Chapters The land was bathed in life granting sunlight, crowds moved about with their daily lives.
Equestria, one of the many beautiful kingdoms in the entire world. It prospered as a weed grows, quick and stable. The reason for this were many of Equestria's neighbours were kind and traded many goods with their pony allies. Equestria exported many fruits, grains, and vegetables to the Zebra conclave, the Minotaur tribes, and the Crystal Empire. In turn each one of the proud races traded their goods they were famous for.
The Crystal Empire imported many grand gemstones and sturdy wooden objects crafted from the finest carpenters of their nation. The reason of these trades was the simple fact of food. The Crystal Empire lived in the north, above the Griffon Kingdoms, the temperatures became far to cold to grow many of the wondrous fruits Equestria could. The crystal ponies were the closest allies to Equestria because six strangers who came to the empire years ago saved the crystal ponies from a dreadful tyrant who knew the citizens of the empire as nothing more than slaves. The crystal princess, who was Celestia's niece kept the beast back for as long as she possibly could using her own strength alone to protect them. Once the Crystal Heart was reactivated the Crystal Empire swore with honor to align with Equestria.
The Zebra conclave was friendly with Equestrians since one of their own sent a letter back, explaining that the harmonious nature was welcoming to all. Their ambassadors came with treaties of peace for each nation, gaining help for their people while importing rare medicines for many diseases that afflicted the ponies of Equestria. The two princesses who ruled Equestria were grateful for these new allies, so much so that the diarchs declared the Zebra conclave will be welcomed in with open arms.
The Minotaurs came to Equestria seeking shelter from dragons who deemed the metal works of this proud race as theirs to keep. The dragon threat forced the Minotaurs from their mountain villages onto the plains where they became nomadic, until they crossed the border to Equestria. Many were met with hostilities from the Equestrian Armed Forces, their pleas found a way to the two goddesses. The princesses were saddened by the events of Minotaur race, so much so that both Celestia and Luna decreed the Minotaur race under Equestrian protection while they negotiated with the dragons over the land. Eventually each party agreed to peace, a shaky peace, the dragons left the mountain range in search of new territory for their kind. The Minotaurs ambassador thanked the princesses for giving the land back to the rightful owners. They sent many blacksmiths to Equestria to craft grand armors for the guards of the princesses, placing many enchantments on the armor to make them nearly indestructible to physical force. In doing so the Minotaurs became a fast ally to Equestria.
Many of the many other races have yet to become friendly with the great nation of Equestria. Some view the passive equines as food or slave labor. The Diamond Dogs were responsible for thousands of disappearances throughout the years, taking ponies as slaves to work their mines.
But this is the world today. Our story begins one thousand twelve years ago, when the reign of Discord was still fresh on the minds of every single being alive. Our story begins with hardships, loss, and bloodshed, when the grand nations were only still in their infancy to what they are today.
The prince of the Crystal Empire stood proudly with his parents and wife, a perfect day that couldn't be spoiled by anything. His daughter ran underneath his legs, giggling as she hid behind one of her family member's bodies. Prince Sombra smiled as he took action to find the source of childish laughter, using his magic to pull her off the ground and float before him. She remained giggling as her father brought her past his head and back down.
"Sombra must you always play? I swear you still act like you're a foal yourself." Obsidian Lance whispered to his son. "Our entire family will be here in two hours so please when they are here act like an adult."
"Father have I ever disappointed you before? Have I not always been on my best behavior? So what is it if I play with my child for a few minutes, she's happy and I'm happy." Sombra replied back to the king; his father.
"Son we come from an important family, a very wealthy and politically renouned power. If they were to pass judgment on you, declaring you unfit to rule, our mighty empire could lose it's royal blood line. I don't have to reminded you the Obsidian Dynasty holds two thirds of the power in our empire." Obsidian Lance scolded, his son rolled his eyes at him.
Sombra just smiled at his Ebony Starlight. "Sweetie do go to your room and play with your toys?" Ebony Starlight nodded as she ran back to her room that was only two doors down. The King and Queen both smiled as their grandchild bolted away.
"Son I want you to know that there are members of our family who will try to remove us from the throne... They consider us to be over zealous. But when they are here I need you to be professional as well as careful with everything you say and do." Obsidian Lance gave his son a stern look to add importance to his words. Sombra's wife Amethyst made her way to her husband's side for comfort.
"When has Sombra ever let you down? He is always a great husband and father, he will not possibly let you down." Amethyst defended her husband. "And he will always do the right thing."
"Of course he will." Sombra's mother, Emerald Flame , said as she began to leave. Obsidian Lance nodded in agreement as he too took leave. Sombra and Amethyst stood alone on the balcony just staring out at the beautiful landscape below them, with a view like this the happy couple sighed and embraced each other. Amethyst nuzzled her beloved, taking in the moment with her company.
"Right now I feel as though nothing else matters in this world other than you." Sombra pulled Amethyst into a warm embrace. Amethyst giggled, a sweet and loving giggle, at the chosen words from her husband. She felt safe in his muscular forelegs, safe being around him.
"Sweetie, the rest of your family is arriving now, I see their carriages." Amethyst whispered trying to hold this moment for a little longer. A soft sigh came from her stallion, expressing his desires to meet with the rest of the Dynasty.
"Then let this meeting be over as soon as it begins, I have no desire to stay in their company longer than needed." Sombra replied with an unenthusiastic tone. His legs worked him back to the door but before he made his way to the throne room he turned back to his wife. " Amethyst please play with our bundle of joy also tell her daddy will be busy."
"Of course dear."
"This is an outrage! The nerve of these weaker kingdoms demand our help?! Why must we share our wealth and power with ponies who should be fully able to help themselves!"
"The demon Discord may be gone but his scars are everywhere! We shouldn't hold ourselves higher than those ponies just because they had help from Alicorns! It's our duty-"
"Duty?! Our duty is here!"
"Obsidian Lance, you cannot be thinking to help those vagabonds? If you are then we of the Dynasty will remove you and your family from the throne!"
"SILENCE!" Obsidian Lance bellowed to quell the chorus of voices, to add to his voice he smashed his hooves deeply into the floor of his palace. The arguing had taken a toll on his kind features. "I am king and I will have final say in what this empire does, if anypony says otherwise leave."
Not a soul stirred.
"Good, if we do not help are we not the same as Discord? He may be gone but to turn our backs on our own kind? What would we become?" Obsidian Lance drew the pause out for effect of his words to set in. "I'll tell you. We would be no better than those damn mutts, bugs, and over grown birds! Each of them has their own interests above all else, selfish creatures. Ask yourself do you really want to sink to that? Do you think yourselves higher than the pegasi, unicorns, or earth ponies? Unless any one of you has a reason, we are going to join them during these uncertain times."
"Very well spoken brother, I knew father did right selecting you for the throne!" Came a jovial voice. All face turned to find the source, behind the massive squabble stood Obsidian Lake. Proudly he marched to his brother, a smile never leaving his face. "Spoken like a true king, and wrinkles as well. I guess that the crown grows a little heavy, huh?"
"Ahh Lake, it's been too long and to answer your question, you're older than me!" Obsidian Lance chuckled back. His attention drifted to his brother then back to the matter at hoof. "This is no longer up for debate, we are going to aid our Equestrian neighbors. Meeting adjourned."
A collective groan rose from the Obsidian Dynasty, each rising to their hooves and taking leave so the king would be able to speak to his brother peacefully. As the last member of the large family was out of the grand throne room, the doors shut with a slight groan from the weight.
"Lake?"
"Yes brother?"
"Remember the days when we were young and idiotic? When we would start fights with a few of our ill mannered family?" Obsidian Lance asked, nostalgia laced within his voice.
"Oh do I. Grand times, grand times brother. So pray tell how is your boy? I haven't seen the lad in thirteen years! I miss my nephew!" A smile cracked on Obsidian Lake's face. He stepped around with happiness about his brother's son, who he cared for since his birth.
"Well if you must know, Sombra was married four years ago and has quite the wonderful family of his own. It's good to know when I pass the throne to him, that these halls will still be filled with laughter. Now I feel old... thanks brother."
"Ah I knew it was time for you to act your age!" Obsidian Lake chuckled deeply, thinking about the years that passed by. His smile softened. "Well I must meet this lucky mare! And give her proper family welcome!"
"Oh no, you going to scare her to death with your welcome you dolt."
"Now why would I scare the bride of my favorite nephew? Isn't that grounds for banishment or something along those lines?" Obsidian Lake gave a hearty laugh at the 'horrible' fate that could await him. "So where might I find them dear brother?"
"Check the third room down the second hall in the west wing of the palace, if they're not there then courtyard." Obsidian Lance said figuring where his son could be.
"Thank you Lance."
"Ebony, would you like to play hide and seek?" Sombra asked his playful daughter, much to her joy. She nodded quickly.
"You're it daddy!" Ebony Starlight shouted in excitement at the new game. As Sombra closed his eyes, Ebony vanished from sight. Her expert skills of hiding gave her the distinct advantage over her father. He was at best, clumsy, when playing. Certainly he couldn't keep up with the boundless energy his own daughter had.
"One, two, three, four, and ten! Ready or not here I come." Sombra smiled as he began the hunt. Amethyst could only as she over saw the entire game, to make sure neither were cheating and the game was fair. She sat just feet from Ebony's hiding place while wearing a sly grin as her husband looked in all the wrong spots.
"Hello you must be Amethyst then? Lance was right Sombra did marry a beautiful mare." The new voice caused Amethyst to jump with a start. She quickly composed herself to the stranger, getting a good look at him.
"Yes I am and thank you.."
"Sorry about giving a scare, I am Obsidian Lake. Sombra's favorite uncle." Lake stated with a wide smile beaming at her. "So how does my nephew manage to find one like you, I may have to start listening to his advice then."
Amethyst felt flattered by his words, a smile creeping on her face. "Well we met in the market one day. He was such a gentlecolt, at first I didn't think he was being genuine about it, many nobles just seek a mare to conquer for a night. Not Sombra, no he asked if he would have the honor of carrying my things to my house. We started to court after that faithful day and it has been a wonderful experience ever since."
"Well I'm glad he did so well for himself, he was always a good boy when he was younger. Now I can't say he's a boy, but a good stallion."
"Uncle Lake? Uncle Lake! Ebony come out to meet your father's favorite and possibly the greatest uncle to have ever existed!" Sombra called to his daughter who still hid from him.
"Ah so you haven't forgotten this old stallion my boy! Oh the grand times we've had, your mother is still a bit cross at me for letting see the show so late." Obisdain Lake smile at the fond memories. Sombra laughed along with him. "So have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"Well your mother and father are going to the Equestiran peace conference, and they want to bring your wife and daughter."
"What? Why?!"
"They haven't seen much of the world beyond our borders so they wanted to treat them. Think of it as a vacation for them, they will meet new races and interact with them as well."
"So what will I do? I'm not the ruling type! I just to have a good family life."
"Ah you're worrying too much Sombra my boy, I'll stay here with you so this way we aren't bored out of our minds. It will be just like when you were young!"
"Except I have a filly now."
"Well yes. But hey it will be like when we we're both younger my boy!"
Author's Note
Hey this story is a collab between my friend Lighting Chaser and I. It was born from drunken ramblings. Hope you enjoy
Episode one: Windiegos?! Oh No! part one
Author's Note
Hey guys sorry about the wait but for this story expect a waiting period of at least two weeks. Please tell your friends and stuff like that, don't forget to like and fav if you want more. My co author and I added a few ideas to the story and they sounded really great and here you guys are, the first part of many chapters. Enjoy.
Episode one: Windiegos?! Oh No! part one
The object that rested in the clearing resembled a broken unicorn's horn, the shadows seemed dance around it, swirling, for it seemed to emanate the very essence of hatred itself. The winds pick up, darkness has fallen over the Everfree Forest. The animals fled the area surrounding the object as their fear grew.
From the object a deep, dark, and insidious chuckle rose what felt like the very depths of Tartarus. This chuckle struck the hearts of even the bravest of Manticores and Timberwolves alike. The chuckle coming from the object sounded like even Tartarus bowed before it's dark will. Midnight black crystals sprouted from the grass not even two inches away. The chuckle became distorted into a malevolent laugh as the crystals grew centimeter by centimeter.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Obsidian Legacy: Sombra
Episode One: Windiegos?! Oh no!
The sun had made it's way to the peak of it's rotation. The birds flew from tree to tree, singing their sweet little songs. A blue bird landed on a low hanging branch above six very important mares. Each one of these mares had saved the Kingdom of Equestria three times, even going to the far north to save the Crystal Empire from a dark king. They even reformed the embodiment of chaos.
Their names were simple and no hassle to learn: Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle. Yes these mares were responsible for their great deeds. At the moment they currently discussing the matter of how to spend the day. Ideas were drawn up by the book mare herself; Twilight, many of those ideas were scratched of the list.
"Okay girls what about another fashion show for Rarity?" The newest princess asked to her friends. "I'm sure if we don't go overboard like last time we could have a lot of fun."
"As much as I would love to design more fabulously created dresses, I just do not have inspiration. I haven't had inspiration for a week now!" The pristine white unicorn exclaimed. Rarity wasn't lying either, her work did stop with nothing to inspire her for more. Her Boutique sold many dresses and suits to many mares and stallions who sought out finer clothing. Her customers ranged from the common pony to the high class elites of Canterlot. "I wish I could darlings, believe me, I wish I could. Well I shouldn't complain, after the last order to Sapphire Shores I really didn't need to work for awhile."
"Never mind then. Applejack do you have any ideas?" The purple Alicorn asked sweetly to her country friend.
"Can't say ah do Twi. Big Mac got everything covered fer me." The farm pony smiled with a slight chuckle to the thought of her brother working hard for losing the bet to his baby sister. "Well not after tha bet."
"That was priceless!" laughed the cocky Rainbow Dash with her trademark grin. With joyful memories of the bet and a glad heart, her laughter grew into a fit of gasping for air. "Still the look on his face when I was there, it was too much for me!"
The fit of laughter soon became a booming chorus as Applejack joined in. Twilight just giggled imagining the look on poor Big Mac's face, he must have been shocked. The young Alicorn turned back to the rest of the girls for any ideas how to spend the day. Her eyes drifted back towards the list that held many suggestions of activities for the group to appeal each of them.
A slight tap on Twilight's shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts, the hoof was butter yellow. Fluttershy was the one trying to get Twilight's attention, and succeeded in her endeavor.
"Well um we could go to the spa, I mean if that's okay with everypony else that is." The timid and bashful pegasus added, her sweet soft voice barely above a whisper over the laughing fit not two feet away. The timid pegasus did suggest something that they might all enjoy, Twilight did begin to think it over. The idea did sound like a very promising to the Alicorn, she would have to get the fit of giggles to stop though.
"Hey girls, why not the spa? I think today would be a great chance to relax after the whole coronation fiasco." The lavender Alicorn smiled to her shy friend who returned with a warm hearted one herself. The pair stopped, Rainbow Dash was the first to speak up.
"Why the spa? I don't like when ponies touch my hooves!" The cyan mare stated with a grim tone. This was true, Rainbow Dash wasn't like most mares, she always wanted to be independent from many things normal mares do.
"I think that is an excellent idea! Why Fluttershy and myself haven't been there for, what was it now, two weeks?" Came the soothing voice of Rarity, her mind's gears could be seen turning as she thought of the spa. She gladly jumped at the offer.
Applejack nodded slowly at the idea, normally she would have a counter about working but with Big Mac working... Why not? Applejack knew she wouldn't mind to unwind for the day, after all she did earn it. Her answer came in a wide smile with a gracious "Yes".
Pinkie Pie exploded into a mass of confetti, only to pop out of a small bushel of leaves over head. Her smile only grew as she thought of a 'spa party'.
"Well then girls, we have a day to relax for ourselves then." Twilight spoke with a small grin at the thought of having her sore wings massaged. To feel the muscles being worked to relieve the amassed tension held inside. The small grin took on a massive dopey and wide smile, a small strand of drool hung from her lips. "Well what are we waiting for? I say let's go!"
"Ugh, fine."
"Yaaaaaaaaay! Do you think the spa could handle one of my parties?"
"Ah'm sure gonna enjoy this."
"Lotus and Aloe will be pleased to see more customers. As I will be pleased after the mud bath."
"I should tell Angel that I'll be at the spa today..."
--------(Canterlot streets)-----
The sun showed everypony it was very much indeed summer, but the wind proclaimed a very different story. A extremely cold front somehow moved towards the city from the peaks of the mountain, with the scent of winter. To say it was cold was an extreme understatement, the winds tossed the chilled air about as if it were a enormous ball.
Many ponies stayed indoors to escape the nearly frozen airways that danced about outside. Those whose jobs were the most important daily activity braved the icy gusts. One was a miss Twinkleshine. Her employer did not like allowing his employees more than three days off every month. Her mind was afoot with thoughts of a better work place, and to fight the cold that settled on the capital of Equestria.
A long drawn out wail pulled Twinkleshine out of her thoughts. It sounded so much like a pony in pain. Again the mournful wail ripped through the massive gale force. Her sensitive ears caught the sound again, but it came from above her. The soft violet eyes drifted towards the sky, they were greeted with ghostly forms streaking across the blue sky with gusto. Her pupils shrank as her eyes widen at the sight of these entities that swarmed, numbering at the very least of a hundred or so.
Twinkleshine turned a full one hundred eighty degrees, speeding directly for the palace of the princesses. Her hooves smashed along any flowers or small shrubbery in her path, her instincts yelling in full panic of the situation. Again the wails reached her ears as she tore through the streets. The mournful tune was all Twinkleshine could hear, her heart raced a mile a minute as the castle gates were in sight. Just a little farther and home free!
One of the ghostly figures swooped down just a hair's length away from the frightened mare, Twinkleshine could feel the air grow colder as it passed overhead. With a reckless pace she cleared the stairs with a single bound. Now Twinkleshine opened the grand doors slowly, using all of her strength to push.
Her hooves barely touched the marble surface as she sped to the throne room. Twenty feet away from her destination, ten feet, five more... Strong forelegs held her in place. The frightened mare felt a scream rising in her throat, Twinkleshine opened her mouth to allow her loud beautiful voice screech her terror, she felt a hoof close jaw gently but forcibly. Twinkleshine's eyes shot about the room searching for her captor.
"Shhh, thou shalt not scream or create any sudden noises. Windeigos are woven to cries of thou's terror." Came a soft yet stern voice, a voice that shed the fear from Twinkleshine. The young mare calmed at the sound of that comforting voice, it rang like her mother's. Twinkleshine's head turned to face who spoke to her.
There stood Princess Luna with a unusual calm aura surrounding her. Her most commanding aspect was her eyes, they demanded respect as well as gave it. Princess Luna was kind in her own way, she always wanted to help her subjects.
"Those... those are Windiegos?!" Twinkleshine's voice no louder than a church mouse's squeak.
Another voice came from the back corner of the room, one more motherly than Luna's. "Yes, they somehow returned. I fear this may be too much for our guards. Luna please send a letter to Twilight and her friends about the situation. I must monitor this closely." The eldest Alicorn spoke calmly with a warm smile, but her eyes gave away what was fear for her subjects. The concerned tone permeated the grand room, each pony inside wore a grim face.
"I hope this doesn't get any more problematic for our subjects Luna."
----------(Ponyvile)----------
"Okay girls today is our day, let's just have fun and-" Was all the lavender Alicorn could say before came the very familiar voice of a young drake interrupted.
"TWILIGHT! Twilight! Princess Luna sent a letter for you and the rest of the girls!" His skimpy legs looked as though they could buckle at any moment. Twilight snatched the item from Spike, her eyes scanned the parchment for every little detail. Her pupils shrank incredibly as she worked her way through the scroll.
"Girls, spa day has been canceled. Canterlot has Windiegos terrorizing the populace. The letter also states we are going to the Crystal Empire, the historians in Canterlot can't find anything on the Windiegos to stop them!" Twilight's voice rose an octave as she finished summing up the scroll's contents for her friends. "Well let's get going!"
To the rest of the mane six all they saw of their friend was a bright purple streak flash down the road, leaving the parchment still dangling in the air with a very confused drake.
"Then there is no time to lose girls! I simply must pack my things." Rarity said before zipping off to her homestead with a dust outline where she was she stood.
All eyes went to the young drake still standing with a dumb struck look plastered on his face. He snapped back to reality once he felt all eyes on him.
"Oh no I'm not helping her this time. She packs to much for this dragon, so have fun with that girls!" And he too was gone in the blink of an eye.
-------(Thirty minutes later)---
The six young mares and the drake sat at the train station awaiting the next train for the grand Crystal Empire. Most had a simple carrying case for scarfs and the odd book for the train ride, except for Rarity who had six very expensive bags with her. Bags that Spike carried for the mare who enthralled him, even with his barely audible groans and comments, he carried them without cursing Rarity's name once.
"So how long will the train take?! It's been like... five minutes now!" Complained the speed demon of a mare. Patience was a virtue lost on Rainbow Dash, always felt the need for speed and the rush that flying gave her.
"Just give it time darling, one must not expect everything to just be ready when you so desire. Although that would be nice." Rarity held most of her chuckle in, allowing herself a small giggle in the most dignified manner of course. Her comment earned a sigh from most of the group. Seeing as the train wouldn't be arriving any sooner, the alabaster unicorn took her seat with grace befitting of a lady.
Fluttershy sat quietly, humming a sweet and beautiful melody. Her serene tune put Rainbow Dash at ease relatively quick. She sat with her eyes closed just content to allow herself to think of all the animals she helped over the weeks and months previously.
Off in the distance the clock tower struck three, each of the girls held their heads up at the final bell rung. The sound of the train came in clearly, the steam engine working hard to reach it's destination on schedule. Each of our heroes sighed happily as their wait was over, that is all except Spike who had the daunting task of Rarity's bags.
Twilight held their tickets to the ticket taker, he smiled and waved them to board the train. The young Alicorn helped her friends with their bags, as well with Spike as he struggled with all the luggage. With a simple smile he shrugged because of the task he signed up for.
"Hey Twilight." His voice came as a whisper so the rest of the girls could hear what he was about to say. "What do you think would be the perfect gift for Rarity? I've already given her my fire ruby, I'm out of ideas!"
"Oh Spike just be yourself and just ask her already. You're not six anymore. We've already celebrated your eighteenth birthday, ask her and she might just say yes." Being a surrogate mother was a joy that Twilight would never want to give up. Watching "her" boy grow up was some of the best memories she had, ever since she hatched him, she always cared for him. Even during their younger days they acted like siblings.
"But Twilight I'm still small! What if something happens to her and I can't protect her?!"
"Spike. That day with the Diamond Dogs wasn't your fault. I've told you every day since then you did the right thing. Don't worry about a thing, you two grew closer since then and I believe you have a chance. Before you ask if she rejects you, just remember there are other mares who like you." Twilight spoke calmly to ease the young dragon's mind. Much to her surprise it did work, Spike mellowed quickly after having his worries put down.
Twilight smiled at him with eyes that said 'Give it a shot', Spike only nodded before adding his two cents. "After this nice nap I'm going to have."
"Well that doesn't sound like a bad idea." Twilight's voice raised back to it's normal volume. As she moved to grab the pillows from the storage compartment above them she felt a soft thud on her seat, Spike had crashed right there on the seat like a light being turned off. "Have a good nap."
Before Twilight laid next to her surrogate son she kissed his forehead, earning a soft mumble from the drake. Slowly her eyes shut, darkness closing her vision. Soon she too was asleep.
----(Twilight's dream)-----
The Princess of Friendship walked in a vast group of ponies going here and there, to and fro. She reckoned that this is what Manehattan looked like during rush hour. Ponies were leaving shops and businesses quickly.
In the distance the young princess could see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as they strolled through the streets on some kind of royal duty or another. Twilight waved to her co-princesses only to be ignored.
"Well that's weird normally they would wave back, maybe they didn't see me. Yeah that's it!" With a flash the young Alicorn teleported next to the older two. Again she tried to get their attention, but nothing seemed to be working. The situation made young Twilight a little peeved at her mentor and one of her friends.
With a small but noticeable bump to the solar princess's side Twilight would sure to get her attention. But no they continued onwards without so much as a acknowledgement to the now smoldering princess. Twilight grew furious as her mind tried to draw up a conclusion to this problem. Only one thing popped into her mind to gain their attention.
"HEY YOU JERKS!" As soon as the words left her mouth she immediately shut it. Twilight felt ashamed for calling her fellow princesses jerks. But it did succeed in gain their attention.
"Oh look sister it's your failed student, why did you grant her Alicornhood?" The darker coloured of the two spoke harshly.
"I do not know why I did, but I can clearly see I made a mistake in doing so. Twilight you may have wings but you are certainly not a princess, therefore we strip you of your crown and banish you. Don't think this isn't all your fault, you let him go. He is out there because of YOU!" A mad chorus rose out the streets and buildings. Each voice sounded like a thousand cries of pain and anger writhing in the shadows, some came as a cry of terror and others broke through with anguished rage.
Twilight felt each of the voices crash against her ear drums with extreme volume. Her forehooves covered her ears to shield herself, her eyes shut tightly with tears flowing freely. Twilight knew this couldn't be true, with every fiber of her being she knew. Yet it felt so right, this felt right to the Alicorn hiding underneath her own hooves. Twilight could feel the knot forming in her stomach as the voices slowly became one.
"We hate you! You gave him a passage right to us! This is your fault!" They shouted in unison with a fury that shook the very city. As they chanted their mantra Twilight felt herself move, as though her body was on autopilot. Slowly she opened her eyes to find the chorus had stopped, dying from a whisper that grew over the harsh cries.
In the very center of the street was THE door.
The very same door that she had bested when she and her friends went to the Crystal Empire the first time. The door was slightly open, black wisps snaked along the edges with desire for something. The young princess stepped closer with an extreme caution, surveying the wisps move on their own accord. They twirled about with a strange longing for something, each of the ends seemed to look for the same item.
Twilight felt the fur on the back of her neck rise as a cold rush of air hit her, the only way to describe the sensation that crept through her being was terrifying. Each step closer made the blackened wisps move slower, as if they were calmed by her presence just standing near. Again she took another step, the wisps had fully come to a stop. With a a hoof reaching towards the door, the young princess braced herself for anything possible.
The door relented as her hoof pulled it open, everything that the door hid had now been exposed.
The last glimpses of light flickered in and out, the darkness swam all around the young Alicorn.
A bright flash shot through the darkness, illuminating everything around her. Her eyes scanned the new area, she recognized it as the Crystal Empire. But everything seemed older and much more somber, even the mood of the palace felt this way. Twilight took a few seconds to search the room she was in for any useful knowledge.
"Why haven't they made it back yet?! MY family are out there!"
That voice sounded so familiar to the young Alicorn, the deep grounded voice she heard only a few years ago.
Sombra!
"Sombra, please calm down. I'm sure they are just fine staying a little longer in the Equestrian land, so many sights to see and what not."
"Three weeks?! Three entire weeks to see the same things we have here?! Something is wrong I can feel it uncle." Sombra's voice held a generous amount of care for his family even though he worried for them.
The doors slammed open, in stepped Sombra as well as his uncle, if Twilight heard correctly. This Sombra looked so very different to the one she had fought. Dark bags shadowed his eyes, his face proclaimed he hadn't slept for days. Twilight watched the two like a hawk as they made their way to the window, Sombra still physically larger than his uncle slumped with worry.
Sombra's worry over his family had taken a extreme toll on his form, even with his own head bowed low, Twilight could hear the stallion's low voice crack with sorrow. Even his appearance reeked of of misery: his royal cape had deep stains trailing the edges, his mane was completely tangled, and his eyes were red from lack of sleep. In short he was a mess.
Twilight had never heard or seen of Sombra like this even from his former slaves, she soaked in every detail about the broken stallion who stood on the edge of sanity. His eyes were normal, no reptilian slit eyes, just normal pony eyes filled to the brim with tears wanting to spill forth.
"Send a letter to the Princesses of Equestria, I want to know if my family are still there." Sombra's voice cracked again, his breathing became ragged as he forced the last word out. The tears spilled forth freely as a fountain would.
"Yes Sombra I will." With that his uncle vanished. Sombra stay motionless as a statue while the world around his shape distorted and changed. As the new scene came into view Twilight stole a glance around, she was still in the same room. Her eyes were drawn back to Sombra. He never moved.
His body became more than filthy, his mane no longer held any shine in it nor did his coat. His deep red eyes stayed locked on a certain spot on the wall before him, his royal wardrobe was nothing more than shreds of cloth at his hooves. Twilight moved closer to him with extreme caution.
Sitting down right in front of the broken stallion, Twilight now saw only despair on his features.
"Sombra! Sombra! The letter is here!" The voice of his uncle echoed loudly through the halls. His form sped right past the room his nephew was in, Obsidian Lake backed in the hallway. "Oh there you are, well we got our reply from the Princesses. Here you should be the one who opens the letter."
Sombra barely acknowledged his uncle as his magic wrapped around the letter. The seal broke with ease, the letter was laid upon the table with care for the broken Sombra to read.
Twilight watched his every move as carefully as she possibly could, noting every detail on the face of the soon to be King.
"Our deepest apologies, but during our summit we never saw nor heard your family. Obsidian Lance and the rest of his company did not show, we believed they simply did not want to be apart of the summit. We share our deepest sympathies for you and hope you may find your loved ones.
Sincerely Yours Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
Obsidian Lake's ears were laid flat on his head as the letter was read aloud. He moved forward to comfort his nephew during his time of need. Lake bowed his head low as he moved to his nephew. Sombra's magic crumpled the paper, his eyes shut tight at the news holding back tears of fear and rage. He bowed his head for a moment. He turned to a guard stationed outside the door with renewed purpose.
"You there! Bring all available units under my command, search land, sea, and sky. Look everywhere! Leave no stone unturned, search every kingdom: Griffon, Dragon, Caribou, Zebra, search everywhere! Leave no river unwaded, cloud unchecked, and mountain climbed! Find them! Find them NOW!"
The entire room shook as Sombra roared his orders, even the windows shook from the force of his voice. Twilight cowed at the sound of his voice rolling through the palace, this seemed like the Sombra she knew at least in part. She began to question herself about where his family disappeared to, surely this couldn't be the same Equestria. Surely this former Equestria could never be this unjust and this un-unified,Twilight was sure of it. Twilight had been wrong before, the scene was certainly proving her wrong now.
The voices became muffled as Twilight's view slowly drifted back into darkness. New sounds greeted her ears, female voices that sounded pleased about something. Only then did Twilight realised she was waking up from the dream world.
Slowly her head lifted to be greeted with the Crystal Empire just outside of her window.
Episode one: Windiegos?! Oh No! part two
Twilight found herself back in the ancient Crystal Empire with a young Sombra in power, his dark reign had yet to begin. His form seemed broken by despair over his missing family, a far cry from how Twilight had originally seen. He just sat alone in what could be called a child's room, unmoving and unnerving with how still he was. The air in the room was lifeless as his sunken eyes held little emotion.
The sounds of hooves came bounding down the corridors like an army marched through the halls, in they filed into the room.
"Sir!" They all shouted in unison, they were a picture of the perfect guards.
Sombra had turned to the soldiers slowly, it was now Twilight could see the face of despair. His coat was stained with tears, deep bags shadowed his eyes, and his mane that once was clean was now tangled to the point nothing but cutting it would help. His eyes were puffy and red but held no fresh tears.
"Anything?" His voice was flat and uncaring.
"Many of the other Kingdoms have stopped us from our investigation, but we did find items of interest that you may wish to examine." Their Captain spoke calmly, her eyes pointed forward like a true soldier.
"They would be?" At those words the Captain pulled a small bag and placed them in front of her prince, slowly spilling out it's contents. Out came a golden locket and a small pink bow.
"These were the only items of the site of the carriage, my liege. I'm sorry for your loss." Her voice shook little as the news reached her Prince's ears.
"Leave me." Twilight could hear the pain in his words as he spoke only above a whisper. The room was dead quite as each guard left one by one single file. None dared to look back to see their ruler in such a pitiful state. The door closed softly leaving only Twilight and the soon to be king in the room, sounds of weeping could be heard throughout the halls of the palace. Twilight witnessed Sombra hold the items close to his broken shell as though that would be enough to bring his loved ones back to him, even Twilight could feel a tear trickle down her cheek for the monster to be. The young Alicorn could hear through his sobs some of what he had to be saying. "I'm... so... sorry... I... I... failed... you..."
The sound of sobbing died down slowly and hooves hitting the crystal floor could be heard. The air in the room thickened with a new emotion, a savage raw emotion that tainted the sorrow. The door opened slowly to reveal Sombra's uncle, Obsidian Lake, coming into the room slowly.
"Sombra I heard the news, I'm sorry my boy... I truly am..." Lake had his head bowed low to the ground. "The people need a leader Sombra... and I will take over until you recover from this loss-"
"You're sorry? You're sorry?! You're SORRY!? You say you're sorry for my loss and say you'll take over until I can RECOVER!?!?" The words echoed loudly off each wall as Sombra roared. His gaze narrowed upon his uncle sharply. "You expect me to lay down and recover from my loss? Just to watch you take everything my father built?!"
"I didn't mean it like-"
"Shut your mouth you worthless cur! You just want the last thing I have! You and those damned fools! I will not allow that to happen! I am prince no longer, I am KING!" Twilight couldn't believe the sight before her: Sombra's eyes began to shed the iconic purple mist, his horn grew an enraged red, and fangs sprouted from his jaws. He was monstrous looking, his own uncle shrank before his new form.
Anger, anger was all Twilight felt, it flowed throughout the entire room. The young Alicorn slowly understood what she saw play out before her, this was the day King Sombra began his dark and terrible reign. She felt his sadness that fed the ungodly rage that pulsed within his veins, the air was heavy with hatred.
"What is this power? I- it feels incredible! I feel so powerful." His deep voice rumbled as he felt this new magic seep into his body, it granted him strength when he was weak. Twilight could see the cogs turning in Sombra's head once he became quiet. A smirk formed with his fangs jutting out, giving him the mad pony look. "I need a test subject."
Lake's eyes shot open widely as the words were uttered. Twilight could see sweat dripping from Lake's brow, she could only guess at what would happen next. She watch in horror as Sombra stalked forward with malicious intent well seen within his cruel eyes.
"Sombra! Please I am your uncle! Please don't do this, I beg of you! Was I not always kind to you? Plea-"
"Shut your mouth!" Darkened magic shot forwards from Sombra's dangerously curved horn. Lake's tounge was held out of his mouth against his will, Sombra smiled wickedly at his new found power and what it did for him. "Now that you are being quiet, you will be my first subject to test what I can do with this... this... GIFT!"
The older stallion had tears rolling freely away from his eyes, which silently pleaded with his nephew to stop. Twilight couldn't look away as much as her mind told her body to. With a strong upper cut, Obsidian Lake's jaw sliced his tounge clean off with a squelching sound bouncing the crystal surfaces. Then the mad pony known forever as King Sombra spoke with a heartless tone that would mark Twilight's young mind.
"Wonderful, it seems I have complete control. Please understand uncle... You will be missed dearly."
Six hours in this nightmare passed slowly as the terrified young Alicorn watched Sombra brutality tear into his own flesh and blood. She couldn't believe the cruelty she witnessed for those hours of this damned nightmare. Twilight sat in a corner of the child's room weeping for the poor soul whom had been so ruthlessly taken from the world. Sombra sat in the mess he created from his new power, a wicked grin that rang of sadistic joy, crossed his features. His legs propped his body forward to the door, it seemed he was speaking to somepony out in the hall.
A maid walked into this horror show, violently vomiting at the sight. Her hooves pulled a bucket in to clean the blood from every inch of the room. While she worked Twilight could see the monster glaring at the poor mare in the room. Every once in a while he barked orders to clean the mess that threatened to drip on any item in the room, all the while glaring a horrible stare that would possibly break a Cockatrice.
Twilight couldn't hold in her sorrow in any longer, loudly her cries rang out. She didn't want to see anymore, in fact what she first saw as an opportunity to learn about a figure of history, quickly became graphic in so many ways.
King Sombra shifted his death glare at the spot where the young and frightened Alicorn sat failing to keep calm, she froze once she had noticed his eyes were scanning her spot.
Twelve long seconds ticked by until the king turned to the maid who finished cleaning, her hooves soaked with the red liquid that once covered the floor. His eyes fell on her, the cold calculated eyes watched her with nothing of his thoughts being made known.
"What is your name maid?" The dark voice sent chills down the mare's spine.
"It's Sapphire my lord." In comparison to his voice, hers was soft and kind.
"Sapphire... you tell anypony what you saw in this room... you will beg for the same. Do you understand?" King Sombra leaned down to her ear, his fangs inches away from her neck. Her only answer came as a feeble nod. "Good. Take the day off, return to your family or what ever it is you have."
Without so much as a second thought the mare disappeared out the doorway, leaving the very creature of hatred alone with his own devices.
Again the scene began to swirl about, changing from from the nightmare into something that could only be worse.
There on the balcony stood King Sombra with the lavender mist flowing from his eyes in a non-existing wind just like his mane, armor wrapped around his chest and legs. Now he was the monster many would pray to forget.
Down below his vantage point a parade was held, not a jovial one but one where the guards from all over the city marched in perfect unison. Every step sounded of thunder as the thousands of soldiers moved like a massive column of ants. The public stood outside and watched silently as the military might of King Sombra marched through the streets. Each one wore a dark gray armor, making them imposing to even look at.
Twilight took note none of the citizens wore chains and collars, she estimated that this was still in King Sombra's early years of leadership. As the parade passed King Sombra turned around, giving Twilight more to witness. Behind the tyrant was what the young Alicorn assumed was the rest of Sombra's family. She saw young and old, mothers and children with husbands and fathers, Twilight wanted to warn each one about their possible fate if they stayed within King Sombra's reach. Try as she would, she couldn't do anything to help or save the ponies here.
"Well Sombra that was a very impressive show of might, but care to explain why our mines are being expanded beyond safe measured areas?" An older stallion asked.
"Well I have learned that some of the crystals your workers dug out have magical properties that simply must be studied further." The king stated simply to the old stallion without so much as casting a glance.
"That is good but some of our mines need those workers you've replaced!"
"Who is King of this majestic empire? You? Well then I guess you have quite the prowess to lead, don't you?"
"No but-"
"But nothing. Those mines are officially property to the crown, my crown to be exact."
Another voice sounded out of the crowd. "What about those rumors about an attack?"
"Aunt Diamond Gaze, maybe you shouldn't affiliate with matters of being a king."
The oldest mare finally spoke up, Twilight thought of her as the family matriarch.
"We have seen quite enough to take the throne from you boy, when the council confirms that you are unfit to rule you will be working down in the mines!" This earned the mare a glare from the king, who up until now had a small smirk at the edge of his lips. His eyes that had been white now began to grow sickly green as his temper grew. The matriarch of the family wasn't finished just yet. "I will make sure that no political power is ever within your hooves you disrespectful colt! I will have you kno-"
A black sphere held the old mare within it, slowly it shrank until the form of a pony could be seen. With an explosion of green and purple light the sphere was gone and so was the family's matriarch, in her place was a twisted crystal body standing without a hint of life. The black statue of the former mare stood quiet, the twisted king approached with a sick grin and tapped upon the statue with his horn. From where his horn touched, a hair line fracture slowly grew and grew causing cracks to form along the body of the once living mare. The statue unable to hold the weight of itself, shattered into a fine black crystal dust.
King Sombra turned back to the rest of the Obsidian Dynasty who stood in complete shock. His grin wrapped into a demented smile. "I will not be disgraced in my own palace! I am KING!"
Again the world shifted and twirled about before the young Alicorn with incredible speed, so many visions passed none were kind or filled with laughter. No they were filled with fear and an innumerable acts of hate, except for one that slowed for Twilight to witness.
No words were said by the monster that was King Sombra as he walked down the corridors of the palace with a slow pace, he stalked the halls with those blood red eyes scanning every inch of the hall. He stopped in front of a door Twilight had previously missed, his horn lit with a red hue. The door opened to reveal his child's room, the very same room he became a creature of nightmares.
Twilight moved forward to the door, only to have it slam shut. Whatever was causing this horrifying dream didn't want Twilight to see what happened behind this door.
"Twily! Twiliy please wake up!"
That didn't sound like Sombra, and only her big brother called her Twily. Her eyes flicked back to the door, it was gone. The rest of the old palace was melting away to the never ending darkness.
-----(Crystal Palace: present day)----
"Rarity this is why you need to pack lighter! I mean Twi's lucky you didn't have anything real heavy in that suitcase!" Rainbow Dash scolded the white unicorn who sat by Twilight's side since the bag had hit. Rarity was absolutely terrified of what happened to one of closest friends, and such she refused to leave her side for one moment.
Slowly the lavender mare's eyes opened to see her friends, her brother, and Cadence standing around her with concern in their eyes. As Twilight's eyes opened further the group brightened quickly, even Spike had tears in his eyes.
"What happened last night? I feel like I drank a entire bottle of Pinke's special punch." Groaned the youngest princess, each of her friends laughed at the comment. All that is except Rarity.
Rarity who had been quiet for this time finally spoke. "Darling I'm so sorry! One of my bags fell from the compartment and hit your head! I am so sorry!"
Episode one: Windegos? Oh no! Part three
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. 