Chapters It was 12:00 Midnight at the Canterlot Castle. Everypony was sound asleep. Everyone but Twilight who was sitting in bed, reading a book. Spike lay sleeping in his tiny bed. Tired after a long day of preparation for Twilght's official coronation. Twilight flipped through the pages at a steady paste. She mumbled to herself. She continued until she her a faint whisper of a stallion. "Twilight," it called.
"Who's there?" asked Twilight.
The voice called out again. "Twilight..."
"I demand you show yourself!"
Then there was a deep silence. Curious yet frightened, Twilight jumped out of her bed, opened her door and walked outside. She looked both left and right. There was no one in sight. The halls were empty. She shrugged and went back into her room. But, as she returned to her bed, the voice called out once more, but this time saying a full sentence. "I am coming for you Twilight," it said. "Darkness will rise among Equestria, with you leading it." Twilight screamed. Three guards including Flash Sentry rushed into her bedroom. "What happened? What's going on?" asked Flash.
"The voice," said Twilight with a broken voice. "It's back!"
"But I don't-"
"I swear! It was here!"
Flash Sentry sighed. "Twilight- Er, Princess, if it helps, I'll sleep with you tonight."
Twilight nodded. Flash took off his helmet and put it on the table. He signaled the other guards to leave. He helped Twilight to bed. As he went to bed also, he saw Spike, amazingly, still sound asleep. Flash shrugged and went to bed. "Goodnight Flash," said Twilight.
"Goodnight Princess," said Flash kissing her forehead. They both fell sound asleep.
Flash woke up in the middle of the night. He went to check the time to see it was still 1:34 AM. He turned to see if Twilight was still sleeping. But she wasn't there. He turned to see Spike still asleep. Flash got up, put on his helmet, and walked outside. "Princess," he called. No response. He sighed and walked down the hall. "Princess! Where are you? Twilight!" Still no sign of her. This time, Flash drew a small growl. He opened the door into the kitchen. He looked out the window. "This isn't funny Twilight, where are-" He stopped. There was Twilight. Her eyes were glowing green. Her the colors of her fur were darker. She stood next to a black figure. Flash's eyes widened. "Guards," he exclaimed. Before he could yell again, the door behind him shut. He ran to it in an attempt to open it, but was rewarded with nothing. The shadow figure laughed. "Who are you?" asked Flash.
"'Who are you?'" said the figure in a mocking way. "I am King Sombra!"
"So you must be the voice haunting Twilight."
"Haunting? I was merely waiting for her to become ready."
"Ready? Ready for what?"
"To join me of course. To become my faithful student. Just like she was to the princess of the sun."
There was a distinct banging on the door. "Hold on!," yelled Shining Armor. "God damn it! The door is stuck. Someone, help me!"
King Sombra laughed. "So, Flash Sentry. What will you do? Try to stop me?"
"You're damn right I will," replying Flash.
Flash grabbed the closest kitchen knife and rushed toward King Sombra. He had a smirk on his face. Just as Flash was about to land a blow on King Sombra, a force of wind pushed Flash into the wall with a knife hurtling towards him. The knife stabbed him on his wing leaving him pinned against the wall. Flash let out a yell. "Hold on," yelled Shining Armor. "Damn it! Why won't it budge!" King Sombra slowly walked up to Flash Sentry who was sweating and breathing hard.
"A pathetic whelp like you, Flash Sentry, cannot stop a god like me," said King Sombra.
"You're no god... Nor are you a king. You rule nothing!"
"We shall see the ruler and the slave!"
"Twilight! Snap out of it! What are you doing?"
Twilight stared blankly towards Flash. She tilted her head and a wicked smile appeared on her face. "I am doing what is right my dear. What my King Sombra would want. To become his student." Flash Sentry gasped.
"Don't you see?! He has you under his spell!" yelled Flash Sentry.
"Spell? I chose to go with him."
Flash Sentry's voice broke. "No you didn't Twilight... I know you Twilight..."
"No you do not. King Sombra was right. You are a pathetic whelp. It's over between us."
Twilight and King Sombra laughed. Still pinned against the wall, Flash Sentry bowed his head. Tears rolled down his face. Then there was a breeze of wind. Then the sound of glass hitting the ground filled the room. Both Twilight and King Sombra had disappeared. Shining Armor and 10 other guards finally broke through the door. "Flash!" yelled Shining Armor. Two guards rushed to him, pulling the knife out of his wing. Flash let out a light grunt and fell to the ground. "What happened here? Where Twilight!" yelled Shining Armor to Flash Sentry. He still had his head down. His wing continued to bleed. Tear still continued to roll down his face. "Flash, are you okay?" Flash sniffed.
"King Sombra..." he said.
"King Sombra...?"
"He took Princess Twilight. She is now his student."
"No! Not my little sis!"
Shining Armor ran to the shattered window. He looked outside and felt the cool breeze. He sighed and turned back to Flash and the other guards. "Take him to the medical room," said Shining. "We will discuss this matter tomorrow morning. For now, we all need some rest and time to contemplate on what has happened." Shining Armor walked out of the room. Two guards helped Flash to the medical room as the other guards left.
Flash Sentry woke up. He felt one of his wings covered with a bandage. He looked to his right to see Shining Armor standing there, watching him. "Good to see you're awake," said Shining Armor. "Now, we can figure out what the hoof has happened." Flash sat up slowly, still feeling the pain from his injury.
"Where should we start?" asked Flash.
"From the beginning. How did this start?"
"Well, a few weeks back, while Twilight and I were still dating, she said she kept hearing this faint and dark voice. Every night she would call for us or scream. Not too loud though. Not until now."
"Then?"
"Well, after that, she had asked me to sleep with her. So I did. Then around early in the morning, I saw that she wasn't next to me so I went to investigate. Then when I walked down the hall to the kitchen, I saw Twilight with King Sombra."
"Hmm... What happened after that?"
Flash's voice broke. "Well... I know she probably didn't mean it, but she said she had chosen to join Sombra. She couldn't have meant it. I know her."
"We both know her too much. Well, you rest up. Also, stay off your wings. Don't want another injury."
Shining Armor got up and left the room. Flash Sentry got up and took a light stroll still wearing his somewhat dented armor. He walked down the hall toward the kitchen. He slowly pushed the door open. There, he saw the bloody knife and a small amount of his blood splattered on the wall. That was when Flash saw the shattered window. He walked towards it. The horrible memories flooded back into his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about it. That was when a guard came through the door. "Flash," he said. Flash Sentry turned, "Hmm?"
"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wish to speak to you in the throne room.
"I'll head over there."
Flash walked down the long halls. He peered through each window, thinking of Twilight. He couldn't stop. That's all he could think about. Then he reached the throne room door and opened it. Princess Celestia and Luna had been talking. Flash could somewhat overhear some of it. "I have faith in Flash Sentry and her friends," said Celestia. Flash approached both of them, "Princess," he said bowing down.
"Please Flash Sentry, we have pressing matters to discuss about Twilight."
"Yes, I was thinking that was the reason why you called me."
"Luna and I have been discussing on how shall we rescue Twilight. If she remains with King Sombra, the Crystal Empire and all of Equestria could be doomed."
"Yes."
"We need you to gather her friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. I believe you had already been very well acquainted with them."
"Yes, any information on where I could find them?"
"I will be sending a scroll to your room. I wish that you could start tomorrow."
"Consider it done."
"Thank you Flash Sentry, her life is in your hands."
Flash Sentry walked out of the room contemplating on what will he do. Even if he knows them, what would he say when he saw them? How could he tell them about Twilight? He pushed those thoughts out of his head. He then walked to his room, opened the door and sat down on his bed waiting for the scroll. A few minutes later, it had suddenly appeared on the table. He picked it up and slowly read it. It had brief information on each pony's recent or current location.
Rarity
Rarity lives in Canterlot. She is currently working at her fabric shop at Stallion Street. Her work hours are 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. She is usually busy during the day. It is best to meet her after or before her work hours. Please do not mention her designs or and clothing issues or she will continue to rant in about them.
Fluttershy
Still lives in Ponyville. She also is still currently taking care of her animals and the animals of Ponyville. As you know, she is very shy and sensitive. So please be very friendly.
Pinkie Pie
Still also lives in Ponyville. Very hyper and very friendly. She still works at Mrs. and Mr. Cupcakes's bakery. She is very hyper when she meets someone new or meets someone again who she hasn't see in a long time.
Rainbow Dash
She is currently a Wonderbolt training Wonderbolt Cadets. Right now, she is at Cloudsdale. She will be there for a few weeks but will later depart to Phillydelphia for her shows. She will be nearly impossible to catch.
Applejack
Also lives in Ponyville. Still lives on her farm. You should also try her Apple Cider. It has been well improved since the last time you had met with her.
Please bring her back.
Take care,
Princess Celestia.
Flash Sentry folded up the letter and placed it back onto the table. I'd better start with Rainbow Dash. He thought to himself. He walked outside his room and made for the front door. He then stopped at another fellow guard. "Please inform the Princess I had decided to leave early," said Flash Sentry. The guard nodded and moved toward the throne room. Then Flash went for the front door. But, he was then stopped by Spike. "Wait!" yelled Spike running as fast as he could.
"Spike?" asked Flash Sentry.
"Please Flash... Please bring her back..."
"Don't worry Spike. I won't stop until she comes back. I promise."
Spike teared up and hugged Flash Sentry. Flash proceeded out of the room and took off into the air. Don't worry Twilight. We're gonna get you back.
Flash soared through the air. He flew through and past many clouds. He was eager to get to Rainbow Dash. The sooner he gets her friends together, the sooner they could rescue her. Cloudsdale was in sight. He flew even faster. But then he had suddenly lost control. Flash felt his wing injury take the best of him and he began to plummet. He yelled for his life. He attempted to land on some clouds but missed. He thought this was the end. Too early he thought. "Gotcha!" yelled Rainbow Dash. Other ponies in Wonderbolt jumpsuits stared towards the two. Flash had stopped falling just in time. He had nearly fallen into the Everfee Forest.
"Rainbow Dash! Oh thank god," said Flash Sentry who was relieved.
"Flash, what're you doin' all the way up here? Shouldn't you be down at Canterlot with the Princesses?"
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Let's head up to Cloudsdale. I need to get these Wonderbolt Trainees in order."
Flash nodded as Rainbow carried him to land.
Rainbow Dash carried him through the clouds. Then he saw the beautiful city known as Cloudsdale. It had been quite a while since he had last seen it. Then Rainbow set course for the Wonderbolt Academy. She slowly dropped him down onto the solid cloud floor. "Cadets!" yelled Rainbow Dash. There were a choir of ma'ams . "Forward march!" The cadets marched towards the mess hall. Rainbow Dash signaled Flash to follow her. Both of the two headed into a building where Rainbow's office was. She opened the door and sat at her desk. "So, what's on your mind?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"It's regarding Twilight."
"I haven't seen her in a while. How's she doing?"
"Bad..."
"Wait, what do you mean?"
"King Sombra has taken her. Hypnotized her. I know he's done something to her."
"Well then, we've got to help her!"
"We need to gather the others first-"
"Say no more. Where do you want me to stay?"
"The Canterlot castle. Princess Celestia and the others will be there. It'll take me probably a few days to get back. I still need to gather the others."
"Alright. See ya' then. But first, I have to tell Spitfire real quick. Y'know, to keep the place I order while I'm gone."
"Well, I'll be on my way."
"Oh no ya' don't. Not with that wing. I'll tell two of the cadets to help you down to Ponyville."
"Thank you."
Both of them walked out of the building. Rainbow Dash walked up to two cadets and only spoke a few words. Both cadets saluted and ran over to Flash Sentry. They slowly picked him up and went on their way.
The two cadets carried Flash over many clouds. It has been a few hours and amazingly, the cadets till held on. Then they were finally in sight of Ponyville. The two cadets slowly lowered Flash down onto the ground. "Thanks," said Flash. The two nodded and flew back up into the clouds. Flash dusted off his armor. He took off his helmet. "Where should I start," he thought out loud.
As he was about to walk, he was tackled down with great force. Then he again felt the striking pain of his injury. "Ouch! Watch the wing," he said.
"Oh, hiya Flashie," said Pinkie with great enthusiasm.
"Hi Pinkie it's-"
"It has been a while. How are you? How's Princess Celestia? Or how's Princess Luna? Where's all the carriages? Why are you alone..."
"Um, Pinkie..."
"How is it at Canterlot? I remember Rarity opened up a fabric and clothing shop over there! Oh! Oh! I bet her clothes are super wonderfulastic! Am I right?"
"Well um..."
"Where's Twilight? Shouldn't she be with you? Oh I bet she's playing hide and seek!"
Pinkie Pie ran around the place thinking Twilight was hiding. An irritated Flash got up and tried to stop Pinkie. "Pinkie," he said. She still continued running around.
"Nope, not in there. Not in there either," she said out loud.
"Pinkie..." said Flash Sentry.
"Come out Twilight! Come on, I know you're here."
"Pinkie!" yelled Flash.
"What's up Flashie? What's gotcha so mad?"
"Twilight not here, or anywhere near here."
"Then where's she? Shouldn't she be at Canterlot?"
"No. She's with King Sombra."
"Now why would she be with that no-good pony?"
"Because... He hypnotized her or did something to her."
"Well what're we doing standing around here for? Let's go get her!"
"Wait, wait, wait. I still need to get Fluttershy and Applejack. Just wait here."
"Oh, right. Heh heh."
Flash traveled toward Apple Acres. The dirt path was quite longer than he remembered it. Then, he began to see long rows of apple trees. Then finally caught eye of the barn. He saw Applejack and Big Macintosh bucking apples. He approached the barn's gate and opened it. Then he walked towards Applejack. "Applejack," said Flash.
"Oh, howdy there Flash! Watcha doin' all the way out here?" asked Applejack.
"Well I-"
"Lemme guess, ya' miss our sweet apple cider?"
"Yeah, but-"
"Well then, let's get ya' mug and head into the barn!"
Flash sighed and tagged along behind Applejack. Both of them walked into the barn. They walked towards the kitchen. "Hey," yelled Granny Smith. "Who's that?"
"Oh, just an old friend," replied Applejack.
Applejack waltzed into the kitchen, grabbed two mugs and got to work. Flash sat down by a table waiting patiently. He picked at his armor as he waited. Finally Applejack had finished making the cider. She sat down in front of him and passed him a mug. "So, what brings ya' all the way out to Ponyville?" asked Applejack. "Ah know the cider ain't just it."
"Well," said Flash Sentry. "This situation is very dire."
"Why? What's goin' on?"
"Twilight... Something bad has happened."
Applejack looked away. "Why? What's the matter Applejack?"
"You want me to help her? After what she did to us?"
"What? Did what? What are you talking about?"
"She left us!"
"Left you?" scolded Flash. "You and your friends supported this! Twilight told me this herself!"
Applejack's eyes grew teary. "Ah know. Ah know... But after she left, everyone started to leave."
"What?"
"Rainbow Dash... Rarity... They left us here..."
"Yeah, but they're your friends. Not like they abandoned you. You still have Fluttershy and Pinkie."
"Ah know, but it's so different. There's barely anything good goin' on. Everythin' had just changed... We don't have fun anymore... Nothing..."
"That's going to change. But we have to save Twilight. Will you help me?"
"Fantastic! Now we just have to get Fluttershy. Come on."
Flash and Applejack walked out of the kitchen. "Granny, I'll be out for a while," said Applejack.
"Better hurry back if you know what's good for ya'."
Both of the two walked outside. They followed the dirt path back to Ponyville. "Let's go get Fluttershy," said Flash.
There was an echo amongst the shadows. His progression has exceeded my expectations... No matter, this shall just speed up the process. Princess Twilight Sparkle will be mine... Send in the shadows, take Fluttershy. Stall them.
Applejack and Flash had reached Fluttershy's house. Just as they were about to knock, there was a scream behind the door. "Fluttershy!" yelled both of them. Flash kicked down the door. Applejack rushed in but was confronted by two shadow figures. They manifested into the shape of a pony. Fluttershy cowered in fear. Flash jumped into action. So did Applejack. But, as they tried to kick the shadows, they disappeared into the air. Flash looked around. "Get Fluttershy!" he yelled. Applejack nodded and helped Fluttershy up. The two of them made for the door. Once the two were out, Flash made his way to the door. But suddenly, one of the shadows stood between him and the exit. The door shut unable to be opened. Applejack kicked at the door. It didn't budge. "Hold on Flash!" yelled Applejack.
The shadow circled Flash. Flash followed its path. "Who are you?" Flash asked. No response. The shadow's eyes glowed red. It dashed forward towards Flash. He barely had enough time to react. But luck was on his side. He stepped to his side. He threw a kick out, but the shadow's reflexes were swift. It stepped back and took a lunge toward him. It knocked him into the wall smashing a few objects. Flash got up slowly and called out again, "Who are you?" This time, there was a reply, it's voice was deep and menacing.
"We are but a messenger of the King of Shadows..."
"King of Shadows? What do you mean- Wait a minute..."
"Yes. Our king, King Sombra."
"Well, what's your message then? Speak!"
"This message isn't done by words. It is done by action!"
The second shadow pony appeared. It fell hurdling towards Flash. It held a black spike. Flash had barely enough time to move. The blade had still cut the side of his neck. He let out a yelp. He dashed toward the shadow holding the blade. Just as he was about to strike, it had vanished. Flash turned to find the other had gone too. He sighed with relief. He checked he wound to find out surprisingly there was no blood. He walked over to the mirror to check. The cut was still there but was healed. He shrugged and proceeded to the door. "But my critters are in there!" yelled Fluttershy.
"Now hold on there sugarcube, Flash'll take care of the shadow things," said Applejack.
Flash opened the door. Fluttershy dashed into the room nearly knocking over Flash. Applejack gave a slight giggle. She looked up to see Flash's scar. "Flash! You got a scar on yer neck," said Applejack.
"It's fine. It stopped bleeding. Well it never bled actually," replied Flash Sentry.
"What do you mean?"
"It literally didn't bleed. After I got grazed a bit by a sword of some sort. It just healed."
"Hmm. That's a bit odd. We should check on Fluttershy. She was mighty afraid her little pets weren't hiding."
"I never saw any of them. So they must've hid well. But didn't she have larger animals?"
"True."
Applejack and Flash Sentry walked back into the house to find Fluttershy surrounded by many animals. Everything seemed fine now. "Is everything okay Flutterhy?" asked Flash.
"Oh yes. Everything is okay. My bigger furry friends are outside hiding. Good thing we practiced like this. It was in case of a break-in."
"I honestly doubt there'd be a break-in here, other than this one. Anyways, let's head off to Canterlot."
"And our means of getting there?" asked Applejack.
"Oh," said Flash. "I actually hadn't thought of that... Taxi I guess?"
Everypony groaned.
"Did you insert the black blood?" asked King Sombra.
"Yes, my liege," replied the two shadow ponies.
"Good. Now begone."
Both ponies vanished into thin air. Sombra thought out loud, "Now that the blood has been inserted, I will be able to speak with him directly. He will also be vulnerable at this state. My plans are accelerating faster than I had suspected. Soon, Twilight shall be as strong as I. I should check on her."
King Sombra walked out of his room. Darkness filled his castle halls. He walked down them, nopony in sight. As he continued down the hall, the castle began to look like the Canterlot Castle. The pictures that were strewn across the room were only pictures of Sombra. The windows were also closed.
He opened the doors to the courtyard. The skies were grey. Crystal pony servants marched with chains around their necks while shadow figures stood behind them. Twilight was outside using her dark magic. She blasted at a concrete wall. Smashing it little by little. "Ah, there you are," said King Sombra. "How is your dark magic practice?"
"Great, master," replied Twilight.
"Remember my student, address me as Sombra."
"Yes, master. I mean Sombra..."
"Is there something wrong?"
"I don't know... I just feel... Sad..."
"Hmm..."
King Sombra walked away towards his castle. He began to think. There is still a small piece of harmony left in her. I must speed up the ritual. He entered his castle. King Sombra then walked down the dark hall that lead to the alchemy room. There was an actually pony who stood next to a large caldron. He was a grey pony with a potion as a cutie mark. His mane was a black fauxhawk. "How long will it take to finish the ritual?" asked King Sombra.
"The elapsed time would be at least two months," said the grey pony.
King Sombra growled. "No! The process must be sped up! I do not want Flash Sentry or anyone else to interfere with my plan!"
"Y-yes sir..."
Sombra gave a snicker. "He won't be able to make it."