'How could one mare have that much energy and be that annoying? And should I really take her seriously as a healer? What professional healer acts so much like a hyperactive child? *Sigh* Nevermind, just bare with it until she fixes you, and then... Nothing will stand in your way. Yet, I must respect her boundless enthusiasm... To a degree...' Thought Sombra to himself as an evil smile crept onto his face.
"So, Sombra, can I ask you something?" Asked Autumn as she turned to the annoyed king to her right.
"What?"
"How did you get your main like that? It's wavy and black and it moves on it's own, I LOVE it! What's your secret?" Asked an enthusiastic Autumn Blaze as Sombra groans in annoyance.
King Sombra Autumn Blaze Delivery Kirin Colt Twiggy Rex Otis Roxy Buster & Fern Flare Pablo
The Kirin Village
The Kirin Village was like any other pony community as Kirin would wander around the village square and perform menial tasks. Some got water out of the nearby spring, some broused the shops, some stayed in small groups and chatted among themselves, and some were simply watering their gardens.
As the rest of the Kirin were doing their daily chores, the ex-tyrant of the Crystal Empire and the talkitive Kirin walked out of the forest and into the main square of the town. Autumn Blaze was talking as she was gesturing her hooves around for emphasis as she finished up her story.
"And after those two kind ponies helped me find the foals breath, I cured my village and now we can all feel emotion and talk again! And that was how the Kirin became allies with the nation of Equestria!" Stated Autumn with a cheerful tone as she looked over to Sombra with her eyes closed, as she talked once more.
"It's just so nice to have a new friend to talk to- Hey! Were you even listening to me?" Asked Autumn in an annoyed voice as she saw Sombra was preoccupied with trying to solve a rubix cube.
"Oh, Um... Yeah, sure. Something about rainbows and tea, right?" Asked Sombra, not even paying any attention to Autumn Blaze as he continued to try and solve the rubix cube.
"That's not what I-... Nevermind. Where did you get that rubix cube anyway?"
"Found it." Said Sombra as he continued to change the sides and get the colors to match.
"I had one when I was younger and I just stopped trying to solve it one day." Said Sombra as his aggravated tone started to grow more and more frustrated as he tried to solve the puzzle. Autumn Blaze looked over his shoulder as she was pointing at the cube and yelling out what she thought would help solve the cube.
"Umm, try green! No no! Red goes to the right side and- No! Put the right side up and the orange side to the left! To the left! Not the bottom!"
"There is no orange!" Yelled Sombra, frustrated.
"Then turn the purple side to the left!"
"THERE IS NO PURPLE SIDE!"
"Then turn the pink side to the top!"
"Now I remember why I stopped playing with it in the first place!" Growled Sombra as he tossed the rubix cube to the side out of frustration.
The two continued down the square as many of the other Kirin around the area stopped what they were doing and looked over at Autumn Blaze. Waving with big smiles on their faces.
"Good morning, Autumn! It's lovely to see you again!" Greeted a nearby Kirin as Autumn waved back.
"You too!" Replied Autumn.
"Hey Autumn! Are you planning to sing again any time soon? We LOVE your voice!" Greeted another nearby Kirin.
"Maybe later! And thank you!" Replied Autumn as Sombra looked back and forth between her and the other Kirin that were greeting her.
"Autumn! When are you planning your next stand up? Your jokes are hilarious!" Asked a Kirin from behind a fruit stand.
"Beats me. But I'll make sure to have one soon!" Stated Autumn with a smile.
"Thanks Autumn, your the best!" Stated the Kirin.
"Your so awesome Autumn Blaze!" Yelled out a random Kirin from nearby.
"And your awesome too, random Kirin!" Stated Autumn as she pointed at the random Kirin with a wink.
"It, seems like your very well... acquainted with the other members of your village." Observed Sombra as Autumn smirked at him.
"Well, of course. All the villagers here are friends. But actually, I am in the upper ranks of popularity thanks to my singing, comedy routines, and play writing!" Said Autumn as she pridefully presses her hoof to her chest.
"So talking isn't your only talent then..." Spoke Sombra in an annoyed gruff as the pair continued to walk.
"Haha! Good one, Sombra! But seriously, their all really cool... But, they can't replace my closest and bestest friends. Friends that kept me company during the vow of silence and kept my spirits up even though I had nopony else to talk to." Stated Autumn as Sombra looked over at the Kirin was a bored yet slightly intrigued expression.
"Oh, and who's that?" Asked Sombra as the pair stopped walking and Autumn quickly turned away from the dark stallion. Appearing to be performing some kind of action turned away from Sombra, as the dark king raised in eyebrow in curiosity.
Only one more second passed before Autumn turned back to Sombra with that big smile as she held up her right hoof. Sombra looked on, only to become more confused as he saw Autumn Blaze's right hoof with two cartoonish eyes being painted on her hoof along with a smile and a twig that the Kirin held between her toes. Mimicking a miniature Kirin.
"Uhh... Your closest friend is a... twig?" Asked Sombra in confusion as the Kirin laughed.
"Haha! No silly! His name is Twiggy!" Said Autumn as she turned to her hoof and spoke to it like it was a real pony.
"Twiggy, this is King Sombra. He's having a magic block and I'm trying to cure him!" Said Autumn as the hoof with the cartoon face on it turned to look at Sombra, moving up and down slowly like it was analyzing him. All the while, Sombra gave Autumn a concerned expression. Which was weird for someone like him.
'This mare is out of her mind...' Thought Sombra as Twiggy stopped analyzing Sombra and stared directly at Sombra with it's goofy cartoonish eyes.
"I don't like the looks of this guy, Autumn! I say we should call the cops on him!" Uttered Autumn Blaze in a goody deeper voice as she suddenly gasped and turned to her imaginary friend.
"*Gasp!* Twiggy! That was NOT very nice! Sombra is my guest and I will not have you making unwanted threats like that!" Scolded Autumn Blaze as Sombra glared down at the hoof looking up at him, as the king bared his sharp teeth.
"My horn may not be working... But my lungs work... And I can run you down like the dog you are!" Hissed Sombra as Twiggy shook in fear, independent of the movement of Autumn Blaze. As Blaze looks back and forth between Sombra and Twiggy.
"O-Or you know-... It's just a thought. Hehehe..." Giggled Twiggy nervously as he backed off. Sombra's look of fury then morphed into one of realization as he stood straight once again.
'I am yelling at the hoof of a clinically insane mare...' Thought Sombra before shaking his head and looking back at Autumn Blaze with a vexed expression.
"*Hphm* Of course that hoof is your friend. Next thing your going to tell me is that your shadow is your friend." Uttered Sombra in a sarcastic tone as Autumn dashed up behind the stallion.
"Oh! Do you have one too!?" Asked the excited Kirin as she moved and stood in front of Sombra with her shadow looming behind her.
"I named mine Silhouette Gloom of the Sundown Lands!" Stated Autumn as she looked back at her shadow and waved her hoof, the shadow mimicking the mare.
"... The wheel is spinning in there, but the hamsters dead..." Uttered Sombra under his voice before turning his attention away from the Kirin and started trotting once more.
"Let's get those ingredients before I start talking to my shadow as well..." Mumbled Sombra as Autumn looked back up with an embarrassed smile.
"Oh! Oh yeah, right, sorry..." Autumn caught up with Sombra as the two started to brouse the shops.
King Sombra and Autumn Blaze continued on their day as the two wandered from stand to stand, waited in line, and Sombra waiting around and tapping his hoof impatiently as Autumn would usually get caught up in long conversations with the shopkeep Kirin Autumn would do business with.
The two continued this repetitive action for 30 more minutes as Sombra got more and more bored and annoyed with just following around Autumn Blaze as she picked up ingredients. To relieve his own boredom, Sombra started to look around the shops himself to see if he could find anything that caught his interest. Anything would be better then just following around Autumn Blaze and doing nothing.
As Sombra broused on his own, Autumn Blaze continued her shopping and walked up to another shopkeep. The kirin smiled the second she set her eyes on Autumn and greeted her as such.
"Hello, Autumn! How's it going?"
"I'm doing good, thanks for asking, Fern Flare." Replied Autumn as she pulled out a rolled up list with her magic.
"So, what will it be, Autumn? Anything special for today?" Asked Fern Flare as Autumn telekinetically passed her the scroll.
"Oh, not much. Just a few ingredients for an anti-magic block remedy I'm working on."
"Oh, does one of the Kirin have a magic block? Ugh, I hate it when that happens. It's impossible to do anything without your magic." Grumbled Fern Flare, remembering when she was sick herself with magic block and couldn't even pick up as much as an apple.
"Well, kinda. I actually found a unicorn in the woods nearby, I brought him back to my cottage so he could rest. And it turns out that's the reason he came here, he has a case of magic block. Pretty bad actually." Said Autumn as Fern read from the scroll and started putting required ingredients in the bag.
"A unicorn? Wow, we never had a unicorn here before. What's his name? What is he like?" Asked Fern with a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Well, his name is Sombra and he's... Very proud and he's also... Uh, well his mane flows on it's own and his horn is red and really sharp. He's actually pretty cool." Stated Autumn as she looked over her shoulder to see Sombra was several feet away, brousing other stands for something that could catch his fancy.
"He's actually over there." Said Autumn as she pointed her hoof at the dark unicorn and Fern turned her eyes to Sombra.
"Uh, so that's the unicorn? Hmm, not bad..." Said Fern with a sleek smile as she nudged Autumn over the stand with her hoof.
"So, is he your new coltfriend?" Asked Fern with a smirk as Autumn immediately turned back to her friend with blushing red cheeks.
"Flare! No! The pony came all the way here just to find a cure for his magic block, and that's what I'm going to do!" Stated Autumn defensively.
"So your saying he's not hot?"
"No! I-I mean yes! I-I-I mean-... I'm just trying to help out the pony. And maybe become better friends with him. But that's it!" Yelled Autumn, still with a blush on her cheeks as Fern Flare rolled her eyes before placing the last item in the bag.
"Boy, it sure takes a lot of ingredients just to make an magic block antidote."
"Tell me about it." Uttered Autumn as she rolled her eyes and reached into her saddle bag. Only for her eyes to widen in realization as she telekinetically pulled the bag off the turned it upside down. Shaking it only for nothing to fall out.
"What the-!? No! Where is it!? Where are my bits!?" Asked Autumn in a panicked voice as she looked in her bag once more, to see that the money she brought with her was all gone.
Meanwhile, Fern Flare was looking ahead with a wide eyed expression as she started to call for Autumn Blaze.
"Uhh... Autumn?"
"Just hold on a minute, I'm trying to find my bits!" Stated Autumn as she continued to look through the bag.
"Are you sure you didn't give your bits to your friend to hold onto it for you?" Asked Fern as Autumn suddenly stopped and pulled her head out of her bag with a look of realization on her face.
"Oh yeah! Right! I gave it to Sombra for safe keeping! I swear, I'd forget my tail if it wasn't attached to me." Stated Autumn with a chuckle at her silly mistake.
"Well... Maybe you should've held onto it yourself." Uttered Fern as she pointed in the direction in front of her. Autumn turned her head to look and saw Sombra standing over a fruit stand and staring down at several square watermelons.
"Hmm... One square watermelon." Uttered Sombra as he placed Autumn's bit's on the fruit stands counter and took one of the square watermelons. Holding it in his hoof as he walked over to a shocked Autumn.
"Sombra! What the hay!? That was MY MONEY! And those watermelons cost 150 bits!" Yelled an irritated and shocked Autumn as Sombra looked over at the Kirin with a determined expression.
"It's worth EVERY BIT! As a king, I deserve to dine on the most expensive and luxurious of foods and comfort! I shouldn't have to fumble with round fruit like any peas-"
(Pop!)
Just as Sombra finished his sentence, the watermelon popped back into it's original round shape as the unicorn dropped it out of frustration.
"Do'h!"
(Splat!)
Autumn Blaze started to growl in frustration as she rubbed her head with her hoof before looking at Sombra with burning eyes.
"WHY... DID YOU DO THAT!?" Growled Autumn as the Kirin started to become ignited in blue flames as Sombra looked on with a surprised expression.
"Autumn!" Yelled Fern as the semi-Nirik Autumn viciously snapped her head to look at Fern.
"WHAT!?"
"Your Nirik is showing! Someones gonna get hurt!" Warned Fern as Autumn turned back to the surprised Sombra then turning back to Fern Flare as she backed away from the two.
"Uhh.... Can you pardon me for a moment?" Autumn turned and trotted over to a bolder that she moved behind.
As suddenly a blast of blue fire can be seen erupting from behind the bolder along with a demonic roar of anger.
"RAAAAAAAAAA!"
(Froosh!)
Less then half a second later, Autumn came happily trotting back out from behind the bolder. Just as happy and chipper as before.
The mare skipped up to Fern Flare as she developed a cheapish smile on her face and rubbed the back of her head with one of her hooves.
"Uhh... Look Fern, I hate to ask, and I don't want to sound like I'm taking advantage of you or anything, but-" Autumn was cut off as her friend held a hoof in front of Autumn's face.
"Don't even worry about it, you can take what you got and just pay me back whenever you can." Stated Fern Flare with a smile as Autumn grew a gigantic smile of her own on her face. As the redheaded mare reached over the counter and hugged Fern Flare.
"Oh! Thanks Fern! I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can!" Thanked Autumn as she started to look through the bag of all the ingredients she ordered. But as everything seemed to be in order, her smile suddenly faded away as she looked back up at her friend.
"Uh, wait... Where's the Shennong?"
"You mean the super potent magical healing herb?" Asked Fern Flare as she pulled out a piece of paper with a drawing of a herb on it to clearify that it was the herb Autumn was referring to.
"Yeah, that one. It's key ingredient to make the magic block cure. Are you all out?" Asked Autumn as Fern nervously nodded as Sombra walked up to the stand and stood next to Autumn to listen in.
"Yeah. The delivery colt that was supposed to bring me a new shipment went missing. It's been three days since he was supposed to come back and there's no sign of him." Stated Fern with a worried expression as Autumn gained the same worried expression on her face.
"Oh my! Is he okay?"
"I'm not sure. I've been worried about him for a while now. I hope he's okay." Uttered Fern worriedly as Autumn instantly gained a smile on her face, like she just got an idea.
"How about me and Sombra go look for him?" Asked a smiling Autumn as Sombra and Fern Flare looked over at the mare with surprised looks.
"Wow! Really?"
"What?!"
"Me and Sombra will go to his last known location and see if we can find him. And then we'll being him back!"
"Well then, if your successful I'll make sure that all the items you ordered will be on the house. Thanks again!"
"No prob, Fern! Me and Sombra will-"
"Pass!" Hissed Sombra as he turned around and started to walk away. Autumn and Flare looked over to see the Stallion walking away. Autumn giggled nervously as she turned back to her friend and held up a hoof.
"Uhh... Don't worry Flare. We'll be back with your delivery colt and herbs in no time!" Stated Autumn before turning back around and catching up to Sombra.
"Hey! Hey! Where do you think your going!? We have a delivery colt to find!" Yelled Autumn as she caught up to Sombra and stood in front of him. Stopping him in his tracks as he looked down at the mare.
"I will tell you where I'm not going, to help out some lowly delivery colt. I am far beyond something like 'rescue missions'." Stated Sombra with a smug expression as he held his chin up.
"You know, for some 'great king', your not acting very much like one." Snapped Autumn as she glared at Sombra, as Sombra continued to keep his chin held high.
"Of course I am a great king! And as a king everything should fall into place as how I see fit! So what if some colt was eaten by a manticore or a dragon? It's not my problem!" Commented Sombra smugly.
"No! A real king is supposed to be brave and caring! Not... smug and pomp-... pompo-... and arrogant! Sorry, I'm still having some trouble pronouncing some words... But the point still stands, your not acting very noble. Besides I need that Shennong to complete the antidote. Without it, I can't make the cure."
"'It's better to be feared then loved.' Do you know who said that?"
"Some sad loser..." Stated Autumn with a flat look at Sombra shot back an annoyed expression. The two continued to stare each other down, before Autumn shrugged and began to slowly trot away.
"Fine, I'll go by myself. And you don't have to come with me, but that also means I don't have to help you anymore either." Stated Autumn casually as Sombra's eyes widened and his head snapped over to Autumn's direction.
"What!? What do you mean you don't have to help me!? I command you to cure my magic block, Kirin! Obey the king!" Yelled Sombra as he trotted over to Autumn and blocked her path.
"Alright, #1. I am not YOUR subject. #2. Even if I decided not to save the delivery colt (which is all kinds of messed up) I won't be able to make the medicine you need so badly. And #3. I don't help out creatures who care about nopony but themselves." Stated Autumn assertively before closing her eyes, keeping her chin high, and trotting around Sombra and into the woods.
Sombra looked back with a content look, as it morphed into an annoyed and frustrated look. Sombra let out a growl as he caught up with the Kirin and made his way next to her.
"Fine, I'll help you!... But don't tell anypony! Understand, Kirin?" Hissed Sombra as Autumn looked over at Sombra with a smirk and a chuckle.
"Hehe, sure thing. Sombrero..."
"What did you just call me?!"
"Well, if your gonna call me 'Kirin', I'm gonna call you Sombrero."
King Sombra and Autumn Blaze made their way through the forest and the foliage, stepping over rocks and pushing bushes and branches aside. Autumn was ahead of Sombra as she started pushing large leaves and branches out of her way, unknowingly swinging back from Autumn's push and hitting Sombra in the face who trailed behind the Kirin.
Autumn pushed another branch aside as she walked, unknowingly hitting Sombra in the face after letting go. Sombra growled as the oblivious Kirin pushed a large leaf aside, only to swing back to it's original position and hit Sombra in the face. Making the ex-Tyrant pause for a moment and growl in anger before continuing to follow Autumn.
But as Autumn pushed aside yet another branch, Sombra quickly ducked and dodged the incoming branch. After that, Sombra lifted his head back up and looked back, as the king started smirking and laughing quietly before looking back. Only to get smacked in the face by a larger branch that Autumn pushed out of her way. Knocking Sombra to the ground, as the dark king laid on his back and stared up at the sky.
Hearing the loud smacking noise, Autumn stopped in her tracks and looked back to see Sombra lying on his back. The Kirin immediately dashed over to the unicorn as she started to help him up.
"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean for the branch to hit you. Are you okay?"
"Just peachy. Getting smacked in the face with a branch and falling on your back is the best feeling in the world for me." Stated Sombra in an extremely sarcastic tone. Autumn then expressed a smile after hearing that.
"Oh, good. I thought you got hurt." Sombra simply let out another low groan of annoyance before silently walking ahead of the path. Autumn merely shrugged and caught up with the unicorn, walking side by side once again.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you..." Spoke Sombra, catching Autumn's attention as the mare turned her head to the stallion.
"Hmm? What?"
"When you got angry, it seemed like... You were starting to become enveloped in blue flames. What was that?" Asked Sombra as Autumn shot him a slightly annoyed look.
"Seriously? You didn't listen to ANY of my story?"
"No." Replied Sombra flatly as Autumn rolled her eyes.
"Well, we Kirin are much different from regular ponies in many ways. Our tails, manes, and even horns. But the biggest one is that whenever a Kirin gets angry we turn into a Nirik. A demonic burning creature of rage." Explained Autumn as Sombra raised an eyebrow of interest.
"I've read a bit about Niriks... I thought they were evil, and an entirely different species."
"Yeah, a lot of ponies think that for some reason. But yeah, Kirin and Nirik are one in the same. At first even the Kirin were afraid of the Nirik, like they were going to hurt somepony if they got too angry. But thanks to the help of myself and a few ponies, the Kirin are no longer afraid. It's not about being angry, it's how you use it." Stated Autumn with a smile as Sombra kept his intrigued expression.
"Either way, that is... quite and impressive ability. Being able to turn into a trotting inferno whenever you become angry. It sounds very similar to my magic..." Stated Sombra, mumbling the last part under his breath as Autumn turned to the dark stallion.
"Huh? What was that about magic?"
"Oh, it's nothing. It's just that the type of magic I use is very similar to a Kirin's ability to trigger a great power due to their emotional state."
"Wait a second, can unicorns turn into Nirik like Kirin? Or something similar?" Asked Autumn in a surprised tone as Sombra shook his head.
"No! No! Not like that! What I use is dark magic. It can be difficult for other unicorns or alicorns to use it. Thus only a unicorn with great amounts of anger can control it. Dark magic grants an incredible amount of power to the user and makes them virtually unstoppable. Yet many are afraid of it..." Sombra stated with a look that had a mix of annoyance and anger in it. All the while Autumn looked up at the unicorn with a concerned look on her face.
"Actually, your right. Just because an awesome power is fueled by negative emotion, that doesn't mean it's inherently evil. It's just different. Huh, kinda like the Nirik. What matters is, how you use it. Not what it is." Stated Autumn thoughtfully as Sombra looked a the mare with a surprised expression on his face. Autumn Blaze took notice of this and looked back at him.
"What?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I've just, never met another pony who was accepting of the idea of dark magic. Most others despise it or flee in terror, but your not afraid of it..."
"Hehe, well, why would I be? Like you said, dark magic is just fueled by anger, just like me becoming a Nirik. Darkness itself isn't evil, it's just darkness. That doesn't mean dark magic can't be used to do good deeds either. Besides, the dark can be pretty cool too. It's really all a matter of perspective really." Stated Autumn as Sombra raised his eyebrow at the Kirin.
"You Kirin certainly see the entire world with rose colored glasses." Commented Sombra.
"Well, kinda. But that's mostly just me. Believe me, when you've been as alone and mute as long as I have, everything and everypony is just peaches and cream after that."
Sombra looked down at the ground silently as the two continued their walk through the forest. Only a minute passed before Sombra began to speak up again.
"Hey..."
"What's up?"
"Back at the market place... I... I... I apologize for spending your money and refusing to help you..." Uttered Sombra under his breath as Autumn shot him a confused glance.
"Uhh... What was that?"
"I said, I apologize for spending your money and refusing to assist you in your rescue mission..."
"What?! I can't hear you. Can you speak a little louder?"
"I said I APOLOGIZE FOR SPENDING YOUR MONEY AND REFUSING TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RESCUE MISSION!" Roared Sombra in his rumbling voice. Sombra looked away with a slight blush and an embarrassed expression.
Autumn on the other hand, stood there with a shocked expression on her face with her mane being a complete mess thanks to Sombra's yelling. Autumn brushed her hoof against her mane and gave out a nervous laugh.
"Well... No problem. Just, try to work on your apology speeches, alright?" Asked Autumn as she fixed up her mane. The two without speaking, began to continue their trotting through the woods. Getting closer to the last known location of the delivery colt.
The stallion and mare made their way through the last of the foliage they crossed through, as Autumn skipped out of the forest and Sombra marched through the bush and other vegetation matter. The two entered a bit of a clearing and came across a river in front of them.
Sombra looked around the area while Autumn continued to skip, leaning down at one point and sniffing the flowers before looking behind her to see Sombra still grimly following along with the mare.
"Hey, Sombra! Did you sniff any of the flowers yet? They smell wonderful!" Sombra looked at the mare with an annoyed expression, before rolling his eyes and bending down to smell a couple of flowers. At the very least to get the mare to stop bugging him.
But before Sombra could sniff the flowers, the flowers hissed at Sombra's face. Causing the ex-tyrant to scream and dash over and duck behind Autumn.
"What's wrong?"
"Those THINGS! They hissed at me!" Autumn looked over at the flowers Sombra was at. Looking at normal as any other flowers nearby.
"Uhh... Sombra, those are flowers. They can't hiss."
"I swear they hissed at me! They had teeth and everything!" Yelled Sombra fearfully as Autumn gave Sombra a concerned and slightly frightened expression.
"Uhh... Riiiiiight... Anyways, I think we're finally starting to get close to where the delivery colt was last located." Stated Autumn as she used her magic to pull out a rolled up map from her saddle bag. As she unravels it and holds it in front of her face as she starts walking.
Meanwhile, Sombra glances one last time at the flowers that hissed at him. Before following Autumn.
"Hmm... Well, it seems that his last known location is only one more kilometer away. We should be there in no-" Autumn and Sombra immediately stopped their track as the two heard rustling from the bushes nearby. Autumn lowered her map as she and Sombra saw one of the bushes on the side of the path they were on rustling.
Sombra narrowed his eyes and glared at the bush.
"It better not be that same blasted bunny again..." Growled Sombra as the bush continued to rustle. Only a few more seconds passed before a creature jumped out of it.
"AHHH!" Screamed Autumn in fear as she dropped the map and jumped into Sombra's forehoofs out of fear of the creature in front of them.
"W-W-What is that!?" Asked Autumn still in Sombra's forehoofs as the two stood before a little blue pukwudgie.
"*Sigh*... That is a pukwudgie." Sighed Sombra in annoyance as Autumn looked over at Sombra.
"A what? What is a 'pukwudgie'?"
"A small hedgehog/goblin-like creature that roams the forest. I've read about them."
"Oh! That sounds cool! Tell me more!"
"Oh, of course! But first... Can you kindly GET OFF?" Asked Sombra as his kind and gentle tone morphed into an extremely angry and annoyed one. But Autumn didn't respond, instead staying in Sombra's forehoofs and staring into his crimson eyes.
"You have beautiful eyes."
Sombra's look of annoyance only intensified as he dropped Autumn without a second thought. The Kirin quickly picked herself back up and brushed herself off as she and Sombra continued to stare at the pukwudgie. Autumn started to trot up to the pukwwudgie and reach her hoof out, attempting to make friends with the small creature.
"Hey there little guy, do you wanna be my friend?" Asked the Kirin as she got closer to the creature, making Sombra's eyes widen in fear. Within the blink of an eye, Sombra dashed up to Autumn and pulled her away from the creature.
"What are you doing!? Pukwudgies are incredibly territorial!" Yelled Sombra as the two glanced back at the pukwudgie, as it instantly started to hiss and growl as more multi-colored pukwudgies started to hop out of the bushes.
"In my defense, the way you talked about them implied that they were harmle-..."
"Get back!" Yelled Sombra as she grabbed the Kirin by the tail with his mouth and pulled her back, right as a hail of blue spines came scattering all over the spot where Autumn was.
"Run!" Yelled Sombra as the unicorn and the Kirin turned tail and started high tailing it out of there. The pugwudgies weren't far behind as they curled up into small spiky balls and rolled at frightening speeds at the two.
"These things can launch spikes!?" Yelled Autumn Blaze as two of the rolled up pugwudgies managed to leap out ahead of the rest and head straight towards Autumn Blaze. Sombra saw this from the corner of his eye as he looked down at the ground and stopped. The mare stopped as well and was about to ask Sombra why he stopped.
But before she could get the chance, Sombra picked up a massive log with his mouth and used it as a baseball bat. Swinging it and knocking the two pukwudgies away. Autumn looked over at Sombra with a smile a she spoke.
"Aaaawwww! So you DO have a heart after all! Thanks!"
"Don't mention it. Seriously. Never." Hissed Sombra as the two hit the trail once more and galloping as fast as they could. And just avoiding the pukwudgies that nearly got them. The unicorn and Kirin continued to gallop as fast as they could, as the chasing pukwudgies started to launch their spines at the two once again.
But this time Autumn looked back to see that the majority of the spines were headed straight at Sombra. The Kirin slowed her speed and quickly got behind Sombra. Before Sombra could ask the Kirin what she was doing, Autumn quickly jumped into the air with her back pointed at the incoming spines, as he thick scaly hide caught all of the incoming spines and protected the ex-tyrant.
Autumn quickly landed back on all four hoofs and caught up with Sombra once more. Sombra looked at her with a slightly touched yet pained look on his face as he saw all the spines sticking out of Autumn's back. Yet it didn't seem like she was in any kind of pain.
"You... You took the spines for me."
"Well of course I would. Can't let my friend become a trotting pin cushion."
"But... Doesn't that hurt?"
"Nope! Thick scales! Can't feel a thing!" Said Autumn as she used her magic to pull the spines out of her back. But as the two had their heads turned away from the path, they failed to notice the rocky patch in front of them. Sombra managed to turn his head on time and crossed the bumpy path. But Autumn Blaze wasn't as lucky, as her hoofs tripped over the rocks and cause the Kirin to stumble, fall, and roof.
Autumn laid on the ground as she tried to get out of her dizzy state. Sombra stopped in his tracks and looked back to see the pukwudgies easily catching up to Autumn Blaze as the king's eyes widened.
As Autumn managed to shake her head and get rid of most of her dizziness, she looked back to see the hedgehog-like creatures were hovering over her and only a foot away from her. Autumn didn't even have enough time to defend herself as the lead pukwudgie opened its mouth and showed off it's razor sharp teeth as it got closer to Autumn. But before it could attack the mare, a rock came flying out of nowhere and hit the pukwudgie in the head and knocking it down.
The rest of the pukwudgies shifted their attention from Autumn, and looked up to see that ahead of the path, Sombra stood several feet away from them as he held a rock in his hoof and smirked.
"Why attack a helpless mare you ugly little furballs? Why not attack me? Am I not good enough to chase after?" Asked Sombra in a mocking tone as he tossed the second rock that hit another random pukwudgie. And just like that, the pukwudgies began to his and growl in fury. Autumn became totally invisible to them as they dashed past her and started to chase after Sombra.
Autumn pushed herself off the ground and looked up only to see Sombra running over the hill with a swarm of ravenous pukwudgies on his tail. Autumn grew a fearful and concerned look as she was about to follow Sombra. But as she took a step forward, she noticed she stepped on something soft, the Kirin looked down to see that she stepped on a detached vine. And looking over she saw more detatched vines, cut up into varies lengths and spread all over the ground. As Autumn saw this, the gears in her head started to turn as she started to scratch her chin with a smirk on her face.
Meanwhile, Sombra was still on the run from the ferocious pukwudgies. Continuing to launch wave after wave of spines at him with most of them missing and only a few grazing him. If he had his magic, he wouldn't have any problem obliterating these annoying little creatures. But here he was, risking his life for some critically insane mare that belongs in a mental asylum. Or perhaps he was the crazy one. Why was he risking his life!?
The flying spines were still soaring after him with the creatures getting closer and closer. But just as Sombra was thinking of another way to get these creatures off his tail, he saw that ahead of him on the trail there was a dead collapsed tree blocking the path. Sombra smirked as he leaped over the tree and landed on the other side. And without missing a beat, Sombra turned around and immediately bucked the tree. The dead wood made it easier to break away from it's current position and roll down the path and knocking dozens of the pukwudgies away. Sombra laughed at the scene in front of him and yelled out.
"Hahaha! How do you like that you pathetic excuses for pukwudgies!?" Yelled Sombra as he turned back around and continued to run up the path.
But as he was running, the bush a few feet in front of him rustled as several pukwudgies jumped out of it. Sombra stopped in his tracks and turned around, only to run into more puckwudgies. And as he was about to run into the forest itself to get way, more pukwudgies jumped out of the forest. They all surrounded Sombra as they forced him back, nearing the edge of a cliff that was several dozen feet over a rapid river. Sombra looked back as his back hoofs were just inching off the edge.
Sombra turned back only to see the pukwudgies getting closer and closer.
'*Sigh*... If this is it, I might as well go down fighting!' Thought Sombra as he reared on his front hoofs and got ready to attack. But before he could even more, Sombra and the pukwudgies heard as sound of somepony screaming.
As suddenly out of nowhere, Sombra was scooped up from the cliff and started swinging through the air with a limb wrapped around his waste. Looking over he saw that Autumn Blaze was the one who rescued him, and swinging from a makeshift vine and screaming like a jungle pony.
"Kirin!? Is that you!?"
"That's right, baby!"
But right as Autumn finished that sentence, the two swung into a dead log that was hanging over the edge of another cliff. The second the two hit it, they were tangled up in the rope as the momentum wrapped the two up on the log. Autumn was tied to one side of the log and Sombra was tied to the other side as both started to struggle to get out.
"Hehe... Uhh, well... My rescue plan seems to have not gone as planned..." Uttered Autumn with an embarrassed tone as Sombra seethed with anger and annoyance.
"Oh really, I haven't even noticed. *Sigh*... Well, at least things can't get any worse..." Growled Sombra as the unicorn and Kirin heard the sound of dried wood cracking.
Crack!
"Of course they would..." Hissed Sombra as the dead tree trunk the two were tied up on fell from it's cliff and down into the rapid river below them. The two floated down the stream, hitting a few rocks on the way and surviving wave after wave of the rapid waters. But after several more seconds, the two got to a calmer part of the river where they just calmly floated down the stream.
"I don't know about you, but I'm really starting to HATE nature..." Growled Sombra as the log continued to float down the river.
"I guess things haven't really gone as planned... But the waters pretty nice."
"I think I hate your blinding optimistic worldview even more..."
"Don't worry Sombrero... We'll figure this out. I mean, it's not like the universe is a evil monster that just loves to bring misery and misfortune, and-... Oh no..." Autumn stopped speaking as she looked ahead at where the river led.
"Wait, let me guess. We're about to go over a massive waterfall."
"Yup..."
"Sharp rocks at the bottom?"
"Probably..."
"... Bring it."
The dead log carrying the two fell over a one hundred foot tall waterfall as Sombra and Autumn Blaze screamed all the way down.
On the shore at the bottom of the massive waterfall, Sombra and Autumn Blaze coughed as they marched out of the water and onto dry land. The two were soaking wet as they stepped onto dry land. Sombra used his hoofs to try and strain the water out of his mane. All the while Autumn looked like a soaked cat with her lion-like mane and bits of fluff all over her body weighing her down.
The Kirin brushed the wet strains of hair out of her eyes as she then started to shake. Much like how a wet dog or cat would. All the while Sombra was getting continually wet with Autumn shaking dry right next to him.
"Hey! Enough! I'm already wet enough!" Yelled an irritated Sombra as Autumn stopped immediately and looked over at Sombra with a blush.
"Oh, hehe, sorry..." Said Autumn as she took a few hoofsteps away from Sombra and shook the excess water off of her legs and tail.
"Did that map survive at least?" Asked Sombra straining the rest of his mane as Autumn's eyes widened in realization.
"Oh right! The map!" Said the mare as she used her magic to open her saddlebag and pull out the map. But as the mare unraveled it, it was obviously wet and falling apart as Autumn's smile turned into a frown.
"Well... It's still readable. But I think this is the last time it can be used." Stated Autumn as she looked back at the map and attempted to scan and memorize as much of the geography she could before the map completely falls apart.
"After all we've been through to get this delivery colt, he better have a map to the land of milk and honey..." Growled Sombra in annoyance he wandered up to Autumn and peered over her shoulder at the map.
Only one more second passed before the map completely fell apart and fell on the ground.
"That's it for the map. But on the bight side, the delivery colt's last known location is only a few hundred feet that way." Said Autumn as she pointed her hoof over to north west as Sombra looked over in the direction.
"Good. Now let's find this colt so I can get my medicine and get the hay out of here." Uttered Sombra as he started walking ahead of Autumn who happily started to skip along once more.
"On that we can agree on. I can't wait to get back home and drink a nice hot cup of- THERE'S A SPINE IN YOUR FLANK!" Yelled Autumn in surprise as she saw Sombra's flank with a blue spine sticking out of it. Sombra stopped and looked back to see that the mare was indeed right.
"Really? Oh, would you look at that." Said Sombra nonchalantly as Autumn dashed up to him with a concerned expression.
"Oh no, I am so sorry! If I hadn't tried to run up and pet that creature then none of this-"
"Don't worry about it, it's fine. I've survived worse." Stated Sombra with a dismissive wave of a hoof as Autumn got behind Sombra and grasped the spine with her magic.
"Don't worry Sombrero, I'll have that spine out in no ti-"
"Ow!" Yelled Sombra as he leaped back and turned to face Autumn. "Quick yanking it!"
"Sorry! But it has to come out!" Replied Autumn as she continued to reach for the spine only for Sombra to step away and avoid all of the mares advances. This only lasted a few more seconds before Sombra stopped it by turning around and placing his hoof on Autumn's face.
"Okay! Stop!" Autumn grabbed Sombra's hoof and pushed it aside.
"*Sigh*... Alright then, what do YOU suggest?"
"Just... Just wait until a little later, okay? After we find the colt we'll find a way to get it out. Okay?"
"Alright then." Uttered Autumn with a shrug of her shoulders as the two turned back to north west as the two began to trot. But before the two could taken their fifth step, they heard grunting and yells from nearby.
Sombra and Autumn paused as they looked over at the direction of the sound and listened in.
"Get me out of here!" Yelled the voice of a male equine that was most likely in his teens.
"Quiet pony! And stop scratching the cage's bars!" Yelled a gruffer voice.
"For the last time, I'm a Kirin! Not a pony!" Replied the Kirin as the voice was followed by a clang like two pieces of metal hitting one another.
"Quiet down! We don't care! Just sit there and stay quiet! Or else we'll really give you something to SCREAM about!" Yelled a different gruff voice.
The unicron and Kirin started following the voices and moved through the forest. It only took a few more seconds before the two equines heard the turning of old wheels. Like somepony was pulling around a large wagon. The two managed to hide behind a large bolder, not wanting to be spotted by whoever had the teenage Kirin hostage.
Sombra and Autumn peered over the bolder to see exactly what was going on. Just as they guest, it was the Kirin delivery colt that went missing a few days ago. He was locked up in a cage on a wagon. The Kirin also had a magic suppressing cuff around his horn to suppress whatever magic he could use to fight back or escape.
The two continued to scan the area to see who the assailants were, they were diamond dogs. Around five of them all hanging around the cage. No doubt robbing and capturing the poor delivery colt to use him in their search for diamonds in the tunnels. Autumn looked in confusion at the diamond dogs a she whispered to Sombra.
"Sombra, what are those things? They look like dogs."
"You can't be serious. You don't know what diamond dogs are?"
"I don't really get out of the village much." Sombra rolled his eyes in annoyance before explaining to Autumn Blaze what the diamond dogs were.
"They are a race of semi-bipedal canine mongrels that gut gem caves and mountains of crystals and other gems. Sometimes they even capture other creatures and force them to do manual labor for them. When I ruled the Crystal Empire, diamond dogs were such a problem with how they would steal whatever crystals they could get their claws on, my guards had to keep a constant eye out for them. They must have captured the delivery colt for manual work." After Sombra explained it all to Autumn Blaze, the two quieted down and listened in as they heard the diamond dogs talking once more.
"Ugh, seriously Buster? AGAIN? That's the fifth time we stopped for a bathroom break!" Growled the only female diamond dog of the group that most heavily resembled a Doberman. as she stood by with her arms crossed and rolled her eyes.
"I have a very sensitive bladder! You know that, Roxy!" Yelled the biggest and toughest looking diamond dog of the group that most resembled a Mastiff. All the while his giant claws covered his lower region.
"Fine! Whatever! Just make it quick, Buster! We're already behind on schedule!" Growled the meanest and scariest looking diamond dog of the group that most resembled a Rottweiler. The diamond dog named 'Buster' nodded his head as he turned around and ran into the forest.
"Why run so deep into the forest? Your not a pup anymore, ya wimp!" Yelled the shortest diamond dog of the group that most resembled a Bulldog.
"I can't go if someone is thinking about me going, Otis!" Replied Buster as he ran deeper into the forest. As Buster moved out of sight to perform his business, the meanest and angriest looking diamond dog growled in frustration as the skinniest diamond dog of the group walked up to him and started whispering at him.
"You know, Rex... We COULD leave him behind and you can just give his cut of the profits to me! I'm the best diamond dog in the group! I do most of the work! And I'm the smartest and handsomest one! So... What do ya say?" Asked the skinny diamond dog that resembled a Boxer in a way manipulative scam artist would talk.
Rex just looked down at the skinny diamond dog and started to growl, revealing his sharp teeth as the skinny diamond dog started to back away. But before he could say anything, Rex grabbed the skinny diamond dog by his shoulder and lifted him over his head.
"Pablo, if you do anything to mess up our operation or try to back stab me or anyone else again... I WILL STICK MY FOOT SO FAR UP YOUR BUTT I'LL BE RUNNING MARATHONS OUT OF YOUR MOUTH! UNDERSTAND!?" Hissed Rex as Pablo nodded in fear and gave a nervous smile.
"Yes! I understand! I understand! I understand everything! Hehehe!" Laughed Pablo nervously as Rex let go and dropped Pablo as he turned and started to walk into the forest.
"I'm going to go and check out the map to make sure we aren't lost. Roxy, Pablo, Otis, keep an eye on the prisoner!" Growled Rex as he walked into the forest and disappear just like Buster.
"Aye aye, captain!" Said Roxy sarcastically as she laid back on the cage that the delivery colt was in and started to relax. Meanwhile the diamond dogs Otis and Pablo were standing watch a few feet away from the cage. At least Otis was keeping guard anyway, and Pablo was just staring off into space.
Autumn and Sombra lowered themselves and hid behind the large bolder.
"It looks like their taking a break. Good, it's going to make this mission a lot easi-AAARRR!" Groaned Sombra in pain, but managed to remain quiet enough so the diamond dogs wouldn't hear him. As Sombra turned to his right, he saw Autumn Blaze smirking and held the long spine that was in stuck in Sombra's flank, now in between her toes. Sombra merely stared at the Kirin then at the spine with a shocked look of pain and surprise.
"...Ow." Whispered Sombra in pain as Autumn giggled and tossed the spine aside. After a silent glare, Sombra started to scratch his chin with his hoof.
"Now, how can we free him without getting caught by those diamond dogs?"
"I know! Trot up to them and politely ask them to release the delivery colt?" Suggested Autumn with a smile as Sombra stared at the Kirin with a look of bafflement and disbelief.
"What are you lookin' at!?" Yelled one of the diamond dogs from behind the bolder as Autumn and Sombra heard the sounds of fighting.
".... That's a horrible idea." Stated Sombra bluntly as Autumn developed a saddened expression.
"Sorry." Uttered Autumn as Sombra started to think again.
"I got it!"
"What's your idea?"
"I stay here and try to get comfortable while you turn into your Nirik form and scare the diamond dogs away. Then you can free the trapped Kirin, get the Shonneg, and I can finally get out of this vile forest." Commented Sombra with an arrogant smirk as he leaned back and placed his hooves behind his head.
The whole time, Autumn just looked at him with an annoyed half eyelid open expression.
"Uhh... No. If I turn into a Nirik, I could easily burn down the entire forest just by stepping on a single dead leaf!"
"That sounds splendid." Said Sombra as he started to close his eyes and Autumn facehoofed herself.
"Plus, I'm not just going to go out there and risk my life while you sit here and catch some Z's. We had a deal, remember?" Reminded Autumn assertively as Sombra's relaxed smile was replaced by an annoyed grimace and his eyes opened up.
"*Sigh*... Fine! Fine! Such a pain in the plot..." Grumbled Sombra as he looked over the bolder again to see the two remaining diamond dogs fighting in a big dust cloud while the female was still trying to sleep, but was clearly getting agitated by the noise.
"Will you two idiots knock it off!? I can't get a second of rest with you two itching to kill each other! Sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by idiots!" Snapped the female, Roxy as she stood back up and yelled at the two fighting males. The males instantly stopped fighting as Pablo pointed to Otis with an accusatory claw.
"Yeah!? Well, he started it!"
"Who are you calling an idiot, you lazy good for nothing lazy hag!?" Yelled Otis back, as the trio of diamond dogs started to argue once more. As Sombra looked down at this, the ex-tyrant rolled his eyes in annoyance before picking up a rock with a hoof and tossing it in the bushes nearby.
The diamond dogs all stopped fighting as they silently turned to the direction where the sound came from.
"What was that?!" Asked one of the dogs.
"An unwanted guest! Now both of you, go check it out!" Yelled Roxy as she pointed in the direction of the sound.
"Who died and made you queen?" Asked Otis as Roxy dashed over to him and punched him down to the ground.
"NOW!"
"You heard the queen, Otis!" Said Pablo fearfully as he helped up Otis and walked into the forest. Only a few seconds after the two dogs left, Sombra picked up several stones and tossed them in the opposite direction of the last rocks he threw.
Roxy snapped her head towards that direction, then glanced back and forth between the sound and the Kirin locked up in the cage. She let out a growl of frustration before marching over to the direction of the sound.
"Okay, let's go." Stated Sombra with a forward motion of his hoof as he and Autumn Blaze ran out from their position behind the boulder and over to the caged Kirin. The caged Kirin rose his head as his eyes widened in surprise at the two equines heading his way.
"Oh! Are you here to save me?" Asked the caged Kirin as Autumn dashed up to the cage and looked at the lock.
"Yup! Don't worry buddy! We'll have you out of that cage in no time!" Stated Autumn optimistically as she started to pull and tug at the lock with her magic.
"Thanks, just hurry before those diamond dogs come back!"
"Guh! Grr! Come on you stupid lock!" Growled Autumn with one last tug at the lock, only for nothing to work.
"Uhh... Hey Sombrero! Look around, they probably left a key lying around or som-"
(Clang!)
Autumn stopped mid sentence and looked over to see Sombra who just bashed the lock off with a rock in one of his hooves.
"Oh cool, you found it!" Exclaimed Autumn happily as she started to pull open the cage door as the delivery colt made his way out of the cage.
"I don't know how much longer those dogs will be distracted. Just get the mare and let's go." Stated Sombra looking around cautiously as the delivery colt stopped moving and silently looked over at Sombra. All the while Autumn used her magic to pull off the magic restricting cuff around the delivery colt's horn.
"I'm a dude!" Replied the young male kirin as Sombra looked back and glanced between Autumn and the colt who were standing next to one another.
"It's not my fault all you Kirin look like mares."
"What!?"
"WHAT!?"
Both kirin yelled out in unison, the delivery colt having the more offended tone in his voice. But before Sombra could respond, they heard rustling in the bushes nearby. The trio turned their heads to see the biggest dog of the trio walk through the bushes with a look of relief on his face.
"Ahh... That was relaxing..." Uttered the diamond dog in a calm voice. But before it took another step, it stopped as it froze and looked down at the unicorn and two kirins that inhabited the area. One of whom is the prisoner who was supposed to be locked up in the cage.
"Uhh... GUYS! GUYS! THE PRISONERS OUT OF HIS CAGE! AND THERE ARE TWO MORE PONIES HERE! REX! ROXY! OTIS!" Yelled the largest dog Buster as the trio looked to their left.
"RUN!" Yelled Autumn as the trio turned to the left and started to trot. But the group stopped when one of the diamond dogs popped out of nowhere and blocked their path.
"Where do you think your going?" Asked Roxy as the group turned around and started to run in the opposite direction.
The group thought they were home free, only to run into Otis that popped out of nowhere and blocked their path.
"Company? How nice!" But as the group tired to run once again, they didn't even get the chance to run as they saw another diamond dog blocking their path.
"Trying to rescue your little friend? How cute..." The trio started to slowly back away from the slowly encroaching diamond dogs. But finally stopped after all three of them backed up into something large standing behind them.
The equines all turned around to see that they backed up into the meanest looking diamond dog out of the bunch. Rex hovered over the ponies as he glared at the trio.
"Now... What do we have here?"
The trio backed away from the leader of the diamond dogs as the dogs started to move in on the ponies, later prowling as they started circling the ponies like sharks.
"Where are you going, work mule? I hope you weren't planning on running away with these two..." Growled Pablo as the delivery colt expressed a look of utter terror. All the while Sombra kept his annoyed expression and Autumn tried to keep a brave expression on her face.
"Uhh... Look guys, we don't want any trouble. But you can't just kidnap and enslave one of my people... So, uhh... We'll just get out of your way now so you diamond dogs can do... whatever diamond dogs do." Said Autumn nervously as she, the delivery colt, and Sombra started to slowly back away from the diamond dogs. But were stopped as one of the diamond dogs grabbed Autumn's tail and stopped her from walking away.
"So what? You think you can just waltz in here and do whatever you want? Do you wanna know what we do to ponies who we don't enslave?" Asked Roxy with an evil smile, showing off her sharp teeth to the equines.
"Uhh... We eat them?" Asked Buster stupidly, as the rest of the diamond dogs turned to the biggest diamond dog out of the bunch with annoyed faces.
"What?"
"That question was supposed to be for the PONIES to answer! And it was supposed to scare them!" Growled Otis.
"We're you born yesterday?!" Yelled Pablo and Roxy rolled her eyes and the three equines gave each other awkward glances.
"I don't know..." Said Buster stupidly as Rex growled and pushed Buster aside as he walked closer to the ponies.
"I'm going to give you a choice ponies, either you surrender and work as mules for us... Or, we will eat you... And we haven't had a decent meal in DAYS... And I'm dying to know what Kirin tastes like..." Growled Rex as he got close to the trio and showed off his razor sharp teeth to the group. As the delivery colt and Autumn stared on in fear, Sombra rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Oh please... You dumb mangy fleabags will be too busy sniffing each others rear ends and chasing your own tails before you even noticed we've escaped." Snapped Sombra as Rex closer to the unicorn, as the two glared each other down.
"Who are you calling mangy fleabags you worthless pony!?" Roared Otis as he attempted to lunge at Sombra. Only to be effortlessly held back by Buster, only holding the small diamond dog back with one hand.
"Have you ever seen a diamond dog take down a pony? It's pretty brutal, like a pack of Timber Wolves cornering and tearing apart helpless prey..." Growled Rex as he started to move closer towards Sombra. Despite Sombra's best efforts to keep the upper hoof in the situation, the unicorn started to take a few hoofsteps back with the diamond dog marching closer.
"Once my pack surround our victim, we lunge and attack... As the others work on the rest of the prey, I go for the throat..." Growled the diamond dog as he hovered over Sombra and lifted his lips fully to show his razor sharp teeth to the unicorn.
"Is this the part where I'm supposed to be scared? Because your attempts at inducing fear are laughable at the very best." Replied Sombra with his chin up as the two Kirin looked at him with surprise. Amazed at the unicron's bravery.
"Hehehe... Fearless or not, it won't stop me from tearing you ap-... Wait, I know you..." Stated Rex with a level of familiarity in his voice. Sombra, Aurtumn, the delivery colt, and the rest of the diamond dogs grew expressions of surprise at Rex's statement.
"Wait... Wasn't he a king or something?" Asked Roxy peering over Rex's shoulder.
"Oh yeah... Something starting with an 'S'... Some loser king who was defeated by a pretty princess." Mocked Pablo with a laugh as Sombra's glare at the diamond dogs intensified and his horn started to surge with tiny bits of whatever black magic he could still summon.
"Well, if you thugs must know he's King Sombra. And he ruled the Crystal Empire until he was overthrown by a couple of tyrants! So you guys better show some respect!" Stated Autumn out of nowhere as she marched ahead of the trio. Surprising Sombra and the diamond dogs as well.
There was a moment of silence as Autumn continued to glare at the diamond dogs with her bold stance, defending her new friend as Sombra stared at the Kirin with a shocked expression. She was really standing up to a bunch of vicious diamond dogs for him? Even the diamond dogs remained speechless as they stared down at the Kirin. Until the leader started to chuckle malevolently and stare at Autumn Blaze.
"Oh... That's right. King Sombra, the loser unicorn and fallen king of the Crystal Empire. Despite all your boasting and magic, you still lost. Hahahahahahahaha!" Laughed Rex as Sombra narrowed his eyes at the dog once more.
"And what do you diamond mutts see yourselves as? Your crawling around in caves like bats and eyeless subterranean worms, digging through the dirt to find shiny diamonds for no other reason then being pretty to look at. Now do yourselves a favor you drooling mongoloids, turn around and get out of here before I mount your heads over my fire place!" Growled Sombra as suddenly the paw of Rex reached out and grabbed Sombra by the throat, lifting the pony off the ground and bringing him face to face with the leader diamond dog.
"How about instead, you become our new meal for tonight?" Growled Rex as he opened his mouth to take a bite out of Sombra, only for a boulder covered in a light blue aura of magic come barreling in and smash against Rex's face. Causing him to drop Sombra and stumble back.
"Are you alright, boss?" Asked Buster as he caught Rex from stumbling back.
"Get them." Ordered the leader as all the diamond dogs bared their teeth and started lunging out at the equines. But before the diamond dogs could catch the equines, the ponies quickly scattered. Causing the dogs to miss, much to their frustration.
Autumn and Sombra ran in opposite directions as the delivery colt backed up and leaped into a few bushes. Luckily for him, the diamond dogs seemed to see Sombra and Autumn as the primary targets as they split up and started chasing the Kirin and Unicorn.
As Autumn ran, she glanced behind her to see the diamond dogs Buster, Pablo, and Otis chasing her. The dogs bared their teeth like wolves as they were only a few inches away from her, Pablo reached out and attempted to bite the Kirin's tale off, only for Autumn to quickly pull her tail away just in time.
"Get over here you little-" Growled Otis as he attempted to leap ahead of his fellow diamond dogs and takle the Kirin. But Autumn made a sharp right turn just in time, causing Otis to run head on into a tree.
"Okay... I'm hurt now..." Said the diamond dog with his face still implanted in the tree. The two other dogs only glanced back at their ally for a second. But soon continued their chase.
"I gotta get these dogs off my back!" Whispered Autumn to herself, as she looked around and spotted a thorn bush. As a smile spread over her face and she looked back at the scaly hide on her back.
"Hmm... My back..." Uttered Autumn with a smirk as she made another sharp turn and dashed over to the bush. But before she could jump in, something grabbed one of her back hoofs ans stopped her in place. Autumn looked back to see that the diamond dog Pablo held her back.
"I got you now you little wannabe uni- Ow!" But Pablo wasn't able to finish his sentence as Autumn used her free hoof to buck the diamond dog in the face. Autumn dashed over to the thorn bush as she then leaped into the air and rolled up into a ball, much like an armadillo and landed in the bush.
"I'll rip off your tail for that!" Yelled Pablo as he leaped into the same thorn bush Autumn leaped into, without thinking. The second he landed in the bush, he jumped out of it five feet into the air as his entire body was covered in thorns.
"YAHOOOOOOOO!" Screamed the diamond dog as he landed near the thorn bush and Autumn exited from the other side of the thorn bush. The kirin being completely free of thorns except for her scaly hide which was covered in them. But the kirin wasn't in any pain, as she casually brushed the thorns off her back and trotted away with a smirk.
"Too easy- Oof!" But Autumn couldn't finish her sentence as she walked into something big. As the Kirin backed up and looked up, she saw that it was the last diamond dog chasing her.
"I got you now, pony!" Said Buster as he raised up his claws to grab Autumn. But before the diamond dog could touch Autumn, she glanced behind Buster and made a surprised face as she pointed behind him and yelled out.
"Oh sweet heaven! What's that!?" Yelled Autumn as Buster looked behind himself in confusion.
"Run!" Yelled Autumn as the diamond dog stupidly turned around in ran. Autumn smirked at the diamond dog running away as she turned and galloped away herself.
Meanwhile Sombra was being chased by the other three diamond dogs as he attempted to loose them. But as Sombra ran, Roxy ran up next to him on all fours as Sombra looked at the diamond dog with an expression of surprise.
"Where do you thing your going, your highness?" Asked the diamond dog as she quickly spun around and swung her club tail into Sombra's face. Making the unicorn fly back and straight into a tree. As Sombra slid down and tried to pick himself back up, he heard a growl and looked up just in time.
He saw Rex careening down from the air with his mouth wide open and filled with razor sharp teeth. The second Sombra saw this, he leaped to the side as the diamond dog bit into the side of the tree. As Sombra stopped and looked back, he saw that the diamond dog had his mouth wrapped around the base of the tree. But not for long as Rex pulled back and tore out a massive piece of wood that was stuck in his mouth.
Starring right at Sombra, he bit down and shattered the wood into a hundred splinters. The two stared each other down for a moment as Rex glanced at Sombra's horn and tilted his head.
"Hehehe... I thought you were supposed to be a powerful unicorn. Why not use your fancy magic and turn me into a flower or something?"
"I don't need my magic to take down a slobbering, good for nothing diamond dog like yourself." Hissed back Sombra as Rex chuckled to himself as Roxy walked up and stood next to him.
"Since the king isn't using his horn, I will take it. You know, unicorn horns can sell for a lot on the black market..." Uttered Rex as he extended his finger forward, signaling Roxy to spring forward and start swiping at the unicorn with her massive bear-like claws.
But Sombra backed off and managed to dodged every one of the diamond dogs claw strikes and bites. But after one more swipe, Sombra quickly used one of his front hoofs to throw some dirt into Roxy's eyes, which temporarily blinded the diamond dog.
Sombra took advantage of the diamond dog's blindness as he leaped on his back hoofs and started using his front hoofs to strike the diamond dog in the face. As Sombra was continuing his successful barrage of hoof punches, he spun around on all fours and was about to buck the diamond dog in the face.
But as Sombra extended his back hoofs, the diamond dog grabbed one of his extended blacklegs and smirked. As she lifted Sombra off the ground and slammed her into the ground. As Sombra groaned and attempted to stand back up, Roxy grabbed the ex-tyrant by the throat and pinned him to the ground with a smirk.
"Hehehe... I'll take that horn now." Growled Roxy in sadistic delight as she reached down with her free paw and grabbed Sombra's horn tightly. As she started to attempt to pull the horn off of Sombra as the ex-king started to scream in agony. But as Sombra started to believe that he was really about to loose his horn, he heard a galloping noise nearby.
Right as Roxy looked up to see where the sound was coming from, she was meet to a hoof to the face.
"HIYAAAAH!" Screamed Autumn as she karate kicked the female diamond dog in the face and sent her flying back. As Autumn landed on the ground, he looked down at Sombra with a concerned expression as she started to help the unicorn up.
"Oh no! Sombra! Are you okay!?" Asked Autumn fearfully as Sombra groaned in pain and stood back up.
"I'm fine, kirin! I'm fine!" Replied Sombra a he stood back up.
"We need to find the delivery colt and the Shennoeg and get out of here before-" But Autumn was interrupted as Rex dashed up to the two equines and swung his massive paw, making Autumn fly back and knocking Sombra back to the ground.
As Autumn flew back, she stopped as she flew back into Buster, as he grabbed her the instant she flew into him. The kirin attempted to struggle and break free of the diamond dog's vice-like grip, but it was no use. As Autumn continued to struggle, the two other dogs that were previously chasing her Pablo and Otis walked up next to Buster.
"Uhh... What happened to you guys?" Asked Buster looking over at his two companions.
"The stupid pony made me run into a tree..." Growled Otis as Pablo continued to pull thorns out of his head, that were all over his body.
"She made me run into a dumb thorn bush..." Growled Pablo as he tossed the extracted thorns in his hand aside.
"Wow. I didn't think you guys would be that stupid." Said Buster with a chuckle as Otis and Pablo slowly turned their heads and glared at Buster with ice cold glares.
Meanwhile, Sombra was pinned down to the ground once again by the female diamond dog Roxy. Even though Sombra attempted to break loose of Roxy's grip, it was no use. Rex silently walked over to the captured Sombra and Autumn as he started to glance between the two. As if he was deciding what to do with them.
"So boss... Will we be dining on pony sufllaqe tonight?" Asked Roxy with a grin as Rex glanced at the kirin and the unicorn once more.
"From what I saw today, they will be working the mines. Nice strength and endurance to work for a long time and dig up a lot of diamonds." Said Rex calmly as he glanced at Sombra's useless horn once more.
"Unicorn horns are still valuable and kingy's not using his... Take it off." Ordered Rex as Roxy once again grabbed Sombra's horn and began to pull.
All the while, the delivery colt was looking through the bushes in terror at what the diamond dogs were doing to the unicorn and fellow kirin who saved him. As the kirin looked around for something he could use as a weapon, to at least distract the diamond dogs for a moment. He scanned the forest floor as he stopped and a smile spread over his muzzle.
Roxy continued to attempt to break off the unicorn's horn with as much strength as she could muster. Although apparently trying to break off a unicorn's horn with your bare claws proved to be harder then anticipated. But as Roxy was about to give up and suggest to her leader that they should attempt the horn removal later with some actual tools... The five diamond dogs heard a battle cry come from nearby as all the diamond dogs turned their heads in the direction of the noise.
They saw the delivery colt charging at Rex with a large stick in his mouth, ready to hit the diamond dog as hard as he could. But as the delivery colt approached the leader of the diamond dog and swung his stick...
(Snap!)
The stick broke in two the second it made contact with Rex, not even making the diamond dog flinch as the delivery colt paused and fearfully looked up. Rex scared back down at the scared little colt with a smirk on his muzzle.
"Oh, there's the third one..." Rex stated casually as he quickly grabbed the kirin by the neck and slammed him on the ground. Pinning him and immobilizing him.
All the while, Autumn was still in the grip of the large diamond dog as she saw Sombra and the delivery colt being tormented by the brutish diamond dogs. She started to become angry as small blooms of fire began to appear around her eyes and a bit on her mane.
She had an idea of how to get out of this mess. She knew it was a bad idea, but it was the only one she had. And she had to do it fast. Autumn turned her head to the leader of the diamond dogs and started to call out to him.
"Hey! Diamond dog boss! I'm gonna give you one last chance to let me and my friends go! Or I'm gonna show you a firsthoof experience of coming face-to-face with a NIRIK! I'm warning you! This is your last chance!" Yelled out Autumn in a voice with hints of Autumn's nirik voice scattered throughout it. Rex and the rest of the diamond dogs looked at her for a moment, before laughing at the kirin's attempts to sound intimidating.
But as the diamond dogs laughter died out, Buster felt a burning sensation around his arms and chest. Looking down he saw the kirin in his arm was started to get very hot as more blooms of fire began to spring up all around the kirin.
"My arms are getting warm."
"Do we need a news flash every time his body does something?" Asked Pablo as he pulled out several thorns sticking out of his side.
"He's doing it for attention, just ignore him." Growled Otis as a pained expression traveled across Buster's face as the kirin started to burn more and more in his embrace.
"No! Seriously! My arms are REALLY HOT! OW! OW! OWW! OWWW!" Screamed Buster as he let go of the burning kirin and backed off to brush the new patches of flame that were on his arms.
As Autumn was released, all the diamond dogs turned their attention to the burning kirin was suprised and confused expressions on their faces.
"What the-?!" Yelled out Roxy in confusion as Autumn the nirik stared down all the diamond dogs.
"Couldn't say I didn't warn you guys!" Yelled Autumn as she charged at Roxy who was still holding down Sombra and knocked the diamond dog off of the ex-king and sent Roxy flying back with patches of fire all over her.
Sombra started to push himself back up and stand of his hoofs as he surveyed the situation. His eyes widened in shock and awe as he saw a burning mare dashing across the open space with a trail of blue and purple fire being left in her wake.
"Someone catch her! Stop her!" Yelled Rex frantically as the other dogs did as their leader commanded and tried to grab the Nirik. Pablo started to get close and managed to place his paws on the nirik, but the second the diamond dog came in contact with the burning demon, he screamed in pain as he pulled his paw away.
"AAAAHHH! AHHHH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PONY!?" Yelled Pablo as he shook his paw, trying to rid himself of the burning pain he was in, as suddenly out of nowhere Autumn charged straight into the diamond dog like a bull and sent the diamond dog tumbling back.
But the mare wasn't finish as she turned her attention to Otis. The mare then turned and charged at the diamond dog head first. The diamond dog looked around fearfully for whatever weapon he could use against the burning mare, as he then saw a pile of rocks nearby. Otis picked up a handful of rocks and started chucking them at Autumn Blaze.
But Autumn managed do dodge each and every rock throw and continued her charge at Otis uninterrupted. As Autumn finally got face to face with the diamond dog, Otis fearfully tossed the rest of the rocks in his hands at Autumn. Which barely effected the nirik as she smirked at the diamond dog for a second, before roaring at him and breathing a bloom of purple flame that made the diamond dog turn tail and run as fast as he could with a whimper.
Autumn turned her head and started to survay the area for the last two dogs, only to get hit with something hard and spiky. Autumn was sent flying back but quickly caught herself and stood on all four hoofs once more. Looking back to see what hit her, she saw it was Roxy as she was showing off her club tail and slowly wagging it around with a cocky smirk on her face.
"GRRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!" Roared Autumn in fury as a small bloom of fire exited her mouth at the diamond dog that just attacked her.
"Be careful... I wag." Growled Roxy with a smirk as Autumn let out another roar of fury as she charged at the female diamond dog.
Sombra meanwhile was sitting there and witnessing the entire fight. And finally getting a up close and personal experience of a real nirik.
Sombra could do nothing but sit there and watched as Autumn continued her berserkers rage in her nirik form. Sombra's eyes were as wide as dinner plates as he saw the normally cheery and talkitive kirin being a literal trotting inferno with her mane, tail, and eyebrow being replaced with beautiful flames and breathing fire like a dragon.
'So... This is what a nirik looks like? Wow, she's... She's really something else. So much power, so much energy, so much passion. I had no idea this are what niriks truly look like. Spending so long in the icy arctic bordering the Crystal Empire made me forget about true warmth...' Sombra thinks to himself as he continues to watch Autumn Blaze furiously battling the diamond dogs.
'Just looking at her, I can feel her warmth ignite my stone cold eyes... It feels like just being close to her is melting the icy chill of my insides. The way she dances in the flames make my heart burn ablaze... And I want nothing more then to be closer to-... What!? What the hay am I saying!? Was that poetry?! And why do my cheeks suddenly feel hot!?' Thought Sombra, not even noticing that he was blushing.
Back with Autumn, she continued to battle the two diamond dogs Roxy and Rex. She managed to dodge most of the diamond dogs attacks, but stopped in her tracks and looked back as Roxy was coming in once again to bash Autumn with her spiked tail. Autumn quickly dodged the attack and jumped into the air. What she then spun around with a spin kick and sent the diamond dog flying back.
"Alright! Who's ne- Ugh!" But Autumn wasn't able to finish her sentence as a massive paw grabbed the back of her head and slammer her face into the dirt. Autumn tried to get back up but she was held down.
"Learn your place, pony..."
"For the last time... I'm not a pony... I'M A NIRIK!" Roared Autumn Blaze as she reared her back hooves back and delivered a firey buck right into Rex's chest.
The buck sent the diamond dog flying back and crashed right into one of the carts the diamond dogs were hauling around. As Rex slowly started to get back up and rub his head, the collision with the cart caused bags full of diamonds, crystals, gold, and other goods to spill out of them.
But one item stood out among the rest as it tumbled out of the sack and landed right-side up. As Sombra was observing the fight, his eyes were drawn directly to the item. The item was a silver necklace with the symbol of a red-eyed black alicorn on the front and a crimson gem in the center of the necklace.
Sombra's eyes widened as he saw the necklace. He couldn't believe it, he thought the necklace was a legend. At best lost to time. He read about it before and learned about the power the necklace held, it vastly increased the magical power of a unicorn to that of an alicorn and beyond. And the fact that the diamond dogs of all creatures managed to get ahold of it makes even LESS SENSE...
The necklace was the legendary Alicorn Amulet...
"It... It can't be..." Mouthed Sombra as another roar of fury broke his trance away from the amulet and back to Autumn Blaze who was still facing off against the diamond dogs.
Autumn Blaze managed to gather all the diamond dogs and force them all into one corner. Forcing them back simply by getting a little closer to them and threatening to burn them to a crisp. Sombra and the delivery colt both manage to pull themselves together as they get up and trot in. Trotting over to Autumn's sides as the two stallions stood strong next to Autumn who was growling at the diamond dogs.
The diamond dogs looked at the trio of equines in front of them and glanced around the area to see what options they had. Rex the leader growled in anger as he turned his attention to Autumn and Sombra, lifting his lips to show off his sharp teeth and let out a deep and intimidating growl to the equines in front of him.
"This isn't over..." Rex turned back to his group and started rapidly barking orders at them.
"Grab what you can and get going!" Yelled Rex as the diamond dogs without hesitation started to spread out around the open area and grab the carts that were lying around. Quickly reloading all the merchandise that spilled out during the fight.
Before the trio could even blink, the diamond dogs disappeared in a cloud of dirt as they dashed off and ran away. The trio coughed as they waved their hooves in front of them to get rid of the dirt cloud. As the dirt cloud finally started to clear out, Sombra scanned the area as his eyes dotted all over. Seeing that unfortunately, there was no sign of the Alicorn Amulet.
"They got away with it..." Growled Sombra through clenched teeth as Autumn and the delivery colt turned to him with confused looks.
"Got away with what?" Asked Autumn in confusion as she transformed back into her kirin form.
"It's nothing..." Replied Sombra quickly as the delivery colt continued to scan the area. Until his eyes finally located what he was looking for and galloped over to it.
"Oh good! They left it behind!" Said the delivery colt as he picked up a sattlebag that was filled with all the supplies he was meant to deliver to Fern Flare. After placing the sattlebag on his back, the excited kirin dashed back to the Sombra and Autumn
"Thank you so much for saving me! I thought I'd never escape from those diamond dogs. But you guys saved me! Thank you so much! You guys are amazing!" Expressed the delivery colt with a grin as Autumn looked back with an equally happy smile and Sombra just stared back with disdain.
"Yes, yes, whatever... Do you have the Shennong?" Asked Sombra in a dry tone as the delivery colt nodded his head with a smile.
"Yup! All right here!" Said the delivery colt as he patted his sattlebag with his forehoof.
"Fantastic! Now, let's get going before it gets dark." Said Autumn with an excited smile as she turned tail and started walking away, as Sombra and the delivery colt followed along.
"Hey, Autumn, wait up..." Called out Sombra's voice from behind Autumn as she turned her head back to see that Sombra was catching up to her.
"Yeah? What is it Sombrero?"
"Where did all of THAT come from?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"THAT! Fighting the diamond dogs! That was-... Quite impressive. How did you learn how to fight like that?" Sombra said, catching himself to not sound to impressed in order to maintain his stoic and boastful persona. But the way that Autumn was looking at Sombra, she could tell what he was really thinking as the mare looked away to hide her slight blush.
"Oh, well umm... Thanks. But you know, when your a mare living alone you gotta learn these things. Ya know?" Asked Autumn with a smile and a wink as she playfully nudged Sombra. Who to her surprise, quietly chuckled back.
Only a second later, Autumn's eyes widened at the realization she just made and turned back to Sombra who was walking right next to her.
"Wait! Wait!... Did you just call me, Autumn, and not 'kirin'?" Asked Autumn with a cheeky smile as Sombra kept his stoic frowning expression and looked away. Trying to hide his slight blush.
"Haha, don't worry tough guy. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Hey, once we get the time, I can teach you a few fighting moves. Maybe for the future. What do ya think about that?" Asked Autumn as Sombra looked away in complete silence for a few second.
As Sombra then turned his head back to the mare and gave out a tiny smirk on his face.
"That sounds... Interesting."
The Kirin Village
"Wow! You guys really did it! You saved my delivery colt AND you brought all the merchandise with you intact! Here's your final ingredient!" Said Fern Flare with a huge smile on her face as she picked up the several branches that were strapped together with small leaves on the tips that were the Shennong, and gave it to Autumn who placed it in her sattlebag.
"Finally..." Uttered Sombra under his breath as Fern Flare and Autumn continued their conversation.
"And don't worry about your tab, Autumn. Consider it paid in full."
"Thanks, Fern." Said Autumn with a polite smile. As suddenly a boom of thunder was heard.
Kaboom!
Fern Flare, Autumn, and Sombra looked up to see that the sky was indeed being covered by dark clouds. Showing that a storm was on it's way.
"Looks like a storm is on it's way. I'd better get packing." Stated Fern Flare as she and the surrounding vendors started packing up their stock and trotting back to their homes along with any other kirin nearby.
"Yeah, we better get out too. I mean, I'd hate for my mane to get wet again. It's so uncomfortable!" Stated Autumn as Fern packed up the last of her stock in a small cart behind the stand, and shot Autumn one last smile before starting to trot off with the cart.
As all the other kirin started to clear out, Autumn and Sombra could feel light droplets of rain fall from the growing storm above them as the droplets started to slowly but surely grow in size and numbers.
"Let's go before it gets worse."
"Well that's something we can agree on." Stated Autumn with a small smile as she started to walk down the road with a slight skip as Sombra followed the chipper mare silently.
Kaboom! Crackle! Thoom!
The rain started to pick up as it started to rain heavily on the Kirin Village and the forest surrounding it. Autumn and Sombra continued their walk down the track as the rain bombarded them and was soaking the two equines. Sombra simply kept walking like nothing was wrong, the rain might have been annoying but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle.
On the other hoof, Autumn possessed a concerned look on her face as she held one of her forehooves over her head and tried to prevent the rain from soaking her mane. But despite the mare's efforts, her mane continued to get soaked as the mare attempted to both strain the water out of her lion-like mane AND use the same hoof as a shield from the rain with the same hoof.
Sombra's eyes glanced over at Autumn and her plight, as the dethroned king took one long look at the mare and realized why she was so concerned about getting wet. With all the extra hair on the kirin, it was far heavier and uncomfortable for her when she got wet then it would a normal Earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn.
Sombra continued to glance back and forth between the uncomfortable mare and the path, before letting out a small groan of frustration. The stallion quickly picked a large leaf from nearby with his mouth as he dashed back over to Autumn Blaze and held the leaf over the mare's head. Protecting her from the drizzle.
As Autumn continued to try and strain her mane yet again, it took her a moment before realizing that she wasn't being hit with any more rain. Looking around in confusion for a milisecond, she turned her head behind her to see that Sombra was holding a large leaf over the mare as the two were walking.
"Wow Sombra! Thank you! But... Why are you doing this?" Asked Autumn with a happy, yet confused expression.
"Well you don't want to get wet right? And a king can't let a mare walk in the rain with no coverage, can he?" Asked Sombra as nonchalantly as he could, with some of his word unfortunately being incomprehensible thanks to the leaf handle in his mouth.
"Oh... Hehe, thanks." Said the mare, looking up at Sombra as she brushed some of her wet mane out of her eyes.
"It's what a king does..." Uttered Sombra, still holding the massive leaf over the mare's head as he started to stare off into the distance. As his thoughts started to drift away as well.
Each crackle of thunder and lightning in the sky reminded Sombra of the Alicorn Amulet he saw today. It plagued his mind and buzzed around in his head like a swarm of angry bees.
'How did those dogs get such a powerful artifact like that?... It doesn't matter. In fact, that gives me a new idea of how to get what I want... And regain my throne...'
King Sombra Autumn Blaze Rex Otis Roxy Buster Pablo
Autumn Blaze's Cottage
It was raining cats and dogs outside, as the rain was soon followed by lightning and thunder. But inside Autumn Blaze's cottage sitting outside of the Kirin Village, lights were shining through the windows with the silhouette of a certain dark unicorn being seen through one window.
Inside the cottage, Sombra was sitting on a bed as he stared intently at a broom leaning against a wall nearby. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the broom as he started to force a surge of magic to flow through his horn. Only exerting a tiny glow of red magic followed by a few sparks as the broom started to become enveloped in a weak aura of red magic.
Sombra gritted his teeth and started to sweat as he attempted to lift the broom off the ground. He remembered only a few days ago he could bring down an Ursa Major with one magical blast. But now, he could barely lift a broom as he continued his attempt to levetate the broom.
But as the broom started to lift only a few feet off the ground, Sombra's magic konked out as the magical aura around the broom disappeared and the broom fell to the floor. Sombra glared at the broom and started to growl through his fangs.
"Curses! Not again!" Hissed Sombra in anger as he hopped off the bed and kicked the broom aside with his forehoof.
"Sombra, what did I tell you about straining yourself like that? You can't be forcing your magic through like that while your suffering from a magic-block. You can cause some serious damage!" Warned Autumn from the other side of the room as she was stirring the elixir that was being cooked in a pot hung over a fireplace.
Sombra groaned in annoyance as he backed up and sat back on the bed.
"Do you have any idea what it's like to loose your magic? It's HUMILIATING! I feel like nothing but a helpless foal." Groaned Sombra as Autumn turned back to the dethroned tyrant.
"Hehe, well, back with the diamond dogs you didn't seem like a helpless foal. With how you stood up to those diamond dogs and what they said about you, it sounded like your a pretty powerful unicorn. I mean, I already KNEW you were a powerful unicorn by what you told me. But by having someone else back up your statement even more, you should be as powerful as one of those Al-I-Corns... right? *Am I saying that right? Al-I-Corns...*" Asked Autumn as she continued to stir the cooking elixir in the boiling pot.
"Hehehe, I'm practically as powerful as an alicorn. Powerful enough to conquer a nation!" Exclaimed Sombra with a confident smile, immediately realizing what he just said as he turned his eyes to Autumn who stopped stirring the pot to look over at the unicorn with a confused expression.
"Wait, what?"
"Oh! Uhh... Or SAVE a nation from a powerful monster. Just relatively speaking of course..." Said Sombra with a nervous smile as an attempt to defuse any suspicion.
"Oh, okay!" Stated Autumn with a smile as she continued to stir the elixir.
"Is that antidote ready yet? You've been stirring in that pot for thirty minutes now." Stated Sombra as Autumn stopped stirring and skipped over to another side of the room, where she then levitated the Shennong in an aura of magic.
"You can't rush perfection!" Stated Autumn in a sing song voice as she skipped back over to the pot of boiling elixir where she dropped the Shennong into and started stirring again.
"I'm not rushing perfection, I'm rushing you." Replied Sombra as Autumn started to quickly stir the serum, only a few moments passed before Autumn took the wooden spook out of the pot and took a sip of the elixir. After tasting it and making an inquisitive look, she smiled at the result.
"Perfect!" Exclaimed Autumn as she levitated a cup and a ladle over as she used the ladle to pour the elixir into a cup. Autumn then turned to Sombra and walked over to him, the cup of elixir levitating next to her.
"Alright, here ya go!" Said Autumn as she levitated the cure over to Sombra who held it with his hooves. Sombra then looked down at the steaming serum before him as he raised an eyebrow, unsure of how the serum will taste.
But the second Sombra took a whiff of it, he stuck his tongue out in disgust and held it away from his face.
"Ugh! Are you sure something didn't crawl into this stuff and died?" Asked Sombra.
"Trust me, it tastes better then it smells. And it's the only cure for your condition." Stated Autumn with an honest shrug as Sombra glanced back to the serum and narrowed his eyes at it.
"*Sigh*... Fine." Groaned Sombra as he chugged down the serum with one quick gulp, as the foul tasting liquid ran down Sombra's throat and into his belly. Sombra then placed the empty cup aside as he expressed a look of pure and utter disgust.
"See? It wasn't that bad." Said Autumn in an encouraging voice as Sombra shot the mare a small glare.
"It tastes like a mix of swamp water, dishwater, and toilet water!" Growled Sombra as he stuck his tongue out, hopefully getting rid of the awful taste.
"Well, we still have some time before we should hit the hay. Have any ideas to kill the time?" Asked Autumn as she looked out the window where it was still raining cats and dogs.
"I don't know." Answered Sombra flatly as Autumn shot the dethroned tyrant a slight glowering expression. As Autumn put on an expression of contemplation, she looked over to a window nearby and happily trotted over to it. As Sombra was giving the kirin a confused expression.
"Uhh... What are you doing?" Asked Sombra as Autumn started staring out the window with a smile. Before turning back to Sombra.
"Well do you know what I like to do whenever I'm bored? Or angry? Or sad? Or... Really just any time I can?"
"No. What?"
"I love to... SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII- Uph!" But Autumn was cut off immediately as Sombra, somehow moved at the speed of sound from the bed to Autumn and placed his hoof in her mouth. Silencing her before the kirin could sing.
"Stop that! Stop that! Your not breaking into song while I'm here!" Yelled Sombra as he pulled his hoof out of the mare's mouth and started walking back over to the bed.
Autumn rolled her eyes in vexation as her eyes drifted around the room once more.
"Okay then... How about..." Autumn trailed off as she looked around the room, until her eyes landed on a script book laying on a table nearby.
"Wait, I have an idea. How about I read you the play script I wrote about?" Asked Autumn as Sombra shot the mare an inquisitive look before Autumn levitated the script play over to her and took a seat on a chair across from Sombra.
"A play? You wrote a play?" Asked Sombra as Autumn failed to hold back a chuckle.
"Well-Pff! I already told you I love plays! And I wrote a few of my own. This is my favorite, it's called 'Hoofilton'! You wanna hear it?!" Asked Autumn in an extremely excited tone as she held the script tightly to her chest and had an ear-to-ear smile.
Sombra silently stared at the mare as he considered the offer. Normally, he would answer with a straight up 'no' and throw the sheets over himself and portend to got to sleep. But for some reason, he decided to legitimately think about it. It could be because the mare decided to risk her own safety just to help him get rid of his magic block. Or maybe the ex-king wanted a new relaxing form of entertainment after a crazy and radical adventure like today. Or maybe because she seemed so excited to share something she wrote with another pony she trusts and considers a friend...
Either way, Sombra decided to not say 'no'. He locked eyes with Sombra and nodded his head in agreement as Autumn's smile got so big the dethroned king was surprised the mare's head didn't fall off.
Autumn then flipped open the script at the speed of sound and cleared her throat to read the first sentence.
"COMPANY: Manehattan.
HOOFILTON: Pardon me. Are you Burro, sir?
BURRO: That depends. Who’s asking?
HAMILTON: Oh, well, sure, sir, I’m Alexander Hoofilton, I’m at your service, sir. I have been looking for you.
BURRO: I’m getting nervous.
HOOFILTON: Sir… I heard your name at Canterlot. I was seeking an accelerated course of study when I got sort of out of sorts with a buddy of yours. I may have punched him. It’s a blur, sir. He handles the financials?
BURRO: You punched the bursar.
HOOFILTON: Yes! I wanted to do what you did. Graduate in two, then join the revolution. He looked at me like I was stupid, I’m not stupid. So how’d you do it? How’d you graduate so fast? "
As Autumn happily read on, Sombra listened as he leaned his cheek on his hoof like how a bored school colt would.
Hours passed as Sombra listened and listened as the mare continued to read from her script. All the while the storm raged outside. Sombra eventually decided to try and zone the mare out, finding the story boring and uninteresting as he turned his attention to a nearby window.
But after getting bored of doing that, he decided to give the reading mare another chance. Turning his attention back to her and listened to her as she read her play. Although this time was different, the story became interesting and enrapturing. When Sombra was in power years ago when he was in power in the Crystal Empire, he would usually read.
But sometime down the road, he just started to loose passion for reading. He found the stories boring and dull when he read them, reading stories by himself with his own cold and dark voice was uninteresting and... lonely.
However, Autumn was different as he became enraptured by her narration. In contrary to Sombra's cold and dark personality, Autumn Blaze's personality was warm, bright, and joyful. Perhaps it wasn't even the story himself that he was delighted by. Perhaps it was just Autumn Blaze herself he was interested in...
'Sombra, what are you THINKING!? That antidote must have some kind of temporary side effects that's affecting your mind. Like sleep depervation or laughing gas... Why are you ogling at this mare!? You have been doing this since the forest! Stop this and act like the dignified ruler you are!' Yelled Sombra's Id as it tried to overtake Sombra's currently dominating Ego.
But Sombra's Ego won, for now. As Sombra continued to listen to the mare's story and admire her... appeal from afar.
The sunlight shined through the windows of Autumn Blaze's cottage as Celestia's sun rose over the land. Autumn herself was slumped backwards in her seat, snoring loudly as the open script book sat on her face.
But as Autumn was in the middle of her nap, a loud zap of energy woke the mare up.
Kazap!
"Ahh! Ahhh!" Screamed Autumn in shock as she awoke and fell off of her seat from the shock of the noise.
"What's that noise!? Is the sky falling!? I KNEW this day was coming!" Yelled Autumn to herself as she picked herself off the floor and heard the same noise.
Kazap!
Autumn used her magic to pick the script off of the floor and placed it to the side as she followed the sound of the noise.
Kazap!
The noise came from outside, from the front of the cottage as Autumn walked over to her front door. As she opened it up to see what all that racket was, she saw Sombra standing there with his back to her. She could tell the unicorn had a smile on his face as his horn surged with red and purple magic as pieces of chopped wood and rocks levitated above him. Being coated in a purple aura.
Autumn's eyes widened in surprise as she quietly walked closer, not wanting to interrupt Sombra with whatever he was doing. The remedy did the trick alright, the unicorn was able to use his magic again.
The Kirin remained quiet as she silently watched Sombra use his magic to toss several of the rocks and chopped wood high into the air. Sombra bared his fangs in delight as his horn glowed brighter with magic as he fired several blasts from his horn.
Kazap! Kazap! Kazap!
And with 100% accuracy, the soaring blasts of energy hit the flying chopped wood and rocks as it shattered them to pieces. Sombra smirked at his accomplishment as his eyes drifted up towards his smoking crimson horn, as the ex-tyrant blew on his horn like a smoking gun.
"Finally! At last I've regained my powers! That mare's remedy worked like a charm! Now I can finally set my sights on conquest and revenge! First the Crystal Empire! Retake my rightful place as ruler and lock those false rulers in the dungeon for eternity! Then... Haha, oh then... Those mares shall pay. For what they've done to me, they will know the true meaning of pain after I'm done with them... They will beg for forgiveness and release from their suffering, knowing the true power of King Som-"
"Woohoo! Yeah! That was SO COOL!" Sombra immediately halted his open monologue as he turned around with fright to see the happy kirin standing there and cheering Sombra on.
'I have REALLY got to stop speaking out loud...' Thought Sombra in fear. Hoping the kirin either didn't hear what he said or was too much of an airhead to really comprehend what he was talking about in the first place.
"Woah, Sombra! That was amazing! I had no idea unicorns could be that skilled. I mean, we kirin never even THOUGHT about doing anything like that with our horns. We only use our horns to carry stuff and move things around. I guess it's because of our lifestyle, we never get into any actual conflict. Or if we do get into conflict, we just turn into Nirik. Guess we never gave out horn a second chance." Stated Autumn in awe as she walked up to the fully powered unicorn. Sombra silently stared down at the mare, surprised she wasn't the least bit suspicious of him. But either way, he was thankful she didn't start to catch on.
"Well, yes. Your antidote (despite it's awful taste) worked as promise. I feel as powerful since I ruled the Crystal Empire with an IRON HOOF!"
"What?"
"I-I mean, uhh... With a gentle hoof."
"Oh."
"Well, anyway... I'm glad to see your back in tip-top shape! And now I get to finally see what you can finally do! Honestly, when you kept bragging about all your amazing power... I kinda felt like you were full of hot air... But now, I can see that you really are as powerful as you said you are!" Said Autumn in excitment as Sombra merely puffed up his chest in pride and rubbed one of his hooves against his chest.
"Well of course I am... I am the most powerful unicorn on the face of Equestria! If your impressed by me blasting a few rocks into pieces, it's foals play compared to what I can REALLY do..." Said Sombra looking away, but smirking and glancing back to see if the Kirin was still excited.
"Do I!? What else can you do?" Asked Autumn enthusiastically as Sombra immediately spun around on his hoof as he aimed his glowing horn at a nearby tree.
"Just sit back and watch this!" Said Sombra as he blasted a bolt of magic at the ground nearby.
Crack!
As a black crystal started to grow and rise out of the ground, soon followed by smaller black crystals that began to rapidly grow and spread across the ground. Autumn's awe soon transformed into slight fear as she saw that the crystals were creeping up all around her and Sombra.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
"Umm... Uhh... Sombra..." Spoke Autumn with a twinge of fright in her voice, as the Kirin started to be forced back into Sombra.
Sombra merely looked back at the frightened Kirin with a smirk.
"Hehe, no need to worry. Just sit and watch..." Uttered Sombra, confidence dripping from his voice as the black crystals started to grow and move inward. It appeared like they were forming a cage around Sombra and Autumn.
But before the strands of black crystal could entrap the two completely, there was one more loud cracking sound that dwarfed all the other crystals.
CRACK!!
Suddenly, Sombra and Autumn were escalated rapidly into the air and blasted the crystal cage apart. When the ground they were standing on stopped it's movement, Autumn looked down with surprise and fright to see that the two were stand on top of a massive black crystal.
Autumn looked on with a mixed look of awe and fear at the ground far below them that were still covered in growing black crystals. Sombra glanced back at Autumn to see her astonished face as the massive black crystal the two were standing on were overlooking the garden of black crystals.
With one more prideful smirk, a white wave of magical energy exploded from Sombra's horn. As in a bright flash of light, the black crystals were annihilated and blasted into nothing.
Kazap!
As Autumn blocked her eyes from the bright flash of light, she suddenly felt nothing below her hooves. As if she was floating. Once the Kirin opened her eyes once more, she saw a red aura around her and Sombra as the ex-king gently leveated Autumn Blaze and himself back to the ground.
As the two landed on the ground and Sombra's magical aura disappeared, Sombra kept his chin up, readying himself for the praise he was sure Autumn was about to shower him with.
"I know, I am incredible. No need to praise me." Said Sombra with his eyes still close and waited for the praise. But when Sombra heard nothing, his eyes shot back open as he looked back as Autumn Blaze. Whowas starring at the dark unicorn with an unsure expression on her face.
Sombra's smile faded away as he stared at the Kirin.
"You, don't like it?"
"Oh, no! No! It was great!"
"Grr... Of course you wouldn't like it. It's unsettling isn't it? It's 'FRIGHTENING'... Just like all the others..." Trailed off Sombra was a disappointed growl as he turned away from the Kirin.
"Hey! Hey! Look, it was a bit scary and unsettling at first. That is true. But that doesn't mean I'll never find it interesting. Just like being a Nirik. It's not about what you have it's about how you use it. It's just a bit scary when you did that with no warning." Said Autumn in a comforting tone as she slowly walked up to the dethroned king and placed her forehoof on Sombra's shoulder.
A moment of silence passed, before Autumn asked another question.
"Uhh... What was that thing about, 'like all the others?'" Sombra then straightened himself back up and turned back to Autumn with his chin held up once more.
"It was nothing. Forget about it."
"Oh... Alright then." Said Autumn as she turned away and slowly started to walk.
"So umm... I guess you'll be on your way soon?" Asked the Kirin as she cheerlessly kicked a pebble aside.
Sombra turned his attention over to the Kirin with a confused expression. "On my way?"
"Well, I mean... No offense, but you seemed absolutely miserable here. Honestly, I'm kinda surprised you didn't hit the road the second you got your magic back..." Said Autumn with a depressed tone as she kicked the dirt once more. All the while, Sombra looked at her with a bit of an awkward expression.
"That is true, my magic is brought back to it's full power yet again. Although... I'm not exactly miserable, right now at least. I'm, honestly impressed with your bravery, ingenuity, and creativity. I haven't had this kind of exciting experience in years. Plus, I really don't have anywhere else to stay..." Said Sombra in a bit of a bumbling tone himself, as Autumn's eyes shot back at Sombra with a spark of excitement growing in them.
"Wait, are you serious? You... Really wanna stay here? With me?" Asked Autumn in even greater excitement as Sombra cleared his throat, in an attempt to sound less embarrassed.
"Don't get yourself carried away. Just for now at least. But I won't be staying here for good. Just until I come up with a plan of where to go next."
"YYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!" Shrieked Autumn in total glee as she leaped at Sombra with her front hooves spread out.
"Aaahh-!" Screamed Sombra in surprise, before being cut off and tackled to the ground by the happy Kirin. After Sombra was tackled to the ground, he opened his eyes back up and looked down to see Autumn Blaze was happily hugging Sombra with her forehooves as Sombra's awkward expression only grew as he stared at the Kirin.
"That is so cool! I mean, I never had a roommate before! Or even a temporary one... Anyway, we are gonna have so much fun! Before you leave I gotta show you the VERY BEST the village has to offer! I promise, you'll be happy you did it! And it'll also put you in the best of moods when you go back to your kingdom and take down those evil tyrants who dethroned you! Oh! This will be so much fun! I mean I haven't had this much fun since- Mff!" Autumn was silenced as Sombra's hoof covered Autumn's mouth yet again. As Sombra stared at the Kirin with a blank expression on his face.
"#1. Talking too much again. #2. Don't touch the merchandise." Groaned Sombra in annoyance as Autumn immediately gave an awkward and nervous giggle before pulling herself off of the ex-tyrant and standing back up.
"Oh, sorry... I guess I just got a little too excited." Said Autumn with a slight blush as Sombra stood up and dusted himself off.
"Clearly."
"Uhh... So, anyway, I'd still like to learn how to use magic like that! Since your gonna stick around, can you teach me?" Asked Autumn with a hopefully optimistic smile, as chuckled a bit to himself in an arrogant way.
"I don't know, learning spells can be quite the complicated task. I'm not sure you can handle it." Said Sombra in a slightly playful, antagonistic voice.
"Pff! Come on! I can take down several diamond dogs at the same time! I think I can handle it! Although, I almost forgot a promise I made to you. So how about a fair trade? You teach me how to use magic, and I'll teach you some hoof-to-hoof combat? A fair trade, wouldn't you say?" Asked the Kirin with a smirk as Sombra smirked back at the mare.
"Well, learning a few moves could assist me later on. Equestria forbid I loose my magic again... A more effective way to defend myself if I get into that situation again. Very well, I will take your offer and learn how to fight... And hopefully not getting attacked by woodland creatures again..." Mumbled Sombra as he glanced away from Autumn.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." Exclaimed Sombra as he turned back to Autumn.
"Even though I admit, you are skilled. I am not exactly a slouch myself." Stated Sombra as he placed his hoof on his chest, and Autumn walked up to him with a self-assured smile on her face.
"Oh really? So... You don't think somepony like me can kick your butt?" Asked Autumn, the two's muzzles only inches apart as Sombra smirked back.
"I admit, your fighting prowess is impressive, I am still taller and heavier then you are. Plus I am physically stronger then you. I doubt a few fancy combat moves could-Ugh!" Sombra was silenced as out of nowhere Autumn leaped on the confident stallion as she wrapped her back legs around Sombra's neck and performed a flying scissor leg takedown. Before Sombra even knew it, the ex-king was pinned to the ground face first, as Autumn Blaze pulled back one of Sombra's front legs and one of his back legs to keep him pinned. Sombra growled as he tried to break Autumn's hold, but to no avail. All the while, the Kirin giggled playfully as she held down the dark unicorn.
"Still think it's all about size?" Asked Autumn with another giggle as Sombra huffed his nose in frustration.
"Okay! I get it! Let me up!" Growled Sombra out of annoyance as the Kirin complied and let Sombra up.
"Alright now, can you teach me some magic now? I really, really, really, really, REALLY wanna know!"
"Well, very well then. Pay attention." Stated Autumn as he turned his head back to all the rocks and chopped wood he was using as target practice. The ex-ruler levatated a rock over to a wooden stump nearby and turned back to Autumn.
"Alright, we are going to try a simple attack spell. Focus the magic through your horn, or... antler. Then fire it at your target." Stated Sombra as he pointed his hoof at the rock. Autumn nodded with a smile as she turned to the rock and tried her best to fire an attack spell, much like Sombra. But no matter how hard the Kirin tried, she just couldn't do it. Autumn tried several more times to unleash a blast of energy, but nothing came out. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the Kirin as he shifted his gaze between the rock and the Kirin.
"Well, don't worry. Eventually you will get it. Besides a levitation spell, an attack spell is the second easiest spell to perform. If you've done it at a young age. Trying to perform one as an adult for the first time can be difficult. Just keep practicing and I will be back to check up on you. Stated Sombra as he turned around to leave. Autumn noticed this and stopped practicing and turned to Sombra who was still walking away.
"Wait, where are you going?" Asked Autumn in confusion.
"Don't worry. I'm just, going for a little walk. I will be back soon enough. Just keep practicing." Stated Sombra as he walked deeper and deeper into the woods.
"Alright, just don't wander too far, okay?" Replied Autumn as she turned back to the rock with a her game face on.
"Okay, ROCK... Consider yourself, BLASTED!" Exclaimed Autumn as the Kirin attempted to focus her magic, and blast the rock sitting on the stump.
The Cave
Within a cave only a few miles away from the Kirin village, the gang of diamond dogs that attempted to rob and kidnap a delivery Kirin the last day. From the dark cave was growling in inaudible speaking from the current residents taking refuge in the cave. But then, resounding laughter dominated the rest of the sounds in the cave.
"Hahahahahahahaha!"
"What are you laughing about!?" Angrily replied another voice.
"I'm just thinking about the other day when that little Kirin beat you up so bad. Hahahahaha!"
"So? He beat you up too, you moron!"
"That's true, but at least I put up more of a fight then you. And I didn't look NEARLY as pathetic as you. Also, at least I look like a full grown diamond dog and not a pup!" Mocked Pablo with a smug smile as he and Otis glared each other down in the cave.
"That's it! You wanna go!? Let's go!" Growled Otis as he lunged out at Pablo, only to be grabbed by a large paw and pulled back into Buster's arms.
"Come on guys... Let's not fight. We were all humiliated by those little ponies. But that doesn't matter! At least we have each other!" Said Buster as he held back the angry Otis with little to no effort as Otis struggled as hard as he could to escape Buster's vice-like hold.
"Oh, and I'll have Pablo... actually his NECK IN MY HANDS! NOW LET GO OF ME BUSTER!" Barked Otis as he attempted to break loose of Buster's grip to beat up the smirking Pablo.
"Come on, where's your sensitive side, Otis?"
"Let go of me!"
"Uh, uh, uh... What's the magic word?"
"NOW!"
"No wonder we're dangling at the bottom of the food chain! Just look at ourselves!" Growled a feminine voice from a corner of the cave as the three diamond dogs stopped and looked over to see Roxy. Who was sitting there as she picked up pebbles and flicked them at a cave wall.
After flecking another pebble into the wall, she stopped and glanced back over at the three diamond dogs who were just a moment ago fighting with one another. The female diamond dog expressed a cringing expression before picking up another pebble from the cave floor.
"Actually, scratch that. Just look at YOURSELVES." Uttered Roxy as she flicked another stone at the cave wall, before standing back up.
"Oh yeah, and you've been so helpful lately." Growled back Pablo as Buster let go of Otis and Roxy walked closer to the trio.
"News flash, I'm not the leader... Yet. If I was the leader, we'd all be swimming in diamonds. Also, we wouldn't be banished from the Diamond Dog Kingdom." Replied Roxy as Pablo and Otis nodded in agreement.
"At least in that category we agree." Agreed Pablo as Otis crossed his arms.
"Besides hitting a few diamond rich caves, one of the only big scores we made was robbing that Zebra's little hut in the middle of the Everfree forest. And the best thing we got from that little hut was that useless amulet! We even finally caught a pony after WEEKS of looking. Or Kirin, whatever you wanna call it! And we lost him!"
"If we weren't banished from the kingdom and actually had some HELP in our efforts, we would be rich. But no, Rex just HAD to kidnap ALL THOSE PONIES! I mean, ponies are good for two things, work labor and food. But he KNOWS the laws of the Diamond Dog Kingdom, there's a LIMIT to how many ponies a diamond dog can take before that Sun Alicorn takes notice! And because of that, we've hit rock bottom."
"I'm pretty sure at this point we've hit a level lower then rock bottom. All we've done is go more and more downhill every day we're out here! And it's all because of that mutts big fat ego! He NEEDED to capture all those ponies! We're lucky Diamond Dog King Gora Morim didn't cut off our rear ends and hang them over his fire place! We're even more lucky that that those pony princesses didn't reduce us to ashes! Ugh... And it's all that mad dog's fault! But... Maybe all isn't lost. I think I have and idea of how to get out of this funk." Said Pablo as Otis and Roxy raised their eyebrows in suspicion.
"Where are you getting at?" Asked Otis suspiciously as Pablo smirked at the short diamond dog.
"What if tonight we take all the gem stones and other treasures we've collected so far and head out while Rex is asleep? That mad dog will never know anything by the time he wakes up! Heck, if we're lucky we can just go back to the Diamond Dog Kingdom and completely disassociate with that maniac. Maybe they'll let us back in the king- AAAAAHHHH!" Pablo was cut off as a horrible noise echoed through the cave. Making all the diamond dogs cover their ears in pain.
As the terrible scratching noise stopped, the diamond dogs all uncovered their sensitive ears and looked over at the origin or the terrible noise. As all the color drained from their faces, seeing three deep clawmarks in the cave wall with the perpetrator standing next to it as he checked out his oversized razor sharp claws.
"So... That's how it is, huh? Blaming me for our predicament, us hitting rock bottom, our banishment... Please, we're a team. So, if you have any constructive criticisms, please... SAY IT TO MY FACE..." Growled Rex in a low tone of voice as he slowly made his way over to his underlings.
"Uhh, look, Rex. We didn't mean anything. We're just, a little upset with the situation. We didn't really mean any of the stuff we just said. Honest." Said Pablo fearful as Rex made his way to the four diamond dogs and stood over them. Except Buster who was the only one that was taller then Rex.
"Upset, huh? Well, it seems to me that your all of you are off games lately. What happened yesterday was beyond an embarrassment. And starting to stab each other in the back, I thought we were all better then that. Your all disappointing..." Said Rex as he continued to talk down to his fellow diamond dogs and rub his index claw and his thumb claw together.
"Except for you, Buster. You've been doing very good." Said Rex as he pointed to Buster with a smile.
"Yay! I'm doing good guys!" Cheered Buster as the remaining trio of diamond dogs glared at the large lovable oaf.
"Goodie goodie..." Growled Roxy under her voice.
"The REST of you however..." As the trio turn their heads back to their leader, he got up to their faces and scared them into falling back onto the ground. "You all seem to forget the plague those sickening multicolored menaces have brought upon our race! On all non-ponies!"
Rex growled deeply as he takes a few steps back and regains his calm demeanor, as the diamond dog leader started to slowly pace and began to talk.
"Ponies dominate this entire region, there are more of THEM out there then the diamond dogs, the griffins, and even the dragons. The dominate this entire land! Even the Minotaurs bow down to the ponies pretty sun princess. We even speak their LANGUAGE for heavens sake! The original language of the diamond dogs aren't even taught in SCHOOLS ANYMORE! That just shows how much power those pathetic little equines have!" Growled Rex as he paced over to a large stalagmite sticking out of the ground, as he slowly dragged one of his oversized claws on it. Leaving a long and deep scratch mark on the stalagmite.
"The only reason our own language isn't even taught anymore and only still exists because of a few brainiacs that preserve the language. It's even MORE infuriating when our own KING is terrified of those ponies! Scared that if we take too many ponies, one of the big bad princesses will come along and blast our nation to Kingdom come!" Rex removes his claws from the stalagmite, before grabbing it with his paw and starting to slowly crush it.
"I'm not stupid. I know that those ponies are WAY more powerful then we can EVER hope to become! For Pete's sake, they have the Spirit of Chaos on their side! I might have gotten us banished by kidnapping to many ponies and risking the ire of Celestia... But it's a price I'm willing to pay! Ponies must be eradicated!" Growled Rex as he crushed the stalagmite completely.
CRACK!
As Rex pulled his hand away and looked at his claws again.
"Uhh... Rex, with all due respect, we're not an army. We can't even take down a single Nirik. And your talking like we're about to destroy all of ponykind. We aren't anything compared to them!" Stated Otis in a brutally honest tone as Rex turned to the smaller diamond dog and growled once more. Making Otis shrink back in fear.
"All we need is one good break. Just ONE CHANCE... And we'll be back on top of the food chain, and under our footpaws, where they belong..."
"Greetings, filthy Diamond Dogs!" Rang a familiar voice from the opening of a cave. All the diamond dogs turned their heads to see the dark red horn stallion, Sombra standing in the mouth of the cave. All the diamond dogs stared on, frozen with looks ranging from surprise, to shock, to anger, to all of the above.
Sombra merely held his head high with an arrogant smirk on his face, as he continued to speak. Each word dripping with pride.
"No need to cower before me, mongrels. Yet, you should bow to royalty when they present themselves to you. Now, I am not here to fight (a little bit), all I want to do is to talk. You dogs have something that interests me, and I am willing to negotiate for it..." Sombra praddled on as he slowly marched deeper into the cave. As if the cave itself and everything in it was his, and the diamond dogs should feel lucky for basking in the arrogant king's glory.
But that's when the diamond dogs looks of suprise and anger transformed into uncontrollable laughter, leaving the diamond dogs in stitches as Sombra continued his walk. Like the diamond dog's cocky laughter wasn't even going on.
"Well, well, well... It seems like our dinner has just come trotting in... Don't let him escape this time." Ordered Rex, as suddenly all the diamond dogs got on all fours and began charging straight at the red horned unicorn at full speed.
But as it seemed like they were about to get close enough to grab Sombra, the ex-king's horn suddenly glowed bright like a sudden torch brought to life.
"Stand back, dogs..."
CRACK!!
Suddenly, a colossal black crystal shot out of the ground and instantly blocked the diamond dogs from attacking Sombra. Either stopping in their tracks or crashing right into the monolithic diamond. As the diamond dogs came to their senses, they started to take instinctual steps back, as Sombra walked around the massive crystal and stood next to it with a smug expression.
"Unlike last time, I won't exactly be so harmless. My magic is powerful enough to match Celestia's. I won't recommend doing that again."
The diamond dogs narrowed their brows in anger, as the dogs silently obeyed the dark ex-king and kept their distance.
"So what? Have you come here to gloat?"
"That is tempting, but no. You see, you have a special item I am very interested in. You dogs probably don't even know what I'm talking about. This artifact is powerful enough to overpower the princesses themselves, and if used by somepony like me. Hahaha, well... Let's just say I will be unstoppable." Said Sombra as he malevolently laughed to himself.
"What are you talking about? 'Powerful item'? We have no idea what your talking about, unicorn. If you have something to say, just spit it out already!" Growled Rex, already loosing his patience with the ex-despot as Sombra glared back at the diamond dog.
"Maybe if you diamond dogs had a single brain cell between the lot of you, maybe I wouldn't have to explain it, like explaining it to a foal." Shot back Sombra as Rex let out a growl an immeditally moved closer to the ex-tyrant, showing off his teeth.
"Are you mocking me!?... I will eat you up, pony. Magic or no magic, it won't protect you from me! I'll eat you for breakfast!" Growled Rex as Sombra smirked back at the diamond dog and began to pace.
"Yeah? Well, I'll give you indigestion!" Sombra snapped back.
"I'll pick up some antacids to stop indigestion!"
"Yet you didn't know your antacid tablets were expired!"
"Then I'll just bring back the receipt and get a new bottle!"
"Yet you just remembered you accidentally threw your receipt away!"
"Then I'll talk to the manager!"
"But you didn't know the manager was out sick that day!"
"Ladies! Ladies! Your both beautiful. But, can you get to the point, pony?" Commented Roxy, breaking up the little match that was going on between Rex and Sombra. Sombra took a step back as he quickly cleared his throat and started slowly pacing.
"The item I am referring to is the Alicorn Amulet. When worn by a unicorn, it can vastly ehance the users power to that of an alicorn and beyond. It was said to be lost to time, and I have no idea how you diamond dogs of all creatures got a hold of it, but it is more valuable then ALL the gems in Equestria! And with it, I can finally defeat the princesses, the elements of harmony, and even Grogar... So, hand it over." Ordered Sombra, stopping his pacing and turning back to the diamond dogs with glowing green eyes.
"You mean this thing?" Asked Buster as he picked up the very same Alicorn Amulet from a nearby cart.
"Yes, that. Now give it to me!" Growled Sombra as he started to become more irritated. Meanwhile Rex looked back at his biggest underling and held his hand out, signaling Buster to toss it over to him. Buster tossed the Alicorn Amulet to Rex as the leader of the diamond dogs held it up in front of Sombra, as if to mock the pony.
"Now hold it right there, pony. What's in it for us?" Asked Rex with a suspicious look as Sombra expressed an annoyed look. Before the ex-king gestured to the massive black diamond he just summoned in the middle of the cave.
"I know you diamond dogs love gems and crystals... I can summon you enough crystals to set you for the rest of your lives, and live in luxury." Uttered Sombra as Rex glanced at the massive crystal with little to no emotion. As he glanced back at Sombra.
"If I knew that's all that you could offer me, I would take the deal. But, I know you have MUCH more to offer then just crystals." Said Rex as his shadow began to eclipse Sombra.
"Hmm... Maybe, I have something that can benefit both of our parties." Stated Sombra with an evil smirk as the diamond dogs replied with inquisitive looks.
"We're listening..."
"I'm sure you remember that little Kirin from yesterday, or should I say, 'Nirik'. Imagine if you had an entire army of Nirik? All of them fighting for you and burning down anything or anypony that stands in your way? One of the spells that I excel in above all others is mind control. Once we've captured the Kirin, I will make them completely subservient towards you, your own personal army to do whatever you wish." Stated Sombra with a nefarious smile as Rex developed an expression of consideration as he scratched his chin.
"But wait, what about your Kirin friend? I thought she was your ally." Asked Pablo.
"Please, do you think I honestly care about some overly energetic and annoying Kirin? All I needed her for was to cure my magic block. Now that she's served her purpose, I can care less what happens to her or the rest of her kind." Said Sombra as he glanced back at Rex.
Sombra smirked evilly as he hopped off his platform and landed in front of Rex. "So, what's your decision?"
"... Alright, I accept your offer. But, I want my army first. You'll get your amulet once you completed your side of the deal first." Sombra's eyes widened at surprise at this statement, before expressing a look of frustration and anger at the diamond dog. He even thought about simply blasting the diamond dog and taking the amulet for himself. But, he managed to control his feelings of frustration and force a calm look on his face as he stared back at the diamond dog.
"Fine! But, I still need you to do one more thing before I cast my spell..."
"What do you need?"
"I need more of those cuffs and chains in order to make sure those Kirin stay in line. These creatures aren't like your average ponies, if even ONE of them got loose, they can ruin our entire plans."
"Very well, but it will take us a week to get all the chains and cuffs needed for such an endeavor."
"Meanwhile, I will stay with the red haired Kirin, Autumn Blaze. Make sure that neither hear nor any of the other Kirin will realize what's going on, plus, gain their trust. Making it far easier to capture them then." Stated Sombra as Rex nodded.
"Alright then, at the end of the week we will capture the Kirin and you will activate your little mind control spell. But, if you try to back stab us in any way, I will personally hunt your down and kill you..." Said Rex in a deadly serious voice.
"Hehehe, fair enough..." Said Sombra as he turned around and began to walk out of the mouth of the cave. After the unicorn exited the cave, Rex turned to the rest of the diamond dogs.
"Roxy, Otis, get started on getting enough metal to start making the cuffs and chains." Ordered the leader of the diamond dogs before turning to the last two members of the group.
"Pablo, Buster, I want you to follow that unicorn around and spy on him. Make sure he's keeping his end of the bargain."
"Come on! Why do I get stuck with the worst job? And to make this moron my partner?" Asked Pablo, gesturing to Buster as Rex marched over to him and stood over him with a furious expression.
"Because you failed to stop the delivery colt from escaping, because you planned to backstab me multiple times, because your tiny and pathetic, and because I will SQUASH YOU if you don't!" Growled Rex, each time his face got closer to Pablo's. Making the blue diamond dog eventually lie on the ground as Rex stood over him.
"... Any more reasons?"
"NOW, PABLO!" Barked Rex as Pablo immediately stood back up and ran off, as he and Buster left the cave.
"And what will you be doing while we're getting the cuffs?" Asked Roxy as Rex glanced back at her.
"That doesn't concern you. Just get to work." Ordered Rex as Roxy rolled her eyes and walked away with Otis by her side.
When Rex was certain that the two were gone, he held the necklace up to his face as he stared directly into the red gem in the middle of the amulet. As the diamond dog continued to stare, he felt a strange surge of power move through his hands. Realizing that the amulet was glowing with a seductive crimson aura surging from the artifact.
As Rex started to smirk evilly at the Alicorn Amulet.
Autumn Blaze's Cottage
Sombra walked through the woods as he retraced his hoofprints back to Autumn Blaze's cottage. Besides regaining his magic, he was also happy he was finally becoming familiar with the layout of the woods. No more falling into nasty ponds and getting covered in leeches. Or getting ambushed by a bunch of homicidal woodland creatures. Even if he did face a new threat, he could blast them into nothing.
But, now the ex-king had a new challenge. He needed to keep the Kirin occupied while the dogs worked on gathering the supplies needed for the attack. Sombra was wondering, could he honestly survive an entire week with this Kirin chatterbox? He was starting to consider getting sent back to the darkness by the elements of harmony or Grogar a better alternative. But if he wanted the Alicorn Amulet and finally rule Equestria, he'll have to do what he needs to do.
As Sombra walked through a final collection of bushes, he made it to a small clearing where he could see Autumn's cottage and Autumn Blaze herself. Still standing several feet away from the rock sitting on the tree stump just how he left it.
Sombra's eyes widened in suprise as he saw an exhausted Autumn Blaze standing a few feet away from the tree stump and sweating bullets. As if she attempted to pour all her energy into her attempt to fire a blast of magical energy, nearly completely depleting her of energy.
Sombra slowly walked over to Autumn as she attempted once more to focus another blast of energy from her horn, only generating a few sparks from her horn. She looked like she could pass out at any moment.
"Have... You been out here, practicing for three hours straight?" Asked Sombra in a slightly concerned voice as Autumn immeditally stopped and turned back to the ex-king.
"Huh? Oh, well... Yeah. But I'm fine. I almost got it!"
"You look like you just ran a marathon. Perhaps it would be best if you get some rest." Suggested Sombra. Not caring if the Kirin did actually passed out, it would just be an annoyance to drag her unconcious body back inside.
"No! No! Really, I got it!" Exclaimed Autumn as she turned back to the stone as she attempted to fire another blast of magic. Only to fail once more.
"Very well, if you refuse to go inside until you complete the spell, let me assist you." Stated Sombra as he walked closer to Autumn and hovered beside her, observing her from a close range.
"Now... Fire again." Ordered Sombra as Autumn turned her head back to the rock. "Calm yourself. Just relax, then when your ready, focus your magic through your horn again and fire when ready..."
Autumn stood as still as a statue as she silently stared at her target. Taking Sombra's advice, she stood as still as a statue. The Kirin attempted to calm herself as best as she could, as she let out a relaxing sigh as she closed her eyes. Inhaling one more, the Kirin opened her eyes back up as she glared at the stone with a determined expression.
Sombra watched as the talkative Kirin focused her magic through her horn once again, but this time sustaining the magic much longer then before. As the magic built up and reached critical mass, she looked back at the target. And fired.
Kazap!
Sombra's and Autumn's eyes widened in shock as the two stared at the burnt stump of the tree where the rock once laid. Now shattered into a thousand pieces. Autumn's face started to slowly transform into a massive smile as Sombra smirked at Autumn's work.
"Hmm, not bad." Commented Sombra as he looked over at Autumn, only for the Kirin to suddenly explode with excited cheers as she started to bounce all around the red horned unicorn. Like an excited little filly.
"YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSSSSS!! I DID IT! I TAUGHT THAT ROCK WHOSE BOSS!" Exclaimed Autumn happily as she bounced around Sombra with pure joy. All the while Sombra looking at the mare with distain.
"Did you see that!? DID YOU SEE THAT!? That was so cool! I mean, I can still do stuff like that with my Nirik form or my fighting skills, but to do that with my horn is just WAY TOO COOL! I wonder what else I can do? Can you teach me more!? What about summoning? Ohh! Or maybe transmutation! Teleportation!? Healing!? Force-fields?! I heard that unicorns can even time travel! Ohh that is so awes-Mph!" Autumn was halted as Sombra stuck his hoof in the mare's mouth. Stopping the mare from getting carried away again, as he slowly removed his hoof.
"Do you EVER turn off?!" Asked Sombra in irritation as Autumn blushed and rubbed the back of her head.
"It's a curse, I'm afraid..."
"Well, it seems like your going to need more practice before moving onto more advanced spells."
"Oh yeah! I'm so excited to learn new spells! Also, thanks, Sombra." Thanked Autumn with a sweet smile.
"Yes, yes, sure thing. Have fun, I'm going to go back inside and read a book. Maybe make some tea." Said Sombra as he instantly turned around and started to walk back to Autumn's cottage. Autumn expressed a look of shock before trotting over to Sombra and standing in his way, stopping him.
"Wait, wait. You just wanna stay crampt inside in the dark all day, reading books like some vampire?" Asked Autumn as a look of realization instantly crossed her face. "Oh, wait. Forgot who I was talking to for a moment. But anyway, it's still a great day, and we still have a lot of daylight left! And I have a few ideas of what we can do for today! Teaching you a few more fighting moves before going out and looking around the village. What do you say?" Asked Autumn with a huge smile on her face as Sombra stared back with a blank expression.
"You enjoy yourself how YOU want to, and I'll enjoy myself how I want to..." Said Sombra smugly as he attempted to walk around the Kirin, only for Autumn to move and continue to block his path.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Yes I can! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-"
"Okay! Okay! You win! Enough already!" Admitted Sombra in defeat as Autumn immediately stopped and cheered as she pumped her hooves into the air.
"So your going to teach me a new fighting move?" Asked Sombra as he and Autumn slowly paced over to the middle of the open field in front of Autumn's house.
"Yup! Now pay close attention! Just in case you find yourself in another situation where you can't use your magic anymore, this move is gonna help you take down an opponent in one move!" Stated Autumn as Sombra subtly rolled his eyes.
"Oh, I'm already dying of anticipation..."
"That's the spirit! Now, I want you to try and take me down. Without your magic. I mean, if you can... Remember this morning?" Said Autumn in a challenging tone as she raised one of her eyebrows at the ex-king.
"Please, last time I simply wasn't prepared for your attack. Now that I am, your going down. And I'm not afraid to hit a mare." Replied Sombra as he squinted his eyes in anticipation.
"Show me what you got!" Stated Autumn as she got into her combat position, before Sombra charged straight at her, horn pointed straight ahead. But as the stallion was only a foot away from her, Autumn leaped into the air and performed a spinning crescent kick, jumping in the air and spinning around with her back hoof extended. And her back hoof connecting with Sombra's chin and sending the stallion flying back.
As Autumn landed back on the ground, she made her way over to where Sombra was lying back first on the dirt ground. With whatever dignity the ex-king had remaining, getting knocked out of him by the cheery Kirin's kick.
Autumn made her way over to Sombra and looked down at the solemn king. As the Kirin attempted to hold back a few giggles Sombra only stared back with an annoyed deadpanned look.
"Hehehe, hows the weather down there, Sombra?" Asked Autumn as Sombra slowly turned his head to the mare in irritation.
"Your enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Well, kinda. But don't worry, most untrained ponies don't know how to defend against an attack like that. Or even pull one off." Stated Autumn assuredly as she reached a hoof down to help Sombra up, as the ex-despot took it and got back up.
"Come on! We're just getting started!" Stated Autumn as she wandered back over to the spot where she knocked down Sombra just a few moments ago.
Sombra groaned in annoyance as he started to walk over to the mare. "Next week can't come fast enough..."
