The Forgotten Prodigy

'Damn my hooves are killing me,' I thought as I walked down the narrow dirt path.

It was almost dawn as I walked the path through the Everfree on my way to the famous Ponyville. Home of the Element's of Harmony and the newly crowned Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Even the very thought of that mare made me grit my teeth to the point I thought they would crack.

It had been a long time since I set hoof in Equestria but I noticed not much had changed. That royal bitch Celestia was still playing the 'motherly ruler' and my sister Twilight was still getting all the attention for starters. Yes you heard right my sister is the famous Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle.

Now you may be wondering why it was never mentioned that Twilight had a brother hm? Well that's because I was never recognized. My name is Setting Dawn, older brother of Princess Twilight and younger brother of Gleaming Shield. Formerly Celestia's most prized pupil.

Yeah big shocker right?

'You're rambling again kiddo,' I heard in my head. The voice was deep and was obviously male but was not my own though I knew who it was already.

'I know, I know. But can ya blame me for thinking about my past? I mean it has been a long time since I've been back in Equestria and even with a lot of things staying the same a lot has also changed. The purple bitch grew some wings, got a castle, and made friends while my older sister got married to Cadence and is now ruling YOUR empire. Don't you agree.... Sombra.'

Yeah that's right I was talking to the one and only King Sombra. Enslaver of the Crystal Empire and also my mentor.

'Yeah don't remind me. Those little bastards only got lucky.'

'And you being an arrogant ass didn't have anything to do with it?'

Sombra decided to remain quiet signaling another victory in one of our constant verbal, or in this case mental debates. Now you may be wondering how I can hear Sombra in my head since he was destroyed by me dear sister so long ago? Well in order for that to happen I would need to go back to the beginning. Well I still got quite a ways to go before I reach Ponyville so I'll tell you.

Flashback

'Another day another study session,' I thought to myself as I was getting ready for my lessons with Celestia. Yeah it was great being taught by the Princess herself in all things magical but she was a real slave driver.

As I was combing my mane I got a good look at myself in the mirror with my glacier blue eyes to make sure I didn't miss anything important. My dark grey coat was nice and tidy with not one strand out of place. My now completely brushed dark purple mane and tail that was so much like my little sisters was all straight and professional just the way I liked it. Then I glimpsed my cutie mark a symbol of pride and joy to anypony who had one. It was a setting sun colored with dark purple and orange hues making quite a pretty sight.

I stared at it a little bit longer before the door to the bathroom was thrown open and in walked my older sister Gleaming Shield. Sister, as if at best we were complete strangers. Same could be said for my parents. Ever since Twilight was born I was all but ignored for her. At first I didn't mind as the little filly quickly took a liking to me. Once she heard I was learning under the Princess she started saying she wanted to be just like me. Admittedly it was a great feeling being looked up to.

Going back to Gleaming I took notice of our statures. While I was easily taller than her by a good head despite the fact I was just entering adolescence and she was a full grown mare I was still pretty skinny while she was more toned due to her guard training. She looked a bit sweaty probably from her morning workout and came to wash up. Not wanting to be called a pervert like the last time this happened I quickly left and went downstairs.

In the kitchen I found my parents along with Twilight eating some pancakes. I already knew there wasn't any for me since it has become a sort of the norm the last few years. In those few years though Twilight had also become a student to Celestia after a little mishap in her test to enter into magic school where even then she got more attention and from the Princess no less! She even got a dragon assistant out of it! I won't deny it was frustrating to be ignored as I was by just about everyone but as long as I was still being taught by the Princess I was happy cause then I still had a chance to make a name for myself.

Grabbing a slice of toast I quickly donned my saddle bags and made my way to the castle ready to work. Twilight would show up later due to being given a later time to arrive. She would be moving into the castle soon to be better taught by Celestia which irked me a lot though I would never let it show.

Arriving a few minutes later I easily made my way through the gates and halls of the great castle with apparent ease quickly finding my study room where the Princess usually meets me. But upon opening the door I find the room strangely empty.

'Strange she's usually here by now,' I thought to myself before shrugging it off. She was probably just doing some last minute paperwork or something. Instead I decided to continue working on a special project I had been working on for a couple of months.

A few months ago a found an old book with the starting ingredients of a potion that Starswirl the Bearded was working on that was supposed to grant immortality. So being the extra credit junky I am decided to see if I could complete the formula. It was hard and working on the potion while still maintaining my studies was a killer but I pushed through and I thought I finally had it.

The next hour or two were a blur as I worked on the potion and drowned out the outside world. Then as I added the last ingredient I waited with batted breath to see if it worked. Then to my sheer joy the once dark grey potion turned into a shinning gold! I leaped for joy with a hoof raised high. I had done it! I had completed Starswirl's potion and would become famous just like him! I just had to tell the Princess the good news!

Grabbing the still glowing vial I cork it so as not to spill its precious contents before rushing off to find my mentor.

After an hour or two I finally find her as she was teaching Twilight in the ballroom. From what I could see she was teaching her some illusion spell of some kind. I stopped for a second as I heard the Princess talking to her.

"Very good Twilight I must say you are probably the best student I have ever had the pleasure to teach."

Now Twilight looked elated at the praise but I was a different story. I felt a pang of sadness at that remark. It was like she was silently saying, 'your a much better student than your brother.'

I quickly shook the thought away though. Once she saw what I had done she'll sing a different tune.

"Princess, Princess,"I called as I ran to her. Her and Twilight turning to look at me as Celestia developed a neutral expression with my sister adopting a curious one

"Yes Dawn what is it," she asked in an even tone.

Instead of saying anything I just smile and show her the vial. Her expression then changed to one of upmost shock while my sister stared in awe. I felt extremely proud of myself for what I had done but that quickly changed when I saw Celestia develop an angered look that made me very nervous. Wasn't she supposed to be happy?

"What is that" asked Celestia with an edge to her voice.

Gulping nervously I say, "I-it's Starswirl's immortality p-potion Princess. I-I completed it."

Her anger only seemed to grow as she grabbed the vile in her own magic easily overpowering mine and crushing the vial sending its contents splashing to the floor and losing its golden luster.

I stared in shock as all of my hard work was literally crushed before my very eyes. Looking back at the Princess I flinched under her hard gaze as out of the corner of my eye I saw Twilight back away in fear.

"Did I give you permission to complete the potion?"

"N-no?"

"Then why did you?"

"I thought you w-would be happy."

That seemed to be the wrong thing to say because as soon as those words left my mouth she exploded, "HAPPY!? THAT POTION WAS TO BE A TEST FOR MY BEST STUDENT TO ACCOMPLISH NOT JUST FOR ANYONE TO HAVE A GO AT IT! YOU LEARN WHAT I WANT YOU TO LEARN DO YOU HEAR ME FOAL!?"

I was by this point cowering on the floor as I furiously nodded. Why was she so angry with me? I thought I was her best student? I had done everything she has always asked and then some taking in any knowledge she gave me like a sponge. So why was she so angry at me?

She seemed to calm down after taking a few deep breaths before turning away from me. Cautiously I stand back up hoping she wouldn't yell at me again.

"P-princess," I asked nervously waiting for a response.

"Get out."

Wait what did she say? Did she really just tell me to get out?

"W-what?"

Looking over her shoulder at me I see her once bright eyes are now staring at me coldly with a stern frown on her muzzle.

"I said get out. You went behind my back and performed something that was not meant for you so as of this moment you are no longer my student."

And just like that my world shattered. Being Celestia's apprentice was all I had left. My family never talked to me anymore, no one ever wanted to be my friend or hang out and all I had ever known was being Celestia's student. Then I looked at Twilight and then it all clicked. It was because of HER that this was happening. Ever since she came along no one cared for me anymore. At first I thought I was being irrational but now I saw the truth only because Celestia had just unknowingly given it to me. Or maybe she had and just didn't care anymore.

I quickly left after that not even bothering to look back as Celestia went on to continue her lessons with Twilight. Making my way through the halls I let my mind wander to all of the times I was ignored in favor of my sibling. Every new memory that came forth only made my anger and hatred for not just her but everyone else grow until the point that my horn started to spark with the barely restrained urge to destroy something with my magic.

Before I decided to leave I wanted to get my things from my study especially the notes on the potion. I wouldn't let her have the work I accomplished so easily. As I reached the door to my room I harshly throw it open before violently slamming it shut just as I make it inside. Then I quickly began to gather my things. I didn't know what I would do now but one thing I knew for certain was that I was leaving. Not just leaving Canterlot but Equestria all together as I just couldn't bear staying in the same region as those bastards.

How could they just abandon me like that! I always tried to please everyone and what do I get? I get thrown out and left to rot! I wish I could just make them pay! Something, anything to make them suffer!

Just then I felt a pulse of magic and froze. Waiting a couple of seconds I felt another pulse of magic just like the first one only stronger. It was cold almost like a winter wind as I felt the fur on the back of my neck rise. Turning in the general direction of the source I see one the books on a nearby shelf glowing slightly red. Curiosity got a hold of me as I brought the book to me with my magic.

The book was very old and archaic looking. Worn binding and yellowed pages aside the cover had the image of some kind of demonic face on it. Looking closer I see it's eyes are closed before to my utter shock the eyes snap open revealing blood red pupiless eyes. I instantly drop the book in fright and back away.

The book then opens of its own accord as the pages began to turn rapidly before finally stopping on some random page. I stare in morbid fascination as a dark cloud starts to rise from its pages slowly taking the shape of a transparent pony. The build was that of a stallion being a good head taller than myself, his mane flowed like a wavering shadow as his sharp curved horn was easily seen. His attire was that of a regal cape fit for royalty and a jagged crown upon his head. He also seemed to be wearing some kind of armor on his hooves. His eyes though were what caught me the most. They were a deep red surrounded in a sea of green with wisps of purple smoke bellowing from both sides as his slitted eyes stared in my direction.

He seemed to stare at me for a second, observing me. Then he smiled revealing his sharp teeth much unlike that of regular ponies.

"Ah so you are the one who is so full of hatred," he said with a slight hiss to his deep voice. Just who was this guy and what did he want?

"Who are you," I asked cautiously.

He seemed to smile wider at my question, "why I am the ruler of the Crystal Empire. I am King Sombra!"

And just like that it hit me. I remembered seeing a picture of this guy in one of the books on the fabled lost empire. This was the very same unicorn who was said to be so powerful that not even the princesses could stand up to him on their own! But why was he talking to me never mind actually being alive or whatever he was at the moment.

"I see you know who I am colt. Now you must have many questions but first answer mine. Do you really want Celestia to suffer for your torment? I have seen the acts committed against you and agree that you are in your right to be angry and hateful. If you truly want justice for your poor treatment I can help you. Will you accept my humble offer?"

He could give me a chance at vengeance? He could get me justice for all of the crap I have had to put up with for no damn reason? This was too damn good to be true.

"And why would you help me? What could possibly be in it for you?"

Sombra then let loose a great laugh lasting a good minute as I stared at him wondering if being dead for over a thousand years had warped his brain.

"Oh you are smart boy. Yes you will make a fine student. What I get in turn is to pass on my teachings and if you reach my expectations I will offer you a high ranking position as my second in command once I rule all of Equestria."

"How can you rule anything if your dead?"

"I'll explain that later but for now will you accept my offer child?"

Honestly what did I have to lose at this point? The only thing I had going for me was being Celestia's student and now even that was gone. So looking Sombra in the eyes I say with unquestionable resolve, "you have a deal my King."

Then in an instant his form dissipated into shadows that soon rushed towards me. I gasped in surprise as the shadows encircled me cutting off all light. Then I felt as the shadows poured into my being from every possible point. It entered my mouth, eyes, ears and even the pores on my body.

It was a strange feeling almost as if I was being dunked in cold water. Then as quickly as it began it was done. and the shadows had dispersed

Looking around I noticed I felt much stronger than before but I also felt different. Reaching a hoof up to rub my head I notice my hoof was no longer grey and was instead a midnight blue.

I quickly rushed over to a nearby body mirror I used whenever I performed a spell on myself so I could see the results and looked myself over. Gone was my grey coat replaced by a dark midnight blue, my once professional purple mane and tail were replaced by a snow white mess of a mane that flowed in an invisible wind. My eyes were now exactly like Sombra's along with my horn now becoming curved and sharp. Not only that I looked far more muscular with my height going up quite a bit to where I was probably eye level with Celestia's chin. My Cutie mark though was a big difference. It no longer resembled the bright colors of a rising sun and now took on the appearance of one that was setting. The sun itself looked to be made of dark crystal as the colors around it changed from orange and purple to complete crimson.

Staring at myself for a good minute I hear Sombra's voice in my head say in a proud tone, 'so my new apprentice what should you be called now? For you most certainly aren't who you used to be.'

He was right. I was no longer Setting Dawn so I could no longer go by that name, not that I would want to since it would only remind me of my good for nothing family. As I thought of what I would now be called it came to me but a few moments later.

Smiling to myself to reveal my now sharpened teeth I say, "Rising Dusk. That is my new name and I will make sure that they remember it."

End of Flashback

And just like that my new life began. I left Equestria and traveled the other parts of the world learning many forms of magic and meeting many new beings along the way. I had also learned that the reason Sombra was able to visit me at that time was because the book I saw was actually his personal book on dark magic and in an attempt to keep himself free had placed a piece of his soul into it and it was my growing hatred that had awakened him.

In my time spent with him as my teacher we really bonded to the point we were like a father and son instead of student and teacher. Heck Sombra even adopted me and declared me Prince of the Crystal Empire! It may not mean anything to anyone else but it meant a lot to me. It was kind of sad though since when he finally escaped his prison and started his hostile takeover I was in Griffonia and couldn't reach him before he was defeated again and his body destroyed by my damn siblings and their annoying friends.

But now I was back and soon I would have revenge not only for me but for my father as well.

'Look kid we made it.'

Breaking from my thoughts I see my adoptive father is right and Ponyville could be seen in the distance from my spot on the edge of the forest.

'Well now sister, time to see who truly is the prodigy. The student of the sun or the apprentice of shadows.'