The Darkest Hour: Return of Sombra

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.