The Shadow's Curseby Lord of PotatoesChaptersThe DecisionAncient MagicDark SpellsEquestrian TyrantsThe Curse BeginsJust a dream...The ConfrontationIt's OverThe DreamCrystal Empire HistoryThe MeetingThe Decision"Sombra may return?!" The purple alicorn screeched, anxiety filling her mind. "Could you yell a bit louder? I don't think Griffonstone heard you," Luna scolded, angrily. Twilight blushed slightly. "Uh, sorry," the lavender pony apologized. After hearing about what Celestia had dreamed about, Twilight and Cadence were both very frightened. Twilight was fearful for the sake of her brother, and Cadence's safety. While Cadence couldn't bare the thought of her baby, husband, and dear crystal ponies being harmed, by Sombra's cruel treatment. But, what could they do? As if reading Cadence's thoughts, Celestia said, "we must go to the Crystal Empire, and find out as much about this, as we possibly can." The other three ponies nodded in agreement. "Then, let's go," Celestia said, getting up, and teleporting all of them to their location. As the ponies entered the castle, they were greeted by Shining Armor, who was slightly confused that all four alicorns were in front of him. "Hello, Twily! Welcome, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna," despite his prince-ship, he bowed as he addressed the royal sisters. Cadence couldn't help but chuckle as Shining bowed. "Shining, dear," Cadence started, "you don't have to bow to them. They're your equals," she added, as Luna and Celestia politely nodded in agreement. Shining blushed slightly, as he picked himself up, off of the ground. "Heh, r-right. Just not used to it, ya know?" He explained, a bit embarrassed. "You big goofball!" Cadence joked, hugging him. Suddenly, the pink pony remembered what she came back, to do. "Uh, Shining? You organized the empire's records and books, correct?" Cadence asked. The white stallion nodded, and said, "thanks to Twily, over there, you thought I'd be the perfect candidate for organizing." "So, then, you would happen to know if, and where, we keep records, or history books, on King Sombra?" She asked. Shining Armor's eyes narrowed, with confusion. "Why? Why the sudden interest in a defeated villain?" He asked, almost disbelievingly. Cadence sighed. "He may or may not be coming back," she said. Shining Armour's eyes stared, in complete shock, and Cadence was sure, if he wasn't already white, his face would've become pale. "C-coming back? Please tell me this is an elaborate prank!" He begged. The stallion was scared. All four alicorns could tell. "As much as we all wish it wasn't so, it will happen," Celestia pipped up. "That's exactly why we need your input about the organization of any records the Crystal Empire may have, on Sombra." Shining's face turned from scared to determined. "The books which tell about his defeat, in horrid detail, are the only books and records we have of his, which are available to the public." The pony said walking the alicorns through the halls. "As for everything else, like prophecys, and dark spells, of his, I keep locked away, in our personal library, which is, might I add, only accessible to me, and Cadence." He added, leading them to the library. "Wonderful!" Celestia said, walking in. She was followed by the other three alicorns. Although, Shining stayed in the hallway looking uncertain. "Are you coming?" Luna asked. Shining shook his head. "I'm sorry, but, I'm scared. I don't want to face that tyrant, ever again. You all can do as you please, but I beg of you, don't get hurt." He said, sadly. "We won't-" Twilight started. "We promise," Cadence finished. Luna and Celestia nodded. Shining flashed the princesses a smile, before leaving. "Good luck." Cadence nodded and turned to Celestia, as the other alicorns did. Celestia looked at the names of every isle. A few sounded like they could contain books concerning anything of Sombra. Ancient Magic, Crystal Empire History, Dark Spells, and Equestrian Tyrants. The white mare cleared her throat. "Cadence, you will search the 'Ancient Magic' isle. Twilight, please look into 'Crystal Empire History'. Luna, try 'Dark Spells', and I'll search 'Equestrian Tyrants'," she announced, as the ponies immediately set of for their chosen isles. Ancient MagicPrincess Cadence planned to look at each book in her assigned isle. She sighed, seeing there were about 200 books. All she had to do was scan the titles, though. The pink pony perked up and started by pulling out every book in the first shelf and displaying them in front of her face. After going through, about 5, bookshelves, she saw a book, which sparked her interest. Darker Arts. Perfect! This may be closer to what she was looking for. The alicorn opened the book, with her blue aura, and read the Table of Contents. She read aloud, "Chapter 1: The Difference between Dark Arts and Dark Magic..." she stopped. Cadence slammed the book shut, anger filling her soul. As she angrily shoved the book back into place, she realized there was only one shelf left. She sighed, knowing nothing she needed would be there. Despite this, she still searched that awful, awful, bookcase. As she read the final title, which was 'Zebra Herbs and Skills', Cadence groaned, hoping her friends had much more luck than she, who'd found nothing. ' Dark SpellsLuna walked into her isle. She wasn't ecstatic. Facing Sombra again, after 1000 years, wouldn't be fun. Luna searched the first shelf. Nothing that has to do with his return was there Shelf 2, still nothing. 3, nothing. Shelf 4, nope. Shelf 5, nothing, at all. By this time, Luna felt happy. She only had one shelf left. She felt like she wouldn't be counted on, for answers. Luna was about to pick up the last book, when she noticed something behind the second to last. She pulled it out, with a blue aura, coming from her horn. It was a yellowed, ruined paper with words she didn't know, inscribed on it. The blue alicorn tried her best to pronounce them. "Applica umbras, facere timor fuerit, referte ad vita aeternum hoc sanctae emissarius tenebrarum," she pronounced. Suddenly, the paper turned gray. Soon the same shadow seen in Celestia's dream came out, slowly. Luna dropped it, stepped back, and stared, too scared to scream, or even move. Her body felt like stone. It came out completely, and, in front of her, the shadow started forming into the pony form. Then, it took it's final form. The grinning face of Sombra was staring into her eyes. As he stared at her, Luna started feeling a deep wave of dizziness hit her. Luna was scared. She had no idea what to do. She was worried he would hurt her friends, if she tried to fight, so she stayed still, as he approached her. "Hello, Princess," he hissed, in a rather charming tone. Luna still didn't know what to say. She wanted to run, so horribly bad. Although, she couldn't. Why? She didn't know. All the blue mare felt was numbness and dizziness, as his red eyes blazed into her soul. Luna couldn't look away, no matter how hard she tried. She couldn't even blink. Was she hypnotized? Sombra put his hoof under her chin, and raised her head, a bit. The feeling his hoof gave her chin was unimaginable. A new wave of dizziness swept over her. Her whole body turned cold, as ice. His eyes still blazed into her's, although, now, Sombra's white pupils had turned green, and blazing from his eyes, came the familiar purple smoke. Luna couldn't help but tear up. Was this how she would die? From the fire blazing in his eyes? From the coldness coming from his body? As his hoof held her head up, he growled the words clear as day, "you're mine," and disappeared. Luna sat down. She started weeping silently, believing she had either gone mad, or actually saw what she saw. No matter what it was she knew one thing, this would stay with her forever, in her nightmares. Equestrian TyrantsPrincess Celestia walked into her selected isle. Her horn glowed golden, picking up every book. Her hope was to put all of the titles into her mind, so she would know which book would be correct. Celestia stopped, walking to the third bookshelf. She pulled out the tenth book on the fifth shelf down. "King Sombra: The Ruler of Darkness," she read aloud. The white alicorn scanned the Table of Contents, seeing chapters with names like, 'The complete history of King Sombra' and 'Possible prophecies'. She was satisfied, and brought the book with her, as she left her isle. The Curse BeginsPrincess Luna crawled into her bed. She couldn't believe, after reading most of the book, they didn't find anything of importance. Even the 'Possible Prophecies' chapter didn't hold much information. It was just some 'he may return' mumbo jumbo. There were no signs any of them were real. She sighed. At least they didn't have to deal with Sombra, yet. The incident in the library ruined all of Luna's positive view, on this mission. The blue mare closed her eyes. She didn't want to think of this, anymore. Luna tried to drift to sleep, but couldn't. Not even with the Tantibus, had she taken so long, to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, for hours, hoping to fall into slumber. Finally, exhaustion took over her, and she drifted into sleep. Luna opened her eyes. She was in the library, again. The alicorn knew she was dreaming. Suddenly, the dizziness swept over her, again. Although, this time, she felt a twinge of pain in her stomach. As time went by, the pain got worse and worse. She had to do something. But, what was there to do? The pain worsened, more and more. Luna thought the only thing to do was to get away from the 'Dark Magic' isle, which was very close to her current location. The blue alicorn turned from it, going toward the 'Crystal Heart' isle. Although, as she trudged there, the pain got worse. She stopped, and looked back at the 'Dark Magic' isle. The pain eased slightly. Luna couldn't believe it. She had to go back, or she would nearly die of pain. She started limping back towards the 'Dark Magic' isle, as the pain receded. Her fear of Sombra was nothing, compared to the unbar-ability of the pain. The blue pony walked into the isle, losing her pain, nearly completely. In front of her, stood Sombra, once again. The dizziness was over whelming her. Luna wanted to run, although, her hooves wouldn't move. Suddenly, her hooves started moving toward the gray stallion, out of Luna's control. She tried to shriek, but her mouth wouldn't move. Nothing was in her control. Sombra's horn started glowing, as Luna walked closer. Although, half closed, from the dizziness, her eyes radiated the fear she had as they turned to pin pricks. Soon, Sombra was mere inches away from Luna's face. She could almost feel his ice-like breath on her face. Luna could hear a slight growl coming from Sombra, as she drew nearer. She finally forced her eyes shut, and threw her face away from his. She backed away, still not looking at the gray unicorn. The blue pony sped up, to a trot. She left the isle, went to the library door, and stopped. She felt herself looking back. As soon as she did, she watched the isle, for about a minute, before shaking her head, and facing the door, once again. Luna opened it, seeing a bright light. She walked through, and found herself in her bed, a line of tears and sweat coming down her face. She wiped them away, with her hoof, breathing heavily, from fear. With a deep sigh, she sat in her bed, waiting for Celestia to wake up, so they can work together to get rid of night, and bring the day. Just a dream...Princess Cadence opened her eyes, with a yawn. She felt the rays of sun showering in, from her window, on her face, as she got up. The pink princess walked out of her bedroom, and into the guestroom. She wasn't surprised to see everypony awake. "Morning!" Cadence greeted, as she walked in. Princess Luna jumped at the sudden outburst. "Maybe give a warning, before bursting out, like that?" Luna asked, slightly angered. "Oh, um, sorry?" Cadence asked, slightly unsure of why Luna cared so much about a slight scare. Luna noticed she had been jumpy, since last night's dream. Cadence walked over to the three princesses. "So, what will we do, today?" Cadence asked, more serious and concerned. "I guess we can finish the book, about King Som-" "No point," Twilight interrupted Celestia. "I read ahead, last night. There's nothing there..." Twilight added, with a sigh. "What?!" Celestia asked, very concerned and shocked. "Nothing?" Twilight shook her head. Celestia sighed, sadly. "What do we do, now?" She asked. "We're at a complete standstill," she added. All three of the princess' heads drooped, in defeat. Luna felt the dizziness again. Luna was about to scream for help, but didn't want to panic in front of the other princesses. Luna knew what the dizziness meant, though. What did Sombra want? How could he be doing it? Didn't he only have power in her dreams. She felt the control of her body give away, once again. She could still see out of her eyes, but couldn't do anything. Not even blink. "Have you considered the fact that Celestia may have only had a nightmare?" The question came out of Luna's mouth, but she hadn't said it. Although, she knew who did. Sombra had somehow kicked her out, and had taken control of her body. "What do you mean, Luna?" Celestia asked, confused. "I mean, what if it wasn't prophetic? You know, just a regular dream," Still under Sombra's control, Luna said. "It...is a possiblity..." Celestia admitted. The other two alicorns nodded. "So, do we all just go home?" Twilight asked. Luna felt her body going back into her control. As soon as she had it, she was about to blurt out that Sombra was coming, but was stopped by a shadowy voice. 'Go ahead, say it. It's not like you'll sound like a hypocrite, and be asked why you have a sudden change of choice.' The blue mare stopped immediately, as his words rang true. What would she even say, after being questioned? She would sound mad, if she told the truth! Luna sighed and said, with fake confidence, "we might as well, if it all was just a dream." Luna hated lying. Especially about such an important problem. The other three princess sighed and nodded. "I'm so sorry, all of you," Celestia said. "My nightmare caused so much trouble. All for nothing," she added. "We hold nothing against you, auntie," Cadence said, in a comforting voice. "Yeah. We know you meant the best for everypony!" Twilight said, in the same voice. Luna nodded, and gave a small, "yeah." For a second, Celestia flashed a frown. She had expected a bit more, from Luna, since Luna was the one pony she would go to for comfort. Luna caught it, but couldn't bring herself to lie about the current situation, anymore. All four ponies approached the front entrance of the castle. It was time to go home. Cadence stopped at the door, while the other three continued. Cadence waved a hoof and said, "goodbye!" Celestia and Twilight both turned and waved. Luna turned and gave Cadence a curt nod, and waited for Celestia to spawn a portal, with her magic. "So, why didn't you make the portal in the castle?" Luna asked. "Because we're taking the train," Celestia said, happily. "Why not have some fun, on our way home? You know, to brighten our day?" Twilight smiled brightly. "Great idea, Celestia!" She said, happily. Luna nodded, trying to act excited. After the stunt Sombra pulled, Luna didn't feel anything close to excitement. "Come on, you too," Twilight started. "Let's buy some tickets!" The ConfrontationMany months have past, since Celestia, Twilight, and Luna left The Crystal Empire. Sombra hadn't pulled any stunts like the one he did, before they left The Crystal Empire, although he still haunted Luna's dreams. Each night was just like the last. Sombra lured Luna into the Dark Magic isle, and tried bringing her closer to him. Although, she always found a way to snap out of whatever spell he held over her, just before she collided with him. Whatever he would have gained by doing this, Luna didn't want to find out. Although, sometimes, Luna just refrained from sleeping, at all. Luna opened her blue eyes. She had slept the night before, although, it wasn't well. She had the same dream. The alicorn groggily got out of bed. It was clear that she had a horrible sleep the night before, just like everyday before this one. Her horn started glowing a beautiful blue, and, suddenly, Luna didn't look tired, anymore. She didn't want Celestia to be suspicious of anything. The blue pony knew, that if Celestia found out about Sombra, he would do something horrible to her sister. Luna shuddered, at the thought. As the blue alicorn walked outside, she noticed a note on her door. Dear Luna, Princess Twilight and her friends have requested my company. Although, they didn't go into detail, they said that they have a surprise for me. I guess I should've expected it, since it's my birthday. I'll try to be back, as swiftly as I can! Love, Celestia Luna's eyes widened. She uttered a curse under her breath. "How could I have forgotten my own sister's birthday?!" She screamed. "I'm losing my mind!" Luna ran back into her room, frustrated with herself and the shadow which had haunted her mind. The alicorn threw herself on her bed. Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. Strange. She didn't hear the door open. Luna turned, expecting the concerned face of her sister, but saw nothing. She got up, to investigate, before staring at the mirror, in shock. Standing in the place her reflection would be, was Sombra. "Wha- How- Why-" Luna sputtered, now knowing how close Sombra was getting to becoming his own entity. "Hello, my dear," Sombra started, emphasizing the word 'dear', which made Luna sick. "Nice to see you, again." "What do you want?" Luna asked angrily. "I've kept you a secret from everypony! I've done everything in my power to keep from blurting out your existence! What more do you want from me?" She screamed, anger filling her words. "Oh Luna, I thought you knew that too much isn't enough," he said. "I want my body back, and you know that full well." Sombra nearly chuckled, as Luna's face turned from angry to fearful. "Why must you torture me? Why must you talk about the faults my lies will bring? Why must you drive me insane, in the process? Why, why, why?!" Luna asked, now engulfed in sadness and regret. "I've already said it. I want my physical form, Luna, and you're how I'll get it," Sombra explained, with a sinister tone in his voice. "Yes, owning your mind is like having a physical form, although, I'd much rather not have to fight for control. Also, why hurt the reason for Equestria's fall?" This statement caused Luna's blood to boil. "Stop! Just Stop!" She screamed, covering her ears. "But, I rather enjoy seeing your mind enter the realm of madness. It is very adorable," the gray stallion said, with a small, taunting, chuckle. "Please, just leave! Get out of my head!" Luna begged, tears running down her face. "How I would love that, Luna," he started. "I would love my physical form, so much, but I simply don't have it, yet. Until that fateful day, we'll be stuck together. Even after that, I'll haunt you. I want you to be insane. I want your mind to be no better than a pile of dirt." "J-just leave me be!" The blue alicorn begged, in between sobs. Sombra simply smiled, and yelled,"why don't you face it? You are me!" "No, never!" Luna screamed back, angrily. "Yes, forever!" Sombra retorted. Luna's horn suddenly started glowing that beautiful blue, again. Then, the mirror was no more. Same with Sombra. Visibly, at least. Luna sighed. Suddenly, coming from the door, Luna heard an angry, shocked, and disappointed voice sternly say, "meet me in my chambers, sister," Celestia knew about Sombra. What would Celestia do to her? Luna held back her tears, which were ready to flood out. She dragged her hooves, trying to stall. She couldn't face her sister. Not now. Luna sighed. But, she knew she had to. It's OverLuna dragged her hooves across the floor, moving closer to the nerve racking doorway. The entrance to her sister's room. Finally, she had walked down that bright corridor. The hallway that connected her room and Celestia's room together. The blue alicorn shakily rose her hoof to the handle, and, with a wince, turned it. Luna pushed open the forsaken door, ready to be yelled at, locked up, perhaps even banishment. She opened her eyes, expecting her sister's angry face, with flaring lavender eyes burning her soul to ashes. Although, the navy blue alicorn was greeted by two more faces than she expected -Twilight and Cadence- and the faces she was greeted to weren't angry. Twilight's face showed a layer of shock and slight fear. Cadence bore a face of regret and sadness. Although, Celestia's face was the most heartbreaking. She looked defeated, although, it wasn't by the betrayal Luna had almost caused by keeping the impending doom of Sombra's return a secret, but a defeat that, if the world was crumbling around her, you would feel more sadness toward the white, deathly silent, alicorn. There was one thing that all three faces had in common, though. Concern. Luna looked at the ground, and began walking closer to the three, still looking down, until finally, she stopped, and sat down, with a large slouch. "Luna, I predict you know what this is about?" Celestia asked. The shamed alicorn, who had slouched even more, after Celestia's question replied with a small, barely noticeable nod. "Well, at least you're not ignorant," Twilight whispered to herself. "Twilight, I know you feel betrayal, but that's no reason to be rude," Celestia said, quite sternly. Twilight reacted without a movement, not even a flinch. Just a glare at Luna. This was serious, if Twilight refused to show only disdain, in her words, toward a matter, such as this. "If I will not have any further interruptions," Celestia paused a moment to slightly glare at her former apprentice, "I would like to know your reasoning, my dear sister, of keeping such a thing, that could destroy Equestria, from us. Also, may you look up, please? You're not a filly." Twilight's eyes blazed, challenging Luna to say the wrong thing. Cadence showed no emotion, now. She just stared at Luna. Celestia was listening intently, slight curiousness filling her gaze. Luna sighed, painfully. "I thought he would do something to hurt you," she answered. Celestia opened her mouth to speak, when Twilight stood up, and opened her wings. "He's going to do way more than hurt Celestia, after he has his body! After he takes over Equestria! After he hurts everypony we care about!" Twilight screamed with a passion, tears starting to well up in her eyes, after her last statement. Twilight held a loyalty to everypony she was friends with. That was a lot of ponies, since nearly everypony Twilight has met, has decided to become friends with her. Even creatures whom no one thought a pony could make friends with. Discord, Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, even herself, Princess Luna. "I-I know! I'm sorry! I-" "You should be sorry! We could have lost, all because you chose to ignore the fact that Sombra wold come back, eventually!" Twilight interrupted Luna's statement. "Twilight please! Calm down," Cadence said, reasonably, but sternly. Twilight sat down, with a slight growl. "May you please elaborate? How could he hurt anypony, while imprisoned in your mirror?" Celestia asked. "He's not in my mirror! He's-he's in my head," Luna knew she sounded crazy, but it was the truth. "I didn't think you would believe me, that he was in my brain. He can use my body, too, and I don't know how." Twilight held a scowl of disbelief. Would her feelings of betrayal would ever lessen? "I have a spell, that will help us keep Sombra from getting his own body, but I'm not sure if it will defeat him. I've made it myself, and I feel that it could rid Equestria of Sombra's tyranny. Although, I fear, that you may not be freed from whatever spell he has, over you," Celestia said. Luna saw Twilight smile slightly, at Luna, which said 'That's what you get!', and how could Luna blame her? Twilight had every right to enjoy any vengeance that could be wrought against Luna. Celestia's horn suddenly burst into a golden aura. She blasted it at Luna, quickly. Luna's body felt like fire. Everything hurt. The blue alicorn felt as if she were dying. Then, so abruptly, it was over. There was no pain. Just inky blackness. Suddenly, there were red eyes, filled with blazing anger. "You puny princesses have lost me my opportunity to rule!" The shadowy voice of Sombra hissed. "Although, I'm not entirely gone. As your sister has feared, I still live on, in your mind, and I promise to use that to my advantage, and their loss," the voice said, fading away. Suddenly, the eyes were gone. The blackness turned to light. Despite Sombra's last threat, Luna felt better. She felt like Sombra was gone. Perhaps he was! Maybe his prophecy was all fake. The babbling of a mad pony, who wanted to scare Luna into submission. Then, the room reappeared. Twilight was there, with her unimpressed face. Cadence was standing, startled by Celestia's outburst. Celestia sat there, waiting for Luna to come back from whatever realm she had been sent to, to see Sombra's defeat. Luna crouched, a bit. The pain had returned, along with the common surroundings of Celestia's room. "Luna?" Celestia asked. "Are you okay?" Luna looked up, a pained smile spreading across her face. "He's gone," Luna rasped, as the pain started fading. Celestia and Cadence looked ready to celebrate. Twilight even looked happy, although, Luna knew Twilight wouldn't trust her completely for a long while. Celestia walked to her sister's side, letting Luna lean against her. Celestia took the blue alicorn to her own room, and brought her to her bed. "After that spell, you looked exhausted. Please, Luna, get some rest," Celestia cooed, very much like a mother would. Luna nodded, and rolled over, pulled the covers over her neck, and closed her eyes. The next day, Luna was ready to rejoice. No nightmares of Sombra. No Crystal Empire. Nothing that would cause any kind of fear. Sombra was gone, finally. The DreamPrincess Celestia opened her lavender eyes, seeing the crystal empire around her. She was confused, but said nothing. The white alicorn walked into the castle, wondering why she was here. As she looked at her adopted niece's throne, Celestia nearly screamed bloody murder. Standing there, was Cadence, as she had expected. What she didn't expect, was the rage of protection in her eyes, the dullness of her coat and mane, or the shadow composed of smoke facing her. The shadow lunged at the pink princess, attempting an attack. Cadence's horn glowed blue, as she tried to counter the attack that hadn't even been made, yet. Although, her exhaustion had taken over the young alicorn, as her spell, and horn, had failed. The shadow finished it's lunge, as Cadence's eyes rolled into her head, and she fell to the ground. Celestia ran to her aid, tears welling up in her eyes. The elder alicorn stared down at the younger, who was now barely breathing. Celestia's horn started glowing a magnificent golden, until it stopped. Celestia felt like she suddenly had the answer to what she had just witnessed. As a test, she reached her armored hoof out, to touch Cadence's fore arm. The white alicorn's hoof went straight through. Her theory was correct. This was a dream. The white pony sighed, relief filling her whole system. With a sudden jolt of terror, Celestia stopped, looking up at the throne, that was formally her niece's. In it, the shadow was taking a more pony-like form. Celestia's eyes turned to pin pricks, as the shadow turned to a former enemy of hers. King Sombra! Terrifying, blood-chilling laughter filled Celestia's ears, until she finally let out a shriek of terror. The white alicorn jumped out of her bed, sweat covering her face. She was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace. "L-Luna?" Celestia asked, still completely frightened. She felt a slight nod, on her side, as Luna said, "I know what you saw. It's okay, you're safe." Not often had Luna needed to comfort her, but when she did, Celestia adored every moment of it. "But," Luna added, "you do know what that dream meant, right?" Celestia grimly nodded. This dream was obviously prophetic. The two ponies stopped hugging. "Tia, what should we do, now?" Luna asked her sister, who was still, slightly, recovering from her dream. The white pony sighed, and shakily said, "before deciding anything, we should inform Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight." Luna nodded, seemingly satisfied with her elder sister's answer. "Until tomorrow, my sister," Luna said to Celestia, as she left the room. Celestia simply nodded, and muttered, "indeed." Crystal Empire HistoryTwilight ran into the isle, happily. She had to read books to help save Equestria! The lavender pony's excitement filled her soul. Twilight pulled out every book in her isle, making them float. She cast a spell on her eyes and mind, speeding them up, so she could deal with this study session quickly. As she read, Twilight muttered slight "no and nopes" under her breath, as she saw books that had nothing to do with Sombra. "Come on!" She said, angrily. This was the fifth time she's read through every book in the isle. None had to do with Sombra? Really? Maybe she could double check... for the sixth time...? Twilight sighed, giving up. "I really hope I'm not the only pony having trouble..." The MeetingPrincess Cadence ran to the entrance of the library, knowing this is where they would meet, since this is where they started. She sat down, happy she was done first. That must mean her friends found something. After, about 10 minutes, Princess Celestia came out, carrying a book, with her golden aura. "Cadence, did you find anything?" Celestia asked, approaching her. The pink alicorn shook her head. "But I see, you have," she said, pointing to Celestia's book with her hoof. Celestia nodded. "Well I hope Twi-" "I didn't..." came the distant voice of Twilight, which was approaching. Both Cadence's and Celestia's ears drooped. After, about 25 more minutes, Luna came. "Finally! I thought you'd gotten stuck, somewhere," Celestia joked. "Did you find anything of interest?" Luna sighed, and admitted, "Not to do with any promise of return or prophecies..." "It's a shame," Celestia said. "At least I've found something that may help us in our quest to stop him," Celestia added, waving the book in the air. "Follow me," Cadence said, walking towards the door of the vast library. The three remaining alicorns followed, Luna walking in the back. The group soon came to a room filled with beds. "This is the place you can all sleep, while in the Empire," Cadence said, pointing to the beds. Celestia set down the book on a desk in the right corner. She, then, teleported it to the middle of the room. "Alright, everypony, are we all ready to delve into the secrets of this book?" The white alicorn asked. Twilight and Cadence nodded, confidence full, while Luna was very reluctant. It was understandable. Sombra was a scary thought, after all. "Then let's read," she said opening the book.
The Decision"Sombra may return?!" The purple alicorn screeched, anxiety filling her mind. "Could you yell a bit louder? I don't think Griffonstone heard you," Luna scolded, angrily. Twilight blushed slightly. "Uh, sorry," the lavender pony apologized. After hearing about what Celestia had dreamed about, Twilight and Cadence were both very frightened. Twilight was fearful for the sake of her brother, and Cadence's safety. While Cadence couldn't bare the thought of her baby, husband, and dear crystal ponies being harmed, by Sombra's cruel treatment. But, what could they do? As if reading Cadence's thoughts, Celestia said, "we must go to the Crystal Empire, and find out as much about this, as we possibly can." The other three ponies nodded in agreement. "Then, let's go," Celestia said, getting up, and teleporting all of them to their location. As the ponies entered the castle, they were greeted by Shining Armor, who was slightly confused that all four alicorns were in front of him. "Hello, Twily! Welcome, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna," despite his prince-ship, he bowed as he addressed the royal sisters. Cadence couldn't help but chuckle as Shining bowed. "Shining, dear," Cadence started, "you don't have to bow to them. They're your equals," she added, as Luna and Celestia politely nodded in agreement. Shining blushed slightly, as he picked himself up, off of the ground. "Heh, r-right. Just not used to it, ya know?" He explained, a bit embarrassed. "You big goofball!" Cadence joked, hugging him. Suddenly, the pink pony remembered what she came back, to do. "Uh, Shining? You organized the empire's records and books, correct?" Cadence asked. The white stallion nodded, and said, "thanks to Twily, over there, you thought I'd be the perfect candidate for organizing." "So, then, you would happen to know if, and where, we keep records, or history books, on King Sombra?" She asked. Shining Armor's eyes narrowed, with confusion. "Why? Why the sudden interest in a defeated villain?" He asked, almost disbelievingly. Cadence sighed. "He may or may not be coming back," she said. Shining Armour's eyes stared, in complete shock, and Cadence was sure, if he wasn't already white, his face would've become pale. "C-coming back? Please tell me this is an elaborate prank!" He begged. The stallion was scared. All four alicorns could tell. "As much as we all wish it wasn't so, it will happen," Celestia pipped up. "That's exactly why we need your input about the organization of any records the Crystal Empire may have, on Sombra." Shining's face turned from scared to determined. "The books which tell about his defeat, in horrid detail, are the only books and records we have of his, which are available to the public." The pony said walking the alicorns through the halls. "As for everything else, like prophecys, and dark spells, of his, I keep locked away, in our personal library, which is, might I add, only accessible to me, and Cadence." He added, leading them to the library. "Wonderful!" Celestia said, walking in. She was followed by the other three alicorns. Although, Shining stayed in the hallway looking uncertain. "Are you coming?" Luna asked. Shining shook his head. "I'm sorry, but, I'm scared. I don't want to face that tyrant, ever again. You all can do as you please, but I beg of you, don't get hurt." He said, sadly. "We won't-" Twilight started. "We promise," Cadence finished. Luna and Celestia nodded. Shining flashed the princesses a smile, before leaving. "Good luck." Cadence nodded and turned to Celestia, as the other alicorns did. Celestia looked at the names of every isle. A few sounded like they could contain books concerning anything of Sombra. Ancient Magic, Crystal Empire History, Dark Spells, and Equestrian Tyrants. The white mare cleared her throat. "Cadence, you will search the 'Ancient Magic' isle. Twilight, please look into 'Crystal Empire History'. Luna, try 'Dark Spells', and I'll search 'Equestrian Tyrants'," she announced, as the ponies immediately set of for their chosen isles.
Ancient MagicPrincess Cadence planned to look at each book in her assigned isle. She sighed, seeing there were about 200 books. All she had to do was scan the titles, though. The pink pony perked up and started by pulling out every book in the first shelf and displaying them in front of her face. After going through, about 5, bookshelves, she saw a book, which sparked her interest. Darker Arts. Perfect! This may be closer to what she was looking for. The alicorn opened the book, with her blue aura, and read the Table of Contents. She read aloud, "Chapter 1: The Difference between Dark Arts and Dark Magic..." she stopped. Cadence slammed the book shut, anger filling her soul. As she angrily shoved the book back into place, she realized there was only one shelf left. She sighed, knowing nothing she needed would be there. Despite this, she still searched that awful, awful, bookcase. As she read the final title, which was 'Zebra Herbs and Skills', Cadence groaned, hoping her friends had much more luck than she, who'd found nothing. '
Dark SpellsLuna walked into her isle. She wasn't ecstatic. Facing Sombra again, after 1000 years, wouldn't be fun. Luna searched the first shelf. Nothing that has to do with his return was there Shelf 2, still nothing. 3, nothing. Shelf 4, nope. Shelf 5, nothing, at all. By this time, Luna felt happy. She only had one shelf left. She felt like she wouldn't be counted on, for answers. Luna was about to pick up the last book, when she noticed something behind the second to last. She pulled it out, with a blue aura, coming from her horn. It was a yellowed, ruined paper with words she didn't know, inscribed on it. The blue alicorn tried her best to pronounce them. "Applica umbras, facere timor fuerit, referte ad vita aeternum hoc sanctae emissarius tenebrarum," she pronounced. Suddenly, the paper turned gray. Soon the same shadow seen in Celestia's dream came out, slowly. Luna dropped it, stepped back, and stared, too scared to scream, or even move. Her body felt like stone. It came out completely, and, in front of her, the shadow started forming into the pony form. Then, it took it's final form. The grinning face of Sombra was staring into her eyes. As he stared at her, Luna started feeling a deep wave of dizziness hit her. Luna was scared. She had no idea what to do. She was worried he would hurt her friends, if she tried to fight, so she stayed still, as he approached her. "Hello, Princess," he hissed, in a rather charming tone. Luna still didn't know what to say. She wanted to run, so horribly bad. Although, she couldn't. Why? She didn't know. All the blue mare felt was numbness and dizziness, as his red eyes blazed into her soul. Luna couldn't look away, no matter how hard she tried. She couldn't even blink. Was she hypnotized? Sombra put his hoof under her chin, and raised her head, a bit. The feeling his hoof gave her chin was unimaginable. A new wave of dizziness swept over her. Her whole body turned cold, as ice. His eyes still blazed into her's, although, now, Sombra's white pupils had turned green, and blazing from his eyes, came the familiar purple smoke. Luna couldn't help but tear up. Was this how she would die? From the fire blazing in his eyes? From the coldness coming from his body? As his hoof held her head up, he growled the words clear as day, "you're mine," and disappeared. Luna sat down. She started weeping silently, believing she had either gone mad, or actually saw what she saw. No matter what it was she knew one thing, this would stay with her forever, in her nightmares.
Equestrian TyrantsPrincess Celestia walked into her selected isle. Her horn glowed golden, picking up every book. Her hope was to put all of the titles into her mind, so she would know which book would be correct. Celestia stopped, walking to the third bookshelf. She pulled out the tenth book on the fifth shelf down. "King Sombra: The Ruler of Darkness," she read aloud. The white alicorn scanned the Table of Contents, seeing chapters with names like, 'The complete history of King Sombra' and 'Possible prophecies'. She was satisfied, and brought the book with her, as she left her isle.
The Curse BeginsPrincess Luna crawled into her bed. She couldn't believe, after reading most of the book, they didn't find anything of importance. Even the 'Possible Prophecies' chapter didn't hold much information. It was just some 'he may return' mumbo jumbo. There were no signs any of them were real. She sighed. At least they didn't have to deal with Sombra, yet. The incident in the library ruined all of Luna's positive view, on this mission. The blue mare closed her eyes. She didn't want to think of this, anymore. Luna tried to drift to sleep, but couldn't. Not even with the Tantibus, had she taken so long, to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, for hours, hoping to fall into slumber. Finally, exhaustion took over her, and she drifted into sleep. Luna opened her eyes. She was in the library, again. The alicorn knew she was dreaming. Suddenly, the dizziness swept over her, again. Although, this time, she felt a twinge of pain in her stomach. As time went by, the pain got worse and worse. She had to do something. But, what was there to do? The pain worsened, more and more. Luna thought the only thing to do was to get away from the 'Dark Magic' isle, which was very close to her current location. The blue alicorn turned from it, going toward the 'Crystal Heart' isle. Although, as she trudged there, the pain got worse. She stopped, and looked back at the 'Dark Magic' isle. The pain eased slightly. Luna couldn't believe it. She had to go back, or she would nearly die of pain. She started limping back towards the 'Dark Magic' isle, as the pain receded. Her fear of Sombra was nothing, compared to the unbar-ability of the pain. The blue pony walked into the isle, losing her pain, nearly completely. In front of her, stood Sombra, once again. The dizziness was over whelming her. Luna wanted to run, although, her hooves wouldn't move. Suddenly, her hooves started moving toward the gray stallion, out of Luna's control. She tried to shriek, but her mouth wouldn't move. Nothing was in her control. Sombra's horn started glowing, as Luna walked closer. Although, half closed, from the dizziness, her eyes radiated the fear she had as they turned to pin pricks. Soon, Sombra was mere inches away from Luna's face. She could almost feel his ice-like breath on her face. Luna could hear a slight growl coming from Sombra, as she drew nearer. She finally forced her eyes shut, and threw her face away from his. She backed away, still not looking at the gray unicorn. The blue pony sped up, to a trot. She left the isle, went to the library door, and stopped. She felt herself looking back. As soon as she did, she watched the isle, for about a minute, before shaking her head, and facing the door, once again. Luna opened it, seeing a bright light. She walked through, and found herself in her bed, a line of tears and sweat coming down her face. She wiped them away, with her hoof, breathing heavily, from fear. With a deep sigh, she sat in her bed, waiting for Celestia to wake up, so they can work together to get rid of night, and bring the day.
Just a dream...Princess Cadence opened her eyes, with a yawn. She felt the rays of sun showering in, from her window, on her face, as she got up. The pink princess walked out of her bedroom, and into the guestroom. She wasn't surprised to see everypony awake. "Morning!" Cadence greeted, as she walked in. Princess Luna jumped at the sudden outburst. "Maybe give a warning, before bursting out, like that?" Luna asked, slightly angered. "Oh, um, sorry?" Cadence asked, slightly unsure of why Luna cared so much about a slight scare. Luna noticed she had been jumpy, since last night's dream. Cadence walked over to the three princesses. "So, what will we do, today?" Cadence asked, more serious and concerned. "I guess we can finish the book, about King Som-" "No point," Twilight interrupted Celestia. "I read ahead, last night. There's nothing there..." Twilight added, with a sigh. "What?!" Celestia asked, very concerned and shocked. "Nothing?" Twilight shook her head. Celestia sighed, sadly. "What do we do, now?" She asked. "We're at a complete standstill," she added. All three of the princess' heads drooped, in defeat. Luna felt the dizziness again. Luna was about to scream for help, but didn't want to panic in front of the other princesses. Luna knew what the dizziness meant, though. What did Sombra want? How could he be doing it? Didn't he only have power in her dreams. She felt the control of her body give away, once again. She could still see out of her eyes, but couldn't do anything. Not even blink. "Have you considered the fact that Celestia may have only had a nightmare?" The question came out of Luna's mouth, but she hadn't said it. Although, she knew who did. Sombra had somehow kicked her out, and had taken control of her body. "What do you mean, Luna?" Celestia asked, confused. "I mean, what if it wasn't prophetic? You know, just a regular dream," Still under Sombra's control, Luna said. "It...is a possiblity..." Celestia admitted. The other two alicorns nodded. "So, do we all just go home?" Twilight asked. Luna felt her body going back into her control. As soon as she had it, she was about to blurt out that Sombra was coming, but was stopped by a shadowy voice. 'Go ahead, say it. It's not like you'll sound like a hypocrite, and be asked why you have a sudden change of choice.' The blue mare stopped immediately, as his words rang true. What would she even say, after being questioned? She would sound mad, if she told the truth! Luna sighed and said, with fake confidence, "we might as well, if it all was just a dream." Luna hated lying. Especially about such an important problem. The other three princess sighed and nodded. "I'm so sorry, all of you," Celestia said. "My nightmare caused so much trouble. All for nothing," she added. "We hold nothing against you, auntie," Cadence said, in a comforting voice. "Yeah. We know you meant the best for everypony!" Twilight said, in the same voice. Luna nodded, and gave a small, "yeah." For a second, Celestia flashed a frown. She had expected a bit more, from Luna, since Luna was the one pony she would go to for comfort. Luna caught it, but couldn't bring herself to lie about the current situation, anymore. All four ponies approached the front entrance of the castle. It was time to go home. Cadence stopped at the door, while the other three continued. Cadence waved a hoof and said, "goodbye!" Celestia and Twilight both turned and waved. Luna turned and gave Cadence a curt nod, and waited for Celestia to spawn a portal, with her magic. "So, why didn't you make the portal in the castle?" Luna asked. "Because we're taking the train," Celestia said, happily. "Why not have some fun, on our way home? You know, to brighten our day?" Twilight smiled brightly. "Great idea, Celestia!" She said, happily. Luna nodded, trying to act excited. After the stunt Sombra pulled, Luna didn't feel anything close to excitement. "Come on, you too," Twilight started. "Let's buy some tickets!"
The ConfrontationMany months have past, since Celestia, Twilight, and Luna left The Crystal Empire. Sombra hadn't pulled any stunts like the one he did, before they left The Crystal Empire, although he still haunted Luna's dreams. Each night was just like the last. Sombra lured Luna into the Dark Magic isle, and tried bringing her closer to him. Although, she always found a way to snap out of whatever spell he held over her, just before she collided with him. Whatever he would have gained by doing this, Luna didn't want to find out. Although, sometimes, Luna just refrained from sleeping, at all. Luna opened her blue eyes. She had slept the night before, although, it wasn't well. She had the same dream. The alicorn groggily got out of bed. It was clear that she had a horrible sleep the night before, just like everyday before this one. Her horn started glowing a beautiful blue, and, suddenly, Luna didn't look tired, anymore. She didn't want Celestia to be suspicious of anything. The blue pony knew, that if Celestia found out about Sombra, he would do something horrible to her sister. Luna shuddered, at the thought. As the blue alicorn walked outside, she noticed a note on her door. Dear Luna, Princess Twilight and her friends have requested my company. Although, they didn't go into detail, they said that they have a surprise for me. I guess I should've expected it, since it's my birthday. I'll try to be back, as swiftly as I can! Love, Celestia Luna's eyes widened. She uttered a curse under her breath. "How could I have forgotten my own sister's birthday?!" She screamed. "I'm losing my mind!" Luna ran back into her room, frustrated with herself and the shadow which had haunted her mind. The alicorn threw herself on her bed. Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. Strange. She didn't hear the door open. Luna turned, expecting the concerned face of her sister, but saw nothing. She got up, to investigate, before staring at the mirror, in shock. Standing in the place her reflection would be, was Sombra. "Wha- How- Why-" Luna sputtered, now knowing how close Sombra was getting to becoming his own entity. "Hello, my dear," Sombra started, emphasizing the word 'dear', which made Luna sick. "Nice to see you, again." "What do you want?" Luna asked angrily. "I've kept you a secret from everypony! I've done everything in my power to keep from blurting out your existence! What more do you want from me?" She screamed, anger filling her words. "Oh Luna, I thought you knew that too much isn't enough," he said. "I want my body back, and you know that full well." Sombra nearly chuckled, as Luna's face turned from angry to fearful. "Why must you torture me? Why must you talk about the faults my lies will bring? Why must you drive me insane, in the process? Why, why, why?!" Luna asked, now engulfed in sadness and regret. "I've already said it. I want my physical form, Luna, and you're how I'll get it," Sombra explained, with a sinister tone in his voice. "Yes, owning your mind is like having a physical form, although, I'd much rather not have to fight for control. Also, why hurt the reason for Equestria's fall?" This statement caused Luna's blood to boil. "Stop! Just Stop!" She screamed, covering her ears. "But, I rather enjoy seeing your mind enter the realm of madness. It is very adorable," the gray stallion said, with a small, taunting, chuckle. "Please, just leave! Get out of my head!" Luna begged, tears running down her face. "How I would love that, Luna," he started. "I would love my physical form, so much, but I simply don't have it, yet. Until that fateful day, we'll be stuck together. Even after that, I'll haunt you. I want you to be insane. I want your mind to be no better than a pile of dirt." "J-just leave me be!" The blue alicorn begged, in between sobs. Sombra simply smiled, and yelled,"why don't you face it? You are me!" "No, never!" Luna screamed back, angrily. "Yes, forever!" Sombra retorted. Luna's horn suddenly started glowing that beautiful blue, again. Then, the mirror was no more. Same with Sombra. Visibly, at least. Luna sighed. Suddenly, coming from the door, Luna heard an angry, shocked, and disappointed voice sternly say, "meet me in my chambers, sister," Celestia knew about Sombra. What would Celestia do to her? Luna held back her tears, which were ready to flood out. She dragged her hooves, trying to stall. She couldn't face her sister. Not now. Luna sighed. But, she knew she had to.
It's OverLuna dragged her hooves across the floor, moving closer to the nerve racking doorway. The entrance to her sister's room. Finally, she had walked down that bright corridor. The hallway that connected her room and Celestia's room together. The blue alicorn shakily rose her hoof to the handle, and, with a wince, turned it. Luna pushed open the forsaken door, ready to be yelled at, locked up, perhaps even banishment. She opened her eyes, expecting her sister's angry face, with flaring lavender eyes burning her soul to ashes. Although, the navy blue alicorn was greeted by two more faces than she expected -Twilight and Cadence- and the faces she was greeted to weren't angry. Twilight's face showed a layer of shock and slight fear. Cadence bore a face of regret and sadness. Although, Celestia's face was the most heartbreaking. She looked defeated, although, it wasn't by the betrayal Luna had almost caused by keeping the impending doom of Sombra's return a secret, but a defeat that, if the world was crumbling around her, you would feel more sadness toward the white, deathly silent, alicorn. There was one thing that all three faces had in common, though. Concern. Luna looked at the ground, and began walking closer to the three, still looking down, until finally, she stopped, and sat down, with a large slouch. "Luna, I predict you know what this is about?" Celestia asked. The shamed alicorn, who had slouched even more, after Celestia's question replied with a small, barely noticeable nod. "Well, at least you're not ignorant," Twilight whispered to herself. "Twilight, I know you feel betrayal, but that's no reason to be rude," Celestia said, quite sternly. Twilight reacted without a movement, not even a flinch. Just a glare at Luna. This was serious, if Twilight refused to show only disdain, in her words, toward a matter, such as this. "If I will not have any further interruptions," Celestia paused a moment to slightly glare at her former apprentice, "I would like to know your reasoning, my dear sister, of keeping such a thing, that could destroy Equestria, from us. Also, may you look up, please? You're not a filly." Twilight's eyes blazed, challenging Luna to say the wrong thing. Cadence showed no emotion, now. She just stared at Luna. Celestia was listening intently, slight curiousness filling her gaze. Luna sighed, painfully. "I thought he would do something to hurt you," she answered. Celestia opened her mouth to speak, when Twilight stood up, and opened her wings. "He's going to do way more than hurt Celestia, after he has his body! After he takes over Equestria! After he hurts everypony we care about!" Twilight screamed with a passion, tears starting to well up in her eyes, after her last statement. Twilight held a loyalty to everypony she was friends with. That was a lot of ponies, since nearly everypony Twilight has met, has decided to become friends with her. Even creatures whom no one thought a pony could make friends with. Discord, Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, even herself, Princess Luna. "I-I know! I'm sorry! I-" "You should be sorry! We could have lost, all because you chose to ignore the fact that Sombra wold come back, eventually!" Twilight interrupted Luna's statement. "Twilight please! Calm down," Cadence said, reasonably, but sternly. Twilight sat down, with a slight growl. "May you please elaborate? How could he hurt anypony, while imprisoned in your mirror?" Celestia asked. "He's not in my mirror! He's-he's in my head," Luna knew she sounded crazy, but it was the truth. "I didn't think you would believe me, that he was in my brain. He can use my body, too, and I don't know how." Twilight held a scowl of disbelief. Would her feelings of betrayal would ever lessen? "I have a spell, that will help us keep Sombra from getting his own body, but I'm not sure if it will defeat him. I've made it myself, and I feel that it could rid Equestria of Sombra's tyranny. Although, I fear, that you may not be freed from whatever spell he has, over you," Celestia said. Luna saw Twilight smile slightly, at Luna, which said 'That's what you get!', and how could Luna blame her? Twilight had every right to enjoy any vengeance that could be wrought against Luna. Celestia's horn suddenly burst into a golden aura. She blasted it at Luna, quickly. Luna's body felt like fire. Everything hurt. The blue alicorn felt as if she were dying. Then, so abruptly, it was over. There was no pain. Just inky blackness. Suddenly, there were red eyes, filled with blazing anger. "You puny princesses have lost me my opportunity to rule!" The shadowy voice of Sombra hissed. "Although, I'm not entirely gone. As your sister has feared, I still live on, in your mind, and I promise to use that to my advantage, and their loss," the voice said, fading away. Suddenly, the eyes were gone. The blackness turned to light. Despite Sombra's last threat, Luna felt better. She felt like Sombra was gone. Perhaps he was! Maybe his prophecy was all fake. The babbling of a mad pony, who wanted to scare Luna into submission. Then, the room reappeared. Twilight was there, with her unimpressed face. Cadence was standing, startled by Celestia's outburst. Celestia sat there, waiting for Luna to come back from whatever realm she had been sent to, to see Sombra's defeat. Luna crouched, a bit. The pain had returned, along with the common surroundings of Celestia's room. "Luna?" Celestia asked. "Are you okay?" Luna looked up, a pained smile spreading across her face. "He's gone," Luna rasped, as the pain started fading. Celestia and Cadence looked ready to celebrate. Twilight even looked happy, although, Luna knew Twilight wouldn't trust her completely for a long while. Celestia walked to her sister's side, letting Luna lean against her. Celestia took the blue alicorn to her own room, and brought her to her bed. "After that spell, you looked exhausted. Please, Luna, get some rest," Celestia cooed, very much like a mother would. Luna nodded, and rolled over, pulled the covers over her neck, and closed her eyes. The next day, Luna was ready to rejoice. No nightmares of Sombra. No Crystal Empire. Nothing that would cause any kind of fear. Sombra was gone, finally.
The DreamPrincess Celestia opened her lavender eyes, seeing the crystal empire around her. She was confused, but said nothing. The white alicorn walked into the castle, wondering why she was here. As she looked at her adopted niece's throne, Celestia nearly screamed bloody murder. Standing there, was Cadence, as she had expected. What she didn't expect, was the rage of protection in her eyes, the dullness of her coat and mane, or the shadow composed of smoke facing her. The shadow lunged at the pink princess, attempting an attack. Cadence's horn glowed blue, as she tried to counter the attack that hadn't even been made, yet. Although, her exhaustion had taken over the young alicorn, as her spell, and horn, had failed. The shadow finished it's lunge, as Cadence's eyes rolled into her head, and she fell to the ground. Celestia ran to her aid, tears welling up in her eyes. The elder alicorn stared down at the younger, who was now barely breathing. Celestia's horn started glowing a magnificent golden, until it stopped. Celestia felt like she suddenly had the answer to what she had just witnessed. As a test, she reached her armored hoof out, to touch Cadence's fore arm. The white alicorn's hoof went straight through. Her theory was correct. This was a dream. The white pony sighed, relief filling her whole system. With a sudden jolt of terror, Celestia stopped, looking up at the throne, that was formally her niece's. In it, the shadow was taking a more pony-like form. Celestia's eyes turned to pin pricks, as the shadow turned to a former enemy of hers. King Sombra! Terrifying, blood-chilling laughter filled Celestia's ears, until she finally let out a shriek of terror. The white alicorn jumped out of her bed, sweat covering her face. She was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace. "L-Luna?" Celestia asked, still completely frightened. She felt a slight nod, on her side, as Luna said, "I know what you saw. It's okay, you're safe." Not often had Luna needed to comfort her, but when she did, Celestia adored every moment of it. "But," Luna added, "you do know what that dream meant, right?" Celestia grimly nodded. This dream was obviously prophetic. The two ponies stopped hugging. "Tia, what should we do, now?" Luna asked her sister, who was still, slightly, recovering from her dream. The white pony sighed, and shakily said, "before deciding anything, we should inform Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight." Luna nodded, seemingly satisfied with her elder sister's answer. "Until tomorrow, my sister," Luna said to Celestia, as she left the room. Celestia simply nodded, and muttered, "indeed."
Crystal Empire HistoryTwilight ran into the isle, happily. She had to read books to help save Equestria! The lavender pony's excitement filled her soul. Twilight pulled out every book in her isle, making them float. She cast a spell on her eyes and mind, speeding them up, so she could deal with this study session quickly. As she read, Twilight muttered slight "no and nopes" under her breath, as she saw books that had nothing to do with Sombra. "Come on!" She said, angrily. This was the fifth time she's read through every book in the isle. None had to do with Sombra? Really? Maybe she could double check... for the sixth time...? Twilight sighed, giving up. "I really hope I'm not the only pony having trouble..."
The MeetingPrincess Cadence ran to the entrance of the library, knowing this is where they would meet, since this is where they started. She sat down, happy she was done first. That must mean her friends found something. After, about 10 minutes, Princess Celestia came out, carrying a book, with her golden aura. "Cadence, did you find anything?" Celestia asked, approaching her. The pink alicorn shook her head. "But I see, you have," she said, pointing to Celestia's book with her hoof. Celestia nodded. "Well I hope Twi-" "I didn't..." came the distant voice of Twilight, which was approaching. Both Cadence's and Celestia's ears drooped. After, about 25 more minutes, Luna came. "Finally! I thought you'd gotten stuck, somewhere," Celestia joked. "Did you find anything of interest?" Luna sighed, and admitted, "Not to do with any promise of return or prophecies..." "It's a shame," Celestia said. "At least I've found something that may help us in our quest to stop him," Celestia added, waving the book in the air. "Follow me," Cadence said, walking towards the door of the vast library. The three remaining alicorns followed, Luna walking in the back. The group soon came to a room filled with beds. "This is the place you can all sleep, while in the Empire," Cadence said, pointing to the beds. Celestia set down the book on a desk in the right corner. She, then, teleported it to the middle of the room. "Alright, everypony, are we all ready to delve into the secrets of this book?" The white alicorn asked. Twilight and Cadence nodded, confidence full, while Luna was very reluctant. It was understandable. Sombra was a scary thought, after all. "Then let's read," she said opening the book.
