> Under Zhan Tiri's Control > by Musical_theatre_demon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Sombra's Return? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Crystal Empire grew colder and colder. Flurry Heart tried her best figure out what was going on, but what could a filly do? It wasn't even time yet for her rule. In her heart, she worried about Pound Cake more than the fate of her kingdom. Flurry wasn't sure if this was good or bad, as her parents had taught her what they know about the power of love and the magic of friendship. Flurry Heart shook her head. She thought about what her parents would do looking down to the shivering Crystal Ponies as black rocks spread all throughout the Crystal Empire. "Mom, Dad. Come look," Flurry Heart said. Shining Armor and Cadence immediately come. "What's the matter, Flurry Heart?" Empress Cadence asked. "I don't like the look of things out there," Flurry Heart said, "I don't know if it's just me or King Sombra is magically back from the dead." Empress Cadence embraced her daughter. "Don't worry, Flurry Heart," she said, "If he is indeed back, your father and I will need to take precautions to keep you and the Crystal Ponies safe." "What about our friends?" Flurry Heart asked, "We can't forget about them!" "We'll do what we can," Cadence said, looking out into the horizon. "Those aren't Sombra's crystals. Sure, the look strikingly similar, but I assure you. We have worse problems on our hooves." King Sombra emerged from the black rocks, using his magic to encase them in black crystals. "It's Sombra," Cadence said. "Lock the gates and every entrance and exit to the Crystal Empire," Shining Armor said to a Crystal Guard. "Dad, are we sure he's here for revenge?" Flurry Heart said, watching King Sombra put his hoof to the rocks. The rocks' power consumed King Sombra, but instead of the power of the Moonstone making him more evil, it transformed him. King Sombra looked up at the Crystal Empire, his wings finally back. Flying up to Cadence with his alicorn wings, he confronted her. "Why are you three in charge of the empire that once was mine?" "Sombra, enough!" Flurry Heart said, "You're angry that we took over the Crystal Empire, I get it. But really? Where wercyiu when my parents became its rulers?" "I--," Sombra said, falling back. "That's right. You don't know and that's what I expected," Flurry Heart said, "Good. Now out!" King Sombra left, leaving black crystals behind. "Something's up," Flurry Heart said, "And I don't think I like what's about to happen." > Chapter 2: Sombra and Zhan Tiri > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "King Sombra, I expected more out of you. Really, I did," Zhan Tiri said, "What pity was that? I said that once you reclaim your territory, I'd help you get whatever you desire." "You did say that, yes," King Sombra said, "It's not my fault I was hesitant!" "Oh, but it is. Your enemies feed on your weakness, Sombra," she said, "Either you regain that strength or I'll be forced to ge rid of you. And you know I don't want to do that." King Sombra looked Zhan Tiri in the eyes. "I'll do it," he said with a wicked look in his eyes, "Princess Cadence and her family will pay for stealing what is rightfully mine!" Zhan Tiri smiled maliciously. "I will be watching you. And if you fail, I will destroy the portal and Equestria." "Portal? What portal?" Sombra asked. "You buffoon! The portal to the human world!" Zhan Tiri shouted, "Canterlot High if you will." She dismissed him. "Off with you. Don't you dare disappoint me." > Chapter 3: Next Stop, Twilight Sparkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle, now crown princess of Equestria, looked out the window. Canterlot looked fine, but Ponyville worried her most. Stuck in Canterlot Lyrics Twilight Sparkle: I can't stay here But I can't go there No, Equestria won't let me go To see my friends dear Day by day I wonder How are my friends doing? Stuck under the rule But what choice do I have? I must rule Why can't I go? Why can't I just leave Like I used to do? I wanna check on Ponyville I wanna know Say it isn't so I'm stuck here It's time for me to say no But everyday I feel we're growing apart As my new life begins to start It pains me to say But I must stay I'm stuck in Canterlot There's no way I'm not Twilight (spoken): Unless... Yes! I'll get Luster Dawn cover for me! Twilight Sparkle went to search for her faithful student. "Luster Dawn, are you here?" Twilight asked, "Luster Dawn?" Luster Dawn then came through the doors of Canterlot Castle. "Sorry, I was studying friendship in Ponyville!" Twilight's eyes lit up. "Ponyville! That's it!" she said. "What is it, Princess?" Luster Dawn asked. "I'm going to Ponyville to check on things," Twilight said, "And maybe check on my friends while I'm at it! I'd like you look over the castle while I'm in Ponyville." "Me!?" Luster Dawn cried, "I couldn't possibly---!" "I trust you, Luster Dawn. It won't be long. I promise." "I hope so," said Luster Dawn. > Chapter 4: Troubles in Ponyville Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight flew as fast as she could to Ponyville until she came across The School of Friendship. Touching it with her hoof, she smiled as the memories surged through her. But then, she realised what she had come to do. Right when Twilight Sparkle was about to open up the doors, the crystal transformed into black rocks. King Sombra cackled. "Long time no see, Princess," he said. "How are you alive? My friends and I defeated you and you brutally were cut into pieces!" Twilight said. "Oh, I have my ways," Sombra said, "I have magic, remember? I can regenerate whenever I want. OK, let's get to the truth. Zhan Tiri brought me back." "Zhan Tiri?" Twilight said, "Who's that?" King Sombra grinned maliciously. "Let's just say she's somepony who's my partner in crime. May I say more?" "I think I've heard enough!" Twilight said, "It's over, Sombra!" Smiling, King Sombra clearly knew he had the upper hoof. "You really think your Elements of Harmony can stop me now? Well, think again!" Twilight Sparkle eyed the blue stone in King Sombra's magical grasp. "What do you have, Sombra? Give it here!" "Oh, this old thing," King Sombra said, "I don't quite know myself, but I what my magic will be once united with it!" Twilight grimaced. "You wouldn't dare!" King Sombra chuckled. "Oh, and I will! Goodbye, Princess!" With the Moonstone, he wieled its power and used his magic to make Twilight unconscious. "Well, this stone is powerful alright! I can't wait until I get my hooves on the Sundrop! Then I will be able to bring down Twilight and her friends once and for all!" Sombra spread his wings and took off. "Sleep tight, Princess. And don't expect your friends to help you because I know exactly how to dispose of them." > Chapter 5: Troubles in Ponyville Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle was still unconscious when her friends came cantering to her. "Twilight!" they cried, "Are you OK?" No response. "She's asleep," Pinkie Pie said, nudging her, "Anypony know how long she's gonna stay that way?" "It's Twilight we're talking about here," Rainbow Dash said, "Of course she'll wake up sooner or later." Applejack chuckled. "Comin' from the pony who don't wake up til half past noon." "Take that back, you bastard!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Gladly!" Applejack replied in a headstrong manner. A few minutes later, Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes. Struggling to sit up, she used a hoof to touch her forehead. "My head hurts," Twilight said, "Ugh! I can't move!" "Twilight, we're here for you, darling!" Rarity said. "I must've hit my head hard. Who are you and where am I?" Twilight asked. "Surely you know us," Pinkie said, "We're your friends, remember?" "And you're in Ponyville," Rainbow Dash said. Twilight eventually got up, taking a good look at the other members of the Mane 6. "You and this place do look familiar," Twilight said. And then, her memories regained. She gasped, now remembering that she was worried about the fate of Ponyville and her friends. So she left Luster Dawn in charge. It was all so clear to her now. "We need to figure something out and now," Twilight said, "Something happened when I saw Sombra after I returned to Ponyville to check on you. Sombra had this weird bright blue object. I think it's a stone. But more on that later. We'll think of a plan later." Zhan Tiri appeared in front of Twilight and her friends." Oh, so you've discovered the Moonstone." "Moonstone?" Twilight asked. "Yes, that's it,", Zhan Tiri said, "If it weren't for your friends here, you wouldn't have woken up. But I couldn't let that happen. I just had to see how devoted they were to you. Now I see how easy it is to get under your skin." "You wouldn't dare!" Twilight said. "Oh, but I will. Just you wait, Princess," Zhan Tiri said, chuckling. Twilight Sparkle collapsed, looking at each shard of glass in the mirror to the human world. No. She couldn't believe it. Every shard had turned black. Zhan Tiri had entered the portal and Twilight had to go after her even if she wasn't her story's villain. > Chapter 6: Through the Portal... and Never Coming Back? Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity looked at Twilight, concerned. "What if you never come back?" her friends asked, "Who knows what's waiting in there for you!" Twilight smiled. "Don't be silly, girls. You know I'll find a way to get out," she said. She gulped as her and Spike were about to go through the corrupted mirror. "Are you sure we'll get out?" Spike asked as soon as they stepped in and arrived at Canterlot High, "I don't like the look of things." "Spike, there's always light in the dark. You've just gotta find it," Twilight said, "See, our friends look OK!" "I wouldn't say---," Spike began to say, Twilight cutting him off with an icy glare. "Positive, Spike. I don't like it either, but being optimistic will steer us in a whole new direction. I promise," said Twilight. Just at that moment, Zhan Tiri appeared in front of Twilight. Alongside her was a reluctant, but nevertheless loyal human version of King Sombra. Twilight Sparkle tried to reach out her hand to grab King Sombra, but failed. "Sombra, please! I can see that you don't want this! It isn't too late to see the light again!" she cried. "Oh, you poor, pathetic princess. Why did I spare you again?" Zhan Tiri said, "Oh right. Get ready to have your spirits crushed!" Using the power of both the Sundrop and Moonstone combined, Zhan Tiri was able to hold off Twilight's magic. That also meant the powers of her friends. But there was one of Twilight's friends that Zhan Tiri couldn't get to, puzzling her with frustration ready to blow like fireworks out of control. The unaffected one was Sunset Shimmer---- Twilight's girlfriend. "Why isn't it working?" Zhan Tiri bellowed, grabbing Sunset Shimmer and holding her up by her shirt collar. "You pathetic bitch! Why won't you be affected?" "Put me down, Zhan Tiri!" Sunset said. Weak, Twilight blinked. She was confused on how Sunset knew who Zhan Tiri was. Zhan Tiri wasn't from this world, so how could she know? Every time Twilight tried to ponder this, an ounce of her magic was unwillingly and unknowingly drained from her body followed by aches and pains, worse than those of cramps. In the human world, she had fallen unconscious now losing all hope that she once had when Spike had arrived with her. He looked upset, angry even with tears streaming down his sweet purple puppy face. Spike was heartbroken. Without Twilight, he was nothing. It was like a life without a mother---- or better yet---- a sister. Soon Spike tried his best to jump up and bite Zhan Tiri. But he was no match for her. He soon met the same fate as Twilight. They would never return back to Equestria and they were beginning to think that true. > Chapter 7: Through the Portal... and Never Coming Back? Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- That was when King Sombra had enough. "Zhan Tiri, what you're doing has gone too far and I refuse to be a part of it!" he said. Zhan Tiri grinned, but not in a usual way. It was dark and malicious, but more manipulative than anything else. "King Sombra, it's true you wouldn't be back here if it weren't for me," Zhan Tiri said, "And stop the act. I know you're scared. You seek my power and believe that the only way you're gonna get it is by me helping you." King Sombra grimaced with anger. "That's not true!" He began to step back as it sunk into his mind. "You brought me back from the dead?" "Well, yes. I am here to help you see your potential," Zhan Tiri replied. "But what if I don't want to go down that path I once did? What if I'm done playing my and your little game?" King Sombra said. "I guess you'll have to pay the price, then," Zhan Tiri said. "And what's that?" Sombra asked. "You'll see soon enough," Zhan Tiri said, "Once you start working solo again, those blasted Elements of Harmony will crush you into a million pieces again and I'm sure you don't want to endure the same fate over and over again." King Sombra though about it, but quickly convinced himself to snap out of it and not to fall for her tricks. "The Mane 6 are very forgiving! You'll see!" he said. "Oh, then I guess you won't be pony-ing up with your wings," Zhan Tiri said. "What did you do with my alicorn wings? They were a birthright!" King Sombra cried. "Spare me, please. Since when did you need these, Mr. Oh So Powerful Unicorn?" "You'll pay for this!" King Sombra said. "Oh, but of course I will," she said, weakening King Sombra, "NOT!" "Please!" he begged. "I try to help you, but all I do is just some game to you?" Zhan Tiri said, "Say goodbye to Equestria and your wings forever!" Just as Twilight and Spike had, King Sombra suffered the same exact same fate. Nopony could escape Zhan Tiri, not even Sunset Shimmer. And she was about to find that out. > Chapter 8: Sunset Shimmer vs. Zhan Tiri Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunset Shimmer, scared, looked at Twilight Sparkle and Spike on the ground. Walking over to Twilight, Sunset fell to her knees and cried. Tears streamed down her face and onto Twilight. "Twilight, you're in a really bad dream! Please wake up!" Zhan Tiri cackled, smirking. "Stop trying. She's not gonna wake up." Sunset's tears turned to angry tears, ready to avenge her lover. "What did you do?" she shouted. "The real question is: What did you do?" Zhan Tiri said. "I would never hurt her!" Sunset said, "I love her too much!" "Really?" Zhan Tiri said, "You had potential and you let it go because of that princess. Join me and you can relive your rightful path." "You don't understand! Then I was lost and scared, full of hatred! You too can be a better person!" Sunset said, reaching out her hand. Zhan Tiri slapped Sunset's hand. "I can't believe how naive you've become, Sunset Shimmer. First you and now my right hand man King Sombra!" "Sombra! What did you do with him?" Sunset said. "Why does that concern you?" Zhan Tiri asked. "Because I saw that he had food in him!" Sunset Shimmer said, "Everyone has good somewhere deep inside them. You've just gotta find it." "You really think this 'magic of friendship' shit is gonna work on me?" Zhan Tiri shouted, "I'm different than you weak ass pony villains! I won't be going down so easily!" Sunset Shimmer smirked. "You so sure about that, Zhan Tiri?" "Oh, please. Don't act like you have the upper hand when you actually don't," Zhan Tiri said. "Girls!" Sunset said, "Let's do this!" "But you saw what he did to Twilight! We can't compete against that!" Rainbow Dash cried. "With the magic of friendship, all evil will fall and the light will renter their hearts!" Zhan Tiri smirked. "Oh, I see how it is. If it's a fight you want, then a fight you'll get!" "Gladly," Sunset Shimmer said, smirking determinedly. > Chapter 9: Sunset Shimmer vs. Zhan Tiri Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Get ready to die, Sunset!" said Zhan Tiri, "You don't know what power you're dealing with!" So Sunset Shimmer possessed Magic in the absence of Twilight. She was inexperienced in an element that didn't belong to her. The Element of Magic converted into Forgiveness, the one that truly belonged to her. "No!" Sunset said, "No, no, no! I really thought that this would work! If only Twilight would just wake up!" "You finished?" Zhan Tiri said, "It's such a shame it had to end this way. You just aren't as powerful without your precious princess." "Zhan Tiri, wait!" Sunset said, "If there's some way to heal her, just tell me!" "I'll tell you if you embrace your past and come with me," Zhan Tiri said. Sunset Shimmer had a tough decision to make. Would she stay by her friends' sides and try to fight back and fail, or go with Zhan Tiri and have a chance to save Twilight? She hesitated, but made up her mind. "I'll do it," she said. "Sunset, no!" her friends cried. Sunset Shimmer lowered her head. "It's what I must sacrifice to save all of you." "Good," Zhan Tiri said, "Come with me. I'll tell you the way to save your friends." > Chapter 10: Sunset Shimmer's Sacrifice > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Show (Sunset Shimmer Reprise) Lyrics Sunset Shimmer: You're never gonna bring me down You're never gonna break this part of me My friends and I are gonna bring you down Not fighting just for prosperity "You're tough, but I wouldn't fight it if I were you," Zhan Tiri said. "But I can't just trust you automatically! I need to devise a plan to defeat you!" Sunset said. "You have a choice to take the easy route and you come with me with your decision in mind. Don't you think it's too late to change?" "Of course not," Sunset said, "It's never too late to change your mind." "I wish I could say the same," Zhan Tiri said, "But your fantasies are all too real. Have you ever thought about if the villain won without reformation?" "No, I haven't," Sunset said, "But I won't let that happen! Once I get out of here, I'll save my friends and together the magic of friendship will stop you!" Sacrifices Must Be Made Lyrics Zhan Tiri: You're so naive If you're so sure Then you can leave Have you forgotten Why you're here? I know a way to save your friends I'll give you a choice So the sorrow ends Stay or leave Abandon your friends And stay naive Either way Sacrifices must be made Sunset Shimmer (spoken): So you're telling me if I trust you, you'll help me get my friends back. Zhan Tiri (spoken): But with a price Sunset Shimmer (spoken): What's the price? Zhan Tiri: Join me Embrace your past No looking back, you see The darkness rising in you At last Sunset Shimmer: Embrace the past? Erase the friendships Long-lasting? It's a hard decision That must be made With precision There's no holding back! Stay or leave Abandon my friends And stay naive Either way At least that's what they say Sacrifices must be made Sacrifices must be made Either way That's what they say Sacrifices must be made It's only temporary, Sunset thought to herself, Just until I get my friends back. > Chapter 11: Sunset Shimmer's Defeat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zhan Tiri handed Sunset Shimmer a scroll. "Take this scroll. I guarantee that it will save your friends." Sunset snatched it. "Don't get the wrong idea. After this pony-human-demon stuff is over, I will defeat you." "Don't count on it," Zhan Tiri said, "Just be quick. You wanna save your friends, don't you?" "Why are you helping me?" Sunset asked. "The same reason I was helping King Sombra. You both had potential and threw it away," Zhan Tiri said. "Whatever you say, Zhan Tiri," said Sunset Shimmer, "I'll be saving my friends now." "I will be watching to see how you do," Zhan Tiri said with an evil grin. * * * When Sunset Shimmer reached her unconscious friends, she proceeded to read the scroll. But instead of saving her friends, Sunset was now encased in a cage made entirely of gold and black rocks. "I warned you what would happen if you trusted me, Sunset Shimmer. Do you really think I'd help you save your beloved friends?" "You set me up! I should've known never to trust you!" Sunset said. Sacrifices Must Be Made (Reprise) Lyrics Zhan Tiri: When the sun rises With the moon at last Say goodbye to your friends 'Cause you'll be In the past You've made the wrong choice I'm gonna make you regret You even had a voice Now you're done And gone Sacrifices must be made