What Lurks in the Shadows?by Arts DesireChaptersChapter 2- The ForestChapter 4- A MeetingChapter 5 - TakenprologueChapter 1- The BeginningChapter 3- FearChapter 2- The ForestIn the deepest part of the Everfree Forest, Sombra wandered about. He was not sure how he would get his revenge, but he did know he would do what it took, so he continued on his long trek. He would never tire, that was a perk of being shadow. He also was much faster than any normal pony. His shadowy figure weaved through trees and over rocks. He slowed as he came upon a house. Ponies usually avoid the forest, for it was unnatural. Clouds moved on there own and the weather was random. Sombra became curious about who would possible choose to live in the Everfree Forest. He slowly crept closer to the home and peeked through the window. He could see a zebra, who appeared to be chanting something, under her breathe. He glided over to the door and slid between it. The zebra was stirring a brew of some sort. She had stopped muttering when he entered. Unsure if he had been noticed, Sombra stayed still for a couple of moments. Slowly, she walked over to a shelf and picked up a bag of red flowers. Sombra moved carefully, until he was under a table. The zebra was still not speaking. He began to fear that she knew he was there. However, he crept over to the pot and behind the zebra. The zebra turned back to the pot and began to mutter words as she stirred the brew. Sombra, quietly, began to wrap around her, until he was face to face with the zebra. She stood in shock, staring into the eyes of the beast. They stayed this way for several moments. Then Sombra spoke, "Hello there..." He spoke in a way that made the zebra tense. Sombra then turned and left. Silence was all that there was. Chapter 4- A MeetingTwilight had gathered her friends into the library, and now they were all sitting around a table. Twilight walked up to her chatting friends. They began their meeting. "My friends! Ponies all over Ponyville are being spooked, spooked by the same shadow creature. We must find out how to stop this!" Twilight stomped one hoof on the table, all her friends nodded in agreement. They had to stop the horror overcoming the fillies and colts. "But, sugar cube, just what is this creature?" A orange pony, across from Twilight, asked. Twilight slowly shook her head. "I don't know Applejack," she moved away from the table, "but I promised I would do what I could." "You can't break a promise, so where do we start?" A soft voice came from a yellow pegasus, who now stood next to Twilight. "Especially if you Pinkie promised!" Screamed a pink earth pony, jumping onto the table. Twilight rolled her eyes. "Pinkie, please get of the table. We got a lot of work to do." Pinkie slowly backed down and took her seat. "Now," Twilight continued, moving back to her spot. "We need to do research, lots of research." Twilight grinned a little. "Research! I hate research!" Yelled a blue pegasus, now flying above everypony. "Can't we just go find this...beast, and take him down!" She suggested. Twilight frowned and shook her head. "It is a creature that is not in my books, Rainbow. We don't know how to defeat it, or even what it is." Rainbow glided back to her seat. "Well, darlings, I am not sure about you, but these bright green and red eyes sound familiar. The raspy snake voice and shadow form, too." The white unicorn, sitting next to Twilight, said. "I mean, haven't we seen this creature before?' Silence enveloped the room, as everpony thought about what she had said. Twilight stood and walked around the table, pondering. Everypony watched her closely, waiting to hear what she'd come up with. With a frown on her face, Twilight turned to face her friends. "Rarity is right! We have a problem, a big problem." Twilight looked at the dragon, who was sitting next to Rarity. "Spike!" Spike popped up with a pencil and paper in hand. "Ready!" Twilight laughed. "No, no Spike. I don't need you to write anything. Just trying to keep you focused." "Oh, okay." Spike said, blushing and sitting back down. "So, Twilight. What is this BIG problem?" Said Rainbow. Everyone focused on her once again. Twilight stood for several moments, before replying. "Sombra is back." Everypony was quiet, until Pinkie stood up. "The evil unicorn king, who wanted to enslave all of the Crystal Empire! That Sombra?" She asked. "Yes, Pinkie, that Sombra." Twilight smiled just slightly. Pinkie always had a way of making ponies smile, even in the darkest of times. She turned to face the others, she a had a slightly annoyed looking face. "We need to stop this spree of horror." They all nodded and began chatting of possible ways to defeat Sombra. "Without the Elements of Harmony, it will be difficult." Applejack mentioned. Just a few months ago, they gave up the Elements to save the Tree of Harmony. The tree had given them a chest in return, but the keys were still missing. Equestria had lost its main form of defense, and now they had to find a new way to stop Sombra. Twilight sighed. "AJ's right. We will have to work together." She turned to a window, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna rose the moon. She noticed her friends were becoming tired. Rainbow Dash, gave a big, held out yawn. "We can't do much half asleep. Goodnight every pony, we'll continue tomorrow." With that the meeting ended and everypony went home to sleep. Chapter 5 - TakenSombra was currently in the library, he had been at time of the meeting. He had to get rid of Twilight and Spike, now! If they found a way to destroy him, before he had done anything to them, he would go insane. Even more insane then he already was. It was not going to happen, he would never allow it. With his eyes glowing, Sombra slithered up the stairs to where Spike and Twilight lay sleeping. Spike, wrapped in his blue blanket, was snoring in a chaotic rhythm. Twilight was laying on her back, giving a light huff every once in awhile. They were peaceful and vulnerable. He had a plan, that should work in these conditions. With the quiet, calm night and his victims fast asleep, he could transport them with ease. Slowly, creeping up on Twilight, he began to wrap her in his shadow form. Starting with her head and moving downward, until she could no longer be seen. He then turned to Spike, again, starting with the head and moving down, until Spike was no longer visible as well. Gently, as not to wake them, he lifted them up and began moving down the stairs and out the door. Once he was outside, he sped up, moving over the land at a startlingly speed. He was traveling though the Everfree Forest with in seconds, weaving left and right around trees. He was gliding past packs of timber-wolves, and patches of blue flowers. The air was beginning to grow cold as he skimmed passed the last few trees, coming into a large, snow covered field. Leaving no trace as he flew over the land and headed toward a large boulder. Growing closer to the rock, a empire of crystal came into sight and Sombra gave a barely noticeable smirk. His speed quickened, and he plunged down into the boulder, soon coming to a cave that traveled under the empire. He stopped and then began to spin slowly, placing Spike on the cave floor. Spike, still snoring, had begun to cry. Tears were seeping from his eyes, he was shaking with his loud sobs. "Twilight!" Spike yelled, as if Twilight had just been injured. Sombra, not wanting to be around when Spike awoke from his nightmare, turned and carried Twilight through the cave. He made several turns, until he felt far enough away from the dragon. Again, he span around, placing Twilight onto the ground. Twilight moaned, and stood shakily. She appeared dazed, which would only make sense. Once she had balanced herself, she observed her surroundings, soon noticing the shadowed figure. "Sombra." She whispered, her gaze set on his. "Of course you brought me here." Sombra grinned. "Twilight Sparkle. How nice it is to see you again." He encircled her and looked into the violet eyes of the mare, his muzzle pressed against hers. His grin deepened as Twilight pushed herself away. "What do you want with me?" She shouted, anger could be seen in her eyes, along with fear. "Oh, Twilight." He said, bringing his shadow tail across her face and flicking it off her chin. "Isn't it obvious?" He sprang closer. "I want revenge." He whispered in her ear. "Unlikely. My friends will find me, they always do." She turned from Sombra and walked a few paces. "You're miles from Ponyville. This cave is unknown. This is my revenge." His eyes brightened and voice deepened. "You will suffer!" Twilight looked behind her, but Sombra had vanished. She collapsed on the ground, tears filling her eyes. Fear and confusion consuming her. prologue"Night mom!" Spoke a young unicorn, as she walked up the stairs. "Good night, my Muffin," Her mother answered in a sweet voice, "don't let the monsters bite!" "I won't!" Muffin yelled, giggling slightly. In her room, Muffin levitated her brush and began tugging at her mane. She counted as she did so, moving to her tail at twenty. When she had finished, she placed the brush on the table. As she did so she heard a slight hissing. She was startled by this, but continued getting ready. She trotted to the bathroom, humming a song to herself. Turning to the mirror above the sink and bringing her toothbrush to her mouth, she noticed something move behind her. Nervous, she stood still for several moments, until a bright green and red eye showed its self in the corner, next to her. Scared out of her mind, Muffin ran to her bed and hopped on it. Grabbing her Luna plush, she ducked under the covers. She shook as a voice as deep as the shadows, spoke to her, calling her by name. "Muffin..." He said with a hiss, "I've been watching you." Chapter 1- The BeginningPonies sat around a table, chatting amongst themselves. They were of the Crystal Empire, and had gone through much terror over the past years. Being ruled over by a pure evil unicorn king and being forced to do his bidding, had quite an effect on ponies. Dreams were filled with horror and fear that the king would return once more. The crystal ponies had been scarred for life and there was no way of helping them. "I wish I could get King Sombra out of my head." Said a young mare. "I realize he's been banished again, but what if..." A creature lurking in the corner of the room, was focused intently on the conversation. He was becoming more interested by the minute. A blue stallion quickly stood. "No! No, what ifs! He is gone, just let it be." The stallion stomped his hoof on the table. "The great and honorable, Spike, the brave and glorious, has gone to Ponyville, along with Twilight Sparkle and their friends. We must be safe, if they were to leave so soon." Everypony murmured in agreement. They wouldn't have left if Sombra was still a threat, but worried looks still hung on their faces. The king had come back once, and they knew he could do it again. The creature in the corner smiled gleefully. He was happy he had left a terrifying impression upon the ponies of the Empire. He was quite happy to have such an lasting ego. He'd be able to scare filles and colts so easily, although he would not be able to do much magic. He had been banished, which weakened him. He would save his strength to get revenge on Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Now that he knew where he could find the ones responsible for his banishment, he would head to Ponyville and get revenge. He still wanted, more like needed, revenge on those who had done this to him. Who had made him shadow once more. Now, he started on his way, but before leaving the house, he said, "Thanks..." in his raspy voice. Everypony froze and Sombra left, very pleased with himself. He would forever be remembered and feared. Chapter 3- FearChapter 3- Fear Somepony was knocking on the Ponyville library door. Twilight could tell it was important by the rhythm of the knocks. Three very fast and frantic knocks, over and over again. She trotted to the door and used her magic to open it. In the door way, was a zebra, who seemed rather spooked. "Zecora? What's wrong?" Twilight asked in a worried tone of voice. Zecora trotted inside the library and turned to face Twilight. Fear could still be seen in her eyes. "A shadowy beast, has come to feast. Spooks a little one, just for the fun." Twilight did not fully understand what she meant, but could tell it was not good. Just as twilight was about to ask for more details, a voice spoke from behind them. "Twilight? I came to see if you could help my dear Muffin." Twilight turned to see a grey pegasus standing part way in the library. "What's happened, Derpy? Is Muffin alright?" Twilight became even more worried. Derpy looked like she was about to cry."She's fine. Just, she said th ... that someone ha...had come into her room. She was cry...crying under the covers this morning." She began to sob. Twilight tried to comfort her, giving or a hug. Looking at Zecora, Twilight asked, "Did she say what this pony looked like?" She was feeling more uneasy as time passed. Derpy calmed herself enough to answer. "She said, he was a sha...shadow creature. That he had bright green and re..red eyes and his voice was raspy an...and snake like." Turning to Zecora, Twilight asked. "Is this the same thing that happened with you?" Zecora nodded slowly. Derpy stood crying, she was extremely scared for her daughter. Her heart hurt with fear that the shadow pony, would come back. Knowing that Zecora had a similar experience, only made her more frightened. "Please, Twilight." Derpy was begging, now. "Muffin is terrified, she didn't go to school today! Find this monster, please! Do something!" Derpy was screaming now, shocking Twilight and Zecora. "I am sorry for yelling. I am just worried for her. Do what you can." Twilight nodded. "I'll do what I can, Derpy. I Pinkie promise."
Chapter 2- The ForestIn the deepest part of the Everfree Forest, Sombra wandered about. He was not sure how he would get his revenge, but he did know he would do what it took, so he continued on his long trek. He would never tire, that was a perk of being shadow. He also was much faster than any normal pony. His shadowy figure weaved through trees and over rocks. He slowed as he came upon a house. Ponies usually avoid the forest, for it was unnatural. Clouds moved on there own and the weather was random. Sombra became curious about who would possible choose to live in the Everfree Forest. He slowly crept closer to the home and peeked through the window. He could see a zebra, who appeared to be chanting something, under her breathe. He glided over to the door and slid between it. The zebra was stirring a brew of some sort. She had stopped muttering when he entered. Unsure if he had been noticed, Sombra stayed still for a couple of moments. Slowly, she walked over to a shelf and picked up a bag of red flowers. Sombra moved carefully, until he was under a table. The zebra was still not speaking. He began to fear that she knew he was there. However, he crept over to the pot and behind the zebra. The zebra turned back to the pot and began to mutter words as she stirred the brew. Sombra, quietly, began to wrap around her, until he was face to face with the zebra. She stood in shock, staring into the eyes of the beast. They stayed this way for several moments. Then Sombra spoke, "Hello there..." He spoke in a way that made the zebra tense. Sombra then turned and left. Silence was all that there was.
Chapter 4- A MeetingTwilight had gathered her friends into the library, and now they were all sitting around a table. Twilight walked up to her chatting friends. They began their meeting. "My friends! Ponies all over Ponyville are being spooked, spooked by the same shadow creature. We must find out how to stop this!" Twilight stomped one hoof on the table, all her friends nodded in agreement. They had to stop the horror overcoming the fillies and colts. "But, sugar cube, just what is this creature?" A orange pony, across from Twilight, asked. Twilight slowly shook her head. "I don't know Applejack," she moved away from the table, "but I promised I would do what I could." "You can't break a promise, so where do we start?" A soft voice came from a yellow pegasus, who now stood next to Twilight. "Especially if you Pinkie promised!" Screamed a pink earth pony, jumping onto the table. Twilight rolled her eyes. "Pinkie, please get of the table. We got a lot of work to do." Pinkie slowly backed down and took her seat. "Now," Twilight continued, moving back to her spot. "We need to do research, lots of research." Twilight grinned a little. "Research! I hate research!" Yelled a blue pegasus, now flying above everypony. "Can't we just go find this...beast, and take him down!" She suggested. Twilight frowned and shook her head. "It is a creature that is not in my books, Rainbow. We don't know how to defeat it, or even what it is." Rainbow glided back to her seat. "Well, darlings, I am not sure about you, but these bright green and red eyes sound familiar. The raspy snake voice and shadow form, too." The white unicorn, sitting next to Twilight, said. "I mean, haven't we seen this creature before?' Silence enveloped the room, as everpony thought about what she had said. Twilight stood and walked around the table, pondering. Everypony watched her closely, waiting to hear what she'd come up with. With a frown on her face, Twilight turned to face her friends. "Rarity is right! We have a problem, a big problem." Twilight looked at the dragon, who was sitting next to Rarity. "Spike!" Spike popped up with a pencil and paper in hand. "Ready!" Twilight laughed. "No, no Spike. I don't need you to write anything. Just trying to keep you focused." "Oh, okay." Spike said, blushing and sitting back down. "So, Twilight. What is this BIG problem?" Said Rainbow. Everyone focused on her once again. Twilight stood for several moments, before replying. "Sombra is back." Everypony was quiet, until Pinkie stood up. "The evil unicorn king, who wanted to enslave all of the Crystal Empire! That Sombra?" She asked. "Yes, Pinkie, that Sombra." Twilight smiled just slightly. Pinkie always had a way of making ponies smile, even in the darkest of times. She turned to face the others, she a had a slightly annoyed looking face. "We need to stop this spree of horror." They all nodded and began chatting of possible ways to defeat Sombra. "Without the Elements of Harmony, it will be difficult." Applejack mentioned. Just a few months ago, they gave up the Elements to save the Tree of Harmony. The tree had given them a chest in return, but the keys were still missing. Equestria had lost its main form of defense, and now they had to find a new way to stop Sombra. Twilight sighed. "AJ's right. We will have to work together." She turned to a window, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna rose the moon. She noticed her friends were becoming tired. Rainbow Dash, gave a big, held out yawn. "We can't do much half asleep. Goodnight every pony, we'll continue tomorrow." With that the meeting ended and everypony went home to sleep.
Chapter 5 - TakenSombra was currently in the library, he had been at time of the meeting. He had to get rid of Twilight and Spike, now! If they found a way to destroy him, before he had done anything to them, he would go insane. Even more insane then he already was. It was not going to happen, he would never allow it. With his eyes glowing, Sombra slithered up the stairs to where Spike and Twilight lay sleeping. Spike, wrapped in his blue blanket, was snoring in a chaotic rhythm. Twilight was laying on her back, giving a light huff every once in awhile. They were peaceful and vulnerable. He had a plan, that should work in these conditions. With the quiet, calm night and his victims fast asleep, he could transport them with ease. Slowly, creeping up on Twilight, he began to wrap her in his shadow form. Starting with her head and moving downward, until she could no longer be seen. He then turned to Spike, again, starting with the head and moving down, until Spike was no longer visible as well. Gently, as not to wake them, he lifted them up and began moving down the stairs and out the door. Once he was outside, he sped up, moving over the land at a startlingly speed. He was traveling though the Everfree Forest with in seconds, weaving left and right around trees. He was gliding past packs of timber-wolves, and patches of blue flowers. The air was beginning to grow cold as he skimmed passed the last few trees, coming into a large, snow covered field. Leaving no trace as he flew over the land and headed toward a large boulder. Growing closer to the rock, a empire of crystal came into sight and Sombra gave a barely noticeable smirk. His speed quickened, and he plunged down into the boulder, soon coming to a cave that traveled under the empire. He stopped and then began to spin slowly, placing Spike on the cave floor. Spike, still snoring, had begun to cry. Tears were seeping from his eyes, he was shaking with his loud sobs. "Twilight!" Spike yelled, as if Twilight had just been injured. Sombra, not wanting to be around when Spike awoke from his nightmare, turned and carried Twilight through the cave. He made several turns, until he felt far enough away from the dragon. Again, he span around, placing Twilight onto the ground. Twilight moaned, and stood shakily. She appeared dazed, which would only make sense. Once she had balanced herself, she observed her surroundings, soon noticing the shadowed figure. "Sombra." She whispered, her gaze set on his. "Of course you brought me here." Sombra grinned. "Twilight Sparkle. How nice it is to see you again." He encircled her and looked into the violet eyes of the mare, his muzzle pressed against hers. His grin deepened as Twilight pushed herself away. "What do you want with me?" She shouted, anger could be seen in her eyes, along with fear. "Oh, Twilight." He said, bringing his shadow tail across her face and flicking it off her chin. "Isn't it obvious?" He sprang closer. "I want revenge." He whispered in her ear. "Unlikely. My friends will find me, they always do." She turned from Sombra and walked a few paces. "You're miles from Ponyville. This cave is unknown. This is my revenge." His eyes brightened and voice deepened. "You will suffer!" Twilight looked behind her, but Sombra had vanished. She collapsed on the ground, tears filling her eyes. Fear and confusion consuming her.
prologue"Night mom!" Spoke a young unicorn, as she walked up the stairs. "Good night, my Muffin," Her mother answered in a sweet voice, "don't let the monsters bite!" "I won't!" Muffin yelled, giggling slightly. In her room, Muffin levitated her brush and began tugging at her mane. She counted as she did so, moving to her tail at twenty. When she had finished, she placed the brush on the table. As she did so she heard a slight hissing. She was startled by this, but continued getting ready. She trotted to the bathroom, humming a song to herself. Turning to the mirror above the sink and bringing her toothbrush to her mouth, she noticed something move behind her. Nervous, she stood still for several moments, until a bright green and red eye showed its self in the corner, next to her. Scared out of her mind, Muffin ran to her bed and hopped on it. Grabbing her Luna plush, she ducked under the covers. She shook as a voice as deep as the shadows, spoke to her, calling her by name. "Muffin..." He said with a hiss, "I've been watching you."
Chapter 1- The BeginningPonies sat around a table, chatting amongst themselves. They were of the Crystal Empire, and had gone through much terror over the past years. Being ruled over by a pure evil unicorn king and being forced to do his bidding, had quite an effect on ponies. Dreams were filled with horror and fear that the king would return once more. The crystal ponies had been scarred for life and there was no way of helping them. "I wish I could get King Sombra out of my head." Said a young mare. "I realize he's been banished again, but what if..." A creature lurking in the corner of the room, was focused intently on the conversation. He was becoming more interested by the minute. A blue stallion quickly stood. "No! No, what ifs! He is gone, just let it be." The stallion stomped his hoof on the table. "The great and honorable, Spike, the brave and glorious, has gone to Ponyville, along with Twilight Sparkle and their friends. We must be safe, if they were to leave so soon." Everypony murmured in agreement. They wouldn't have left if Sombra was still a threat, but worried looks still hung on their faces. The king had come back once, and they knew he could do it again. The creature in the corner smiled gleefully. He was happy he had left a terrifying impression upon the ponies of the Empire. He was quite happy to have such an lasting ego. He'd be able to scare filles and colts so easily, although he would not be able to do much magic. He had been banished, which weakened him. He would save his strength to get revenge on Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Now that he knew where he could find the ones responsible for his banishment, he would head to Ponyville and get revenge. He still wanted, more like needed, revenge on those who had done this to him. Who had made him shadow once more. Now, he started on his way, but before leaving the house, he said, "Thanks..." in his raspy voice. Everypony froze and Sombra left, very pleased with himself. He would forever be remembered and feared.
Chapter 3- FearChapter 3- Fear Somepony was knocking on the Ponyville library door. Twilight could tell it was important by the rhythm of the knocks. Three very fast and frantic knocks, over and over again. She trotted to the door and used her magic to open it. In the door way, was a zebra, who seemed rather spooked. "Zecora? What's wrong?" Twilight asked in a worried tone of voice. Zecora trotted inside the library and turned to face Twilight. Fear could still be seen in her eyes. "A shadowy beast, has come to feast. Spooks a little one, just for the fun." Twilight did not fully understand what she meant, but could tell it was not good. Just as twilight was about to ask for more details, a voice spoke from behind them. "Twilight? I came to see if you could help my dear Muffin." Twilight turned to see a grey pegasus standing part way in the library. "What's happened, Derpy? Is Muffin alright?" Twilight became even more worried. Derpy looked like she was about to cry."She's fine. Just, she said th ... that someone ha...had come into her room. She was cry...crying under the covers this morning." She began to sob. Twilight tried to comfort her, giving or a hug. Looking at Zecora, Twilight asked, "Did she say what this pony looked like?" She was feeling more uneasy as time passed. Derpy calmed herself enough to answer. "She said, he was a sha...shadow creature. That he had bright green and re..red eyes and his voice was raspy an...and snake like." Turning to Zecora, Twilight asked. "Is this the same thing that happened with you?" Zecora nodded slowly. Derpy stood crying, she was extremely scared for her daughter. Her heart hurt with fear that the shadow pony, would come back. Knowing that Zecora had a similar experience, only made her more frightened. "Please, Twilight." Derpy was begging, now. "Muffin is terrified, she didn't go to school today! Find this monster, please! Do something!" Derpy was screaming now, shocking Twilight and Zecora. "I am sorry for yelling. I am just worried for her. Do what you can." Twilight nodded. "I'll do what I can, Derpy. I Pinkie promise."
