Shadowed Future

by Penguin Lagann

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Gore, Dark, Main 6, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, King Sombra, Other, Starlight Glimmer, Romance
Length: 4046

The darkness is a corrupting force, and Twilight will have to learn it the hard way...

While on vacation, Twilight Sparkle finds King Sombra regenerating in the dungeons. She attempts to reform the former tyrant with permission from Celestia, while also learning dark magic to do for good. Unbeknownst, the more the two of them are near each other, she begins to change. Growing a more dark and cold personality, she might end up embracing her dark side. And how does Starlight Glimmer have a part in all this?

Gore tag just to be safe.

Published 2016-11-04 02:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-02-20 14:19:07 UTC

1- Vacation

Vacation

"Never underestimate the wicked, for they could corrupt you in an instant." -Luna, 1 year after return

Another peaceful morning in Ponyville had come, waking up everyone in town to yet another great day in the making. To some, it would be the best day ever. To others, some would think of it to be a boring yet relaxing day.

A certain lavender alicorn however, wasn't in a very good mood. Having had a long night of duties and important meetings, she had woken up to a frizzled mane, and drowsy eyes.

"Five more minutes," Twilight Sparkle muttered to herself after waking up. While trying to rest again, she found her body was somehow lying on the ground. "Ok, I'm up." Walking downstairs to grab some coffee to get her energized for the following day, she came across her her student/friend.

"Morning Twilight! How was sleep last night?" Starlight asked with a happy smile.

"Good morning Starlight... Glimmer," replied Twilight in a voice you would only hear at a bar of some sort.

Starlight's smile went away. "Did you get any sleep last night?"

"Not exactly." Twilight made a weak smile.

Starlight facehoofed. "I knew I should have had Spike cancel your duties yesterday. You can get pretty screwed up without any sleep." She helped Twilight to a table, and poured a cup of coffee. "Drink up."

Twilight gulped down the drink put in front of her. "Thank you Starlight."

Spike had come downstairs with a scroll in his hands. Twilight, expecting a whole list of duties, smiled and asked, "Ok Spike, what are the things we need to do today?"

"Nothing," he replied.

Twilight was quickly confused, and rightly so. "Nothing? I think that might be a typo."

"It isn't. Princess Celestia sent this letter." Spike handed over the scroll, and Twilight skimmed through it.

My faithful Twilight,

I understand that you have been having it rough these past few days. That is why I have taken the liberty to schedule a vacation at the Crystal Empire. Not only will you be able to relax, but you'll be able to pay Cadence and Shining Armor a visit and catch up with them. You may even see Flurry Heart there!

I await seeing you in a couple days.

-Celestia

Twilight quickly skimmed through it again to see if she was just imagining, but she wasn't. Celestia had indeed given her a chance to visit the Crystal Empire for the day. Better yet, she wouldn't be on princess duty. "I guess I'm going on vacation," Twilight said sheepishly.

When she looked up, Spike had everything packed for her already. "I have everything packed for you! Books, quills, paper, materials, and...."

"Thanks Spike. That's really nice of you." Twilight quickly teleported the bags on her back, noticing they were extremely heavy. "Thats a lot of books," she replied while straining.

She went up to Starlight. "Now Starlight. I want you to look after the castle for me. Make sure no one steals anything or damages a book. You can invite Sunburst or the girls, but no one else. I really don't want anyone having a party here." Starlight nodded. "And Spike, I'll be leaving you at..."

"Why can't I come?" Spike nonchalantly asked. "I am the hero of the Empire!"

"Because the last time you let it get to your head, you butchered a national anthem."

"Fair enough." Spike sighed in defeat.

...

"I left all the food in the refrigerator! I'll see you girls tomorrow!" Twilight waved bye to all her friends. They ran after the train while it was going until it was far enough to not see it.

While the train was running, she noticed all the beautiful sights all around Equestria. The sun shone gracefully around the tall thick grass, while the birds chirped. It was moments like that where Twilight could just sit down and look at how pretty the world could be...

"Now entering the Crystal Empire!"

'So much for taking it in,' she thought.

The moment she got out of the train, she was greeted by Cadence, who went over to hug Twilight. "I'm so happy to see you Twilight!"

Twilight, while ecstatic, wasn't exactly on par with how Cadence is extremely strong. "I... I'm happy to see you too..."

The two then came back up and started a chant. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" The chant made them giggle. "So, what do you think our first stop should be?"

A quick stomach grumble answered that question. "Do you know any good restaurants?"

...

Twilight quickly gobbled down the food that was in front of her. She may be royalty, but that doesn't mean she couldn't enjoy her food. While she was eating, she had a question she wanted to ask. "How's Flurry Heart doing?"

Cadence sipped on her tea. "Sunburst has been looking after her. She's kinda getting to the age where she's teething all the time. I caught her biting Shining Armor's..."

"Ok, I believe that's enough about Flurry for now!" Twilight replied, not wanting to get into THAT territory.

'Or maybe we do...'  A little voice whispered.

"I was gonna say chest plate. But I see what you were thinking, and I wouldn't have wanted to hear it either." Cadence shuddered at an horrific moment she caught Twilight's parents doing back then. "Do you think we could change the topic now?"

"Definitely. Talking about that would defeat the whole purpose of relaxing." Twilight sipped on her tea, taking note of how many sugar cubes were in there.

'I honestly think it would make the best vacation ever!'  The little voice whispered back.

"Do you know any good spas? My back has been killing me recently." Twilight muttered the last few words out.

...

"Yes, my back feels way better now," Twilight spoke, while she was walking out from the spa.

"And now that we're done, we can go see Flurry Heart," Cadence replied.

The two giggled as they walked to the main castle where Flurry Heart was being watched over at. Just at that moment, a crystal guard galloped up to them. "Princess Cadenza! Princess Twilight!" He stopped speaking to bow down to the two princesses. "We've received word that the throne room keeps emitting black light!"

Worried, Twilight teleported the two of them over to the room, unaware of the guard standing there. "So, I just go back to my post or something? I swear, I don't get paid enough for this crap."

...

Twilight and Cadence arrived at the throne, only to find nothing happening. "I swear, this better not be a joke to give him a raise," Cadence muttered. After the words left her mouth, black energy emitted around the carpet in the shape of a square.

"I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this ever again." Twilight closed her eyes, focusing all her darkest thoughts into one. When she opened her eyes again, the whites had turned green, with her eyes turned red, and purple mist emanating. Unbeknownst to her, a little seed of black grew inside every time she used Dark Magic. She unleashed the magic that she bottled up, changing the corresponding crystal to black, revealing a dark staircase underneath.

"Stay behind, I'll protect you from anything odd," replied Twilight, not noticing her eyes haven't reverted yet. Cadence nodded, both trotting down the stairs filled with black and mist galore. When they got down to the door, Twilight went to it, noting that it wasn't moving at all, and smirked at how she wouldn't have to do much work to open it.

As the door opened, they noticed that the mist had gotten extremely heavy. Cadence used a air spell to get rid of it, and both of them got closer and closer, until both of them found a black stallion with a red regenerating horn, mouth coughing up some blood, and weakened.

Both of them were surprised. Sombra had returned. Twilight was the first to leap onto him, eyes ablaze with anger and dark magic. "You... I should have figured you wouldn't be gone for long! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Sombra's eyes opened up seeing a pretty sight. A mare who looked amazing and was using his signature dark magic. "You... look beautiful," Sombra muttered before passing out.

Twilight was blushing beyond belief.

2- Decisions

Decisions

"Light magic can bring harmony to the land around us. But if Dark magic takes hold, it can produce either magnificence or terror."  -Starswirl the Bearded.

Fire erupted from anyplace possible.

It was not a volcano though, as this was the rebirth of a villain.

Water came together, and was wrapped with flesh and blood all around. The flames then burned all of them.

King Sombra loved feeling the flames.

To others, it would be hot, and hurtful. But to a tyrant, all they did was fuel his anger.

He loathed the princesses for sealing him and his empire away for 1,000 years. He loathed the crystal princess for bringing the Crystal Heart back and turning him into just a red horn. And he loathed the small purple dragon (he had a hard time with that, because he didn't know if it even WAS a dragon) for getting the Crystal Heart to the crystal princess.

But there was one mare that had particularly caught his attention.

Twilight Sparkle.

She had gotten past all his traps. She got through the door that shows your worst fear unscathed, and she was able to find the hidden Crystal Heart.

What really hit him however, was how she was able to use Dark Magic for her first time, and end up being a natural of it.

He now had a plan. When he fully regenerated, he would look over Twilight Sparkle and corrupt her, turning her into his Queen of Shadows. With a Queen by his side, he would be able to reclaim the Crystal Empire, and if it comes to it, the rest of Equestria.

When he awoke however, he found that particular mare on him. Eyes glazing with Dark Magic and had wings now.

"You... I should have figured you wouldn't be gone for long! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

He never noticed how pretty she would look. He cursed himself for uttering his first conscious line.

"You look beautiful."

...

Twilight had no idea what to think of right now. She had came across a former tyrant who had just complimented her. She wasn't sure if she should be angry that she let Sombra make her blush, or flattered someone likes her.

'It's undeniable. You have a crush on him!' Her little dark voice whispered. Twilight mentally told herself to shut up.

"Twilight?"

She snapped out of her consciousness, eyes returning to normal. "Sorry Cadence. Lost my train of thought.

Cadence didn't blame her. "We need to find a way to get him to Celestia."

"How are we gonna transfer him without causing commotion?" Twilight asked.

"We teleport there," Cadence flatly said.

Twilight sheepishly smiled. "Oh, right..."

Cadence fired up her horn, and teleported them out of the room.

...

"So how was you attempt to get a pay raise?" One guard asked.

"Meh, could of done better," the other guard replied. "She just ran off to where the mysterious light was."

"No no no, your supposed to do it to Shining Armor! He's so worked up with Princess Flurry Heart that he'll say yes to it!"

"Do I look like I want to be the poor idiot who gets chased out the freaking empire?!"

While chatting, the two guards saw that Princess Cadence, Princess Twilight, and a weakened Sombra had just appeared. The two were embarrassed that the spell backfired.

"One word of this, and both of your paychecks are getting lowered," Cadence stated firmly.

The two mares quickly teleported away. The guards, wanting to obey orders, didn't even mention how weird it was. "Remember that last guy who got chased out?"

"Yeah, he said Shining Armor's chest-plate wasn't able to be fixed."

"That smart-aleck had no idea what he was thinking about."

...

Canterlot Castle was the staple place to go during any visit to the beloved capital of Equestria. If it was to admire all the nice decor that decorated the castle, or to have a (slim) chance of meeting the princesses, it was a spectacle to see.

The two royal sisters mostly stood on their thrones during the day or night, but could occasionally be seen in their chambers. Today however, they were having a look around the castle, just taking time to soak in how it all looked.

"Thee posters and glass windows still look magnificent even after all these years!" Luna stated.

"I'm glad you like them sister," Celestia replied. She was still happy to have her sister back, even if it already had been 2 years since they've been united. She was all happy that her family and friends led on happy lives.

Though she couldn't put her hoof on it, but a few moments ago, she felt something strange. She felt as if an explosion of dark magic went off, glazing every single thing in sight. She would have to ask Twilight about it when she came...

"Princess Celestia!!" Galloping sounds were heard.

"Twilight? Cadence?" Celestia replied to the out of breath princesses.

"Sombra... weakened... help!" Twilight panted.

Celestia grew wide eyes at the statement. "Guards! Bring them to the hospital wing!"

Guards arrived and put the unconscious Sombra on a stretcher, while the 4 princesses galloped to the special treatment area.

'Nice job princess,' Twilight's small voice returned. 'You sacrificed the only person who loved you  over to the judgement witch.'

'Will you shut up??' Twilight thought back.

...

The princesses were waiting in the patient area, waiting for any response. Meanwhile, Luna was bombarding Twilight with a lot of questions regarding how all of this happened.

"How did you find him? While was he in critical condition? WHY DID YOU BRING HIM BACK??!!" Luna yelled.

Twilight gulped, ready to answer her questions, when they heard a singing voice.

"There is no need to worry, for my injuries have been tended. I would advise you stop fighting, as it does not make you splendid."

They noticed that Sombra was using dark magic. But what was it for?

"Vile cretin!" Luna look as if she was ready to strike him down.

"STOP!" Twilight yelled. She got a closer look at what Sombra was doing. He was using dark magic to heal all the wounds he had, and was drying up any blood on his face. "Incredible. Dark magic is able to heal, where as regular magic can only delay the soreness." She then came to a realization. If she were able to learn more about this strange magic, she could be able to protect Equestria, her friends, and her family. All the while keeping them and the world from harm. And she knew just the guy to help her do it.

"Twilight?" Celestia asked. Twilight sheepishly smiled, noticing she spaced out again. "Dear princesses, what would you say if I were to decide to reform Sombra!"

The others had mixed reactions to this.

"I would banish thyself to thee moon," Luna stated.

"I would flip out," Cadence said.

"I would agree with you Twilight," Celestia replied, shocking the other two.

"You can't possibly think that sister?!" Luna exclaimed.

"I do in fact." Celestial put a hoof under Twilight's muzzle. "Twilight, I believe that if you think you can reform someone and steer them towards the path of good, then I give you full permission to enact your duty as the princess of friendship and mentor the former King Sombra."

"Thank you Princess Celestia," Twilight bowed to her former mentor. "I won't let you down."

"I heard all of that you know," Sombra replied.

The princesses all blushed. "How long have you been awake?" Twilight asked.

"About 15 minutes."

...

"Ok, I get the whole part about reforming me, but why are you doing it?"

Twilight made sure no one was looking and replied. "I know that even the most evil of ponies can change. I believe that you can change."

Sombra looked surprised. "You... you really do?"

Twilight nodded. "Plus, I would like to learn more about dark magic so I can protect Equestria."

Sombra looked up in surprise. 'Interesting. The mare wants to learn more about the magic. This will make the corruption process much easier.'

"Alright, you have been granted you wish to learn more. After what ever you plan today, we will begin the lessons tonight."

"Thank you!" Twilight responded, not noticing that her eyes had turned green. 'I'm coming out to play soon!' Her dark voice whispered. "But first..." Her eyes reverted back, and she grew a wide smile. "FRIENDSHIP LESSON TIME!!"

'Oh boy,' Sombra thought. 'I'm not happy now.'

Lessons (Part 1): Friendship

Fear can either be you greatest ally, or you worst enemy.   -Scorpan

Sombra's day so far could be put into a mixed bag.

On one hoof, his plan was going along smoothly, as he gained a small amount of trust from Princess Twilight Sparkle, allowing him to begin the corruption process.

On the other hoof, he would have to meet up with all of her friends, which in his words, was "a boring excuse to waste time." The remark left him with a tail slap to the muzzle.

"Now, before we begin the lesson, lets go over the proper way to greet someone," she stated.

Sombra was going to say that it was stupid and that he already knew how to do that, but he didn't want another mark on his face, so he replied sternly, "Good morning. How are you? Do you need me to help?"

"Excellent! Now please go wash up, so you can look neat for the meetings." Sombra did what was asked, and went into the restroom to avoid further conflict.

While going through her checklist, she heard the familiar voice come through. 'Heya Twily!'

Twilight nearly yelped out loud. 'You again,' she thought. She closed her eyes and went into her subconscious. 'Didn't get enough of annoying me?'

'Actually, no. I may seem like a jerk, and my voice may be dark.... but I promise you, I only have our best interests in mind.'

'So, what are you?' Twilight thought back.

'Let's just say, I'm you darkest desires...'

Twilight awoke from her deep trance, and thought to herself. She didn't have any dark desires. She was just a princess who wanted to help everypony out. She represented friendship and harmony!

'But maybe there's more?' She said to herself. 'Maybe there's more to me than I know...'

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything Sparkle."

Sombra's voice woke her from her thoughts. "It's alright. I've took the liberty of inviting my friends here to avoid any... attacks by anyone startled by your appearance," Twilight replied.

"Fine by me. As long as the training begins tonight," Sombra added.

...

"Okay, the first one is... Rainbow Dash!" Twilight called from the papers.

Sombra prepared himself for a shield spell.

"Sombra..."

As soon as Twilight called him out, Rainbow Dash sped in, "This is for convincing the princesses you want to..." Only to crash into the shield at full speed. Awaking with a black eye, Rainbow stated, "**** it. Don't think you have me convinced Sombra!"

"Dash..." Twilight moaned.

"I know your plan. You want to on Twilight's good side, than stab her in the back and take over!"

"Dash..." As Twilight's anger grew, her eyes started glowing green.

"Well it won't be that easy you *******, cause I'm gonna kick your *** before you get a chance to..."

Twilights anger peaked, as purple mist emanated from her green glowing eyes. "Quiet!!!" Rainbow and Sombra turned their intention to Twilight, once again, furious with dark magic.

'Interesting,' Sombra thought. 'The mare has more to her than it seems.'

"Uh, Twi..." Rainbow Dash couldn't finish her line before getting interrupted by Twilight.

"Why are you acting like this?! I've been tasked with reforming Sombra on behalf of Princess Celestia, so please..." Twilight calmed down while her eyes went back to normal, with a saddened face. "Please, give him a chance."

The farce made Rainbow feel guilty. "It's not that I don't trust you, I really do. It's just, do you really think he can change?"

Twilight turned around to Sombra. "He may be cocky, a jerk, and a former tyrant..."

"Nicest things said to me since I was an adult," Sombra added with a sly grin.

"...but if Discord could change, then so can he," Twilight, finished with a smile.

Rainbow Dash pondered this. "If you trust him, then I'll give him a chance." Rainbow grew a smirk. "I will kick your *** if you harm her in anyway."

"Noted," Sombra replied.

...

"So, I guess we're gonna introduce you to town, then I'm gonna throw you a "Welcome to Ponyville Former Tyrant" Party, and take you to Sweet Apple Acres, then take you to Cloudsdale, and let you meet up with the Wonderbolts, and throw you a "You met the Wonderbolts" Party, *long gasp* and explain to you why I think the author is..."

"By god, get her off me!" Sombra yelled while being squeezed into a hug by Pinkie Pie.

Twilight merely giggled at the sight. "Ok Pinkie, I think that's enough."

Pinkie simply dropped Sombra to the floor and hopped on out. "See you later King Sombrero!"

"I swear, is she the only crazy one?" Sombra huffed.

"She's not crazy, she's just having fun and making others happy," Twilight happily replied. 'Course, seeing him in a sombrero would be hilarious.'

'Remind me to get my camera if he does!' Her dark voice replied.

"Ok, there's 3 more left, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy."

...

The meetings with Applejack and Rarity went well compared to the other meetings. While Applejack was being defensive, and Rarity fainted at his sight, they soon got along with him, or at least wasn't punching him. While Applejack kept making Sombra say apple, Rarity and him got along with their interest in jewels and crystals.

'Finally, a sane pony here,' he thought.

Instead of Fluttershy showing up, Discord appeared at the castle door.

"Discord, what are you doing? And where is Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"So the Princess of Friendship doesn't want friends over huh?" Discord stretched Twilight's mouth. "Great job with the title!" His grin disappeared instantly. "In all seriousness, Fluttershy didn't want to come because she was scared. Now, she didn't say this, because she didn't want to go against her element, so I'll say it." He pointed at Sombra. "Your a jack***."

"Discord!" Twilight yelled, all dark magic returning to her eyes.

"My my, I didn't know our princess knew such dark magic!" Discord's grin returned.

'I think she looks hot,' the dark voice replied, adding a purr.

Twilight sunk down. Had this been happening for a while? Was this her or someone else's doing?

Sombra stood up. "Pardon me, but I don't think it's a great idea to put a princess under this much pressure. It could be potentially harmful. As for Fluttershy, tell her she has my kings code that I will never harm her in any way, shape, or form, and if I do harm her unintentionally, I will immediately apologize to her."

Discord got all giddy. "Goodie! Fluttershy will be so happy to hear!" He took a tissue and wipe Twilight's face, removing the dark magic from her eyes. "Now if you excuse me, I have a meal to attend to. Cucumber sandwiches, here I come!"

Twilight looked back at Sombra. "Sorry about that. He's... how you say, on the chaotic side."

"I can tell. Now, are you ready for the main event?"

"I don't know. What if Discord was saying something?" Twilight worriedly asked.

"Like I said, your probably just being emotional recently. Now come, I've got a student to train."

Twilight excitingly followed, not noticing the smug and fanged grin that was currently growing on Sombra's face.

'And also an evil queen to make.'