In the Shadowsby JLBDreamerChaptersPart 1Part 2Part 3Part 1Fluttershy labored under the weight of a large basket as she approached the front door of the Canterlot Home for Orphaned Colts and Fillies. As she shifted the precarious load at the top of the stairs, sweat drops began to slide down her cheeks. “Just a little bit more,” she encouraged herself. One step. Two steps. Three steps. She was now within reach of the doorbell. Carefully taking the string in her teeth, she pulled it, trying to control the trembling of her legs. A brown-colored mare opened the door, and after a moment she smiled. “Oh, you must be Miss Fluttershy dropping off the load of toys from the Princesses.” “Y-Yes…” Fluttershy gasped swaying slightly under her burden. “Oh, here let me take that from you!” The mare lifted the basket easily and set it in the middle of the floor. Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile watching the curious gazes from the foals surrounding her in the large room. When she heard that the Princesses were going to give the orphanage toys and financial support, she had asked to take part. What she hadn’t counted on was they insisted she be the public face of their charity project. She naturally was frightened of such a public role, but looking at the faces of these foals made her feel good about taking that risk. “Go ahead,” the mare prodded Fluttershy. “Hello? Excuse me, would you please give me your attention.” the mare uttered in a voice that was barely above a whisper. Seeing this didn’t attract the attention she desired, the soft-spoken pony took a deep breath and raised her voice from a whisper to a more normal volume. “Excuse me, colts and fillies! I have a wonderful announcement.” A few looked her way but most ignored her. The director of the orphanage seeing this decided to take over. “Foals, please look this way! Everyone! Attention!” This time every little pony in the room stopped and looked their way. The mare nodded at Fluttershy encouraging her to continue. “Fillies and colts, I have a wonderful announcement. The royal Princesses Celestia and Luna have sent me with presents for all of you!” The foals cheered and clapped. “Please, line up and I’ll hand you each a toy.” the yellow pegasus said happily as the foals rushed over and thankfully waited without much pushing and shoving. It was an organized affair with the Director suggesting a toy from the basket for each foal and Fluttershy giving it to him or her. Her attention was drawn to a doorway on the far side of the room where the head of a unicorn foal was peeking out. “You, over there. Come and get in line,” Fluttershy called to him with a smile. Though the hallway was dark, she could make out that young colt’s red eyes widened. Suddenly he fell forward into the great room capturing everyone’s attention. “Oh no! It’s Shadow!” squeaked the pegasus filly at the head of the line. Fluttershy frowned as she heard similar reactions from the other colts and fillies in the line to the young colt identified as Shadow. She watched as the young, blank-flanked unicorn’s ears flattened. His light grey muzzle accentuated his frown, it was such a contrast in comparison with his smoky coat and raven mane, while he glanced around the room. At last he looked up at her with suspicion and the mare gave him a kind smile. “I wouldn’t suggest letting him in here,” the Director suddenly whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “It will ruin it for the rest of the foals.” Fluttershy couldn’t believe what she just heard from the Director. “That doesn’t seem very fair to me,” Fluttershy said, glaring at the bay mare at her side. “Charcoal, please go to your room. We’ll bring the basket to you in a little while,” the Director instructed the foal, and he slunk away. Fluttershy watched the young colt creep away into the dark hallway. Strangely enough, she could almost swear the darkness in the hallway retreated with him. She swept her gaze across all of the fillies and colts in the room and could see the fear and uncertainty that filled them replaced with relief at his departure. “Miss Fluttershy, let’s finish this.” Fluttershy nodded in reply to the Director. She smiled reassuringly at the young ones in front of her as she resumed handing out the toys, though the unicorn foal's dejected expression stuck to the back of her mind. When the last foal took his pick, she picked up the last three toys in the basket. “Miss Fluttershy, what are you doing?” the Director queried. “Could you please point me in the direction of the young unicorn’s room? You called him Charcoal, I believe.” “You don’t have to take those to him. I can do it,” the mare said nervously. “Why are all of you are afraid of that poor baby?” “Miss Fluttershy, he is something of a special case. You see, strange things always happen when he’s around, especially when he’s asleep, and nopony can figure out why. Perhaps it’s a curse, but I’ve found it best to keep him away from other ponies as much as possible.” “He’s cursed?” “At least his Shadow is. There are times when it disappears completely and others when it doesn’t even look like it belongs to him. The little ponies here swear it has a life of its own and hurts them. That’s why they call him Shadow and not by his true name.” Fluttershy felt uneasiness in the pit of her stomach, yet her heart was still aching. These ponies were afraid of this Shadow and had never tried to help him with this curse. Instead they seemed to shut him away from life’s activities. “Well, if it’s just the same to you, I’d like to take him these toys to pick from,” she insisted quietly. “Fine. Follow me.” The Director trotted ahead and led her down the hallway to a flight of stairs. “He’s up in the attic. I made him a room up there. Nopony wants to share a room with him anymore.” The timid pony nodded and took a deep breath ascending as she did. ‘It will be fine. He’s just a scared little colt. He didn’t seem dangerous’. Reaching the top of the flight, she tapped lightly on the door. “Excuse me. I’ve brought the toys up so you can pick one.” After a moment the door cracked open and the mare was nearly blinded by the flood of light pouring out from the room. As she blinked, the colt regarded her suspiciously and craned his neck over seeing the toys she had balancing between her wings. “Okay, I guess you can come in.” He trotted straight into the center of the room, plopping down there. Fluttershy glanced around, noting the dozen or so lamps that surrounded the colt, leaving his shadow a mere pool around where he sat. Tentatively, she moved in front of him and pulled the toys off of her back, placing them in front of the unicorn. He perused each of his three choices in turn. There was a toy figure of a knight in armor, a rabbit stuffed animal and a small drum. His eyes seemed to linger on the knight figure and he reached out for it. It was then she couldn’t help but notice the shadow his leg cast after everything the Director had claimed. When the unicorn’s hoof nearly touched his prize, his shadow and that of the toy’s met. She jumped as the toy knight figure suddenly flew across the room. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that,” he said, cringing. “Its okay. They told me about your problem.” The mare silently gulped trying to ignore the fact that her heart began to race. The crestfallen foal slumped to the floor. “Yeah, I guess he doesn’t like knights.” “He?” Fluttershy carefully observed the young pony. His downcast crimson eyes spoke of no malice, but exhaustion and resignation. “I don’t think of it as my shadow.” All of Fluttershy’s fear melted away with pity. Ponies had often accused her of being afraid of her own shadow, but in this poor colt’s case he truly was afraid. If what she had seen was any indication, the rumors were true, and he had reason to be. “Here, why don’t you take this one?” She picked up the bunny in her mouth and set it directly in front of him with a smile. “He reminds me very much of my friend Angel Bunny.” “You have a rabbit? A real one?” he asked, meeting her gaze inquisitively. “Yes I do, and lots of other animal friends.” “I’m afraid to have a pet,” he whispered sadly. “Do you like animals?” “Yeah, I guess.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I do, too. My special talent is that I can talk to them.” Fluttershy prodded hoping he would open up further. “That’s kind of a cool talent.” He ventured a tiny smile, and the mare met it with a warm one of her own. “My name is Fluttershy.” “You can call me Shadow, I guess. That’s what they all call me here.” “You’re sure you don’t want me to call you Charcoal?” “I don’t really feel like Charcoal fits me anymore. There’s more him than me sometimes I think.” Fluttershy was now filled with resolve. The poor little colt was hopeless and helpless in the face of whatever this evil that lurked in his own shadow was. She was the Element of Kindness, one of the guardians of harmony in Equestria, and she wouldn’t leave him to some terrible fate. “What if I told you I know someone that can help you?” she asked gently placing a hoof on his cheek. “Really?” “She’s a very talented alicorn princess, and she knows just about everything there is to know about magic. I’m sure she could break the curse on you.” “You know a Princess?” She watched as a tiny spark of hope and wonder entered Shadow’s expression. “I know several.” “They would help me?” “I’m sure of it. I just need to talk to the Director and arrange it.” “Thank you!” he cried suddenly clinging to her neck. Fluttershy smiled and enclosed him in a warm embrace. She wondered how long it had been since he had dared such a gesture as she stroked his ebony mane. The sweet moment was broken as she felt a cold chill and a menacing voice filled her head. 'You were there', it accused acidly. Fluttershy froze and gasped. She instantly regretted her reaction when Shadow tensed and released his hold on her. She pulled away slowly so as not to alarm the foal but he was frowning. “I don’t think he likes you,” he said, his voice quivering a bit. “Don’t worry Shadow. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Fighting her fear with each wooden step, she exited the room and closed the door behind her. She collapsed, her eyes filled with tears. 'I swear I’ll find you help. No foal deserves to live in fear of his own shadow.' *** Three days later, Shadow watched through a window as Fluttershy stood in front of the orphanage directing some work ponies loading up his trunk onto a cart. It was hard to comprehend the events of the last few days. Why the kind and gentle mare was bothering with him, he just couldn’t understand. 'She thinks she can help you, Slave'. He shook his head trying to silence the dark voice but it was useless. 'She will come to her end just as all the others have that have resisted me.' “No! I won’t let you hurt her!” He shouted out loud. The other ponies in the room stared at him. One of these ponies was the Director and he saw the worry on her face. “Wait here, Charcoal,” the mare said, exiting the room. He watched until she had exited his line of sight and then cracked open the door to take a peek. “Miss Fluttershy, are you sure about this? You know you could take him to see the Princesses without taking him home with you.” The Director told her and he silently began wishing the Pegasus would listen. “Don’t worry I know what I’m doing. This isn’t the right sort of place for Charcoal Shadow.” He was taken aback by not only her determination, despite her obvious nervousness, but by how she expressed his name. He’d never heard both his name and the term that other orphans had been using to describe him spoken together. “But becoming his legal guardian is a pretty drastic step.” The bay earth pony asserted. 'Guardian? Did she actually adopt me?' he wondered to himself. Thankfully He didn’t seem to want to comment on this revelation. “I want him to have as normal a life as he can, and I don’t think anypony else will be willing to give that to him as things are. If he wants to go live with somepony else once he’s cured of his curse, I won’t mind. Right now he needs to be close to the ponies that can help him the best.” As she spoke, the young colt tentatively came outside glancing around himself nervously. His eyes at last rested on the ground where his shadow loomed much larger than his small frame could possibly cast. It all felt so surreal. Somepony actually wanted to help him and didn’t want to leave him alone with his tormentor. “Miss…” “No, it's alright. Just call me Fluttershy.” The kind mare said, brushing back his mane with a smile. “Fluttershy, are you sure this Princess really wants to meet me?” Shadow asked. “Yes. She asked me to bring you to the Castle before I take you home.” “I wish you both luck.” the Director stated before turning and trotting back inside. “Let’s walk there. It’s a lovely day,” Fluttershy smiled at the foal. “Okay…” the colt said reluctantly, glancing nervously at the ground as his constant companion silently ghosted his every step. The mare walked slowly, matching the colt’s short strides. “You don’t have to be afraid, Shadow. I know we can help you.” He nodded, thinking of all the stories she had told him over the last two days about all of the Element Bearers' adventures. Shadow had enjoyed them, and they filled him with a hope that he hadn’t dared to have since what had happened to his Father. 'That’s right. Do you want her to end up like your Father? Run away. Run now and then I won’t hurt her.' “Shadow?” “Its nothing.” Ever since the mare had shown up, the voice kept urging him to run away. He was caught between wanting to listen to his tormentor and not wanting to give in. If He was telling him to run, was He afraid that this Princess could expel him from Shadow’s mind? “Is it the voice?” she asked as she led him along. “I told you he doesn’t like you. I think, he really doesn’t like this Princess.” “Why do you say that?” “I feel his hate when you talk about her,” Shadow answered the mare’s question before a sharp pain in his head made him stop. “Shadow.” Fluttershy rushed over and placed a hoof under his muzzle. “You don’t have to say anything more.” He nodded and quietly followed her until they reached the gate. The guards seemed to know Fluttershy well, and he glanced away taking in the impressive palace. It was so big, and he could hardly believe he was there to meet a Princess. A unicorn stepped forward and saluted the two ponies. “I have been instructed to teleport both of you to the royal audience chamber upon your arrival.” Fluttershy nodded and looked down at Shadow. “Stay close.” She told him as the stallion approached. His horn glowed crimson, and they all teleported away. Suddenly he found himself groggily falling to a carpeted floor. “Fluttershy! You made it!” Shadow blinked as a purple alicorn raced over and hugged the pegasus. He realized who it was. He had been there in the crowd during Princess Twilight Sparkle’s coronation. “This must be Charcoal Shadow,” the Princess said. Shadow suddenly noticed all eyes in the room were on him. It wasn’t just the Princess of Friendship, but also a small dragon and two larger alicorns. He caught his breath as they approached. “Welcome, My Little Pony” Princess Celestia said to him. “This is the foal?” the darker alicorn noted laying a measured gaze upon him. In response, a hiss echoed through his mind, and Shadow found his legs giving way under him. “Certainly, there is dark magic about him.” She watched him in concern. “Its okay, Shadow,” Fluttershy said, linking her foreleg with his and helping him stand. “Uh, guys. That isn’t his shadow is it?” The dragon stared wide-eyed as the apparition grew in size on the marbled tiles. All eyes turned behind him. Shadow didn’t need to look. He knew that his tormentor had decided to reveal himself. “Yes, it’s a stallion’s shadow, and not that of a young colt,” Princess Celestia declared. The shadow moved. Charcoal could tell when it did. He could also feel it connect with the other’s shadows. 'Leave us be Princess, or this foal shall regret it.' Fluttershy cried out nearly losing her grip on him. They all had heard Him. Shadow could tell from the looks of astonishment on their faces. “Thy voice is familiar to Us,” Luna stated with a look of concentration. 'You all will pay.' The shadow shifted and retreated back to hiding in the silhouette of the colt’s own shadow. His tormentor’s reaction to the Princesses gave rise to a scrap of hope in Charcoal Shadow’s heart. “Can you help me?” Shadow’s eyes welled up with tears. The Princess of the Night approached him. “We have some experience with darker magics. Often times, much can be learned in the dreamscape when dealing with such matters.” Shadow went limp. He couldn’t move his head as his eyelids fell closed. “No!” He heard himself scream. Fluttershy grabbed him as his horn flared to life and he began thrashing around against his will. 'You see, Slave? You belong to me.' “If it frightens you, of course my sister won’t enter your dreams. Please rest easy my little pony,” he heard the monarch supreme of Equestria state. “Of course, We won’t invade thy dreams if it is unwanted,” Luna’s voice said calmly. At her words Charcoal Shadow felt the alien control relax. 'Say nothing.' He blinked slowly looking up into Fluttershy’s large teal eyes. A gnawing, noxious feeling sat in the pit of his stomach, warning him not to defy his tormentor. “Yes. There are other ways of figuring this out. You brought his records right Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her friend. “They're right in the saddle bag.” Fluttershy said, dipping her head in their direction. Shadow watched as the lavender alicorn opened the bag with her magic and levitated the file over into her hooves. “There has to be some clue in here about where he came from. I’ll take a trip if I have to, because someone has to know how Shadow was cursed. If we know that, we will be one step closer to a cure.” “Thank you so much Twilight.” The pegasus gently supported the colt’s stance. “Charcoal Shadow, I promise we will find a way to free you of this curse.” He gazed back at Twilight and nodded his head woodenly in reply. “Fluttershy are you sure you don’t want to stay in the castle while Twilight is investigating? You and young Charcoal Shadow would be welcome for as long as it would be needed,” Princess Celestia declared. “No. I think a normal home is what would be best for him right now. He is welcome in my home.” “After the display of this shadow’s power, thou still wants him in thy home with no protection?” “I appreciate your concern, Princess Luna, but we’ll be fine. Besides I won’t be alone for very long. Discord is supposed to visit, and I’m sure he’d be able to handle anything that comes up. I’m sure you’ll have learned what you need in a few days. We will be back here then anyway.” Twilight sighed. “Alright, but I’m writing the girls and they’ll stop in, too.” Fluttershy nodded and then looked down at Shadow once again. “Come on, let’s go home. It looks like you could use some rest, so maybe you can nap on the train.” “No,” he said softly as Fluttershy walked with him to the door. “I can’t.” He tried not to close his eyes even though he felt drained of all energy. The colt couldn’t go to sleep. He was angry and couldn’t be left to act on the dark thoughts being whispered at the back of Shadow’s mind. Author's Note I’ve always been fascinated with stories that involve shadows coming to life or being inhabited by something so when I read the prompt the idea for this popped into my head. Its also partly inspired by an interesting thought on King Sombra’s origins in the fan film A Tale of One Shadow. In this film, the shadow brought to life through Sombra’s practicing black magic, took him over. What was left of his original nature was snuffed out. I wondered what if Sombra, in his shadow form, tried to do that to a pony so he could be resurrected? I decided to explore that idea in this story once I read the contest prompts. Part 2In the Shadows: Part 2 Charcoal Shadow was engulfed in blackness. The gloom was so thick that it left him gasping for air. His heart was hammering against his ribs at a break-neck speed. “How did I get here? Where am I?” “You are asleep,” a deep voice rumbled in the darkness. “No! I can’t be!” The gloom retracted into a solid, billowing cloud with luminous, verdant eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m only taking this chance to give you a final warning.” “…But sir,” he whimpered. The shape of a stallion’s head emerged from the cloud, and drifted toward the foal. “Now, don’t forget your place. Don’t force me to remind you of it.” The smoky form curled around him. “Perhaps, that pretty mare’s screams will remind you?” “No, Master!” Shadow gasped. “That’s better. You know things always go better when you do as you’re told, Shadow. No one else will suffer, if you would just go somewhere far away from other ponies.” A flame ignited in the apparition’s eyes, and with it the full figure of a stallion emerged. He was clothed in luxuries fit for a king, with a steel crown upon his brow. “If you persist in defying me, you will leave me no choice.” *** Shadow woke. His eyes darted around the compartment. He collapsed against the back of the seat, and saw that the only pony in the compartment with him was Fluttershy. “Are you okay?” Shadow nodded, and then turned his attention back to staring out the window, with half-lidded eyes. “We’re almost there,” Fluttershy whispered, reassuringly rubbing him on the crown of his head. She was extremely concerned for his health. He hadn’t gotten any sleep. Every now and then, she saw his head bob down, only to pop back up a minute or two later. Shadow turned to face her. His heart pained him, when he thought about the threats his Master had made. ‘Maybe I should go? If he hurts her it will be all my fault.” “Shadow, I can’t pretend to understand what you’re going through right now. The only thing I can do, is promise that I won’t abandon you.” “What if there is no cure?” “There has to be.” “Why?” He pulled away from the mare. “Maybe, this is the way it’s supposed to be. Maybe, the only thing I’m good for, is being His slave?” “Who is He?” “I-I don’t know.” The colt rubbed his temples. The mare’s heart dropped. Charcoal Shadow’s, demeanor was different somehow. Just hours before, when they had left Canterlot, he had seemed like he wanted to fight. Now, he seemed more resigned. ‘Was it his Dream?’ “Shadow,” she reached out placing a hoof on his foreleg, “what did you dream about?” He shoved her away. “Don’t ask.” Fluttershy, watched, as his eyes briefly betrayed his confusion, before he began staring out the window again. “You can be mean all you want, but it won’t change my mind. Charcoal, you are worth more than you think. You, most definitely, don’t deserve to be anypony’s slave. You are as deserving as anypony else, of being happy and loved.” He felt empty, tired and he wanted nothing more than to cry. He had to be brave. He had to do what was right. Again he felt her hoof on his foreleg. “You are not that shadow. You aren’t responsible for what it does. That’s why, I’m never going to call you Shadow again. You are Charcoal, and from this day forward, you are my family.” When she pulled him in for a hug, her eyes welled up, he no longer wanted to fight her. He buried his face in her fur, and the flood of tears flowed freely. He clung to her. Fluttershy held the colt, gently rubbing his back, until she heard the conductor announce that they had arrived in Ponyville. Shado- no, Charcoal lifted his head, sniffing back his remaining tears. Fluttershy, helped him get down off the seat, and gave him an encouraging smile. He couldn’t help but smile back, as he followed her out of the train. The two ponies stepped off of the train. Suddenly, a blinding raft of streamers struck them. Fluttershy leapt up, falling back onto the platform. Charcoal cowered and gazed wide-eyed at the strange sight. Before him bounced a pink earth pony, with a huge grin plastered on her face. “Hi! I’m Pinkie! Welcome to Ponyville! I tried to throw you a welcome party, but the others told me I shouldn’t, because Twilight’s letter made it sound like you were super-scary. Then I told them ‘what could be scary about a little colt’? I was right! You’re super cute, and sooooo not scary!” “Pinkie, I think he needs a little space. I’m Rarity, darling.” “Howdy! I’m Applejack.” The mare removed her hat with a sweeping gesture. “Heya kid! I’m Rainbow Dash.” “Um, Charcoal, these are my friends.” “I bet you’re surprised, that we met you at the train station!” Pinkie said. “We wanted to make sure, ya were getting along okay, Sugarcube.” Applejack put her hat back on, and next turned to the foal. “Ah bet yer hungry after that long ride?” “They have the best milk shakes at the café. Do you like milk shakes, Charcoal?” Rarity asked. He nodded still looking back and forth between the mares. He was surprised they’d welcomed him so warmly. They were so confident, and not at all afraid of him. “I think getting some lunch to welcome Charcoal here is a wonderful idea.” Fluttershy, smiled at him in a motherly fashion. “Yeah! Come on! Follow me!” Pinkie, began bouncing ahead of the group. Charcoal, walked beside his guardian. He couldn’t but help but feel, as if a weight had been lifted off of his withers. *** Twilight and Spike stood on the front step of an old, weathered house. “I never thought that there would be a place like this in the Crystal Empire.” Spike hopped off of the pony’s back, and turned to look out over the vast, frozen wasteland surrounding the dilapidated property. “I guess the renovations haven’t reached this far yet.” Twilight smiled uncomfortably. “You think so?” The two friends, jumped hearing the trembly voice from behind them. Its owner was an elderly, yellow earth pony. “It was in much better shape before King Sombra came, but it always has been a home to the poor and unfortunate. Those of us that were born in this spot don’t want to move into the rebuilt city. It’s not fancy or pretty here, so it might not meet the tastes of a Princess, but its good enough for us.” “Oh, I’m sorry.” The alicorn grinned sheepishly. “Spike and I didn’t mean to insult your home.” “No problem, Princess. I assume you came here for a reason, so come in and be about your business.” Twilight and Spike shrugged to each other, and followed the mare inside. “Thank you.” Twilight nodded to Spike, and the dragon reached into her saddlebag, pulling out a scroll. “The librarian, Amethyst Maresbury, let us look through the family records.” He produced a picture of Charcoal Shadow. “We think, he’s your grandson.” The mare’s eyes went wide as she took the photograph. “So he’s still alive?” “Yes. We would be more than happy to take you to see him.” Twilight smiled kindly at her. “No. I don’t want that. I just can’t stomach it after what happened.” The old mare eased herself into a rocking chair, and let the picture flutter to the floor. Spike rushed forward retrieving it and went to take a seat. “What exactly happened? The records only said that his mother died in foalbirth, and his father died when he was two. It also said his only other living relative was his grandmother. It didn’t say why you gave him up.” Twilight, sat in a chair across from the old pony. “That’s probably because I asked the guards not to mention his father was murdered.” “M-murdered?” Spike sat forward in his chair. “Yes. I expect you realize there’s something not right with that colt, or else you wouldn’t of sought me out. I couldn’t tell those guards what I suspected. They never would’ve believed me.” “What do you think happened?” “I suppose I should start from the beginning, Princess.” “Yes, please tell us everything you can remember.” *** “Oh look!” Pinkie said pointing at Charcoal. The colt’s head had fallen forward to his chest. He slumped, some whipped cream dribbling out of his lips. Fluttershy steadied him, “The poor dear has been afraid to go to sleep.” “Really? Why? Does he have bad dreams?” Rainbow Dash leaned back in her seat. “Well, it’s more than that.” Fluttershy wasn’t sure how much she should say. Twilight, had cautioned her, not to speculate too much. “You see, everyone at the orphanage said the shadow becomes most active when Charcoal, falls asleep. We all saw and heard him while Charcoal was awake, though.” “Him?” Applejack raised her eyebrow. “Well, it’s definitely the voice of a stallion, and the shadow was about stallion sized, too.” “Spoooooky!” Pinkie Pie remarked. “Yes, that is a little alarming. Twilight didn’t say anything about that in her letter.” Rarity tapped the table with her hoof. “Whatever, or whoever, this brute is very uncivilized. Scaring a poor, defenseless foal half to death is just deplorable.” Fluttershy dropped her eyes to the floor. The long shadows, cast by the late afternoon sun, were spread across the ground. Everything seemed normal, until a pair of green eyes, with red irises, glowered up at her from the shadow of the umbrella. “Eeep!” Fluttershy, squealed, and pulled the foal towards herself protectively. *** The old mare stared into the dancing flames in her fireplace, as she began her tale. “It all began, right after Sombra was finally defeated, and the Crystal Empire was restored. I lived with my daughter, and her husband. They were expecting their first foal. We were poor, and so we often went into the surrounding areas to find wood to burn. It tends to get cold here, since the magic of the heart isn’t as strong this far out.” She paused, her chest heaving a moment, her eyes growing more distant. “One day, my daughter went out with her husband. My son-in-law said he heard her scream, and when he found her she already had passed out. Her body was surrounded by a black, magical aura. He also found a strange, red crystal that was shaped like a horn. He brought her home in that state. We tried everything. We even crushed that horn into a million pieces, but it was no use. She never woke up. She died right after she gave birth to, Charcoal. Her body was shaking, and twitching at the last moment.” “I’m sorry, that sounds terrible.” Spike lowered his eyes to the floor. “It was terrible, but there was worse to come. About two years later, my son-in-law started telling strange stories. He swore that there was an apparition in the house, and it did things. He said it stalked him. One day, he claimed that he saw it rise out of his son’s own shadow. We all thought it was just the stress of losing his wife, and trying to raise a foal on his own. “I became concerned when, I noticed that he was beginning to neglect Charcoal. He said that his son was evil, and he didn’t even think the boy was his. It was only when I began sitting up with him that I noticed it too. It was a looming, taunting presence that delighted in terrorizing us. It got to the point, that I was afraid to let one dark corner remain in the house. The presence seemed to grow, as our own fear grew. My poor son-in-law eventually broke down. The day it happened, I heard him scream at, Charcoal, that he wished he had never been born. I shouldn’t have left, because when I came home, I found them. The colt was on the floor sobbing and poking at his Father’s motionless body. My son-in-law’s body was twisted, and broken. They said he was strangled to death. They had never seen anything like it. No foal could’ve done it in their minds, so they never suspected. I know though. He used that shadow to attack his Father, and killed him.” Twilight and Spike’s widened eyes locked, with each other. “You said there was a horn? It looked like a red crystal?” Twilight inquired. “Yes, we destroyed it. We were sure it was the cause of it all.” “Well,” Twilight began nervously, “thank you for your time. You certainly helped us out.” The alicorn mare practically pushed Spike out the front door, with her. As soon as the door closed, Spike broke the silence. “You know, that sounds a lot like…” he trailed off with a gulp. “I know.” Twilight caught her breath, her brow creasing with worry. “Its King Sombra. It has to be. I don’t know how, but we have to act fast. We need to send two warning letters, one to Princess Celestia, and one to Fluttershy. Then, we have to move that colt somewhere secure, until we can free him from Sombra’s control.” *** “What is it?” Rainbow demanded, springing to her feet. Fluttershy, pointed towards the shadow. “Ah don’t see anything.” “I thought I saw something in the shadow.” Fluttershy sighed as the foal stirred groggily. “Its probably, because we’re talking about this super creepy, shadow stuff.” Pinkie stirred her shake with the straw, and immediately began slurping it up. “Yeah, Flutters, it was probably just your imagination.” Rainbow plopped back down into her chair. “Did I fall asleep?” Charcoal asked. “Yeah, but don’t worry. Nothin’ bad happened. Fluttershy here just thought she saw somethin’, but it was probably just nerves.” Shadow frowned unconvinced. “Well, I won’t fall asleep anymore. I’m going to stay up all night.” The mares smiled disbelievingly at him. “You don’t have to worry, Charcoal. I told you that my friend, Discord, would be there at night. I know he won’t let anything happen while you’re asleep.” Fluttershy held Shadow’s hoof reassuringly. “Discord? You’re dependin’ on Discord? Are ya sure ya don’t want the rest of us to come over too, Sugarcube?” “Yeah, we could have one big sleepover!” Pinkie bounded off of her chair. “We can have an extra special, welcome to Ponyville, sleepover party for, Charcoal Shadow!” “AJ does have a point, Fluttershy. I mean, Discord isn’t exactly reliable even when he does decide to help.” Rainbow Dash nodded, her brow furrowed. “You know, you can depend on us, darling.” Rarity smiled softly. Fluttershy could only sigh yet again. She knew that the mares didn’t trust the Draconequus, and thought that she was being careless. She didn’t want to put the others in danger, if she could help it. She was positive that Discord would be able to somehow control, or at least contain the shadow. In fact, she was hoping, that he might know something about this sort of magic. “He’ll stay, once I tell him how important it is. He’s really a lot more dependable than you give him credit for.” She could still see the doubt on the other’s faces, but she was determined to stick with her plan. “You know, looking at the time, I think that we should get going. I need to get my animals fed, before it gets dark.” The four mares watched as Fluttershy, got up from the table, and the foal followed. “Take care!” Rarity waved, as they watched the two trot away. “I really don’t like this,” Rainbow Dash said, clenching her teeth. “We can’t leave her alone! What if she really did see something? Twilight did say that kid was cursed in her letter.” The three other ponies nodded. “We told Twilight we’d check in on her, and Charcoal, so we will.” Apple Jack stated. *** Fluttershy, softly hummed to herself. Doing her usual chores around the house and seeing all of her animals again soothed her nerves considerably. She could almost convince herself that it was just another normal day, but that wasn’t the case at all. In her spare bedroom, there was a foal who had come home with her. She looked out her window, and watched the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. She took a moment, letting the gravity of her situation sink in. In a matter of minutes, the thicket and her entire house would be shrouded in darkness. “Maybe I should turn on the lights.” She started in the living room with the lamp that Discord had fixed to look like himself. She smiled. ‘I’m sure, Discord will be here any minute. All I have to do is turn on all the lights, check on Charcoal and make some dinner. Twilight might even have an answer by tomorrow.’ She trotted down the hallway, popping her head into the extra room. Charcoal lay on the floor, his head pillowed on his hooves. A puzzle that he had started, lay untouched before him. He had finally lost his battle to stay awake. The sight left her with a strange combination of relief, and disquiet. She tip-hoofed over, snatched up a blanket, and covered the young unicorn with it. Switching on the light, she couldn’t help but glance around, noting all of the shadows in the corners. She turned around, and nearly tripped over Angel Bunny. He wildly began waving his paws. Closing the door behind her, she listened to his panicked chattering. “Something’s attacking the chickens?” Fluttershy raced outside, hearing the alarmed cackling in her chicken coop. The last cry that reached her ears made the pony’s chest tighten as she raced towards it. “Oh! Elizabeak!” Fluttershy cradled the body of her favorite chicken, tears filling her eyes. Raising her gaze, she could see the delicate white bodies of the birds strewn about, like rag dolls in the dark yard. “Why? How?” she sobbed. It was then she saw it, a fleeting shape, ducking into the shadows. Her breaths became ragged, and her hooves rooted in place. She only vaguely registered, that Angel was trying to get her to release her ever-tightening grip on Elizabeak. Her eyes frantically searched the darkness, wondering where it was. ‘No. I can’t panic. There are other creatures here that need protection. I just have to wake Charcoal up. Then everything will be fine.’ “A-Angel stay close to me,” she told the bunny, gently laying her poor bird on the ground. Slowly, Fluttershy advanced toward the open door of her house. Though the sun was nearly gone, she would be in a well-lit room once she got inside. Her steps quickened. Having made it over the threshold, she exhaled. “Are y-you still with me, Angel?” Angel touched her leg silently in reply. She moved forward, carefully counting all of the animals slumbering in their beds. Each one that she confirmed was fine added strength to her strides. Out of the corner of her eye, something darted. She turned to look. The couch was casting a shadow against the wall. She probed its depths and suddenly, she saw it again. The chilling green eye locked with hers. She took off in a gallop, racing toward the hall, Angel latching onto to her tail. The shadow pursued, leaping along the wall from one spot to another. At last, she reached the hall, but a shadowy tentacle cut her off. She had neglected to turn on the lights in the hall, in her panic to follow Angel outside, and the apparition now melted into the darkness of the hall. Fluttershy peddled backwards, biting the tip of her hoof. She was cut off from Charcoal. A menacing laugh now echoed in her mind. “What do you want?” She gasped. ‘Equestria. Revenge.’ The eyes seemed to ignite with an eerie green fire. “W-Who are you?” The shadow in the hall grew towards her. The mare skittered backwards until her back hit the bookcase on the other wall. She and Angel hugged each other as she flattened up against the shelves. The shadow touched hers, and she felt a chill run up her spine. ‘You don't remember me? Oh, that stings!’ Suddenly, a disembodied stallion’s head burst up in front of her in a shape that jogged her memory. “K-King Sombra?” ‘Finally, you realize. I have nothing against you personally, but I imagine those that I wish to hurt will be devastated to hear of your demise. My Slave will be much more compliant as well.’ A snake-like tongue emerged licking his lips as he oozed towards her. Suddenly, Angel Bunny leapt at the shade. Fluttershy made a break for the hallway. A shadowy tentacle slammed the rabbit across the room, and against the wall. The animals all awoke, and a cacophony of chirps, and squeaks, arose as Sombra surged forward. He made the mare's own shadow leap up and grab her legs. Fluttershy wailed as more and more shadowy tentacles entwined up her limbs and around her body. Her teal eyes were now wide with terror. ‘I can taste your fear. It’s intoxicating.’ A shadow wisp caressed her cheek, before snaking around her throat, leaving her gasping for air. The laughter echoed in her brain as it grew hazy. Those horrible eyes, the bleeding darkness, they were the only things she could see as spots blinked before her eyes. Sombra cackled. The animals fruitlessly tried to come to the pegasus’ aid, adding the intoxicating bouquet of hate to her fear. The pony’s struggles slowly became weaker. He then felt something tapping his shoulder and turned to see a tall, serpentine shadow with a pony’s head and horns. It punched him, knocking Sombra into a wall. Reflexively, he melted into a billowy cloud and wheeled around to see what dared attack him using a shade. A strange chimera had caught the pony, and was glaring evilly at him. He had seen its likeness before, he realized, but he couldn’t quite place it. It grinned at him. “You know, its not often that I don’t have to hold back. I’d run if I were you.” It then produced a pair of sunglasses from thin air. An industrial sized light appeared behind him, and leapt to life. As a creature of shadow, Sombra’s entire form burned. Every shade he could use as a weapon vanished. He wasn’t yet strong enough to brave the light. Howling in rage, he darted back into the hallway. “Oh, it’s not going to be that easy to get away from the Lord of Chaos!” Another light appeared in the hall, then another, following his progress. Darting under the door, he reached the safety of his host and dove into the shadow of the foal. “Here’s Johnny!” Discord kicked the door in. Charcoal shot awake. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. A glowering, mismatched monster was stalking toward him carrying Fluttershy. “Who are you and what did you do with that Shadow thing?” Discord demanded. Charcoal didn’t answer as he stared at Fluttershy cradled in the creature’s arms. The colt’s ears flattened and without a word he burst into tears and raced past Discord. Fluttershy’s gasp drew Discord’s attention. “N-No. Don’t hurt him. It's not his fault.” Discord’s face fell as the pony lost consciousness. Author's Note A little note here on the 'Here's Johnny' line. Its a reference to a classic Stephen King film. I wasn't sure if I wanted to add it but decided to at the last. I will have the conclusion up by Thursday. Edit- I changed a couple of things I'm not satisfied but it won't change plot. I just think I got a little wordy at a couple of points so I streamlined a couple of things. This is more of a bridging section leading up to the main action in the conclusion of the short story. I might be over thinking it a bit but I tend to do that. I didn't want to just say why and how everyone ends up where they are when the final confrontation so that really was the purpose of this section. Also, the Oc's backstory in regard to Sombra needed to be explained. I'm still nervous about it seeming too rushed because I'm used to writing longer stories. If I accomplish a decent story in this format I will be happy for the learning experience in not needing to be wordy all of the time. Part 3Part 3 Rainbow Dash impatiently hovered in the road. The growing darkness made her more nervous for Fluttershy than she wanted to admit. “Hurry up! We waited too long! It’s almost completely dark already!” “Ah know, but it took that long to make up our minds who was comin’ tonight.” Applejack picked up her pace to a trot. “We don’t want to show up like we’re expectin’ the worst though.” “Yeah, but I’m not leaving until I’m satisfied Fluttershy is taking this seriously.” “I’m with ya on that, Rainbow. Ah’ll camp out at Fluttershy’s if Ah have to.” When they crested the hill, and Fluttershy’s cottage was in full view, the setting sun had already begun to paint the sky in red and pink hues. It was sinking below the horizon. As they got closer, they could see debris of some kind in the front yard. However, it wasn’t until they reached it they realized that the debris was from the destroyed chicken coop. The two mares stared in shock at the sight of the mangled, and lifeless chickens. Before they could react, a small pony burst from the house wailing. “Is that-“ “Charcoal!” Rainbow darted forward attempting to intercept him by landing in his path. He barreled past her, and as she spun around she just saw him plunging into the Everfree Forest. “Applejack-“ she turned to see her friend already halfway to the front door of Fluttershy’s house. “Oh, buck it!” Rainbow Dash galloped a few steps, and lifted into the air blasting through the bottommost branches in pursuit of Charcoal. *** Applejack slid in through the front door and took a moment to let her eyes adjust to the light-flooded space. Animals were everywhere, either frozen in panic or frantically rushing at her, chattering and squawking. “Fluttershy!” She nearly fell-over when Discord suddenly flashed into existence in front of her with an unconscious Fluttershy in his arms. “Before you say anything-“ “Celestia! Is she alright?” “She’s breathing, as for as anything beyond that, I have no way of knowing. I was about to take her to the hospital but then I heard your bellowing.” “Did that foal have anything to do with this?” “It was some kind of shadowy-pony-thing but it ducked into the room with Junior before disappearing. Somehow, I think you know more about what’s happening than I do.” “You didn’t know about the foal?” “The last letter said nothing about a foal. I never expected to find a shadow trying to murder my best friend when I arrived.” “Fluttershy found that foal in Canterlot. He had some curse on his shadow so she thought Twilight could help. She decided to bring him home in the mean time. We were comin’ to check on them.” “We?” “Yes, Rainbow Dash and Ah. Ah think she went after Charcoal, that’s the colt’s name.” Dragonfire manifested in midair and a scroll fell to the floor. “Twilight! She must’ve found somethin’!” Applejack raced over, scooped up and feverishly began reading the scroll. Discord scanned Fluttershy’s face for any movement. “I think I should get her help.” “Wait! Once ya get her settled we’re gonna need yer help. Yer the only one who can get word to Twilight about what’s happened, and then we just might need ya to help us take King Sombra down.” “I’ll send that message but I don’t see why I should lift a claw beyond that.” “It seems we’re dealing with a fella that we needed alicorn magic to beat last time.” “I’ll bring you Twilight. You’ll have an alicorn then. Problem solved.” Applejack suppressed a growl. “Sombra hurt Fluttershy, and he could enslave Equestria if we let him get back to full strength, aren’t those good enough reasons for ya to help?” It was then Fluttershy began to cough. “Fluttershy!” Discord’s visage softened as he moved the pony’s hair from her face. “Are ya okay?” The pegasus’s eyes fluttered open. “Are you going after Charcoal?” she whispered hoarsely. “Don’t worry about that, Sugar Cube. Ya need rest and we’re gonna handle this.” “I need to be there. He’ll be scared. He might be angry. King Sombra can use the fear and hate against Charcoal and us. Charcoal trusts me.” “You are in no condition to go traipsing about the Everfree Forest in the dark,” Discord chided her. “I will check in with everypony and keep you posted. You are going to the hospital.” “Yer comin’ back ain’t ya?” “Once I contact Twilight Sparkle, yes. Ta, ta Ms. Honesty!” When the Draconequus vanished Applejack was left standing in the room with a rabbit looking up at her. Angel held his head, the fur marred by blood, and his eyes filled with worry. “Angel can ya help take care of these critters? I should go help track down that foal.” The bunny nodded at her, so tipping her hat, Applejack started out the door. *** Twilight, Celestia and Luna stood in the audience chamber, though it was after hours for Canterlot business, the three alicorns had much to discuss after Twilight’s trip to the Crystal Empire. “So you don’t know how to contain Sombra’s magic?” “I’m sorry Twilight, but what I showed you years ago is the only thing I know about using Shadow Magic. Its strength comes from darkness, hate and fear. Its weaknesses are light and love. I never delved into the darker side of magic very deeply, besides knowing what was necessary to fight it, and destroy it. Containing it is another matter entirely.” Celestia sighed. “Dark Magic and Shadow Magic are mysterious in many ways, even to those that use them. Only those with a strong will can master them. Charcoal Shadow must be strong enough of mind to combat Sombra’s control, if any containment or expulsion were to work.” Luna bowed her head in thought. “He’s just a foal though, and he’s lived with King Sombra in his mind for his whole life. I want to think that its possible to save him, but if we can’t contain or stop King Sombra…” Twilight said crestfallen. “Spike is scouring the library in the Crystal Kingdom trying to find anything on Shadow Magic that he can. I just hope we can discover something before its too late.” It was then a sparking light signaled a teleportation into the room. “Element of Kindness my hoof, you’re the element of manipulation if you ask me,” Discord addressed the pony he held in his arms. The alicorns gasped seeing pained expression on Fluttershy’s face, and how limply her body hung in the Draconequus’ gentle grasp. “I-I have to try. I promised…” her hoarse voice trailed off into a cough. “Let me do most of the talking at least.” Discord turned his eyes to the princesses. “If you ladies haven’t guessed the shadow attacked Fluttershy and the brat raced off into the Everfree. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are in pursuit of him. They instructed me to get word to you and get help for Fluttershy. However, she insisted on having a word with Princess Luna.” “Princess, remember how Charcoal reacted when you talked about entering his dreams? I think it’s our best chance. I need to convince Charcoal he’s not alone or Sombra will use his fears to come back.” Fluttershy’s chest rose and fell with effort when she turned her pleading teal eyes to the Moon Princess. Luna’s shone with realization and she gave the pegasus a reassuring smile. “There is a way to contain an entity’s consciousness within a dream. We will do everything in our power to save this foal.” The corners of Fluttershy’s mouth crept up in the only gesture of thanks the pony could manage at that moment. “Take a squadron of the Night Guard with you, Luna. Twilight, gather the other Element Bearers.” Celestia nodded to them each in turn. “Discord you can get them there far quicker than anypony else. We could use your help.” “Rest assured Celestia, if I didn’t help, Fluttershy would never forgive me, so I’ll do what’s needed.” *** Rainbow Dash frowned as each beat of her wings brought her higher into the moonlit heavens. The night was clear and still. The clearing below her was inky and nearly impossible to pierce with her diurnally adapted eyes. “See anythin’?” Applejack’s voice wafted up to her companion from the forest below. The pegasus bit her lip in concentration deepening her peering gaze. “No! He can’t have gotten far though. What about you?” “Nah, no signs of anythin’ passin’ through down here. He must’ve gone the other way.” “Got it! I’ll scout ahead. Be careful down there. Nasty stuff should be starting to prowl around by now.” Rainbow Dash rocketed off into the west. Applejack sighed. “Yeah, which is why we need to find that colt as fast as we can. Its far too quiet for the Everfree.” The earth pony trotted through the clearing, leapt over a root and dove into the thickening darkness. *** Charcoal’s small legs finally gave out from under him. He rested his tear-streaked cheek on the cold earth. You’re tired already? You’re pathetic. “I want to go farther. I want to get far away so you can’t hurt them.” A pair of green eyes, that up until that moment Charcoal had only seen in his dreams manifested in the gloom. Then give yourself over to me. I can use my magic to let us get far away. You know its inevitable, Slave. Eventually, there will be nothing left of your pathetic mind, so why do you keep fighting me? Charcoal Shadow’s mind travelled back over the last few days. He’d hoped that finally he had found somepony that could release him from his burden. His chest tightened thinking of Fluttershy’s broken body. It was all his fault for trying to defy his Master. “Will I know what’s happening? Will I know what you’re doing if I let you take control?” He had finally come to realize that no matter what he did he would never be free. Other ponies would be hurt no matter what he did and it was too painful to watch. You’ll always feel what I feel, Slave, but you won’t have to watch. He was tired, so tired. He wished he could die but his Master wouldn’t let him. If he was doomed to this fate, why not make it easier to bear? “I don’t want to watch anymore.” Charcoal closed his eyes as dark laughter filled the still air. *** Rainbow Dash’s wing tips brushed the top of the canopy as she flew. Just when she had given up, her keen eyes spied a small form laying motionless in the darkness below. Diving down she alighted at the edge of the clearing and could just make out the slate coated foal prone among the litter of leaves. “Kid?” The pegasus haltingly crept forward toward the young unicorn. He didn’t stir. “Charcoal?” Rainbow reached the colt and lifted her foreleg ready to tap him. Her peripheral vision alerted her to movement from behind, just as the foal opened his eyes revealing them to be a featureless, ghastly green. Rainbow Dash rocketed up as the darkness leapt up grasping at her legs. She veered to the right as it swiped, and dodged again, until her zigzagging path took her past the clearing. She flew off toward the direction she had left Applejack. The canopy exploded in a flurry of foliage as an inky, smoke-like column grabbed for her, once again. She burst ahead of the smoky tentacles in alarm as they missed her by a fraction. Her desperate struggle took her high into the sky until she succeeded in avoiding the shadowy assault. An elegant figure met her on high causing Rainbow Dash to cry out in relief. “Princess Luna! How did you get here?” “Never mind that. Where is the foal?” The Princess was joined by a group of bat-pony guards midair. “He’s down there. I found him in that clearing but something freaky else is in control of him and all of the shadows.” Rainbow gestured toward the clearing. “It’s King Sombra.” “You’re joking!” “We do not joke.” Luna turned her attention to the ponies in her command. “We must land in that clearing, so surround it. Be careful.” *** Twilight glanced around the clearing at the determined expressions held by her friends. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were less confident than she’d seen on their other adventures. She couldn’t blame them, because this time someone they cared about had already been hurt. Also, this time an innocent stood the chance of being harmed. “We have no idea what we are walking into, except that is will be dangerous. We have no idea just how powerful Sombra is in his current condition. We only know he can’t exist without that foal. If we stick to our plan we will be able to save Charcoal and contain Sombra.” Twilight took this moment to meet the tired eyes of the friend she was most concerned for, Fluttershy. The pony was still in Discord’s protective grasp; weak from the attack she had suffered earlier. She was taking a greater risk than any of the others for the sake of the foal because she wasn’t sure if the pegasus could survive another attack, and it was up to all of them that it didn’t happen. “Let’s move out quietly!” “Got it Hime-sama!” Discord said clothing the party in black ninja attire with a snap of his claws. *** Luna landed in the clearing, her horn ablaze with cool blue fire, her eyes alight with power and her royal canterlot voice booming. “Sombra, thee dare defile Our night with thy base designs?” The foal stood, his feet planted apart, and his eyes enchanted with green magic. The billowing cloud that loomed behind him coalesced into a more familiar form. The stallion’s shadow stood directly above the colt, his green-and-red eyes narrowed as the smoky wisps emanating from them grew from black to purple. “Luna,” the tyrant spoke through his slave. “I had hoped to regain full power before our inevitable confrontation. Unlike the last time we met, your sister is not joining us? A pity, it would’ve been so much more satisfying to squash two pests with one blow.” The foal grinned chillingly. “You weren’t foolish enough to come alone however, my dear Princess.” The shadowy stems emerging from his feet extended into the darkness surrounding them, thickening their ebony depths. The princess felt a chill go up her spine. The alarmed cries of her guards nearly made her drop her composure, though she was still able to cast a protective spell of light around herself, just in time for Rainbow Dash to tumble into her protective aura. *** Twilight and company skidded to a halt as the blackness formed an impartible wall in front of them. “How in tarnation are we goin’ to get there now?” “Twilight, I can get us close without any problem.” Discord snapped open a small, glowing rip in the air. “Good idea. Remember everypony our success depends on us taking the pressure off Luna as soon as we get there. It’s up to us to keep King Sombra busy,” Twilight instructed. They all nodded gravely in reply before entering the glowing fissure. *** Luna and Rainbow Dash defiantly met the glare of the puppet and puppet-master before them. “I may not be at full strength but this wood is full of nothing but shadows and magic. Tell me how long do you think you can last?” The shadows menacingly pressed in against the shield. Suddenly, Twilight and her party poured from the fissure taking their places at Luna’s side while the alicorn added her magic to Luna’s. The shield flared with added strength and doubled in size of the protective barrier. “It seems to me you are out numbered King Sombra.” Twilight said with a grin. “You have your army but I have mine,” Sombra laughed wickedly. The bat pony guards emerged from the shadows encircling the group, their eyes alit with green flames. “Twilight, thou must keep him occupied without,” Luna said, dropping her magic while nodding to Fluttershy, “we will attack within.” Twilight and the five ponies shared a grim moment of resolve meeting each other’s eyes. “I have to drop the field. Discord, keep them safe.” After setting his friend on the ground the draconequus saluted. “How about I also even the playing field a bit?” He gave them a toothy smile and with a snap the sun rose high in the sky. “I don’t think Celestia will mind this once.” Luna stood next to Fluttershy. “My power in the dream world weakens without the moon.” “Relax,” he said as a moment later the moon rose once again, “I think you can keep your strength up with little shots of strength Princess Luna.” “Okay everyone,” Twilight said accepting Discord’s unusual logic, for once, without argument. “Good luck.” Luna’s eyes glowed and her magic encircled she and Fluttershy while, in the same instant, Twilight lowered her shield. The Princess and the wounded pegasus floated outside of the clearing and sunk into a dreamy stupor. Landing feather-light just outside the battlefield their trances left them defenseless, yet their role was the most important of all in the battle against Sombra. Sombra hissed as the sun rose into the sky, once again revealing the shadowy trails attached to each of his puppet soldiers. “Attack,” he commanded through the foal as the six soldiers rushed the group. *** Luna and Fluttershy stood in an impenetrable, featureless darkness pressing in upon them. “Is this Charcoal’s dream? Its so empty.” Fluttershy’s voice seemed to echo in the void. “His mind is empty because he’s given it over to Sombra.” A whimpering could be heard echoing in the blackness, as Luna lit the way with her horn. “I see him!” Fluttershy exclaimed closing the remaining distance in a sprint. Charcoal was curled into a ball, his eyes full of pain and tears. “Charcoal! Its okay. I’m here.” The colt turned his eyes to her. “I can feel it. I know what he’s doing.” “Thou can stop it, my little pony.” Luna knelt down next to the colt lifting his muzzle and meeting his eyes. “This is thy domain, thy dreams, thy mind, and Sombra cannot control thee unless thee lets him.” The foal turned away. “I can’t. I’m weak-“ “Stop it!” Fluttershy shouted grabbing the sides of his face making him look into her eyes. “You are brave and strong. Why do you think he can’t do very much to hurt anypony when you’re awake? Its because you have a strong will. You can’t give up now.” “What can I do?” “Reveal him. He’s hiding in the dark. We can stop him if thou believes its possible, but thou must make a sacrifice.” “A sacrifice?” the colt’s eyes widened, his forehead wrinkled as he regarded the moon princess’s serious air. “Sombra’s energy is tied to thine. If it were severed thou might not survive. I can seal him here, in thy mind, but we can only maintain it if thou are in slumber.” “You mean I can’t wake up ever again?” “It would just be until we find a way to rid you of Sombra for good, and I will visit you.” Fluttershy comforted. “Fluttershy is right. Thy dreams can seem real and can be whatever thou wants them to be. We shall make you happy and comfortable and shall bring others to visit just as we have brought her here now.” “No one would get hurt?” “I swear upon Our name, and upon the moon which we control, no one shall be harmed by King Sombra upon our watch.” Charcoal glanced between the mares. His chest heavy, he nodded as his face fell. “You are so brave,” Fluttershy whispered enveloping the colt in an embrace, “and I will never abandon you. I’ll be here in your dreams.” Charcoal returned her embrace as a single tear ran down his cheek glowing softly. The liquid grief struck the ground and the entire expanse flared to life. In the distance a figure stood with its back to them. A dark grey stallion, with a steel crown, clothed in armor and a crimson robe could be seen. A fiery barrier stood between him and the group. “Charcoal, I can only break through that barrier if thou believes I can.” The colt disentangled himself from the pegasus’ legs. He looked into Fluttershy’s eyes seeing her hope, her affection, and her belief in his strength reflected therein. “I know we can, because I’m not alone anymore. I have family.” He sniffed his tears up bravely turning away so as not to see Fluttershy’s fresh tears. “Come,” Luna said helping Fluttershy and Charcoal to their feet. *** Twilight blasted two war implements from their deadly arcs. “Thanks!” Pinkie ducked avoiding a sword. Rarity sighed flinching as she kicked an unarmed guard’s feet out from under him. “Do we have to injure them? They are under a spell, after all.” The alicorn furtively glanced over at where Discord was balanced on his tail deceptively just observing the fight, his arms crossed while fidgeting with his beard. In truth, he stood guard over their secret weapons whom were hiding just out of sight. “We need to give them more time.” Unfortunately, her glance didn’t go unnoticed and the apparition locked onto the draconequus’ position, the foal’s small head moving in concert. Discord felt the glare and shrugged, snapping his claws materializing a cannon in front of the pink earth pony. “Oooo!” Pinkie exclaimed firing the cannon. It launched a large, sticky net and party streamers at the enchanted guards. The net pinned them down as the ponies cheered. The apparition flattened to the ground, and as the moon rose once again, it boiled up through the net towards where Discord stood guard. *** “Foul wretch, thou are not the one in control anymore!” Luna stomped her hoof. Sombra wheeled around and with a grin sent a red energy blast in her direction. Before she could reach him a wall of shadow crystal erupted upwards halting her progress. Fluttershy linked her foreleg with the foal’s. “Remember, he can’t do anything in here if you don’t let him. This is your dream.” The foal concentrated his horn glowing a soft azure aura and the wall shattered. Luna charged forward and locked horns with the tyrant. Shards of the jagged, broken crystal rose into the air, locked onto the alicorn and then launched toward her. “No!” Charcoal cried. A bright flash manifested itself in front of the shards and they melted away. “Lend Us your strength, young one!” Charcoal closed his eyes and poured every last ounce of hope into his belief in the moon princess’ power. “Foul fiend of shadow and hate,” the alicorn declared in her Canterlot voice, “thy tyranny shall end this day! Sleep until it is at last destroyed!” A chain of light winked into existence and spiraled down around King Sombra’s body. He howled in pain and rage as it froze him into a stalagmite of clear crystal. *** Just as suddenly as the shade leapt up around Discord, to power toward the two entranced ponies, it froze and disappeared. Charcoal’s body slumped and fell limply to the ground. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity all exchanged glances still primed for action. Discord laughed, rubbing his mismatched hands together, and spun around to face where Luna and Fluttershy still lay. “They did it!” He snapped his claws halting the moon from diving down past the horizon and allowing it to rise to its proper position. Luna was the first to awaken, her eyes reverted to normal, and she shook out the remaining grogginess of the spell. Twilight sighed in relief while her friends cheered. Their joy was short-lived as Fluttershy awoke, her lashes already soaked in tears before they opened. She gasped, jumping to her feet and flew over to the foal in the middle of the clearing. “I’m sorry,” she told him while she caressed his cheek. “He is at rest and happy, Fluttershy.” Luna approached laying a comforting hoof on the pegasus’ shoulder. “His dreams will be happy, and he will have everything he could ever desire. We swear this to you.” “He may never wake up. He may never get to live the life he deserves, if we can’t find a way to free him from King Sombra.” “Spike is already searching, and I promise I won’t rest until I discover a way to expel King Sombra from Charcoal for good.” Twilight sat on the other side of Fluttershy and placed her hoof on the pony’s other shoulder. Fluttershy didn’t answer either princess, but only cradled the foal’s head on her lap sobbing inconsolably, while the others looked on not knowing what to say. *** “Good morning, Nurse Redheart!” Fluttershy greeted brightly, flying in clutching fresh cuttings from her garden. “Hello, Miss Fluttershy. You never miss a day do you?” “Of course not, I need to change the flowers. Besides, he’s my responsibility to care for, after all.” Fluttershy fluttered to the floor as she entered the still darkened room. Making her way to the window she opened the curtains and turned around to face the foal lying in the bed. “Good morning Charcoal!” She smiled at him briefly before going over to change the flowers in the vase at his bedside. “Its a lovely day, today. It would be a lovely day for a picnic. We’ll have to go on one when you can wake up.” She pulled up the chair and gently wiped his muzzle with a wash cloth careful not to disturb the oxygen tubes. Fluttershy couldn’t help but notice how small he looked in bed. Charcoal’s condition was displayed on the monitor on the other side of the bed, but she had Princess Luna’s word that he was okay and that was far more comforting. Luna checked on his dreams every night and made sure the seal on Sombra was secure. “Princess Luna says that she’ll let me come visit you soon. She told me you stay in a copy of my house there and you’ve even dreamed of me being there.” The words caught in her throat and she wiped away a few tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. “It will be really wonderful to talk to you again. You see, I’ve missed you too. Its only been a month but it seems like forever. “Twilight said to say hello to you for her, too. She and Spike are working very hard to find anything they can on Shadow Magic. She said they have some promising leads on where to go. There were cloisters of Shadow Mages thousands of years ago, and she found information about one group having a lair. She’s trying to figure out its exact location, but its exciting.” She reached out and smoothed his bangs away from his eyes. “You see no one has given up on you. We’ll never give up until you can be free.” Author's Note This is the conclusion to the story. I am thinking about writing a sequel to it, possibly. If you would like to see a sequel please comment and say so. It will help me make up my mind.
Part 1Fluttershy labored under the weight of a large basket as she approached the front door of the Canterlot Home for Orphaned Colts and Fillies. As she shifted the precarious load at the top of the stairs, sweat drops began to slide down her cheeks. “Just a little bit more,” she encouraged herself. One step. Two steps. Three steps. She was now within reach of the doorbell. Carefully taking the string in her teeth, she pulled it, trying to control the trembling of her legs. A brown-colored mare opened the door, and after a moment she smiled. “Oh, you must be Miss Fluttershy dropping off the load of toys from the Princesses.” “Y-Yes…” Fluttershy gasped swaying slightly under her burden. “Oh, here let me take that from you!” The mare lifted the basket easily and set it in the middle of the floor. Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile watching the curious gazes from the foals surrounding her in the large room. When she heard that the Princesses were going to give the orphanage toys and financial support, she had asked to take part. What she hadn’t counted on was they insisted she be the public face of their charity project. She naturally was frightened of such a public role, but looking at the faces of these foals made her feel good about taking that risk. “Go ahead,” the mare prodded Fluttershy. “Hello? Excuse me, would you please give me your attention.” the mare uttered in a voice that was barely above a whisper. Seeing this didn’t attract the attention she desired, the soft-spoken pony took a deep breath and raised her voice from a whisper to a more normal volume. “Excuse me, colts and fillies! I have a wonderful announcement.” A few looked her way but most ignored her. The director of the orphanage seeing this decided to take over. “Foals, please look this way! Everyone! Attention!” This time every little pony in the room stopped and looked their way. The mare nodded at Fluttershy encouraging her to continue. “Fillies and colts, I have a wonderful announcement. The royal Princesses Celestia and Luna have sent me with presents for all of you!” The foals cheered and clapped. “Please, line up and I’ll hand you each a toy.” the yellow pegasus said happily as the foals rushed over and thankfully waited without much pushing and shoving. It was an organized affair with the Director suggesting a toy from the basket for each foal and Fluttershy giving it to him or her. Her attention was drawn to a doorway on the far side of the room where the head of a unicorn foal was peeking out. “You, over there. Come and get in line,” Fluttershy called to him with a smile. Though the hallway was dark, she could make out that young colt’s red eyes widened. Suddenly he fell forward into the great room capturing everyone’s attention. “Oh no! It’s Shadow!” squeaked the pegasus filly at the head of the line. Fluttershy frowned as she heard similar reactions from the other colts and fillies in the line to the young colt identified as Shadow. She watched as the young, blank-flanked unicorn’s ears flattened. His light grey muzzle accentuated his frown, it was such a contrast in comparison with his smoky coat and raven mane, while he glanced around the room. At last he looked up at her with suspicion and the mare gave him a kind smile. “I wouldn’t suggest letting him in here,” the Director suddenly whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “It will ruin it for the rest of the foals.” Fluttershy couldn’t believe what she just heard from the Director. “That doesn’t seem very fair to me,” Fluttershy said, glaring at the bay mare at her side. “Charcoal, please go to your room. We’ll bring the basket to you in a little while,” the Director instructed the foal, and he slunk away. Fluttershy watched the young colt creep away into the dark hallway. Strangely enough, she could almost swear the darkness in the hallway retreated with him. She swept her gaze across all of the fillies and colts in the room and could see the fear and uncertainty that filled them replaced with relief at his departure. “Miss Fluttershy, let’s finish this.” Fluttershy nodded in reply to the Director. She smiled reassuringly at the young ones in front of her as she resumed handing out the toys, though the unicorn foal's dejected expression stuck to the back of her mind. When the last foal took his pick, she picked up the last three toys in the basket. “Miss Fluttershy, what are you doing?” the Director queried. “Could you please point me in the direction of the young unicorn’s room? You called him Charcoal, I believe.” “You don’t have to take those to him. I can do it,” the mare said nervously. “Why are all of you are afraid of that poor baby?” “Miss Fluttershy, he is something of a special case. You see, strange things always happen when he’s around, especially when he’s asleep, and nopony can figure out why. Perhaps it’s a curse, but I’ve found it best to keep him away from other ponies as much as possible.” “He’s cursed?” “At least his Shadow is. There are times when it disappears completely and others when it doesn’t even look like it belongs to him. The little ponies here swear it has a life of its own and hurts them. That’s why they call him Shadow and not by his true name.” Fluttershy felt uneasiness in the pit of her stomach, yet her heart was still aching. These ponies were afraid of this Shadow and had never tried to help him with this curse. Instead they seemed to shut him away from life’s activities. “Well, if it’s just the same to you, I’d like to take him these toys to pick from,” she insisted quietly. “Fine. Follow me.” The Director trotted ahead and led her down the hallway to a flight of stairs. “He’s up in the attic. I made him a room up there. Nopony wants to share a room with him anymore.” The timid pony nodded and took a deep breath ascending as she did. ‘It will be fine. He’s just a scared little colt. He didn’t seem dangerous’. Reaching the top of the flight, she tapped lightly on the door. “Excuse me. I’ve brought the toys up so you can pick one.” After a moment the door cracked open and the mare was nearly blinded by the flood of light pouring out from the room. As she blinked, the colt regarded her suspiciously and craned his neck over seeing the toys she had balancing between her wings. “Okay, I guess you can come in.” He trotted straight into the center of the room, plopping down there. Fluttershy glanced around, noting the dozen or so lamps that surrounded the colt, leaving his shadow a mere pool around where he sat. Tentatively, she moved in front of him and pulled the toys off of her back, placing them in front of the unicorn. He perused each of his three choices in turn. There was a toy figure of a knight in armor, a rabbit stuffed animal and a small drum. His eyes seemed to linger on the knight figure and he reached out for it. It was then she couldn’t help but notice the shadow his leg cast after everything the Director had claimed. When the unicorn’s hoof nearly touched his prize, his shadow and that of the toy’s met. She jumped as the toy knight figure suddenly flew across the room. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that,” he said, cringing. “Its okay. They told me about your problem.” The mare silently gulped trying to ignore the fact that her heart began to race. The crestfallen foal slumped to the floor. “Yeah, I guess he doesn’t like knights.” “He?” Fluttershy carefully observed the young pony. His downcast crimson eyes spoke of no malice, but exhaustion and resignation. “I don’t think of it as my shadow.” All of Fluttershy’s fear melted away with pity. Ponies had often accused her of being afraid of her own shadow, but in this poor colt’s case he truly was afraid. If what she had seen was any indication, the rumors were true, and he had reason to be. “Here, why don’t you take this one?” She picked up the bunny in her mouth and set it directly in front of him with a smile. “He reminds me very much of my friend Angel Bunny.” “You have a rabbit? A real one?” he asked, meeting her gaze inquisitively. “Yes I do, and lots of other animal friends.” “I’m afraid to have a pet,” he whispered sadly. “Do you like animals?” “Yeah, I guess.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I do, too. My special talent is that I can talk to them.” Fluttershy prodded hoping he would open up further. “That’s kind of a cool talent.” He ventured a tiny smile, and the mare met it with a warm one of her own. “My name is Fluttershy.” “You can call me Shadow, I guess. That’s what they all call me here.” “You’re sure you don’t want me to call you Charcoal?” “I don’t really feel like Charcoal fits me anymore. There’s more him than me sometimes I think.” Fluttershy was now filled with resolve. The poor little colt was hopeless and helpless in the face of whatever this evil that lurked in his own shadow was. She was the Element of Kindness, one of the guardians of harmony in Equestria, and she wouldn’t leave him to some terrible fate. “What if I told you I know someone that can help you?” she asked gently placing a hoof on his cheek. “Really?” “She’s a very talented alicorn princess, and she knows just about everything there is to know about magic. I’m sure she could break the curse on you.” “You know a Princess?” She watched as a tiny spark of hope and wonder entered Shadow’s expression. “I know several.” “They would help me?” “I’m sure of it. I just need to talk to the Director and arrange it.” “Thank you!” he cried suddenly clinging to her neck. Fluttershy smiled and enclosed him in a warm embrace. She wondered how long it had been since he had dared such a gesture as she stroked his ebony mane. The sweet moment was broken as she felt a cold chill and a menacing voice filled her head. 'You were there', it accused acidly. Fluttershy froze and gasped. She instantly regretted her reaction when Shadow tensed and released his hold on her. She pulled away slowly so as not to alarm the foal but he was frowning. “I don’t think he likes you,” he said, his voice quivering a bit. “Don’t worry Shadow. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Fighting her fear with each wooden step, she exited the room and closed the door behind her. She collapsed, her eyes filled with tears. 'I swear I’ll find you help. No foal deserves to live in fear of his own shadow.' *** Three days later, Shadow watched through a window as Fluttershy stood in front of the orphanage directing some work ponies loading up his trunk onto a cart. It was hard to comprehend the events of the last few days. Why the kind and gentle mare was bothering with him, he just couldn’t understand. 'She thinks she can help you, Slave'. He shook his head trying to silence the dark voice but it was useless. 'She will come to her end just as all the others have that have resisted me.' “No! I won’t let you hurt her!” He shouted out loud. The other ponies in the room stared at him. One of these ponies was the Director and he saw the worry on her face. “Wait here, Charcoal,” the mare said, exiting the room. He watched until she had exited his line of sight and then cracked open the door to take a peek. “Miss Fluttershy, are you sure about this? You know you could take him to see the Princesses without taking him home with you.” The Director told her and he silently began wishing the Pegasus would listen. “Don’t worry I know what I’m doing. This isn’t the right sort of place for Charcoal Shadow.” He was taken aback by not only her determination, despite her obvious nervousness, but by how she expressed his name. He’d never heard both his name and the term that other orphans had been using to describe him spoken together. “But becoming his legal guardian is a pretty drastic step.” The bay earth pony asserted. 'Guardian? Did she actually adopt me?' he wondered to himself. Thankfully He didn’t seem to want to comment on this revelation. “I want him to have as normal a life as he can, and I don’t think anypony else will be willing to give that to him as things are. If he wants to go live with somepony else once he’s cured of his curse, I won’t mind. Right now he needs to be close to the ponies that can help him the best.” As she spoke, the young colt tentatively came outside glancing around himself nervously. His eyes at last rested on the ground where his shadow loomed much larger than his small frame could possibly cast. It all felt so surreal. Somepony actually wanted to help him and didn’t want to leave him alone with his tormentor. “Miss…” “No, it's alright. Just call me Fluttershy.” The kind mare said, brushing back his mane with a smile. “Fluttershy, are you sure this Princess really wants to meet me?” Shadow asked. “Yes. She asked me to bring you to the Castle before I take you home.” “I wish you both luck.” the Director stated before turning and trotting back inside. “Let’s walk there. It’s a lovely day,” Fluttershy smiled at the foal. “Okay…” the colt said reluctantly, glancing nervously at the ground as his constant companion silently ghosted his every step. The mare walked slowly, matching the colt’s short strides. “You don’t have to be afraid, Shadow. I know we can help you.” He nodded, thinking of all the stories she had told him over the last two days about all of the Element Bearers' adventures. Shadow had enjoyed them, and they filled him with a hope that he hadn’t dared to have since what had happened to his Father. 'That’s right. Do you want her to end up like your Father? Run away. Run now and then I won’t hurt her.' “Shadow?” “Its nothing.” Ever since the mare had shown up, the voice kept urging him to run away. He was caught between wanting to listen to his tormentor and not wanting to give in. If He was telling him to run, was He afraid that this Princess could expel him from Shadow’s mind? “Is it the voice?” she asked as she led him along. “I told you he doesn’t like you. I think, he really doesn’t like this Princess.” “Why do you say that?” “I feel his hate when you talk about her,” Shadow answered the mare’s question before a sharp pain in his head made him stop. “Shadow.” Fluttershy rushed over and placed a hoof under his muzzle. “You don’t have to say anything more.” He nodded and quietly followed her until they reached the gate. The guards seemed to know Fluttershy well, and he glanced away taking in the impressive palace. It was so big, and he could hardly believe he was there to meet a Princess. A unicorn stepped forward and saluted the two ponies. “I have been instructed to teleport both of you to the royal audience chamber upon your arrival.” Fluttershy nodded and looked down at Shadow. “Stay close.” She told him as the stallion approached. His horn glowed crimson, and they all teleported away. Suddenly he found himself groggily falling to a carpeted floor. “Fluttershy! You made it!” Shadow blinked as a purple alicorn raced over and hugged the pegasus. He realized who it was. He had been there in the crowd during Princess Twilight Sparkle’s coronation. “This must be Charcoal Shadow,” the Princess said. Shadow suddenly noticed all eyes in the room were on him. It wasn’t just the Princess of Friendship, but also a small dragon and two larger alicorns. He caught his breath as they approached. “Welcome, My Little Pony” Princess Celestia said to him. “This is the foal?” the darker alicorn noted laying a measured gaze upon him. In response, a hiss echoed through his mind, and Shadow found his legs giving way under him. “Certainly, there is dark magic about him.” She watched him in concern. “Its okay, Shadow,” Fluttershy said, linking her foreleg with his and helping him stand. “Uh, guys. That isn’t his shadow is it?” The dragon stared wide-eyed as the apparition grew in size on the marbled tiles. All eyes turned behind him. Shadow didn’t need to look. He knew that his tormentor had decided to reveal himself. “Yes, it’s a stallion’s shadow, and not that of a young colt,” Princess Celestia declared. The shadow moved. Charcoal could tell when it did. He could also feel it connect with the other’s shadows. 'Leave us be Princess, or this foal shall regret it.' Fluttershy cried out nearly losing her grip on him. They all had heard Him. Shadow could tell from the looks of astonishment on their faces. “Thy voice is familiar to Us,” Luna stated with a look of concentration. 'You all will pay.' The shadow shifted and retreated back to hiding in the silhouette of the colt’s own shadow. His tormentor’s reaction to the Princesses gave rise to a scrap of hope in Charcoal Shadow’s heart. “Can you help me?” Shadow’s eyes welled up with tears. The Princess of the Night approached him. “We have some experience with darker magics. Often times, much can be learned in the dreamscape when dealing with such matters.” Shadow went limp. He couldn’t move his head as his eyelids fell closed. “No!” He heard himself scream. Fluttershy grabbed him as his horn flared to life and he began thrashing around against his will. 'You see, Slave? You belong to me.' “If it frightens you, of course my sister won’t enter your dreams. Please rest easy my little pony,” he heard the monarch supreme of Equestria state. “Of course, We won’t invade thy dreams if it is unwanted,” Luna’s voice said calmly. At her words Charcoal Shadow felt the alien control relax. 'Say nothing.' He blinked slowly looking up into Fluttershy’s large teal eyes. A gnawing, noxious feeling sat in the pit of his stomach, warning him not to defy his tormentor. “Yes. There are other ways of figuring this out. You brought his records right Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her friend. “They're right in the saddle bag.” Fluttershy said, dipping her head in their direction. Shadow watched as the lavender alicorn opened the bag with her magic and levitated the file over into her hooves. “There has to be some clue in here about where he came from. I’ll take a trip if I have to, because someone has to know how Shadow was cursed. If we know that, we will be one step closer to a cure.” “Thank you so much Twilight.” The pegasus gently supported the colt’s stance. “Charcoal Shadow, I promise we will find a way to free you of this curse.” He gazed back at Twilight and nodded his head woodenly in reply. “Fluttershy are you sure you don’t want to stay in the castle while Twilight is investigating? You and young Charcoal Shadow would be welcome for as long as it would be needed,” Princess Celestia declared. “No. I think a normal home is what would be best for him right now. He is welcome in my home.” “After the display of this shadow’s power, thou still wants him in thy home with no protection?” “I appreciate your concern, Princess Luna, but we’ll be fine. Besides I won’t be alone for very long. Discord is supposed to visit, and I’m sure he’d be able to handle anything that comes up. I’m sure you’ll have learned what you need in a few days. We will be back here then anyway.” Twilight sighed. “Alright, but I’m writing the girls and they’ll stop in, too.” Fluttershy nodded and then looked down at Shadow once again. “Come on, let’s go home. It looks like you could use some rest, so maybe you can nap on the train.” “No,” he said softly as Fluttershy walked with him to the door. “I can’t.” He tried not to close his eyes even though he felt drained of all energy. The colt couldn’t go to sleep. He was angry and couldn’t be left to act on the dark thoughts being whispered at the back of Shadow’s mind. Author's Note I’ve always been fascinated with stories that involve shadows coming to life or being inhabited by something so when I read the prompt the idea for this popped into my head. Its also partly inspired by an interesting thought on King Sombra’s origins in the fan film A Tale of One Shadow. In this film, the shadow brought to life through Sombra’s practicing black magic, took him over. What was left of his original nature was snuffed out. I wondered what if Sombra, in his shadow form, tried to do that to a pony so he could be resurrected? I decided to explore that idea in this story once I read the contest prompts.
Part 2In the Shadows: Part 2 Charcoal Shadow was engulfed in blackness. The gloom was so thick that it left him gasping for air. His heart was hammering against his ribs at a break-neck speed. “How did I get here? Where am I?” “You are asleep,” a deep voice rumbled in the darkness. “No! I can’t be!” The gloom retracted into a solid, billowing cloud with luminous, verdant eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m only taking this chance to give you a final warning.” “…But sir,” he whimpered. The shape of a stallion’s head emerged from the cloud, and drifted toward the foal. “Now, don’t forget your place. Don’t force me to remind you of it.” The smoky form curled around him. “Perhaps, that pretty mare’s screams will remind you?” “No, Master!” Shadow gasped. “That’s better. You know things always go better when you do as you’re told, Shadow. No one else will suffer, if you would just go somewhere far away from other ponies.” A flame ignited in the apparition’s eyes, and with it the full figure of a stallion emerged. He was clothed in luxuries fit for a king, with a steel crown upon his brow. “If you persist in defying me, you will leave me no choice.” *** Shadow woke. His eyes darted around the compartment. He collapsed against the back of the seat, and saw that the only pony in the compartment with him was Fluttershy. “Are you okay?” Shadow nodded, and then turned his attention back to staring out the window, with half-lidded eyes. “We’re almost there,” Fluttershy whispered, reassuringly rubbing him on the crown of his head. She was extremely concerned for his health. He hadn’t gotten any sleep. Every now and then, she saw his head bob down, only to pop back up a minute or two later. Shadow turned to face her. His heart pained him, when he thought about the threats his Master had made. ‘Maybe I should go? If he hurts her it will be all my fault.” “Shadow, I can’t pretend to understand what you’re going through right now. The only thing I can do, is promise that I won’t abandon you.” “What if there is no cure?” “There has to be.” “Why?” He pulled away from the mare. “Maybe, this is the way it’s supposed to be. Maybe, the only thing I’m good for, is being His slave?” “Who is He?” “I-I don’t know.” The colt rubbed his temples. The mare’s heart dropped. Charcoal Shadow’s, demeanor was different somehow. Just hours before, when they had left Canterlot, he had seemed like he wanted to fight. Now, he seemed more resigned. ‘Was it his Dream?’ “Shadow,” she reached out placing a hoof on his foreleg, “what did you dream about?” He shoved her away. “Don’t ask.” Fluttershy, watched, as his eyes briefly betrayed his confusion, before he began staring out the window again. “You can be mean all you want, but it won’t change my mind. Charcoal, you are worth more than you think. You, most definitely, don’t deserve to be anypony’s slave. You are as deserving as anypony else, of being happy and loved.” He felt empty, tired and he wanted nothing more than to cry. He had to be brave. He had to do what was right. Again he felt her hoof on his foreleg. “You are not that shadow. You aren’t responsible for what it does. That’s why, I’m never going to call you Shadow again. You are Charcoal, and from this day forward, you are my family.” When she pulled him in for a hug, her eyes welled up, he no longer wanted to fight her. He buried his face in her fur, and the flood of tears flowed freely. He clung to her. Fluttershy held the colt, gently rubbing his back, until she heard the conductor announce that they had arrived in Ponyville. Shado- no, Charcoal lifted his head, sniffing back his remaining tears. Fluttershy, helped him get down off the seat, and gave him an encouraging smile. He couldn’t help but smile back, as he followed her out of the train. The two ponies stepped off of the train. Suddenly, a blinding raft of streamers struck them. Fluttershy leapt up, falling back onto the platform. Charcoal cowered and gazed wide-eyed at the strange sight. Before him bounced a pink earth pony, with a huge grin plastered on her face. “Hi! I’m Pinkie! Welcome to Ponyville! I tried to throw you a welcome party, but the others told me I shouldn’t, because Twilight’s letter made it sound like you were super-scary. Then I told them ‘what could be scary about a little colt’? I was right! You’re super cute, and sooooo not scary!” “Pinkie, I think he needs a little space. I’m Rarity, darling.” “Howdy! I’m Applejack.” The mare removed her hat with a sweeping gesture. “Heya kid! I’m Rainbow Dash.” “Um, Charcoal, these are my friends.” “I bet you’re surprised, that we met you at the train station!” Pinkie said. “We wanted to make sure, ya were getting along okay, Sugarcube.” Applejack put her hat back on, and next turned to the foal. “Ah bet yer hungry after that long ride?” “They have the best milk shakes at the café. Do you like milk shakes, Charcoal?” Rarity asked. He nodded still looking back and forth between the mares. He was surprised they’d welcomed him so warmly. They were so confident, and not at all afraid of him. “I think getting some lunch to welcome Charcoal here is a wonderful idea.” Fluttershy, smiled at him in a motherly fashion. “Yeah! Come on! Follow me!” Pinkie, began bouncing ahead of the group. Charcoal, walked beside his guardian. He couldn’t but help but feel, as if a weight had been lifted off of his withers. *** Twilight and Spike stood on the front step of an old, weathered house. “I never thought that there would be a place like this in the Crystal Empire.” Spike hopped off of the pony’s back, and turned to look out over the vast, frozen wasteland surrounding the dilapidated property. “I guess the renovations haven’t reached this far yet.” Twilight smiled uncomfortably. “You think so?” The two friends, jumped hearing the trembly voice from behind them. Its owner was an elderly, yellow earth pony. “It was in much better shape before King Sombra came, but it always has been a home to the poor and unfortunate. Those of us that were born in this spot don’t want to move into the rebuilt city. It’s not fancy or pretty here, so it might not meet the tastes of a Princess, but its good enough for us.” “Oh, I’m sorry.” The alicorn grinned sheepishly. “Spike and I didn’t mean to insult your home.” “No problem, Princess. I assume you came here for a reason, so come in and be about your business.” Twilight and Spike shrugged to each other, and followed the mare inside. “Thank you.” Twilight nodded to Spike, and the dragon reached into her saddlebag, pulling out a scroll. “The librarian, Amethyst Maresbury, let us look through the family records.” He produced a picture of Charcoal Shadow. “We think, he’s your grandson.” The mare’s eyes went wide as she took the photograph. “So he’s still alive?” “Yes. We would be more than happy to take you to see him.” Twilight smiled kindly at her. “No. I don’t want that. I just can’t stomach it after what happened.” The old mare eased herself into a rocking chair, and let the picture flutter to the floor. Spike rushed forward retrieving it and went to take a seat. “What exactly happened? The records only said that his mother died in foalbirth, and his father died when he was two. It also said his only other living relative was his grandmother. It didn’t say why you gave him up.” Twilight, sat in a chair across from the old pony. “That’s probably because I asked the guards not to mention his father was murdered.” “M-murdered?” Spike sat forward in his chair. “Yes. I expect you realize there’s something not right with that colt, or else you wouldn’t of sought me out. I couldn’t tell those guards what I suspected. They never would’ve believed me.” “What do you think happened?” “I suppose I should start from the beginning, Princess.” “Yes, please tell us everything you can remember.” *** “Oh look!” Pinkie said pointing at Charcoal. The colt’s head had fallen forward to his chest. He slumped, some whipped cream dribbling out of his lips. Fluttershy steadied him, “The poor dear has been afraid to go to sleep.” “Really? Why? Does he have bad dreams?” Rainbow Dash leaned back in her seat. “Well, it’s more than that.” Fluttershy wasn’t sure how much she should say. Twilight, had cautioned her, not to speculate too much. “You see, everyone at the orphanage said the shadow becomes most active when Charcoal, falls asleep. We all saw and heard him while Charcoal was awake, though.” “Him?” Applejack raised her eyebrow. “Well, it’s definitely the voice of a stallion, and the shadow was about stallion sized, too.” “Spoooooky!” Pinkie Pie remarked. “Yes, that is a little alarming. Twilight didn’t say anything about that in her letter.” Rarity tapped the table with her hoof. “Whatever, or whoever, this brute is very uncivilized. Scaring a poor, defenseless foal half to death is just deplorable.” Fluttershy dropped her eyes to the floor. The long shadows, cast by the late afternoon sun, were spread across the ground. Everything seemed normal, until a pair of green eyes, with red irises, glowered up at her from the shadow of the umbrella. “Eeep!” Fluttershy, squealed, and pulled the foal towards herself protectively. *** The old mare stared into the dancing flames in her fireplace, as she began her tale. “It all began, right after Sombra was finally defeated, and the Crystal Empire was restored. I lived with my daughter, and her husband. They were expecting their first foal. We were poor, and so we often went into the surrounding areas to find wood to burn. It tends to get cold here, since the magic of the heart isn’t as strong this far out.” She paused, her chest heaving a moment, her eyes growing more distant. “One day, my daughter went out with her husband. My son-in-law said he heard her scream, and when he found her she already had passed out. Her body was surrounded by a black, magical aura. He also found a strange, red crystal that was shaped like a horn. He brought her home in that state. We tried everything. We even crushed that horn into a million pieces, but it was no use. She never woke up. She died right after she gave birth to, Charcoal. Her body was shaking, and twitching at the last moment.” “I’m sorry, that sounds terrible.” Spike lowered his eyes to the floor. “It was terrible, but there was worse to come. About two years later, my son-in-law started telling strange stories. He swore that there was an apparition in the house, and it did things. He said it stalked him. One day, he claimed that he saw it rise out of his son’s own shadow. We all thought it was just the stress of losing his wife, and trying to raise a foal on his own. “I became concerned when, I noticed that he was beginning to neglect Charcoal. He said that his son was evil, and he didn’t even think the boy was his. It was only when I began sitting up with him that I noticed it too. It was a looming, taunting presence that delighted in terrorizing us. It got to the point, that I was afraid to let one dark corner remain in the house. The presence seemed to grow, as our own fear grew. My poor son-in-law eventually broke down. The day it happened, I heard him scream at, Charcoal, that he wished he had never been born. I shouldn’t have left, because when I came home, I found them. The colt was on the floor sobbing and poking at his Father’s motionless body. My son-in-law’s body was twisted, and broken. They said he was strangled to death. They had never seen anything like it. No foal could’ve done it in their minds, so they never suspected. I know though. He used that shadow to attack his Father, and killed him.” Twilight and Spike’s widened eyes locked, with each other. “You said there was a horn? It looked like a red crystal?” Twilight inquired. “Yes, we destroyed it. We were sure it was the cause of it all.” “Well,” Twilight began nervously, “thank you for your time. You certainly helped us out.” The alicorn mare practically pushed Spike out the front door, with her. As soon as the door closed, Spike broke the silence. “You know, that sounds a lot like…” he trailed off with a gulp. “I know.” Twilight caught her breath, her brow creasing with worry. “Its King Sombra. It has to be. I don’t know how, but we have to act fast. We need to send two warning letters, one to Princess Celestia, and one to Fluttershy. Then, we have to move that colt somewhere secure, until we can free him from Sombra’s control.” *** “What is it?” Rainbow demanded, springing to her feet. Fluttershy, pointed towards the shadow. “Ah don’t see anything.” “I thought I saw something in the shadow.” Fluttershy sighed as the foal stirred groggily. “Its probably, because we’re talking about this super creepy, shadow stuff.” Pinkie stirred her shake with the straw, and immediately began slurping it up. “Yeah, Flutters, it was probably just your imagination.” Rainbow plopped back down into her chair. “Did I fall asleep?” Charcoal asked. “Yeah, but don’t worry. Nothin’ bad happened. Fluttershy here just thought she saw somethin’, but it was probably just nerves.” Shadow frowned unconvinced. “Well, I won’t fall asleep anymore. I’m going to stay up all night.” The mares smiled disbelievingly at him. “You don’t have to worry, Charcoal. I told you that my friend, Discord, would be there at night. I know he won’t let anything happen while you’re asleep.” Fluttershy held Shadow’s hoof reassuringly. “Discord? You’re dependin’ on Discord? Are ya sure ya don’t want the rest of us to come over too, Sugarcube?” “Yeah, we could have one big sleepover!” Pinkie bounded off of her chair. “We can have an extra special, welcome to Ponyville, sleepover party for, Charcoal Shadow!” “AJ does have a point, Fluttershy. I mean, Discord isn’t exactly reliable even when he does decide to help.” Rainbow Dash nodded, her brow furrowed. “You know, you can depend on us, darling.” Rarity smiled softly. Fluttershy could only sigh yet again. She knew that the mares didn’t trust the Draconequus, and thought that she was being careless. She didn’t want to put the others in danger, if she could help it. She was positive that Discord would be able to somehow control, or at least contain the shadow. In fact, she was hoping, that he might know something about this sort of magic. “He’ll stay, once I tell him how important it is. He’s really a lot more dependable than you give him credit for.” She could still see the doubt on the other’s faces, but she was determined to stick with her plan. “You know, looking at the time, I think that we should get going. I need to get my animals fed, before it gets dark.” The four mares watched as Fluttershy, got up from the table, and the foal followed. “Take care!” Rarity waved, as they watched the two trot away. “I really don’t like this,” Rainbow Dash said, clenching her teeth. “We can’t leave her alone! What if she really did see something? Twilight did say that kid was cursed in her letter.” The three other ponies nodded. “We told Twilight we’d check in on her, and Charcoal, so we will.” Apple Jack stated. *** Fluttershy, softly hummed to herself. Doing her usual chores around the house and seeing all of her animals again soothed her nerves considerably. She could almost convince herself that it was just another normal day, but that wasn’t the case at all. In her spare bedroom, there was a foal who had come home with her. She looked out her window, and watched the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. She took a moment, letting the gravity of her situation sink in. In a matter of minutes, the thicket and her entire house would be shrouded in darkness. “Maybe I should turn on the lights.” She started in the living room with the lamp that Discord had fixed to look like himself. She smiled. ‘I’m sure, Discord will be here any minute. All I have to do is turn on all the lights, check on Charcoal and make some dinner. Twilight might even have an answer by tomorrow.’ She trotted down the hallway, popping her head into the extra room. Charcoal lay on the floor, his head pillowed on his hooves. A puzzle that he had started, lay untouched before him. He had finally lost his battle to stay awake. The sight left her with a strange combination of relief, and disquiet. She tip-hoofed over, snatched up a blanket, and covered the young unicorn with it. Switching on the light, she couldn’t help but glance around, noting all of the shadows in the corners. She turned around, and nearly tripped over Angel Bunny. He wildly began waving his paws. Closing the door behind her, she listened to his panicked chattering. “Something’s attacking the chickens?” Fluttershy raced outside, hearing the alarmed cackling in her chicken coop. The last cry that reached her ears made the pony’s chest tighten as she raced towards it. “Oh! Elizabeak!” Fluttershy cradled the body of her favorite chicken, tears filling her eyes. Raising her gaze, she could see the delicate white bodies of the birds strewn about, like rag dolls in the dark yard. “Why? How?” she sobbed. It was then she saw it, a fleeting shape, ducking into the shadows. Her breaths became ragged, and her hooves rooted in place. She only vaguely registered, that Angel was trying to get her to release her ever-tightening grip on Elizabeak. Her eyes frantically searched the darkness, wondering where it was. ‘No. I can’t panic. There are other creatures here that need protection. I just have to wake Charcoal up. Then everything will be fine.’ “A-Angel stay close to me,” she told the bunny, gently laying her poor bird on the ground. Slowly, Fluttershy advanced toward the open door of her house. Though the sun was nearly gone, she would be in a well-lit room once she got inside. Her steps quickened. Having made it over the threshold, she exhaled. “Are y-you still with me, Angel?” Angel touched her leg silently in reply. She moved forward, carefully counting all of the animals slumbering in their beds. Each one that she confirmed was fine added strength to her strides. Out of the corner of her eye, something darted. She turned to look. The couch was casting a shadow against the wall. She probed its depths and suddenly, she saw it again. The chilling green eye locked with hers. She took off in a gallop, racing toward the hall, Angel latching onto to her tail. The shadow pursued, leaping along the wall from one spot to another. At last, she reached the hall, but a shadowy tentacle cut her off. She had neglected to turn on the lights in the hall, in her panic to follow Angel outside, and the apparition now melted into the darkness of the hall. Fluttershy peddled backwards, biting the tip of her hoof. She was cut off from Charcoal. A menacing laugh now echoed in her mind. “What do you want?” She gasped. ‘Equestria. Revenge.’ The eyes seemed to ignite with an eerie green fire. “W-Who are you?” The shadow in the hall grew towards her. The mare skittered backwards until her back hit the bookcase on the other wall. She and Angel hugged each other as she flattened up against the shelves. The shadow touched hers, and she felt a chill run up her spine. ‘You don't remember me? Oh, that stings!’ Suddenly, a disembodied stallion’s head burst up in front of her in a shape that jogged her memory. “K-King Sombra?” ‘Finally, you realize. I have nothing against you personally, but I imagine those that I wish to hurt will be devastated to hear of your demise. My Slave will be much more compliant as well.’ A snake-like tongue emerged licking his lips as he oozed towards her. Suddenly, Angel Bunny leapt at the shade. Fluttershy made a break for the hallway. A shadowy tentacle slammed the rabbit across the room, and against the wall. The animals all awoke, and a cacophony of chirps, and squeaks, arose as Sombra surged forward. He made the mare's own shadow leap up and grab her legs. Fluttershy wailed as more and more shadowy tentacles entwined up her limbs and around her body. Her teal eyes were now wide with terror. ‘I can taste your fear. It’s intoxicating.’ A shadow wisp caressed her cheek, before snaking around her throat, leaving her gasping for air. The laughter echoed in her brain as it grew hazy. Those horrible eyes, the bleeding darkness, they were the only things she could see as spots blinked before her eyes. Sombra cackled. The animals fruitlessly tried to come to the pegasus’ aid, adding the intoxicating bouquet of hate to her fear. The pony’s struggles slowly became weaker. He then felt something tapping his shoulder and turned to see a tall, serpentine shadow with a pony’s head and horns. It punched him, knocking Sombra into a wall. Reflexively, he melted into a billowy cloud and wheeled around to see what dared attack him using a shade. A strange chimera had caught the pony, and was glaring evilly at him. He had seen its likeness before, he realized, but he couldn’t quite place it. It grinned at him. “You know, its not often that I don’t have to hold back. I’d run if I were you.” It then produced a pair of sunglasses from thin air. An industrial sized light appeared behind him, and leapt to life. As a creature of shadow, Sombra’s entire form burned. Every shade he could use as a weapon vanished. He wasn’t yet strong enough to brave the light. Howling in rage, he darted back into the hallway. “Oh, it’s not going to be that easy to get away from the Lord of Chaos!” Another light appeared in the hall, then another, following his progress. Darting under the door, he reached the safety of his host and dove into the shadow of the foal. “Here’s Johnny!” Discord kicked the door in. Charcoal shot awake. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. A glowering, mismatched monster was stalking toward him carrying Fluttershy. “Who are you and what did you do with that Shadow thing?” Discord demanded. Charcoal didn’t answer as he stared at Fluttershy cradled in the creature’s arms. The colt’s ears flattened and without a word he burst into tears and raced past Discord. Fluttershy’s gasp drew Discord’s attention. “N-No. Don’t hurt him. It's not his fault.” Discord’s face fell as the pony lost consciousness. Author's Note A little note here on the 'Here's Johnny' line. Its a reference to a classic Stephen King film. I wasn't sure if I wanted to add it but decided to at the last. I will have the conclusion up by Thursday. Edit- I changed a couple of things I'm not satisfied but it won't change plot. I just think I got a little wordy at a couple of points so I streamlined a couple of things. This is more of a bridging section leading up to the main action in the conclusion of the short story. I might be over thinking it a bit but I tend to do that. I didn't want to just say why and how everyone ends up where they are when the final confrontation so that really was the purpose of this section. Also, the Oc's backstory in regard to Sombra needed to be explained. I'm still nervous about it seeming too rushed because I'm used to writing longer stories. If I accomplish a decent story in this format I will be happy for the learning experience in not needing to be wordy all of the time.
Part 3Part 3 Rainbow Dash impatiently hovered in the road. The growing darkness made her more nervous for Fluttershy than she wanted to admit. “Hurry up! We waited too long! It’s almost completely dark already!” “Ah know, but it took that long to make up our minds who was comin’ tonight.” Applejack picked up her pace to a trot. “We don’t want to show up like we’re expectin’ the worst though.” “Yeah, but I’m not leaving until I’m satisfied Fluttershy is taking this seriously.” “I’m with ya on that, Rainbow. Ah’ll camp out at Fluttershy’s if Ah have to.” When they crested the hill, and Fluttershy’s cottage was in full view, the setting sun had already begun to paint the sky in red and pink hues. It was sinking below the horizon. As they got closer, they could see debris of some kind in the front yard. However, it wasn’t until they reached it they realized that the debris was from the destroyed chicken coop. The two mares stared in shock at the sight of the mangled, and lifeless chickens. Before they could react, a small pony burst from the house wailing. “Is that-“ “Charcoal!” Rainbow darted forward attempting to intercept him by landing in his path. He barreled past her, and as she spun around she just saw him plunging into the Everfree Forest. “Applejack-“ she turned to see her friend already halfway to the front door of Fluttershy’s house. “Oh, buck it!” Rainbow Dash galloped a few steps, and lifted into the air blasting through the bottommost branches in pursuit of Charcoal. *** Applejack slid in through the front door and took a moment to let her eyes adjust to the light-flooded space. Animals were everywhere, either frozen in panic or frantically rushing at her, chattering and squawking. “Fluttershy!” She nearly fell-over when Discord suddenly flashed into existence in front of her with an unconscious Fluttershy in his arms. “Before you say anything-“ “Celestia! Is she alright?” “She’s breathing, as for as anything beyond that, I have no way of knowing. I was about to take her to the hospital but then I heard your bellowing.” “Did that foal have anything to do with this?” “It was some kind of shadowy-pony-thing but it ducked into the room with Junior before disappearing. Somehow, I think you know more about what’s happening than I do.” “You didn’t know about the foal?” “The last letter said nothing about a foal. I never expected to find a shadow trying to murder my best friend when I arrived.” “Fluttershy found that foal in Canterlot. He had some curse on his shadow so she thought Twilight could help. She decided to bring him home in the mean time. We were comin’ to check on them.” “We?” “Yes, Rainbow Dash and Ah. Ah think she went after Charcoal, that’s the colt’s name.” Dragonfire manifested in midair and a scroll fell to the floor. “Twilight! She must’ve found somethin’!” Applejack raced over, scooped up and feverishly began reading the scroll. Discord scanned Fluttershy’s face for any movement. “I think I should get her help.” “Wait! Once ya get her settled we’re gonna need yer help. Yer the only one who can get word to Twilight about what’s happened, and then we just might need ya to help us take King Sombra down.” “I’ll send that message but I don’t see why I should lift a claw beyond that.” “It seems we’re dealing with a fella that we needed alicorn magic to beat last time.” “I’ll bring you Twilight. You’ll have an alicorn then. Problem solved.” Applejack suppressed a growl. “Sombra hurt Fluttershy, and he could enslave Equestria if we let him get back to full strength, aren’t those good enough reasons for ya to help?” It was then Fluttershy began to cough. “Fluttershy!” Discord’s visage softened as he moved the pony’s hair from her face. “Are ya okay?” The pegasus’s eyes fluttered open. “Are you going after Charcoal?” she whispered hoarsely. “Don’t worry about that, Sugar Cube. Ya need rest and we’re gonna handle this.” “I need to be there. He’ll be scared. He might be angry. King Sombra can use the fear and hate against Charcoal and us. Charcoal trusts me.” “You are in no condition to go traipsing about the Everfree Forest in the dark,” Discord chided her. “I will check in with everypony and keep you posted. You are going to the hospital.” “Yer comin’ back ain’t ya?” “Once I contact Twilight Sparkle, yes. Ta, ta Ms. Honesty!” When the Draconequus vanished Applejack was left standing in the room with a rabbit looking up at her. Angel held his head, the fur marred by blood, and his eyes filled with worry. “Angel can ya help take care of these critters? I should go help track down that foal.” The bunny nodded at her, so tipping her hat, Applejack started out the door. *** Twilight, Celestia and Luna stood in the audience chamber, though it was after hours for Canterlot business, the three alicorns had much to discuss after Twilight’s trip to the Crystal Empire. “So you don’t know how to contain Sombra’s magic?” “I’m sorry Twilight, but what I showed you years ago is the only thing I know about using Shadow Magic. Its strength comes from darkness, hate and fear. Its weaknesses are light and love. I never delved into the darker side of magic very deeply, besides knowing what was necessary to fight it, and destroy it. Containing it is another matter entirely.” Celestia sighed. “Dark Magic and Shadow Magic are mysterious in many ways, even to those that use them. Only those with a strong will can master them. Charcoal Shadow must be strong enough of mind to combat Sombra’s control, if any containment or expulsion were to work.” Luna bowed her head in thought. “He’s just a foal though, and he’s lived with King Sombra in his mind for his whole life. I want to think that its possible to save him, but if we can’t contain or stop King Sombra…” Twilight said crestfallen. “Spike is scouring the library in the Crystal Kingdom trying to find anything on Shadow Magic that he can. I just hope we can discover something before its too late.” It was then a sparking light signaled a teleportation into the room. “Element of Kindness my hoof, you’re the element of manipulation if you ask me,” Discord addressed the pony he held in his arms. The alicorns gasped seeing pained expression on Fluttershy’s face, and how limply her body hung in the Draconequus’ gentle grasp. “I-I have to try. I promised…” her hoarse voice trailed off into a cough. “Let me do most of the talking at least.” Discord turned his eyes to the princesses. “If you ladies haven’t guessed the shadow attacked Fluttershy and the brat raced off into the Everfree. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are in pursuit of him. They instructed me to get word to you and get help for Fluttershy. However, she insisted on having a word with Princess Luna.” “Princess, remember how Charcoal reacted when you talked about entering his dreams? I think it’s our best chance. I need to convince Charcoal he’s not alone or Sombra will use his fears to come back.” Fluttershy’s chest rose and fell with effort when she turned her pleading teal eyes to the Moon Princess. Luna’s shone with realization and she gave the pegasus a reassuring smile. “There is a way to contain an entity’s consciousness within a dream. We will do everything in our power to save this foal.” The corners of Fluttershy’s mouth crept up in the only gesture of thanks the pony could manage at that moment. “Take a squadron of the Night Guard with you, Luna. Twilight, gather the other Element Bearers.” Celestia nodded to them each in turn. “Discord you can get them there far quicker than anypony else. We could use your help.” “Rest assured Celestia, if I didn’t help, Fluttershy would never forgive me, so I’ll do what’s needed.” *** Rainbow Dash frowned as each beat of her wings brought her higher into the moonlit heavens. The night was clear and still. The clearing below her was inky and nearly impossible to pierce with her diurnally adapted eyes. “See anythin’?” Applejack’s voice wafted up to her companion from the forest below. The pegasus bit her lip in concentration deepening her peering gaze. “No! He can’t have gotten far though. What about you?” “Nah, no signs of anythin’ passin’ through down here. He must’ve gone the other way.” “Got it! I’ll scout ahead. Be careful down there. Nasty stuff should be starting to prowl around by now.” Rainbow Dash rocketed off into the west. Applejack sighed. “Yeah, which is why we need to find that colt as fast as we can. Its far too quiet for the Everfree.” The earth pony trotted through the clearing, leapt over a root and dove into the thickening darkness. *** Charcoal’s small legs finally gave out from under him. He rested his tear-streaked cheek on the cold earth. You’re tired already? You’re pathetic. “I want to go farther. I want to get far away so you can’t hurt them.” A pair of green eyes, that up until that moment Charcoal had only seen in his dreams manifested in the gloom. Then give yourself over to me. I can use my magic to let us get far away. You know its inevitable, Slave. Eventually, there will be nothing left of your pathetic mind, so why do you keep fighting me? Charcoal Shadow’s mind travelled back over the last few days. He’d hoped that finally he had found somepony that could release him from his burden. His chest tightened thinking of Fluttershy’s broken body. It was all his fault for trying to defy his Master. “Will I know what’s happening? Will I know what you’re doing if I let you take control?” He had finally come to realize that no matter what he did he would never be free. Other ponies would be hurt no matter what he did and it was too painful to watch. You’ll always feel what I feel, Slave, but you won’t have to watch. He was tired, so tired. He wished he could die but his Master wouldn’t let him. If he was doomed to this fate, why not make it easier to bear? “I don’t want to watch anymore.” Charcoal closed his eyes as dark laughter filled the still air. *** Rainbow Dash’s wing tips brushed the top of the canopy as she flew. Just when she had given up, her keen eyes spied a small form laying motionless in the darkness below. Diving down she alighted at the edge of the clearing and could just make out the slate coated foal prone among the litter of leaves. “Kid?” The pegasus haltingly crept forward toward the young unicorn. He didn’t stir. “Charcoal?” Rainbow reached the colt and lifted her foreleg ready to tap him. Her peripheral vision alerted her to movement from behind, just as the foal opened his eyes revealing them to be a featureless, ghastly green. Rainbow Dash rocketed up as the darkness leapt up grasping at her legs. She veered to the right as it swiped, and dodged again, until her zigzagging path took her past the clearing. She flew off toward the direction she had left Applejack. The canopy exploded in a flurry of foliage as an inky, smoke-like column grabbed for her, once again. She burst ahead of the smoky tentacles in alarm as they missed her by a fraction. Her desperate struggle took her high into the sky until she succeeded in avoiding the shadowy assault. An elegant figure met her on high causing Rainbow Dash to cry out in relief. “Princess Luna! How did you get here?” “Never mind that. Where is the foal?” The Princess was joined by a group of bat-pony guards midair. “He’s down there. I found him in that clearing but something freaky else is in control of him and all of the shadows.” Rainbow gestured toward the clearing. “It’s King Sombra.” “You’re joking!” “We do not joke.” Luna turned her attention to the ponies in her command. “We must land in that clearing, so surround it. Be careful.” *** Twilight glanced around the clearing at the determined expressions held by her friends. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were less confident than she’d seen on their other adventures. She couldn’t blame them, because this time someone they cared about had already been hurt. Also, this time an innocent stood the chance of being harmed. “We have no idea what we are walking into, except that is will be dangerous. We have no idea just how powerful Sombra is in his current condition. We only know he can’t exist without that foal. If we stick to our plan we will be able to save Charcoal and contain Sombra.” Twilight took this moment to meet the tired eyes of the friend she was most concerned for, Fluttershy. The pony was still in Discord’s protective grasp; weak from the attack she had suffered earlier. She was taking a greater risk than any of the others for the sake of the foal because she wasn’t sure if the pegasus could survive another attack, and it was up to all of them that it didn’t happen. “Let’s move out quietly!” “Got it Hime-sama!” Discord said clothing the party in black ninja attire with a snap of his claws. *** Luna landed in the clearing, her horn ablaze with cool blue fire, her eyes alight with power and her royal canterlot voice booming. “Sombra, thee dare defile Our night with thy base designs?” The foal stood, his feet planted apart, and his eyes enchanted with green magic. The billowing cloud that loomed behind him coalesced into a more familiar form. The stallion’s shadow stood directly above the colt, his green-and-red eyes narrowed as the smoky wisps emanating from them grew from black to purple. “Luna,” the tyrant spoke through his slave. “I had hoped to regain full power before our inevitable confrontation. Unlike the last time we met, your sister is not joining us? A pity, it would’ve been so much more satisfying to squash two pests with one blow.” The foal grinned chillingly. “You weren’t foolish enough to come alone however, my dear Princess.” The shadowy stems emerging from his feet extended into the darkness surrounding them, thickening their ebony depths. The princess felt a chill go up her spine. The alarmed cries of her guards nearly made her drop her composure, though she was still able to cast a protective spell of light around herself, just in time for Rainbow Dash to tumble into her protective aura. *** Twilight and company skidded to a halt as the blackness formed an impartible wall in front of them. “How in tarnation are we goin’ to get there now?” “Twilight, I can get us close without any problem.” Discord snapped open a small, glowing rip in the air. “Good idea. Remember everypony our success depends on us taking the pressure off Luna as soon as we get there. It’s up to us to keep King Sombra busy,” Twilight instructed. They all nodded gravely in reply before entering the glowing fissure. *** Luna and Rainbow Dash defiantly met the glare of the puppet and puppet-master before them. “I may not be at full strength but this wood is full of nothing but shadows and magic. Tell me how long do you think you can last?” The shadows menacingly pressed in against the shield. Suddenly, Twilight and her party poured from the fissure taking their places at Luna’s side while the alicorn added her magic to Luna’s. The shield flared with added strength and doubled in size of the protective barrier. “It seems to me you are out numbered King Sombra.” Twilight said with a grin. “You have your army but I have mine,” Sombra laughed wickedly. The bat pony guards emerged from the shadows encircling the group, their eyes alit with green flames. “Twilight, thou must keep him occupied without,” Luna said, dropping her magic while nodding to Fluttershy, “we will attack within.” Twilight and the five ponies shared a grim moment of resolve meeting each other’s eyes. “I have to drop the field. Discord, keep them safe.” After setting his friend on the ground the draconequus saluted. “How about I also even the playing field a bit?” He gave them a toothy smile and with a snap the sun rose high in the sky. “I don’t think Celestia will mind this once.” Luna stood next to Fluttershy. “My power in the dream world weakens without the moon.” “Relax,” he said as a moment later the moon rose once again, “I think you can keep your strength up with little shots of strength Princess Luna.” “Okay everyone,” Twilight said accepting Discord’s unusual logic, for once, without argument. “Good luck.” Luna’s eyes glowed and her magic encircled she and Fluttershy while, in the same instant, Twilight lowered her shield. The Princess and the wounded pegasus floated outside of the clearing and sunk into a dreamy stupor. Landing feather-light just outside the battlefield their trances left them defenseless, yet their role was the most important of all in the battle against Sombra. Sombra hissed as the sun rose into the sky, once again revealing the shadowy trails attached to each of his puppet soldiers. “Attack,” he commanded through the foal as the six soldiers rushed the group. *** Luna and Fluttershy stood in an impenetrable, featureless darkness pressing in upon them. “Is this Charcoal’s dream? Its so empty.” Fluttershy’s voice seemed to echo in the void. “His mind is empty because he’s given it over to Sombra.” A whimpering could be heard echoing in the blackness, as Luna lit the way with her horn. “I see him!” Fluttershy exclaimed closing the remaining distance in a sprint. Charcoal was curled into a ball, his eyes full of pain and tears. “Charcoal! Its okay. I’m here.” The colt turned his eyes to her. “I can feel it. I know what he’s doing.” “Thou can stop it, my little pony.” Luna knelt down next to the colt lifting his muzzle and meeting his eyes. “This is thy domain, thy dreams, thy mind, and Sombra cannot control thee unless thee lets him.” The foal turned away. “I can’t. I’m weak-“ “Stop it!” Fluttershy shouted grabbing the sides of his face making him look into her eyes. “You are brave and strong. Why do you think he can’t do very much to hurt anypony when you’re awake? Its because you have a strong will. You can’t give up now.” “What can I do?” “Reveal him. He’s hiding in the dark. We can stop him if thou believes its possible, but thou must make a sacrifice.” “A sacrifice?” the colt’s eyes widened, his forehead wrinkled as he regarded the moon princess’s serious air. “Sombra’s energy is tied to thine. If it were severed thou might not survive. I can seal him here, in thy mind, but we can only maintain it if thou are in slumber.” “You mean I can’t wake up ever again?” “It would just be until we find a way to rid you of Sombra for good, and I will visit you.” Fluttershy comforted. “Fluttershy is right. Thy dreams can seem real and can be whatever thou wants them to be. We shall make you happy and comfortable and shall bring others to visit just as we have brought her here now.” “No one would get hurt?” “I swear upon Our name, and upon the moon which we control, no one shall be harmed by King Sombra upon our watch.” Charcoal glanced between the mares. His chest heavy, he nodded as his face fell. “You are so brave,” Fluttershy whispered enveloping the colt in an embrace, “and I will never abandon you. I’ll be here in your dreams.” Charcoal returned her embrace as a single tear ran down his cheek glowing softly. The liquid grief struck the ground and the entire expanse flared to life. In the distance a figure stood with its back to them. A dark grey stallion, with a steel crown, clothed in armor and a crimson robe could be seen. A fiery barrier stood between him and the group. “Charcoal, I can only break through that barrier if thou believes I can.” The colt disentangled himself from the pegasus’ legs. He looked into Fluttershy’s eyes seeing her hope, her affection, and her belief in his strength reflected therein. “I know we can, because I’m not alone anymore. I have family.” He sniffed his tears up bravely turning away so as not to see Fluttershy’s fresh tears. “Come,” Luna said helping Fluttershy and Charcoal to their feet. *** Twilight blasted two war implements from their deadly arcs. “Thanks!” Pinkie ducked avoiding a sword. Rarity sighed flinching as she kicked an unarmed guard’s feet out from under him. “Do we have to injure them? They are under a spell, after all.” The alicorn furtively glanced over at where Discord was balanced on his tail deceptively just observing the fight, his arms crossed while fidgeting with his beard. In truth, he stood guard over their secret weapons whom were hiding just out of sight. “We need to give them more time.” Unfortunately, her glance didn’t go unnoticed and the apparition locked onto the draconequus’ position, the foal’s small head moving in concert. Discord felt the glare and shrugged, snapping his claws materializing a cannon in front of the pink earth pony. “Oooo!” Pinkie exclaimed firing the cannon. It launched a large, sticky net and party streamers at the enchanted guards. The net pinned them down as the ponies cheered. The apparition flattened to the ground, and as the moon rose once again, it boiled up through the net towards where Discord stood guard. *** “Foul wretch, thou are not the one in control anymore!” Luna stomped her hoof. Sombra wheeled around and with a grin sent a red energy blast in her direction. Before she could reach him a wall of shadow crystal erupted upwards halting her progress. Fluttershy linked her foreleg with the foal’s. “Remember, he can’t do anything in here if you don’t let him. This is your dream.” The foal concentrated his horn glowing a soft azure aura and the wall shattered. Luna charged forward and locked horns with the tyrant. Shards of the jagged, broken crystal rose into the air, locked onto the alicorn and then launched toward her. “No!” Charcoal cried. A bright flash manifested itself in front of the shards and they melted away. “Lend Us your strength, young one!” Charcoal closed his eyes and poured every last ounce of hope into his belief in the moon princess’ power. “Foul fiend of shadow and hate,” the alicorn declared in her Canterlot voice, “thy tyranny shall end this day! Sleep until it is at last destroyed!” A chain of light winked into existence and spiraled down around King Sombra’s body. He howled in pain and rage as it froze him into a stalagmite of clear crystal. *** Just as suddenly as the shade leapt up around Discord, to power toward the two entranced ponies, it froze and disappeared. Charcoal’s body slumped and fell limply to the ground. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity all exchanged glances still primed for action. Discord laughed, rubbing his mismatched hands together, and spun around to face where Luna and Fluttershy still lay. “They did it!” He snapped his claws halting the moon from diving down past the horizon and allowing it to rise to its proper position. Luna was the first to awaken, her eyes reverted to normal, and she shook out the remaining grogginess of the spell. Twilight sighed in relief while her friends cheered. Their joy was short-lived as Fluttershy awoke, her lashes already soaked in tears before they opened. She gasped, jumping to her feet and flew over to the foal in the middle of the clearing. “I’m sorry,” she told him while she caressed his cheek. “He is at rest and happy, Fluttershy.” Luna approached laying a comforting hoof on the pegasus’ shoulder. “His dreams will be happy, and he will have everything he could ever desire. We swear this to you.” “He may never wake up. He may never get to live the life he deserves, if we can’t find a way to free him from King Sombra.” “Spike is already searching, and I promise I won’t rest until I discover a way to expel King Sombra from Charcoal for good.” Twilight sat on the other side of Fluttershy and placed her hoof on the pony’s other shoulder. Fluttershy didn’t answer either princess, but only cradled the foal’s head on her lap sobbing inconsolably, while the others looked on not knowing what to say. *** “Good morning, Nurse Redheart!” Fluttershy greeted brightly, flying in clutching fresh cuttings from her garden. “Hello, Miss Fluttershy. You never miss a day do you?” “Of course not, I need to change the flowers. Besides, he’s my responsibility to care for, after all.” Fluttershy fluttered to the floor as she entered the still darkened room. Making her way to the window she opened the curtains and turned around to face the foal lying in the bed. “Good morning Charcoal!” She smiled at him briefly before going over to change the flowers in the vase at his bedside. “Its a lovely day, today. It would be a lovely day for a picnic. We’ll have to go on one when you can wake up.” She pulled up the chair and gently wiped his muzzle with a wash cloth careful not to disturb the oxygen tubes. Fluttershy couldn’t help but notice how small he looked in bed. Charcoal’s condition was displayed on the monitor on the other side of the bed, but she had Princess Luna’s word that he was okay and that was far more comforting. Luna checked on his dreams every night and made sure the seal on Sombra was secure. “Princess Luna says that she’ll let me come visit you soon. She told me you stay in a copy of my house there and you’ve even dreamed of me being there.” The words caught in her throat and she wiped away a few tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. “It will be really wonderful to talk to you again. You see, I’ve missed you too. Its only been a month but it seems like forever. “Twilight said to say hello to you for her, too. She and Spike are working very hard to find anything they can on Shadow Magic. She said they have some promising leads on where to go. There were cloisters of Shadow Mages thousands of years ago, and she found information about one group having a lair. She’s trying to figure out its exact location, but its exciting.” She reached out and smoothed his bangs away from his eyes. “You see no one has given up on you. We’ll never give up until you can be free.” Author's Note This is the conclusion to the story. I am thinking about writing a sequel to it, possibly. If you would like to see a sequel please comment and say so. It will help me make up my mind.
