Chapters Meeting the Darkness Incarnate
Angel kept watch atop of Fluttershy's head as his caretaker trot through the marketplace, all the while smiling. Nothing better than shopping in Canterlot! Everyone is so kind, offering to help. She's been asked by twelve people already if she needed help carrying the obviously heavy baskets hanging on her sides. She politely refused, but thanked them for their offer. She just didn't want her burden to be their burden. Plus, it's not so bad. It isn't the first time she's gathered food for her animal friends.
She trot just past the last few stalls of produce and came to a halt at the last one, buying a thick bushel of carrots. Angel cheered up instantly from his droll day as Fluttershy presented one to him. He immediately got to work on the delicious meal. She turned to continue on her way home and came to an immediate halt the moment she set eyes on a very familiar face, of which she recalled was last labeled an enemy to Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Sombra himself! and what evil was he conducting in mid day in Canterlot?
...Buying apples.
Fluttershy looked about for her quickest escape, and before she could even turn away, those heavy baskets making it too hard to do so fast enough without throwing produce out of them...He had seen her, recognized her, and even called her by name! Did she even meet him before this? She didn't recall him even looking at her the entire time they were fending him off to save the crystal empire and-
"Fluttershy?", his voice practically sang. "I thought that was you!"
Fluttershy laughed nervously, turning to the dark stallion, "H-h-hey Sombra! W-what are you doing h-here?"
"Buying a bit of groceries."
Angel obviously did not sense his caretaker's distress, as he just chewed on his carrot whilst giving said stallion his attention. Both ears erect and forward, attention solely on him. Save for when he took a bite of his meal.
"Cute bunny. What's his name?"
"No! Leave him alone!", Fluttershy backed away.
"What? I'd only asked of his name. What's wrong with that?"
"U-uhm...y-you..."
"Look, if I've offended, I hadn't meant to. I just wanted to see how you were doing. You look like you're struggling under those baskets. Do you need help carrying them?", he asked.
"No!", she stood up straight. "I'm perfectly fine!"
"What's wrong Fluttershy?", Sombra asked nicely. It looked genuine.
"You...you're supposed to be...", she lowered ehr voice. "Dead."
"Dead?", Sombra sighed. "Far from it. I recovered. Black Magic has it's perks...", he stopped smiling. Now she saw the dark baleful stallion. His features looked the same as when she last saw him, ready to throw down anyone that stood in his way. He cleared his throat. "I'd like to change your mind. Would you allow me to do that?"
"C-change my mind?", Fluttershy asked. Obviously she was perplexed.
"Yes. I'm not the same stallion, and I can show it to you.", he smiled. "Would you allow me to do that? Perhaps...over lunch?"
"Lunch?", Fluttershy asked. He asked her out to lunch? Surely this cannot be the same Sombra.
"Yes. Lunch. On me."
"I-I don't know, I have lots of my animals to feed, and I'd hate to be late."
"Then we could get something small, and I'll walk you back home."
"Well, I don't live in Canterlot, I live in Ponyville. I'm only here to take care of a few pets for a friend of mine."
"I could still walk you there at least. Carry your groceries for you."
Fluttershy sighed, rubbing her foreleg with her other hoof. "Alright. I guess I could..."
"Wonderful!", Sombra picked up the baskets, setting them on his own back. "We could eat at the Black Tea Cup."
"The Black Tea Cup?", Fluttershy asked. She'd obviously never heard of the Black Tea Cup.
"Yes. It's not that popular. Young adults spend their time there frequently. Can't say I've seen anyone else there. No one older, no one younger. Follow me, it's but a minute's walk away.", he began along the trail that lead to said place.
Fluttershy hurried to Sombra's side, keeping her head aimed downwards along the way. She wasn't really sure what to think. She felt a bit embarrassed to even consider having forgiven this stallion for what he's done. She still gave him a chance. If he has changed, then...surely he wouldn't be of any kind of threat to anyone.
The small diner came up within just a few moments, and it didn't even take that long to get there. In fact, Fluttershy had seen this place before, but she never paid attention. It was off the side a little, even blended in well. It didn't advertise it's name like you'd have expected. There was a sign that had it's name, but you'd not be able to even recognize it unless you walked up to it.
"A nice, calm place. Everyone is friendly.", Sombra smiled.
Fluttershy looked at those who were already there, each occupying a table in their own group. Just friends. One had six, too many for the small table, several had just two. It varied.
"Hey there, Sombra! What'll it be? Espresso, mocha, frappuccino, frape? Or you here for tea?"
Fluttershy looked to the mare that had addressed Sombra, and she was given quite a shock. Well, she wasn't scary, but she wasn't your average Equestrian. She were a batpony.
"Actually, I'm here for lunch, so an ice tea for me, and what would you like, Fluttershy?", Sombra asked.
The mare stared ahead. "Uh...I don't know, I've never been here before."
"Menu is right there, sweety.", the batpony mare pointed to said sign beside the counter she were operating over.
Fluttershy looked the whole menu over. Didn't really know what to get. they offered hot meals, cold meals, sandwiches, baked breads, teas, coffees, smoothies. It's a cafe.
"Well?", the batpony asked.
"Uhm. May I have the...uhm...Sky Fruit?"
"Sky fruit?", the batpony mare's expression lit up. "We haven't sold any of that in a long time! Well, it's mostly due to price, but it's totally worth it, I promise, or you will get your money back. Cross my heart."
"I've had it before, I just...don't know if I really wanna get it. It's just so expensive."
"No worries, have all you want.", Sombra placed a rather large bag of bits on the counter.
"You'd really pay for it all?", Fluttershy asked.
"I'm a king, remember...?", Sombra said lowly.
Fluttershy really didn't want to be reminded.
"Alright, Sky fruit it is. And for a drink? Or no drink. Sky fruit is easily passable as both drink and food.", the bat mare asked.
"No, that'll be all, thank you...", Fluttershy replied.
"Alright. How much am I getting back?", Sombra asked.
The bat amre sighed, emptying the bag of bits, and started counting at an incredible pace, moving bits about in a swift fashion. "You've got four fifty seven total, Sky Fruit costs thirty seven, which I'm not sure you would have needed to give me a whole bag of bits for-"
"Ten Fruits. More for the lovely mare."
"Alright, whatever floats your boat. Your usual costs only fifteen.", the bat mare quickly counted out the remainder bits, and scooped them into the bag, pushing it back to sombra. Sombra stacked the bits for her. "Alright, that should pay for everything, give me about a minute to have your food and drinks done, thank you very much.". she cycled the bits into the register, then bounded off to collect the couple's lunch. When she returned, it were not even but three moments later, and she had a crate full of green seed-like fruits the size of coconuts. She hurriedly fixed Sombra's order, then set the crate on the counter, and the platter containing Sombra's order.
Sombra took his drink and food, even the crate, into his magic. "Thank you. Let's find a table.", Sombra turned to the tables set about.
Fluttershy followed closely, easing off, not really sure how close she should walk to him. He were treating her to lunch, she should return the affection. But he's a criminal. And it's worrying her a bit.
It's worrying her a lot. It's worrying her even more that he's being kind to her.
"Alright.", Sombra set their meals on the table. He sliced open the green fruit for fluttershy, setting the pieces on his platter, then scooted the silver tray to her, taking his food and drink into his magic.
"Oh, thank you.", she said.
"No need to thank me. However, does this change your mind about me?"
"Oh I...I don't know what to think anymore."
"Well, I've definitely changed your mind at least."
"But what made you change your mind?"
"Hmm. Well, I can say it was never my intentions to take over an empire. See, black magic is...complicated. It can backfire sometimes. It's why I'm still here, though."
"And why me?", she asked.
"You? Well...I can't say it's because you fought against me. I had seen you maybe once and didn't pay heed. Though I wish I did.", he smiled. "Mainly...it's those fangs you bear..."
Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hooves hastily.
"They look cute, make you look irresistable.", he flashed his own fangs.
"N-no! I don't..."
"It's nothing to be ashamed about. Though I am curious as of to if you still retain your...instincts.", his horn cast a red glow over the slices of Sky Fruit he'd ordered for her. Immediately Fluttershy's gaze turned to the juicy delicious food swaying before her, she made a small noise of distress, then lunged for the treat, taking it from his magical grasp.
"You're a monster!", she bit into the delicious fruit, practically cooing as the delicious taste washed over her mouth. She could feel her mind numbing over, that same sensation from her batty moments returning like wonderful euphoria.
"I may be a monster to you and some others, but I know what buttons to push, that's what makes me brilliant.", he waved a fresh fruit before her, jsut as she finished her third piece of the Sky Fruit. For a moment, her gaze was captured by the delicious fruit, but she tore herself away.
"No!", she clamped her eyes shut as she turned.
"What?"
"S-stop it!"
"You'd toss away the truth?"
"The...truth?", Fluttershy asked.
"Undeniably, it was a mishap, but I do see you were once imbued with the animalistic values of a vampire fruit bat...Out of everyone, you've experienced what it's like to be on the opposite team, to cause suffering. Even if much more minor than capturing land for your harsh rule. I won't convince you that you are a menace. But I will tell you that you are the only one who can relate to me. Even if it were a sliver of a relation."
Fluttershy turned to the dark stallion, the Sky Fruit still dangling within reach. Right above her gaze. She didn't even look at it. In fact, she pouted at the stallion.
"Alright fine, I'll stop teasing. But show more fang.", he placed the fruit back in the crate
"You're a monster..."
"We both know you don't mean it."
Fluttershy sighed, then retrieved the remainder of her first fruit, "I'm not talking to you now.", she bit into another slice.
"Understandable, take your time. I'm still walking you back, am I not?"
"Yes...I'm just upset."
"Well, I know more than one way to cheer someone up. If you're still upset when we leave...I'll make you smile...", he said mischievously. He sounded so sinister, though.
"Why did you do that?"
"Because now your fangs look...more pronounced. That's what I want to see. those fangs, ruffled feathers...Like watching a female lion submit. None of that talk, though, you are neither submitting nor a predator. Still...you make my heart sing."
Fluttershy blushed, turning away.
"I should have expected as much. Your name is Fluttershy after all. Am I going a bit too fast for you?"
"I-I don't know...I've...never done this before..."
"Well, allow me to take the lead.", he swooped over to her through the table. He were a cloud of black smoke with but his head still attached, taking her side as he nuzzled into her neck, placing a kiss on her cheek...
"Stop!", she pushed away, nearly falling out of the chair because of it.
"What's wrong?", Sombra asked.
Fluttershy hopped down out of the chair, walking swiftly out of the cafe and down the street. Sombra chuckled, smirking. She likes it. He knows it.
Just a few minutes after, Fluttershy was coming up to the hotel she and her friends had been staying in, that...event still fresh in her mind. Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash were in the lobby when she arrived, and they greeted her like they usually did, only to be met with the shocked expression on her face and the distress shook them immediately.
"What's wrong, Darling?", Rarity stood on her bean bag chair.
"He was...", she began. "So nice!"
"Oh!", Rarity gasped, "He? ", she asked. "Darling, do you mean to tell me you've met someone?"
"Really?", Rainbow dash jumped into the air, hovering but a hoof's length away from the vanilla mare. "Is he hot? Does he look cool? Is he a soldier?"
"Good for you fluttershy.", Twilight smiled, setting her book down. "But...unlike these girls, I don't immediately jump to conclusions, thinking he's your coltfriend or something. Heheheh!", she chuckled fakely. "So who is he?", she asked immediately after, getting in on the fine gossip.
Fluttershy whined, and Angel...where was Angel? Fluttershy gasped, then yelped, checking her entire body, "Angel!!", she screamed.
"He's an angel?", Rainbow Dash asked.
"No! He has Angel!"
"Oh!", Rarity laughed once. "Then if he's so nice, he'll simply take care of him until you return!"
"No, it's not that!"
"Then what's got you so worked up? Actually, that's a dumb question.", Rainbow Dash said in an "obvious" tone. "Your name is Flutter shyyyy ."
"No, it's...it's..."
The three leaned in closer, waiting for her to say his name at the very least.
"...Sombra....", she said, as if the horror that had threatened an entire empire had return to take revenge on more than just the crystal empire.
"No way.", Rainbow Dash said, unbelieving. "Uh-uh."
"You're kidding, right?", Twilight asked.
"Darling, surely you are mistaken.", Rarity said.
"She's not." The devil himself strolled into the lobby. Angel jumped off one of the baskets he had set to his sides and hurried to his caretaker, jumping onto her back and nuzzling into her neck lovingly. He wanted her to be happy! He was happy. She should be happy if he's happy, should she not?
"My word...the devil walks again!", Rarity commented.
"Didn't we tear you to shreds with the-" Her mouth sealed shut with a smack, zipping closed with a magic zipper.
"Of course I am.", he said without a smile.
"Twilight, do something!", Rarity turned to the alicorn. But Twilight were not doing anything. She were holding her chin with her hoof, looking rather ponderous.
"She's obviously taking a smarter look on this situation. Fluttershy~!", he chimed, smiling mischievously. A rather plump, ripe, delicious looking fruit wavered before her, catching her gaze. For a moment, her jaw quivered, but she tore herself away, backing from the devil's fruit.
"Mmhmm mm hmmhmmhmm!!!", Rainbow Dash Mumbled.
Sombra unsealed ehr mouth.
"What are you doing here?", she asked.
"Living. Still practicing and studying Dark Magic, communing with dark forces to further my use and research of said subject. It's not outlawed. At least not in Equestria."
"Thanks to the Mage's Concordat.", Twilight finally gave her input. "One of the...worst decisions, making black magic legal, but it's so taboo to this society, it's extremely rare to see someone partaking in the dark arts." Twilight sighed, "Thats why you survived..."
"I don't follow.", Rainbow Dash admitted.
"He's an agent of darkness, nuff said. He was obliterated. not killed, obliterated. No one has bested him in the game of life, he simply tread in the wrong place at the wrong time. The dark forces revived him, rebuilt him. But they took away his magic."
"Most of it.", Sombra set the stray Sky fruit in the crate, adn then said crate before him. He lifted the groceries Fluttershy had bought off his back, and set them beside the crate. "I'm surprised you know so much."
"So...do we do something now?", Rainbow Dash asked.
"No, Rainbow Dash.", Twilight said. "Did fluttershhy really say that you were...nice?"
"She did? I hadn't heard that part."
Fluttershy whined, looking away, head turned down.
Rainbow Dash appeared in the stallion's face in a flash, "Look here, buster! Fluttershy is my friend. You have something going, apparently, but you better watch yourself! The moment you slip up, I'll throw you off a cliff before you can take a breath to say you're sorry!!", she pushed him. "Am I clear enough for you?"
Sombra stared the mare down calmly, giving her his signature sinister gaze. "Do not mistake me for something defenseless. I may not have all my magic, but I am not powerless."
Twilight pulled Rainbow Dash away by her tail, seating her in the spot she had previously been napping. "Look, Rainbow Dash has proper incentive to say that. Frankly, I don't believe you should even be allowed to consider doing something like that with one of my friends, or anyone important, for that matter. You were at one point...", she lowered her voice so no one outside the group could hear. "An enemy of Equestria. Fluttershy can make the choice on her own whether she'll believe you. But if you do cause even the slightest harm, you won't just be flying of a cliff. You'll be plummeting into Tartarus' deepest pits where not even the dark forces can bring you back from. You can meet your mentors in magic there, and stay."
"Gladly. And when you visit me in the pits of tartarus, you and I can commune. It will go a long way to help you complete your magic studies, Twilight."
Twilight flinched. Indeed, one of ehr life goals is to master all forms of magic, but she had never told anyone that before. Or recorded it in any form other than memory. Twilight then recalled the vaguely familiar feeling of someone else digging in her mind and memories. Just like when Princess Celestia had taken a look into her mind for a lesson on magic. He was definitely reading her like a book. He can find every secret of the castle in her recesses. Why would she think of that?!
"But I have no use for secrets.", Sombra spoke.
"What?", Rainbow Dash asked.
"You are in my head.", Twilgiht said.
"But of course. You are whom I must worry about the most, you're an alicorn, same as the princesses. Same as Cadence. It's not aiding me in my favor at all, but I have to be sure I won't hit the wrong buttons."
"I don't think I should let you leave with that information."
Sombra looked at fluttershy, feeling a bit of...worry? Gods, when was the last time he'd worried about anything? "No."
"There is no debate. We can't afford for you to have that knowledge.", Twilight's horn glowed brightly.
"You'd deny me love?"
Her horn sparked, canceling the spell. "What?"
"Love. Your...sister-in-law would understand. You'd not just be denying me secrets I have given no heed to, but you'd also be denying me a chance to love someone."
"Cut the soupy drama, Sombra!", Rainbow Dash said sassily. "You're evil!"
"Rainbow Dash.", Twilight's horn sparked a small spell. Her mouth sealed again.
"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!", Rainbow Dash screamed.
"Twilight...", Rarity approached the purple alicorn. "I...uhm...do understand there is a new complication present. So, if you wouldn't mind, may I have a word with you?", she asked.
"Yes. Rainbow Dash, with me, Rarity, let's go. Sombra, we will be back.", she nodded. Sombra nodded in turn.
Just around the corner, Twilight got one of the guards to watch the corner whilst they spoke. Anything he heard from them concerning Sombra is of no worries to anyone other than those three in particular.
Rainbow Dash's mouth unzipped. "What the hay, twilight?!", Rainbow Dash hissed.
"Calm down.", Twilight hushed the mare. "Rarity, you said you had something to say?"
"Well, I do recall Sombra being evil and all, trying to take over the Crystal Empire, but...Did he really say love ?", the alabaster unicorn asked.
"Princess Cadence has taught me a few things about love. Her special talent is love, after all. Love can happen anywhere, anytime. I'm surprised Zecora hasn't found anyone yet."
"I recall her once spending time with a unicorn, but it must not have gotten anywhere.", Rarity said.
"Anyway, aside from that, Cadence also told me that no one should be denied love. You girls saw how he actually looked worried when I threatened to wipe his memory, right?"
"I definitely did. It was not his character at all.", Rarity agreed.
"Yeah. Totally not him. Stood out like red on blue.", Rainbow Dash also agreed.
"I don't know what worries me more, though.", Twilight began. "That he has fallen for Fluttershy, or that he's even alive. He could be lying about everything for all I know."
"I admit, I'm happy that this has happened, but at the same time, I'm equally as torn! The devil walks again, and he could easily commit more crimes against Equestria.", Rarity said.
Twilight sighed, sitting down. "If we tell Celestia, I'm afraid she might just smite him on the spot. It'd be the best course of action. We'd not be taking any chances. But if he's telling the truth, then we'd be putting away an innocent stallion."
"What do you wanna do then, watch him?", Rainbow Dash asked.
"I like the idea. But if he does end up causing harm to Fluttershy, how are we supposed to react to that?", Twilight said.
"I think it would be properly addressed if we spoke to him to prevent him from seeing her anymore. Treat him like an Equestrian rather than a criminal. He's done one bad thing and hasn't conspired to do any bad or worse than before.", Rarity said in her best official tone she could muster. Like a trained democrat.
"You've got a good point there."
"Really? We're just going to let him off the hook?", Rainbow Dash asked.
"I am. I'm a princess. I'll give him the guidelines, and he must obey, so long as he shows interest in Fluttershy. Should she deny him, push him away, he can't do anything about it. He must leave her alone. Sound good enough?", Twilight asked.
"What if he is still evil?"
"Well, if he commits a crime, I don't need to do anything. Someone will catch him. The system has evolved well. Plus, I know that if he does commit a crime, his name will be recognized. Sombra's existence will then be reported to all higher powers. Me, Celestia, Luna, Cadence."
"Got a good point there. Alright, I'm in, but if he hurts Fluttershy, I get first go at him.", she slammed her hooves together.
"Fine. you can have the first hit. Only one. Make it count."
"Yeahhehehehhh!", Rainbow Dash sneered.
"Darling, are you sure about this?", Rarity asked.
"I am. I'm still a little worried, and I probably shouldn't, but I'll give it a shot. For love's sake, Rarity.", Twilight sighed, annoyed.
"Alright then. We all seem to be within agreement."
Twilight nodded.
As the three returned, Sombra were teasing Fluttershy with a small piece of neon green fruit, which had to be the remnants of the Sky Fruit. Fluttershy caught the small slice with one snap of her fangs, digging into it's deliciousness, ending the tease and gaining a bit of triumph.
"Sombra.", Twilight addressed the stallion.
He stood up, turning to the trio, offering Fluttershy another piece of fruit as she finished the previous. "Yes?"
"You will be given one chance. Society and...with Fluttershy. It's already a shaky bridge you've built, but we'll keep an eye on you and Fluttershy."
Sombra smiled. "Thank you."
"But I have rules you're going to follow. You will not harm her in any way. Keep your black magic a secret, no open practice. As long as you are here in Equestria, you are not allowed to regain your full potential. No major contracts with the dark forces. Should you commit a crime, you will first be given to the mercy of the law, and then whence Celestia finds out, I will not help you. I will, in fact, help bring you to her. You will follow everything I have said."
"Understood. You sound like her mother.", Sombra smiled.
Twilight scoffed, and Rainbow Dash laughed.
Author's Note
The best I've ever done. I love how this is turning out. Seems short though. A tiny bit.
"So, why is Fluttershy jumping at every piece of fruit you dangle in front of her?", Rainbow Dash asked as said pegasus tried to reach for the delicious Sky fruit before her. Sombra moved out of her way just once, and she leapt after it, nabbing it like a predator pouncing on it's prey. "Seems kind of cruel."
"It is, I know. I'll suffer some repercussion, I'm sure."
"Ok, but why is she acting like that? It's like she's-"
"A vampire fruit bat pony. Or something like that. I know. I got some kind of mixed situation about it, but I don't know much. She doesn't recall being such a creature. Didn't get much information on it. Still, I like those fangs.", he grinned.
"That's kinda creepy. Really weird."
"Is that so?", Sombra asked. "Bet you fifty bits that fangs would drive you just as crazy."
"I don't see the appeal."
"Ever seen a batpony stallion?"
Rainbow Dash brought a hoof to her chin in thought. She'd really not seen a batpony stallion, yet. At least not up close. Fangs?
"Fluttershy. I think it's time to ease off the fruit for now.", Sombra pulled the drained fruit from her. She took a few deep breaths, and her feathers ruffled a bit. "You alright?", he asked. She gave him a glance and rubbed her eyes, focusing on him fully, rather than partially. It was odd. She just couldn't get a clear sight of him. Sombra hummed in thought. "Hold still.", he took her head into his hooves. With a harsh flash of red light, her sight finally focused clearly. "Better?"
Fluttershy blinked. "Y-yes. Thank you. What happened?"
"What happened may have been an impromptu spell cast by an alicorn amateur."
"Hey!", Twilight piped. "You're not talking about me, are you?"
"Well, you didn't really take your time with the spell. It's like looking at a rickety bridge built with rotten wood. Don't mean to upset your constant success at magic, but you should have reviewed your work."
Twilight's mouth fell agape.
"Why you...you...uncivilized...", Rarity began.
"You do recall who you're talking to, correct?", Sombra asked.
Rarity growled. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, let's leave."
"I just...I can't even...I've never thought to check my work.", Twilight stood from her seat. "I...I'll meet you girls later. I have to pay the princess a visit.", she began on her way out of the hotel.
"Oh, well, alright then. Rainbow Dash?", Rarity called. "Rainbow Dash?"
In the far side of the room, Rainbow Dash were admiring a rather handsome looking batpony stallion, hovering over him with a swoon just beyond er wingtips. "What's with those fangs?", she asked amorously. The stallion smiled.
"Uhm...", Rarity tried. She just couldn't.
"I'll bring her to her employer, have a look at the magical structure keeping her form as is, and then be on my way. If Twilight tries to mess with the spell structure after I have, I want you to prevent her from doing so. Tell her not to, keep her from doing so, distract her from it, I do not care. She may be good at magic, but 'tis not wise to mix magics, and I do not believe she is on a proper level to interweave."
"You tell me to prevent her from doing so, yet what are you doing? The exact same, it seems!", Rarity retorted.
"Nonsense. I've literally braced her spell. When I escort her, I'll remove the spell altogether, rebuild it, make it better if I can. It's not an easy subject of magic, and I'm limited to what I know in ordinary magic."
"Yet you claim to know more than Twilight?", Rarity asked.
"Yes."
"Twilight is the most educated mare I've seen in the school of magic. You claim to know more?"
"I practice dark magic. It's similar to studying all regular magics at a heavily advanced level. May not actually teach you much about ordinary magic, but you still learn a lot along the way."
"Well, one chance, Sombra! Remember!", she snapped.
"I have my chance, I will not discard it. Have a nice day. I need to start thinking on the new spell...", he escorted Fluttershy out of the building.
Rarity looked left, then right, then took her leave.
Fluttershy had both baskets on her back again, and Sombra took them into his magical grasp, setting them on his. He set the sky fruit on his back once more.
"You don't have to carry my groceries. I can make it there myself.", Fluttershy protested softly.
"No. I need a reason to keep at your side. At least until we get to your location of established work. Twilight's spell came unglued with but a small tug of the ethereal ropes. Simply reinforcing it will only give us time before it will become unweaved completely, and thus, you can guess the end results."
"So, you're really going to help me?", Fluttershy asked.
"I know it's not easy to believe, and I am getting rather tired of people not believing me."
"But can you really fix my problem? It seems a bit much."
"Problem?", Sombra looked to the vanilla mare. "Hmph. If I could have my way, I'd not use magic to keep you as you are. I'd remove all spells keeping you in your current form and would simply seduce your vampire fruit bat self. It'd be a simple game of dominance."
"Well, I'd rather you not, but...why won't you?"
"It's the same as not believing me and repeatedly asking me why I'm being nice!", he snapped angrily. He cleared his throat as th mare cowered back down. "I apologize. Listen. I have a quota to reach. I told your friend I would have the problem fixed and a better spell weaved to replace the old one. I make the mistake of simply claiming you as a bat pony, and I'd have a problem with keeping the last chance I have at peace. And love."
"Do you really...like me?", Fluttershy asked.
"Time will explain what I cannot. You are leading, aren't you?", Sombra asked. She hadn't taken any turns or even walked a hair's breadth before him.
"Oh, we're going the wrong way, it's back the other way. Down the street."
"Alright.", Sombra sighed, turning around. Fluttershy took to his opposite side now. Still keeping pace with him. Not ahead, not behind. His horn sparked aglow as magic began to course through it's length.
"M-may I have another of the Sky Fruit? Please?", fluttershy asked.
"Bad idea. I did buy it for you and only you, but it seems I've already teased your instinctual half a bit too much. We'd risk unraveling the entire spell for a single bite. Do you understand?"
"But they...look so delicious...", Fluttershy stared at the single neon green orb sticking out over the rim of the crate on Sombra's back.
A bit of magic fixed that. He lifted the items out of the basket on his opposite side and fit the sky fruit in the bottom, throwing enough on top to hide them, and the remainder into the crate. "Out of sight, out of mind."
Fluttershy hung her head, pouting. Her mood immediately perked when they came to their destination. A rather large house meant for a rich civilian. A large treble clef statue were standing in the front, the tip of a fountain along the center of the walkway to the front door. White walls, shutters, four stories, balconies on each, and white pillars to complete the ensemble. The roof was a brick red.
"Who might you be working for?", Sombra asked, horn aglow.
"Octavia. Just Octavia, she doesn't have a second name."
"I see. Well, if this is our destination, then I should take a moment to tie you down..." A few red ropes of magic tied Fluttershy still where she stood, and then a rush of magic overcame her, stripping her wings of their feathers, ruffling her coat, mane and tail, her fangs even grew to twice as long as they once were. The now instinct driven version of Fluttershy struggled in her bonds, letting out a small shriek of distress. It were bright out! Find a cave! Cover up with her wings! But she couldn't move... "And get the spell done...", Sombra sighed, getting to work.
It took only a few minutes. He manually reshaped her wings, preening the feathers magically, even, trimmed down her long coat, brushed it smooth, then gave it a slick sheen and changed the color. He did her mane and tail next, making sure they were as beautiful as before, fixed her eyes, changing them back to their normal seafoam green with correct irises. the only thing he left untouched were the fangs. He thought on those for a moment, then a wicked grin crept across his muzzle.
Sombra planted the most passionate kiss he could on her lips, digging past those thin lines and to those fangs. Oh, those fangs are what he wanted so much. The animal part of herself weren't sure what to do. In fact, it just swooned and cooed as he showed he was the dominant partner. She couldn't move! He had her pinned! She was at his mercy!
Then he broke the kiss and sealed away her animalistic features.
"W-what happened??", she asked. Sombra released her from her magical bonds.
"Done. Don't let Twilight do anything about what I've done. If she "looks at it", I'm afraid she'll try to "make it better."", he motioned with his hooves in a sarcastic way. "I've suppressed your animal side, reshaped your obvious features..."
Fluttershy smiled, finding it a bit different than she recalled. Like she had tusks. She touched one of her fangs, immediately retracting. Sharp! "But, what about my fangs?!", she asked, distressed.
"Nothing to worry about.", Sombra set down both the crate of fruit and the baskets.
"But you can't leave! What if I scare the animals?!"
"You handle canines, bats, reptiles, all kinds of animals with carnivorous fangs and teeth. I don't think they'll be scared. Plus, I did change them.", he replied seriously. "Can't leave a set of tusks on a poor mare. You'd not be able to close your mouth."
"But...", Fluttershy closed her mouth. Just the tips peaked between her lips. "I..."
"Don't worry. Give it a try at the very least."
"Oh...alright...I guess I could give it a try."
"Wonderful.", Sombra grinned. "Now I'm off.", he sighed, "I have a meeting to attend, and I'd rather not be late..."
"...Is it with...the dark forces?", Fluttershy asked.
Sombra slowed a bit, "You don't ask those kinds of questions...", he said reluctantly.
"Can you please...not make any mistakes?"
Sombra sighed, turning to Fluttershy. He furrowed his brow, but accepted it. She had some merit here, some choice. He has a meeting with a thuroughly angered darkness incarnate...Sombra gave a short sigh. "I won't. I'll be back, don't worry."
Fluttershy still felt worried for Sombra. She still had her job to do as well. She turned to the two baskets and yonder separate crate filled with the most delectable fruit she had ever eaten. She felt a tug to eat it, but wasn't as controlling anymore. With a smile, she picked everything up and Angel crawled up to her mane, resting atop her head. He watched that stallion leave without a word! Aw...He could have at least said, "Bye Angel!", but he didn't even look at him...and he was so nice before!
Fluttershy pushed everything in the door, setting it all inside, and immediately other animals joined her swiftly. Two well bred dogs, a phoenix, and a lamb. That wasn't all of Octavia's personal animals though! There were more!
Sombra sighed as he walked out of the property's threshold, and into a much darker place. The air was stagnant, muddled with moister, musty, cold, the ground was wet.
That's immediately where Sombra went. Diving right into the darkness with no fear and the knowledge of with which to cross said landscape. Before him, a ring of magic flared to life, and a swinging lamp appeared in a flash, illuminating the area further around him. Attached to it were a stick, and the ghost holding it.
"Welcome back, Master Sombra!", the ghost said giddily. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to return. You are...ehm...on bad favour with the Masters...I'm sure you understand..."
"I do. And I'd gladly take back my abilities with brute force.", Sombra began forward. "But we both know I'm smarter than that. Never bite the hand that feeds you. So, I simply keep my mouth shut, accept the punishment, and regain what I lost..."
"Uhm...Sombra, you do know they are not going to give you anything, right?", the ghost asked. Sombra had already stepped into the pitch black darkness the lamp had yet to illuminate.
"Are you coming or not?", he asked slowly.
The ghsot hurried to his side, "Yes sir, I am, King Sombra! Sire! Sir! Master!"
"The Masters have you kiss their feet too much. They must be a lot more bored than I had previously thought."
"Where would you like to go this time? The foyer? Address them in a public area?"
"No. Not this time. I'm simply walking forward until we meet them."
the ghost's breath caught halfway through an excited pant, "Eh...eduh...But...You...know where this leads...don't you?"
"I don't. Which is the precise goal. To go where I have not tread before. Back to square one. Before I found you. When I first stepped into the darkness..."
"But this way is-"
Within a flash, the ghost had been dispelled, and Sombra simply walked on without hesitation. The only landmark in sight far behind him now. Where he had first stepped into the darkness. The dim light of the front door itself...
Moments passed. Minutes. Had to have been twenty minutes or so. He started counting his steps. One hundred. Two hundred. Three...four...seven hundred and fifty. Sombra sat down, taking a break. He stretched his stiff neck, relaxed against the smooth marble he had trodden onto over six hundred steps ago. The marble...hmmm...The Marble Slab. Where the Masters performed their most powerful spells. The core of their nexus of magic, really. Really? Really now?
Sombra laughed. It echoed lowly into the darkness. He could hear the whispers approaching, and he knew the Masters well enough to feel them but a touch away. Of course, he's never seen them, but that is something he does not strive to find out. They could be creatures of the darkness. Or beings of purest light, cloaked in darkness that their light cannot shine through.
"Yes?", sombra smiled.
Blood curdling screeches, tremors of discomfort racked his body, even a slight voltage began to charge up his hooves whenever they touched the marble! But Sombra? He simply stood up, smiling.
"The Masters of Darkness...", he bowed.
"Traitor!", the noises, the tremors, the sudden shock, all ceased by the hiss of the word. Sombra grimaced.
"What?", he asked.
"A traitor !", the voice hissed again. Like old, rotting vocal chords. "You vile retched scum! how dare you set foot in our home, or sanctuary, our very casting grounds .", the voice whisper hissed the last two words.
"And? You have rewarded me once before for treading boldly. I simply tread further than before. To a place you never told me to go, and never wanted me to enter. You never told me not to, either.", Sombra said calmly.
A loud growl ripped through the darkness as another being joined the talk. "A truly bold remark, Sombra!" much deeper and louder than the first. But muffled a slight. Like it bore massive, long teeth. "You have no room to talk, you must be tried for conspiring with your enemy! Our enemy!"
Sombra sighed. "Since when had I joined forces with my enemy? Since when had I conspired? If anything, I simply stopped caring.", Sombra sat down with that 'as a matter of fact' attitude. "A mare caught my eye, I wanted her...So I set my grasp upon her. You tell me why that makes me a traitor."
A growl and a hiss reverberated through the darkness as a third voice joined the party. "Sombra, you are in our home, our private solace. You have forsaken your deeds to spread the darkness. You perished in battle from an explosion, though if not by another equine or sentient being. And to top it off, you now intermingle with your sworn enemy." His voice was stern, serious. Not lacking or overloaded with any particular feature. Sombra hadn't heard that voice before. He'd heard several different characters. He counted more than twelve, seventeen, twenty four, even...
"To whom do I speak?", Sombra asked.
"Grim. The Angel of Judgment.", the voice responded. In a flash of magic, that ghost returned with his lantern, swinging said light back and forth int he distance until he was called over by a hiss. He swooped across the ground swiftly, coming to a gasping halt the moment he illuminated the hooded figure before Sombra.
He were incredibly tall, stood thinly, like her were not an equine, and his face, the only thing that should be seen of his actual body, were but a shimmering veil of shadow.
"I apologize, it was a mistake, my master!", he hurriedly apologized, frozen in place by fear.
"No, not a mistake. I had intended it.", Grim responded.
Sombra sighed. He could neither hear nor feel any other Master of Darkness amongst the shadows. They'd all left. "Confidence isn't going to win me favor here this time, is it?"
"Not one bit. Your payment is due, Sombra. Even if you were given a corrupted soul to replace your own, and that being an objective, you as a vessel must perish. You were given a command, you failed. You agreed to our terms."
"I did...", Sombra replied honestly. With another sigh, eh continued. "But what if I convinced you not to take payment now?"
Grim was silent for a long moment. The ghost had enough time to shake all his shivers of fear away and catch his breath. "Why?", he asked.
"I don't recall if had made a promise on the matter, but I do recall telling a...friend...that I'd be back."
"And how is that supposed to change my mind?", Grim asked.
Sombra searched the deep expanse of darkness inside Grim's hood. "You know I'm helpful. More so when not taken over by a substitute soul by the command of the dark masters. I have acquired you much more than just another pawn. I am experienced, I can get you things you can't even step nearby because the light would burn you. Above all else, I still have control of your nexus." Sombra cleared his throat. "I was given access and figured out how to take control of it. To put it simply, it has become a bargaining chip for me."
"You pitch good game, but what you did not consider is two things. One. I can walk in the light. I can discard my shade. I will not perish. Two. What you did not consider taking control of is the nexus' own twin, the darkness about you."
Sombra looked to his side where the darkness itself sat but a hoof's distance away. Like a curtain of void waiting to swallow him.
"You made the mistake of thinking you ever had power here."
"Indeed, it seems I have.", Sombra admitted, sitting where he stood. "I guess I have no bargaining chip, and though I'd love to continue arguing, it doesn't look like it will get me anywhere."
"Hmph.", Grim began. "I sense disappointment and failure. From such a composed stallion and such a follower of the darkness, I am astonished."
"I wouldn't have felt such disappointment and defeat, had I not told my friend I would be back."
"You mention it as if that will help you. Why were you associating with another when you knew what was coming?"
"Obviously, I got my body and mind back. What would you do if you were freed? I'd find the closest flank and have my fun. I have, after all, done nothing but exist within shadows for a few hundred years. I have no heirs, no descendants of blood brothers, either, my bloodline would end. Lewd thoughts aside."
"Time to pay Sombra. You can give me your soul, or I can take it."
In the silence that followed, the sound of small steps padded across the marble slab, growing ever closer. Not only did it catch Sombra's attention, but it caught Grim's as well. Sombra had never heard something so...light and innocent. Not here in the darkness. Grim had heard everything that exists in the darkness. This wasn't a denizen of the dark.
Angel sprinted out of the darkness and into Sombra's clutch's, rubbing against the nice stallion and even cooing softly.
"Angel, how did you get in here?", Sombra asked. Grim hummed in thought.
"He came with me!", came a very familiar voice from the darkness...
With a sigh, Sombra let his eyes drape closed, and he even rubbed his forehead in agitation.
"Who trespasses within my home?", Grim asked, turning to the mare. As Fluttershy entered the light warily, she gasped when she saw Angel, relieved.
"I'm sorry, but Angel followed after Sombra, and he came here, and I didn't want to lose him. I'm sorry if I were trespassing, it were a mistake!", Fluttershy apologized softly as she pulled the soft rabbit from Sombra's clutches.
"I am amazed you were allowed to step beyond the threshold. Your spirit is too pure. Even that rabbit's own."
"It may be for the fact that she is simply an intertwined mare and vampire fruit bat. Unfortunately, this is who I told I would return to. Please escort her out before we get to business. I'd rather not have any extra complications."
Fluttershy approached Sombra, putting on a low, soft tone as she spoke in his ear.
Sombra felt his heart thud. At least once. Really hard. Left his body in pain of the sudden change in rhythm. That wasn't Fluttershy, for sure, but the moment she pulled away from him, her expression and air about her changed drastically. Pure as freshly fallen snow.
"New proposal. I relinquish all hold on the nexus, continue my studies, you are the only one who teaches me from now on, and to top it off...", he paused, looking at the mare before him. He looked back at Grim, "I will acquire another disciple for the darkness. By tomorrow."
"What?!", Fluttershy gasped.
"Hmmm. You drive a bargain worth thinking over. Whom do you have in mind?", Grim asked.
"If you let me and this mare leave, right now, I will have this new disciple at the threshold before sundown. Take my word on this one, you won't be disappointed. In fact...I believe you might be impressed."
Grim thought silently, then picked up his bony arms, stretching them. They popped and clacked as he loosened his stiff bones, then threw his arms out. In the deep darkness of his hood, two bright yellow lights shone where his eyes should be, adding to the effect of the black magic he were casting. In his hands appeared a contract on parchment, of which was written in blood and to be signed as equally.
"The contract states that you relinquish any ties to the nexus, barring you from use of our magic until we decide differently. If you do, I am the only master of Darkness to teach you. This will be temporary, and as an added benefit, whom you recruit may prolong or shorten the time in which I will teach you. You must deliver us one soul minimum before sunrise tomorrow, and should you fail in this task, you relinquish your soul without hesitation. If you deny this, you will be slaughtered. Sign. If you do not, you will be slaughtered.", Grim repeated.
Sombra chuckled, grinning mischievously a he drew a sharp tipped quill. He stabbed his hoof, then signed half his name, stabbed his other hoof, then signed the remainder of his name. "You have a deal."
"You were the contracter this time. You, Sombra, have a deal."
"Is this a lesson I am to learn as a continuing disciple of the darkness?", Sombra asked.
"Indeed it is. We shall discuss this some other time. Go.", Grim commanded, stuffing the contract in his robes.
"Fluttershy, it is best we get going.", Sombra set one hoof on the mare. He set his other on the rabbit on her head, petting him to keep him still as he cast the spell to toss the three of them out of oblivion's threshold. They all appeared where they had entered. The edge of the property which was Octavia's home.
"Sombra, you promised-"
"I do not recall making any promises to you or anyone else. Save for Rarity. I told her I would revert you to your old self, and that was done. I told you I would be continuing my practices within dark magic."
"But...then...who are you...recruiting?", Fluttershy asked.
"That will never be told to anyone. When speaking to someone communing with the dark forces, or speakign with the dark forces, you never ask those kidns of questions. It will keep you safe."
Fluttershy took a deep breatha dn let out a long sigh. "Ok...But...Please...uhm...", she paused. "Please don't hurt anyone."
"You have my word, my actions will not bring harm to this selected individual. Fluttershy, I ask that you do not follow me again. If you are unsure, ask. You could have easily been turned into a red stain in the darkness."
Fluttershy swallowed.
"I have to talk to Twilight now. We have some things to discuss."
"Will I know who they are?"
"No. End of discussion."
Fluttershy hung her head.
"Fluttershy.", Sombra lifted her gaze to his, "I apologize if I am too harsh. If I am too harsh for you. Say something. It will make all the difference."
Fluttershy nodded.
"I have until sundown, love. The clock is ticking, and I must prepare. Fair the well with your given job.", Sombra trot off.
Fluttershy sat on her haunches and Angel rubbed his tiny nose into her neck, tickling her. He brought a smile to her lips, and that's all he wanted. To see his Mistress smile.
Luckily, Twilight had arrived at the hotel just moments before Sombra did. Perfect. He can get straight down to business, and have this done in minutes. Geeze. That is a major exaggeration. This will take quite some time.
"Twilight.", He addressed the alicorn.
"Sombra.", Twilight turned to him completely, giving him her full and undivided attention, even a look of, "I'm snooty and agitated, what do you want?"
"So, as I recall, you are on a quest, goal, something of the sorts, where you desire to master all arts of magic? Even black magic. Correct?"
"Correct.", Twilight furrowed her brow.
"Black magic takes a certain...kind of method. That I'm not going to explain in full. But this method is easily explainable in much smaller terms. I can get you started. Not just some rare book I happened to scrounge up from years of searching, like you may have."
Twilight rolled her eyes whilst shoving her thin black magic spell book deeper into her saddle bag.
"I wish to offer to you the Door."
Twilight blinked. "The door? The Door? The Door. The Door which is the only existing way in and out of the Realm of Pure Darkness, the very home and territory of the Forces of Darkness. Hold on. What do you want in return?"
"Nothing."
"Oh yeah, there's definitely a catch somewhere.", Twilight said knowingly. "You can never trust a simple offer from the Forces of Darkness. There is always a hidden price."
"There is no hidden price for this, mare , only my safety and well being for introducing you to the Dark Masters."
"Oh. So am I to understand you and the Dark Forces are on bad terms?"
Sombra sighed. "Plain and simple. I give you access to the door, I get to keep my soul. No, the masters will not try to take your soul or reach out of the door to grasp you and pull you in, none of that will happen. The terms are this. I give you direct access to the door. I keep my soul. Such says the contract." Yet he were leaving a few things out, changed it a bit...Still telling the truth. He smirked.
"So. I get the door, and access to the Dark Masters themselves."
"To commune with to your heart's desire."
"But I do not wish to commune with them, I wish to learn from them."
"Twilight...I will refrain from arguing with you for the sake of my soul. Do you accept my offer to open the door for you?"
Twilight considered it for a moment. A moment. She knew her answer already. "Well. As much as I'd absolutely love to see you simply perish, die off, and be out of my life...I don't see anything like this presenting itself in the future. At all. So, I have a choice of sentencing you to death, or saving your life. I'll spare your life."
"Then the door awaits.", Sombra bowed to the front door.
"So, do we have to do this in a dark alley or something?", Twilight asked.
"No. Twilight, here is the simple version. There is one exisitng door into the Realm of Darkness. It has one light inside. Beyond it, you will see nothing. This door can be entered and opened from anywhere. So long as it is a transition between two places.", his horn glowed a deep color of red. The door before them shut, and then reopened, showing a simple cobblestone floor outside, and the glowing yellow lamp shed light only a short distance before all land to walk upon where gone. Something about the darkness beyond seemed...different. As if no matter which way she looked at it, it looked as if there really were nothing there but the void.
"This is it?", Twilight asked.
"Unsure?", Sombra asked.
"I've been searching for this for two years now."
"You could be a century into your search, and would never find it."
"I-I'm not sure. I can't. Not right now.", Twilight stepped back from the door. Sombra closed it, reopening the hotel front doors to the public.
"This offer lasts until sundown. I will open the gate for you any time before then."
Twilight watched the wall clock for a few seconds. "I'll collect a few things and be here by sundown. I'm going to need all I can."
"Don't bring a light. It's pointless, as it will not illuminate anything."
"Noted.", she trot off.
And being alone once again, Sombra began to decide on his next course of action. Which drew a blank for him. As far as he knew, he only had to wait for Twilight. Should have told her to pack lightly. A thick, blank book of spells, a quill, an inkwell, and a saddlebag to carry them with. There literally isn't anything else needed. You might not even need to write anything down.
Sombra sighed. Then scowled. He just questioned his own actions in his mind. He doesn't need to worry about being a "bad stallion", but now that he thinks of it, Twilight, being the mare she is, will either whole heartedly fail, or succeed and fail regardless. Sombra's soul was taken. He never offered it. And in it's place, a doppleganger were born. They could very well do the same to Twilight. Or could they have no power over a being with such power? Sombra were just an average unicorn.
What he told Grim was true, he went after, literally, the first flank he laid eyes on, having been resurrected but nay three moments before. He were just strolling the market as if it were a mare market. Yet...despite his original intentions, he has a far different quota. And cannot remove Fluttershy from his worries by any given effort, minimal or maximal. He will escort Twilight. It has been decided. Make sure Celestia doesn't find out a new darkness plagues Equestria, dodge a bullet...and give Fluttershy another round of attention.
It can fail. Very easily. But he will try.
Sombra sat down, looking up at the high ceiling above. Remarkably, clouds were inside the building. A few pegasi were aloft in their fluffiness.
By the by, and I know you're going to read this, that's why I put it here, I type all of my break lines. Like the one above. As if I were typing the word "four."
Fluttershy went over the booklet Octavia had presented her once more. She'd fed her pet lioness, such a sweet beast. Refilled all the bird feeders, dog bowls, tossed each rabbit their daily carrot and celery, gave the phoenix a chunk of charcoal for greeting her warmly. The lamb refused her food, but drank greedily, Octavia noted she may do this exactly, and that there is nothing to worry about as she had it covered already. Fluttershy giggled cutely as the lamb nuzzled her cheek. The one animal Fluttershy actually feared was the cockatrice, a deadly beast, but it were harmless. Literally. It were a dispelled cockatrice. Every cockatrice is born of a mixture of horrible magics intertwining a group of random unfortunate animals. The hate and destruction, even the evil, were removed completely. It left a full white cockatrice with no fangs and claws no sharper than a dog's. It were cute, wobblying as it did. Had to be one of Octavia's friendliest pets.
The cockatrice were the last, and it didn't eat or drink, it was a mythical beast. But it did need to be groomed, and Fluttershy began doing so immediately. Within seconds, the friendly cockatrice were cooing happily. In minutes, he were asleep. Octavia arrived home shortly after Fluttershy had finished everything Octavia had asked of her. The mare paid her generously for a job well done, and both parted ways for the day.
Fluttershy flew off loftily to meet Rarity at the designated lcoation they had planned to join together at. Rarity had ordered herself a cup of tea for herself and Fluttershy. Probably but moments before, as the second cup were still steaming.
"Fluttershy! Done with your chores for the day?"
"I tended to all of Octavia's pets, groomed all of them, except for Abiliese, her phoenix, as requested. She has a pet cockatrice!"
"Pardon?", Rarity asked, putting down her tea cup.
"A pure cockatrice. By lore, they're born from evil magics and unfortunate little animals. But that magic can be dispelled. And in it's place,a harmless little cockatrice.", Fluttershy sighed as she took her seat. "I wish I had a dispelled cockatrice."
"Darling.", Rarity cleared her throat. "That wouldn't be a very good idea, and it surely does not sound like a soundly safe idea either. But I will not convince you otherwise. It is your choice alone."
"What about you, Rarity? How was your day?"
"Fabu-", she halted. "Horrid. Sombra appeared today."
"Oh. Right. I had almost forgotten about him."
"Yes. Well. Be informed, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and I have talked it over, and Twilight wants to give him a chance. With you, and with freedom. So long as he plays nice. I apologize in advance for asking this of you, but if he does hurt you or even verbally berrates you, please, do not hesitate to tell us. I understand that it...may...be...possible to...uhm...If you...", Rarity huffed. Paused. Then smiled. "If you happen to fall in love, don't use that as an excuse to defend him. I'm not sure how that sounds to you. But...I do so hope you understand that we only want for you to be safe, darling. You of all mares do not deserve to even be considered by an abusive savage. Emphasis on savage on account for Sombra's recent efforts to attempt to take over an entire kingdom singlehoofedly."
"I-I'm not sure, though. It worries me more that he doesn't scare me. I was terrified of him in the Crystal Kingdom."
"Do you know what may have changed that, dear?"
Fluttershy sighed. "Certainly not magic." True. Fluttershy knows what magic feels like. If someone so much as prodded at her with any spell, infinitesimally small, even, she'd feel it. It's an odd feeling she can't place, but it's all too familiar.
"How do you know?"
"I can feel it."
"Well, I don't mean to be rude, but it's not a good idea to trust a feeling like that."
"No, I mean I could actually know if he used magic on me. He's only done it twice so far. The first time was merely the brace he used to keep me...well...me. The second time was when he transformed me back to my old self. With...a few things left out."
"Oh? What did he do to you?", Rarity demanded.
"He just...didn't remove my fangs is all..."
"Fluttershy!", Rarity halted. "Fluttershy.", she spoke softly. "That would be worth bringing to our attention. I'm sure if Applejack heard this conversation, she'd go on a stallionhunt just to findhimandkickhisteethin. Please excuse the brash statement."
"It's fine..."
"He intentionally left out that key feature. Hmph. Probably for his own sick victory in his tiny, savage mind. Hmph!", Rarity turned her nose up.
"W-Well, I don't mind. I mean, it's why he chose me in the first place..."
"Darling, don't convince yourself that it's "fine." It's not uncouth, but it isn't a pretty sight. We can simply get Twilight to unweave whatever magic he has done, and replace it with her own. If Sombra can do it, I'm sure Twilight could do it better . And without the fangs."
Fluttershy tucked her fangs completely into her lips.
"And that Sombra. Hmph. When I find him, I'm going to find the hottest object available and-"
Sombra cleared his throat.
Rarity turned to him with a scowl, and the first words out of ehr mouth were almost, "I'm going to murder you.", but she refrained from doing so. First so by questioning why . "What do you want?", she asked bitterly.
Sombra were quiet for a moment. He looked at Fluttershy, then rounded to her side, and sat down. "Don't you ever talk about her like that again."
"Wha- talk abou- What do you even mean?! I've done-"
"The absolute worst you could possibly do by talking down to your best friend."
Rarity came to a screeching halt.
"There is a very specific reason why she has fangs, and why her fangs are still fangs , Rarity. No amount of magic can fix that. If Twilight couldn't do it the first time, I can't do it the second time. It is permanent. Understood?"
Rarity made to speak, but nothing formed. After a good few moments, she blinked a few times, then looked at Fluttershy, then Sombra. "You mean..."
"I can't get rid of them. Neither can Twilight. Nor Celestia. Nor Luna. Nor them all combined . You can thank your purple friend for ruining that for her."
"This is Twilight's doing?"
"Unintentional, but true. It was a hastily cast spell meant to alter a pony's physical nature and mind. Not to revert her back to what she was. Twilight more than likely did not know this. By Celestia's law and magical might, the only way to perform these magics successfully, is through black magic. Of which I don't have access to, and Twilight did not have when she first cast the spell."
"But how is Fluttershy Fluttershy, then?", Rarity retorted.
"I reshaped her form. It's like putting a costume on, nothing more, nothing less. The magics used to suppress her vampire fruit bat mind are of the same type. Like putting a voice altering collar on."
"So she will have those fangs forever...", Rarity gasped. "I apologize wholeheartedly, dear."
"I don't mind.", Fluttershy said hushedly. Sombra smiled and nuzzled her affectionately. Fluttershy reacted by shying away with a deep red blush.
"That...is why you have my attention, love.", Sombra chuckled lowly.
"Well...", Rarity began. "I...thought differently of you. You're so...passionate..."
"Thank you."
"Well, it doesn't excuse what you've done and who you are, but you've sure managed to change my mind quite a bit. This will take quite some time to process." Rarity looked down at her tea, lifted it up, and downed it. "There is not enough tea.", she stepped down from her seat, headed towards the cafe vendor.
"Fluttershy. I think I should explain why I am so...well, I'd say it's interest right now. But I hope it can grow into something much deeper."
"Oh?"
"Fluttershy...I don't know where to begin, but I think your kindness would be the right place." Which meant he were figuring this out as he spoke. "Greed saw the massive well of magic. You've got such an impressive display of magical affinity, it dwarfs Twilight's own. You're powerful, and that grabbed my attention. I saw the fangs next, and I already said that I loved them. They made my heart thud when I got close enough to make them out on your framed features.", he paused, darting his eyes over her form as to observe her once more.
Rarity began her trek back from the cafe.
"There something about your gentleness, kindness. I don't know what it is, but I can't stop thinking about it. It does worry me. The more I think of it, the more worries come. Your well-being actually being one of those worries."
Fluttershy smiled a small, warm smile.
"Fluttershy, I can't tell you I love you, it's too soon, we haven't spent time together. Yet...I want to. By Celestia's name, I wish I coudl tell you I love you, but I know it's just looks and no mind to it. Yet, in the short time, that thought changed. I want to say that I've fallen for you Fluttershy. In a way that focuses on you and only you."
"Oh how adorable!", Rarity giddily hurried back to the couple.
"Shut up, peasant."
Rarity' features' deadpanned, and she slammed one tea pot into Sombra's head. Yet it hit a magical barrier instead. "I hope you rot in tartarus."
"I'll see you there.", Sombra remarked.
"No you won't, I'm generous and have done nothing but good. You've once even enslaved a kingdom."
"Wench."
"Tyrant."
Sombra paused, then turned to Rarity. "Too far."
"Have I?", Rarity asked.
"Rarity, please.", Fluttershy leaned against Sombra's side. The white unicorn sighed.
"Fine...I can't help it though. I hate you. So much."
"It actually hurts, you know.", Sombra stated.
"I didn't know a villain could feel, so excuse me."
"Villains don't. Good people do."
Rarity were silenced. She were now on the opposite end of the spectrum. She were the distasteful one, and Sombra the helpless prey. Wow. This feels very different.
Fluttershy dug her muzzle into Sombra's coat, sighing. "Please don't fight anymore."
Sombra gave Fluttershy heed, then sat upright. "Rarity. For Fluttershy's sake."
Rarity sighed, shaking her head. "Alright then."
"Then it is agreed."
Rarity and Sombra stared one another down before Rarity nodded, and returned to her tea. "No more fighting then. No more name calling. No smart remarks."
"Thank you Fluttershy.", Sombra nuzzled the vanilla mare affectionately.
Fluttershy placed a small kiss on his cheek. "For you, love."
Sombra smiled. Warmed his heart like a perfectly built brick oven.
Twilight came galloping into the cafe square but the next moment after, saddlebags overweighed tremendously and stuffed to bursting. She came to a stop in front of the couple, smiled as she wheezed, fell onto her side for a moment to catch her breath, and Sombra laughed.
"Sombra.", she panted.
"You need only three things. A blank spell book, an inkwell, and a quill."
"But...But what about...taking notes?", she wheezed.
"I said it's all you will need, I tell you the truth. Plus, it'd be best to travel lightly. You may have to run from something dangerous."
Twilight rolled onto her stomach. "Like what?"
"I don't know. But I've run from many a things in the darkness."
"Then why not tell me how to avoid them?"
"You can't run away. You can't hide, either. In the pitch black void of the darkness they follow a simple rule. If you can't see them, they can't see you. Yet, they take away the part where they can't see you. They will never be hindered by the darkness. You will."
"That's it?", Twilight asked.
"Yes."
Twilight stood up. Then shed everything, dumping everything into a miniature vortex. All that remained were her saddlebags and the three listed materials. "Then let's go!"
Sombra looked at Fluttershy, who turned her head towards the purple alicorn as if gesturing to her. Sombra shook his head as he approached Twilight, then cast his horn aglow. The doorway ahead of them, the very door into the cafe, opened to the familiar darkness Sombra had waltzed far too much, and the unforgettable sight Twilight had seen but some small time before.
"There has been much quarrel since I reappeared. Twilight, I'm going to earn your trust, and by doing so, will accompany you through the darkness. I led you to the door simply to stay alive. Fluttershy has my heart in her hooves, and I don't want to let that go. If you went alone, I fear your enthusiasm and excitement in the situation would cost you your mind and soul, and would ultimately piss Celestia off, because you are too stupid to know how to deal with double crossing heathens of the dark. May they hear me, and I hope they do, this is who and what they are. You will understand this, and you will not ever forget this. Am I clear, Twilight?"
Twilight shifted her gaze between both of Sombra's eyes, then nodded slowly.
"You probably won't even need anything at all.", Sombra sighed. "I'm not just accompanying you, the only reason why you will be allowed in here is by my will and under my command. I don't need your body being taken over by the darkness and another war starting because I feared death."
Twilight shut her mouth.
"Let's go."
They entered the threshold of the darkness.
There was literally no light. Twilight used a simple illumination spell. And then her mos powerful illumination spell.
"Why can't I use magic?"
"You can. But any form of light beyond the Twin Lanterns cannot physically exist here. Speaking of...Where is that ghost? It may be because someone new has entered."
"Sombra?", Twilight called. She were far away now.
"Marco."
"Uh...polo?", Twiligth called back.
"Come here. I'll wait for you."
"O...k...?", Twilight called back. She hurried over to his voice. And Sombra listened.
"Stop."
She halted just before him. "What now?"
"How about not speaking into my ear? You heard that right? Wod floors. This is the foyer. Also known as the First Room."
"How many rooms are there?"
"Don't know. Been in three so far."
"Do you try to map this place out?"
"Impossible. No landmarks. The wood is one solid piece. You can only know where you are by the sound of your hoofsteps."
"Oh." A long moment of silence passed. "Sombra?"
He shushed her. He could feel one of the Dark Masters as they slowly made their way across the wooden floor. For several long moments, they waited. Twiligth opened her mouth more than once to speak, but immediately shut it. Sombra gave her specific instructions. A minute passed. And another. The minutes drew on longer and longer.
The buckle on her left saddlebag came undone withotu warning, and her weight shifted as the bag were removed. "Sombra!", she said hushedly.
"Open your mouth, then bite down, we ahve to move, and I cannot let you get lost in here. We jsut need to travel deeper together..." He shoved the strap into her mouth,a nd took off, jerkign her along until she took to a gallop as well. And that's all they heard. Galloping hoofsteps across wood. Then it changed to stone. Sombra came to a slow stop.
"Why'd you stop?", Twilight asked.
"I summon thee, Grim, Angel of Judgment."
"I've been waiting for you to say something.", Grim replied in turn. Then chuckled. "Who...is...this?", he uncovered the lantern, shedding ligth on the three of them. Twilight shielded her eyes, if for a second. Sombra did not. Ater she regained ehr sight, Twiligth gasped, and took a few steps back.
"Calm, Twilight. Grim. We have two contracts that need to be made. They intertwine."
"Oh? A coupled agreement.", Grim hummed. "It can wait. This new disciple you have brought me is a worthy find. You were indeed correct. I am impressed."
"Contracts first.", Sombra pressed.
Grim turned his gazef rom Twilight, then stood up right. He produced a massive scythe from his robes, and slammed the end into the stone, crackingit, forcing it apart, and hung the lantern in the blade.
"W-What are you?", Twilight asked.
"In a minute, Twilight.", Sombra answered.
"What are these contracts you desire, Sombra?", Grim asked.
"Two contracts that I write myself. If you wouldn't mind, Twilight, provide me with two pages from your books."
Twilight didn't hesitate, and in but two seconds, supplied him with two papers.
"Grim, if you wouldn't mind, I do need a quill."
"But I ahve a quill. I have three. I hope you didn't drop that bag."
"I didn't. But your quill won't work. These contracts are to be written in blood, and signed equally. No less."
Grim supplied along black case from hsi robes, opening it to the stallion. Sombra took one, stabbed his first hoof, deep, then began writing as the blood began to pour.
The First Contract
Princess Twilight Sparkle:___________________ Dark Master Grim:____________________ King Sombra:_______________________
These three are hereby bound by this contract once the last of the three has signed.
This contract voids the previously signed contract that has rendered King Sombra's connection to black magic inert. This contract renders any future contracts with any Dark Master and Twilight Sparkle impossible. Exception: Any Dark Master whom signs this contract. Upon signing this contract, King Sombra reclaims his ability to perform black magic, and gains the title as Dark Apprentice under Dark Master Grimm. Upon signing this contract, Twilight Sparkle gains the title as Disciple of the Abyss under Dark Apprentice King Sombra.
Sombra Presented the contract to Grim.
Grim took his time reading over the contract. A lot of time. In fact, as the time drew on even longer, Sombra grew more and more worried. "This is a game to you, isn't it?"
"If the only way to win is to play...", Sombra answered.
"What an answer filled with whit.", he levitated the contract before him. A rush of black magic, and the small light show under his hood later, the contract practically emanated a black glow. Grim pulled his left sleeve up, and cracked open one of hsi bones. As an inkwell for his quill, he dipped it lightly, then signed his name and title. Dark Master Grim, Angel of Judgment.
Sombra signed his name and title. King Sombra.
As the contract was brought to Twilight, she hesitated, unsure of what to do. Sombra offered her a quill that neither of them had previously used. "Sign."
Twilight read it over. Quickly. Then jabbed the sharp tip into her hoof, pulling it free to sign her name and title. Princess Twilight Sparkle.
"Sombra, please-"
"Silence.", Sombra took the contract. As he presented it to grim, three more Masters fo Darkness began to near the lantern's light. Two, Sombra had never known of. But one of them...One of them he knew. "We will return, you ahve my word!", he grabbed Twilight, castign the spell which tossed them out of the abyss, and it shot them out of the door, sending them tumblign out of the door they had entered.
"what jsut happened?", Twilight asked.
"I tossed us out of the void before we were torn to pieces!", Sombra said swiftly. He took a few seconds to calm his hastened breathing, looked at the settign sun, and sighed.
"Did I do something wrong?", Twiligth asked.
"No. Not at all. You did everythign you were told. And that was perfect. And I got my magic back.", Sombra tossed black magic arcs between his hooves. "Perfect."
"So, you can teach me blakc amgic, now?"
"No. No, you need to make a contract with Grim, first. And one very specific rule, you never, ever, use the word 'my' in any contract. Instead us the word 'this', so that they cannot take from you what you had not intended to lose."
"Is that for the contracts for-"
"Only one contract. And that contract gives you black magic. You have to give up somethign of equal or greater value. I gave up my kingdom. And made the mistake of using the dman word as well...They took my kingdom, turned it to ashes, then took my body. I am the king, therefore part of the kingdom."
Twilight approached Sombra. "What now?"
"I'm distressed. Give me a minute. Or maybe an hour. This doesnt go away by me simply calming down, it goes away over time. That was Dark Master Avarice. And his magic is horrid."
"I thought that was Grim."
"No. Who you saw was Grim. Who was approaching, and had grabbed me, was Avarice. My mind is filled with paranoia, fear, and I can't calm my beating heart."
"I can just use a Happy Days spell on you, that should clear it up."
"You don't understand, Twilight, it's black magic! You have no ability to evade or slow this, or even change it in any possible way! It's there to stay until it ebbs away!", Sombra took a few rapid breaths. "I'm lucky...I'm lucky he only touched me."
Fluttershy took Sombra's side, and it shocked him enough to make him jump, but her gentle touch was familiar enough, he held himself from striking her. "Fluttershy. I forgot you were here..."
"Teach em this magic so I can help you...", she whispered in his ear.
"Twiligth leave.", Sombra commanded. "Twilight. Leave. I'll bring you back later. Just leave."
Twilight nodded. "Alright. I'll...leave you two be. Rarity!", she called to the alabaster unicorn who was well into her fifth pot of tea.
"Repeat...after me. Placidus saltus, lenis anima. Luminis."
"Placidus Saltus. Lenis Anima. Luminis."
Fluttershy felt the the very strength of her body drain completely, and her breath, disappear. A small light accumulated in front of Sombra, and as he gazed upon it, it washed away everything . No more avarice trifling his mind. He snapped his attention to Fluttershy and worked his magic, cycling the air in and out of the deathyl exhausted mare's lungs. It took a moment. But she came to. Not awake, but she were breathing again. Lightly. Sombra laid down beside her, put his forehead to the ground, and covered his head with his hooves.
"What are you doing?"
Sombra picked his head up gingerly, his eyes barely adjusting to the light. He stareda t Rainbow Dash silently, then engulfed Fluttershy in a field of magic, lifting her off the ground and onto his back. "Bringing Fluttershy home. Or the closest possible building to that which she calls home. Where is she staying?"
"In the hotel down the street. We're here on business. Ya know, elements of the magic of friendship and all. So, watch yaself, Sombra! If anything, we'll do to you exactly the same thing we did to discord.", she squinted at him, pushing her hoof into his chest. With a burst of magic, she were sent flying backwards and tumbled on the ground.
"Don't ever take me lightly. that fool of a draconequus can't conjure aflame so much as he could convince a spark to burna forest! That damn anarchist is going to get a beating if he ever corsses me, I don't see why Celestia didn't do the same! Now! I'm not in the mood for being trifled or angry! You said Fluttershy lives in the hotel down the street, thent hat is my destination!", Sombra began the short trek to said location...
Fluttershy were well asleep. Her dream weren't straightforward, and everything were blurry and hazy. As if she were barely there in that world. Yet, some images and sounds stuck like vibrantly colored glue. Perfect pictures of those exactly. One was...a handsome, dark stallion with an air of regality, well-dressed and groomed. It made Fluttershy's chest feel warm. Next to him, though...there sat a darker colored stallion. Like shadow made up his mane and pitch black were his coat's color. A jagged horn extended from his forehead, and his teeth, all of them were pointed. His eyes were white, slitted, and looked angry as all get out.
These two visages simply sat next to one another. they didn't fight, didn't move, either, didn't even talk. They just existed next to one another. And then they disappeared as fluttershy woke up. To the sound of thunder and the grey light of clouds rolling far above.
Rain ebgan to fall on her, as well as her transport. that moment, she found herself on someone's back, and it both feared and relaxed her both as she spotted the dark color of Sombra's coat. Ultimately, she jsut relaxed. He were carrying her gently.
Fluttershy tried her best, but ultimately failed as she tried to move. Sombra's magic fixed that, repositioning her on his back to a more comfortable position. "Better?"
"Y....yeah...", fluttershy said softly.
"I used you. By repeating what I had said, you offered your well of magic over my own to cast the spell. I willed it, and it happened. All worries I had, which were provided by teh very touch of malice himself, were whisked away. And ti would have taken an alicorn's magical affinity to make that happen. You ahve that magical affinity and more. But you are not used to using magic, so it killed you for a moment. I kept you alive."
"Why...."
"Because, Fluttershy. I am evil. I barely care about others' safety and well being."
"Why would you....do that to me....?"
"Because...I wanted your gentle touch to make my fears go away..."
Fluttershy laid her head on his neck, slowly drifting back to sleep. Sombra erected an umbrella overhead to deter the rain. The next moment Fluttershy woke up, rain were still pouring overhead. Just not on her. She were in her own hotel bed, and the sound of rain were still strong, which meant...someone had the window open. Sure enough, as Fluttershy turned her head, she found sombra int he windowsill, lounging, not on the balcony, but the railing of the balcony instead. He were soaked from mane to hoof.
Where Sombra lie, he kept a regal-looking appearance and position, as if sleeping. He opened his eyes to glance at Fluttershy, then closed them again.
"You've been asleep for two hours. Which is impressive. Draining Twilight of her amgical reserves the same way I had done to you, should've left her asleep for half a day. Are you tired?"
"Mmm...", fluttershy shifted under the covers. "No.", she closed ehr eyes, letting the last tidbits of sleep ebb away.
"Are you content where you are?"
Fluttershy opened her eyes, gazing upon Zombra. She nodded.
"Good.", he smiled.
"Why are you on the blacony?"
"More so, te railing, some people ask."
"You do this frequently?"
"More often than you'd think. Everyone has their personal preference for a seat or place to lounge. Mine is upon the railing of a balcony. On the brink. Death on one side, life on the other. If you were to take it to the extremes....", Zombra stood up on said railing, hopping down. He shook himself violently, sluffing off most of the water, then witha bit of magic, dried himself completely, approaching Fluttershy. "Can I have a smile?", he smiled at the vanilla mare. Fluttershy shied away. "You are namesake. I'll fetch something to eat. You must be famished."
As if on cue, Fluttershy's own stomach groaned. Nonsense! Se ate shortly before meeting with Rarity, two hours couldn't have....Then again, Sombra did use her like a magic battery....
"Something sweet.", Fluttershy pulled the covers closer.
"Fruit it is.", Sombra marched off.
Took him but a few minutes to return. When he did, Sombra found fluttershy...on the edge of the balcony. Where he were but moments before. She were looking out on the Canterlot proper, watching the rain pour down from overhead like a massive deluge. Her mane were soaked, and trailed down her sides, pooling on the balcony like a pink river.
"Sampling the danger of living on the edge?", Sombra asked as he approached. Fluttershy gasped, then stepped down quickly, shaking herself free of the water that soaked her coat. Sombra set the tray of uncut fruits on the nigthstand, approaching the drenched vanilla mare with a soft expression of happiness. She shied away once she parted her mane to see. "My dear fluttershy, what would you have to fear?"
"Y-you!", she backed up to the edge of the rain. Lightning struck behind her, and she jumped, training her eyes on sombra. She began to shiver. It mayhaps be out of fear more than the cold of the rain.
Sombra sighed. "Then I have a choice to make.", he pulled one of the towels from it's place by the door, magicking it to Fluttershy. He dried her mane first, then began drying her coat.
"Why are you doing this?", Fluttershy asked.
"You don't want to catch a cold, do you? Many a pegasi has gotten sick from ignoring the age old saying. Especially when flying through the rain. If it wasn't evident now, then I should admit it. I have an affection for you, Fluttershy. And I care about your well being. Thats much more to say for you than the remainder of this world. Porbably including myself...", he finished drying her coat and tail. Next, he balsted her coat with a hot magical wind, giving her a once down to completely dry her. And she looked so fluffy, now. It brought a smile to Sombra's features.
"I hada d ream last night...About you...", Fluttershy moved away from Sombra, cautiously walking around him.
"Go on.", Sombra enticed.
"There were...two of you. A handsome young stallion that I...I-I...", she blushed. "He were next to...another you. A demon."
"Stop right there. Please. I've had this nightmare too many times to relive it anymore than I have to."
"You...you've had this dream before?"
"Hopefully you didn't dream that which I did. I always found that demonic version of myself tearing my innocent half to bloody shreds, feasting on his heart, tearing out his...", Sombra halted. Fluttershy had a hoof over her mouth. "I'm sorry, I went too far. I did bring fruit. Nothing which I will tease you over.", He levitated a peach over to fluttershy, and she grabbed it, biting into it greedily.
Fluttershy damn near attacked the fruit, taking hungry bites of it until nothing remained. When she were finished, she were breathing raggedly, her eyes were red, and those fangs Sombra loves so much...as pronounced as they've ever been.
"May I interest you in more?", Sombra levitated the full tray closer.
"I would rather you feed me.", Fluttershy crawled onto the bed, lounging ont he pillows. Her mane were still partially soaked, and her coat, freshyl dried. She looekd fluffy and unkempt. With a small smile, Sombra stepped onto the ebd as well, lying on th opposite end as he set teh tray between them. And fed her as she requested. Bar none to the vampiric fruit loving half of herself that Sombra craved so much. Sombra gave her every bit of what she wanted. Whent he tray were empty, he set it aside. Only tidbits of fruit left. Fluttershy didn't look like she were finished, though.
"Is there more?", she asked.
"It would be best not to feed the animal inside you. You ahve two minds melding into one. If not eased into this, you will lose who you are. The magic holding you as...well, you, is waning. Twilight was never able to fix it int he first place, it would eventually lead to the same outcome, and that would be you slowly turning into a...vampire bat mare. Granted, her first attempt would have taken years, if not, half a decade, and you would slowly change. But since my meddling, it has made things....unstable. You have to work with me if you want to stay who you are."
fluttershy eyed him vigilantly.
"You...look so beautiful, I would love for you to never change...but I can't be selfish. Tell em your name."
"Fluttershy."
"Yet, you don't feel shy, do you?"
"No."
"You feel instead...confident, or rather, agitated."
"Agitated. There is no more fruit."
"Allow me to refine my previously made spell. Like putting a costume on a costume.", Sombra's horn glowed a dim red as he began piecing the spell together.
"And if I don't want to change?", she sat up.
"Who you are is determined by what you were, not what you will be. Whom you decide you become should never be influenced by anything other than you. In this case, it is a backfired spell warping your mind."
"Backfired? I'm rather upset that it was cast in the frist palce!"
"Oh, it seems the spell is breaking down rather swiftly."
"Why would you try to suppress me? You have an affection for me.", she said in a smooth tone. "Yous aid so yourself!", she said in a much harsher tone.
"I have an affection for the gentle, pretty mare you are. Not this beast you are hiding."
Her expression softened.
"You're the element of kindness...the gentle touch of care and forgiveness. I think that's what I need now more than ever. I think...I think it's time to give up the dark arts."
Fluttershy's features dimmed back a little, seemign softer. "You...you would do that?"
"For me...and for you.", he admitted.
"For me?", she blushed.
Sombra smiled. "There she is."
Fluttershy giggled slightly, blushing deeper as she faux stole away.
"This conversation must hold more weight to you than usual.", Sombra's horn dimmed down further until it fixled out. "The spell needed to rewrap your mind is ready, but only necessary if we both fail. Fluttershy, if you want to be who you are, then you need to accept what you are turning into, and must come to even terms with this new mindset forcing it's way into your own. Believe me when I say, you are going to speak to this other version of yourself. Mayhaps in a mirror more often than any way else."
"Why?"
"It's because magic cannot fix everything. A mare who knew nothign of th esubject....ruined any opportunity to fix the problem compltely. A stallion with pride that he coudl do better...unraveled the first cast and weaved his own over it, making the subject as a whole, unstable. Magical instability isn't uncommon or rare. It is an every day thing. For everyone. And exhausting your reservoir of magic has probably made the spells used even that much more unstable.", Sombra sighed. "If we fail, I'm going to ask Celestia for help. If Twilight gives it a second attempt, it will probably permanently lock you in a state of vampiric hunger, and none of us will be able to return you to what you once were."
"I forgive you.", Fluttershy sighed.
"Forgive me?"
"For making a mistake.", she smiled. "We can't allb e perfect. Plus, you're the only stallion who's ever gotten close to me long enough...to...uhm...", she blushed.
"I won't press, but I think I understand."
"I've just...never...had a stallion be so nice to me, before..."
"Really? With that beautiful mane, perfect coat, that cute smile, I'm baffled that I'm the first to give you the time of day."
"It...doesn't help that I live so far away from everyone."
"Well, I will vist every day. How's that sound?"
"I think I'd like that.", fluttershy beamed.
"Remember, that mare can show up out of nowhere. Even right when I leave this room. If you ever ened help, I can be there in but a moment."
Fluttershy nodded. Sombra picked up the tray in his magic, and hopped down off the bed. "I will be back with more fruit."
As sombra left, Twilight took his place in the room, bounding in swiftly. "Fluttershy! there you are! Rainbow Dash told me he took you here!"
'It's ok, Twilight, I'm fine.", Fluttershy smiled.
"But you're as batty as you've ever looked! The only thing that hasn't changed is your wings!"
"It's ok!", fluttershy assured her. "Sombra is helping me. I think I'm starting to like him..."
Twilight felt a chil run down her spine. Or rather...not a chill, but a discomfort. This feeling is foreign. "Fluttershy, he's a danger to anyone around him, especially with his connection to the dark arts."
Fluttershy still smiled. "He told me he would give up black magic."
"What?! But I still don't- I can't let this- No, I just found the damend Door! I've been trying to study this subject of magic for years!"
"And it will end before we make the next contract. I'm writing a new one presently.", Sombra entered the room. A quill and parchment were behind him, dipping itself in and out of his shoulder repeatedly to continue writing.
"No! You can't just dngle this in front of me, and then take it away, you sick....bastard!!!", Twilight barked.
A round of silence entered the room as Sombra finished the contract, rolled it up, then healed his small shoulder wound. "The forces of light and dark have ever fought one another. It's never stopped. Let me ask you something. Why? What practical use would you ahve of black magic, a dangerous art, in this day and age of the friendship of amgic?"
"Magic of friendship!", Twilight corrected. "And-"
"I don't care what it's called."
"I could use it for-"
"Nothing that which could be done by regular magic or even whit emagic! Villains get power so much more easily, and quicker, too, but here's some information for you, lil filly. Playing the villain sucks. Why in Equestria would you want to be hated, when you can be loved and revered?"
"I-I wouldn't be hated! I wouldn't use this magic-"
"For evil purposes? Guess what. The dark masters themselves take up the age old saying, 'Never expect a fair fight', and they take it to the extreme. Everything that gives them the edge against the light, anything that gives them the advantage or winning ticket, they take it without hesitation, or make it come to them that much swifter! The onyl dark master whom does not have evil motives is Dark Master Grim himself! And he is but a simple neutral aprty. He doesn't act for the greater good! Now stop pestering me about black magic, give up this foalish idea of lernign all arts of magic just for the sake of having all magic at your disposal, and grow up! You want to start a war over Equestria between ligth and dark, the go ahed! The door is right there!", Sombra's horn sparked to life, slamming and openign the door tot he room, leading not to the hall outside, but the dark abyss.
Twilight didn't budge.
"The Dark Masters will find a way to take over your mind and body. They don't always honor their contracts. They twist each contract as best they can so that they may benefit from it, wheres your benefits are but something of a sideffect. If anything, Master Syphon would eat you, consume your magic, then start a war on his own, starting with devouring as many ponies as he could, beginning with the most powerful. You're an alicorn, and so is Celestia. All it would take is thirty seconds, and an illusory spell to make him look like you. Equestria would fall.", he slammed the Door.
Twilight turned her gaze down.
"The people who yell at you the most want the best for you. Believe me when I say, I am as good as you are, I was, and will still be. My mind was simpyl warped by the masters of darkness. Why they brought me back to life is beyond me. It may actually have been my own black magic resurrecting me, or Celestia herself, I do not know, I do not care. I watched an entire kingdom fall before me, watching helplessly as something which controlled my body took said kingdom over and made every pony he could make, suffer. I'm done with evil, I'm done with suffering, I'm done with being alone. I have a chance to live a normal life, and this is me seizing it by the reigns. Don't EVER ask me anything about the dark arts. And I'm going to steel myself to confront Celestia herself to let her know exactly what you've been getting into."
Twilight's gaze snapped to Sombra.
"What better way to discipline a foal than to tell their teacher?"
"Sombra, that is enough.", fluttershy piped. Sombra turned his gaze to the batty mare, lockign himself within her fierce gaze. "Leave."
Sombra didn't retort, or make a comment. He simply listened, turned, and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
"Fluttershy...", Twilight turned to the manilla mare.
She simply laid down, curled herself up comfortably, then rested where she were. On a bed of pillows, feral as she had ever looked.
Twilight bolted out the door.