The Umbra King

Chapters

A King Reborn
No Destiny
The Princess of Friendship
Fear & Hatred
Passion
The Past
Nightmares
Snow
Ruin Worms
The Umbra King
The Tarnished Shield
And Then the Sun Didn't Rise

A King Reborn

“Over here, darling. Just a few more and we can go…”

Spike ran over to the glowing patch of soil and hunched over to begin digging. With an exhausted sigh he asked, “Are you sure we haven’t gathered enough, Rarity?” He glanced over to the wagon that was precariously overflowing with rare gems.

“Pish posh,” Rarity dismissively waved her hoof. “The wagon will hold.”

“Why don’t we come out again in a few days to gather more? Surely the amount you have now is enough to get your dresses started.”

“We’ll be bringing in winter soon, Spike. I don’t want you to have to dig through dirt and snow to get to the gems, darling. We’ll just gather what we can now and I can work through until the winter wrap-up.”

The backhanded reminder that Spike was doing all the work caused him to groan. Well, at least she’s not trying to make it harder, he thought. Spike dug his claws into the dirt and within seconds he had gotten deep enough to uncover the gems. He reached in to pick them up when something singed his hand.

“Ow!” Spike gasped.

“What is it, Spike?” Rarity asked, trotting over with a look of concern.

“Er, nothing,” he replied, trying to act tough. Spike glanced at the gems and frowned. Nothing was out of place. What had hurt him? It felt so familiar… He reached back in and pulled the gems out. This time nothing happened. He threw them onto the wagon before wiping the sweat from his brow.

Rarity admired the pile of gems. “Good work, Spike.” She telekinetically pulled a sapphire from the pile, the largest one she could find, and floated it toward him. “Just as I promised. You were very helpful. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Two hundred and thirty-two gems,” Rarity finally finished counting and sorting the gems into piles. “A lot more than I thought I had… I should give Spike a few more for his trouble when I see him next.”

Glancing out the window, Rarity realized she had done it again; she had worked straight on into the night. “Oh my! Come, Opal. Time for bed.”

Opal, instead of doing as she was told, began hissing and batting at one of the crystals. Rarity wrinkled her nose in irritation.

“Opal! Leave those alone! They aren’t for you! They’re for my new dress line!” She trotted over and tried to shoo the cat away but Opal would not be deterred. Rarity glanced at the gem she was batting at. It was a lone dark red gem… one that didn’t fit into any of categories; not a ruby, garnet or red topaz… Rarity was almost never stumped when it came to jewels. She had left this one separated in order to investigate it further when she had time.

With one wild swipe, Opal accidentally touched the gem. She meowed in pain and ran away, hiding behind the changing curtains. Rarity was concerned, but curiosity got the better of her. She reached out with her hoof and picked up the gem. Nothing. Upon closer inspection Rarity saw that the gem was cracked.

“I wonder…”

Rarity never found magic gems, but she knew they existed. Perhaps this was one such gem? She and Spike had gone further out to do their hunting… further than they had ever gone before… Perhaps I should unlock this gem’s potential... magic maybe… Rarity closed her eyes and drew upon her own inner well of magic in order to tap into the gem’s inner spark.

For a brief second she thought it was working but then she felt a terrible pain in her head and horn. There was magic in the gem! A dark, terrible presence was fueling itself from the magic Rarity was providing. The presence clung to the magic like a dehydrated pony to water… Rarity tried to pull away but the presence held them together.

A dark shadow slipped from the red gem using Rarity’s stolen magic. It coalesced in the form of a large, black stallion, one that Rarity recognized right away. Determined to stop this from happening, Rarity pulled away with a hard jerk of her head and willed her magic back under her control. Once free she braced herself for combat and lowered her head threateningly.

“Stay back!” she commanded. “Back, you fiend!”

The black stallion formed completely and opened his blood-red eyes. Without a doubt, it was King Sombra. Rarity would never forget an enemy as ominous and menacing as King Sombra, and for half a second he was everything Rarity remembered. He lunged forward and attempted to gore her with his curved horn.

Rarity squeaked in momentary fear before turning slightly and bucking him with her powerful hind legs. Although she was no Apple Jack, or even an earth pony, the kick held enough conviction to hit him forcefully square in the head. King Sombra stumbled, obviously confused and disorientated. He growled as his knees hit the ground and Rarity could feel the magic holding him together weaken.

With one last gasp of defiance, King Sombra attempted to stand but couldn’t. He stumbled over, colliding with a table covered in gems and lost consciousness. The gems fell to floor, scattering to the corners of Rarity’s boutique. Silence blanketed the barely lit room. Rarity took a deep breath and calmed herself. After everything she had seen living in Ponyville… this wasn’t the craziest thing, but it was up there.

Opal burst out from behind the curtain and ran over to the body of the stallion. She faux-scratched at the body, pretending to help defeat the evil unicorn. When King Sombra twitched slightly, Opal shot back for the curtain. If she had color it would have been drained from her fur.

Now that the threat was subdued, Rarity threw herself across her chaise lounge and held a hoof over her forehead in a dramatic pose. “What a dreadful, awful thing! How could I have aided in King Sombra’s return? How could I have been so careless?” She glanced around and frowned. It was so much better when others were around to see her lament.

“Oh well,” Rarity sighed. “I suppose I should collect my gems and contact Twilight. She’ll know what to do.”

Rarity used her locate gems spell on the area and immediately the room began to glow. Every gem glowed with an inner light, giving away its hiding spot. Rarity used her telekinesis to gather them all up and place them back onto the tables in a neat and organized manner. When she turned to make sure everything had been gathered, she froze.

A dim glow was emanating from Sombra’s head, just underneath his horn. A gem? In his head? Rarity hesitantly got closer and examined him. Unlike the brief time she had seen him in the Crystal Empire, he was not wearing his armor. Upon careful inspection Rarity could find no sign of a gem on the outside of his body, just the faint glow of one hidden beneath the skin. She also discovered that King Sombra had no cutie mark, something she hadn’t seen on a full grown stallion.

“I wonder if the gem I fed magic is actually in his body now,” she pondered to herself. “Now I definitely need to speak to Twilight. Opal, come with me. We must rush to Twilight’s new crystal castle at once.”

The fluffy white cat jumped onto Rarity’s back and the two of them left the boutique in a hurry. Sombra slowly tossed and turned as the door shut behind them…

No Destiny

“Are you sure, Rarity?”

“Of course! How many dark, shadowy stallions do we really know?”

“It’s just… I thought we defeated King Sombra once and for all… I never thought I would see him again, and certainly not in Ponyville.”

Princess Twilight Sparkle stopped when she reached the door to Rarity’s boutique. The candle lights had gone out and the place was dark. The volume of the world had been set to silent. The ponies of Ponyville lay still in their beds. Only Twilight, Spike, Opal and Rarity were stirring.

“I knew something was up with that gem,” Spike said as Twilight took a hesitant step closer to the door. “I just knew it.”

“You knew something was wrong, Spike?” Twilight asked incredulously. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I, er, wasn’t sure. I thought I might’ve been imagining things.”

Rarity shook her head. “It’s not your fault, Spike. No one could have predicted this was going to happen.”

“Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said sheepishly.

“It’s over now,” Twilight interjected. “We need to focus on what we’re going to do. Stand back.” She used her magic to slam open the door. Opal jumped behind Rarity’s legs, as did Spike. “Sombra!” Twilight called out.

Nothing.

Twilight stepped into the boutique. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the stallion lying on the floor, unconscious. Her steely-eyed determination faulted. “What… happened?” she awkwardly asked. “I thought you said he emerged from a magic gem?”

“He did!” Rarity nodded enthusiastically. “But I had to defend myself. I thought for certain he would be awake by now… but I suppose he was very weak when he first appeared…”

Twilight crossed the room and examined Sombra’s body. Immediately she knew Rarity’s claims were true. He was weak, but not defeated. He could still be dangerous, Twilight thought. I have a duty to protect Ponyville.

“That’s funny,” Rarity said, breaking Twilight’s train of thought.

Twilight turned to her with a raised eyebrow. “What’s funny?”

“He looks like a normal stallion.”

“I think he is a normal stallion, just…”

“Just what, Twilight?”

Twilight’s thoughts drifted back to the time she and Trixie had entered a magic duel. Trixie was a normal unicorn, yes, but… when she was wearing the Alicorn Amulet she wasn’t herself… and more powerful than ever before…

“Rarity,” Twilight whispered, still deep in thought. “Didn’t you say something about a strange gem? That Sombra had?”

“Twilight!” Rarity gasped. “Look out!”

In one unrestrained move, Sombra used his dark magic to summon shadows through the boutique. They flooded the building and shrouded his body; all that could be seen were his eyes. The walls of the small shop shuddered from the power and the windows broke from the pressure of the semi-corporeal shadows trying to break free.

“Fools,” Sombra hissed. “You can never defeat me…”

Spike carried Opal out of harm’s way, just as the shadows began to lash out. Twilight stood her ground and spread her wings. Rarity stood by her side and silently nodded to affirm her commitment to Twilight’s defense.

“Sombra!” Twilight began. “I am the- urg!” Shadows grabbed Twilight, interrupting her speech, only to throw her through the nearest wall.

Rarity was taken aback and tried attacking the shadows with her kicks, but it was to no avail. The shadows finally freed themselves from the boundaries of the boutique, but by then Twilight had recovered. She flew up into the sky and cascaded down a flurry of magical beams meant to harm the shadows but not destroy the unicorn behind them.

The shadows began to evaporate and Sombra stumbled forth into the streets of Ponyville. He seemed confused but determined.

The commotion of the fighting had awoken nearby residents and ponies were now emerging from their homes. Twilight knew she had to do something before anyone got hurt. It’s my responsibility. She flew down to the street and placed herself directly in front of Sombra. There was nowhere to hide.

“Sombra!” she called to him again. “Surrender!”

“Never,” he growled, baring his fanged teeth. The sclera of his eye changed from white to green and Twilight knew now what it meant. That dark magic…

Twilight had to make a choice: as a princess, Celestia had given her the ability to send individuals to Tartarus, and she also knew the spell for locking magical beings in stone but… Rarity was right. He is a normal stallion. Didn’t she have a duty to him as well? Wasn’t she the Princess of Magic?

“I can’t allow you to go, Sombra!”

Twilight, her mind set, cast a spell upon Sombra’s horn, locking the magic. She had learned it during the Equestria Games, after watching their gates work, but she knew that if a pony were too powerful it may break…

The magic wrapped itself around Sombra’s curved and sharpened horn, sealing the magic within. “No!” he barked in defiance, shaking his head in a futile attempt to rid himself of the spell. It was too late and he was too weak to break it. Twilight knew it wouldn’t last forever. He was already much stronger than when Rarity had confronted him and that had only been mere moments ago...

“Twilight!” Rarity called out to her. “I told the ponies of Ponyville to stay in their homes but we can’t keep fighting out here!”

“Your right,” Twilight nodded. “I have a plan.”

Closing her eyes to better focus, Twilight concentrated on her new crystal palace. Hope this works…

Pop!

The purple magic sprinkled off everyone as they glanced around. Twilight took a few deep breaths. Teleporting groups was more difficult than just teleporting herself.

“Magnificent!” Rarity praised.

Sombra backed away, the sclera of his eyes slowing fading back to white. “What have you done?” he whispered darkly. “Where are we? The Crystal Empire? Why have you taken me here?”

“This is my castle, Sombra,” Twilight informed him matter-of-factly. “My castle is in Ponyville and I am the-”

Without warning he lunged. Twilight stumbled back a step right before he was to cut into her chest with his horn.

Pop!

Sombra missed completely and wheeled around to find her.

Pop!

A magic crystal cage sprung up around him, preventing him from leaving. Sombra immediately tested the durability of the bars by slamming his massive body against them, but it was all in vain.

Spike walked to the edge of the cage and puffed up his chest. “You aren’t breaking anything Twilight made with magic!”

Sombra stamped his hooves against the stone, causing a thunderous clap to echo among the tall ceilings. Spike shuddered and backed away, momentarily started by the sound. He nervously laughed when he regained his composure.

“Spike’s right, there’s no use fighting it,” Rarity said, fluffing her curly purple mane. “You might as well calm yourself.”

“You’re the mare that woke me,” Sombra calmly stated, narrowing his eyes.

Rarity flushed in embarrassment and looked away. Twilight interrupted them by clearing her throat. “Sombra! I am the Princess of Magic, Twilight Sparkle! As the princess here I demand to know what your intentions are!”

For a moment there was nothing but tense silence. Sombra turned his full attention to Twilight and balked, “You? Once the title of Princess was reserved for Gods among our kind. Now it is apparently given out to any common rabble.

“Twilight is a fine princess,” Rarity immediately interjected.

“Don’t bother acknowledging his insults,” Twilight said to her friend. “It’s not worth it. He just wants to get a rise out of us.”

“This spell won’t hold me forever,” Sombra calmly added. “And when it fails…”

Twilight nodded. “And when it fails what? What exactly are you going to do?”

The question, surprisingly, caught Sombra off guard. He noticeably hesitated. What was he going to do? “Return to the Crystal Empire, of course,” he muttered with a lack of conviction.

“To rule it again?” Twilight asked.

“Yes. To enslave the crystal ponies. That is my goal.” The more he spoke the more confident he became. Of course that was his goal. That had always been his goal.

“Are you sure?” Spike laughed from a good ten feet away. “Not according to your cutie mark.” He pointed to the blank flank on the ebony stallion.

“Keep control of your beast,” Sombra threatened. “I’m not like you simple ponies. I have no one destiny. It will start with the Crystal Empire and it will end with the world. No mark, no brand, can tell me what I am to accomplish.”

Twilight had read many a scholarly book and essay on the idea of destiny. Were cutie marks a sign of the pony’s will, or a stamp forged by the universe that dictated their life? Sombra clearly prescribed to the latter way of thinking.

Rarity stepped closer to Twilight Sparkle and lowered her voice. “I’ve never known a full-grown pony to not have a cutie mark. Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t know, Rarity… Most ponies get their mark when they’re younger. Perhaps something happened to Sombra at that young age.”

“Should we ask him?”

Twilight and Rarity both turned back to the cage. Sombra was pacing the outer edge, magic flaring underneath the locking spell. They turned back to each other with skeptical stares. “I sent word to Princess Celestia,” Twilight informed her. “I was hoping I could speak to her before I made any permanent decisions. Maybe, once he’s calm, we can ask him about his past. I don’t think anyone really knows anymore… He lived during a different time period than us…”

“You’re right. What about the magic gem? Do you think that has any significance?”

“I think it’s very significant, Rarity. Which is why I need to ask you a favor.”

“Anything, darling.”

“You were the one that taught me that locating gems spell and… you’ve always had a special connection with rare gems.”

Rarity held her head up high and nodded. “That’s right.”

“Help me find out what this gem is. Help me find a way to remove it.” Twilight’s tone was serious and unwavering. Rarity nodded in agreement, knowing she was taking on a very important task.

“I won’t let you down.”

Twilight turned away from Sombra’s cage and made her way toward the circle throne room. “Celestia should be here any moment. I suggest we wait for her together… Maybe she knows what we can do.”

Sombra watched them go, his thoughts drifting to distant times…

The Princess of Friendship

“As you know, Princess Twilight Sparkle, there are parallel worlds to our own. In one such parallel world I saw a version of King Sombra who ruled over Equestria with kindness and benevolence. He was loved by all he met, and I was no exception.”

“You, Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“The parallel me,” Celestia corrected. “We were deeply in love.”

The sun was up and shining through the stained glass windows of Twilight’s new castle. In the time it took Celestia to fly from Canterlot, Spike had enough time to gather the rest of Twilight’s council: Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

“I can’t imagine lovin’ Sombra,” Apple Jack said with a hint of disgust. “I haven’t seen an eviler stallion in all my years.”

“That was a parallel Sombra,” Fluttershy softly chimed in. “Our Sombra is different. He’s dangerous.”

Rainbow Dash kicked up her back hooves and rested them on the giant round table between them all. She leaned back in her chair and laughed. “Sombra? He’s yesterday’s news. We’re way more powerful now. Plus, Twilight’s an alicorn! Him and his shadows don’t stand a chance.”

“King Sombra is actually the least of your problems at the moment,” Celestia spoke in an ominous tone.

Twilight was taken aback. “What could be worse than the return of King Sombra?”

“When you summoned me I flew over the Everfree Forest. The forest was peaceful and I did not think much of it, but then I remembered something from long ago… there are worms that live beneath the soil of the Everfree. Terrifying worms that feed on dark magic. When I first discovered them they were tiny, and harmlessly suckled at the roots of the twisted trees within the forest. Now I fear they have grown to monstrous sizes…”

Rainbow Dash sat up in her seat, suddenly excited. “Now this is what I’m talkin’ about! What kind of evil worms are they?”

“They are known as Ruin Worms and the more I think about their existence the more I’m certain they are almost fully grown. Do you remember the plunderseeds that Discord planted to harm the Tree of Harmony?”

“How could we forget,” Apple Jack said with a single sarcastic laugh.

“The worms must have been feeding off their dark magic, delaying their growth.” Celestia turned to Twilight. “Have you noticed that the evil of the Everfree has waned?”

Twilight nodded. “We’ve been venturing into the Everfree more and more lately to visit the castle of the two sis- er, I mean your old castle… I suppose it has been quieter lately…”

“The Ruin Worms are consuming more and more of the forest now… they are draining its power and adding it to their own. I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time before they leave and seek dark magic elsewhere.”

Pinkie Pie jumped into the table and held out a hoof. “Wait a minute! These worms eat dark magic? Perfect! Let them break free! The less dark magic the better!”

“They grow strong off dark magic,” Celestia said with a sigh, “But they will consume anything. When they leave the Everfree Forest I fear they may turn and destroy all of Ponyville in their wake.”

“How big we talkin’ here?” Apple Jack asked. “Cuz their ain’t no animal I can’t herd.”

“By the time the evil of the Everfree is consumed… each will be as large as Twilight’s castle.”

“Oh… that’s a might bigger than I reckon I can handle…”

“How do we stop these Ruin Worms?” Twilight asked her old mentor.

“The dark magic of the forest will need to be sealed and the worms lured away from Ponyville.”

“But the bringing in of winter takes place tomorrow and King Sombra’s power grows by the minute…” Twilight stared at the table intently. “Perhaps I should lock him away in Tartarus…”

“You are the Princess of Friendship,” Celetina said with a slight bow of her head. “If you feel he is irredeemable and beyond your help, I will not question your judgment.”

“We befriended Discord,” Fluttershy again whispered into the conversation.

Rainbow Dash began flying around the table. “That took forever! You heard Celestia! We have to stop those worms now! We don’t have time to putz around with that wannabe-shadow-lord!”

“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” Twilight commented with a resigned sigh. She wanted to dedicate her full attention to Sombra and the mysterious gem but who was going to seal away the evil of the forest then? She knew she had to be the one to do it.

“You’ll need more than just friendship this time around, Princess,” a disembodied voice rang throughout the throne room.

“Discord?” Twilight asked. “How long have you been here?”

“Long enough,” he said, appearing over the table, hovering in place as though he were resting on an invisible couch. He gave a quick wave to Fluttershy who returned his gesture.

“What do you mean?”

“What do you mean, what do I mean? I meant exactly what I said: you’ll need more than friendship to help ol’ shadow horse, back there. And you might want to be quick about it. Your spell on him won’t last forever and I’m sure the Ruin Worms won’t even need the Everfree if he’s there to munch on.”

“You think… the worms could become powerful off Sombra’s magic?” Twilight hadn’t even put those two facts together. What if Sombra actually helped the worms grow? What would they do then?

Everyone in the large throne room became still. Each of them contemplated the situation. This was a lot to take in… Sombra had to be dealt with quickly, the city needed pegasi like Raindbow Dash and Fluttershy in order to bring in the winter and Twilight needed to deal with the Everfree Forest before the Ruin Worms could be set free.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia addressed her, breaking the silence. “Do you think Sombra can be helped?”

“I do…” she reluctantly stated. “As least, I hope he can… but…”

“I have an idea,” Rarity interjected. Throughout the entire meeting she had be quiet but now she looked determined. “I know it was partially my fault Sombra has returned, so I’ll take charge of researching the gem, and his past. Maybe I can help him while the rest of you help Ponyville.”

“What about the animal dens? Don’t you usually furnish them for the winter, Rarity?” Fluttershy had always been overly concerned with the animals. They had fur, they didn’t really need blankets, but under her insistence Rarity had provided blankets for them every year.

“You or Pinkie Pie can surely handle it,” Rarity said.

“It’s settled then,” Celestia decreed. “We should all act quickly if everything is to be done.”

“Once winter is here, Apple Jack and I will help with the forest and Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy will help Rarity.” Rainbow Dash zipped around the room, barely able to contain her energy. “It’ll be perfect!”

“Well, someone should be with Rarity while she’s with Sombra,” Spike suddenly spoke up from his tiny throne. “And I did defeat King Sombra once already… I should stay with Rarity.”

“You defeated him with the help of the Crystal Heart but... all right, Spike. Contact me if anything goes wrong, okay?” Twilight gave him a very concerned stare. Spike nodded in agreement.

Fear & Hatred

“Be a dear and bring me another ruby, Spike.”

“Um, Rarity? Shouldn’t you be researching magic gems or King Sombra?”

“I am, Spike! What do you think I’ve been reading this whole time?”

Spike glanced over Rarity’s things and realized she had an old tome open in front of her. It was hard to see in the dark hallways of Twilight’s castle, and it was even harder to see with Rarity’s dress-making materials thrown about the area. King Sombra was still imprisoned within his crystal cage only a few feet away. He had been slowly pacing the darkest corner for some time now, his body a mere silhouette. All that could be seen were his red eyes.

“Shouldn’t you do this later?” Spike nervously laughed, glancing over his shoulder at King Sombra. “Working on your dresses, I mean.”

Rarity had one dress horse and several stacks of fabric brought to the castle. Her boutique was currently in shambles but she knew she could repair it, given time.

“I need to complete my latest dress line, Spike. Besides, I’ve learned a great deal while I’ve been working. I think Twilight pointed me in the right direction. Remember the Alicorn Amulet? Look here, Spike. Doesn’t that red gem in the center of it look familiar?”

Rarity used her telekinetic powers to hold the book up for Spike. He glanced at the picture of the Alicorn Amulet and nodded. The red gem in the center did resemble the gem he had helped Rarity dig up.

“You don’t think they’re the same, do you?”

“No, no, no… The Alicorn Amulet is with Zecora now, remember? And besides, King Sombra has had his powers for over 1,000 years. I just thought they might be similar. Look here. Remember how the amulet could only be removed by the wearer?” Rarity leaned in to whisper, “Perhaps it’s the same with the gem King Sombra has.”

Spike slowly nodded. “Maybe… Shouldn’t we try talking to him then?”

“A lady doesn’t demand someone talk to her,” Rarity said flatly. “We’ll talk once he’s ready. Now… where’s my ruby?”

Spike half-laughed at Rarity’s statement but stopped when he realized she was being serious. He reached into the small bag of gems and pulled out another ruby. Rarity used her magic to sew it into the dress and took a step back to admire it. The design looked very similar in concept to the Alicorn Amulet. There were even faux wings and the color scheme was that of red and gray.

“It needs more… rubies. Another one, Spike.”

“All right…” He reached back into the bag and frowned. “All you have left in here are sapphires…”

“That won’t do, Spike. I have a color theme going here. Sapphire blue will clash horribly. Be a dear and run back to the boutique for me? Please? Spikey-wikey?”

He sighed and nervously glanced back over at King Sombra. He was still pacing… it reminded Spike of a shark slowly circling it’s pray. “I don’t want to leave you alone with him,” he whispered.

“He’s in a cage, Spike. And Twilight locked away his magic. I’m perfectly safe here.”

Wrecked by indecision, Spike tapped his fingers together and looked between Rarity and Sombra. Surely nothing would happen in the short time it took him to run and get rubies… “O-okay,” he stammered uncertainly. “I’ll be right back!” He jogged from the hallway as fast as his stubby legs would carry him.

Rarity watched him go with a raised eyebrow. That baby dragon was weird sometimes. Of course she was perfectly safe… Right? She glanced over her shoulder and jumped in fright. King Sombra had moved from the furthest shadowy corner of his cage and was now standing as close as he possibly could to the dress horse and Rarity. She hadn’t heard him move! Not a single clop of a hoof against the stone floor! How could he have been so silent?

“And so they’ve left a lowly seamstress to guard me… How quick you ponies forget my power.”

“Hm!” Rarity pulled herself together and shook away the momentary fright. “I am not a lowly seamstress! I am a fashion designer! There is a big difference.”

“And that is your calling in this life?” he asked in a calm, but dark, voice. “To design clothing? Clothing with no proper function?”

“What do you mean, proper function? My clothing has a function.”

“Armor defends from attacks. Heavy cloth breaks the wind and cold… What does your gaudy dress do? Weigh you down? Flaunt your wealth for thieves and pickpockets?” He half-laughed at his own joke as he stared at the large frilly dress.

“Clothing is an outward expression of who you are,” Rarity angrily huffed. “We no longer need to worry about war breaking out at any moment, or terrible winters. Not in Ponyville, at least. My dresses are statements.”

“And your satisfied with that?” he asked slowly, quietly.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You don’t think it’s unfair? Your destiny?”

Rarity wrinkled her nose. “Unfair? Whatever are you talking about?”

“That your friend’s destiny was to be the Princess of Magic and your destiny was that of a seamstress? There is only one Princess of Magic but there are thousands of seamstresses.”

Rarity turned back to her dress and huffed. What was he talking about? Was he implying she would be jealous of Twilight? Of course not, Rarity thought. Of course not.

“You realize that your life has been lived a million times before you and will be lived a million times more, don’t you? That the struggles of an artist making clothing are insignificant to the grand scheme of life… that your destiny has doomed you to a life of mediocrity while it granted others a life of importance?”

“That’s not true,” she replied weakly. She didn’t live a life of mediocrity… right?

“Have you never dwelled on the significance of your mark? How some ponies are wealthy aristocrats while others are shoe shiners or nameless, faceless soldiers? How pathetic is it that of all the possibilities in the world you are to be a mere designer of clothing? Not even functional clothing, but frivolous clothing.”

His words stung and brought back memories of Fluttershy telling her the same thing… did everyone think that way? Did they think she was silly for doing what she did? For designing clothing? Did her destiny force her into this?

Rarity didn’t want Sombra to know his words had rocked her, so she kept her attention on the dress, slowly finishing the last of the stiches on the hem. His silence allowed her thoughts to continue to wander… her horn had dragged her to the rock that day she got her cutie mark… perhaps he was right. Perhaps these marks on their flanks made them who they were… She had never thought of it. She had always been more concerned with other things.

When she glanced back down at the dress she realized she had absent-mindedly stitched a knot into the hem.

“Rarity!”

She turned and saw Spike running toward her. He was carrying a bag of rubies. When he reached her side he dropped the bag and began breathing deeply, winded from the long run.

“I… got… them all…” he said between gasps.

“Spike? Did you run the entire way?” Rarity asked.

“No… Of course not…” he breathed. “I jogged…”

“Thank you, Spike…” she whispered, pulling the bag close to her legs.

“Are you okay? Did anything happen? Did he even move?”

Rarity turned and saw that Sombra was back in the shadowy corner. Again, she heard nothing when he moved. He was as silent as the shadows he loved. “Er… nothing,” she replied. “Nothing happened.”

Sombra took a deep breath and felt the sting of the cold in his throat. He was standing in the frozen north, overlooking a vast wasteland of snow. He knew it was a dream, but seeing his home during exile, even if it weren’t real, agitated him. His life… wasted. That was what his exile was. Wasted time and potential.

“Tsk,” he growled aloud. He could feel his magic growing, but not fast enough… Hatred and fear fueled his dark magic… he had felt some of that when he attempted to manipulate the foolish seamstress, but he was losing his touch. He hadn’t quite convinced the mare, he hadn’t quite tapped into her hate…

The wind in his dream picked up and Sombra glared into the eternal darkness. “Curse the cold…” he muttered into the wind. His own fear of being trapped suddenly gripped his heart. The fear of never escaping the cold… it also powered his magic but he couldn’t give in. He would take the fear from others…

Suddenly, the storm stopped and the clouds overhead parted. Sombra took a step back and bared his fanged teeth. He knew who was here.

In the moon overhead was the silhouette of the old princess. She descended down onto the snowy wasteland and spread her beautiful black wings. When she approached the snow around her melted away, revealing a lush, green landscape. Sombra held his ground, unimpressed by her ability to manipulate dreams.

“King Sombra,” Princess Luna said in a defiant and challenging tone.

“Don’t patronize me, girl,” he hissed. “You and your sister will be the first I come for when I have regained my powers.”

The landscape around them continued to change until it resembled the yard of a poor blacksmith and his family. Sombra recognized the house and forge immediately.

“How dare you bring us here!” He lashed out with his magic, fueled by the hate and contempt he held for his place of birth, and shattered the dreamscape.

He awoke in a pool of his own sweat. He couldn’t stand the thought of his old home… his old life… what did Princess Luna know of it? The thought that others knew haunted him. Sombra stood up and glanced to the windows. Morning. His own nightmare had increased his strength, however, and he could tell it was only a matter of time.

“Don’t worry, Spike.”

“I worry.”

“You shouldn’t.”

The voices of his two guards echoed along the hallway. They were returning. Sombra stepped back into the corner of his cell, ready to wait for another chance…

“Good morning!” the pretty white unicorn called out to him when she approached. “Did you sleep well?”

Sombra didn’t answer her question. He was disappointed by her jovial demeanor. “I see my words of wisdom couldn’t penetrate your thick, peasant skull,” he said with a sneer.

“Hm! I thought a king would have more manners!”

Her silly insult cut at his pride. For a split second he almost regret his actions.

“Wait, words of wisdom? Did King Sombra talk to you?” the dragon asked.

“Oh, we had a brief chat. Nothing to worry your cute little head about, Spike. But, I came to an important realization last night, thanks to our conversation.”

The baby dragon frowned. “What realization? You didn’t tell me about any realization.”

The mare fluffed her elegant purple mane. “I can’t expect Sombra to see the joys of a cutie mark and Ponyville life if he stays locked up like an animal. He is a king, after all. King’s deserve some respect.”

“You can’t be serious… He tried to gore Twilight!”

“And me,” the white mare interjected. “I understand, Spike. He was confused. It happens.”

“Not to sane ponies!”

“Oh, come now. I’m sure we’ve all had our random bouts of… er… unnecessary violence?"

“You can’t let him out.”

“I most certainly can,” she said, flouncing over to the door of the cage. “I should have learned from Fluttershy’s example. She never treated Discord this way.”

With a flick of her magic, the door to the cage was open.

Passion

“Oh jeez, oh jeez, oh jeez,” the dragon uncontrollably wailed. “How could you, Rarity!? He’s a monster!”

King Sombra slowly stepped out of the cage. He stared down at the mare in front of him and narrowed his eyes. “If this is a trap you’ve executed it poorly.”

The mare held herself with a sense of regal purpose. “I would never do that, darling. It’s against everything I stand for.”

“I’m going to go tell Twilight!” the dragon suddenly interjected before running from the hallway. Sombra laughed, the smell of fear filling the hallway. Perfect, he thought. Start a panic. Tell the town. You can do my work for me.

“Spike!” the white unicorn called for the dragon. “Spike!” The dragon didn’t stop.

Sombra glanced around. They were alone and the castle was empty. He smiled to himself. Trusting fools.

“King Sombra,” the mare said, drawing his attention back to her. “I know we’ve never really talked, you and I… Or, you and anybody, really… but that ends now. I want to formally invite you to tour Ponyville with me.” She gave a slight bow and smile, maintaining the etiquette between them. He admired her brave, but foolishly placed, trust and… it had been a long time since he ruled on high as king. He had almost forgotten basic etiquette himself.

He looked away from her and contemplated the offer. “I will have to decline.” If that dragon really was going to spread word of his release he couldn’t be seen wandering around with the likes of this mare. Fear came from the unknown. He would let the residents of this tiny town use their imagination and further compound their own fears.

“Decline?” the mare balked. She was at a loss for words. Obviously she hadn’t contemplated a backup plan. “I see… perhaps a tour of the castle then?”

“Very well,” he said, relishing the chance to feel regal once more.

“Oh… good,” she replied with a nervous laugh. “This way then.”

He followed behind her, his eyes set to the windows of the castle. Outside he could see the accursed snow. Winter was here. Just the thought of the cold caused him a great deal of anger.

“This… uh, is the hallway,” she motioned to the giant space around them. “And this door here leads to the main entrance hall.” She opened the door but closed it twice as fast. She smiled in embarrassment and waved her hoof dismissively. “Did I say it led to the main entrance hall? I meant it was a bathing room. Yes. A bathing room.” Clearing her throat she continued down the hallway, this time running ahead and checking the contents of the room before announcing them.

“And this room is, uh, a study?”

Sombra walked by her and entered the large circular room. There were bookshelves lining the walls and at the center was an over-sized wooden desk covered in open tomes. His unicorn guide obviously didn’t know the castle well. No matter. He needed time to recover and walking through castle corridors brought back old memories…

“Are you all right?” the seamstress asked, obviously concerned with his sudden withdrawal.

“I’m the lord of shadow and fear, seamstress. Of course I’m all right,” he curtly responded. What was she concerned about? Him? He didn’t need anyone’s concern. He didn’t need their pity.

“My name is Rarity,” she corrected.

Sombra didn’t respond. He turned his attention to the open books on the desk. The mare eased closer to him in order to crane her elegant neck over to get a better view.

“What is all this?” she curiously asked.

“Spells to lure Ruin Worms,” Sombra absent-mindedly stated. “Old spells.”

“You know about Ruin Worms?”

“Of course,” he snapped. “The ruler of an empire should know such things.”

“What do you know?”

“They were the only real threat to my empire. The changelings had no love to feed on, I was powerful enough to keep monsters at bay, Discord had a thing about disrupting Princess Celestia and nopony lived in the frozen north…” He slowly turned the pages of the old tome. It was practically older than he was.

“Well, I’m just a lowly seamstress,” she sarcastically quipped, “But I know a great deal about defending kingdoms as well. I was personally involved in a war against the changelings and I’ve had my fair share of monster attacks.”

For a moment Sombra was impressed. “Yet you retained your immaculate coat.”

“Of course. I visit the spa once a week, I’ll have you know.” The mare quickly spun to show off her sleek white fur. Although he had always been partial to dark colors, the pristine white of her body was alluring. “Scars are very striking, but not for a lady. I prefer the elegant look.”

Sombra turned his attention back to the old tome. He remained quiet as he read through the text, trying to think of anything else. The book knew next to nothing about the Ruin Worms. It was missing some crucial information. He didn’t care. He already knew everything there was to know about the forsaken creatures. He had already dealt with them before…

Rarity watched Sombra slowly turn the pages of the old tome. He wasn’t really seeing the pages; his eyes were vacant as if lost in deep thought. “Eh-hem,” she cleared her throat, drawing the dark stallion’s attention once again. She smiled, trying to remain upbeat. “I thought about what you had said. About our marks and destiny and all that.”

Sombra closed the book on Ruin Worms and gave her his full attention. Even with his magic sealed, Rarity could swear shadows were moving in the room. Out of the corner of her eye she could see them shift, but when she turned her full attention to them there was nothing.

“What did you conclude?” he asked slowly, taking a step closer to her.

Rarity tossed her mane from side to side, attempting to hide her nervousness. “I spoke to a friend of mine. Her name is Pinkie Pie. She’s isn’t very good for philosophical discussions but she gave me great insight into this dilemma, at least enough for me to sleep properly. She said the marks are a sign of what bring the pony the most happiness in life. Their passion. I don’t think I could have said it better myself. I mean, I know a pony with bubbles as a cutie mark. Bubbles can’t be a destiny, now can they?” Rarity laughed, but Sombra didn’t. Rarity quickly stopped herself with a nervous cough.

“So you were persuaded by the simple notion that they represent passions instead of destinies?” he scoffed.

Rarity ignored his obvious attempt to insult her. “I wanted to know what your passion was, King Sombra. Perhaps we can solve this mystery once and for all. If you have no passion in life, than I’m right because you have no cutie mark, but, if you do have a passion, than I’m wrong.”

The dark stallion began laughing to himself, utterly amused by the turn in the conversation. “Is that all? You’ll have solved this mystery just like that? Need I remind you that I want to rule over the Crystal Empire? Over all of Equestria? Isn’t that a passion? I would say your friend is a fool.” The sclera of his eye tinted a shade of jade but it faded quickly.

Rarity had been expecting this. It was the gem talking, she knew it was. “What would you say your second passion is?” she asked. “Just out of curiosity.”

“Tsk. Would you say you had a second passion?”

“Oh, yes. I have many passions. Gems, architecture, crystals, beauty, my friends, my sister, keeping up on all the latest gossip… I could go on, but I doubt you want to hear them all.”

“You have a sister?” he asked, a slight hint of genuine emotion in his voice.

“Hm? Oh, yes. Sweetie Belle. She can be a handful from time to time, but I wouldn’t give her up for the world.” Rarity turned her head to the side. “Do you… have a sibling?”

A haunted and melancholy expression came over him. He took a shallow breath and nodded, as though talking about it were too painful. Rarity remained quiet, hopeful he would elaborate without her needing to ask further. Perhaps this was what she was looking for!

“I had two siblings,” he remarked quietly, staring blankly at the floor as though trying to remember a distant memory. “A sister. And a brother. And we lived at my family’s forge…”

BAM!

The door to the study burst open and Sombra immediately turned and braced himself for combat. Twilight and Spike were at the door, a look of determination across their faces.

“Stand down, Sombra!” Twilight commanded.

The powerful stallion pushed the desk out of the way, leaving a clear line between him and the alicorn. The solid wood desk cracked against the bookshelf, knocking the old tomes to the floor. He smiled, inviting the conflict.

The Past

“Wait, Twilight!” Rarity jumped between the shadow unicorn and the alicorn princess. “Stop! This isn’t needed!”

“Rarity?” Twilight gasped in surprise. “Spike told me you were in trouble?”

“Well, y-yeah!” Spike awkwardly stammered. “Look! Sombra is free!”

In a feat of pure athleticism, Sombra leapt over Rarity and charged for Twilight. They physically clashed in the doorway and crossed horns as though they were swords. Sombra quickly parried Twilight, cutting her across the face and drawing a line of blood. The hate and anger in her eyes was apparent, and Rarity could tell it was exactly what Sombra wanted.

“Stop!” Rarity pleaded. They ignored her.

With one powerful blast of raw magic, Twilight sent Sombra crashing against the back wall, shattering yet another bookshelf. Spike ran and hid behind the doorframe as the stallion pulled himself from the wreckage. Out of nowhere the shadows in the room came to life and lashed out at Twilight like bladed whips. They cut through whatever they touched, including the walls and shattered wooden desk.

Pop!

Twilight was next to Sombra and suddenly used her magic to send him into another portion of the wall. “Shadows? I thought I sealed your magic?”

Rarity knew she had seen the shadows moving! How was it he could control them when he didn’t have access to his unicorn powers? Were they somehow separate? You don’t have time to think about that now, Rarity! she told herself. You need to stop this!

Black crystals suddenly began sprouting from the shadows in the corner of the room. They grow each and every second the fighting continued. The crystals sucked the very color and light from the room as if they were made from the void of a black hole. Unable to let this stand, Rarity leapt between them and wrapped her hooves around Sombra’s powerful neck and silky mane.

Pure shock and bewilderment halted Sombra’s assault. Twilight maintained her combat stance but backed down. She motioned for Rarity to move. “What’re you doing, Rarity? You should get out of here! I made a mistake; I should’ve sent Sombra away! I don’t have time to deal with him and he’s obviously still dangerous!”

“He wasn’t like this until you attacked!” Rarity argued.

Spike hustled from around the corner and grabbed Rarity, pulling on her with enough force to separate her from Sombra. “Rarity! What are you doing? He could attack you at any moment!”

While Sombra was still stunned by Rarity’s actions, Twilight used her magic to teleport him back to the crystal cage. The instant he was gone the shadows in the room fell back into their natural place, losing any spark of life they might have had. Twilight turned and used her magic to shatter the black crystals in the room before turning her attention back to Rarity.

“What happened?” Twilight asked.

“I was having a pleasant conversation with King Sombra,” Rarity said, pulling her leg from Spike’s grasp. “Why did you burst in here like a pack of war elephants?”

“Spike said you were in trouble…”

Both mares turned their narrowed eyes to the baby dragon. Spike innocently kicked his foot out in front on him, nervously laughing.

“I thought… Sombra was going to… ya know… attack her…”

“Spike!” Twilight shook her head in disbelief. “You didn’t know? You just guessed!? I’m trying to help Celestia seal the Everfree Forest! I don’t have time to fly over to the castle because you think something bad will happen!”

“But he attacked you!” Spike said, trying to use that as definitive evidence.

“Well, your fighting made his dark magic stronger,” Rarity huffed, motioning to the shattered black crystals on the floor.

Twilight took a moment to scan the room. She turned back to Rarity with a glint of realization in her eyes. “Rarity, you’re a genius!”

“I- I am?”

“Yes! How could I have forgotten? His powers are based on hate and fear! I thought it was just the dark crystals of the Crystal Empire, but Sombra used the fear of the crystal ponies to fuel his magic! You’re right! Our fighting was giving him power!”

“You are the genius, Twilight!” Rarity admitted. “I’m simply the muse,” she swished her long curly purple tail, proud she was able to assist Twilight.

“You said you two were talking before I showed up? That he was pleasant?”

Rarity nodded. “Yes. It was a perfectly proper discussion.”

“I see… I guess it was a good idea you volunteered to stay with him then. We need people who aren’t going to be antagonized into fighting him or that become overly fearful in his presence… Spike, I’m going to have to stay away from the castle from now on. It’s clear you cannot control your fear around Sombra.”

“What!?” Spike gasped. “But what about Rarity? She’s in danger!”

“It seems to me she wasn’t in danger until we broke into the castle.” Twilight took a moment to think. “Fluttershy can’t help you with Sombra… Rainbow Dash will try to fight him… Perhaps Pinkie Pie can…”

“Wait!” Rarity suddenly shouted, starling both Twilight and Spike. “I know what I need to do! Don’t bother pulling anyone from their job! I’ll be back tomorrow to talk to Sombra again! I think I know where to go to get information!”

Twilight stared at her for a long moment before coming to a decision. “All right, Rarity. You haven’t failed me yet and, if you really were talking with King Sombra, you have done better than anyone else could. Just… try to hurry… Sombra cannot be allowed to escape. Celestia thinks the Ruin Worms will be drawn to his dark magic if he nears the Everfree Forest.”

“This isn’t the castle,” Sweetie Belle moaned. “It’s a library!”

“Yes, yes,” Rarity said dismissively. “We’ll see the castle afterward. Right now I need help searching the library for records…”

The Crystal Empire Library was a beautiful and elegant building. It was neatly organized and stacked several stories with old tomes. But, more importantly, it was a relic from the world 1,000 years ago. It would have records of ponies that lived in the Crystal Empire during the time of King Sombra and the time before he came to power. Rarity had only a tiny fraction of information about Sombra’s past, but she was hoping it was enough.

“Records of what?” Sweetie Belle exasperatedly asked.

“Um… records of ponies who lived in the Crystal Empire. Specifically any ponies that were blacksmiths. One that had three foals. I really need your help, Sweetie Belle. Can you help me?” She looked at her younger sister with pleading eyes. The little filly slowly smiled and puffed out her chest.

“Of course, Rarity! I can help!”

“Good! Let’s get to work!” Rarity would have normally asked Twilight Sparkle for help regarding research, but considering how busy Twilight was…

Time flew by as Rarity searched through page after page of birth records, tax records and medical records for hundreds of thousands of ponies. It wasn’t as rewarding as working on dresses or creating something new but she was driven by the need help King Sombra. She knew there was a piece of him that was a regal stallion. She had seen brief glimpses of everything a true king was; confident, proper, and noble. Rarity wanted to help that Sombra.

“Here are some more books, Rarity.”

She glanced up and saw her little sister telekinetically hovering a large stack of seven tomes. “Your magic is becoming impressive, Sweetie Belle! Those lessons with Twilight are really paying off!”

Sweetie Belle smiled and placed the books on the table. “Thanks! I just wish this library wasn’t so… boring.”

“Why don’t you sing while you work? You did that all the time in my boutique.”

“You think it’s allowed?”

“I don’t see why not. I think we’re the only ones here.”

Sweetie Belle smiled wide and trotted off with a hum. Her beautiful and melodic song soon began to ring through the aisles of the Crystal Empire Library, injecting life to where it hadn’t been before.

“Where’s that music coming from?”

Rarity jumped when she heard the question. She turned around and saw the tall, white stallion known as Shining Armor standing behind her.

“Oh!” she said with a sigh of relief. “I didn’t know you were here!”

“I was making my rounds when I stopped by the library. I was about to leave when I heard this beautiful singing… who is it?”

“My sister,” Rarity boasted. “But don’t mention you heard her. She becomes horribly embarrassed.”

Shining Armor laughed. “I understand. Reminds me of Twily when she was younger.” He stopped reminiscing and turned back to Rarity with a raised eyebrow. “What’re you doing in a library, Rarity? Especially this library? I thought Twily had a fantastic library all her own.”

“I’m researching King Sombra.”

Shining Armor’s mood instantly soured. “That’s right,” he muttered. “Cadance told me that traces of Sombra had been found near Ponyville.”

“Do you know anything about King Sombra?” Rarity asked, hoping to get information out of Shining Armor before he left.

“I’m sorry. I can’t help you. I know next to nothing about him.”

“Well, um, what about when you fought him?” Rarity was grasping for anything that might be important. “Didn’t you stay back to fight him when Twilight and the rest of us first arrived to the Crystal Empire?”

Shining Armor thought back. He slowly nodded. “Yeah… I did fight him there… It was the strangest thing. I thought for sure I was done for. That I was holding him off for the rest of you to escape under the protection of Cadance’s shield… We fought briefly and he won, but instead of killing me… he let me go. He covered my horn in black crystals but that was all… I never understood why.”

Rarity took it as a sign of what she already suspected: Sombra was a unicorn underneath the power of dark magic. He had the chance to kill Shining Armor, but didn’t. Why?

“I should be going,” Shining Armor eventually stated. “Hope to see you again.” He left the library with a troubled look.

Suddenly, the singing stopped. “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity called out. Nothing. She got up from her seat and looked around. “Sweetie Belle?” she called louder.

“Over here! I think I found it!”

Rarity ran down the aisle and to her little sister’s side. Sweetie Belle was lying down next to an old book, staring at one of the pages. “You found it?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah! Look! This is the only blacksmith I’ve seen so far! And he has three kids! See? A filly and two colts.”

Sure enough, the page was dedicated to a family that lived just at the edge of the Crystal Kingdom. Rarity was ecstatic. “Thank you, Sweetie Belle! You’ve done it! Maybe they were lost with the Crystal Empire! Maybe we can go talk to them!”

“I doubt that,” Sweetie Belle said with a single laugh. “There's a death date listed for them. Aw… That’s sad. They were attacked by Arctic Timberwolves… And the filly was my age too…”

“That can’t be right,” Rarity said, taking the book from her younger sister.

“That’s what it says.”

The book recorded one mare, one stallion, two colts and one filly, which had been attacked and eaten by Arctic Timberwolves. Rarity shook her head. That was a terrible fate but… it couldn’t be Sombra’s family, could it? All the facts matched up… It had to be. But Sombra was still here…

“Sweetie Belle, we’re going back to Ponyville. I need to ask Sombra something…”

Nightmares

“You promise?” Sweetie Belle demanded.

“Yes, of course,” Rarity promised absent-mindedly. She was so tired now. All that time in the Crystal Empire Library and the train cushions were so comfortable…

“I want to see at least one castle! You better not forget!”

Rarity closed her eyes, nodding slowly while trying to hush her sister. “Yeah, I promise…” she muttered again. With one slow exhale she felt herself let go of the waking world…

Rarity stood on the Canterlot Castle balcony, displaying her latest design for all Equestria to see. It was a perfect moment, if only she could share it with someone… She turned to her side and was pleasantly surprised to see Sombra, dressed in a regal cape and crown. Rarity knew now this was a dream. It was silly to think Sombra would care for somepony like her! What did he call her? Seamstress? He would never look at her with any sort of affection…

“Enough!”

The dreamscape vanished like a puff of smoke and Rarity was left standing by herself in a gray void. Princess Luna descended down upon her with powerful wings and stood before Rarity with a contemplative expression.

“Princess Luna!” Rarity bowed.

“I was waiting until Twilight had time but… I can see now you would be a better pony to share this information with for the time being.”

Rarity stood up and tilted her head in confusion. “What information?”

“I have seen King Sombra’s dreams and now I wish to share them with you. Perhaps it will give you the insight you need.”

“But, I-”

Before Rarity could finish, Princess Luna’s horn lit with her magic and the dreamscape shifted once again. The blinding light of the transition left Rarity momentarily blinded. When she finally blinked back the light she saw she was standing on a small piece of property on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire.

The dream played out like a silent movie before her. She watched a small family going about their day and almost immediately she knew it was Sombra’s. The father was a blacksmith and the mother a gardener. A tiny filly ran from the house, a pretty foal with a curly black mane and a lustrous gray coat. The filly reminded Rarity of Sweetie Belle…

But what ignited her curiosity the most were the two colts that exited the house after their sister. They were older than foals, but not yet fully grown, both with black coats and long black manes. The older of the two had a cutie mark: a forge hammer, much like the father. The second colt, the one Rarity knew in her heart to be Sombra, also had a cutie mark: a red and gray shield, similar to Shining Armor’s…

As if the dream were on fast-forward, the sky grew dark with clouds and soon the snow poured in. The father tried to call everypony back inside the house, but the filly was nowhere to be seen. The family searched, especially the younger Sombra, but the sun had set and soon it was difficult to see.

The Arctic Timberwolves, with their white pine bodies and stealthy movements, slipped ever closer as the family searched for the filly. Rarity watched with bated breath as they drew ever nearer without anyone noticing. When they attacked she turned away, barely able to stomach the tragedy she was experiencing.

The sound of fighting gave her hope, and she turned back to see the two brothers were fighting the wolves, trying to protect their family. Sombra… It was as though his calling in life was that of duty and protection. He fought the wolves even after he suffered terrible injuries, even after his older brother given up… Sombra wouldn’t quit, but tenacity wasn’t enough. He was still young and the wolves too powerful.

His sister appeared on the scene, unaware of the Arctic Timberwolf attack. When the wolves rushed for her, Sombra got between them and tried to fend them off. He was the only one still standing, but again, it wasn’t enough. The wolves took the filly and the meat from the bodies, leaving the still kicking Sombra to die from his grievous injuries.

Sombra collapsed in the snow, his blood staining the white all around him. As if possessed by a great determination, Sombra pulled himself forward still, trying to reach his sister and family. Rarity watched in pained grief as he managed to pull himself a far distance into the cold north, simply to try and save the last person he loved.

It was too painful to watch. She turned away, unable to process such a fate. “What a horrible thing…” she muttered aloud.

“Of course I would dream of you now…”

Rarity turned her head and saw the adult Sombra standing next to her in the dreamscape snow. He too was watching what was happening, trapped in Princess Luna’s recreation of his childhood. He watched his younger self crawl the snow with dead, unfeeling eyes.

Dreaming of me? Rarity thought. He thinks I am a dream? Did Princess Luna not tell him she would bring me here?

“I know cutie marks represent destiny,” Sombra spoke aloud, half to himself and half to Rarity. “Because I lost mine that day. My destiny was to protect the ones I cared for and… I failed them.”

The younger Sombra, too exhausted to go on, finally stopped. Snow began to cover his wounded body, and his eyes began to close ever so slowly. Rarity watched as his shield mark slowly faded into nothing…

“Why would destiny chose me to be a defender if I couldn’t even defend my own family?” Sombra wondered aloud. “Why had it given me a task I wasn’t strong enough to complete? How could destiny be so cruel? If I had only been a bit stronger…” His voice trailed off, gripped by regret and sorrow.

Suddenly the dream took a turn Rarity hadn’t been expecting. The wind parted the snow before Sombra, revealing the very tip of a red gem. It pulsed with dark magic, beckoning Sombra closer to it. Even in the dream Rarity could tell it was powerful…

“I knew then that all I needed was power… that if I had power enough I could write my own destiny… I could escape my horrid fate…” Sombra watched his younger self crawl just close enough to the gem to touch it with one hoof. “That was the day I knew that even destiny had abandoned me. I was alone. I had to be the unicorn that rewrote all of destiny… all of Equestria…”

The red gem flooded the younger Sombra with power, keeping him alive, despite his injuries, and allowing him to stand once more. The dark magic warped his unicorn horn and fangs appeared in his mouth.

“How did you become king?” Rarity asked, trying to pull away from those awful memories regarding his family.

“Only a pony with the magic to lift the crystal heart can be crowned ruler. With the power of my Nightmare Gem I managed to trick the Crystal Empire into thinking the heart had chosen me. Then I hid the heart and took the magic of the Crystal Empire as my own, making them my slaves. I needed the power of the Crystal Empire to change fate itself… I still need the empire… if I wish to change my fate…”

“It doesn’t have to be that way,” Rarity said to him. “You can still recapture that passion you had. You can stay here in Ponyville. You could live here… close to me.”

The Sombra in the dream remained silent, watching his younger self. Before Rarity could plead with him further the dream ended when she felt a terrible pain on her forehead.

She jerked awake, realizing then she had fallen from her seat on the train when it had stopped.

Sweetie Belle giggled. “Are you okay, sister?”

Rarity jumped up and straightened her mane, making sure everything was in order. “Yes… Yes, of course, Sweetie Belle…”

“Are we going to the castle now?” Sweetie Belle asked. “You promised!”

“The castle? You mean Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle?”

“Yeah! Of course! I’ve always wanted to go inside!”

Rarity slowly nodded. No turning back now.

Snow

Sombra stalked through the darkness, agitated by the dreams he had been having. He knew they were the work of that accursed princess, but he wasn’t powerful enough to stop it yet. He was powerful enough to use his nightmare spell, however… the spell that showed the pony their inner most insecurities and fears… I’ll use the nightmare spell on the seamstress and her fear will be the power I need to break this locking spell on my horn, he thought.

He hated being reminded of his failure. He hated all of those memories. Sombra shook his head, wrecked by the memories of being trapped in the frozen north. He had spent those 1,000 years hunting down and eradicating each and every Arctic Timberwolf he could find. Each one he killed adding to his hate for that monster race of wolves… Sombra took a deep breath and calmed himself. Once he had enough power he would never need to feel this shame and guilt again.

The main door to the castle opened and closed, heralding the arrival of his guard. Sombra slid through the shadows with ease, having escaped his crystal cage hours ago. She was trusting enough… it wouldn’t be hard to cast his spell on her and leave. No need to harm her – she had attempted to save him from the alicorn princess, after all. That would be his favor to her. He would let her live.

“See? This is a castle. Are you satisfied?”

“No! I want to see the whole thing! I’ve never been here before, Rarity! C’mon!”

“Arg… All right, Sweetie Belle. Just… wait here. I need to go see if somepony real quick.”

Sombra heard the two voices and hesitated. She had brought another with her? It doesn’t matter, he thought. I’ll use my nightmare spell the two of them and get even more power…

The white unicorn turned the corner into the hallway he was hiding and Sombra stepped from the shadows, blocking her path. The mare jumped back, startled by his presence but quickly calming herself.

“King Sombra?” she asked. “I thought Twilight sent you back to the cage…”

“She let me out,” he lied.

“Oh, good. That was what I was coming to do. I’m so sorry she attacked you like that, but I’m sure she apologized herself.”

Sombra narrowed his eyes. He was done with pleasantries. “You brought somepony with you.”

“Oh? Um, yes. I was hoping to introduce you.”

“Lead the way,” he commanded.

With a graceful swish of her mane, the white unicorn lead the way. Sombra readied his spell, hoping to catch the both of these ponies with one use. They entered the main hall and, right before Sombra used his terrifying spell, he froze.
The mare had brought with her a filly! Sombra practically chocked back the spell, unable to bring himself to use it on a foal… He took a step back when the little white filly trotted up to him.

“Hi,” the filly said.

The white mare motioned to Sombra. “Sweetie Belle, this is my friend, Sombra. Sombra, this is Sweetie Belle.”

Silence fell over the group as Sombra stared down at the filly. She looked so much like… His mouth became dry with nervousness and Sombra took yet another hesitant step back. The filly stared up at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Sweetie Belle,” the mare harshly whispered. “Do. Not. Embarrass. Me. Staring isn’t very lady-like.”

“Sorry,” the filly whispered back, averting her gaze and only occasionally glancing back to Sombra.

“Well, Sweetie Belle, why don’t you explore the castle why I talk to Sombra?”

“O-okay. Sounds good.” The white foal galloped away, half excited to see the castle and half grateful she could avoid the awkward conversation.

“Is it yours?” Sombra asked once the foal had disappeared into one of the nearby rooms.

“Pardon me?”

“Is it yours?”

“Everything is all natural, darling,” the mare said, fluffing her mane. “Well, except for the eyelashes…”

“The foal,” Sombra growled. “Not your appearance.”

“Oh! Sweetie Belle? No,” Rarity said with a laugh. “No, no, no. She’s my sister, like I told you earlier, remember?”

That’s right. She had mentioned her sister before. “Why did you bring her here?”

“She wanted to the see the castle. You know how some foals can get.”

“You shouldn’t have brought her here. You don’t know what I’m capable of…”

The mare took a step closer to him and gently smiled. “You’ve been a perfect gentleman with me. I don’t think you would harm Sweetie Belle.”

Sombra turned away from her. Of course he wouldn’t hurt a little filly! But… his dark magic won’t work without fear… The filly was gone. He could use his spell on Rarity, right now… Sombra shook his head. Rarity… He knew her name… he had tried to purge it from his mind; to forget it each time he heard it, but he was failing.

“Are you okay?” Rarity asked.

“Don’t concern yourself with me,” he snapped. I should leave her presence. I can’t think properly with her around…

“Rarity! Rarity!”

The filly ran back into the room with a smile on her face.

“What is it, Sweetie Belle?”

“Scootaloo and Apple Bloom are outside! They’re playing in the snow! Can I go out to see them?”

“Of course.”

The adorable little foal ran for the main door and pushed it open with a combination of her magic and physical effort. A burst of cold wind washed over the hall, causing Sombra to tense. He hated the cold. Rarity walked over and glanced outside, watching her sister run out to join her friends.

Sombra slowly approached to see what was happening as well. He watched as Sweetie Belle joined her friends in the snow and immediately began to play and laugh. There were tons of foals out in the snow; an entire schoolyard worth. They were constructing snow forts and gathering snowballs in order to have a snowball fight.

“Look, everypony! All the blank-flanks are here!”

The other foals stared at Sweetie Belle and her two friends. Embarrassed, Sweetie Belle ducked into the snow with a sigh.

“Get’em! The snow fight is on!”

“Wait,” Sweetie Belle cried. “I just got here!”

A hail of snowballs rained down on Sweetie Belle and her friends, covering them in the packed ice. The small snow fort her friends had made was quickly destroyed. The other foals began laughing, enjoying their misfortune.

“Black-flanks! Blank-flanks!”

With barely restrained rage, Sombra galloped from the castle and out into the snowfield, startling the foals. Stepping over Sweetie Belle and her friends, he growled and lowered his horn in an intimidating manner. While the foals were stunned he used his shadow powers to rise the snow up in the form of a terrible ice monster to scare them.

Screaming, the foals ran from the snow field, crying as they went. Sombra enjoyed the power he got from their fear, but he held back… he never liked scaring foals.

“Wow! That was awesome!” Sweetie Belle gasped. “Thank you, Sombra!”

At first, Sweetie Belle’s friends were frightened, but the moment Sweetie Belle acknowledged him as a friend, they relaxed. The orange coated Pegasus let out an excited shout.

“Wow! I’ve never seen a stallion with a blank flank! Awesome! You know him, Sweetie Belle? He totally scared everyone! He’s the best unicorn ever!”

Sombra released the magic on the ice monster and stepped away from Sweetie Belle and her friends. He didn’t want to speak with them. He didn’t want to be in the snow. He just couldn’t stand watching them being ridiculed. He would have never let that happen to his younger sister…

“Is Sweetie Belle all right?” Rarity asked, running through the snow toward Sombra.

“She’s fine.” Sombra walked back toward the castle, confused by his urge to protect the foals. He hadn’t felt that urge in over a millennia…

Rarity turned and saw that her sister and her friends were perfectly fine. Sombra had used his magic to frighten the other foals. He hadn’t harmed them. She ran back to Sombra and followed him back into Twilight’s castle. He seemed distant again, but now she knew why.

“Sombra,” she whispered to them as they walked back into the castle. “Why don’t you take the time to relax in someplace warm? I found a bathing room when I was trying to show you around, darling. I always enjoy a good spa treatment… It will take away the sting of the snow.”

He nodded at her suggestion, barely interacting with her. Rarity trotted ahead, trying to remember where, exactly, she had seen that room. Once she found it she opened the door and allowed Sombra to enter.

It was a large tile room with a sunken down bathtub, deep and wide enough to fit at least ten ponies comfortably. The faucets were etched silver and the far wall was a dusted mirror. Rarity walked over and turned on the hot water, slowly filling the bath. She knew the warm water would make Sombra feel better. She knew he must hate the cold.

“If you need anything else, just call,” she said with a smile. “I brought with me hoof-stitched towels.”

“Stay with me,” he commanded.

Rarity was taken aback. The steam filled the room and caused her to flush. “Me?” she awkwardly asked. “You want me to stay with you? W-well, normally mares and stallions bathe separately…” There wasn’t much of a reason to bathe separately, considering that most ponies went without clothing the majority of the time. It was just customary.

“I would rather not be alone with my thoughts.”

“A-all right.”

Once the tub was filled with warm water he stepped in. Rarity followed after, allowing the warmth to seep into her coat and melt away any chill she might have felt from walking around in the snow. Rarity took a seat opposite Sombra but, very unexpectedly to her, he pulled her close to him, keeping her on his side.

“When I’m alone all I can think of is gaining power,” he earnest admitted. “But when I’m with you… I feel a need to be something more than just a fulcrum of magic…”

“If you need me to stay, I will.” She enjoyed his touch and rested her head against his mane. He nuzzled her head. This was more than anything she could have hoped for. She didn’t even know he felt this way about her.

Rarity hesitated when speaking, trying to formulate her words to best articulate her desires. “I’ve always admired those who hold themselves with a duty and nobility… and I admire those with dedication and passion. I… want to be with somepony that needs me and who I will need to push me to my creative limits… Somepony who shares my finer tastes in life…” She looked up at him, hoping that he would understand what she was trying to say.

Sombra suddenly pushed her away. His mane was wet and straight, adding to his melancholy expression. “Don’t except anything of me. Once you’re gone… I’ll drift back to everything I ever was before.”

“You’re already what I said you were,” Rarity admitted, moving closer to him. The heat from the water and the situation was intense. She had imaged feelings of affection before, but they had all been superficial. Trenderhoof, Prince Blueblood… they had all been fleeting feelings, barely skin-deep. She honestly wanted to help Sombra return to his old unicorn self. She honestly wanted him with her.

“You don’t understand. I’ve failed everyone I ever cared for before… I’ve lost my way and now… now I-”

Rarity hushed him and leaned into his chest. He didn’t need to relive all those terrible memories. “You won’t fail. I won’t let you fail.”

Sombra held her close and leaned down, drawing his mouth along her cheek until it finally connected with Rarity’s. In that moment, in the hot, steamy bathing room, Rarity felt a passion she had never felt before. Sombra kissed at her muzzle and gently licked her when he finished.

“Sombra…” she breathed.

“Rarity, I…” Sombra was breathless for a moment, obviously holding back an urge to do more. “I will never be what you want. I’m consumed by dark magic. It permeates my core… I will never be my normal self…”

“You mean because of the Nightmare Gem?” Rarity asked.

“How do you-”

“You could give it up,” she interjected. “You can get rid of it! Then you can leave this dark magic thing behind you… You wouldn’t be haunted by any longer.”

“You don’t understand,” Sombra agonized, turning away. “The gem… it’s all that kept me alive when I found it; when I was defeated by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna… Without it I’ll cease to be… I’ll die.”

Rarity could barely believe her ears. “How do you-”

“My life has been stretched unnaturally long as it is,” he explained, his voice strained. “I should have died a long time ago… in the snow, all alone… Everything I’ve done since then is because of my dark magic. It fuels my body, even my shadows, and I can’t live without it. Do you understand now? I’ll always be this way…”

“But…” Rarity began. “You said you don’t think about that when I’m around?”

“No,” he earnest admitted. “No, I… feel like I need to be something better for you and your sister...”

“Then I’ll just need to stay with you forever, won’t I?”

“When the night comes I’ll be left to my nightmares once more.”

“Then you’ll stay with me at night.”

“Rarity…”

“I told you I wouldn’t let you fail and… I meant it.”

Using her magic, Rarity slowly brushed the length of Sombra’s mane. He was laying with her on her bed, relaxing after the long bath they had taken together. Rarity ran the comb along his back after she was done, messaging his coat.

“Tell me about yourself,” Sombra said, breaking their contented silence.

Rarity continued to brush and smiled. “What do you want to know, darling? I’ve told you what I feel passionate about, you’ve met Sweetie Belle…”

“What do you think your cutie mark represents?”

She glanced at her triple diamond mark and thought about the question for few moments. “I think it means that I never settle for less than the most rare and unique in life.”

“The most rare and unique?”

“That’s why I design clothing. To give ponies the power to make a unique statement. Each and every piece I make is special and different than the last. I don’t want what everyone else wants. I want to be remembered for bringing all ponies a sense of uniqueness.”

Sombra looked back at her, his red eyes staring at her with a since of affection. “Your passion has dictated your destiny?”

“That’s right,” Rarity said with a laugh. “And I guess my passion has followed me to my love life as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t think there has ever been, or will ever be again, a stallion quite like you.”

He half-smiled at her statement and continued to enjoy her brushing.

“Oh!” Rarity suddenly gasped. “I know the perfect thing!” She jumped from the bed and trotted over her to her belongings. “I always like to give my friends something special from my boutique… I have decided that I’m going to have to learn metalworking in order to fashion you some functional armor, but until then…”

Rarity pulled from her bag a long silver and red, nearly completed, scarf. She also removed a spool of shiny black thread. Within moments she finished the scarf, stitching into one end a monogram of the letter ‘S’. She floated the scarf over with her telekinesis and wrapped it around Sombra to make sure it was long enough.

“There! Magnifique!” She trotted back to the bed and curled back up next to him. “Now the snow won’t be as cold.”

Sombra stroked the scarf and sighed. He rolled over and pulled her close, mentally noting how silk-like her coat was, practically the same texture as the scarf. Rarity used her magic to turn off the light and snuggled even closer. She enjoyed the feeling of Sombra’s hooves running the length of her body. She wasn’t tired and she suspect Sombra wasn’t either…

Ruin Worms

Rarity ran through Ponyville, her eyes on the sky. The moon was still up, despite the fact that she knew the sun should be there. Sweet Celestia, she thought. What is happening?

Suddenly her shadow pointed. Rarity turned her head and stutter-stepped to halt. Rising out of the Everfree Forest was a massive, house-sized monster of a worm; black, covered in spines, coated in slime and with a maw like a lamprey. The circle-rows of teeth were nightmarish, to say the least. Rarity cringed away, despite the fact she was in town and the worm in the forest.

“Where is Twilight?” Rarity whispered to herself. I thought she was handling this!

The ponies of Ponyville began screaming and erupted into a panic. They practically stampeded through the streets, pushing ponies out of their way in their dread. Rarity scanned the crowd looking for anyone she knew. What was going on?

The monster worm smashed through the trees and slithered up into Ponyville, leaving a ditch in its wake from its pure massive weight. The worm was creeping closer to the houses and ponies and Rarity took it upon herself to do something. Rarity exerted herself using what magic she had to break the support beam of a water tower, having it crash down in front of the worm. The nightmarish creature hissed and screamed, its cries shattering the eardrums of everypony nearby, before wrapping its circle-mouth around the water container. In one powerful bite the water tower was split in half.

Rarity backed further away, disheartened by how little of an effect she had at slowing the creature. The worm continued its rampage into town, stopping only when it came to a building. Rarity took the momentary reprieve to help ponies escape the monster. When she ran across two foals she froze in terror.

“Sweetie Belle!” she gasped. “Where is Sweetie Belle!?”

Before Rarity could gather her thoughts and act in a rationale manner, a second Ruin Worm crashed out of the Everfree Forest, carving a path of destruction from the tree line all the way into Ponyville. The sheer overwhelming situation was almost too much for Rarity. She gulped down air and wildly looked around, trying to orientate herself.

A piece of thatch roof fell from a nearby building, just above Rarity, but her shadow lashed out and broke it before it struck her. Rarity watched the shadow slither back into place, thankful it was there to save her when she could barely contain her fear. Turning to run, she made her way toward Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle is normally there… and Apple Jack will know where Twilight Sparkle is… I have to get to them!

Running against the crowd, Rarity found it difficult to make it all the way across town. She wasn’t an athlete and didn’t enjoy tiring herself, but at the moment there were more important things. She would run herself to death if it meant helping her friends and family.

Rarity had never been so happy to see the wooden arch over the entrance to Sweet Apple Aches. She ran through it and only slowed once she got to the house. Apple Jack, Big Macintosh and Granny Smith were all outside, hastily packing their belongings on a wooden cart.

“Apple Jack!” Rarity gasped between breaths. “Have you seen Sweetie Belle?”

“She’s not with you?” Apple Jack asked, panic in her voice. “I thought she and Apple Bloom-” Apple Jack cut herself off.

The realization everyone had at that moment left them utterly silent. Granny Smith shakily sat up from her seat on the cart. “She said she was going to Zecora’s!”

“No,” Rarity whispered. No! Not the forest! Anywhere but the forest!

Rarity and Apple Jack ran from Sweet Apple Acres in unison, both of them on a common quest. Apple Jack was faster but Rarity never gave up. She pushed forward, fueled by her sisterly love for Sweetie Belle. She was just a filly! What was she going to do again a giant monster?

Despite the fact it was snowing, Rarity didn’t feel cold at all. Running generated body heat and the two scarfs she was wearing were more than enough. When they reached the edge of the Everfree Forest, Rarity turned and saw the two Ruin Worms were still wreaking havoc on the edge of town. Apple Jack didn’t slow as she ran into the trees.

“Apple Jack!” Rarity called out behind her. “Wait! There are-”

Bats flew out of the darkness around her, startling her for just a moment. Rarity pressed on, continuing to follow Apple Jack to Zecora’s hut. The tiny hut in the forest was still intact by the time Rarity reached it. She was grateful, but immediately panicked when she didn’t see anyone nearby.

“Sweetie Belle! Sweetie Belle!”

“Rarity?”

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Apple Jack ran out from behind Zecora’s hut. “Zecora is helping Twilight,” Apple Jack shouted. “We should go!”

Rarity half-turned to follow them out of the forest, but they all stopped when yet another Ruin Worm burst from the soil, destroying Zecora’s hut in its wake. Rarity shielded herself from the falling rocks and globs of mud.

“Run!” Apple Jack yelled.

Twilight flew over the worm and blasted it with a bolt of raw magic. The worm cringed and writhed in pain. Soon the worm had its attention focused on Twilight in the sky, ignoring the ponies down below. Rarity hesitated. She could run and leave Twilight or she could stay and try and help the young alicorn princess…

The Everfree Forest had patches of near-indestructible thorny vines. Rarity used her magic to grab a few and lash them to the giant worm. It hindered the worm’s movement, allowing Twilight to continue fighting. It was during this struggle that Rarity realized Twilight was wounded.

The magic didn’t seem as though it were working. The worm was hurt but it was minor. It eventually pulled from the thorny vines Rarity had used to bind it and began thrashing through the forest.

“Rarity! Run!” Twilight commanded.

Rarity turned to go when she realized Sweetie Belle had stayed behind to be with her. She grabbed her sister in order to take off through the darkness of the night-soaked trees but Rarity made it but a few feet before the worm thrashed its body through the forest, striking Rarity with enough force to send her flying. She shielded her sister from the blow, but in doing so, ensured her injury.

Sweetie Belle tumbled from her grasp but pulled herself up almost instantaneously. She ran back to her sister and pulled on her hoof. “C’mon, Rarity! We have to go!”

Rarity got to her feet but quickly fell back to the ground. She turned her head and saw that her back leg had been twisted and broken. Not wanting to alarm Sweetie Belle, Rarity leaned her body over the injury and motioned for her sister to continue. It was painful, but the adrenaline of the moment numbed the pain.

“Go, Sweetie Belle! I’ll catch up! Get out of here before-”

A large tree trunk fell next to them, Sweetie Belle’s gasp of surprised haunting Rarity for the split second she thought something terrible had happened to her sister.

“Go, Sweetie Belle!” Rarity repeated.

“S-stop being dramatic,” Sweetie Belle pleaded, her lip quavering. “Get up, Rarity! We need to go together!”

“Sweetie Belle, I mean it. Go.” Rarity silently scolded herself for all the times she had ever overdramatized a situation. She needed to make Sweetie Belle realize she was serious.

Sweetie Belle grabbed Rarity by the neck. “I can’t make it without you!” she said, showcasing her childish fear of the unknown.

Rarity used her magic to separate herself from her sister and to move her away. Another tree smashed around them and Rarity knew she could never live with herself if something happened to Sweetie Belle.

“Go!” Rarity angrily shouted.

Confused and hurt, the little filly slowly fled the scene, glancing over her shoulder as she went, tears in her eyes. Rarity shielded her head when dirt rained down upon her. Twilight was finally winning against the single Ruin Worm, but Rarity knew there were others in town. Twilight would need to hurry…

The shadow that had been directing Rarity suddenly came to her aid once more. It helped her up, somehow partially corporeal, partially not. When finally standing she limped away from the chaotic fight and trotted behind a boulder to put solid matter between her and the Ruin Worm.

Without warning, the shadows of the forest began to quiver and wake. “Sombra!” Rarity gasped. She was gleeful! Perhaps he would be what Twilight needed to help her win!

Her joy quickly faded to horror-filled realization when she saw the shadows around the Ruin Worm slowly began feeding it and healing what wounds Twilight had managed to inflict. The worm had been gigantic before, towering over the trees, but it was getting larger now… practically twice its size already…

“Sombra!” Twilight called out. “I know that’s you! What’re you doing!?”

The shadows themselves echoed King Sombra’s voice. “It occurred to me, Princess… That I could do without you… Good luck stopping a fully mature worm on your own…” His dark laughter filled the forest as the shadows began to disappear. Rarity knew it was the Nightmare Gem talking… he was under its control once again!

“Sombra!” Twilight called out in anger. “Sombra, I-”

The worm lashed at Twilight with blinding speed, much faster than it was ever before. Acid slime began to drip from its body and now the creature reeked of death and pestilence.

Rarity walked around the boulder and turned to her shadow. “Take me to him!” she shouted at it, not even entirely sure if that would work.

Lucky for her, it did. The shadow pointed the way through the forest, leading her deeper into danger…

The Umbra King

Rarity’s leg gave out under her, the pain too much to bear. She limped on regardless, following the direction of the shadow. Behind her was the mature Ruin Worm, eating the forest and all the creatures within it. No matter how hard Twilight fought against it, the creature shrugged off her attacks and barely paid her any attention.

As Rarity continued she saw smaller worms jutting out of the soil around her. Earthworm-sized worms. They were black and squirmed as though under the shock of electricity. Shadows in the forest began feeding them dark magic, causing them to grow to pony-sized monsters within moments. Rarity continued on, determined to stop Sombra and convince him this wasn’t what he wanted. If he isn’t stopped soon he’ll mature all the worms of the forest! Not even all four princesses will be able to stop them!

A cart-sized Ruin Worm lunged for Rarity. Her mobility was hampered, but the baby worms were clumsy. She moved aside and used her magic to wield a thick branch like a toy sword. “Back! Back, I say!” she shouted, thrusting the branch at the monster.

The Ruin Worm latched its mouth onto the branch and began pulling deeper inside of its body, slowly destroying the branch in the process. Rarity let go of it with her magic and hobbled away. What was she going to do now? Fighting had never been her forte… normally when she got involved it was with the Elements of Harmony but… she couldn’t use them by herself…

Rainbow Dash flew in right as the worm made a second lunge. With one powerful kick to the body, the worm was thrown back into a tree and stunned.

“Rainbow Dash! I’m so glad to see you!” Rarity gasped in delight.

“Rarity, what’re you doing out here?” Rainbow Dash spat. “This isn’t a place for you!” She quickly scooped Rarity up into her hooves and flew away from the worm, leaving it far below them. Rainbow Dash turned toward Ponyville but Rarity shook her head.

“No, Rainbow Dash! You’re going the wrong way! We need to go deeper into the forest! Quickly! Before the worms get out of control!”

“Yeah, I know what’s deeper in the forest! More Ruin Worms!”

“No, Rainbow Dash! Sombra is there! We have to go talk to him!”

“Sombra? He’s behind some of this mess? I should’ve known! Let me get my hooves on him…” Rainbow Dash turned in a wide arch as she flew back in the direction Rarity had indicated.

“We mustn’t fight him!” Rarity pleaded. “I just need to talk to him!”

“We’ll see how well that turns out when we get there…”

Rainbow Dash was an apt and competent flier. Within moments they were near the other side of the Everfree Forest and Rarity knew they were close. “Down there!” she commanded Rainbow Dash. The both of them circled down. Rainbow Dash unceremoniously dropped Rarity to the ground when they landed, further exacerbating her wounded leg.

“Ah!” Rarity sucked in her breath, biting back the pain.

“Where are you, Sombra!?” Rainbow Dash shouted, never even noticing that her friend was in pain. “Come out, you coward!”

Dark laughter filled the clearing just at the edge of the forest. The shadows wrapped and formed the silhouette of a unicorn stallion. “You’re too late. The Ruin Worms are free and turning your pathetic village into rubble.”

“Oh yeah!? I’ll turn you to rubble!” Without so much as a glance back, Rainbow Dash burst forward, a stream of rainbow light behind her. Sombra dissipated into shadow fragments, allowing Rainbow Dash to pass through him harmlessly. Undeterred, Rainbow Dash flipped around and charged again, her anger ever more apparent on her face.

Sombra laughed as she passed by and allowed one of his shadows to hit the Pegasus out of the sky. Rainbow Dash tumbled to the ground but she wasn’t out for the count. In one swift move she jumped to her hooves and galloped toward him. At close range she bucked as hard as she could, but Sombra swiftly used his curved horn to knock Rainbow Dash away, cutting her legs in the process.

Rainbow Dash took to the sky, but the shadows lashed out faster. Once she was touched, black crystals sprang up on her feathers, weighing them down and preventing her from flying. Rainbow Dash crashed back to the ground with a hard thud, but even that wasn’t enough to stop her.

“Isthatallyougot!?” Rainbow Dash slurred. She shakily got to her feet and dug into the dirt.

“Sombra, stop!” Rarity called out, slowly limping into the commotion. “Stop this! You aren’t like this!”

Sombra sneered when she got closer and dismissively waved her away. “Leave me, peasant. You’re a distraction on my path to power. Nothing else matters. Not you, not your sister… nopony.”

“It’s the Nightmare Gem talking, not you! You must try and realize that!”

“The Nightmare Gem is me, fool! Get it through your thick skull… I am the dark, shadowy magic you see around you! The Shadow King himself!”

Before Rarity could answer, Rainbow Dash bucked Sombra across the face, sending him staggering backward. He rubbed at his jaw and narrowed his eyes into a glare at the earth-bound Pegasus.

“Whachagottasaynow?” Rainbow Dash boastfully slurred, preparing for anything attack.

Sombra unleashed a wave of dark magic upon the Pegasus, sending her into the dirt on her back. She was lying prone, now unconscious, and Sombra lifted a boulder with his unicorn magic to finish her off.

Rarity, despite the pain, leapt over Rainbow Dash. “No! Stop this!” Sombra hesitated and dropped the rock but his eyes and mannerisms told Rarity he wasn’t intending to halt any time soon. “You said you felt different around me! You said you could focus! Please try and remember!” Rarity used her magic to float his scarf over to him. He allowed it to be wrapped around his neck, much to Rarity’s surprise.

For a second he seemed to contemplate her offer, but that was short lived. “I’ve won, peasant. You’ve lost. Your friends should have dealt with me when they had the chance. Now I’ll go free.”

Suddenly, a Ruin Worm burst into the scene, destroying half the clearing in its quest to reach Sombra. “Tsk!” he grunted as he leapt out of the way. “Talking to these fools has distracted me… I cannot let the Ruin Worms sense my dark magic…” Like a shadow caught in sunlight, Sombra disappeared. The Ruin Worm, now without a target, began to thrash about, taking down anything in its way.

Like a true friend, Twilight Sparkle was there when Rainbow Dash and Rarity needed her most. She swooped in front of the Ruin Worm, distracting it and drawing it away from her injured friends. Rarity took this moment to scan the treetops of the forest. There must have been twenty worms now… all getting larger in size by the moment… We’ll never win at this rate… Never…

Inspired by what she had seen in Sombra’s dream, Rarity had a plan. She left Rainbow Dash’s side and walked out toward the Ruin Worm. She knew her plan was risky, but it was either this or sit by and watch the ponies she cared for tear each other apart while monsters destroyed her home.

“You! Brute!” Rarity used her magic to form a raw beam, but it was tiny and not very powerful. She was almost embarrassed when is fizzled against the hide of the worm like a defective firework.

Whatever she did, though, it had worked. The monster turned its attention to Rarity instead of Twilight Sparkle. Twilight flew down to rescue Rainbow Dash, but Rarity didn’t leave her spot. “Come and get me,” she proudly declared, resting her weight on her three good legs.

The worm, saliva dripping from its maw, raised up and prepared to plunge.

“Rarity! Run!” Twilight Sparkle commanded.

Rarity did no such thing. As the mouth of creature descended upon her, she closed her eyes. This better work… But… I wish I could have said goodbye to Sweetie Belle… Just in case…

The Tarnished Shield

Rarity waited for the impact, but all that came was an ear-shattering scream. She opened her eyes, ready to greet Sombra with open hooves, but then she realized he wasn’t there; it was her shadow!

Her magically infused shadow had lashed out at the worm and cut a deep gouge in its black flesh. The worm shook off the strike and instead opened its maw, sucking in the dark magic of the shadow, breaking it apart and drinking in bits of it at a time. Where is Sombra? Rarity thought, looking around. I thought… I thought he would be here…

Like a flock of seagulls that see one seagull feasting on a piece of bread, the worms of the forest began swarming to the clearing. Rarity backed away, pulling her weakened magical shadow from the jaws of the monster. The mature worm crashed through the forest line, covered in swarms of baby Ruin Worms.

Rarity collapsed, her leg throbbing in pain. A baby worm jumped for her body and her shadow lashed out and cut it in half, but… all the worms suddenly turned their attention toward her. Every time the shadow attacked it used dark magic… which in turn attracted the worms… In their rush to get Rarity, the worms got in each other’s way, crushing little worms beneath their massive size.

A shield of raw magic energy sprang up around Rarity, Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Twilight’s horn was alight with the power of the shield. “Rarity! Stop using your magic! It’s drawing them in!”

“I can’t!” she gasped.

“What were you even doing!? We have to get out of here!”

“I-I thought…” Rarity stammered, shaken by the fact Sombra hadn’t saved her. Now that she thought about it… Sombra hadn’t attempted to save Sweetie Belle either, and she had been in the forest long before her…

The worms bashed against Twilight’s magic shield, desperate to eat the last of Rarity’s shadow before consuming them all. Suddenly, randomly, a tide wave of water washed the worms away from Twilight’s magic shield. Discord flew in, Fluttershy on his back; his chaotic magic the power that knocked the worms away.

Fluttershy was trembling, her wings glued to her side from fear. Discord dropped down and grabbed Rainbow Dash, allowing Twilight to take Rarity.

“I hate to be the voice of reason and order,” Discord began, “but what, exactly, is the plan?”

“I need time to think…” Twilight whispered.

Rarity held onto Twilight and closed her eyes. Disheartened, she tried to think of another plan. “Twilight… I…”

Twilight and Discord flew high up into the air, avoiding the biting maws of the worms. However, once they were out of the reach, the worms turned toward everything around them.

“What is it, Rarity?” Twilight asked.

“They’ll follow me…”

Twilight suddenly nodded her head. “Yes. Yes they will. How can we use that to our advantage? Sombra is just going to continue increasing their power… we need a plan fast.”

“… take me to the Ghastly Gorge,” Rarity breathed, weak from the running and fighting but also weak in conviction. “We can trap them there…”

“The rocks!” Twilight shouted. “Rarity, you’re twice a genius! Zecora mentioned they had a hard time tunneling through rocks! That’s why they toss the boulders aside and why they travel above ground once they're large! Discord, do you think you fly ahead and set up a trap? Rocks to bury the Ruin Worms with? Boulders?”

Discord nodded. “Of course, princess. But… what about you?”

“I’ll take Rarity and we’ll lure all the worms toward Ghastly Gorge. Don’t worry about us. We’ll meet you there.”

Without another word they split to execute their plan. Twilight swooped near the worms but Rarity’s shadow did nothing. “Rarity,” Twilight scolded. “We need to lure them! Use your magic!”

“I can’t, Twilight…” Rarity breathed. “I can’t control it…”

Twilight closed her eyes and took a calming breath. “It’s all right. I have another idea.” When she opened her eyes again her sclera was green and the magic on her horn black. Using her power, she increased the strength of Rarity’s dark shadow. It suddenly lashed out at any nearby danger, including the Ruin Worms. Once it struck them they began swarming again, hungry to consume the shadow.

Once they had these worms’ attention, Twilight flew back to Ponyville and soared between the worms wrecking the buildings. Rarity’s shadows attacked them as well, but by then Twilight had to stop. The use of dark magic corrupted a pony and she knew she couldn’t do it long.

The Ghastly Gorge was just on the edge of the Everfree Forest and Rarity was struggling to stay awake in Twilight’s arms as they flew. Twilight was gliding close to the ground in order to keep the attention of the worms, but it also left her close to the danger. More than once she had to swerve to avoid the reach of the worms and, more than once, she was almost struck. If this didn’t work than the worms would just go about destroying everything… who would be left to defeat them?

“There it is, Rarity! Ghastly Gorge!” Twilight pointed to the gorge ahead of them. “Once we- ah!” The mature worm suddenly struck with fearsome speed, grabbing Twilight’s tail with its maw and yanking her from the air. Rarity flew from her arms, tumbling through the underbrush and rolling to the edge of the gorge, bruised and bleeding, but alive.

She struggled to get to her feet. Once up, she craned her head over the edge, looking down into the deep gorge. Somehow, through his weird and awesome magic, Discord had collected boulders from previous rockslides. Fluttershy was busy clearing the area of Quarray Eels. When the Ruin Worms were in the gorge the boulders could be dropped from above, crushing and burying them once and for all.

“Ah!”

Twilight’s gasp of pain caught Rarity’s and Discord’s attention. The mature worm had ripped out a chunk of her feathers, causing her to plummet. With one quick teleport she was on the ground, but sweat was dripping from her body. The worms swarmed her and, in desperation, she used her magic shield to block their attacks. Now she was stuck between them… if she let the magic shield drop she would surely be consumed.

Discord appeared on the scene, using his wily magic to try and defeat them. It might have worked had there not been a mature worm. That mature worm shrugged off all attacks and quickly sank its teeth into the side of Discord’s serpent-like body. They were just too strong…

Rarity turned back to the gorge. It was ready. She could use her magic and… and…

“Rarity,” a dark voice whispered to her.

She turned her head and cringed away to the very edge of the gorge. It was King Sombra. He was here, next to her, standing idly by as Twilight and Discord were being mauled by the Ruin Worms.

“Rarity, they’ve lost,” Sombra said in a vile sweet tone. “Let me offer you salvation. I’ll save you and your sister. In exchange, you’ll stay with me forever, as my favored seamstress slave.”

Rarity lowered her head and glared. “Shouldn’t you run? Won’t they sense your magic?”

“Tsk. Your compassion is misplaced. They won’t notice me as long as I keep it hidden. Quickly though, make your decision. The worms will break your friends at any moment.”

“You don’t need to wait. My answer is no.”

Sombra glared, his tone turning to anger. “Don’t be a fool. You’ll never win. You’ll never stop these worms. Why even try when you know you can’t succeed?”

Rarity, suddenly stuck with realization, took another step toward the edge. Her foot practically slipped, and she had to steady herself before continuing. “Sombra… You’re a coward.”

“What was that?” he hissed, taking several steps closer.

“I said: you’re a coward. You’re afraid. You’re afraid of trying to protect something… and failing. That’s why you leaned on the dark magic of the Nightmare Gem... That’s why you didn’t come to protect me or Sweetie Belle when we needed you most. That’s why you lost your cutie mark…You’re afraid.”

“Watch your mouth,” he barked, taking another step closer. Anymore and he would be able to push her right off the edge… “If you truly wanted to save your sister you would take my offer. You know I can remove you both from this situation.”

“I have a duty to my sister, but I also have a duty to all of Ponyville! I’m… I’m one of the ruling ponies… I’m the element of generosity… and I would give up anything for my friends… Even my life.” Rarity half-smiled. “I won’t give up on my destiny just because I’m afraid I’ll fail. Unlike you.”

She could tell her words had stung. Sombra looked down at her with rage and sadness in his eyes. At any moment she thought he would lash out at her for saying those things… “And what’s your plan?” he whispered sarcastically. “Jump from the edge and hope the worms follow after you? You’ll die when you hit the bottom. Suicide? For your friends? Really? That’s your plan? The worms aren’t even concerned with you right now. They won’t even turn your way until the alicorn and god have been consumed.”

“Then… I’ll make them pay attention to me!” Rarity shouted, blasting a beam of magic more powerful than she had ever done before. She was always more capable when she was dramatic.

The beam hit a medium-sized worm, drawing its attention to her. The instant it got close her shadow lashed out and cut it clean in half. The dark magic it was made from was a sweet scent to worms. Two more ran over to her and twice more the shadow lashed out. Each time it activated more worms paid attention to her, until even the mature worm had slowly turned its massive head.

“What have you done!?” Sombra growled as the hive of worms began slithering their way toward Rarity.

Taking a deep breath, Rarity turned to leap off the edge of the gorge, taking the Ruin Worms with her… She jumped, but Sombra grabbed her and pulled her back.

“No! Let me go! I-”

Rarity caught her breath as a bright red glittering gem soared past her head and flew down into the gorge. In that split second she knew: it was the Nightmare Gem. The Ruin Worms went ballistic with bloodlust, crushing each other in their frenzy to chase the Nightmare Gem now that its presence wasn’t concealed. Before they could crush Rarity, Sombra used his unicorn magic to shield them both.

The Ruin Worms rushed over the shield, their stench of death wafting over Rarity and Sombra as they went. Sombra held Rarity close as the ground beneath them trembled under the weight of the massive worms. Rarity watched as the worms hit the bottom; some exploded on impact, others crushed by larger worms landing on top of them…

But not the mature worm. It landed and gobbled up the Nightmare Gem. The lesser worms suddenly tried to burrow their way into the mature worm’s body, desperate to get at the gem… but it was too late! They were in perfect position for the trap! Rarity used her magic to set the boulders into motion. The Ghastly Gorge was known for its easy to trigger rockslides and this time was no exception. A massive rockslide ensued, filling a small portion of the gorge with house-sized boulders and rubble. The dust from the rockslide kicked up over everything, casting a shadow over the area for the next few minutes.

When the dust finally cleared, Rarity looked over the edge with her breath held. The gorge was practically filled to the brim with giant rocks and boulders. Nothing was moving and all was silent. The Ruin Worms had been trapped in the massive gorge. The plan had been successful.

Rarity turned back to see if Twilight Sparkle and Discord were still alive. Discord was standing over Twilight Sparkle, both of them in deep conversation. Thank Celestia, Rarity thought. Everypony is-

She immediately snapped her gaze back to Sombra, who had shielded her during the rush of worms. He was lying on his side, his chest unmoving. Rarity gently placed her hooves on his body. He felt cold. Her gaze slowly gravitated to the mark now on his body…

In Sombra’s dream, his cutie mark had been a bright shield, much like Shining Armor’s. Now… it was a tarnished shield; war-torn and blood stained, but still a shield. His unicorn horn was also normal, not the curved two-tone horn he used to have.

“Sombra…” she whispered to him amidst the cold silence.

“You were right,” Sombra breathed quietly, barely taking any air to do so. His eyes remained closed and his body seemed sunken. “I was afraid of losing everything again… I kept convincing myself that… if I had enough power… I would never have to worry about it…”

“You shouldn’t talk, darling,” Rarity half-choked out, trying not to cry. “Save your strength.”

“Without the power of the Nightmare Gem… It doesn’t matter. I’m just grateful I found my destiny… I’m sorry-”

“Don’t apologize. I understand. I think I would lose myself too if something happened to Sweetie Belle during my watch,” Rarity said, gently stroking his mane.

Sombra didn’t answer.

Unsure of what to do, Rarity loosened the scarf around his neck. Sombra barely moved his hoof up to stop her. “Let me take it,” he pleaded weakly. “I’m sure it’s cold in the wastes of Tartarus…”

“Don’t talk that way; I’m sure you’ll-”

Sombra feebly laughed. “I know my fate… If I had but a fraction of your tenacity when I was younger… maybe it wouldn’t be this way… Thank you, Rarity...”

“Of c-course. Of course… I would do it again… my love.” Rarity tightened it and just rested her head against his body. She calmly listened to his weak and irregular heartbeat… until it was no more.

“I can’t believe how long it took you to find these.”

“It was worth it.”

“Are you sure?” Rainbow Dash asked with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight Sparkle grabbed Rainbow Dash by the mane and pulled her back, glaring intensely. “What did I tell you?” she harshly whispered. “Don’t speak about Sombra that way! He actually saved us all and you know how Rarity feels!”

“Okay, okay! I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash hastily apologized. “Geez…”

Rarity trotted over to the graves and looked them over. It had taken them some time to find the bodies of Sombra’s family… like she thought; Sombra’s grave had been empty. The local ponies had thought his body had been lost to the Arctic Timberwolves. Rarity had convinced them to have another funeral for the real Sombra… so that he could rest next to the ones he had cared for…

“Rarity?” Twilight asked. “Do you want some time alone?”

“Yes, please.”

The others trotted and bounced away, Pinkie Pie speaking the loudest among the group. In one unpunctuated breath she said, “Well, hopefully we don’t have to deal with those worms again! I mean, wouldn’t it be crazy if one of them lived, fueled by Sombra’s dark powers, gained intelligence, plotted a dastardly plan and then slowly stalked each and everyone one of use down until there was nopony left besides Rarity, whom it secretly harbored deep feelings for because of how Sombra felt when he passed away!? Wouldn’t that be insane!?”

“What’s the matter with you?” Flutterfly frowned. “That would be… awful.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t mind another round at those Ruin Worms,” was the last thing Rarity heard Rainbow Dash say as the group walked away.

Once they were out of earshot, Rarity rested against the headstone. Her shadow slowly crept along the ground, its face now a frown. She placed her hoof on the shadow. It was the last thing she had of Sombra…

“Eh,” she quickly sucked in her breath. She hadn’t been feeling well lately. Must be the terrible cold… After a few moments of sitting next to the grave, Rarity got up and held her head high. She would a life for the both of them. Goodbye, Sombra, she thought as she trotted back to regroup with her friends.

THE END

Author's Note

SEQUEL: The Umbra Queen

And Then the Sun Didn't Rise

Sombra’s ear twitched. Something was wrong…

He pulled Rarity closer, trying to ignore the feeling. He hadn’t slept this well since he had awoken from the gem. No nightmares, no feelings of loss. This new feeling though… it wouldn’t leave him. Something was happening; something powerful and evil.

Sombra reluctantly lifted his head and glanced at the window. The sun had yet to rise, but it should have done so by now. He pushed the blankets off and got out of the bed. From the window he could see a small portion of Ponyville. The citizens were out and about, obviously confused.

Rarity toss in bed, stirred in her sleep by the lack of warmth from Sombra’s body. He turned to watch her for a moment before returning his attention back to the window. He could feel the presence of Ruin Worms… That was why the princess was researching them, he thought. I cannot be in my weakened state if the worms come this way… I must break the locking spell.

He walked to the door and froze. He didn’t want to leave Rarity unprotected. Sombra returned to her side and slowly stroked her purple mane. He had never fully understood the power of his shadows… the Nightmare Gem had always been somewhat of a mystery, despite the fact it was the source of his very existence. All he knew was that the shadows worked to save him whenever his life was threatened, even saving him from the life-ending attack of the two princess. He had never attempted to give that power to somepony else…

Sombra focused his power and felt a piece of it fade away forever, slowly soaking into Rarity’s shadow. Some might call it curse, but Sombra had given it the sole instruction to protect her and nothing else. Content that she would be safe until he returned, Sombra left the room as quietly as possible.

He needed more power to get rid of this locking spell. More power…

“Rarity! Rarity!”

Sombra was familiar with the voice echoing through the halls. It was the dragon’s, his other former guard. Perfect…

Slipping through the shadows at unnatural speed, Sombra reached the source of the shouting within moments. The purple dragon had his clawed hands cupped around his mouth, calling Rarity’s name over and over again. Sombra smiled. The urge to gather fear and hate was rising… he needed power and he would do whatever it took to get it.

“Rarity!” the dragon called again. “Rarity, where are you!?”

“What business do you have, dragon?” Sombra whispered from the shadows.

The dragon whipped around, his eyes wildly searching the area. Sombra stayed in the shadows, obfuscated by his magic and hidden from the dragon’s view. This terrified the dragon, adding more power to Sombra’s Nightmare Gem.

“S-Sombra?” the dragon asked, attempting to maintain a confident tone. He was failing. “I thought… I thought Twilight had locked you back up…”

“You thought wrong,” Sombra whispered in a dark tone.

“I… uh… Where is Rarity?” The dragon continued to scan the room, the scales on his back standing on end from fear and anxiety.

“What makes you think Rarity even wants to see you?”

The dragon momentarily froze, a pained look on his face. Sombra began laughing. He knew he had struck a sensitive cord… The dragon cared for her. “S-she wants to see me,” the dragon stammered, trying to convince himself of that fact.

“Yet you’re looking for and she’s not looking for you…”

“You don’t know that!” the purple dragon shouted.

“Don’t I?”

“Y-you don’t know her! What have you done with her, Sombra!? Where is she!?” The dragon’s frustration and fear were getting the better of him. He dropped down and hunched his back like a little angry housecat, trying to act tough, but his youth and naivety were showing.

“Don’t be a fool, beast. You’re nothing but a pet, a servant, to the ponies around you. She won’t come looking for you until she has something for you to do. Gather her gems, carry her things…”

“I… That’s…” The dragon’s voice began drifting off and his eyes glazed over with water. “That’s not true…”

“Isn’t it? Isn’t that how all the ponies treat you? Think back, beast. Think back over all your time here in this tiny town… How many times have you been summoned for your company? How many times have you been summoned for your advice?”

The dragon slouched in his spot, tears running down his face. He grabbed at his tail and hugged it close to his body. “They… uh… they threw me a birthday party… once…”

“And how many times have they summoned you for work? Summoned you to do their labor?” Sombra began darkly laughing, enjoying the hate he was receiving from the dragon. He was almost strong enough to break free… just a little more and he wouldn’t need this dragon any more.

“They said I was their friend…”

“They would say anything to placate you.”

“But… this is my home… Twilight… Twilight raised me…”

“And when you’re no longer useful…” Sombra continued in his dark tone. “What do you think they’ll do then? When you’re too big to do their chores? Too vicious to stay with pony-kind?”

The baby dragon had tears running down his face, his body shaking. “No… No, they wouldn’t send me away… Twilight said… Twilight promised…”

“They’ll get rid of you, like the monster you are. Twilight, Rarity… they’ll cast you aside, or worse. What do you think ponies do to monsters like dragons?”

“No! No, they wouldn’t!” The dragon covered his eyes with his clawed hands and shook his head. “You’re wrong! You’re wrong; they would never do that! Twilight would never… Rarity would never…” The dragon picked himself up and ran from the room, his fears, frustrations and hate radiating from his very body. Those feelings were just enough… Sombra drank them and felt the power he needed…

The spell locking his unicorn magic was broken!

Red and green energy soaked the room and corrupted everything it touched. Black crystals sprouted from the shadows and he stepped out, his powers nearly at their peak. Sombra reveled in his regained strength but now he wanted more. So much more. The sclera of his eyes became green and soon he all he could think about was where he could get more power. He would leave the ponies here to their fate… the Ruin Worms would destroy everything… and he would go back to her Crystal Empire, the source of so much more magic.

Sombra strode from the castle and exited out into the snow. The cold stung and for a brief moment he reached for his neck to secure his scarf, but it wasn’t there… he had left it with Rarity. Sombra took a deep breath and hesitated. Just thinking about Rarity calmed him. His lust for power was momentarily waned.

No, he thought as he shook his head. No, I need power… Why was I even with that mare? I need… I need power over all else… Not confident with his decision, Sombra slowly walked to the edge of Ponyville, his eyes on the sky. The sun still hadn’t risen. If he was going to escape it had to be now. The dark magic coursing through his body pulled him forward, leading him further and further away from town.

Rarity rolled over in bed and reached out only to be disappointed. “Sombra?” she asked. Rarity opened her eyes. “Sombra?” she asked again. Nothing. The room was silent.

Getting out of bed, Rarity looked around. Sombra was nowhere to be seen and his scarf was resting on the nightstand. Where could he had gone? She trotted over to the mirror and slowly brushed her mane, trying to clear her thoughts…

Much to her surprise, her shadow moved on its own and curved up onto the wall. Rarity backed away, dropping her brush but remaining silent. The shadow had a face its own, holes in the shadow in shape of eyes and a mouth, and it smiled as though it had a secret.

“Are you… is this…” Rarity could barely formulate her thoughts into coherent sentences.

The shadow pointed to the door and held a hoof up as though ‘shushing’ her. Rarity quickly glanced to the door and then back to the shadow. “You… you want me to leave the room?”

The shadow nodded.

Rarity hesitantly walked over to the door and stared down at her shadow. “Do you know where Sombra is?”

The shadow nodded.

“Will you help me find him, er… shadow?”

The shadow again nodded.

Rarity smiled. The shadow wasn’t dangerous, which was the biggest relief. Was this something Sombra had given her? “Then let’s go, my darling! We’ve no time to lose!” Before she exited the room she used her magic to carry over her’s and Sombra’s scarf. She knew he would need it.