I woke with a loud snort. “Huh, what?!” I looked around in a panic for a second before I remembered I was on a train. I yawned before getting to my feet and stretching. “Man, how long was I asleep?” With no answer I opened the blinds on the window and took a peek out. It was daylight, which was good news seeing as it had been dark when I’d dropped off. Yeah, apparently it was a twenty four hour train ride to the Crystal Empire. So nice of Celestia to mention that. Bitch. I glanced at the snow that covered the world outside. I guess that was a good sign. Must be there soon.

I stared at my reflection in the glass for a minute before noticing my hair. I pinched a strand of the curly mess. The brown was fading to a lighter colour. “Damn it.” I groaned, I guess it was inevitable but I’d hoped the hair dye would have lasted a while longer, I had...what? Maybe a week or two left? I ended up staring at my reflection for a while longer as I slowly shook off the drowsiness that I felt, deep brown eyes stared back at me.

Celestia...what's your game? I'd seen that look in the eyes of others, those who see people as a means to an end, as pawns in some great game of chess. I'd seen it too many times to mistake it for anything else. Now what's the endgame? Power? Money? Or is it as simple as wanting to protect your people? I wish I could believe that last one, but with the political power you have I can't just count on you to do the right thing. Not when she’s been sending Twilight and her friends to fight things she could have done herself. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra. And those are just three examples of things that, if Twilight had failed, would have been disastrous. What other things is she hiding? What is it Celestia is planning? I don’t know if I can find out, but I don’t trust her.

I thought back to what I said in Canterlot. Was I a dick to her? Yes, yes I was, but she deserved it. I could see it in her eyes, she planned on using me as a pawn to further her plans, I had to derail that. She might not trust me now. That’s fine. I had made her throw me out of any future plans of hers except maybe as an obstacle to overcome, not someone for her to control and manipulate. Now Luna...I don’t know. She seemed like she didn’t know my circumstances, plus she said she liked my ‘fire’ whatever that meant. I’ll reserve judgement on her for now.

I sighed and slumped back, I was mentally exhausted. Yes, I should be able to trust the princesses, but with what happened I don’t know if I can. I shook my head, I should just focus on the present, I have to deal with Sombra for now. I spotted a sandwich on a tray opposite me and bit into it. One of the staff must have dropped it off while I slept. As I ate I tried to come up with a plan. I couldn’t just run up to Sombra and start punching him, that was stupid, and I might not be that bright, but I’m not an idiot. First I had to find out what he was planning, what his goals were.

I finished my sandwich and closed my eyes. Why was I getting involved in this? I just had to let Celestia send Twilight and co. They’d deal with it like they had before. An image of Spike flashed in my mind. Spike...Right. I had to protect him from danger, if I could protect that innocent dragon. We’d bonded quickly and he felt...almost like family by now. My eyes snapped open, where had that thought come from?! But the more I thought about it the more I realised it was true. The little dragon had become something of a brother to me. Almost like he was the brother I nearly had. I sighed. This was getting more and more complicated as it went on. I cleared my head and just sat there in the silence. I needed to relax.

I opened my eyes as I felt the train beginning to slow. “Crystal Empire! Last stop!” A mare called out. Kind of pointless, seeing as I was the only one there.

Ah, well. I stood and stretched as the train stopped. I pulled my shotgun off the shelf above my hand and slotted in into it’s holster on my back before patting the holster at my hip and finding my handgun still there I headed for the exit and carefully stepped onto the wooden platform of the train station. I tugged my hoodie closer and flipped my hood up as the frigid wind bit into my skin and the snow began sticking to my clothes.

The same mare that had called out came to the doorway, “You be careful on the way, the snow around here holds dangers.” She said. “We’ll be back here for you at noon in two days time.” As I opened my mouth to ask what she meant about the snow the door slammed shut and a second later the train started moving off. Ah well, I’d figure it out on my own.

Through the blizzard I caught sight of some sort of city that shimmered and shined through the snow. Nodding to myself I began to make my way there. As I walked the snow beneath my feet crunched. I paused before taking another step, eliciting another crunch. A grin broke out on my face and I began shuffling and taking lots of small steps just hear that glorious sound underfoot. I laughed loudly to myself. It had been years since I’d been able to hear and feel that magnificent sound!

I had been prancing around for a good ten minutes, giggling to myself, when I jumped ahead and dropped until the snow was around my thighs. I blinked for a few seconds before bursting out with laughter and pulled myself out of the snowbank. I gave a happy sigh, I hadn’t had this much fun in snow since I was a little kid, and the most snow we ever got in my country was at most an inch or three. Every five years.

My smile faded as I felt the ground rumbling and I blinked as a bunch of wolves made of ice rose from the snow, their eyes glowing a bright blue. “What?” I said dumbly before my throat was torn out.

As I respawned I gave a bitter laugh, “Yeah, no. We're not doing this again.” I pulled my shotgun and began firing. I hit maybe two before I dived to the side to avoid a bite. As I landed I pulled up my handgun and fired at the wolves and hit...the air. Damn it, I still needed to practice. As a wolf pounced I rolled onto my stomach and reached for my shotgun. As the wolf bared its teeth I held the shotgun up and squeezed the trigger.

It clicked. I was out of shells. My eyes widened, “I'm going to fuck you up for this.” I told the ice wolves. My throat was then torn out. I respawned and fired my shotgun right into the face of the wolf with my throat in its mouth, it shattered like glass and fell to the ground, still. “Yeah! Come get some!” I cheered. Then I noticed I was completely surrounded, “Oh, fuck you.” I grumbled as they swarmed me.

As I respawned I put some distance between us and fired at them, shattering one and knocking another back. “What you going to do now, you bitches?!” I grinned. My smile disappeared as one of them raised their tail before flicking it at me, shards of ice coming loose and flying at me. Before I could react the shards sunk deep into my head. I respawned, “Yeah, I call fucking hacks, douchebags.”

I quickly fired off all the shells in my shotgun, hitting...three and killing two. I needed to practice shooting more. As I switched to my handgun I kept an eye on the last five wolves. The lead wolf suddenly let out a bark and the remaining wolves dropped into the snow, disappearing. I blinked, “Did...did they give up?” The moment I said that the floor below me dropped away and with a scream I fell until I was up to my head in snow. That's when I felt fangs tearing into my stomach. I started screaming and thrashing about as I felt something inside me being torn out and the snow around me slowly turning red. I felt their fangs hit deeper inside my body and everything started going black.

I respawned with a gasp and immediately starting shooting my handgun into the ground. I heard several yelps before a wolf burst from the snow and dug its fangs into my throat. I respawned again and kicked the wolf in the face, “Fuck you!” I spat before shooting it in the face and taking great pleasure in see it shatter.

The remaining wolves popped back up and the lead wolf, the alpha, I presumed, let out a howl and the other wolves shattered, the alpha stared me in the eyes before letting loose a long howl. As the remains of the ice wolves started combining into the alpha wolf I decided to do the smart thing and ran.

I looked back and saw that they had combined into a giant ice wolf, at least forty feet tall. I let out a scream and doubled my pace, not that it was easy in the snow. There was a thunderous roar and I glanced back. It was charging towards me at a terrifying speed. I may, or may not have screamed like a bitch. The city was close now, but unfortunately the wolf reached me before long before I reached the city. As a paw came down towards me I quickly dived out of the way as the paw crashed down, the force sending me flying.

I scrambled to my feet and sprinted off, not eager to be turned into a pancake. With a yelp I dodged giant fangs trying to tear me apart, and pumped every last drop of energy into my legs. “Fuck you, you frozen bitch!” I kept my eyes on the city, it was closer now, I was able to see the crystal spires and buildings now. I risked a glance back and yelled as huge chunks of ice, larger than my body, were launched at me. I dodged the first and span around and ducked to dodge the rest. I whimpered as I saw another twenty shards get launched my way. I screamed as a shard sliced through my waist and bisecting me. As I lay on the ground and looked up at the wolf and snarled as my organs started falling out. I was going to enjoy watching that thing die. The last thing I saw was a paw crashing down towards me.

I respawned and set off running, shooting my handgun and, by some miracle, hitting it in the eye. As it yelped and flinched away from me I took the opportunity and ran as fast as I could. I closed in on the city and saw red walls surrounding the city.

As I got close to the walls of the city a massive chunk of red rock shot out of the wall and crashed into the giant ice wolf before wrapping around it and slamming it into the ground as several more chunks shot out into the wolf. As they squeezed it I realised they weren't big chunks of rocks but streams of smaller crystals. The wolf let out a baleful roar before blue light exploded out of its eyes and its body fell apart.

I looked to the top of the crystal wall and saw a dark unicorn stood there, his horn a vibrant red, as his cape waved in the wind. He stared at me for a long moment before turning and walking off. I stood there for a few seconds longer thinking things over when a portion of the wall dropped away, leaving an entrance to the city.

“This is totally a trap.” I muttered, “It probably says a lot that I'm walking straight in.”

As I passed through the wall it quickly sealed back up with a loud bang and a crystal sphere surrounded me and several crystal tendrils shot out and pointed themselves all along my body whilst sharpening themselves into points.

“Yep. Trap.” I squeaked.

“Well, well, just what has wandered in from the snow into my domain?” The crystal sphere parted and the unicorn I’d seen before stepped through with a smirk on his mouth.

I got my first real look at him, the first thing that I noticed was his eyes, bright red and drilling into me, making me just want to look away. I forced myself to continue looking him over. His horn was indeed red, I could see two fangs in his mouth, and he wore some sort of silver armour and a crown.

“So, are you this king I've heard of?” I asked, pulling down my hood. I’m an idiot.

“Don't mock me, child!” He snapped, his smirk not leaving his face.

I sighed, “I'm asking you a simple question, I'm not from around these parts so I felt it best to not presume.”

His glare lifted, “Then yes, I am indeed King Sombra. And what, may I ask, is your name?”

I blinked, “Huh. You know when I was told of you I was expecting someone a little more...savage. Oh well. My name is Leon Alexander Walters Frost.” I decided to give him my full name, the first time I’d done so in this world. Yes, my parents gave me an annoyingly long name, that’s why I shorten it. Alexander Walters was from my great-great grandad, apparently he was a good man.

He chuckled, “As a king, etiquette is important, even when dealing with those beneath you. Of which you most assuredly are.”

“Yeah, well, I'm nowhere near being royalty or nobility, so of course I'm lower than a king. Speaking of which, isn't it usually an emperor in charge of a, you know, empire?”

He raised an eyebrow, “And fully accept the cliche?”

“Fair point.” I looked at the nearest crystal tendril and cleared my throat, “Could you...lower the crystals? I’m not stupid enough to attack you.”

He looked me over, his gaze lingering on my weapons, before he turned and the crystal tendrils and sphere fell to the ground. “Come with me, creature, I want to show you my Empire and learn of what it is Celestia has sent against me.”

I blinked for a moment before realising this wasn’t an option and followed. “How’d you know Celestia sent me?” I asked as I looked around. The place was beautiful, shining crystal spires as high as the sky, the houses and even the road were crystals and shone brightly. The only thing that distracted me from the beauty was the ponies in chains, both chained together and individually chained up.

He glanced at me, “Why else would you be here? Transport from Equestria halted two weeks ago, and you are not dressed warm enough to have trekked here.”

“Okay. Got to give you points for observation there.” I nodded.

“Indeed, I am no fool. I know that she sent you here to get rid of me.”

I smirked, “Well, being an idiot she told me to defeat you. Defeat. Not take prisoner, not knock unconscious, defeat. So, I'm just going to assume she meant at chess. And since I'm getting paid by the hour...Want to talk for awhile?” Hey, it was stupid to immediately get into a fight with someone without knowing their side of the story.

He gestured around at the crystalline city, the ponies cowered as his hooves passed over them, “You don’t care that they are scared?”

I waved him off, “You aren’t killing them, torturing them or harming them. If just walking the streets scares them then they need to toughen up.” I did want to help them, but...honestly, other than taking over and making them work, what was wrong here? It’s not like they were starving. Yes, yes, it wasn’t right, but it wasn’t that bad honestly, it could have been a lot worse. And what exactly could I do? What happens when I leave and the power vacuum kicks in? For all I knew someone even worse would take over. It wasn't like I even knew everything about the place.

“And the Slaves mean nothing to you?”

I frowned, “You have slaves? That isn’t right.” Working citizens was one thing, slavery was another.

“No, Slave is a rank. They wear the shackles and chains, but at the end of the day they take them off and go home.” He explained, “If one works hard enough they may progress to a higher rank, but a lot of them are content with the pay of Slave work.”

“What?”

“It’s a front. People see what they think is true and I get a reputation.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

He smirked, “Tell me, who would believe you?”

“Point.” I raised an eyebrow, “Um...Why not just let them know the truth? If it’s true, then...I don’t see why you can’t rule.”

“I have my reasons, creature.”

“Leon.” I corrected.

“You haven’t earned a name yet, despite how interesting you are. No running, nor screaming. No attacking me when I’ve had my back turned, despite being hired by Celestia to deal with me. Why are you here? Clearly not for Celestia.”

I smirked, “Am I that easy to see through? I’ve heard of this city, wanted to visit and decided to use Celestia for it.”

Any courtesy he’d been showing instantly vanished and the crystal tendrils were back in my face, “Don’t lie to me.” He snarled.

I gulped, “I...Okay, alright. I wanted to find out what you’re planning. I want to know if it threatens those I care about.”

The tendrils grew closer, “Why did you lie to me, creature? Answer now!”

I sighed, “My parents drilled into me to not let anyone know my true intentions. As much as I try to disregard their advice some things occasionally slip through.” I bowed as low as the tendrils let me, “I apologize for my deception.”

There was a tense silence for several seconds. The tendrils fell apart, “Apology accepted. Don’t do it again.” As we walked there was silence, except for the whimpering of the ponies around us as we passed.

We finally entered the castle, the long hallways and valuable vases and art on display reminding me a bit too much of some companies I’d seen back home, put there by rich tossers who simply wanted to rub their wealth in the faces of the less fortunate. I hid the glare I felt and focused on the servants. They didn’t wear the chains of those outside, but simple uniforms of maids and butlers. I hummed in thought as we passed them. They seemed...happy.

Sombra stopped and called a mare over, her coat a dull blue. “Yes, my king?” She bowed.

“Feather Dust, this creature has a question for you, I’d like you to answer honestly, if you can take the time out of your day.” Sombra asked her politely.

She bowed again, “Of course, my lord.” She raised and looked at me, “What is your question?”

“How...do you feel being under the rule of King Sombra?” I asked carefully.

“I...don't mind it. I couldn’t remember what it was like before, but now...I could happily live like this. The hours are long, the pay is good and I’ve always got something to keep me busy. I’m not mistreated or abused...Honestly, I like it.” She smiled at me, “The king is parades us around as less than nothing at times, but we get paid extra and...well, it’s a job at the end of the day, we’re more than able to quit and leave if we wanted. In short: We’re happy and each day is filled with honest, hard work.”

“Huh. Now that...is interesting.” I mused. I gave her a nod, “Thank you for your time.”

She grinned at me, “It’s no problem!”

As she got back to work Sombra’s smirk grew wider. He never even dropped the smirk, not for a second, not the entire time I’d been here. “Join me by my throne.” He said as he pushed open a pair of doors, leading to a throne room, the throne itself made of black crystals. He made his way to the throne and sat. “Talk.” It was less of a request and more of a demand.

“Alright. What do you want to know?” I asked.

“How did you come to be on that train?”

I took a deep breath and told him of how I suddenly appeared in this world, omitting my respawning capabilities and numerous...body losses, how I had bargained my shelter with knowledge of my home, how Celestia all but forced me to Canterlot and how I had to listen to her orders. “She spoke as if a deal had already been made.” I growled, “She is arrogant, she uses others as pawns in her game of chess, I saw it in her eyes. So, I decided that even if I was being paid to do a job I was going to fuck it up either way. I honestly don’t know what she expected me to do to you. Knock you out, throw you out of the city, drag you back to Equestria, I don’t know what was going through her head.” I sighed.

“Go on.” Sombra said, his smirk threatening to turn to a full grin. “You have more to say, I can tell, what else have you to say about Celestia? Do not be afraid to use profanity, I’m sure I’ve heard worse.”

My eyes lit up and a grin spread across my face, “What else is there to say about the fat glutton? No, I’m holding onto my thoughts until she decides to push me the wrong way, after all, words hold one hell of a kick. Although I will say that the damn serene smile she constantly has pisses me off.”

Sombra barked out a laugh, “That’s one thing we agree on!”

“Now I’ve answered your questions, you answer mine. Why the deception? Why the trickery?” This was the deal breaker, I had to know what he was doing.

“No. You don’t get to make demands. Not after everything that’s happened to this city.”

I sighed and decided to pull out the big gun. I steeled and spoke, “Sombra. Let me tell you something that I really want to deny with all my heart and being. I have died.” He froze at the revelation. “I have died again and again and again. Every time I have died I appeared next to my corpse, I respawned for lack of a better term. I know death intimately at this point. My luck has turned so abysmal that walking down a flight of stairs can kill me. I don’t even know how many times I’ve died. You want to know why I even risked coming here? I knew full well I’d die over and over here, but I promised myself I’d see this through to the end. Sombra, let my know why. Please.”

There was silence for several minutes. I stared him down, no longer caring if I died again, this was something I had to know, I’d come too far to just give up and head home now.

He eventually sighed, “Very well, Leon. Very well.” His eyes locked onto mine, “I stole this empire.” He said softly, “It used to belong to a corrupt leader of what was once Equestria. If I was to let the charade fall then those princesses would steal it away from me, despite what my subjects would want. So I shall fight every attempt to take my city that Celestia throws at me.” His gaze darkened, “I shall not let them go back to the torture and pain they went through in the past. It was why I placed the curse on them. So no being could undo all that I had done until I returned.” He held his head high, “Yes, I delved into Dark Magic to protect my subjects, do I regret that? No! I have upheld my name and honour! Regardless of what the rest of the world thinks of me I shall continue to lead my people to a golden age of prosperity and peace! Even if I must also conquer Equestria to do so.”

I was silent. It was a lot to take in. But...I understood, even if I didn’t have all the details right now. “I see.”

“I have answered your question, human.” He stood from his throne, “Now walk with me. Let me show you what I must do, the mask I must wear, to ensure the security of my people.”

I followed him in silence as we left the throne room and walked the halls. As we passed through hall after hall there was a question that kept popping into my mind. “Sombra? What...were those ice wolf things?”

He chuckled, “Ah, the Glacial Wolves? They are one of the main reasons I’m so protective of this city. They constantly try and enter, but I shall destroy them all if it comes to it. Think of them as more versatile versions of Equestria’s Timberwolves.” He stiffed, “Now be quiet, we are close to the dungeons. I must keep my true intentions from my two prisoners. It will be a quick visit, just so you can get a taste of what I must do.”

I shrugged and kept my mouth shut followed Sombra through a large pair of heavy doors. As the doors slammed shut behind us I looked around. Unlike the rest of the palace the crystals that made up the place were dark and foreboding, with metal bars making several cells. As Sombra walked to to a cell I kept my distance.

He approached a cell with a white unicorn in it. Wonder why he was there? “Oh, poor, little, pathetic, Shining Armor, why so sad?” Sombra mocked.

The unicorn scowled at him, “You know perfectly well why! I'm going to enjoy watching you get what's coming to you. Cadance and I rule this empire! Not you and your corrupt heart!”

Sombra laughed, mockingly, “Your wife no longer remembers your face, her only thought is warming my bed.”

“YOU LIE!” Shining roared, lunging at the bars.

Sombra shot a spell at the cell and grinned cruelly as Shining screamed as electricity ran through the bars and his body. “Now, now, child, whomever said she was willing?” He turned with a flourish of his cape, “Now you be a good peon and be silent.”

Shining scowled at him as I silently followed Sombra out of the room and into another set of cells. “How are your accommodations, weak, little princess?” Sombra mocked the pink alicorn in her cell. That must be that Cadance that Twilight told me about.

“Let me out and I'll show you just how weak I am!” She snarled. “We defeated you before, we'll do it again!”

“By that you mean that you and your useless husband shunted the issue off onto some other group? Yes, very heroic.” Sombra raised an eyebrow, “Tell me again why I'm meant to be scared of you?”

She gritted her teeth, “When we get free of here you will be sorry!”

Sombra chuckled, “Your husband is having his holes filled by my minions. He seems to be enjoying being used like a common harlot.”

Her eyes bulged, “How...how dare you?!”

“Quite easily.” He flourished his cape again. He turned and made his way to another door, I quickly followed behind, not...entirely sure how they didn't really notice me. But judging by the way Cadance was glaring at me as I left, they were probably just more focused on Sombra.

As soon as we were far enough away from the cells I asked, “Why put on the show? Why pretend?”

Sombra’s smug smirk returned full force, “Why? If they escape, all they will tell is of my cruelty. They know not what I am truly like.”

I nodded, “Makes sense. Was there any truth to any of that?”

“No. I may be darkened by the magic I wield, but I have my standards.”

I raised an eyebrow, “A dickhead with standards.” I chuckled, “You are my favourite kind of person, excluding the whole taking over the city thing, though you seem to have had the right reasons.” And what was that about the magic darkening him?

“Now you have seen what I have to do, what are your plans?”

I hummed for a few moments. I didn’t usually trust figures of authority, but...he was different. He clawed his way to the top to help his people. His eyes spoke the truth, I could trust him. “Sombra,” I held out my hand, “Take my hand and I’ll make it so Celestia is no longer a threat. Make a deal with me and I shall grant you your city with no threat of Equestria trying to take it back. Work with me and I shall promise you that your dream of a golden age shall become a reality.”

His ever present smirk faded and he stared at me, “You can promise that?”

“You should know that nothing in this world is a promise except pain and death. But I will try my hardest to guarantee my words will be true.” I gave a wicked grin, “Will you shake a sinner’s hand?”

He blinked before extending his hoof, “If you can do what you say, then you will be forever welcome in my city.” He shook my hand.

I grinned, “Excellent. I have some plans. I have the next two days to develop them more. Until then...how are you at chess?”

I looked around outside Canterlot Castle, it had taken all my remaining time at the Crystal Empire, but I had a plan and finally beat Sombra at chess, though I had a feeling he’d let me win. I spotted a group of Royal Guards by the same chariot I'd arrived in, they were all different than the ones that brought me up, for one they all had bat wings instead of feathers.

“Afternoon, fellers.” I greeted.

“Ah, Sir Leon, I presume?” One of the Guards asked politely.

“Yep. Er, hope this isn't rude, but…” I trailed off.

“The wings?” He asked.

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly, “Yeah.”

“It's fine, we get it a lot. We're just another type of pony, nothing that different. We're Princess Luna’s guards, she let us know that Celestia’s guards aren't to be...trusted around you. We'll be taking you back to Ponyville after your meeting with the princesses.” He gave me a smile.

“I'll see you later then.” I said with a grin and made my way into the castle. I was quickly intercepted some Celestia's guards and practically pushed me along, although a few of the guards did start to protest when one of them shoved me.

As I was pushed through the doors of the throne room I stumbled and turned, flipping off one of the guards, “And tell your mother I'll see her in bed next weekend!”

I turned back to the throne as the doors slammed shut. “Greetings, Leon.” Celestia said with...What an I going to have to do to knock that serene smile off her face? “I take it Sombra has been dealt with?”

I smirked, “Indeed.”

She frowned, “I don't suppose you have a letter from Cadance with you? I want to know how she's doing getting rid of Sombra’s taint on the city.”

“Oh, Sombra’s still in charge.” I smirked.

Both princesses blinked before Celestia started scowling at me. “What do you mean?” Luna asked. “You defeated him, correct?”

“Yeah I defeated him at chess.”

“You were supposed to kill him!” Celestia roared. “Now more of my ponies will be traumatised by him because of your negligence!”

Kill him?! She wanted me to…? “Shut your fucking face, you bitch!” I yelled. “I don't know what the fuck you were expecting, but I'm not a killer! I'm sure as hell not an assassin! You asked me to defeat him, not to murder someone!”

Luna stared at me, wide eyed before turning to Celestia, “Sister, you did find out if he was willing to kill, didn't you?”

“Of course he is!” Celestia snapped. “He's killed Timberwolves and a Manticore before, this is no different!” She glared at me, “He is just greedy and selfish!”

I laughed bitterly, “Don't act like you know me. I killed animals not people! I defended myself, I didn't seek them out! If you can't see the difference between those two things then you sure as hell shouldn't be running a country!”

Her eyes narrowed, “So that’s your plan.” What? “You want power and all the bits you can line your pockets with. Admit it!”

I blinked. She thought that…? I burst out in hysterical laughter, “Power?! Money?! I don’t care about any of that shit!” I gave a shit eating grin, “Although, seeing as you did fail to set specifics for my job, I still get paid, as I did defeat Sombra. At chess, yes, but I still defeated him, and I believe that was what you told me. To defeat Sombra.”

“That...is what you said, sister.” Luna added.

“Good, so we’re in agreement. Now I set off at eleven o’clock four days ago. It’s currently...what? Half twelve?”

“More or less.” Luna nodded as Celestia glared at me.

“Right. So fifteen thousand by four days and one hour. That’s...ninety seven hours...which...makes it…” I did some quick calculations in my head. I had always been good at maths. “One million, four hundred and fifty five thousand bits to be paid to me.” Celestia’s eyes boggled at the number, ah, someone’s not good at maths! “Do me a favour and donate fifteen thousand to the local orphanage. That should leave me with one million, four hundred and forty thousand bits. Could you have it all delivered to Twilight’s before the end of the week? Thank you.” I smirked at Celestia’s still stunned expression. “With that, I bid you a good day.”

I left the throne room with a grin and headed for my ride home. As I approached the chariot I was stopped as Celestia teleported in front of me. “You worthless...greedy…” She growled.

I raised an eyebrow, “We went over this already, I don’t really care for the money, but it will be useful.” I smirked, “Excuse me, I have a flight to catch.” As I entered the chariot I chuckled, “Maybe next time you’ll have learned some maths.” I mocked from the window.

She glared at me from the window, “I know you’re planning something with Sombra! You plan to conquer Equestria!”

I grinned, “Prove it.” I knew she had nothing. I had no idea where the conquering Equestria thing came from, it just spoke of her paranoia against me.

She took a deep breath and stepped away, “Fine, but you’ll never work for me again! You degenerate, ape bastard!”

I didn’t say another word and waited until the chariot took flight. As we soared through the air I scowled at the wall, “Wrong move, Celestia. Turns out I’m going to have to show you just how powerful words can be.” I gave a mean-hearted laugh.

As I landed back in Ponyville I gave the Royal Guards a wave, “Thanks for the pleasant lift, boys!” They had been much nicer than my first lift, and even given me some information about what had been happening in Ponyville while I’d been gone. One piece of that information had me very curious.

I took a deep breath, it was good to be back. I took a step towards the library before pausing. This was probably the best time to start on my...retaliation against Celestia. I closed my eyes and thought. Right now the best place to go...would be the town hall. I turned on my heel and headed off.

As I passed the ponies I knew I gave a wave. It didn't take long before I was stood inside the town hall. “Greetings, Quills.” I greeted the mayor’s secretary.

She looked up from her desk and smiled at me, “Leon! It’s been a while. How’ve you been?” She asked while going through notes.

“Busy. Is the mayor in?” Time to get down to business.

She gave me a soft smile, “Yes, go right in, she’s been bored all day, I’m sure she’ll welcome the distraction.”

“Thank you, Quillsy.” I winked and slid her a few bits, “Get yourself something nice from me, okay?” Her mouth opened and closed as her cheeks slowly turning red, it gave her electric blue coat a nice shine. I passed by and opened the door to the mayor’s office, “See you around, Quills.” She was a nice girl, had a bit of a crush on me, but I didn’t really want to think about otherworldly relationships yet.

“Leon.” I caught Mayor Mare smirking, “Are you teasing Quick Quill again?”

I shrugged, “Just a little bit, she’s kind of cute when she blushes.”

She sighed, “Still not taking her on a date?”

“Not sure I’m attracted to your species yet.” I shrugged.

“At least you’ll admit she’s cute these days. Anyway, how can I help you? Something that will get me away from my paperwork?” Her eyes lit up with hope.

“I just have a question. Sorry, but it shouldn't take long. What would the most popular newspaper in Equestria be?” I asked.

She blinked “That would be The Celestial Daily. Why?”

“Oh,” I smirked, “I simply want to get a message out that everyone will hear.”

She cocked her head, “Well...I’m sure it’ll be interesting to say the least.”

“See you around, Mayor.” I said heading out.

“Goodbye, Leon.” She sighed, looking back down at her work.

As I looked back towards Quill’s desk and saw a ‘Out to lunch’ sign there. “Maybe I should stop flustering her so much.” I muttered as I left the building. “Well, it’s not like she’s asked me to stop.”

I wandered to market until I spotted a familiar lavender coat. Twilight was looking even more nervous than usual. With that in mind I snuck up behind her. It was odd, seeing her with wings. “Princess Twilight.” I said with a devious smirk.

I saw her wince as she turned around, “Please don’t call me that, I’m not…” Her eyes lit up as she saw me. “Leon!” She quickly pulled me into a hug.

“Not Leon? I should hope not, otherwise I’d be having words.” I teased.

“I’m so glad you’re back!” She grinned, “But...I’m afraid that with...these,” She awkwardly flapped her wings, “That I won’t be able to talk to you about your people any more.”

“That won’t be a problem, Twilight. Simply get used to your new body before trying to take on any Royal duties. Just a word of advice.” I chuckled.

“Right. Of course.” She giggled sheepishly, letting me know she’d already been thinking the opposite.

I grabbed her front hooves and pulled her into a spin with me. “Leon? You...you haven’t stopped smiling.” She sounded worried.

I leaned in close and whispered, “Because I’ve got a plan. A plan to help many people out, it may even save lives if all goes as I expect it to. But it requires the approval of the princesses. And now with you a princess...it just became easier and easier.”

“What are you talking about?” She frowned slightly.

I let her go, “Will you trust me? I won’t deny that at first it’ll sound shady, but just have faith and eventually you’ll understand what I’m doing.”

She stared at me for a minute before smiling, “Of course I trust you.”

I let out a sigh of relief, “Thank god. Have you had your coronation yet?”

“No, it’s in a week.”

“Good.” Plans were rolling into action. I actually had a chance of pulling this off. But why the hell risk all this? Risk borderline treason if it all went wrong and Celestia decided to twist things?

Because if Celestia’s plans all failed there would be war. And I was not letting Spike go through something like that.

Author's Note

Kill count.
This chapter: 7
Total: 71

And just so no one gets the wrong idea, the "Will you shake a sinner's hand" line is not a reference to anything.