Before Sombra became king he was a simple scholar attempting to give Earth Ponies an equal standing amongst unicorns. He didn't expect his quest for power to cause him to meet the one he could not live without. But his hunger for power still calls.
Before Sombra was king, an infamous tyrant that ruled over the Crystal Empire until his downfall, he was a scholar. Under the rule of the King and Queen of the crystal empire he worked endlessly as a way to prove himself in the eyes of those who looked down upon him. He only needed to find the missing key to allow Earth ponies like himself to be able to wield magic on par or better than a unicorn could. But his quest for power brought about an unexpected meeting with a young mare. She is unlike anyone he had ever met before. Sombra wants to build a better world for her, one where society cannot dictate what they know is right. Yet one must tread carefully along the road between power and love. For a single misstep can lead to an endless world of darkness.
Another dead end. Sombra let out a growl of frustration as he forced the heavy tome shut with his hoof. As he rubbed his temple he could feel another headache coming on. It seemed not even the great StarSwirl the Bearded had thought about his theory. It was just another testament that Sombra was truly treading unknown waters in the world of magic.
The ticking of the clock on his work desk in his study did little to quell his annoyance. He wasn’t sure how long he had been invested in his theory this time, let alone what the weather was like outside. His black mane was a mess and his simple clothing of a white button up shirt with black trousers were also in disarray; but his determination drove him to continue. He would prove them wrong.
Sombra had spent many years of his life devoted to research for the Crystal Empire, yet his colleagues still had the audacity to doubt him. They called him a fool; said he had gone mad. But they are the ones who will pay for their doubt. Earth ponies can reach the magical capabilities of unicorns. And when he can provide proof to his theory, he shall be the one laughing when the King and Queen of the Crystal Empire praise him for his discovery. It may even gain the respect of the immortal Princesses of Equestria.
Only time would tell of course.
His chair creaked in protest as he stood and made his way toward his bookshelf, tome in hoof. The location he was provided by the university was a quaint little space in the three-bedroom apartment. Though it did not reach the grand expectations his research should have earned him it was better than nothing.
After placing the heavy tome back in its proper place, he scanned the shelves. He had read these books thousands of times before, some were generously gifted by his parents or colleagues for his accomplishments, but regardless of a book’s origins Sombra would leave no stone unturned. There was always something that could assist new theories and tests.
Eventually Sombra’s eyes settled on a plain green volume about plants. He considered skipping it over momentarily but something about the volume nagged at the back of his mind. His research had focused on the mystical essence of magic, how it always seemed to have a unique magical core tied to a pony from birth. But life always disintegrated and returned to the ground in one form or another.
Sombra nudged the volume out with his right hoof, gently gripped the spine with his teeth to place it in his right hoof, then carried it back to his desk. The clock continued to tick away as he settled into the worn chair and carefully flipped through the pages.
Lilies, orchids, sunflowers… it was just one ordinary plant after another used for teas or medical properties. Useless. He needed pants with magical properties not useless drivel. Of course, the author neglected to add a table of context to make his search easier. What he wouldn’t give to have the magical ability to flip through the pages with magic than to struggle with hooves.
Sombra continued to flip through the pages and even considered putting the book back on the shelf until he paused on one particular passage. At first glance the sketch of the plant seemed like every other flower. But it had been marked in the corner to indicate the flower had magical properties. Curiosity peaked; he leaned forward in his seat to examine the page further.
The Anemone flower is very delicate plant discovered within the regions near Griffin territory. Due to its sensitive nature, it is very rare to find the plant to be growing it in other parts of the world.
“Of course,” Sombra muttered but he continued to read.
Those who have been fortunate enough to discover the Anemone flower have learned the flower’s petals have the ability to increase one’s magical core. Many unicorns have been known to use the plants’ properties in battle or to win the affections of another. (Affects the Anemone flower may have on a Pegasus or Earth pony has not been determined.)
Due to its dangerous and volatile nature if prepared improperly many kingdoms have banned the use of the plant in an effort to prevent the peace treaty from being broken. However, there are some who are known to possess the plant for educational purposes such as the Canterlot private gardens, the Saddle Arabia oasis, as well as the Crystal Empire sanctuary.
Sombra leaned back in his seat contemplating his recent find. Such potential is hidden behind a simple flower. The scholars that came before him were fools not to explore the flower’s effects on Pegasus and Earth ponies. He would not make the same mistake.
Fortunately, the book said the flower grew within the Crystal Empire sanctuary, but he would require permission from the King. An easy feat for someone such as himself. He may not have been born with the crystal gene or blessed with a unicorn’s horn, but he had worked tirelessly to become a renowned scholar within the kingdom.
He reached across the table for fresh parchment and gripped a quill in his mouth to write his request for audience with the King. Then, on a separate parchment, he made a note of the flower and the volume he had found it in. Once he finished Sombra spit the quill out of his mouth and looked down at the letter triumphantly.
He was one step closer to his dream.
The second the ink dried he folded the letter, carefully used a lit candle to drop fresh wax to seal the letter (marked with his family crest) and rushed out the door toward the nearest postal service. The letter was carefully stowed in his saddle bag. Time was of the essence, and he refused to waste a single moment.
The soft clinking of piano keys filled the drawing room of Hazleblossom’s home. Years of training had taught her to be efficient yet dainty as a flower. Her audience of suitors were drawn into the melody, the beauty, but not her. The green gown her mother had selected for her was beautiful; it matched well against her glittering light-yellow fur and was ornate with the latest fashion in the Crystal kingdom and ruffles lined the back of the dress creating a layered effect. But it had been laced almost as tightly as her pink hair that had been done up with delicate braids encircling a high bun.
As the final note hit, she stood from the small stool and curtsied politely amongst the cheers.
“Marvelous, just marvelous!”
“Lady Hazelblossom you are truly extraordinary.”
She smiled nervously but couldn’t bring herself to say anything.
“We thank you gentlemen for your kind words but I’m afraid your time has just run out. If you’d kindly follow our maid, CherryTwist, we shall await your call another time.” Her mother crowed, she wore a simple violet gown and had her cherry red hair done in a neat bun. She said she wanted to dress modestly to keep the suitor's attention on her daughter but to Hazelblossom her mother could never look simple in anything.
The suitors glumly obeyed, some approaching and wishing them a good evening with hopes to see her again before exited the manor. Hazelblossom waited until the final stallion left before allowing herself to let out a small sigh of relief, she thought they would never leave.
“Oh, Hazelblossom isn’t this just grand, you have so many suitors to choose from I’m certain you shall be matched before the end of the season!” she wrapped her wings around her daughter in a hug.
“It is certainly exciting.” Hazelblossom murmured, she lifted her right leg to hug her mother back, but her mother had already moved away and started trotting around the room.
All this fuss to attract a gentlecolt whose only interest was in an obedient wife. Treated as a prize rather than a mare with thoughts and feeling of her own. Hazelblossom still couldn’t wrap her mind around the concept no matter how hard she tried.
“I’m certain your father will be thrilled by the news; we must act post haste! Perhaps another visit to the tailor is in order?”
The thought of having to stand still as somepony poked pins too close for comfort again made Hazelblossom cringe. She had barely managed to survive the last visit and the seamstress had such a fierce look in her eyes.
“Um, mother…”
“Don’t start sentences with ‘um’ dear it is unbecoming.”
“I’m sorry. Mother, I was wondering if perhaps I could schedule a trip to the Flower Sanctuary instead.”
Her mother paused mid step and looked at her daughter like she had grown a second head. “The gardens? Darling, I don’t believe that will be possible. With the season in full swing and the upcoming festival the gardens won’t be safe.”
“I promise I will be careful; my wardrobe already has more than enough gowns to keep the suitor’s interest and I will have my maid, Ginger, accompany me so that I am not unsupervised.”
“But to go without a suitor…”
“Please mother.”
Hazelblossom held her breath as her mother contemplated her request. She just wanted one day to herself. No suitors or her mother breathing down her neck to make a match. A simple stroll through the gardens to forget her problems for one day.
“…Very well, I shall talk to your father. But if you are granted permission, you must keep Ginger with you at all times. I do not want to hear about some riff raff trying to court you while you’re unsupervised.”
“Oh, thank you thank you mother!” Hazelblossom dashed across the room and enveloped her mother in a hug. Her mother’s demands of following proper decorum fell on deaf ears as Hazelblossom raced out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom.
There was much to prepare for her future visit to the gardens and Hazelblossom knew her father would never refuse her request. He loved the gardens just as much as she did. Of course, everything must meet her mother’s approval in case she came across a possible suitor. But Hazelblossom couldn’t care less about impressing a gentlecolt, she was going to visit her favorite place in the entire Crystal Empire.
It took a week to receive a response. This came as a surprise since the last correspondence Sombra had with the King took three weeks. Yet by the time the letter arrived it would have left him a day to prepare a presentation. But he knew his request was something that would be difficult to ignore and had prepared everything to ensure the King would be swayed into allowing him to continue his research.
The next morning, he dressed in his finest suit and took to the streets to find a carriage to take him to the castle. It was another unbearably bright day; the sun’s rays allowed the crystal buildings and the resident crystal ponies to give off a radiant shimmer.
Yet he only managed to get a few steps outside of the apartment when the unbearably loud noise of the townsfolk reminded him what he had forgotten. The preparations for the festival celebrating the peace treaty between The Crystal Empire and Canterlot had begun today. Ponies from all walks of life flooded the sidewalk and carriages rushed by as residents and visitors prepared for the festivities. Meaning getting to the castle was going to take much longer than he expected. Sombra scowled and stood as close to the street edge as he safely could and raised his hoof to hail a carriage. He cursed his stupidity for forgetting such an occasion but there was nothing he could do about it now.
After the fifth carriage passed him by, Sombra decided to cut his losses and make a run for it. Even he was not foolish enough to leave royalty waiting for him.
He tore through town as quickly as he could, dodging ponies that crossed his path. By the time he reached the entrance to the palace he was exhausted. He had never run such a distance in his life! Thankfully his saddlebag was able to withstand the unexpected turbulence.
Some of the ponies nearby glanced at him strangely and whispered but he paid them no heed. Using a nearby crystal he fixed his mane and rumpled clothing then joined the small crowd heading toward the castle doors.
Compared to the cottages that surrounded it, the castle was truly a beacon of perfection, and in the center sat the Crystal Heart. The magical embodiment of the pony’s dedication to their King and Queen. It was something Sombra longed to study; how did the magic work, was it connected to the hearts of the townsfolk or was there a deeper magic at work? All questions that he would never know the answer to. To even suggest studying the Crystal Heart is grounds for banishment if the King and Queen were feeling merciful. Sombra kept his gaze forward to resist the urge to be drawn into the Crystal Heart’s allure.
There was a mixture of every class and species; scholars and peasants walked amongst nobles. Unicorn, Pegasi, and Earth pony. It was as if the Crystal empire was showing unity by having everyone enter and exit through the same doors.
“No no no, dang it!” Gasped a mare a few paces in front of him.
There was a loud thud as the box of scrolls and what seemed to be party supplied spilled everywhere. She appeared to be a normal earth pony; her coat was a soft pink with a dark pink mane pulled together in a messy bun and wore a simple brown dress. Yet the ponies around her continued to trot pass and completely ignore her.
Sombra considered for a moment doing the same, he had barely managed to make it to the castle, and he did not want to risk angering the King for his tardiness. But when continued along until he came up beside her and saw her beginning to cry he decided it wouldn’t hurt to assist her.
Kneeling down he carefully grasped some of the scrolls in his mouth and dropped them in the basket. The mare stared at him, almost like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing, then quickly began gathering the dropped items once more. Between the two of them they were able to gather everything very quickly.
“Thank you, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t-”
But Sombra had left before she could finish her sentence.
Fortunately, Sombra’s slight detour did not cause him to be late but from the way the King and Queen stared him down as he approached he might as well have been. King Onyx’s blue eyes burned into him with unspoken fury, his pitch-black coat held the same radiance of crystal as the ones surrounding him, and his silver armor only added to his menacing aura. It seemed one step out of line would cause King Onyx to use his unicorn magic to reduce Sombra to ash.
Queen Psyche was the polar opposite; her emotions were clear across her face that she was upset but was intrigued and wished to take a gentler approach. Her soft pink coat shimmered with the sunlight coming through the stain glass window and wore a silk dress with holes cut out for her wings was colored with soft pastel purples and blues.
“You’re request intrigues us. Tell me Sombra, why should we allow you to use the Anemone flower.” King Onyx bellowed.
Sombra rose from his respectful bow but did not dare to look the King or the Queen in the eyes just yet. He had to retain every sense of decorum to ensure his request was approved. Even if it went against every fiber of his being to act respectful to those who held none for him.
“Your majesty, if I may.” He paused until the King gestured for him to continue. “My research into the flower’s properties is purely for educational purposes. However, if my calculations are correct, I will be able to allow us to harness the flowers magical properties to assist ponies who suffer from injuries once thought to be incurable. These findings would not only ensure the peace treaty remains intact due to their intentions being for the wellbeing of others but could strengthen the bond between our Kingdom and the kingdoms we have an alliance, with your permission of course.”
His words were not a complete lie, the magic the flowers could grant could strengthen healing capabilities. But Sombra was not foolish enough to confess his true intentions for his research. It was a risk he was unwilling to take.
“Do you have any idea what you are suggesting?” the King hissed, his horn glowed with magic. “We are about to host the festivities for the peace treaty between our Kingdom and Canterlot and you want to put that at risk by-”
Queen Psyche let out a gentle cough causing King Onyx to pause and look toward his wife.
“Darling please, allow him to present his research first. While his timing is… questionable it appears to come with noble intentions.” She placed her hoof on King Onyx’s who snorted in frustration but did not continue his rant. Queen Psyche turned to Sombra, “Continue.”
Without wasting a beat Sombra pulled out his research and presented it to the guard to brought it to the King and Queen once it had been thoroughly checked.
“If we act right away and my research yields the desired results, we can present the findings to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Canterlot the day they arrive for the festivities. It would show an act of good faith to Canterlot who will in turn back our findings amongst kingdoms they have alliances with that we have not formed yet.”
King Onyx eyed the document warily, when he finished he handed the documents over to his wife who held them in her wings. With each line she read she seemed to grow more interested.
“The Anemone flower is said to only strengthen a Unicorn’s magic and stamina. How do you know this will have any effect on a Pegasus or an Earth Pony such as yourself?” the King seemed smug at this question.
It was like a cat playing with a mouse. The King didn’t want to upset his wife by outright denying Sombra’s request. But Sombra was not going to back down that easily.
“Due to the flower’s magical properties, it may not need to rely on the magical core of the individual but on the flower’s own abilities. I am willing to test it on myself to ensure no pony is harmed during my research.” Sombra replied.
The room was silent. If looks could kill Sombra was certain the King would have ensured he was never born.
“I find your research to be very sound and your sacrifice noble, I shall grant your request.” Queen Psyche announced. “We shall inform the staff at the Sanctuary of your research and allow you to harvest the petals.”
Sombra wanted to sigh in relief, but he kept his composure and bowed deeply.
“You have until the end of the month when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Canterlot arrive.” King Onyx cut in.
Sombra’s head shot up in surprise. Till the end of the month? That was practically impossible!
“Darling!” Gasped Queen Psyche.
“If I find your research does not yield results we shall discuss if you should be allowed to continue your research.” King Onyx continued; he waved his hoof to motion the guard still standing nearby to gather up Sombra’s research and return it to him.
All Sombra could do was nod his head solemnly and the guard handed him his research. He didn’t even have time to place them back in his saddle bag, Sombra carried them out awkwardly with his right front hoof clutching them to his chest. It wasn’t until the doors into the palace slammed behind him that he grabbed the papers and placed them back into his saddle bags.
The festivities began at the beginning of the month. He had four and a half weeks to prove his findings were sound. Sombra rushed down the street as quickly as he could toward his apartment. He needed his supplies to harvest the flower petals, a notebook, a fresh well of ink, and much more if he wanted to finish on time.
Hazelblossom smiled happily as she walked through the gardens at a gentle pace with Ginger following close behind. The Crystal Sanctuary gardens were much calmer compared to the bustling streets outside. With the festival right around the corner the streets had become so hectic her father almost considered changing his mind about letting her go. But a promise was a promise, and her father was not one to go back on his word, especially when she was involved.
Although mother was going to be disappointed when she returned. The gardens were lovely, but it wasn’t exactly a place where eligible bachelors spent their days. The only gentlecolts she encountered were there with their wives. Any potential bachelors were far too preoccupied with the festivities and (to be honest) Hazelblossom was grateful they weren’t here.
It was already stressful enough when she had to socialize at the social events and the suitors that would flock to her home. She just wanted the gardens to remain the one place she could go without feeling the need to impress someone.
From the second she stepped through the doors into the glass dome she was overwhelmed by the garden’s beauty. Everything was so vibrant with budding and blossomed flowers of various colors and size everywhere she looked. Proper decorum required her to act as if she was mildly impressed but Hazelblossom couldn’t keep herself from smiling happily as she strolled through the gardens with (insert maids name here).
“My lady, are you ready to depart?” inquired Ginger, “Your father was very clear when he said he wished for you to return before the sun set.”
Hazelblossom took one look at the sky through the glass ceiling then back at Ginger. The sun was nowhere close to setting. She knew this was because her father was a colt who hated the concept of someone being late. He had fired staff for even being a second late in the past. But Hazelblossom hadn’t been to the gardens after she had debuted into society and she wanted to make it last.
“We will depart soon. I just want to stroll through the gardens for a little longer.” Hazelblossom replied.
“Of course, my lady.” said Ginger with a curtsy.
They continued down the pathway without another word. Hazelblossom would pause every now and again to examine some of the floral she found interesting or to examine a butterfly on one of the nearby flowers. Other than the occasional greeting toward a passing noble couple the path remained peaceful.
Everything was so peaceful, and she wished she could make this moment last forever. She paused once again and leaned down to smell the tiger lily she had come across when a sudden rustling sound came from one of the bushes nearby. Hazelblossom let out an unlady like squeak at the sound and her gaze shifted toward the rustling bush.
“Oh, good heavens, we better move along quickly lady Hazelblossom. Who knows what sort of things could be roaming around these gardens.”
But Hazelblossom didn’t move; her body felt as if she was frozen in place. What if it was some sort of monster that snuck into the gardens? A monster that ate ponies! The very thought caused Hazelblossom’s fear to spike even higher.
Part of her rationalized whatever was there was probably a gardener, or a foal who got separated from their parent. Yet she still couldn’t move.
Then, the cause of the noise jumped out of the bushes. It wasn’t a monster or some innocent gardener pony but a small white bunny. Hazelblossom’s fear melted into joy and excitement; she had never seen a real bunny before! When she was younger, she had read every single book her father’s library about animals, but bunnies were one of her favorite animals to learn about.
“Lady Hazelblossom we must move away from this vermin post haste! It could have diseases or fleas.” Ginger wrapped her front right hoof around Hazelblossom’s and tried to pull her away from the bunny/vermin.
“It’s just a bunny Ginger, they’re harmless, aren’t you little one.” Hazelblossom pulled her hoof out of Ginger’s grasp and slowly approached the bunny.
She knelt down and held out her hoof close enough for the bunny to investigate without feeling attacked. The bunny sniffed the air curiously and hopped forward a bit and stared up at Hazelblossom and tilted their head. Then the bunny smiled and hopped into Hazelblossom’s hooves and nuzzled against her cheek.
“Oh!” Hazelblossom gasped and held the bunny as gently as she could. She wasn’t expecting that sort of reaction but it just filled her heart with joy.
“My lady it is most unbecoming for-”
“Well would you look at that, I told you we would find the vermin eventually.” Called an unfamiliar voice.
Hazelblossom looked up to see two unicorn royal guards walking up the pathway toward her. They both wore navy blue suits with silver armor to show their ranking. One had an orange crystal coat with wheat colored hair. The other seemed very familiar to Hazelblossom; he had a crystal white coat and a black mane, but she couldn’t quite place where he knew him. If her mother were here, she would have been mortified to see her being caught by someone doing something so unlady like.
“Good afternoon, sirs, I just found him wandering about and was going to find a safe place to release him.” Hazleblossom curtsied the best she could with the bunny still in her hooves.
“That’s quite alright ma’am,” said the orange crystal guard then he got a mischievous smirk on his face. “Though I must say we did not expect to see that vermin with someone as exquisite as you.”
Hazelblossom blushed and looked away in embarrassment, “I… I found him by chance.” Her voice was barely above a whisper; though it seemed it was loud enough for the other crystal guard to hear.
“Regardless we are thankful for your assistance Lady Hazelblossom.” The other crystal guard sent a warning glance toward his partner then looked back at her with a gentle smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “If you don’t mind handing the rabbit over we will be on our way.
That voice, it was so familiar and had such a commanding tone that urged her to wish to comply. But the bunny began to shiver in her hooves and only clung harder nearly causing her to wince. Then it was as if something clicked into place. The second crystal guard was Lord Comet. He was one of the lords that had called on her last week. But she didn’t know him well enough to determine if he was one to spread rumors about and ruin her reputation over one act of kindness.
Yet when Hazelblossom looked into the pleading eyes of the bunny and back into the cold demanding ones of the gentlecolt in front of her she knew what she had to do.
“No, I don’t believe I will.”
Ginger let out a small gasp in shock, but Hazelblossom stood her ground. Lord Comet’s smile quickly turned into a stern frown and his companion appeared to be fighting back his laughter.
However, it seemed that Lord Comet was not one to back down so easily and he quickly smile and let out a lighthearted chuckle. “You seem to misunderstand me, Lady Hazelblossom. We only wish to help the ve- little rabbit, find its way back to the forest. I give you my word we do not wish any ill will.”
“That’s right, nothing to worry about at all.” Chimed in the orange guard.
“I appreciate your reassurance, but I can handle this on my own, I bid you a good day gentleman.” Hazelblossom tried to step around them, but the orange crystal guard just held out his hoof and tutted in disappointment.
“Not so fast. We cannot allow you to pass until you hand over the rabbit.”
“My lady they’re just trying to do their job. Please just hand over the rabbit.” Hissed Ginger.
Hazelblossom just shook her head and tried to maneuver around them again, but the two colts had kept moving forward until they had backed her and Ginger against one of the nearby walls. Fear was slowly beginning to overwhelm her once more as the two colts advanced toward her.
“Lady Hazelblossom please we just need the rabbit then we will be on our way.” Coaxed Lord Comet.
“And perhaps something more for our troubles.” Muttered the orange crystal guard.
“No, I don’t believe you. Please just leave us alone!” whimpered Hazelblossom.
If he were a chipper pony Sombra would have been humming a tune as he trotted through the gardens toward the location of the Anemone flower. The gardening staff were rather grumpy when they realized who he was and why he was there, but they allowed him in without incident. All he had to do was figure out where the blasted flower was. Honestly the entire place was more like a maze rather than a Sanctuary. But Sombra refused to go home empty hoofed; he had fought to hard to get to this moment to allow some ridiculous Sanctuary to get between him and his goal.
He turned another corner hoping to find a sign or at least some other pony willing to give him some sort of direction. Well, he did find a pony, four to be exact, and two of them were crystal guards harassing a young lady and her maid. It wasn’t exactly what he was expecting but it wasn’t his problem. Sombra backed away and turned to try and find some other pony to assist him.
“Lady Hazelblossom please we just need the rabbit then we will be on our way.” Coaxed a familiar voice.
Interesting, it seemed his dear brother was back in town. How long had it been since they last seen each other.
“And perhaps something more for our troubles.” Muttered the orange crystal guard. Yet it was not as quiet as they thought.
“No, I don’t believe you. Please just leave us alone!” whimpered Hazelblossom.
Surely somepony else would come along to assist the young Lady and her maid. It wasn’t’ his responsibility to protect someone of the upper-class (even if he was technically still one of them). But no other pony seemed to be around.
Sombra gritted his teeth and forced himself to turn back and walk toward the young Lady and maid in distress. He may have a cold heart, but he was not heartless enough to allow this to go on without someone interfering. Even if it meant it had to be him.