Chapter 1: "The Enemy Of My Enemy..."
The Everfree Forest is a dangerous and terrifying place. Always full of fearsome creatures of many sizes, hazardous plants, and stretches as far as the eye could see. Few dared to venture into the dark woods and fewer chose to live within its borders.
For the ponies of Ponyville, they only knew of one. A zebra who was once feared and shunned for living in such a place. Of course, now she's welcomed in the town and even visited sometimes in her hut. To many, she was still a mystery and sometimes feared. But, she was still respected and admired by those who knew her best.
However, there was one other that lived within the Everfree. One that the ponies of Equestria knew of, both feared and hated. A former queen, dethroned by her enemies and her subjects. Twice she tried to overthrow Equesrtria's rulers and claim what she desired. Failing both attempts left her with nothing but anger, vengeance, and shame. She was offered redemption and friendship from her enemies, but refused and fled. She swore she'd return, bringing rage, pain, and anguish in her wake.
And now, she sits at the edge of a small lake in the Everfree with a fire for warmth and light. Muttering and cursing as she dug a hoof into the soil.
"Damn them." She hissed, drawing certain figures, "Damn them all. Starlight Glimmer, Twilight and her pathetic band of ponies, those uptight princesses, those duplicates I made, and the Hive. If I ever have the chance, I'll wring their necks. One by one and without magic if I have to."
The images she had drawn were crude adaptations of everyone she hated. And one by one, she drew a line that separated their head from their body.
"I'm alone." She sighed as she realised her disadvantage, "There's no one I can trust or command. No army and no way to rally one. And my magic isn't strong enough to fight all of them."
"Then you will need powerful allies." A voice said, making the queen stand and take a defensive position.
"Who's out there?!" The queen asked alarmed and ready for a fight, "Show yourself."
"I am someone who can help you. Perhaps the only one who can help you right now."
The voice sounded masculine and deep. Almost demonic, merciless even. But, it also sounded cunning and wise. If anything, the voice she heard sounded like that of a leader. Or, at least, a former leader like herself.
"Show yourself." She repeated, scanning her surroundings, "I'd prefer to know who I'm speaking with."
All around her, the air felt colder as an eerie breeze brushed against her body. A strange fog drifted into the area, making the queen feel a little uneasy. But, shortly after, a figure emerged from the fog. From where she stood, the figure was only a shadow with an odd and dark aura around it.
Once the shadow was fully formed, a pair of green eyes with purple vaper trails opened and stared at the queen. But, as they stared, more of the mysterious figure took form. The being was a dark grey unicorn stallion wearing armor and a red cape with white fur trimming. His mane whipped and flowed. But, he was incomplete. He had no cutie mark, nor did he have his horn. The only evidence that he had of having a horn was a broken nub on his head. The dark aura surrounded him as he stepped closer.
"There." He said with a devilish smile, "Now you know whom you are speaking to."
The queen froze, her eyes locked on the stallion. Her mind raced as thoughts of the stallion flashed. She heard rumours about him, even saw images of him in books. But, never had she thought to meet him.
"I suppose I do." The queen said, leveling herself and rallying her thoughts, "King Sombra."
"In the flesh." He replied, before looking around himself and seeing the shadowy aura, "Well, not entirely. And you are Queen Chrysalis."
Chrysalis scanned the king as he stared at her.
"If memory serves," She began, walking around him, "you died a couple of years ago. Blown to pieces I heard."
"I was defeated, yes." Sombra replied, his eyes glowing, "However shadows are invulnerable to death."
"Then how are you here? If I may ask."
"When my body was destroyed, my spirit was cast into the only piece of me that survived; my horn. I still remain trapped inside it, but my magic is still powerful enough to allow me to observe and communicate with the world. Unfortunately, that is the limit of my power. That is, until I'm able to construct a new body."
The queen paused as she observed the aura.
"Then that means you're not really here, physically." She remarked, stepping forward and facing him, "But, that begs the question; why are you here?"
Sombra grinned as he heard her words.
"Much like you and love, I can sense despair and hatred." He began, licking his teeth, "Yours smelled so sweet and alluring, I was able to feeling it from miles away. Naturally, I followed the scent until I found you. But, when I felt that hatred being directed toward someone in particular, I grew curious. That is, until I saw what you drew in the dirt."
He pointed an armored hoof toward Chrysalis' decapitated drawings.
"You see, I too have a grudge toward Celestia and her companions." He continued, "There is not a day where I don't imagine tossing them into the pits of Tartarus. However, given my current condition, I can do nothing against them."
There was a pause as Chrysalis noticed Sombra's smile return.
"I suppose you believe that we should work together, yes?" Chrysalis questioned, raising an eyebrow, "I don't think trusting you is the best option."
"Do you see any alternatives?" Sombra retorted, "Have you heard the phrase; the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"
"I don't have friends, nor do I want any."
"Then perhaps an ally? We both know we can't defeat them alone. However, with our strengths, it might be possible. And, if it interests you, I have a shadow army at my disposal."
The notion sound convincing, but Chrysalis still had doubts. She had heard of the several times Equestria had been saved. Although, Equestria had never faced two rulers at once, it was still a daunting challenge. Even if Sombra raised his army to the task.
"They'll still be powerful, even against your army." Chrysalis said, jabbing her hoof into Celestia's drawing.
"Then we'll need someone who can take their power away." Sombra replied in an ominous tone.
Chrysalis turned to face the king just in time to watch him fade away.
"There's only one I know of who might be willing to help." Chrysalis growled, her eyes narrowing as she stared into her fire, "And he's currently in Tartarus."
Author's Note
I really do have too many ideas. Let's hope this one pans out.
