Corrah's Past
I was outside the right wing of the Crystal Palace in the royal garden doing my job, gardening. While pulling out some weeds, I realized somepony had entered the garden and was right behind me. I spun around with weeds still in my mouth only to be face to face with a visiting student of Celestia’s. A Unicorn with a dark gray coat, pitch black mane and compassionate red eyes, mysterious yet allusive. Spitting out the plants, I quickly regained my usually posture and introduced myself, “Welcome to the royal garden, I’m Corrah, the gardener.”
“Hello Corrah” his voice had a nice velvety tone to it. “I am Sombra, I was studying at PCSTU, that’s Princess Celestia’s School for Talented Unicorns, but decided I wanted to experience and learn other cultures from inside the culture not book.” I heard a one of Celestia's students was visiting the empire.
“Nice to meet you Sombra, that sounds like you like to learn a lot.”
“That’s an understatement, I love knowledge therefore I love learning it,” Sombra said with a grin.
“I do hope the Crystal Empire helps feed your desire of knowledge.”
“Me too... hey YOU could help me,” he said as he turned and took a step toward me until we became face-to-face.
“Pardon?” I asked as I took a step back to create some space to breathe.
“Well you said you’re the gardener and I know nothing of gardening so how about you teach me?” Sombra said while looking at me with big eager eyes. I mulled it over but too thoroughly.
“Sure, I’d love too, want to start let’s say tomorrow afternoon.”
“Why not right now?” he suggested.
“...ok.., I was just about to cut this bush into a pony.” Sombra took a seat on the cobblestone path and patiently watched me as I grabbed the clippers. Taking a deep breath, I began to cut into the leaves. This was the first time I was trying this technique on a full grown bush that was actually in the garden instead of my miniature test bushes at home, and now I had an audience, honestly I was rather nervous. Calm down Corrah he's not an expert so he won't know if I make a mistake or take a guess, take another deep breath and let’s continue. One cut after another, slowly and meticulously, but when I looked at Sombra he had the same big doe eyes as when we started, taking in every movement and slice of the blades. After sometime I stood back to examine my work, a few free leaves became quite evident and I dove back into the world of topiary, while Sombra sat quietly. Eventually, repeating the process of standing back and trimming a little here and a bit there, a dozen more times, I stood back and satisfaction filled my face with a grin. Turning around to go put back the clippers, I nearly tripped over Sombra forgetting he was even there, oops.
“Amazing,” he exclaimed to a disheveled me. “ I’ve never actually watched a pony do topiary; your focus and precision was incredible,” he marveled.
“Oh thank you, well it is my passion, I've always loved the look of a tidy garden that is neat yet elegant," I said smiling to myself. "Did you want to try some tomorrow?”
His eyes lit up. “ Yes thanks I’d love to.”
“Well I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Why should I leave right now I want to hear more about you and your love of gardening, Miss Corrah, what’s your story?” He said as he took a seat on the nearby bench and motioned me to join him.
Slightly suspicious I agreed, “ Well it’s not that interesting,” I warned. I told him about my job and hobbies and how I loved to nurture and watch things grow but as I kept talking my walls began to come down and I opened about my different personal experiences. It seemed only minutes, but when I finally shut up, I saw the sun setting low in the horizon. I jumped to me feet and was about to sprint home in time to make some kind of dinner when I was stopped by a gentle hoof on my stiff shoulder.
“Thank you for talking with me, you’re the friendliest person I met here so far.” he smiled, got up, and began to walk out the garden.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I blurted out accidentally. A blush warmed my face as I began to trot off toward my house. Arriving, the sight of large shining crystal building warmed my heart as I started to walked in.
The Next Day
Tomorrow dawned and I began to my usual routine, but remembered to take a practice bush for Sombra. A bit after my lunch break, I saw Sombra walking toward the entrance and my heart fluttered. Sombra eagerly eyed up the bush I brought, visualizing the final product. “If you think you’re ready, here are some clippers, just remember, slow and steady makes the topiary.” Taking the clippers, he began to cut. Eyes focused and hands steady, Sombra cut more. Because his bush was smaller, Sombra finished a while before I had finished the day before. Standing back, a smile crept on his face.
“What do you think?” He said with his face glowing. The head was a bit small, the hooves uneven shapes, and the mane was just chaotic, but it was his first time ever doing any topiary, so I tried to be nice.
“It’s a great first start,” I said not realizing how rude that may have come across.
“It was fun, but I don’t think topiary is for me,” He admitted.
“Why not?” I questioned forgetting that not all ponies are interested by the earth quite as I am.
“Well it doesn’t intrigue me as it does for you.”
“Well, what does interest you, beside knowledge in general, what do you like to learn most?” Pondering his answer, a deep focus overcame his face like when he cut the bush or when he watched me yesterday.
“I really love learning magic more than anything else I think,” He said with a satisfied look on face for his answer. As he said that I looked up at his head and remembered he was a unicorn not an earth pony and realized he hadn’t used his magic for the topiary, I wonder why.
“Why is that your favorite?”
“Because new magic gives you new abilities.”
“If you love using magic, why didn’t you use it for the topiary?”
“Because I don’t know anything about gardening with hooves let alone magic.” Maybe that’s why he doesn’t like gardening, it doesn’t use magic. I guess that means no matter what I teach him in gardening it will never completely interest him because it doesn’t involve magic, so I should try taking a different approach.
“Well, this was all I planned to teach today, so could you tell me about Your past today?” I held my breath as I felt his stare now upon me.
“Sure, you did share your past so I will mine, but I must warn its not that interesting,” He said mimickingly with a grin. As we sat on the same little garden bench, Sombra opened his life to me. He was born and raised in Canterlot and had attended Celestia’s prestigious school since he was a foal. His mother was a brilliant professor there, while his father was in business, but both were often busy so young Sombra looked to books for entertainment and comfort. That was probably why he loves to learn, it was a substitute for family, so new knowledge must be like adding loving family to his mind, I realized. Studying under Celestia so long, Sombra yearned for new knowledge rather than refreshing old knowledge, so Celestia sent him to the Crystal Empire because of its uniqueness and charm. The Crystal Empire definitely was unique, not only were all the buildings and ponies crystal, it was in the middle of tundra yet completely warm and sunny inside the empire, like they had their own weather pattern from the outside world. This mystery had puzzled ponies inside and out of the empire for centuries but most of the civilians learned to just accept it the way it was. "That was it!" I thought. Sombra wanted new knowledge and anything outside of the empire was frozen and untouched therefore unknown so new. Perfect, I should ask him right now. As I turned my head to face him I realized Sombra wasn’t there. Spinning my head frantically, my eyes stopped on the entrance where he stood exiting with a raised hoof waving before heading out onot his destined route. He must of said goodbye and headed off while I was still thinking, I have to stop zoning out on him. Well I can ask him tomorrow. I got up and started to trot home.
The Next Day
Rising early, I quickly got ready and rushed off to the garden to finish before Sombra came. The day passed swiftly and suddenly noon was upon me. I hurriedly finished the last few tasks as Sombra could be seen in the distance coming towards the entrance. I composed myself and walked over to greet him as he came in. “Why do you seem so rushed today?” Sombra questioned with concern in his eyes.
“Well yesterday I had an epiphany, why should I teach you something your heart isn’t in, so instead I think we should go outside the empire and explore the many caves and their secrets.” Adventure lit up Sombra’s eyes as he nodded in agreement. “But before we go we’ll have to get proper gear, it’s a tundra out there and exploring has its dangers too, so let go home get ready and meet back here in an hour.”
“Yes sir,” he said giving a salute along with a wide grin before turning and racing back home. It was funny how the thought of the adventure made him look and act like a young foal. I trotted home chuckling to myself at his excitement and began to pack myself a bag and bundle up. Scarf, hat, boots, all bundled up. Saddle bag with water, carrots, flashlight, compass, and blanket, all set. I glanced up at the clock, a bit early, but I’ll still head over now. As I came closer to the garden, I could see Sombra already patiently waiting for who knows how long. I came into the garden and we began to walk to the entrance of the empire. Along the way I explained all I knew about the outside, which isn’t much, and what I was planning on us searching. There were known to be a network of caves and tunnels due northeast of the entrance that were not explored, so that would be our destination. We reached the entrance and fear began to creep into my mind as I stared out from the warmth into a snowing wasteland. Luckily Sombra was unfazed and continued to walk forward awaking me from my fear and remembering my purpose. Icy air hit our faces as snow came plummeting down thickly upon our coats. I pulled out my compass barely visible through the snow to find our direction in the all the white.
“The caves are this way,” I shouted through the snow, while motioned to Sombra. We plodded through the heavy snow, each step taxing, but then I could see them the caves, more like dark blobs, but I knew if we could get in there we would be sheltered from the snow. I picked up my pace and Sombra followed until we reached to large cave mouth. As I stepped in, my legs gave out and I lied there sprawled out on the cave floor breathing heavily. Sombra sat down next me catching his breath. Eventually, Sombra stood up and I began to raise myself up as well.
Grabbing his flashlight he turned to me, “You ready?” I nodded in response and quickly got out my flashlight and walked over to him. Turning on the lights we began to go deeper into the cave. Cold moisture hung in the air as we walked. Scanning the walls and floor, I wasn’t even sure what I was looking for just something, anything. I looked over at Sombra and determination painted his face grimly with a sturdy frown and eyes taking in everything. Suddenly his eyes grew large and his flashlight halted. “What is that?” he exclaimed as he rushed over to the wall. I ran over and examined the markings. It just looked like three triangles, but these caves were mysterious, it could mean anything. Sombra looked over them and examined them closely but seemed to find nothing. “Hmm, these figures must have some significance, I’m sure of it.”
“Maybe we can find something about them in the library,” I suggested.
“Okay, tonight let’s do research but tomorrow lets come out again.”
“Agreed.” We turned back and head to the mouth of the cave. The air got chillier the closer we got closer to the exit. Once we were at the mouth, I took out the compass pointed our direction, we fixed our snow gear and headed out. Snow came down heavier than before and wind whipped through our manes. Finally, we came to the Crystal Empire’s entrance and I nearly fell flat on my face as I went from freezing into a warm sunny spring day. Sombra shook the snow from his coat and gave me hoof getting up.
“I’m off to the library,” he said as he began to sprint into the city toward the great library. That pony sure was determined to learn new things, I thought, as I chuckled to myself and began to walk home for a nice warm bath. After I was finally warmed up again, I trotted over to the library. I opened the large crystal doors expecting a wave of silence, but instead ruffling pages hit my ears, then hoof steps, then more pages, then more hoof steps. I walked over the isle where the noise was deriving. Only one pony stood in the aisle. Sombra. He stood alone but many books littered the floor.
“Sombra?” He sharply turned obviously unaware of my entrance.
“Oh hello Corrah, I haven’t found anything on the triangles yet but I feel like I close.”
“How long have you been here?” I said recognizing his scarf still on.
“Since we came back.”
“Well don’t work yourself too hard and remember to get some sleep, you are planning on trekking out into the tundra tomorrow so your don’t want to over do it tonight,” I cautioned.
“I won’t, I’ve done plenty all night study sessions to know the consequences.” He said confidently.
“Okay, if you’re sure.” I said still unconvinced. I walked over to next aisle and began to pull books. Hours passed and exhaustion fell over me. I put back the book I had been skimming and headed to the front. As I opened the large doors I could still hear Sombra flipping pages, now not as quickly but still evident. I went out and began walking home.
The Next Day
A stuffy feeling overwhelmed me. My head felt sore and my nose was stuffed. I was sick. That’s what I get for being in a frozen tundra all day and getting minimal sleep. Poor Sombra, he will be so disappointed. I slowly got up and got some paper and scribbled a note: “Sombra, so sorry I can’t go out today, I caught a dreadful cold, but I’d love to hear what you discover so drop by when you get back. Corrah” Then I wrote my address at the bottom. I opened the door and sulked out of my home toward the palace. I reached the garden and secured my note on the garden bench. Than I turned around and went home. I crashed on my bed and slept for a few hours. When I got up it was the afternoon, Sombra must have headed off already. I made some soup and then fell asleep again. This time I was awoken by my door bell. I opened the door and Sombra stood there with strange smile on his face and I saw his eyes had a greenish tint in the whites and eerie purplish wisps flowed on the sides of them, I looked down and he had a book in his hand, a very dusty book completely black.
“Come on in Sombra,” I said nasally because of my stuffy nose. Sitting himself on an armchair, I sat on the couch across.
“Well, I didn’t find anything on the triangles while researching, but when I went back out and found them again I randomly placed my horn and two hooves on the wall, one on each triangle just to try something, and the stone sunk in. I stood back in shock and then saw as a book fell from inside the wall into the newly made hole. I opened it up and read through some of it and it has spells I have never seen before or even heard about. One spell even makes crystals! So after reading a bit of it I ran back and came here as soon as possible to show you.”
“Wow that’s incredible,” I said weakly. “I wish I had been there to help.”
“Well it was bitter cold out there so its better you stayed here,” He reassured.
“So tomorrow do you want to meet in the garden and look over the book.”
“If you feel up to it.”
“I’ll be there,’” I stated confidently.
“Okay then, well until tomorrow,” He said as he walked out. I decided to turn in early and headed up to bed and mauled over the new information I had learned.
The Next Day
Waking up, I felt refreshed, my cold was gone, thank Celestia. I went off to the garden and started working. By lunch, I was all done. Eventually, I saw Sombra trotting over towards the garden. As he came closer and green in his eyes was more distinct and the purple shadows seemed thicker. He came in and placed the book on the bench. His horn was strange too, a slight red coloring to the top of it. “Corrah, watch this,” he said as his horn began to glow. A black crystal rose up from the ground, but it was like no other crystal, it was dull and dark. Sombra looked eagerly at me for a response, but my expression was just shock. I went up to the crystal and the closer I got a sickening mixture of hate and dread began to fill me. I jumped back from the poisoning aura.
“Sombra, this crystal is not right it gives of hatred and dread not beauty and joy like the others.”
Sombra’s face turned sour. “What is it not good enough for you? You with your ‘high class’ crystal knowledge?”
“What? No Sombra what are you even talking about?”
“I, Sombra, am the most knowledgeable pony in all of Equestria, ME, not you!” His voice was sharp and his eyes were wild with purple flames licking green and his red irises flaming with malice. His horn began to turn inward slightly as the red pulsed deeper as he yelled.
“Sombra please calm down,” I said weakly.
“Calm down?! Why should I, the brilliant Sombra, listen to the ignorance of you,” he spat.
“But I thought we were friends” I stuttered.
“Ha, I, Sombra, befriend such a lowly pony as you, only in your wildest dreams.” My heart shattered into a thousand pieces, this stallion who I had taught and given my time and opened up to, now shut me down in one foul sentence leaving me frozen. “Sombra, the most intelligent pony in the world,” He continued, “so smart in fact he should not listen to anypony. None can compare to the wisdom of Sombra, so Sombra will be their wisdom, he will guide them." An evil smirk grew on his face as dread grew on mine. Grabbing the book, Sombra marched out of the garden and toward the palace’s entrance. I stood frozen there in the garden, trying to make sense of his new ego and change of heart, it wasn’t Sombra at all, merely his skin, but not him. I had to stop him. Racing out of the garden, I sprinted through the palace doors which were already opened widely. Running up the steps, I saw guards knocked out along them. What is Sombra trying to do? I sharply turned into the King’s throne room but it was too late. Sombra was mounted on the throne while king lay motionless on the ground while the queen and princess were no where in sight. Sombra had armored legs, a blood-red cape lined with fur, and the King’s crown turned into his black crystal mounted on his head. “Sombra, this isn’t you, what are you doing?” Sombra manically laughed. “What am I doing, I’m cleaning this empire of weak, ignorant rulers and now giving it the most knowledgeable unicorn in the land to be it’s king.”
“The people will rebel, they will never listen to such lies.”
“If you will not follow me, then you will serve me!” His horn glew and chains appeared around my hoofs binding them. “Now, Corrah dear, go announce to your precious empire the new king.” I tried to resist but he lifted me up with his magic and stood my out in the balcony where everypony could see me. “Now say it.” My voice came out, I tried to stop it, but I couldn’t I was under Sombra’s full control.
“Citizens of the Crystal Empire, here is your new king, …. King …… Sombra.” Gasps and murmuring spread across the crowds, until Sombra came out and a hush came over them.
“Hello my people, I will be your ruler and you will be my slaves.” Suddenly chains appeared around everypony’s hooves and their crystally coats changed into dull rock as dread and terror shook the crowd and hope and joy was sucked from it. Sombra picked me up again in his magic and placed me down among the other slaves. “Now OBEY!” He commanded. A dark shadow fell upon the land, the sky turned putrid yellow, while the ponies and buildings all dull stones drained of their happiness and a cackling howl coming from Sombra inside the palace. Forced we trudged through the city bringing Sombra every crystal we could find only for him to transform it into his black crystals filled with cruelty and malice. His laughter echoed throughout the city as did the ponies cries.
