The Shadow's Curse

"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.