Eyes of the Tyrant

by SilverThunder

Rating: mature
Tags: Trixie, King Sombra, Rarity, Sex, Crystal Ponies, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Sweetie Belle
Length: 16535

The master of darkness has returned, two years after his encounter with the main six. Things have changed, and his power has not only returned, but grown. Now, with the aid of his growing worshippers, Equestria will once again feel his wrath.

The master of darkness has returned, two years after his encounter with the main six. Things have changed, and his power has not only returned, but grown. Now, with the aid of his growing worshippers, Equestria will once again feel his wrath.
The mind of the tyrant is not well though, and he has finally begun to ponder the past as he attempts to cope with his desires and ambitions. Rarity and her younger sister, Sweetie Belle, stand in the middle of his madness and are perhaps his greatest desire of all.

Published 2013-12-05 00:50:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-20 05:19:17 UTC

By a thread

-The world seemed to be dying, freezing over and strangling all life with it. That was just the harshness of the Empires winters. Snow hadn’t started falling, but it was cold all the same. The tundra was covered in a thin layer of frozen yellow grass, sprawling just before the foothills and mountains to the north. To the south, across the tundra, grew random thickets of pine trees; beyond those just below the horizon a thick cloud of black smoke hung in the air.

A young stallion; clad in crystalline plates of armor sitting atop a black cloak covering his entire body, felt the frozen grass crunch beneath his hooves as he traveled north. His black horn, slightly curved, protruded from his glistening silver crystal helmet but his face remained hidden beneath. His red eyes pulsed from beneath the helmet. Tied down to his left flank was a silver sward beneath a crystal shield with the image of three crystals. On his left flank, a leather bound tomb with the engraved image of an eye sat in a satchel.

“I’m pathetic… weak!” he shouted in despair, anger welling up beneath the tears streaming from his eyes. He ignored the frozen breeze, refusing to feel anything but his frustration. “I should have done more…” The stallion stopped and looked towards the mountains, baring his sharp teeth at what he knew must lay just beyond their frozen peaks.

That was his life, failing to take what he needed and failing to do what had to be done. Others suffered now because of it. Worst of all, those who let this suffering continue still existed. At least he had tried to make the empire something more… something honorable, but in the end all he had done was given a few dying ponies their last smile.

The only honorable ponies left were dying on the empires battlefields, burning in their homes in villages, or struggling to make their voice heard in the white noise that had become the Crystal Senate. The corrupted seemed to speak louder and louder every day, the princess and her ilk cared for no one else but those who lived comfortably within the confines of the capitol.

Sombra was no honorable stallion; he knew this. He had already fallen to the alternative school of magic known to be forbidden and evil. Tombs had been written by his hoof describing this new and unexplored art, in secrecy. This new magic gave him the power to do terrible and unspeakable things to others. For that reason, he could never claim to be honorable no matter how rarely he decided to use his forbidden knowledge.

These things didn’t matter know though, he was preparing to face the end. He would use every piece of knowledge ever learned, and perhaps knowledge never known in the coming days. No matter what it took Sombra would slaughter as many dragons as he could. At the very least, he could wipe their capitol from the face of the world. No doubt they would eventually kill him, but he could not rest knowing he had done nothing to give peace to those already dead.

Tears had already frozen beneath his helmet and mask, his eyes glared towards the mountains. He began to run; panting heavily from the strain but didn’t stop, wouldn’t stop, until they were all dead.

-A row of candles lead from the entrance of the cavernous chamber to Sambra’s red cushioned and white marble throne at its far end. They lit only a small portion of the hall, only enough to see the red carpet atop grey stone leading to its center and the statues of various ponies of differing postures lining either side of the path. The surrounding darkness was blacker than any abyss. Many who walked that path would mistake the darkness for a void of nothingness, afraid that stepping outside of the light could send them spiraling into eternity.

The throne itself sat occupied by its master, wearing a silver crown and a cloak as red as blood lined with white fur. He wrapped the cloak around himself, allowing only his head and forelegs to show. The king’s eyes glowed bright green with red in the center, while tendrils of dark purple smoke hung from the corners. His mane flowed like black fire, not hair at all, but shadow wafting from his grey coat. Rising from the center of his head was his horn; grey from the bottom, and slowly turning red towards its apex. Suspended in a black aura in front of him hung an open book.

“such dribble…” he thought to himself, and flung the open book across the hall into the blackness. Another tomb rose from behind the throne and opened in front of him in the same black aura. The pages began to flip, one after the other. The stallion growled and scowled at the words.

The books they brought him seemed to be overwhelmingly useless. Perhaps every fifth book would provide him with some knowledge of the past thousand years, and even then they were insignificant details or information he ascertained through simple observation. His acolytes had managed to acquire several spell books, but it seemed to be wasted effort. Nothing significant sat in those books, nothing he didn’t already know. In fact, the knowledge seemed to be less than in his time.

Sombra growled through his carnivorous teeth and hurled the book into the darkness with the others. He didn’t truly expect to find any pertinent information in common books, but it had been several years since his return and he still knew less than he wished. Regardless, he had learned a great many things and had become a great deal more powerful since his ‘defeat’ at the hands of those wretched ponies and that whelp of a dragon. Luckily he was concealed for the time being, and he would return when the time was right, but too many things still needed his attention despite his comfort in the current state of affairs.

Sombra’s anger grew after every thought of that curious lot. He had heard of their exploits and travels, how one of them had even become an Alacorn herself. A thousand years ago Sombra would have found that impossible to believe, even if he had seen it for himself, but he understood how it was possible now perhaps better than they themselves did. He began to snarl, just thinking of a princess made him want to rip something apart.

“Page!” he yelled with a deep guttural voice, which echoed across the hall. In mere seconds a young sun yellow colt with a white mane burst into the chambers, running as fast as his tiny legs would carry him. The servant stopped dead ten feet from the throne and buried his face into the floor in the deepest bow he could manage.

“Hh-how may I s-serve you m-master?” He stammered in a soft trembling voice.

“Tell me colt, do you believe you have failed me?” Sombra asked, glaring at the small creature cowering before him. He was so small, Sombra could crush him with a single hoof with no trouble at all. Even sitting down and ten feet away he towered over the colt.

“I-I don’t…” he trembled, keeping his head down as much as he could.

“You don’t know!? Do you not recall your own actions or lack thereof? Is your mind so occupied that you can’t recall your simple purpose!?” Sombra spat the last word, then began to speak in a softer tone, “Perhaps I have allowed you far too much leeway and freedom in the past, and now you wish to further test my patience.”

The king visibly relaxed, no longer anger across his face, but amusement. “Where is my High Acolyte? It was some time ago I ordered her presence, was it not?” The colt was crying, trying to keep his state hidden from his beloved master.

“Go, ensure she is here within minutes, and fetch my meal. Perhaps you would like to try some today?” He smiled, baring his fangs and carnivorous teeth.
The king rose his hoof in dismissal and the servant jumped and ran out at a gallop. Sombra didn’t tolerate their foolishness, but it was a welcome distraction from the thought of those who had deposed him. In a way, he did enjoy providing the occasional tongue lashing or physical punishment. A relaxing distraction to be sure. Regardless, discipline was the most valuable asset his followers could offer him right now, and it did no good that his unicorns thought it acceptable to take their time arriving to his summons. Almost two years of service to their master and they still decided to act in this manner.

A few moments passed before another entered the hall. She was a sky blue unicorn with bright purple eyes and an almost silvery mane, wearing a black cloak with red trim. She approached the throne as calmly as she could, but even then it was plain her nerves were getting the upper hand; as well they should. She dropped to the ground and remained there without a word.
This was yet another example of that mares many delinquencies. Acolyte Trixie had been trouble from the very beginning, thinking she could ever be an equal to him. Sombra had been quick to erase any such notion from her head, but that certainly wasn’t the end of it. She had constantly flaunted herself to him, doing everything in her power to elicit his desire in the beginning and still did to a smaller extent. It had been his last reaction to her demeanor that set her strait, she had been in pain for at least an entire week.

She was one of the most devoted of his followers and did everything she could in order to prove it, but she was too arrogant for her own good and constantly overstepped her bounds. If it weren’t for the assistance she provided him after his last defeat, she would have been long since gone.
“Master I…” she spoke quietly, a little more than a whisper.

“Silence!” he yelled, baring his teeth once more, “I won’t tolerate this, not from my servants, and not from you. How long have you served me?”

“I-I have served you faithfully for two years now master.” She stated, ears folded back and her head as low as she could place it, almost resting on the carpet.

“And yet today I have waited hours for your arrival.” he only scowled now. “So what is your reasoning for why my servant had taken her time to my summons?”

She rose her head slightly and spoke more confidently, “Master, the page had only just delivered your order to me, if you wish it I will personally punish…” she gulped as he raised his hoof.

He began to rise from his throne, his cloak spread back and his black feathered wings flared outward as he descended from his throne towards Trixie. Sombra began to circle her, keeping one wing over her bowing figure. He was easily as tall as Celestia, perhaps greater in addition to his physical strength. His shadowed mane rippled as he walked. “Yes, almost two years now and somehow you still find it suitable to lie to me.” He said calmly, stopping directly in front of her. He placed one of his hooves onto her back, pressing her down. Her entire body hugged the ground, her ribs started to crack and ache under the pressure. A little more weight, and he could kill her as easily as that. He just wanted to see her squirm under his hoof, but he wasn’t about to restrain his anger even if it would lead to death.

She struggled to speak, but did not dare move or resist. “Master…I… I found what you sent me to search for…”

Sombra’s eyes widened, and he lifted his hoof from her back. “Rise, and speak.”

Trixie panted and swayed as she rose, visibly taking deep breaths to regain her lungs. “Master, I was able to find a spell for you,” she said, finally risen from the ground and peering into her master’s eyes in hopes of recognition for her deed. “in addition to a potion, but its everything you wanted master!”

“And who aided you in your search mare?” he inquired with one of his brows raised in curiosity.

“Well,” she began hesitantly, clearly envious of the names she was unwilling to provide. “Just two of your acolytes.”

“Very well then,” this was certainly an interesting turn of events. He had sent her on this errand long ago with the assumption nothing would come of it, so that he could punish her once she failed to produce results. Her eyes glowed with truth behind them, and if she had really found a way…

He smiled a broad toothy grin, his body turned to ease. “Very good mare, send the two responsible for this to me just before nightfall,” he paused, and lowered his head to bury his snout into her silvery mane to whisper, “and you will wait for me in my chambers. Now go.”

The Mare smiled as much as she could, but her ears still bent back and she trembled slightly. She gave a quick bow and limped out of the hall. It was obvious she feared a visit to his private chambers, her last visit had left her in pain for weeks afterwards. Somehow she still found it as some sort of reward though.

As Trixie left, his page and a brown coated earth mare with a black mane and a platter of multicolored crystals on her back, entered. She appeared lost and fairly confused; the colt tried not to look at her as they approached, Sombra still standing in front of his throne. He had already folded his wings beneath the cloak draped over his back.

The new mare saw him, stopped, and began to take a step back when his black aura surrounded her. Her eyes widened in shock and surprise as his magic began to drag her towards him, stopping no more than a foot away. Ears folded back, she craned her neck to look up at him. He returned her stare by baring his carnivorous teeth into a smile. He began to take a deep breath, and the crystals on her back began to lose their color.

Sombra lifted his hoof, and pushed her to the ground on her side. His aura no longer held her, but it didn’t need to at this point, he was more than strong enough to handle her. She began to scream and tried to rise, but Sombra held one hoof on her side and lowered his head to her neck. She ceased to scream as his maw began to tighten around her neck, though she did try. Blood began to pool beneath her onto the carpet as she twitched and struggled several more times. At every movement, Sombra sunk his fangs deeper into her neck and tightened his jaws until finally she was a lifeless doll in his maw.

Sombra glanced at the yellow colt with the white mane who had lead his meal into the hall. His page was closing his eyes, trying to avoid everything like he always did when he brought his master’s meals.

-A tingle ran across Rarity’s spine again, causing her to shiver where she sat. It wasn’t the cold, the heating stove in the train car kept the room quite toasty. That tingling had begun a few days prior, and every time it had stood her white fur on end. “Nerves of course!” she thought to herself; glancing at Sweetie Belle who sat opposite of her in the room, peering out of the window as the train sped along.

Sweetie Belle was fascinated by the tundra, snow fields dipping beyond the horizon with only a few thickets of pine trees dotting the landscape. The sun was at its apex, and without a cloud in the sky, the entire expanse glistened like a crystal. Neither of them had been this far north before, past the Crystal Mountains and very far from Equestria proper.
Rarity found the scene to be wonderous as well, but she had far too much on her mind to let it distract her. Princess Twilight had asked for her assistance in designing a banner for her new castle, this posed an immense opportunity for Rarity. Not only would she be helping a good friend, and a princess, but she was creating a banner that would be seen by all of Equestria! This was something that would be a part of history itself, created by her. It had to be beyond perfect.

The white mare took a deep breath to calm herself; every time she thought about this monumental task her nerves seemed to spiral out of control for a moment. She considered the task at hand, the silver thread. That was all she needed for the materials now, then she could return home and truly begin.

“Rarity look!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed; the filly stood on her seat for a better view out of the window.

Rarity jumped at the sudden outburst and sighed in irritation, but turned to the window. Not too far across the snow fields, rarity saw four white blobs lumber from one outcropping of trees to another.

Sweetie Bell glanced towards her sister to make sure she was actually looking. “I think their bears! White bears,” she said in apparent amazement, “thanks.” She smiled.

Rarity smiled back. This trip across Equestria and beyond with her younger sister had been just what the little filly needed. She had never traveled outside of Ponyville, and it was a perfect opportunity for Sweetie Belle to experience the world. The gryphon lands seemed to be Sweetie Belle’s favorite stop thus far, but she seemed to be equally amazed by the emptiness of the tundra.

A few more hours passed, and they began to notice small homes and assorted structures dotting the area around the train tracks. The buildings looked remarkably sturdy with stone walls and sturdy wooden roofs, but barely stuck out of the snow. Smoke rose from every chimney, but she saw nopony outside, which she expected in this frigid temperature.

The train began to lurch to a stop in the center of a small village. Sweetie Belle jumped from her seat and left the room in excitement. Rarity took her time, dawning a thick purple coat with a matching scarf that went well with her mane. She peered out the window one more time, it looked exceptionally frigid, but again she saw nopony outside. As she understood it; this train was the village’s lifeline to the rest of the world, at least a few ponies should have been unloading cargo.

There was no time to ponder though. The train would leave in almost exactly an hour and Rarity had no intentions of staying here any longer than she had to, regardless of how beautiful the tundra was. She had never been in a place so cold.

Rarity left the room and made her way to the train’s exit where the ticket master stood with Sweetie next to an open door. The Green earth stallion Stood in front of the opening, barring her sisters way, he wasn’t about to let a little filly off the train without someone to go with her. He stood aside and gave a quick nod to Rarity as she walked down the center of the car.

“Won’t be long my lady, maybe an hour. We’ll sound the whistle of course, but the conductor likes to keep a tight schedule.” The ticket master said in a rather gruff voice.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, we won’t delay your departure.” She responded.

Sweetie Belle jumped onto the platform, burying herself in the deep snow that covered the entire village. Rarity descended the train more gracefully, stopping beside her sister who shivered uncontrollably.

“You must remember to wear more in places like this Sweetie, this isn’t like Ponyville pegasi weather.” Rarity said as she pulled a thick white sweater and scarf from one of her satchels. Her younger sister happily accepted. There was always spare clothing for her younger sister in Rarity’s packs, no matter how much extra weight it added.

“Now Sweetie, keep an eye out for this thread shop, it shouldn’t be that hard to find.” As if the words were a trigger Sweetie bell began to bound through the snow ahead, giggling as she did.

Rarity sighed, “Sweetie, slow down!” as her sister rounded a corner down the villages only other avenue. She didn’t like losing sight of that little filly when they were out and about, especially during this trip far from home.

As Rarity rounded the corner, her heart skipped a beat. Standing in front of her little sister was a dog, an Alpine Dog unless she missed her guess. The mongrel was about the same height as a Diamond Dog, but carried himself with a straighter back standing on hind legs, and skinnier but more physically developed. He wore only a leather skirt that extended down just past his knees with several dead white rabbits hanging off a belt, and a pair of flared leather gloves. His thick warm fur was white with black patches, and his eyes looked as though he was always angry.

“Uh, Sweetie Belle,” she yelled, “leave that… gentleman alone!”

The dog kneeled down to Sweetie Belle’s level, pushing the dead rabbits behind his back so she could not see, and said something that Rarity could not hear. Her sister seemed to be listening with great thought.

“Sweetie!” she yelled once more, closing in on the two with a brisker pace.

She finally caught up, just as the dog went silent. He stood and attempted to smile, but that seemed a little difficult with his brows. Rarity moved to position herself between the two, and gave a quick smile and nod in return.
“You are from Equestria land?” he asked, addressing Rarity now. The tingling ran down her spine again, but far more intense than before. Never before had she ever had an experience with a dog that didn’t end badly, and Sweetie Belle’s presence certainly didn’t make matters any easier.

“Rarity from the Ponyville as well yes?” he inquired.

“Why… uh… I’m sorry but we’re in a bit of a hurry, don’t want to miss the train you see.” She quickly explained.
The older sister nudged for her younger to move back in the direction of the train, and they left the dog going back around the corner. Things still didn’t feel right, the silver thread would have to wait. Rarity wouldn’t feel safe until Sweetie Belle was back on the train.

“Why in Equestria did you tell him where we were from?” she asked, quite irritated.

“What? I didn’t!” she responded defensively. “Rarity, where not going back are we? We came all this way for that thread.”

That certainly didn’t calm Rarity’s nerves. They reached the train platform, Rarity nudged her sister towards the door. “Just wait for me on the train, I’ll get the thread,” She said as Sweetie Belle growled and reluctantly entered, “and don’t talk to anyone!”

Rarity turned around and began her search through the village alone, and found a little stone cottage with a sign with a silver spool hanging over the door. She entered into a small room lined with various bolts of cloth organized by quality and color on tables and open cabinets, but no silver thread. It was a welcome entry into warmth compared to outside, but the temperature didn’t change much. Two ponies stood waiting at the counter; a tan earth stallion with a light blue mane of exceptional build, and an orange unicorn mare with a red mane. Both ponies wore a black cloak with red embroidery, and a large solid ruby brooch.

Relieved to finally see sompony, she asked, “Excuse me, but is the shopkeeper around?”

They both turned to face her, the stallion seemed to change his stance almost looking as if preparing to give chase. He responded in a quiet but soothing voice, “She’ll be back shortly.” The mare began to eye her up and down, weighing her in some fashion. Feeling a bit threatened, Rarity slowly began to back up.

“Don’t run,” the other unicorn said in a fairly commanding voice, “make it easier on you and your sister.”

Obedience

Obedience

-The embers in the fire place were beginning to die, and only a slight glow remained. The estate’s study was covered in panels of dark walnut wood, and the floors made of oak. Dozens of bookshelves lined the walls adorned with hundreds of books, with the occasional small trinket finding its way between the gaps. Two wooden tables stood on either side of a large dark ruby colored day bed with several similarly colored throw pillows; the wax candles had melted down to their bronze plate bases.

A crystal mare entered the room from a door on the opposite wall of the fire place. The pony’s turquois coat, slightly lighter than the midmorning sky, and violet mane would have absorbed the glow in the room, but not on this day. Her ears were folded downward and her silver eyes only half open with streams of tears rolling down her cheeks.
Autumn Gem slowly made her way to the day bed, swaying back and forth in a melancholy manner, and climbed atop. She rested her head on one of the pillows and gave a deliberate sniff. There had been only one other to rest there, every day as he read one of his many books or pondered the estates dealings. She wanted to smell Sombra’s scent.

One of the house guards peeked through the cracked door, but withdrew quickly in an attempt to avoid disturbing the mare. Guards and Servants alike had all attempted to consul her, even some friends had visited in the past few days to reassure Autumn Gem that Sombra was strong, and wouldn’t fall so easily. Regardless, the news that her lover could be injured, or even dead, had not come easily.

A colleague of Sombra’s had come to the estate several days prior, a captain, and had told her everything. Autumn Gem had no idea that leaders of the Empire were so corrupt, Sombra certainly never spoke of it, and she herself never had a desire to play politics like her parents had.

After the emperor’s death only a year ago, his most loyal followers had demanded they be lead by a king. The Alicorns however, had decided to place one of their kind as ruler. The ponies of the empire had no choice but to accept a princess as their new leader. The usurper saw the threat the loyalists posed, just as a war in the west against the dragons conveniently began. The war was an excellent excuse to send the loyalists abroad, and consolidated her own followers within the capitol. The entire countryside was left without protection.

Strangely, Sombra had orders to remain within the capitol while his legion marched west. The noble stallion refused to let his brothers fight without a battle mage, and he went against the princess’s command. Now he could be dead, or dying, suffering at Ironcog crossing where the dragons had massacred his legion.

Was life worth living without the one who had brought her back from the edge of the abyss? She remember the night the two pegasi assassins broke into the guest room at the royal palace. Sombra was a young guardsman at the time, and just happened to be patrolling down the hall when he heard the commotion. The brave stallion in golden armor had run one assailant through with his sword, and broke the neck of the other with his magic.

Sombra had apologized profusely for being too late, trying in vain and with all of his effort to revive her fallen parents with his magic. She had only seen a few unicorns before that, but even then she could see how powerful he was. Since then, he had always been her knight in shining armor.

A commotion began traveling down the hall towards the door, excited questions from servants and praises from the guards. Autumn Gem rose her head from the pillow, her ears perked up, straining to catch a voice responding to those questions, but heard none. She waited, watching the entrance to the study.

Her Grey stallion with his black mane entered the study, the embers on the hearth turned to a roaring flame. Autumn Gem jumped from the daybed and ran to his hooves, but he merely stood. She stopped only a few inches from him. His eyes were different than she recalled from those fond memories, they glowed with a bright green and seethed with a violet miasma. His horn was longer too, curved and glowing like lava.

She looked into his eyes and could feel something immense behind his stare. Even though he looked directly into her own eyes, it seemed as though he saw something he never expected to see.

Autumn Gem suddenly wrapped her hooves around him and threw her head over his shoulder. She began to cry, letting everything from the past year of his absence flow from her eyes.

Sombra embraced her and closed his eyes. He whispered in a soothing voice, “Not even the abyss can keep us apart, I’ll love you forever.”

-Trixie lay on her back over the crimson satin sheets of the bed, with her master resting on top of her. The mare’s blood soaked into the sheets beneath her, but the color blended well and was barely noticeable to the eye. She stifled a cry as Sombra shifted, many of her bones were already broken and shattered from his sheer weight and size.
Sombra grinned as he peered down into her sad but bright purple little eyes. “It’s good to see you’ve remembered what I said last time.” He said in an oddly soothing whisper, but with his deep guttural voice.

She tried to focus on caressing his flanks with her magic, lightly touching the skin beneath his soft grey coat. She cherished every moment of it. Trixie wanted nothing more than to please her powerful master. In return she might be rewarded with the feeling of his unimaginably soft fur rubbing across her chest.

Sombra’s gaze, his red and green eyes burning her soul, caused her to quiver with anticipation for what he had in store. A black aura began to envelope Trixie, wrapping around her form. It began to tighten, just on the verge of crushing the breath from her lungs. She screamed and howled in pain while pushing her hooves against his chest without thinking. There was nothing but agony and the sensation of broken bone grinding against one another as Sombra began thrusting forward, his huge wings spread outward.

Trixie ceased to scream as the breath left her lungs completely. A chill touched every inch of her skin as a strange warmth ran through the inside of her body, competing with immense pain for her attention. The intense ecstasy lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like minutes to the mare.

The black aura around Trixie vanished as Sombra rose, and sat upright after folding his wings. His own chest barely moved, while Trixie panted almost as fast as her pulse. Her heart felt as though it would burst, but the pain of broken bones had dissipated. Her master had been kind, and fused her shattered frame back together while mending her torn body with his magic during the event.

Trixie’s breath began to slow as she tried to collect herself, tried to remember where she was. She looked around the room still resting face up on the crimson satin sheets of the master’s large bed. The rose colored curtains where tied back on the bed posts, revealing a large dimly lit room. A fire roared on a hearth on the far side of the room, illuminating several ornately carved chestnut wardrobes lining the walls divided by book cases, and two similar night stands on either side of the bed. On the left side of the room stood a massive wood and iron double door. Tall windows lined the right wall of the room, with a glass door dividing the windows in half, leading to a balcony. A blank night sky shown through the windows.

Sombra glared at the mare in his chamber. She finally regained herself, as much as one could after such an event, and rolled onto her stomach to begin crawling off the bed. Trixie tumbled forward as she reached the edge; her body ached and screamed at her, that would last for quite some time. She collected herself, but swayed back and forth on flimsy legs as she turned to face her master.

“Th-thank you,” her breath became steadier but she still panted excitedly, “That… that was… I mean, I’m honored, deeply so, that you would share such a wondrous gift with me a second time, next time I…“

A loud growl from Sombra cut her short. “Silence! Have you forgotten your place mare?” he said in an irritated manner. The fact that his servant presumed there would be a next time angered him.

“Please forgive me master,” she said meekly, “pleasing you was my greatest reward, not the-”

“Do not think for a second that your status is equal to mine!” Sombra yelled.

“Please, no master, I had no su-” His black aura cut her short, slamming her to the cold stone floor.

Had she actually believed that she had conquered him in his bed? That mare did assume there would be a next time, perhaps she believe herself one who could decide such things. A slip of the tongue or a blatant challenge of his authority, regardless, he couldn’t let it go unpunished.

A glowing branding iron in the shape of a triangle, rose from the fire and made its way to Trixie. Still held against the floor, the iron pressed against her flank on top of her mark. Sombra scowled and bared his teeth as the hot iron singed fur and flesh. She whimpered and squeezed her eyes shut as the shape of an inverted triangle burned its way onto her body.

“There, perhaps you will remember who belongs to who from now on.” He said in startlingly calm manner, as the brand hurdled back towards the fire. The aura began to dissipate. Trixie rose unsteadily to her hooves, and bowed once more, remaining there until he said otherwise.

“Now, send for Sun Cloud, I will speak to him here, and a servant to change the sheets.” He commanded.

“Yes master.” She responded, then quickly staggered through the large double doors.

Acolyte Trixie was bothersome to Sombra, he saw no end of trouble in that mare’s eyes. Perhaps indulging in some of her fantasies had been a mistake. He believed at first that if he had gone overboard she would leave him be and stop her foolishness. It had calmed her down, she no longer openly flaunted herself or tried to flirt. Multiple beatings hadn’t done as well. But this time, he didn’t care anymore. It hadn’t been about punishment or reward in truth, he just wanted to enjoy himself with a mare that would be more enthusiastic than a simple servant.

That was the mistake though. Showing her mercy where any other would have received an agonizing death. It had begun when they first met of course, pre-ascension and in a feeble unconscious state. He had awoken for the first time since his last defeat; without armor, crown, or clothing, but covered in a thick wool blanket inside of a dark wagon home in the middle of the night. Trixie lay curled up in his hooves under the blanket, pressing her forehead against his chest and sleeping soundly. Instead of demanding an answer to why this fool was sharing his bed, he had moved her closer to his body for warmth, and continued to rest.

Sombra felt as though he did owe her some form of debt for that at least, for caring for him while weakened, and certainly unaware of who he was. That alone wouldn’t be enough to stay his hoof though, but she had done much more. She was partially responsible for him gaining ascension as an Alicorn, he would have achieved it eventually, yet she did expedite the process considerably. These were memories for later contemplation though.

A weak knock came from the door. Sombra descended from the bed and walked towards the center of the room, pulling one of his regal crimson red and snowy white cloaks from a wardrobe.

“Enter!” he yelled as he dawned the cloak, it was long enough to cover his entire body, wings included, and drag along the stone floor.

The door barely cracked open long enough for a little sun yellow earth colt with his white mane to slip into the room. His page immediately bowed to his master, trembling slightly.

Sombra’s aura pulled a log from a cabinet next to the fireplace and tossed it in. “Rise, and speak freely colt.” He said, as he sat in front of the fire.

“Y-yes master,” he stammered, “the team should be here shortly.” The tiny colt said meekly.

“Good…” Sombra replied, but it didn’t seem to be the response he was seeking. He tapped the stone floor next to him, and motioned for the colt. Sun Dew took his seat beside his master.

“You’ve started your training in the sword?” he asked.

“O… yes master,” Sun Dew replied reluctantly. “a few weeks ago, but it’s hard to listen to the dog huntsmen and the pegasi sword masters.”

Sombra chuckled under his breath. “Yes, I remember in my day it was quite a challenge to have huntsmen whispering patience and a sword master yelling charge.” He glanced at the young colt next to him staring nervously into the fire.

“Remember what we spoke of last time, you are ultimately responsible for seeing through whatever task you are given. If a chain breaks, you must fix it or the failure falls on your shoulders.” He sighed, somewhat irritated.

“I’ve been far too lenient on you, simple mistakes lead to large ones. How can I trust you if you can’t even send for another as quickly as I command?” Sombra was becoming more and more frustrated thinking about any form of failure. The only reason he kept the colt around was to ease his anger and frustration.

“I don’t want to kill you Sun Dew, but you will be punished severely next time. Sometimes even I must do things I don’t wish to.” Sombra was calm once more.

The colt gulped, “Yes master.”

Sombra wasn’t going to hurt the colt, Sun Dew had a promising future ahead of him and his master wasn’t about to waste such obvious young talent. That wasn’t the only reason though.

“Tell me of your week.” He ordered.

Sun Dew began to speak, telling his master of everything that had transpired over the last week, down to the most insignificant details. Sombra visibly relaxed and enjoyed the fire as the young colt spoke.

Sombra envied other stallions, those who could have children. Hopefully that would all change soon enough, but he was prepared for the potential disappointment all the same. Whatever it took, one day he would have a son of his own.
He pushed all thoughts from his mind, he wanted a clear head before his next audience that night.

-Rarity’s escort kept her and her sister under a watchful eye as they traveled down the lantern lit cobblestone street. Two dogs in tarnished chain mail tunics stood to either side of the pair, each holding a short sword in one hand, and a hide buckler in the other while three pike wielding dogs marched behind. The tan earth stallion walked ahead, leading the group, with His orange unicorn companion travelling at his side.

Rarity had no idea where they were, her captors had waited until nightfall to begin moving them from the village. The unicorn had used some type of artifact and had opened a portal which had led them here.

The city was very utilitarian in style, its layout resembling more of a massive fortress than anything else. The street was cobblestone lined with gaslights and simple stone sidewalks with the occasional vender’s stall. The buildings were multistory, built with stone and wooden frames. Most buildings seemed to be connected to one another either from ground level or by some sort of sky bridge. Outcroppings of glowing red crystals rose from the ground like trees throughout the city, occasionally cordoned off like one would a decorative tree.

Banners hung from every other window; either a dark red inverted triangle, or a black and red flag. More often than not, smaller flags rested beneath or behind the much larger ones. The smaller flags were that of various kingdoms and old factions. Rarity had caught the purple and white flag of the unicorn tribe more than once, but didn’t see any flag of Equestria.

The temperature was oddly pleasant as a thin moisture hung in the air, it smelled of dust and warm stone. Occasionally Rarity saw a pony staring out of their window, only to quickly duck back inside. Only guard dogs lead by ponies walked the streets this late at night.

The time for escape had passed. Rarity had tried to resist after running out of the thread shop back at the village, but four dogs had waited for her outside the door. She had kicked one of them square in the chest, and sent him sprawling into the snow, forcing the others to stand their ground rather than attack. It was Sweetie Belle’s scream from across the village that had frozen her in place. The orange earth stallion with the light blue mane had told her that her sister was in their hands, and that was that.

The group began to approach a large metal gatehouse which lead to a massive obsidian spire, which extended high into the sky, far above any other buildings in the city. Several smaller, but equally impressive towers rose around the main tower connected by similar sky bridges. Even in the moonless night sky, the spires sparkled and shined like black polished glass.

Rarity glanced at her sister who showed obvious fear. She had to be strong for the young filly, even if she was afraid. Rarity had to protect her no matter the cost to herself.

The spire’s interior was a labyrinth of regal corridors, even this late at night servants bustled from room to room. The group found their way high up in the tower, standing in front of a large double door, guarded by two columns of black armored ponies with a yellow colt standing in between.

Leading the group between the two columns, the Orange unicorn announced, “The King’s summoned have arrived!”

Two black guards opened the large doors leading into darkness. The colt motioned for Rarity and Sweetie Belle to follow, and they entered the throne room with two black guards following. The door slammed shut behind them.

Blackness surrounded the red carpet leading to the center of the room. Rarity shied away from the statues of pony’s looming out of the darkness lining the carpet, they looked contorted and frozen in time just before the end of an agonizing death.

A deep guttural laugh echoed through the hall, drawing Rarity’s attention to the throne. She had seen those glowing green eyes only once before, but she could never forget them.

“Mmm…” Sombra grinned at the two, they had traveled halfway into the room without thought. Rarity moved in front of her sister, her ears folded back nervously, and attempted to scowl at the huge stallion.

“You-” she gulped, “you have no right to kidnap us like this!” Rarity stamped her hoof down for emphasis.
“I have very powerful friends you know,” she began to lose her confidence as he stared hungrily into her blue eyes, “I…I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you let us go now, clear up this... obvious misunderstanding?”

Sombra’s face turned to stone. His smoky mane seemed to grow as he rose from the throne and began to walk towards the pair. Something flared slightly from beneath his long fur lined crimson cloak.

Rarity craned her neck as he stopped mere inches from where she stood. She had never seen a pony so large before, far bigger than even Celestia herself. Sweetie Belle stepped back.

Sombra’s black aura began to glide across Rarity’s coat and mane, lightly pressing against her. Instinctively she grasped her own magic, but was instantly engulfed by the other power. To Rarity, it had felt like a candle being doused by an ocean.

“You have spirit, but you don’t need it anymore.” Sombra spoke calmly, “I will forgive you this time, but you will not speak to your master in such a way again.”

Rarity gasped, “M-master?! How dare you! I am no one’s-“ her sister’s scream cut her short. Rarity twisted back to see her sister pinned to the floor by his black aura.

“Sweetie Belle!” she yelled. Rarity turned back to Sombra to see him baring his sharp teeth and his eyes burning with anger. “Stop you monster!” she attempted to use her own magic, somehow, but his own still doused her.

In a moment of panic, Rarity lunged forward and bit Sombra’s foreleg. He responded by kicking her and slamming her into a statue. Blood began to stream from the back of her head down her pristine white coat. He didn’t need magic to show his power.

“You foolish mare! I don’t care if this filly dies, if it makes you obedient. Another outburst, another disrespectful comment or action and she will pay for your stupidity! Do you understand!?” he yelled, furry resonated through his voice.

Rarity lay on her back with her head propped against the statue, still bleeding. She looked at her sister lying on the floor trying to catch her breath, Sombra’s aura no longer wrapped around her.

The black aura wrapped around Rarity’s skull, causing her skin to tingle. Her entire body shuddered with a sudden chill. Spots began to cloud her vision, and her body began to feel tired and feeble.

“Why are you doing this to us?” she cried.

Sombra moved in front of her sprawled body and lowered his head only inches to her own. “Oh mare,” his voice had shifted back to a disturbing calm. “lovely mare, you will find out soon enough. Now, you won’t ask any more questions, understand?”

“But-“ She whimpered.

“No question!” his voice shifted back to furry. A crack echoed through the air like a whip, and Sweetie Belle cried out in pain. A thin stream of blood trickled down the filly’s flank, as she continued to cry.

“Pleas! Don’t hurt her, I’ll do anything!” Rarity cried.

“Yes, you will. Don’t fear mare, once your purpose has been fulfilled I will end you and your sisters suffering. Perhaps if you impress in some way, your future will change for the better.”

Sombra turned around and walked back to his throne. Rarity staggered to her hooves, and looked towards her sister. One of the guards held her in his mouth, dangling by the nape of her neck. The sun orange colt lead the guards and her sister out of the chamber, and two somber crystal mares entered in their place, one a shining jade and the other amber.

“Ensure my mare receive chambers below my own, I must have easy access to my investment.” He said to the crystal attendants. “I will be expecting her to be clean and beautiful by tomorrow afternoon, you two will see to it.”

“Yes master.” The two mares responded in unison, and flanked Rarity on both sides to lead her out of the chambers.

Rarity couldn’t help but glance back as they were about to leave the throne room. Sombra and herself locked eyes, she had never been so afraid in her life. Her sister’s presence here was all her fault, and now they were in the hooves of a mad pony.

Only one thing to do

The crowd of ponies watched the center of the city square with grim resignation as their hero who had defeated the dragons, stood before the chopping block for the very same reason. Ponies from across the Empire came to see this hero, hoping to see a glimpse of history by his mere presence, only to be greeted by the sight of him in chains.

Snow began to drift onto the silent square, several foals in the crowd began to cry. The guards lining the stage stood uneasily. They stood with quiet submission at the task they were given, most warriors had known Sombra as a brilliant leader and talented unicorn.

Sombra looked into the crowd, seeing them was a reminder of why he was there. He could escape whenever he chose, but doing so would only hurt these ponies in the end. He had to die.

Captain Jadewater, a jade mare with a blue mane and one of Sombra’s good friends, walked in front of him to address the crowd. She looked back at him nervously, Sombra nodded his head slowly and assuring.

He whispered, “Thank you for keeping her away.”

The Captain faked a smile, then looked back towards the crowd and announced, “This… stallion… stands before us, condemned of using magic reserved for use only by our great rulers, the Alicorns, for the purpose of evil.”

Ponies shifted in the crowd, it was difficult for them to understand the scope of his crime. They watched the announcer closely, but they didn’t seem to accept the words. Sombra understood, but no pony else seemed to. Alicorn magic, forbidden magic, dark magic, it was all the same.

“After a fair trial by our benevolent leaders, he has been found undeniably guilty, and unrepentant for his actions. He alone is responsible for the death of thousands of dragons, adults and children alike.” She paused. The crowd shifted nervously.

Sombra’s heart sank at the last word. His reasoning was clear in that matter, but it was still difficult to actually hear what he had done. If even one of them had escaped, even the young, they would only grow to fight the Empire later. It was best to get rid of them all and avoid the suffering later.

Even hearing his crime aloud was not enough to convince him his trial and punishment were not a facade. His mother’s presence at the trial had been evidence enough that he was here for another reason.

Sombra grew angry just thinking of the Alicorns and his mother, it was all their fault that so many had suffered, and all his mother’s fault that his father had died. None of that mattered now though. Now, he had to accept that they were more powerful than he. Perhaps one day all ponies would see them as he did.

An executioner climbed onto the stage with a large axe, wearing a hood and covered from head to hoof in black.

“It is with devotion and honor that…” The captain paused, and turned around to face Sombra. She looked at him, then to the hundreds of guards attending the event to preserve the peace. Hundreds of warriors stood in the crowd to watch as well.

Captain Jadewater stamped her hoof and scowled in anger. “I refuse to let our hero be executed for saving us!” she yelled. “Executioner, release the prisoner!” A murmur ran through the crowd.

“Captain!” Sombra yelled in surprise, “don’t do this, this is treason! The Alicorns will have you executed for this!”

The executioner unshackled Sombra’s hooves.

“Humph,” she replied, “it’s only treason if they are the ones in charge my lord.”

“What are you saying?!” he exclaimed. “Think of the Empire’s ponies, the Alicorns will make them suffer if I live!”

Several lieutenants and captains climbed the stage from the formation of guards down below. One of the captains, a yellow stallion, stood in front of the rest.

“Ha!” he said, “we’ve been suffering since day one of that blasted princesses rule, there’s not much else they can do now is there?” He smiled. “And I think most of the country folk would agree.”

Sombra looked back at the crowd, they looked eager for something.

“No, let me die, there’s still time to make this right. We will be better off that way.” He said quickly.

“Ack! Don’t be foolish Sombra, I’ve already cast my lot in with you.” Jadewater said smiling. “Now, are you going to stand there all day or are you going to help us take back the throne, my lord?”

One of the lieutenants yelled to the crowd, “For the Empire!” and they returned with a cheer.

“This is madness!” Sombra yelled, “They will send armies for your heads, if they don’t come personally, all of you!”

“That’s quite alright my lord,” the yellow stallion replied, “if we fail, I don’t plan on living past today anyways.”

Sombra was lost and confused, he didn’t know what to do anymore. They would all be executed now, even if he killed himself here and now. Every last pony in the crowd was as good as dead for cheering for him. There was only one possible option now.

Sombra straightened himself, adopting a commanding pose. “Then we won’t fail.” He said somewhat apprehensively.

The crowd cheered once more, “All hail Lord Sombra!”

-Four ponies stood huddled around a streetlamp, cowering from the black abyss that surrounded them. The two parents huddled around their young filly, while one of Sombra’s mare acolytes trembled at the encroaching darkness.

The group’s breath shimmered in the lamplight as the temperature dropped even further, their skin stung as if being stabbed with thousands of needles beneath their coat.

“Master please!” the acolyte pleaded. “The others… they were foolish, I never would have been caught if not for them, please show me mercy!”

The father turned and scowled at the acolyte with as much hatred as he could muster. “You idiots! What monster did you bring with you!?” he yelled.

“Watch your tongue peasant, the master is no monster.” she responded nervously, more to the abyss than the father.

“He… the master, he is the true King of the crystal empire, and the future King of the world!” she said, hoping to sway Sombra with her loyalty.

The mother held the child tightly and turned to the acolyte. “I hope you never find peace after you die!” she cried as tears slid down her cheeks.

Black tendrils began to pierce the bubble of light around them, inching across the ground towards them from every direction. The tendrils looked as if they were a part of the surrounding abyss, not something coming from inside of it.

“Master!? Master!?” she pleaded more desperately. The group huddled closer to the center, shaking with both fear and frozen skin. “I would do anything for you, I always would, pleas…”

“Yesss…” A dark voice emanated from all around them. “I expect as much of all my acolytes.” One of the tendrils began to curl around the acolyte’s chest. Strangely, it felt warm to her. She didn’t try to resist or fight.

“And you have done just as I designed.” The abyss said.

The acolyte tried to speak, it was difficult with such unnatural cold. “We failed our mission here, but the others… you already punished them,” she paused to take a breath in the cold, it burned her lungs. “It was their fault, I can still be useful to you...”

This was nothing more than yet another task designed to fail. They were intended to be caught, then after tonight no other town or city would dare trifle with the master and his acolytes, but failure in any form was still unacceptable. The biggest prize however, was who might respond to this horror.

The tendrils around the acolyte yanked her into the darkness, there was no scream. Their fear was intoxicating to Sombra.The three remaining ponies huddled closer together, the parents tried to hide their child between them from the evil.

The temperature began to rise, and the light slowly began to grow. The tendrils snaking across the ground vanished. The stars and moon began to illuminate the streets once again. The abyss coalesced into a form at the edge of the light, the silhouette of a large Alicorn.

The father’s eyes widened at their possible savior. “Your highness thank-“ he said excitedly, but cut himself off as the form entered the light.

Sombra grinned baring his teeth at the family. “I will let you live,” He said, “This town was full of foolish ones who would cause me such heartache,” He looked at the mother holding her child, still crying. “But I see no reason to end you yet. It would do you well to tell others of what happened here tonight.”

Blood spattered the windows of the town, streaks lead into buildings, and limbs and entrails lay strewn about the streets. The bloody town glistened in the moonlight.

Sombra left the group to stand on a hilltop, covered in trees overlooking the town. He enjoyed these small excursions, and it was a distraction from his anticipation for the next day. Seeing that mare had made him excited. Of course, he had been skeptical if the process would even work, but seeing everything put in motion was enough to forget that this might be just another failed attempt to have a child. Regardless, he would learn in the next few days.

The night was silent, the stars and moon clearly visible, but the sun would be peaking over the horizon in a few short hours.
What would he do if he failed yet again? Sombra tried to ignore that thought. He wouldn’t fail this time. This time, he was taking no chances. He was providing everything he could possibly think of so the mare could live comfortably, and happily give birth. He would even restrain himself if she misspoke or did something foolish, at least until his son was born.

Sombra stamped his hoof in irritation. He had expected at least one of the Alicorns to show up. His intention was to finally confront his mother. Given what could come of the next few months, to Sombra, it seemed somewhat poetic that he would deal with her before bringing his child into the world.

After another hour, Sombra had become inpatient. Waiting was only making time pass slower, and the lack of a response was troubling. Perhaps he should have waited until his legacy was secure before he started taking risks.

“This is unacceptable…” he growled to himself. She obviously knew it was him, somehow.

The light of the sun began to glow behind the mountains on the horizon. Now was the time to leave; he could certainly defeat one, possibly two of them now, but three or four? He wasn’t a fool.

Sombra retreated to the shadows, and began to fade into the darkness that remained. For a moment, his glowing red and green eyes burned the air where he had stood.

-“You should rest my lady,” the amber mare said as she shoved Rarity into a large bedroom, “we, along with an acolyte, will return to serve you breakfast in the morning, then tend to your appearance and hygiene before the master arrives.”

Rarity turned to the other pony, still somewhat unnerved and confused. “What’s going on, why have you taken my sister and I captive?”

“My lady, the master has chosen you for something. You should be honored that he sees you in such a way,” She replied as if it where the obvious, “don’t squander such a gift.”

Rarity shook her head trying to understand. “Gift!? That… monster, hurt an innocent little filly, my sister!”

“Watch your tongue, the master has his reasons for what he does, it is not for us to question him!” the crystal mare snapped.

“You can’t be serious, you don’t serve a monster like that by choice… do you?”

She gasped, “Of course I do, how dare you question my loyalty! I chose to follow the master of my own free will, and I will serve him until the end of time.”

“But why?” Rarity couldn’t understand why any pony would follow such a tyrant, given what stories she was told about his reign in the crystal empire a thousand years ago and what she personally knew now. Who would hurt a child for no reason?

The attendant regained her composure. “He offers many things to this world once he rules, you will come to see the master’s benevolence.”

Rarity stepped back in astonishment. This crystal pony was nothing more than a brainwashed thrall. Were all of his followers like this? She had to get her sister away as soon as possible.

“I’m sorry for keeping you my lady,” the attendant said, “you should rest, he does like to come early at times.”

The attendant closed the door, leaving Rarity alone in the room. She turned to survey her accommodations. Rarity had to admit, it was rather opulent. There were no windows in the room though, but the walls where lined with dark intricately carved wooden wardrobes and dressers with several mirrors. A standing mirror sat askew next to a large unlit fireplace. The large canopy bed with white sheets and curtains sat in the middle of the room, with a luxurious white carpet spreading from wall to wall. The walls themselves shined like polished marble.

The candles placed throughout the room began to die, giving off only a dim glow.

Tears began to form in Rarity’s eyes. She bit her lip and walked towards the bed. She couldn’t think of anything else but Sweetie Belle’s face. If only Rarity had told her no, and gone alone. If only. This was all her fault. Her sister could die, or worse, all because she couldn’t say no when the little filly asked if she could help.

Rarity climbed onto the bed and curled into a ball in the center as the light finally disappeared. She had to get them out of this, somehow, but her mind still held her on that sweet little filly’s face. The room began to grow colder. She had to be strong for her sister’s sake.

How was she going to get them out of there? Rarity saw at least ten guards on her door alone, and there were many more roaming the halls from what she could see. Half of them looked like unicorns, but it was difficult to tell with the amount and type of armor they wore. If that were the case, it would be even more difficult.

The next hurdle would be actually finding her sister. She saw three other rooms on this floor as the attendants walked her to this one. One of the other rooms had four guards watching the door; that must be where they were keeping Sweetie Belle.

With tears still welling up in her eyes, Rarity cursed herself in the dark. In her state, she had forgotten to check her surroundings for anything at all that might be of use. She doubted they would leave much, but it was still worth a check.

Rarity conjured an orb of light in the middle of the room. The light wasn’t bright, but it glowed just enough to see in the dark. She rose from the bed and jumped to the floor to begin sifting through the drawers and dressers.

Within moments she found black and crimson fabric, the exact colors his followers that captured her had worn. A disguise, that was the solution.

A few more minutes of searching, and she noticed several large chests hiding under the bed. She pulled one out and flipped it open. Needles, thread, everything she needed was right in front of her. Rarity couldn’t help but smile, her tears disappeared. It felt a bit too convenient to her. Regardless, she would take whatever luck would throw her direction, and this was perfect.

Even in the darkness it was a simple task to fashion together one of the cloaks Sombra’s acolytes wore. She placed it on one of the dressers, she knew she wouldn’t be able to just walk out, the guards weren’t that stupid. If she drew the hood over her face as much as possible, perhaps then she might be able to pass for one of his followers.

Rarity drew her courage, and walked over to the door. Slowly, she began to open it, peeking out as much as she could while revealing as little of herself as possible. On the other side was a day room, no pony was there. She walked in, the room was covered in bookshelves. The floor was polished marble as well as the walls, and a fireplace sat to one end of the room with a red daybed sitting in front of it. The fireplace was lit, but slowly eating the last of the wood. No windows there either.

She walked into the room, cautious and looking from corner to corner. The door opposite of the one she had left lead to the hallway; that she knew. Peeking through another door on the same wall as the one she entered revealed a pristine and polished washroom, but again there were no windows.

Rarity sat in the dayroom for a moment, considering her options. The only thing she could think to do was wait until the attendants came in the morning, perhaps then she could find some way to slip out.

That was that. Rarity made her way back to the bed in the room, and hid the cloak beneath a pillow. She rested on top of the sheets, but didn’t sleep. Thoughts of her sister still kept her awake. There was nothing to do but wait in the darkness for morning.

-A knock at the door startled rarity, she jumped in the dark as her heart began to race.

“Your meal is hear,” one of the attendants said as she opened the door, “you should eat quickly so we have more time to clean.”

Another crystal mare entered the bedroom and began to light the candles. The amber mare set a tray of fresh cut apples on the bed and smiled at Rarity, who had somehow found her way under the sheets while sleeping.

“You look… better this morning my lady,” she said in a disturbingly upbeat manner. “I wasn’t sure how you would feel after last night, but I’m glad you’ve at least made yourself comfortable.”

Rarity hesitated to take one of the slices. “Th-thank you.” She faked a smile.

“The master was certain you would be a little… uncooperative this morning, he will be delighted to hear you’re already starting to feel better. Please, eat as much as you like, we will prepare your bath in the washroom; join us when you’re ready.”

Rarity gave a nod, and the Amber pony almost pranced out of the room. Rarity waited until she was certain they were both in the washroom, and jumped out of the bed with the cloak from under the pillow.

Outside in the day room staring at a newly lit fire was one of the acolytes, the door to the hallway was partially open. She peeked out of the bedroom door with the cloak already drawn, staring at the pony in front of the fire place; she was a sky blue unicorn with a beautiful silvery mane. The acolytes cloak looked natural on that one.

Something looked familiar about her, but she couldn’t put a name to the mare; Rarity wasn’t about to wait for her to turn around anyway. She snuck across the room to the door, not taking her eyes of the acolyte for a second.
The door to the hallway was surprisingly light, even with its heavy metal frame. Rarity opened it only a small bit more, just enough to fit through. Luckily, it made no sound as she pulled it. The acolyte remained fixated on the fire.

Rarity’s stomach exploded in nervousness as she entered the stone hallway. Five armor clad guards stood on either side of the door, each one wearing a long sword across their back. Rarity held her breath and drew the cloak further over her face as she began to walk by, they didn’t so much as glance in her direction. It did a little to calm her nerves, but her heart still pounded through her chest.

She rounded a corner and stopped to let out a long exhale. She was less nervous now, but the disguise would only help for so long. It was only a matter of time before the servants would send word of her escape.

Rarity began walking down the stone floored obsidian walled corridor. Red crystals hung off of the walls and let out an unnerving glow that illuminated the labyrinth. She passed several doors she didn’t remember seeing on the way to her room, perhaps this floor of the spire was bigger than she thought.

As Rarity rounded yet another corner, she saw the door. A guard stood on either side of the door, which looked similar to the one to her room. It had to be the right one. She gathered her composure and walked over as confidently as she could, while still holding her head low.

“Excuse me gents,” She said as she took a step in front of them, “is this the room with that little filly?”

They exchanged glances. One of the guards, an old Pegasus with a faded blue coat and tan eyes eyed her carefully up and down. He wore a lighter armor that covered his mane, legs, and flank. Something about that one reminded Rarity of Rainbow Dash of all ponies.

“I don’t think you have any business here acolyte, you should keep going.” He said.

“On the contrary my good stallion, I have been sent here by the king himself to retrieve the filly.”

“The king? Are you certain the MASTER sent you?” he asked, tilting his head to see under her hood.

Rarity stepped back and lowered her head just slightly. “Yes, the master,” she chocked on that word, “I’m here on the master’s command.”

The stallion raised a brow in curiosity. “What is your name acolyte? I don’t think I’ve seen you around these halls before, I think I would have remembered your accent.”

She gulped, and her nerves began to wane. “I’m uh-”

“It doesn’t matter,” he cut her off quickly, “I think you should go back.” His voice was almost fatherly.

“No, no I have to see the filly, please just let me through.”

“I insist you head back. In fact, it might be best if I escort you back from where you came.” He said, as calm as ever. He truly didn’t appear threatening at all. The other guard just stood like a mindless statue staring at the wall.

“This is outrageous! He won’t be pleased at all if I go back empty handed,” she asserted, stamping her hoof, “You don’t want to incur his wrath, do you?”

The Pegasus stepped in front of her, and held her back with a light touch of his hoof. The other guard grabbed the hilt of his sword with a confused look on his face. Two other guards rounded the corner further down the hall, curious about the commotion.

Rarity gulped, she knew it was already over.

“We can play this game all day,” he said in a lower voice, “but I know the master wanted to see you this afternoon, and I know he doesn’t like being kept waiting.”

In a panic, Rarity shoved the Pegasus aside and pulled on the door with hooves and magic, but it didn’t budge. “Pleas, just let her go!” she cried.

The Pegasus grabbed her, and pulled her back as gently as he could. The other guards hesitated, afraid to even touch Rarity.

“My lady, the door is locked, and none of us have the key anyway.” It sounded as if he were trying to calm her, but she only became more defiant. He began to guide her down the hallway, dragging her as she tried to pull away from him.

“You three guard the door, I’ll be back.” He shouted down the hallway.

“Let me go you brute!” she yelled and struggled the entire way. Rarity wasn’t going down without a fight, but even with her resistance, she couldn’t pull free of the Pegasus.

Further down the corridor, an acolyte rounded a corner towards them; the mare from her room. It was Trixie. Rarity wasn’t too surprised to see her here. That unicorn had a habit of showing up in bad places, if memory served.

“Humph, why am I not surprised to find you prancing about the halls with the captain? The master isn’t enough for you, you whore?” Trixie spoke with the most contempt Rarity had ever heard from another pony.

Rarity gasped, “W-what?!” She shook her head and forgot about the captain. “And why am I not surprised to see you here, did you lie your way into this place or did they just feel pity on a talentless nopony and decided to let ‘Trixie’ in?” She said her name in a mocking tone.

Trixie growled, “Trixie is- I am here because of my loyalty to the master! You are nothing to him, he would not hesitate to kill you and your sister if you anger him.” She smiled “I suggest you apologize to him when we return to your quarters…”

Rarity gulped, she had almost forgotten. She was so wrapped up in escape that she forgot what might happen if she failed, what would happen to her sister. She took a risk, and now she and her sister were going to pay for it, maybe even with their lives.

Boiled Blood

The crystal court was full of patrons, nobles, and peasants alike, all vying for a better view of the center aisle. They had all gathered to witness the punishment of the loyalists.

The hall was adorned with black and crimson banners and tapestries, which hung from every open space of white crystal wall. The courts tall windows that lined both sides of the hall had already been replaced with painted glass, scenes of the empire’s new king’s heroism.

Sombra sat on the throne, flanked on both sides by his generals. Autumn Gem, her turquois coat and violate mane as radiant as ever, sat just beside him on the throne. He looked down at the five loyalist prisoners and their captors. He adjusted the crown on his head, and continued to listen.

“We won’t let you get away with this!” A golden stallion from the group yelled.

A brown mare stepped forward from the group. “You can’t do this to us, the Alicorns will-“one of the guards kicked her in the side and growled, she fell to the ground in pain.
“You… your nothing but a pretender… and traitor! Our princess will return!” The mare on the ground strained to yell.

Sombra rose his hoof, causing a ripple in the surrounding crowd. If things were going to get better, others needed to see him as more than just another pony.

“You betray your fellow crystal ponies, and you call me the traitor?” he shook his head in disgust.

One of the guards escorting the prisoners stepped forward and bowed. “My king, have you had the opportunity to review the evidence?”

“I have,” he replied, “and I have found these five guilty of conspiracy to assassinate my appointed governors.”

Now was the punishment. He closed his eyes in thought, this wasn’t something he wanted to do. Misguided as they were, they were still his people. The punishment had to be something that everyone could remember, something that they wouldn’t forget so no one would try something like this again. He had to scare this rabble into submission. It would undoubtedly save more lives in the end, but would they still follow him after all was said and done?

Sombra rose from the throne. A black aura surrounded the golden pony, and dragged him forward. The aura pressed him to the ground, chocking the air from his lungs. He had gotten this far from taking risks, why not keep going?

There were plenty of other ways to execute a traitor. Perhaps he did want to do it, just without actually realizing it. Somehow, he felt compelled.

Sombra’s fangs dug into the stallion’s neck, crushing what little fleeting life he had left. The pony tried to kick and flail but the black aura held him firmly in place. Every time he tried to move, Sombra tightened his grip and dug his fangs in deeper.

The pony became lifeless; his blood collected on the carpet beneath. Sombra looked up to see the results of his actions. The guards looked on as if nothing had happened, trying to avoid eye contact. Some in the crowd had fainted, others stood shocked and wide eyed. A few had started making their way towards the exits.

Sombra motioned for the guards to intercept those who were leaving, they were probably the ones who would make trouble if he let them leave. They had to be dealt with now.

He wiped the blood from his mouth and returned to the throne, his queen was missing. He loved her so much, but how could she just leave in the middle of an audience? Hopefully no pony noticed. If she appeared disloyal, then what would others think of him? A queen that appeared to disapprove of the king’s actions was unacceptable.

The king growled in frustration, and patiently waited for those who had left to return under armed escort. As soon as the last had returned the guards closed the large golden doors at the end. The audience was frightened, but his guards remained emotionless.

“We must remain whole,” he announced, “we are threatened by countless horrors on all of our frontiers, and our enemies would see us torn amongst each other rather than fight us directly. They know they will lose if they fight us in the open, so they hide amongst us…”

The crowd grew even more nervous. The guards eyed them warily. His officers smiled in satisfaction, they were proud of their new king.

“I will do whatever it takes to make this world a better place…”

The black aura radiated from his form, bubbling as it crossed the room in the form of tentacles. They wrapped around those who had tried to leave. Their eyes began to glow green, and their faces contorted into horror and fear.

Half the room screamed and yelled as their worst fears came true before their own eyes. The other half looked on, trying to ignore what was happening; it was impossible to ignore. Many just collapsed in fear or burst into tears. They would remember this.

---“Imagine my surprise when I arrive to see how my mare is adjusting to her new life, and she is nowhere to be found.” Sombra said calmly, circling rarity like a shark with his crimson robe trailing behind him in the day room.
“Perhaps, it was my fault. After all, I didn’t tell you not to leave your room without an appropriate retinue accompanying you.”

The faded blue Pegasus captain stood like a statue in front of the door to the hallway. Trixie stood next to him, watching rarity with a smug look on her face. The two crystal attendants sat in front of the washroom, staring at the ground in a fearful manner.

“But then,” Sombra went on, “why did you decide to leave disguised as one of my acolytes, if you didn’t know you shouldn’t be leaving there should be no need to conceal your identity should there?”

He stopped, and stared at the attendants. “No, you are not at fault here are you my little mare? The attendants here never told you otherwise either, did they?” The two servants flinched as he spoke.

Rarity squeezed her eyes tightly and folded her ears back in fear. She had no idea what to do now. Her stomach churned, she felt like vomiting.

Sombra turned back to rarity. “I am not disappointed that you left your room. No, I expected that, I am disappointed that you would leave when I expected to see you.”
He moved closer to Rarity, and craned his neck to bury his nuzzle into her mane. She staggered as he pressed against her. Trixie bit her lower lip as she watched. “And you haven’t even been prepared yet.” He stepped back.
A strong fire roared on the hearth, cracking the wood and giving a glow that shined off the marble floors and walls. Even with its glow, the room was eerily dim.

“At any rate, I hope you understand now that you can’t leave here.” He sounded satisfied. “Its best you learned this lesson earlier rather than later, maybe you wi-“

“Shut up… you, you… monster!” She cut him off.

Rarity gulped and opened her eyes to stare into his. Her senses went numb as she spoke. “I…I’m not afraid of you,” she stuttered, “an… and… you don’t own me, you don’t own any pony!” She tried to yell. “You’re just a beast and a coward, a coward who tortures little fillies instead of fighting a real pony!”

She gulped. “You’ll fail this time like you always have! Princess Celestia and Luna-“

One of the attendants gasped. Sombra snapped his head back, and yanked her to him with his black aura. She let out a scream as he pushed her down, and stomped his hoof into her side. Rarity could hear the poor attendant’s ribs cracking under his strength. It seemed he was placing all his weight onto her. He dug his fangs into her neck and began shaking his head, twisting her neck back and forth until finally, he ripped open the mare’s throat.

The entire room stared at the sight. Rarity stepped back, frozen in terror as he stared at her with pure rage. His glowing green and red eyes pressed down on her, freezing her in place.

“How dare you speak that name! How dare you speak to me like that in front of my own servants!” he yelled with blood dripping from his maw.

Sombra bared his teeth as he stepped closer. Without another word he pushed her over and placed his hoof onto her side, slowly applying more and more pressure. Rarity screamed and began to flail about, kicking him several times, which didn’t faze him in the slightest. Sombra bent down and clenched his jaws around her throat, digging his fangs deeper and deeper into her neck.

Rarity closed her eyes. There was nothing she could do to fight back, she had never felt so helpless before in her life. Was this what dying was like, feeling so helpless and useless? She never thought she would end in such a horrible way, in the jaws of a demon. Her screams became a whimper, every time she let something out his jaws became tighter.

She started to cry. At least now she would never have to worry about anything again, but what about her sister? Hopefully he would spare her, doubtfully, or at least make her death quick. The pain was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

The pressure on her chest began to lighten, and she could feel his fangs sliding out of her flesh. Rarity panted as she struggled to breath, every breath burned her chest. Blood trickled down her neck from the bites.

She opened her eyes, barely, to see the captain’s hoof on one of Sombra’s forelegs. Sombra stepped back and attained a disturbingly calm composure; blood still covered his snout, and his black wings flared outward. His gown rested on the ground next to rarity. The captain took more than a few steps back from his master.

Rarity wanted to gasp in horror, but all that came out was another whimper; how could he be an Alicorn?

“Look what you made me do, you stupid mare.” Sombra growled. “Acolyte,” Trixie snapped to attention, “send for a healer and another attendant, now!”

“Yes master.” She bowed.

“Wait for me in my chambers after you have sent them.” he said under his breath. Trixie ran out without another word, she had heard.

Sombra folded his wings to his side and bent down towards Rarity. She tried to shy away, but she couldn’t move. She shook uncontrollably as tears trickled down her face. The pain was enough, but fear gripped her even tighter.

“You will learn that I do not make idle threats, and no pony speaks to me with such disrespect!” he spat. “I thought I made it clear at our first encounter that your sister suffers for your stupidity. If she lives past today, she will learn a very valuable lesson about respect!”

Rarity struggled to speak. “She…it’s not…pleas, I’m the one you should punish,” it was still painful to breath, “she doesn’t deserve it, I do.”

“Silence!” he snapped, kicking her across the floor. “I had hoped it did not come to this, that you would heed my first warning. I thought you were smarter than that.”

Sombra turned around and walked towards the door, dawning his robes. “Captain!” he glanced towards the Pegasus, “you will personally oversee the guard of my mare.”

“As you command master.” The Pegasus entered a deep bow.

Sombra looked back at Rarity, she still lay on the ground unable to move an inch. “Try to stay alive now. If you die, I might mistake your sister for a tasty snack.” Sombra and the captain left the room, slamming the door behind them.

Rarity shifted her eyes towards the dead attendant in the center of the room, even that simple action caused pain. The Jade attendant with the watery blue mane sat crying next to the lifeless corpse of the amber mare.

“Why… why did you anger him,” she cried, “She was so young… why couldn’t he just kill you instead?”

---“Captain, walk with me.” Sombra said; they began walking down the corridor followed by a silent entourage of nobles and officers. The captain took his place on Sombra’s left.

Sombra was angered that he had failed so badly to control his temper, he thought he had been doing much better. There was just something wonderfully intoxicating about the feeling of warm flesh and blood, every time his heart beat faster it was all he could think about.

He shouldn’t have hurt his crystal servant; that angered him more than anything.

“Some pony fetch me crystals!” he snapped to no pony in particular. Several ponies trailing behind them darted off.

There was so much to do, too much on his mind. Sombra just wanted to rip something apart, to do that without another thought in the world. His nose twitched as he smelled the fear wafting through the air.

“Captain,” he tried to speak in a calm voice, “you will be watching the mare, see to it personally that she does not leave her room again unless under heavy escort, and assume control of my guard.”

“Yes master.” He spoke meekly.

“Don’t make me regret putting her in your care, do you understand? I don’t want a reason to kill you.” His nose twitched again, he had to shift his attention before he snapped again.

The smell of fear grew as the group climbed the stairs that wrapped around the spire’s interior. His jaws began to ache.

“Tell me captain, where did you find my mare?” Sombra asked.

“She was trying to gain entry to that Sweetie Belle’s quarters,” the Pegasus said.

“Of course,” he muttered. It was obvious that she would try to escape with her sister, an attempt was inevitable. He had hoped she would wait at least a few more days.

“it’s good that we get that out of the way now I suppose, at least she knows now she can’t escape, but what were you doing up here?”

“I noticed the chests of tailoring supplies delivered to her room just before she arrived last night, and I recalled what my daughter had told me about lady Rarity and her affinity for clothing.” The captain couldn’t help but grin, he enjoyed mentioning anything about his daughter.

“A chest you say?” there was a hint of anger in his voice now, the desire for blood began to pool in the back of his mind again. He should have stayed away from this line of questioning, he didn’t want to hurt one of his most loyal officers by mistake.

“Yes master, I felt it would be more appropriate if I watched over her sister’s room personally. I didn’t want one of my men injuring… your mare… by mistake when she came by.” He said nervously.

They reached his quarters where a stallion and mare stood with large platters of crystals. They glowed vibrantly, and smelled wonderful. He didn’t savor them though, in seconds his aura drained the crystals. It was like drinking after days of no water, crystals always dimmed his appetite but he was still hungry for flesh.

The two ponies stood side by side as he inspected them. The orange and green stallion had a healthy stout figure, plenty of thick musculature. The grey mare, a Pegasus, had a plump figure and strong wings. He salivated just looking at them, both good choices.

Trixie rounded a corner down the hall. She looked as though she had been running, and she no longer wore the acolyte’s robes but instead dawned a transparent blue silk gown.

Sombra waved his hoof in dismissal. The two ponies bowed in silent relief and backed away. The rest of his entourage stepped back, exchanging silent conversations with one another, but avoiding their master’s eyes.

Trixie stopped in front of him, and looked up at him with pleasing eyes. He scowled at her, but said nothing and motioned for her to enter his quarters. She entered without hesitation, Sombra followed behind and slammed the doors shut.

Immediately inside his quarters was a dayroom with obsidian walls and floors. In the center of the room sat an empty stone pedestal, shelves with books and assorted trinkets lined the walls. A fire roared on the fireplace, and glistened off the black mirror like floors.

They entered his room where the curtains to the balcony had already been drawn shut, if not for another fireplace in the room, it would have been pitch black. Sombra began to circle Trixie, the room began to grow colder.

“Every time you give me reason to trust you, you do something foolish to change my mind,” he growled, “I question whether or not I should keep you.”

Trixie stared at the ground and folded her ears back. It looked as though she were on the verge of tears. She wasn’t afraid, but genuinely regretful and ashamed of her actions. She didn’t smell of fear, but a pleasant aroma of perfume he recalled from one of their first encounter.

“You knew she would act that way, you knew she would defy me!” he spat. She cringed at every word.

He trembled with anger. “You forced me to corner her, and like any animal… I expected to have that encounter at least a few days from now, when she had already been broken!”

Sombra raised a hoof, and planted it squarely on Trixie’s back. She collapsed to the floor, but not before she let out a quick whimper. He shifted his weight to allow her to breath.

“Why?” he snapped, “why are we having yet another discussion like this, and why is one of my crystal attendants dead?!”

“Master… I was only trying to help!” she panted, “I thought-“

“Help?!” he yelled. Trying to help, that was obviously a lie, Sombra wasn’t a fool. The mare was obviously trying to sabotage his efforts. “Mare, there is a reason you are in this position… now don’t lie to me.”

“It’s the truth master! I thought if she tried to escape early on, she wouldn’t try later when that foolish captain’s soldiers let their guard down!” She spoke quickly, “and… and now she won’t resist you, she has felt first hand your wrath; she wouldn’t dare disrespect you again!”

He shook his head, then shifted his weight to her back, slowly crushing the breath from her lungs. His nose twitched again, but it was the aroma of that perfume again. There was no enjoying it if he had the taste of that in his mouth, but this wasn’t about enjoyment.

He pushed the thought of the perfume from his head. His blood boiled, his anger seethed, he didn’t want to think about anything other than making this fool hurt and suffer.

She didn’t fight back, didn’t even try; not a single whimper came from her. She only stared up at him with those pleasing violet eyes, crying without a sound. Why did she always just take it? All of his other servants, no matter how devoted, always fought back or resisted in some way. If they didn’t fight back they at least screamed or yelled in fear.

A weak knock came from the door. It was the page. Sombra lifted his hoof from Trixie’s back. “Enter!” he yelled.

The door opened just big enough for the young sun colored colt to enter. He took one step in then dropped to the floor in a bow.

“What are you doing here?!” Sombra snapped.

“M-master…” Sun Dew stammered, “I thought you wanted to see me after your visit to the lady’s quarters this morning…”

Sombra growled and closed his eyes. His hunger seemed to disappear with his anger, just looking at that colt was enough to cool his blood.

“I did.” He finally replied, his voice was calm again. It took him a moment to remember what exactly he wanted to tell the colt, his line of thinking had been ruined by this morning.

“Yes, I would like to give you more responsibility, something to test you.” He said, it was a wonder he was so calm now. “I thought of it last night after you had already left.”

“I would like to have you personally oversee my mare’s sister’s safety. Organize her guard and retinue. Ensure she does not leave her quarters without a sufficient guard and is back in her room before nightfall, in the event I have any lessons I wish to teach her.” He grinned, baring his teeth.

The colt raised a brow in curiosity. “She’s allowed out of her room?” he asked carefully. “Aren’t they prisoners master?”

Sombra sighed, “Only of circumstance, unless they disobey me. They are not prisoners of war, nor have they committed any crime. Think of them as disobedient pets that might run away if not watched.”

“I understand master.” The page said.

It was a wonder what that colt did to him when he was around. Sombra still couldn’t exactly figure out why.

Sun Dew looked towards the ground. “Did… did you want your midday meal… master?” he asked reluctantly. “I… I can find you some better choices… if that’s what you want.”

Sombra rolled his eyes, and pat the colt on the head. “No, that won’t be necessary. I’ve lost my appetite for some reason. Besides, I haven’t slept in days and it isn’t good to eat right before you sleep.”

His page took a breath of relief. The colt obviously didn’t like bringing his meals, but he would get used to it eventually. Perhaps one day he would even join him.

“Speak to Captain Rainbow if you have any questions about the guard, and make sure they are not out of their quarters at the same time; keep them separated unless I say otherwise. You are dismissed.”

“Yes master.” The colt bowed once more, and darted out of the room.

Sombra turned and walked towards his bed, he glanced at Trixie trying to rise from the floor. He had almost forgot about her, but he had suddenly become tired and didn’t care to deal with her now. Without a thought he threw off his cloak and crown and climbed onto the bed, resting on top of the crimson sheets.

Before he closed his eyes, he forced himself to sense the shield he had placed over the city. It would keep his mother from spying on his and his servants’ dreams, mostly by preventing any pony from having them at all. A small price to pay.

He spread his wings across the bed and closed his eyes. It didn’t take long to fall asleep, but just a few moments later he began to feel something shaking on his chest, and barely opened his eyes.

Of all the things that mare could do. Did she want to die? Trixie lay on top of his wing with her forehead pressed against his chest, shaking but somehow asleep, or at least pretending. She no longer wore the silk gown, but still smelled of that sweet perfume; the aroma smelled even stronger now.

Sombra growled but Trixie didn’t budge. He really didn’t want to deal with her anymore, and her shaking was annoying him to no end. This was going to stop tonight, she needed to remember her place. If she couldn’t, then he would have to end her once and for all.

Trixie began to shake more vigorously. Sombra didn’t notice the cold anymore, not since his banishment. He was never going to fall asleep if she kept shaking though. Without a thought, he pulled her tightly against his chest, and wrapped his wings around her.

She was surprisingly warm, it was strangely comforting to feel that warmth. She nestled closer to his chest, forcing him to feel her soft coat and mane. Trixie still shook a little, he must have broken her ribs a few moments ago.

The black aura wrapped around Trixie’s comparatively small form. She was exceptionally small and fragile in his hooves. He should have just broken her neck then and there, but instead he healed her with a delicate touch so she wouldn’t wake up. It would be more satisfying to break every bone in her body when the time came rather than have several already damaged.

Why did things have to be so complicated? Sombra remembered back before he was a king, those days where so much easier. He remembered the days when he would lay in bed with his wife… he wondered if she was still alive.