The Darkest Hour: Return of Sombra

Chapters

Past: Rule of a Tyrant
Present: The Necromancer
Present: Crossing the Line
Present: The Wheels Are Turning
Present: The Moment to Strike

Past: Rule of a Tyrant

Clank... Clank... Clank... Clank...

The Crystal Empire had once been known as a place of beauty. A place full of joy, love, and hope. It had been ruled by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna while the rest of the world was at war. Their youngest sister, Princess Amore, took rule after the founding of Equestria. Through the years, Amore, the Princess of Love, kept the empire safe and protected her beloved subjects. When Discord had taken over Equestria and plunged it into madness, she had done all she could to keep him away from the empire, at great cost to her own well-being. When Grogar the necromancer had waged war against Equestria with his dark forces, she kept him away from the empire, again at the cost of her well-being. When Lord Tirek had set out to conquer Equestria, she had done all she could to keep him at bay, at the same price.

The crystal ponies could still remember the way their beloved princess looked. In her efforts to keep all her subjects safe from each threat, her magic had weakened and her body had become frail. Many had worried that she wouldn't be able to handle the next threat, whatever it may have been. Oh, how right they were to fear...

Clank... Clank... Clank... Clank...

Some crystal ponies wore shackles around their necks, connected to one another by chains. They walked in an even line to each destination. Once they were there, they simply stood and waited for their orders. None sat or laid down, for King Sombra would not allow that and they had to follow his rules.

He stood there on the balcony of the castle, overlooking the wasteland below him with that sickening smile on his face, showing off his fangs. His red eyes skimmed across the lifeless desert that had once been beautiful fields. The twisted, black crystals that made each and every structure. The broken shells of what were once ponies. He looked down on two rows of chained slaves. He sent one row to the mines and the other to the armory.

The first row of slaves walked to the mines and got to work. With an almost mechanical indifference, they brought their pickaxes down on walls of crystal. There were several others around them, slaving away with the same indifference. None of them could even remember what life was like before King Sombra murdered Princess Amore and took over save for a few flashes of memory. At first, they tried to resist. They tried to hold on to hope that someone would save them... But no one did. Not even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They were alone. They were forsaken.

Clank... Clank... Clank... Clank...

The melody of picks against crystal only fueled their hopelessness. Each clunk and clank an unnecessary reminder of their despair. This is what their lives were now. Amongst the slow, depressing melody, a single voice rang out. A stallion who had found his voice.

"I can't remember who I used to be.

Each passing day pushes me further into insanity.

Only mere flashes, mere glimpses of my past.

Each and every one gone in a flash.

I have no idea if I've lost my mind.

I've lost track of my life and I've lost track of time.

Can I even hear? Can I even see?

I only know what that monster did to me."

All the other slaves joined in.

"We live to serve. We live to suffer.

Tell your kids you love them and kiss goodbye your lover.

We've lost all we had. There is no going back.

The one we all now bow to has covered up the track."

The most physically impressive ponies in the Crystal Empire were lined up, each one waiting for what was to happen. The stallion at the front of the line hung his head as a helmet was magically strapped to his face. In an instant, he was locked inside his own mind and his body was released from the chains only to march towards the hall that held the armor and weapons, soon to join Sombra's troops.

One of the ponies, a stallion near the front, joined in on the song.

"I still remember on that accursed day.

The day that he took my wife and children away.

I remember their horror. I remember their screams.

Every night, it haunts me in my dreams.

I refuse to imagine what he will make me do.

I know it won't be me, but is that really true?

It is his decision. I don't get to choose.

But even if I could, he would make me lose."

That was the last thing he said before the helmet was put on him.

"We live to serve. We live to suffer.

Tell your kids you love them and kiss goodbye your lover.

A power-hungry tyrant, a sadist through and through.

He controls the world now. He controls me and you."

Among the the mining slaves, a mare with light-blue fur and a purple mane looked up at King Sombra, her eyes filled with pain and sorrow.

"I still remember before you took the throne.

I remember a unicorn who felt so alone.

I know that it was painful. I know that it was rough.

I loved you with all my heart, but it wasn't enough.

Now you're just a shell of who you used to be.

Now a heartless monster is the only thing I see.

Your inner demons, you let them take control.

Why did the stallion I loved have to take the fall?"

She didn't cry for there were no tears left.

"We live to serve. We live to suffer.

Tell your kids you love them and kiss goodbye your lover.

We no longer can smile. We no longer can cry.

Why won't he let us go? Why won't he let us die?"

Up on the castle balcony, King Sombra listened to their song with satisfaction. He had everything in place. Soon, he would have enough soldiers to start his conquest on the rest of Equestria. Meanwhile, he would have the weaker slaves toil away and would be able to use them as hostages to keep the Princesses at bay. Everything was going perfectly. With a chuckle, he joined in.

"Continue on, my slaves. Do not yet cease.

You acknowledge yourselves as toys to break as I please.

I control your fate. I control your path.

Any who dare defy me will surely feel my wrath!

Prepare yourselves for war. Canterlot will soon shatter.

The heads of the Princesses will be served on a platter.

You'll work until your bones break and then it's time to bow.

You all must worship me for I am your God now!"

Sombra's licked his lips in anticipation for what was to come. Soon, all of Equestria would be his.

"We live to serve. We live to suffer.

Tell your kids you love them and kiss goodbye your lover.

Prepare yourself, Equestria. For King Sombra comes.

There's nowhere you can hide. There's nowhere you can run."

King Sombra's laugh echoed across the fallen empire.

Present: The Necromancer

The Everfree Forest was infamous for being one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, which is saying something. A place inhabited by some of the most dangerous creatures in Equestria, including timber wolves and ursas. A place riddled with dangerous plant life and unpredictable landscapes. Of course, if one were careful, they could easily get in and out of the dreaded forest or even live in it, but only when near to edge. It would be foolish to be in the very center of it. So, if one saw a pony casually walking through the midst of the Everfree Forest, you would probably think them insane. And you would probably be right.

Nevertheless, a pony calmly trotted through the midst of said forest with no hint of fear whatsoever. She wore a black cloak and had a satchel across her back. She stopped in her tracks when she heard rustling from beside her. Without wasting another second, she sent a beam of magic through a bush, blasting a timber wolf to pieces. She could hear it's companions scurrying away. Really, she thought that the stupid beasts would have learned by now. Shaking her head, she continued her calm trek.

She stepped onto a fallen tree and used it as a bridge to get across a sheer drop. It was the only mundane way to get to her destination, for it was a sort of island that was cut off at all sides by a hundred foot drop. She pushed her way through the tall grass until she made it to the ruins. She stepped passed several giant rocks to get to the opening. It was surrounded at all sides by said rocks. On the other side, there sat a small stone house, which she had been living in for a long time now. And in the middle of it all, there sat a cauldron.

The mare smiled as she approached the cauldron. She picked up a book beside it with her magic. The spell book of Grogar the Necromancer. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for. She skimmed through and nodded in satisfaction. Everything was ready.

Using her magic, she lit a fire under the cauldron, causing the water she had already put in to start boiling. She levitated her satchel to the ground in front of her and took out the ingredients. Biting her lip in anticipation, she dropped each morbid object into the cauldron, causing flashes of red and green to appear. Finally, she pulled out the final part. Oh, how long she had searched for it. After the return of the Crystal Empire, it had been buried in the snow, but she had found it. Of course, she had.

With a sinister smirk, she dropped in a red horn.

For a moment nothing happened, causing the mare to become somewhat concerned. However, her fears were quickly put to rest when a sudden burst of dark magic erupted from the cauldron. The force knocked the mare back and she watched as black smoke swirled around the cauldron, eventually tearing it apart. There were several flashes of red, green, and purple as the black, smokey mass twisted and writhed. Eventually, the mass shrunk and took the form of a pony. At first it was on it's knees, but it quickly got up on it's hooves. It's body was pitch black and still looked like smoke, seeming to be only partially solid.

The shadowy pony then raised it's head. A curved, red horn appeared and then a face. A grey face with green and red eyes, with a mouth full of fangs.

The mare bowed her head. "Welcome back, King Sombra."

Sombra sucked in a deep breath through his nose before giving a satisfied release. He felt weak, but smiled regardless. However, his smiled faded and he gave the mare a serious look "...How long has it been?"

"A little over a year." The mare answered. "Your horn was difficult to locate."

Sombra gave an understanding nod. "...No matter... We have much to do... First of all... tell me all that has happened... since my death."

Pinkie awoke with a jolt when her entire body suddenly started shaking rapidly. "Ooooh, a doozy's coming!"

Discord felt a certain chill run down his spine. He scratched his chin in confusion. "That can't be right... Can it?"

Once the mare had finished explaining everything, Sombra let out a growl. So much had changed since he was defeated, but he could not risk delaying his plan. "...I must regain my body... I will not be at my full power... until I can recreate it."

The mare nodded. "Have you any ideas?"

Sombra nodded. "...Yes... Come, Sadonarc." With that, he scurried away like an agile salamander, hopping against the rocks and slithering through the grass.

As Sadonarc followed behind, she noticed that the plant life died wherever Sombra touched it. Just as she imagined. She couldn't help but chuckle."

Sombra looked back at her. "...What's funny?"

"I guess I'm just excited." Sadonarc answered.

Sombra glared at her before smiling. "...I knew it was wise to choose you... my faithful student." With that, the duo made there way through the Everfree Forest. Their mission had begun.

Present: Crossing the Line

"...Wake up..."

Marble Pie's eyes opened. She raised her head a bit off of her pillow and looked around. It was nighttime; midnight if she wasn't mistaken. Everything seemed normal, but she could have sworn that she had heard something. A voice. She nervously continued to look across her room as she listened carefully for the voice, but all she heard was her sister, Limestone's, breathing. Deciding that she just imagined it, she laid her head back down and closed her eyes.

"...Get up..."

Okay, she knew she didn't imagine that. Her head shot up and, with wide eyes, she looked around her room again, trying to find the source of the voice. She looked to Limestone, who was still sleeping soundly. She didn't want to wake her up but...

"...I said get up..."

Marble let out an "eep" and got on her hooves. Biting her lip, she slowly approached her big sister, planning to wake her up.

"...Uh uh uhhh..."

Marble pulled back and tried to hide herself under her mane. Where was the voice coming from? And why did she feel like she had to obey it?

"...Go outside..."

Marble cowered in place. No no no no! She said in her head. Don't make me go outside! Don't make me go outside! Don't make me-

"...I said go outside..."

There was something in the voice. It was feminine, like it came from a mare, but it was also commanding. Marble could feel everything in her mind urging her to do as the voice said. With a gulp, she passed by Limestone and opened the door.

"...Quietly now..."

Her entire body shivering with fright, Marble carefully closed the door behind her and quietly made her way through the house. When she got to the door, she froze. Something bad was out there. She didn't know how she knew that, but she could feel it. Something very very bad was out there... and it was waiting for her.

"...Get out..."

Marble's eyes started to water as she opened the door and shut it behind her. Why couldn't she control herself? Why did she have to obey the voice? She didn't want to be here. Nevertheless, she stood outside. Her body shivered as she looked across the landscape. She knew the rock farm like the back of her hoof and she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but she could feel something different. Something dark and ominous.

"...Come closer..."

Marble didn't know where the voice was coming from, but she could feel herself being tugged in the direction. She slowly walked away from her house and out into the rock fields.

"...Closer..."

Marble continued until she could no longer feel the pull. She looked around and saw that she was in an area with several hills and large rocks. It looked like something could have jumped out at any moment. Marble cowered to the ground, hiding her head under her forelegs. Just stop. She begged in her head. Please just stop.

"...Get up..."

There was something about the voice that Marble was starting to notice. The tone wasn't just cold and commanding; it was joyful. It was sadistic. Marble forced herself back onto her hooves, expecting to see a monster as soon as she raised her head. But she saw nothing. Filled with fright, she nervously turned and looked in every direction, trying to find whatever was forcing her to do all this.

"...Look behind you..."

Tears ran down Marble's face. She shook her head in weak defiance. Don't make me. Please, don't make me.

"...I said look behind you..."

Knowing that she couldn't fight back against whatever this creature was, Marble bit her lip and looked behind her.

Limestone Pie awoke from her slumber when she realized that something wasn't right. She kept her head on her pillow as she listened. Nothing... Nothing at all. She shot to her hooves and looked around the bedroom. "Marble?" Just as she thought, her sister was nowhere in sight. Of course, Marble could have been gone for any number of reasons. Bathroom. Late-night snack. Maybe she needed some air? Deciding that it was most likely nothing to worry about, Limestone rested on her knees and made herself comfortable.

Then she heard the scream. It was faint and most ponies wouldn't have heard it, but Limestone's super sensitive hearing picked up on it immediantly. Within seconds, Limestone was out of the house and scanning her rock farm for her sister. Her eyes widened at what she saw. Dozens of yards away, there sat Marble Pie and what stood in front of her was... Limestone wasn't sure. It looked like a mass of shadow. She could make out what appeared to be two green eyes that glowed in a supernatural way. She could also make out a red, curved horn on what she assumed to be the creature's head. However, none of that really registered in Limestone's mind at the moment. The only thing that did was that her sister was in trouble and needed her help.

Not wasting another second, Limestone rushed across the rock field; her hooves like bullets hitting off the ground. Within seconds, she was at her destination. Without even thinking, she jumped over her little sister and headbutted the creature with enough force to shatter a small boulder. She heard a crack as her head collided with that of the creature's... and it didn't come from her.

The creature let out a groan as it was sent flying into a hill; bouncing off the top of it and landing on the other side with a thud.

Limestone glared in the creature's direction before turning to her sister. Her expression softened. "Marble?"

Marble was on the ground, crying as she looked up at her big sister. Limestone couldn't be sure due to the lack of light, but she could have sworn that Marble looked... paler.

Limestone knelt down and ran over her hoof across her sister's mane. "Are you okay?"

Marble shook her head, making an 'uh-uh' sound with her mouth.

Limestone stood up and checked her surroundings, doing so just in time to see a green light approaching her. She ducked just in time for the beam of magic to pass over her. She got to her hooves and snarled.

On top a rock, a few yards away, stood a pony in a black cloak. The pony flipped it's hood back, allowing Limestone to see their face. It was a unicorn mare. Her fur was gray, almost matching Maud's in fact. Her mane was white and wild-looking, tangled and hanging off her head like she had never bothered to take care of it her whole life. Her green eyes met Limestone's yellow ones and she gave the earth pony a smug smile.

Limestone gritted her teeth and slammed her forelegs into the ground, tearing a large stone out of it. She tossed the stone up, turned, and bucked it towards the unicorn. The rock soared through the air like a cannonball.

The unicorn's eyes widened as the rock approached her. She teleported away right before the rock could connect. The rock instead hit one of the hills, causing an explosion where it hit. The unicorn, who had teleported a few yards to the right, gaped at the display before Limestone sent another rock her way. The unicorn teleported away, this time to the top of another hill, and snarled as she sent another beam towards Limestone.

Limestone moved out of the way but looked back when she realized how close the beam came to hitting Marble. I can't let that sow hit Marble. She thought. The unicorn sent several more beams at Limestone, who successfully dodged each of them while keeping herself in front of Marble. A look of anger and frustration grew on the unicorn's face. Acting fast, as she ducked another beam, Limestone tore another stone out of the ground and sent it the unicorn's way, forcing the sow to teleport away before the hill was destroyed. Knowing that she only had a few seconds to act, Limestone dug her back hooves under Marble's belly before tossing her in the air. She quickly moved under Marble, allowing her little sister to land atop her back. "Hang on to me."

Marble obeyed, wrapping her forelegs around Limestone's neck and her hind legs around Limestone's waste.

The unicorn teleported in front of Limestone, only a few yards away. The unicorn's green eyes were filled rage, though it was dwarfed by the rage in Limestone's.

After a short stare down, rocks and magic beams both soared through the air.

Meanwhile, inside the house...

Cloudy Quartz Pie raised her head off of her pillow and looked over to her husband, who slept in a separate bed. "Igneous, dear, do thou hearest the commotion outside?"

Igneous Rock Pie didn't even raise his head as he answered his wife. "From the sounds of said commotion, I believe it is Limestone. She must be dealing with another intruder. I would not advice thou to worry, dear."

With a nod, Cloudy returned her head to her pillow.

The unicorn and earth pony danced throughout the rock fields. The unicorn continued to bombard Limestone with blasts of magic, but Limestone evaded each one. Meanwhile, Limestone continued to bombard the unicorn with cannonrocks, but the unicorn teleported away from each one. Wanting a better vantage point, the unicorn teleported atop Holder's Boulder.

"Get off Holder's Boulder!" Limestone shouted before sending a rock straight at the unicorn's face.

The unicorn gave a "Ahh!" before teleporting away.

Igneous Rock Pie looked out his bedroom window. The sounds of battle hadn't stopped, so he had decided to see what was happening. "It seems Limestone is having much more trouble than usual." He said as he turned to his wife. "I believe it would be best if we go assist her."

Sadonarc unleashed a barrage of beams at the stubborn mud pony, gritting her teeth in frustration as she dodged each one.

"...Sadonarc,"

Sadonarc stopped and turned to look behind her when she heard her teacher's voice.

"...It is time to retreat."

Sadonarc turned back around to see a rock coming towards her. She blasted the rock to pieces and attempted to teleport away, but with her mind torn between following Sombra out of there and dealing with the mud pony, she couldn't concentrate enough. Instead, she sent one last blast at the mud pony before attempting to run away.

However, the mud pony took advantage and sent another rock her way, landing directly behind Sadonarc. The resulting explosion knocked Sadonarc a few yards away and left her sore and dizzy. "How... How did that mud pony... hit me?" She asked herself. She looked up and her eyes widened as she saw an even bigger rock falling down towards her. Quickly finding her concentration, she teleported away just as the rock landed, leaving a crater where she had once been. Sadonarc scurried away until she found Sombra.

"...Come, Sadonarc." Her teacher beckoned.

Obeying, she and Sombra ran off, leaving the rock farm behind them. Though Sadonarc couldn't get that stubborn mud pony out of her head. "I'll make her pay!" She muttered under her heavy breath.

Limestone watched as the unicorn and shadow creature ran off like cowards. The pony on her back being the only reason she didn't chase after them. With a huff, she ran back to the house. Her parent's were waiting right outside the door.

"Limestone! What has happened?" Her Pa asked when he saw Marble on Limestone's back.

"Later. First, we need to get Marble inside." Limestone said as she pushed passed her parents, who followed her in. Limestone went to her and Marble's bedroom, turning on the lights before laying Marble in her bed. She looked over her little sister. She definitely was paler than normal, to the point of looking sickly. Limestone's analectic eyes looked over Marble until they rested on her flank. Limestone's eyes widened. "Marble, your cutie mark."

Marble looked up at her big sister. "Hmm?"

"It's... gone!"

Marble and their parents looked and saw that Limestone was quite right. Tears reappeared in Marble's eyes as she laid her head down.

Ma knelt beside Marble and rubbed her hoof across Marble's mane.

Pa looked to Limestone. "What happened out there?!"

"Some unicorn mare and a... shadow-creature-thing attacked me and Marble." Limestone answered. "I don't know anything else... yet."

Pa nodded and helped his wife sooth Marble.

Meanwhile, Limestone went to her window and opened it. She looked out in the direction the two fiends went and growled. She didn't know who they were or what they wanted, but she did know one thing: They crossed the line and now they were gonna pay.

Present: The Wheels Are Turning

"No... No, please... Stop it... Stop it..."

"...Sadonarc..."

Sadonarc startled awake. Her breathing was heavy as she took in her surroundings, looking up to see her shadowy mentor standing above her. With a sigh, she wiped the tears off of her face and stood up. "Did you... Did you go in my mind and..."

"...Why would I... waste my magic on... something so... petty?"

Sadonarc nodded as she moved her mane out of her face.

"...We have become... strangely fortunate." Sombra said with a smile. "...I've sensed that... the Alicorn Amulet... is near."

Sadonarc raised an eyebrow. Sombra had told her all about the Alicorn Amulet. In fact, Sombra was the one who created it.

"...You will retrieve it... and put it on."

Sadonarc thought for a moment before narrowing her eyes. "I don't need that amulet. I'm powerful enough on my own."

Sombra had a bemused look of his face. "...Then why is that... earth pony still alive?"

Sadonarc gritted her teeth. "She-She just caught me off guard!"

"...No excuses." Sombra said firmly. "...You will take the Alicorn Amulet."

Sadonarc opened her mouth to say something, but instead just nodded.

"...Follow me." Sombra commanded as he turned and slithered away.

Sadonarc stretched and followed her mentor.

As they moved through the Everfree Forest, Sadonarc took notice of how all the animals they neared fled at Sombra's presence. In her mind, she grumbled about how she had slain every beast she came across in this forest and they had never learned to fear her while Sombra just had be nearby for them to flee. She had lost sight of Sombra, but had no problem following him as every plant he so much as grazed withered and died. She followed the path of death until she saw him, crouched behind a decaying tree. She came to his side and looked to see a hut nearby. Strange; who would make their home in the Everfree Forest... besides herself?

"...In there." Sombra stated. "...Take the amulet... Kill the residence."

Sadonarc nodded and pulled her hood over her head before teleporting to the front door. On closer inspection, it seemed to be a zebra hut. She opened the door with her magic and quietly stepped in, scanning the entire inside of the hut. Potions, masks, strange objects, and a cauldron in the center of it all; definitely a zebra's hut. However, there was no one in sight; zebra or otherwise.

Staying alert, Sadonarc searched the hut until she came across a chest under the bed. It was locked, but a quick lock pick spell took care of it. She opened it to find a black amulet with a red crystal in it. The Alicorn Amulet. With a smile, she put the amulet around her neck. She instantly felt power flowing through her veins. Something dark entered her mind, but it didn't really affect her. She had been poisoning her mind with dark magic for a long time now already.

"...Do you have it..."

Sadonarc heard Sombra's voice in her head and responded mentally. Yes.

"...The resident..."

Not here.

"...Put everything back... the way it was... No need for suspicion..."

Sadonarc closed and locked the chest and slid it back under the bed before leaving, shutting the door behind her. She teleported back to Sombra's side, where the tree had rotted to nothing. "I can feel the amulet's power!"

Sombra smiled. "..Ah, yes... One of my finest creations."

Sadonarc looked to the hut and lit her horn. "Why don't I test it out?"

"No!" Sombra commanded. "...Not here... Follow me."

Sadonarc let out a huff and followed. She found Sombra at the very edge of the forest.

Sombra turned to her. "...Do you know... where we are?"

Sadonarc came to Sombar's side and looked out. It was sunrise and the town before them was bathed by the beginning of the day. Said town being... "Ponyville." Sadonarc answered. "And that's Twilight's castle." She pointed to the large castle of power crystal that towered over the rest of the town. She looked to her right and took notice of a certain cottage. "In fact, one of the Elements lives right there." She nodded to said cottage.

Sombra's green and red eyes scanned the town, from the castle to the cottage... and then he started laughing. It was a low, raspy laugh due to his weakened state, but it didn't matter to either pony. "...It seems we have been... more fortunate than I thought."

Sadonarc smiled. "Shall we take out the weakling then?" She nodded to the cottage.

"...No... Not yet... Until the time comes to strike... we shall watch them... weaken them...Pick them off... one by one."

"And your body?"

"...Magic will be provided." Sombra replied with certainty. "...First... we must start a panick... and we must start it... when their heroes are not around." He chuckled as ideas ran through his head.

Sadonarc looked to her mentor. "But there must be something we can do now."

Sombra thought for a moment, licking his lip in either concentration or joy (Sadonarc couldn't tell). "...Yes... Yes, there is... Come, Sadonarc." He turned and headed back into the forest.

Sadonarc gave the town one last look before following. A smile worked it's way onto her face.

Pinkie bounced out of her bed and greeted her pet baby alligator with a kiss on the head. "Good morning, Gummy!"

Gummy slowly blinked his eyes in response.

Pinkie merrily bounced downstairs and greeted the Cakes. "Good morning, Mr. Cake! Good morning, Mrs. Cake!" She hugged them both as greeted each of them.

"Good morning, Pinkie." They greeted back.

Pinkie tip-toed into Pound and Pumpkin's room. "Good morning, Pound. Good morning, Pumpkin." She whispered as she kissed each sleeping baby. She then opened up Sugarcube Corner and slid outside. "Good morning, world!" She shouted as she jumped to the air... only to be tackled to the ground in midair. Pinkie found herself on her back, pinned down by a pony with violet fur and a grey mane that hung down one side of her face. Wait... Pinkie knew that pony! "Limestone?!"

"Pinkie, we need to go now!" Limestone said before lifting Pinkie up, getting behind her, and pushing her with her head, forcing Pinkie to run with her

Pinkie turned around, her nose scrunching up against Limestone's; who continued to run and push Pinkie in front of her, forcing Pinkie to run backwards (not that she had a problem with it). "Limestone, where are we going? And why do we have to go now?"

"Something happened last night!" Limestone said without slowing down. "Marble was attacked!"

"What?!" Pinkie was off the ground for a second, but her nose stayed against Limestone's. "Marble was attacked?! By what?!"

"We'll talk later! Right now, we need to get to the Rock Farm!"

"Hold on, Limey," Pinkie put her forehooves against Limestone's chest and dug her back hooves into the ground in an effort to slow Limestone down. It had no affect. "Tell me what happened. Maybe my friends can help."

"I don't know about that, Pinkie. Whatever attacked Marble made her very weak and, even weirder, took away her cutie mark!"

"Wait, it took away her cutie mark?!"

"That's what I just said."

"Limey, we've dealt with things like that before. Just calm down and we can go talk to my friends. Twilight should know what to do."

Limestone groaned and skid to a halt.

Pinkie, however, kept going and slammed flank first into the side of a mountain. Pinkie shook her head and pushed herself out of the newly created crevasse.

Limestone walked up to Pinkie, who was now rubbing her soar rump. "Are you sure, Pinkie? You know I hate social interaction."

"On, come on, Limey. You got along fine with Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac."

"Only a little bit." Limestone deadpanned.

"Your going to love my other friends too. Besides, Maud lives around here too. So you'll have me, Maud, and our friends."

Limestone growled. "This isn't about me, Pinkie! This is about Marble!"

Pinkie froze for a second. "Oh, right. Sorry. But anyway, I know my friends can help Marble. You have to let them come with us."

Limestone hesitated. She really didn't want to bring ponies she didn't know into this, but she really really wanted Marble to be okay. "Okay." She finally said with a sigh.

"Great!" Pinkie cheered.

"But I want as little to do with them as possible!" Limestone said sternly before turning and walking back to town. "You get your friends, I'll get Maud. We'll meet at the train station."

Pinkie chuckled and put her foreleg over Limestone's shoulders. "Oh, Limestone. You and your asprancers."

Present: The Moment to Strike

I stared down at the rock in my hooves.

I asked him how he came to be in such a place.

I asked him how long he had lived.

I asked him how large he used to be before time reduced him to but a pebble.

The rock said nothing for rocks don't talk.

"Maud?" A familiar voice called out.

Maud Pie set down her pencil and turned to find that she had an unexpected visitor. "Limestone?"

Limestone Pie walked into Maud's 'room' and stopped to marvel at the scenery. "Woah. When you said your new place had a great view you weren't kidding." She stopped marveling and shook her head. "Ugh, that doesn't matter. Maud, you need to come with me."

Maud strolled over to her older sister. Though no one would be able to tell, Maud was concerned. Limestone always looked angry, but she looked more worried than anything right now. "What is it, Limestone?"

"I'll tell you on the way to the train station." Limestone said as she turned to leave.

"We're going to the train station?"

Limestone, with an annoyed look, turned around and walked behind Maud. She then proceeded to push Maud forward with her head.

Maud allowed Limestone to push her out of the cave and onto the dirt road.

Limestone stopped pushing and walked by Maud's side. "Marble was attacked last night."

Maud's eyes widened... slightly. "Attacked? By what?"

Limestone grumbled. "I'm not sure. It was some kind of shadow creature; and it wasn't alone. There was also this unicorn that tried to kill me."

"I'm gonna take the wild guess that the unicorn didn't succeed."

"Of course not! I almost had that heffer, but then she ran away like a coward! I would've chased after her, but I had to take care of Marble."

Maud nodded in understanding. While Limestone was quick-tempered and hostile, she loved her family with all her heart and had always looked out for Maud, Pinkie, and Marble. Maud and Pinkie could now handle themselves, but Marble was different story. Therefore, Limestone was very protective of Marble and Maud couldn't think of anything that could enrage Limestone more than hurting Marble. "How is she?"

"Hopefully, scared and licking her wounds!" Limestone spat out.

"I was talking about Marble." Maud said as she rolled her eyes

"...Oh, right." Limestone cleared her throat. "I really don't know. Somehow that thing that attacked her... took away her cutie mark!"

Maud's eyes once again widened... slightly. "It took away her cutie mark?"

"That's what I just said." Now, Limestone was rolling her eyes.

"I know, but how?"

"I don't know. I was sleeping and I heard Marble scream from outside. I saw that thing standing over her and I bashed it's head in... with my head. I don't know what it did. All I know is that when I got Marble inside, her cutie mark was gone!"

Maud puzzled this for a moment. "Did anything else happen to her?"

"Well, she's paler than normal and she's been really weak, like she doesn't have any strength left. I didn't stick around to see if there were other symptoms."

"Did she say anything about what happened?" Maud used the word 'say' lightly.

Limestone rolled her eyes again. "You know Pinkie is the only one who can fully understand her. That's why I ran all the way from the farm to Ponyville to get her."

"You ran instead of taking the train?"

"Limestone Pie doesn't wait for trains... except today, but that's because Pinkie is getting her friends to come with us."

"Really?"

Limestone groaned. "Apparently, Pinkie and her friends have seen things like this before and Pinkie insisted that they come with us. Normally, I would say no, but... I'm worried about Marble."

"...They're good ponies, Limestone."

"I never said they weren't. Look, Pinkie already gave me the 'friend talk'. I don't need to here it from you too!"

"...I'm sorry."

"No, no. Don't apologize." Limestone sighed. "I just want Marble to get better and, if they really know what they're doing... But after this is over, they can be on their merry way."

"I understand." Maud decided it was best to leave it at that. Maybe Limestone would change her mind. Maybe she wouldn't. For now, Marble was the only priority. "And they will help Marble. I can guarantee you that."

Limestone said nothing.

As the two mares continued their path to the train station, Maud wondered how Pinkie was coming along with explaining everything to her friends. You never could tell with Pinkie.

Meanwhile, in Twilight's Castle...

Pinkie's eyes scanned each of her five bestiest best friends, who stood in front of her with confused looks. "I suppose you're all wondering why I've called you here tonight?" Pinkie said as if she were a detective.

"Uh, first of all, Pinkie, it's mornin'." Applejack deadpanned. "Second of all, ya didn' call us; ya came outta no where, grabbed us, and brought us here."

Pinkie shrugged. "You say tomato; I say potato."

"That-That doesn' make any-"

"Ahem." Twilight loudly cleared her throat to get everypony's attention. "Pinkie, would you mind telling us why you kidnapped everypony and brought them to my castle?"

"Right! Straight to the point. Got it." Pinkie cleared her throat. "This morning, I was saying 'good morning' to everyone, but when I went outside, I was tackled by somepony and when I looked up, I saw it was my biggest sister, Limestone! I was about to hug her and ask her what she was doing here, but then she like 'no time, we have to go'!" Her mane, eyes, and voice changed to imitate Limestone. "And then, we were both running. Limestone was running behind me and pushing me forward and I was running backwards to face her. Then, she told me that some shadow-creature-thingy attacked our other sister, Marble! And I was like 'WHAT'! Then, she told me that whatever attacked Marble also took away her cutie mark! And I was like 'it took away her cutie mark'! And Limestone was like 'that's what I just said'. So, I told her that you girls would be able to help since we've dealt with stuff like that before and that you should come with us. So, right now, Limestone is getting Maud and I'm getting you five and we're gonna meet up at the train station. Then, we'll take the train to the Rock Farm and figure out what's wrong with Marble. So, are you in or are you in?"

....................

"Uhhh, girls?"

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy just stared at Pinkie as they waited for her long line of words to sink into their brains. You could hear the chirping of crickets in the background.

Rainbow Dash was the first to speak up. "Sooo... In short, your sister is in trouble and needs our help?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"That's good enough for me." Rainbow said with a determined look.

The other nodded in agreement.

"Did you say that the creature that attacked, uhh, Marble took her cutie mark?" Twilight asked

"Yep; and that's exactly why we need your expertise!"

Twilight brought her hoof to her chin in thought. "Well, there's more than one way to lose your cutie mark... Is there anything else Limestone told you?"

"No; just that it was a shadow creature that did it." Pinkie answered with equal confusion.

"A shadow creature..." Twilight's mind raced through the possibilities and none of them were good. But as her mind searched through them, something flashed in her mind. "No; that's not possible." She whispered to herself.

"What's not possible, darling?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, it's nothing." Twilight assured. And it was nothing. He was dead... wasn't he? She pushed it out of her mind. "We'll figure it out later. Right now, Pinkie's sister is in trouble. So, let's go."

The others nodded and made their way out of the castle.

Twilight strolled behind. "You all go ahead. I'm gonna go tell Spike and Starlight where we're going." With that, she searched for her trusty assistant. It took a while due to the castle complicated lay out, but she eventually found Spike... flexing in front of the bathroom mirror.

"Oh yeah! Who's the dragon? That's right. It's me! Spike! The most awesome dragon in- Ahhh!" Spike yelled and covered himself (despite never wearing clothes anyway) when he saw Twilight. "Twilight! A little privacy, please!"

"Sorry, sorry! I'll just... pretend I didn't see that." Twilight wasn't just saying that; she really wanted to forget seeing that. "I just wanted to let you know that me and the others are leaving."

Spike calmed down. "Where this time?"

"Pinkie's family's Rock Farm. One of Pinkie's sisters was attacked and, apparently, whatever attacked her took her cutie mark."

Now, Spike was interested. "What?"

Twilight sighed. "I don't know. All Pinkie was told is that the creature was... shadowy."

"Shadowy?" Spike thought for a moment. "Like... King Sombra?"

For some reason, a chill went down Twilight's spine. "Maybe, but Sombra's dead. Besides, I don't think he knew how to take away cutie marks anyway."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Hi, Starlight. Hi, Spike." Starlight greeted as she passed by.

"Hi, Starlight." Twilight said before remembering she had to tell Starlight as well. "Oh, Starlight!" She turned to face her student.

Starlight turned to face her. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to let you know that me and the others are going to be gone for a while."

"Okay."

"We'll be gone for at least a few hours. I'll let you know if we end up taking longer."

"I'm sure you will," Starlight resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Considering that Twilight had once semi-turned herself into music bow ballerina just to check up on her, she had no doubts that Twilight would figure out a way to alert her.

"So, just take care of things around here while we're gone."

"Can do." Starlight assured before continuing down the hall.

Twilight looked to Spike as he stepped to her side. "Spike, if Starlight asks, don't tell her about the shadow creature."

Spike gave Twilight a confused look. "Why not?"

"I don't want her to worry. Besides, the whole 'cutie mark' thing would probably bring up some bad memories for her."

"Point taken."

Twilight gave him a smile. "Thanks. See you soon." She nuzzled her assistant and made her way out. As she left her castle, she stopped. "Hold on, how am I gonna catch up with them?" She thought for a moment before it hit her; or rather, she hit herself for being an idiot. "Duh." She light up her horn and, in a flash, appeared at the train station. She looked around her and found that her friends had not arrived yet. However, she did find, standing directly beside her, two earth ponies; one of whom she recognized.

"Hi, Twilight." Maud said in her usual monotone voice. Beside her was a violet mare with a grey mane that hung off one side of her head; she seemed angry about something.

"Hello, Maud. It's nice to see you again."

"It's nice to see you too. By the way, this is my sister, Limestone." She motioned to the angry-looking mare beside her.

"Oh, your Limestone. Well, I glad to finally meet you."

"Where's Pinkie and the others?" Limestone asked.

Twilight was rather taken back by Limestone's seemingly hostile attitude. It dawned on Twilight that, seeing as Maud was vastly different from Pinkie, perhaps Limestone and Marble were vastly different as well. "Well, um, they'll be here soon."

Limestone stared Twilight down as if Twilight had eaten her cookie.

Twilight gulped. Please let it be soon.

"So, Applejack," Rarity looked to the cowgirl beside her. "You've meet this Limestone and Marble before. What are they like?"

Applejack thought for a moment. "Well, Marble is a real shy and timid girl."

"Oh, like Fluttershy?"

"Worse. And Limestone... Well, she's a bit..."

"A bit what, darling?"

Applejack wasn't sure what to say. She couldn't just tell them that Pinkie's sister was a prideful, vicious, antisocial jerk. "...Well, she's a bit on the hostile side. The type a pony that takes some time to get used to."

"Ah, I see." Rarity said. "She sounds... different."

"That's about the best way to put it." Applejack said with a smile.

"Well, um, they both sound like nice ponies." Fluttershy offered.

Applejack bit her lip. "Well... Marble is."

Fluttershy glanced away. "Oh. So, Limestone isn't."

Applejack nervously adjusted her head. "Well, no. Not exactly. At least, not at first. She'll warm up to ya after a while, but at first... Well, it's best to keep ya distance." She was glad Pinkie was too far ahead to hear her.

Rainbow Dash, who was flying above them, looked down at Applejack. "Is she violet and have a grey mane?"

Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow. "Yeah; how'cha know that?"

"Because I can see her at the train station with Maud and Twilight."

Pinkie gasped. "They're there?!" With that, she zoomed the rest of the way to the train station and glomped her two sisters, knocking them to the ground.

The rest followed after Pinkie until they reached their destination.

Twilight smiled as her friends arrived.

"Howdy, Twi." Applejack greeted. "Ah'm guessin' ya magiced ya way over here?"

"Yes; yes, I did." Twilight held back the compulsion to correct her friend's phrasing. "I was running later than I thought, so I just teleported over here."

"Hey, guys!" Pinkie, with her foreleg around Limestone, brought her eldest sister in front of her friends. "This is my biggest big sister, Limestone!"

Limestone shot Pinkie a look. "Are you calling me fat?!"

"No, silly. I'm saying you're the oldest."

"Oh."

Applejack decided to greet her first. "Howdy, Limestone. It's me, Applejack. You remember me, right?"

"Limestone Pie doesn't forget. Ever!"

"...Riiight." Applejack scooted towards Twilight. "Quite the charmer, ain't she?" She whispered.

"You never you told us that she would be so... defensive." Twilight chose her words carefully.

"Ah explained to the others on the way here that Limestone is a bit..."

"The name's Rainbow Dash." Rainbow held out her hoof for Limestone to shake.

"Yeah, Pinkie's told me a lot about you... Also, I don't shake hooves."

Rainbow rubbed the back of of her neck and backed away. "Oh, uhhh, right."

"Okay, maybe not a little," Applejack corrected. "Limestone is very much..."

"My name is Rarity." Rarity greeted.

"Yeah, I figured it was you."

"My, I love what you've done with your mane, darling."

"...My name is Limestone; not darling."

Rarity backed away. "Oh, well, that's just something I, um... never mind."

Applejack sighed. "She's awful."

"Oh, come on. She can't be that bad." Twilight insisted.

Fluttershy gently kicked at the ground. "Um, I'm Fluttershy. It's nice to meet you."

"Uh-huh."

Fluttershy backed away "...Okay."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Then again..."

"I'm sure she'll soften up after a while, but for now, we'll have to deal with Miss Grumpypants."

"I'm not wearing pants." Limestone deadpanned as she looked to Twilight and Applejack. "And yes, I heard everything."

"Oh, here comes the train!" Pinkie exclaimed.

The others sighed with relief as the train pulled in, allowing them to get moving.

Before entering the train, Limestone stopped and looked to Twilight and Applejack. "Let me make something clear. I did not agree to let you five come with us to make friends! You're gonna help Marble and then it's over!" With that, Limestone entered the train.

The seven other ponies exchanged glances before following Limestone in. None of them were aware of the disembodied presence that had followed them.

Sadonarc prided herself in casting spells like no other. She had trained long and hard to perfect each one to suit her needs. One that she was particularly proud of was the eavesdropping spell. Her eyes and ears wherever she wanted them to be; like teleporting, except her body stayed in place. It came in handy gathering information. Of course, she also made use of more... brutal measures to do so, but this was the easiest route.

She had just used said spell to find out where the Elements were leaving to. How ironic that they were leaving to the very place that she and her mentor had just been. But Sadonarc was more focused on the mud pony that had humiliated her.

"...Sadonarc..."

Sadonarc's sight and hearing returned to her body. She turned to face her mentor.

Sombra smiled. "...This is our opportunity... Twilight's student... she may have enough magic... for me to recreate... my body."

Sadonarc scoffed. "Her? Please. I can take her down, no problem."

Sombra looked over Sadonarc and gave her a look. "...Sadonarc... you are not wearing... the Alicorn Amulet."

Sadonarc glared at him. "I took it off because I don't need it! The mud pony caught me off guard! I've learned from it!"

"...Sadonarc..."

"I'm better than her, father!"

A moment of silence passed them as Sadonarc's statement made her calm down.

"...Do not let the past... cloud your mind in the present... You cannot prove... anything to him now..." Sombra's smiled returned. "...You are proving yourself... to all of Equestria... But you cannot do so... by being stubborn... and stupid."

Sadonarc sat in silence for another moment before looking Sombra in the eye. "I can beat her. I know I can; if you just let me try."

Sombra thought for a moment before nodding. "...Alright... Here is what we will do." Sombra explained his plan to Sadonarc, who smiled as Sombra went on. "...Keep the Amulet with you... just in case." He finished.

Sadonarc begrudgingly lifted her cloak to show that she had the Amulet under it.

With a nod, Sombra slithered away from their hiding place at the edge of Everfree Forest, preparing for what was to come.

With a smile, Sadonarc teleported away.

As Twilight looked out the train window, something flashed inside her mind. The same flash that she had before. The same pair of green eyes. "...Not... possible." Twilight whispered to herself.