//-------------------------------------------------------// Villainy Tactics -by AlicornSpirit21- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// An Exchange //-------------------------------------------------------// An Exchange A Royal Guard and a stallion are both having a conversation at a maximum security lock down prison inside a secluded room guarded by 2 Night Guards. “Mr. Barrier, are you sure about this choice? I’m not sure if you currently know what you could get into by taking her and trusting her by your side. She’s not like before where you can easily contain her. She’ll kill you if she has the chance.” “I assure you, I have made my decision. I can handle many types of crazy. I’ve dealt with this kind of work before. This will be another test of trust.” “Very well. I’ll escort you to her cell.” They both exit the room, heading towards an elevator next to the room. Walking inside, the stallion notices there’s only 12 buttons that head below the current floor. The royal guard presses the last one, as they both wait a long 30 seconds until they reach the bottom floor. Exiting out, a dark long hallway is lit by small fires. As they both walk down, every 20 feet there are night guards standing by on the side. Once they reach 200 feet, they walk by a small control room ran by 2 royal guards. The guard next to the stallion holds up his arms and crosses them for an X form at one in the control room. The guard in the control room looks at the guard I confusion, but shrugs his shoulders and presses a button in the room. A loud click of a large lock unlocking echoes down the hallway, as they both walk 20 more feet, stopping in front of a large black door. “I’ll take it from here guard. I have a way with these kind of personalities.” “You want to go inside by yourself? I’m not sure if that’s a wise-” “The decision is my own to make. She’ll feel threatened and easily attack you if you walk in there with me carrying your spear. If you’re refusing me the right to take to a client when I already have permission from the Princess, I wonder what she’ll say if I happen to let her know this news.” The Royal Guard backs away, holding his spear out towards the door. “Thank you for your cooperation. Lock the door once I enter. If I knock 3 times and yell out contain, that’s the cue for an emergency. Just wait out here and I’ll take care of this.” The large door opens all the way, seeing the stallion walk inside and it close before another door in front of him opens. The stallion walks inside of musty smelling dark cell, hearing the door lock. Looking forward, he sees a dark object lying in the corner wearing and orange jump suit. “Queen Chrysalis, am I correct?” A pair of glowing green eyes open, looking directly at the stallion in anger. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” A growl comes from Chrysalis. “There’s no need for that. I’m not here to harm you, but to help you instead. My name is Chrome Barrier. I’m a specialist in exploring and treasure hunting, and someone that wants to get you out of this mess if you agree to help me. In exchange, I can give you what you need for energy…love.” Chrysalis jumps at him pinning him against the wall with her hands, growling while their snouts are touching. Unfazed by the actions of Chrysalis, he continues. “Yes, I know you’re weak right now. I know you need love for energy, and I’m willing to give that if you decide to help me with something. Can we talk about this?” Chrysalis stops growling, still glaring at him, but removes her hands from him. “I’ll take that as a yes.” “You need to do something for me first before I agree to anything.” “I understand. What is your request?” “First off, I want out of this containment for good. Nobody to watch me, and nothing attached to me.” “I can make that work.” “Second, I want my charges of murder and destruction of public property either lowered or dropped. And that fucking label of insane that was put on me, remove it. I never want to see that again.” “Very well. Anything else?” “Last thing. If I’m gonna be released to do a job for someone, I need too see my son with me or you don’t have a deal.” “I can make that happen. What is his name?” [Prison Courtyard] A Royal Guard and Chrome Barrier walk outside to the courtyard, seeing many ponies in a large circle with a small gap. Through the gap, 2 stallions are in the center fighting. One of them gets slammed to the ground, seeing the other pound away (no homo) until the other stallion is unconscious. Standing up with blood on his hands, he catches his breath, but looks over with the rest of the circle when the cheering stops at Chrome Barrier walking closer towards the group. “King Sombra I take it?” Sombra spits blood out from his mouth next to him, turning towards Chrome. “And who the hell are you?” “Someone who’s willing to assure you your freedom if you agree to help me.” Chrome stops by the gap, seeing Sombra smiling. “Your freedom with no supervision from authorities will be granted if you agree to help me with something. Mind if we talk?” “I don’t know about this little gig you have, but count me out. I work for no pony besides myself. Besides, you’d have to earn my respect to even think about talking to me. So you can take your little Bruno Mars scrawny looking ass back towards the exit and keep walking.” Every pony in the group starts laughing, seeing Chrome smile. “How about a deal? I see you like to fight, so I’ll take you on.” The group instantly stops laughing, looking at Chrome in disbelief and shock. “If you happen to take me down, I’ll leave you alone. If I take you down, we have a deal.” “You talk big. Let’s see what you’re made of.” Chrome takes off his leather jacket, tossing it to a guard behind him, then walks into the circle rolling up his sleeves. Stopping and facing Sombra, he moves into a taijutsu fighting stance. (Ex: Rock lee from Naruto). “You think fighting against martial arts scares me?” Sombra puts up his fists, then slowly moves closer towards Chrome. He takes the first swing, seeing it dodged and his arm wrapped around by Chromes arm, then flips over Sombra slamming him on his back. Sombra instantly gets up, charging at Chrome. Taking multiple swings, Chrome dodges each one, then takes one hard swing at Sombra’s stomach, making Sombra stumble backwards and hold his stomach in pain. “What’s wrong? Finally felt pain. It’s funny how I’m only using one arm for this form of combat.” Growling, Sombra stand back up, charging at Chrome again, but gets hit in his chest, causing to freeze in place. Chrome lifts Sombra up by his neck, slamming him on his back hard on the ground. Groaning, Sombra looks up at Chrome, seeing him smiling. Slowly getting up and holding his chest, he walks over towards Chrome, stopping 5 feet in front of him. “Are we leaving today?” Chrome smiles, dropping his stance. “I assure you, there will be no need to look back at this place. Make sure you pack everything you own.” Chrome walks passed Sombra, taking his jacket from the guard seeing them both walk back towards the doors they came out of. The guard smiles once they walk back inside. “A Rock Lee fighting style huh? You still watch Naruto?” “I’m old school. Trust me, that wasn’t close to what I could actually do to Sombra if this wasn’t just a playground fight.” [Front Gates of Prison] A loud buzz comes from the gates of the facility, making the gates unlock. Sombra walks out wearing a black hoodie zip up jacket and white shorts, as well as Chrysalis wearing skinny jeans, and a white tank top covered by a light brown leather jacket that has a flame symbol on the back, both alarmed of seeing each other. “Sombra?” “Chrysalis?” “What the hell are you doing out here? I thought you still had 50 more years.” “I could ask you the same except you serve life.” “If you really must know, I was offered a to help someone in exchange for my freedom.” “Funny. I was offered the same thing.” “You what? By who?” A silver Maserati pulls up in front of them both, seeing the trunk pop open and a well dressed Changeling step out. The Changeling freezes when seeing Chrysalis, as tears start running both of there faces. “William?” “Mom?” William instantly runs to Chrysalis, seeing them hug each other and crying. “Thank god you’re alright. I thought I would never see you again.” “I can’t say how grateful I am too see you.” Sombra rolls his, walking towards the back of the car, placing his bags inside waiting by the car. Both Chrysalis and William let go, wiping there eyes. “Look how much you’ve grown and how handsome you are. You must be in a relationship now.” “Not exactly. We’ll catch up soon enough.” They walk towards the car, seeing William open the front door for Chrysalis and taking her bags. Closing the door for her. Once she’s inside, he closes the door and heads towards the back to place her bags in the trunk, seeing Sombra on his phone by the side of the car. “Texting a mare?” “Kiss my ass William.” “You can’t be still upset about the last time we talked.” “I’m not, I’m pissed the fuck off. You broke inside my room, crazy stringed my girlfriend and I while we were having sex thinking I’m the only one in the room, and threw confetti and ran out. That was a bitch to get out of her hair, and she broke up with me because she thought I planned it. Out of every pony she thought it was me. On top of that, I reserved a table for us at a restaurant and was going to ask her to marry me that night since we’ve been dating for 4 years. That ring cost me 80,000 bits, which was a loan I had to pay back Celestia for. It took me 3 years to save that much and get it to her.” “Oh…all of that happened? Damn. Look man, I’m really-” “Shove that apology up your ass. I don’t give any fucks on what you have to say. Just keep yourself and your mother away from me while I’m doing this mission.” Sombra opens the car door, getting inside and closing the door as William closes the trunk. “(This might actually work out).” William pulls out his phone, pressing the screen twice and putting it up to his ear. “Hey, it’s me. I have them both, and yes, he’s single now.” [Canterlot Castle] William stops the car in front of the barrier guarding Canterlot Castle, as 2 Royal Guards approach the car. Rolling down his window, Steve shows the guard a badge with his picture, name, and his job title as a transporter. “The other 2 are with me. Chrome Barrier requested them to be taken here.” One of the guards nods at the other, stepping aside and letting the car through the barrier. Driving for 2 minutes, they stop in an empty space which looks like could be a garage. Turning off the car, William pops the trunk, looking over at Chrysalis, seeing her looking down fidgeting with her thumbs. “Mom, are you alright?” “It’s just…I haven’t been here for years nor seen sight of it. Going inside might be a struggle for me. I’m not so sure of this anymore.” Sombra behind her, makes a comment while still on his phone. “I wasn’t so sure if I’d see you again and drop dead on sight, but look where I am-” “And I’m sure you and your cellmate miss each other already since you can’t jerk each other right now.” “Said by the bug bitch who produces and breeds. Fucking shemale.” William interrupts the argument. “Alright you 2, knock it off. You just got out and have been given a second chance to change your past ways. I recommend we not start if off a bad state, go in like professional adults and not be dumbasses alright?” Sombra places on Bluetooth headphones, tuning out both William and Chrysalis. Williams looks at Chrysalis, still seeing a worried expression. “It mostly about seeing Shining Armor, isn’t it?” She nods her head. “Don’t worry mom. I’m right by you. Nothing will happen to you, I promise, alright?” Slowly inhaling and exhaling, she unlocks her seat belt. “Alright, I’m ready.” The 3 exit out of the car, seeing 2 Royal Guards taking out there luggage. They walk out of the garage and into a separate single door, walking down a long hallway hearing multiple voices the closer they got. Exiting the hallway into an open room. The dining room to be exact, seeing Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Chrome Barrier all with cups of coffee in there hands and having a conversation at a small table Chrome looks over at the small group, standing up and walking over towards them, hearing the table conversation stop. “I’m glad to see that you all made it here we’ll and in one piece. That includes my car, right William?” “Of course.” William hands Chrome his keys. “Good. I’m sure you and your mother have some catching up to do, correct?” “We’ll get to that soon enough. Where are the others? Aren’t they supposed to be here as well?” “There in the larger dining hall. They'll be aware soon. Speaking of them, AJ requested to see you upstairs. She needs help with some organization.” Cadence and Shining Armor chuckle, as William looks over at them smiling. “Go ahead and think what you want, but there’s nothing going on between us.” William leaves, hearing Shining Armor whisper under his breath. “Not yet.” “I heard that!” The 4 at the table quietly laugh, as Cadence stands up walking over to Chrysalis. “It’s good to see you again Chrissy.” Chrysalis looks down and away, ashamed of herself standing in front of some pony she attacked. “Chrissy, you don’t need to be afraid. You wouldn’t be allowed in the castle otherwise. I know we left off on bad terms, but the past is the past.” Shining stands up, walking towards Chrysalis. “Hold on Cadence. Not just yet. Chrysalis still forgot something.” Shining Armor stops in front of her, moving his hand towards her chin, gently pulling to face him. “You left me brainwashed and under your control for so long and forgot do 1 thing.” Shining Armor slowly moves his face closer and closes his eyes, kissing her.” Her eyes widen in shock, seeing him disconnect 5 seconds later. “If you’re going to brainwash me, at least make it worth your while.” He walks passed her towards the hallway. “Is our stuff already in the car Cadence?” “The guards should’ve picked it up already.” Cadence looks back at Chrysalis, lifting her hand under her jaw, closing her mouth. “Shining said you owed him that. We have to go, but we hope you have fun on your trip.” She looks over at Sombra, seeing him leaning his back against the wall with his eyes closed and slightly bobbing his head to his music. “Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid while I’m gone alright?” Cadence hugs her, letting go 3 seconds later and walking passed her. Sombra opens his eyes, looking back at Cadence’s flank smiling as she walks away. Removing his headphones and placing them on his neck, Chrome Barrier gets his attention. “Not in your life Sombra.” Princess Luna and Princess Celestia stand up, seeing Celestia walk out of the room and Luna walk over to Chrome Barrier and giving him an access card over his shoulder. “This card should allow you access to certain locations of the castle. My night guards should be able to help you for any unknown questions. My sister and I are leaving with Cadence and Shining Armor, but we expect to come back to the castle how we left it. With your line of work we expect to come back to the castle in general.” “I assure you Princess Luna, the castle will be back in 1 piece and will be how you left it.” “Good. I just hope things don’t go wrong with this and you’re not in any amount of trouble when I get back.” She walks passed him, feeling her flank lightly smacked as she walks by. Startling her with a quick jump, she turns back with red cheeks. “You like the naughty in me and you can’t deny it.” Slowly smiling, she turns back walking away. “I didn’t hear a denial.” “Just be good and play nice. That means you Sombra.” Hearing a “pssh” from Sombra and a door closing with Luna leaving, Chrome looks back at Chrysalis and Sombra smiling. “Follow me. I’m sure you both are very hungry from your trip. Some guards were willing to stay on duty and prepare our plates.” He turns back, walking out of the small dining hall, across a large hallway and into a larger dining room followed by Chrysalis and Sombra, meeting 6 mares, William, and Royal Guards against the wall around the large table and hearing multiple conversations. They all stop when they see Chrome, Chrysalis and Sombra walk inside. “Hello girls. I see you’re all here and accounted for?” One mare stands up with an expression of irritation. “Hello Twilight.” “Chrome what the hell is happening?” “I take it you’re surprised?” “Actually I’m pretty pissed the fuck off on why you didn’t tell us is was these 2 that are coming. I can deal with William, but what? You realize they’re criminals and you brought them in a castle where only loyal ponies live and visit. Loyal meaning by not them.” Chrysalis turns her head away in shame of remembering her actions of the incident. “Aw, what’s wrong Chrysalis? Do I need a mirror to show you the true monster you are?” A tear runs down her face, then Sombra intervenes. “Alright I’ve heard enough Twilight! I could care less about any pony else but if you’re about to insult me you’ve got another thing coming! You have the title as the princess of friendship, and you are required to make friends. Judging a book by its cover isn’t how that works and is completely not like you. Shit I’ve been locked up for too long and even I know this. Chrysalis and I were given a second chance to do something that doesn’t involve attacking and killing the rest of you, so you should be grateful that you have help.” “Tsh, grateful. Please, you have no idea of the first thing of grace. I’m surprised you’re still alive after how I kicked your ass when you tried to sneak into the castle.” “You didn’t finish the job.” Twilight charges towards the end of the table. “I’ll finish it now!” She closes her fist, seeing a purple flame appear as she takes a swing. Sombra takes a swing back, seeing a red flame appear. “Bring it!” Both of their attacks are stopped by Chrome appearing in the middle and catching their fists. “That’s enough from both of you. If you truly want to kill each other that’s fine by me. Take it out back. I’m not cleaning up the mess but you’re not going to start chaos in here.” The flames go out of their hands, seeing Chrome let go of them both. “Now sit down so we can discuss this matter.” Sombra smiles, backing away and finding an open seat by Rarity. Twilight walks back to her seat, glaring at Sombra as she sits down. Chrysalis stays by the end of the table, not moving an inch. “Not even 30 seconds in the same room and already acting like children. It’s already 2pm, so I’ll just get to the point.” The table glows, showing a large holographic map going across states and a small red dot leading across. “This picture resembles a journey were taking, and we stop here.” The red dot stops at Cairo, Egypt next to a pyramid. We have to enter the pyramid at this section. The south section is the only way I we have access to our location. If any other spots, we would easily be lost like in a maze.” The red dot follows his every location he explains. “We have to go far underground to reach the base. It goes farther than this but we need to stop there. That’s exactly 300 feet underground. If we take this trail, it will lead us into the chambers.” The map changes, showing 9 stones of different colors and symbols in a circle, and the biggest stone with no symbol but solid color of sandstone orange in the center. “These are called Chaos Zero stones, and they possess a great power. Not anyone can just take them. The only way to actually hold one of these is by having a pure heart. That means caring for others, willingness to sacrifice yourself for loved ones, and being a team member.” Sombra interrupts with a question asked in confusion. “Uh-huh. So what does this have to do with Chrysalis and I?” “Good question. You’ve both been given a second chance to right your wrongs and help out on this quest. This will determine how your heart will soon be. I took you both because you both possess a great power. Determination, and to top that, control.” “Now I’m even more confused. What about you Chrysalis?” Chrysalis speaks, moving closer towards the table. “I think I get it. This is a test for us. Were criminals who’ve been given a chance to change, so while on this trip, we get to prove how much we’ve changed. Only people with a good heart can hold one, and this gives us a chance to prove it.” Chrome smiles, seeing image on the holographic screen disappear. “You’re correct Chrysalis. You get to prove that you can change, because one other the stones has you name all over it. The green one, which represents the stone of emotions. That includes love. How you feel could make others feel the same way. You could spread love. Sombra the red stone represents you, filled with anger to get power. The stone of internal rage. If you are able hold that, you will not only have power, but the stone will change color resembling your mood at the current moment. You will no longer have to live in a world of hate, but with your own choice. Keeping you anger inside you hurts but you like to fight. You can channel your anger through that on this trip. William, you’ve changed a lot but you seek more. You no longer want to be looked as a changeling, but as a friend and a citizen. The dark blue stone resembles a gravitational peace. That means you can spread peace to others when you feel inner piece. Plus, I hear you’re very stealthy and skilled with how you move. The 3 of you have a reason to be here. Also I need you cause Princess Twilight and her girl scouts couldn’t get the job done.” A Royal Walks over to Chrome holding a tray with 3 filled wine glasses of champagne. Chrome takes one, as the Royal Guard walks passed him towards Chrysalis and Sombra, as Twilight jumps back in the conversation with a tone of anger. “Hey jackass, don’t blame all this in me. We’re a team in this.” “I know, and I was wasn’t finished. Chrysalis, Sombra, William, allow me to inform you of Twilight Sparkle and her friends failure to help. They made it to Egypt, but Pinkie instantly got distracted by a candy stand, Rainbow Dash met Daring Do when they exited the bus and hung out, Fluttershy was talking with a colt nearby who she instantly fell in love with, and Applejack was already drunk on the way there so she was passed out. It was only Rarity and Twilight left, and they left during dark. Twilight was wearing all black and tried to sneak inside while Rarity distracted both guards by trying to lure them in to seduce them. They both got caught, stay in there jail for 1 week until I arrived and bailed them out. Twilight Sparkle and her friends weren’t fit for the job, not by themselves that is. That’s where I need you in. I went before, and I could go back there myself this time. But that would mistakenly show a form of greed by retrieving the stones alone. “Do you know how stupid you sound? You went there, you’re back now, and you want to go back?” “I have my reasons Twilight.” “Reasons? Like what, you’re family died?” Chrome looks down with his eyes closed setting down his drink. “Oh.” “…we…we’re on a vacation trip. I was one of few students in class that got this opportunity. A selected few were chosen for a project that involved traveling. It was an extra credit project since the chosen classmates and I were ahead on high school credits. Tickets were already paid for and we had to go with an adult.” [Flashback] “I chose to go to Egypt. I wanted to do a study on the ancient pyramids. My mother and father came along. Naturally thinking the pyramids would be closed off for entry, but only the day we arrived they were doing tours. 30 bits per pony. We were tired from the plane ride, but we didn’t want to miss this opportunity. For the tour, we walked around for 10 minutes, realizing this was getting us nowhere. A couple of parts of the inside were cut off by “Do Not Cross” tape. When we weren’t being watched with the group, we snuck away, finding amazing jewelry and artifacts. We walked around for 20 more minutes, taking and placing in our bags anything we thought was priceless and taking pictures. When we were satisfied, we tried to go back, but the ground beneath us collapsed. We weren’t injured and we found ourselves 300 feet below the surface. Calling for help didn’t work, but we took many rock climbing classes. Before we began our departure, my father called us from a different room. When we found him, that’s when I saw those 9 stones placed in the wall. He wasn’t close to it, and I didn’t want him to get any closer. They all shined amongst the small light glowing inside the room. Curious, he walked closer but slower. I grabbed his arm to stop him, but he looked back and smiled. When he does that, it lets me know he’s going to be alright. I let go and he kept going. About 10 feet away he stopped. It seemed like he was talking to himself, saying things like “I see the light” and “I understand.” When he turned back, his eyes were different. Not a normal eye color or any eye color in general unless you call a white out a certain type. When he turned back, he was smiling, but a witty smile to be exact. He was telling us to come to the light. He wanted us to see the future of Utopia. Knowing my father, he liked to joke around, but this wasn’t a joke. I could easily tell. My mother hated when he tried stuff like this, so she did something she always does. Played a Madea roll to scare him straight. He wouldn’t budge, continuing on about the future. I started to think this was a Yu-Gi-Oh GX scene with Sartorius and the Society of Light. Scaring him straight didn’t work, so she decided physical intentions would work. She walked up to him and raised her hand to hit him, but she stopped right in front of him, the same way he did. Normally when she raises her hand to swing, she doesn’t lower it until she strikes, but it slowly lowered it. I heard her say “This future is truly a Utopia.” When she looked back at me, her eyes were the same as my fathers. Completely white. That’s when she told me to come over, but I backed away. She didn’t push it like my father. Instead, she insisted to my father that they take the stones to me. Once they touched them, a beam of light started from the hand they touched the stone with all around there whole body. They were glowing, but 3 seconds later…they crumbled, like a castle getting struck. They slowly crumbled to dust. My father was the first gone. Before my mother was gone, she looked over at me with half of her face already gone, and said “Stay away from the darkness of the light. She was gone, and I was alone. As there ashes lay on the floor in front of me, I looked over at the stones and didn’t think that they were gone for good. When they touched the stones, I felt like there souls were trapped inside the biggest stone. Ever since that day, being 18 and about to graduate, I never saw my parents. When I came home, before I slept, when I got a job…not even when I graduated. It was heartbreaking.” Tears start to run down his face, as Chrysalis comes to his side and hugs him. “Living the rest of my life and growing up with so many accomplishments…but no family to share them with. I want to go back to hopefully get them back. If I don’t get them back, I can at least say it was worth the effort. I brought all of you together…but I knew it was too good to be true for you all to help me. Not even 30 seconds in this room and there is already a potential fight.” He wipes his eyes, drying his tears. “You don’t have to believe me, and I’ll understand why. Forgive me for wasting your time.” Chrome walks out of the dining room as the table stays silent. 10 seconds later, Chrysalis takes her glass sitting on the table. “I know that I don’t deserve another chance. I proved that I don’t deserve another chance. I’m a monster who needs off love for energy, and that’s all I ever thought of myself. The day he came into my cell for this offer, and didn’t want to take it at first…because I was scared. Scared of myself and my surroundings. When I attacked him, I looked into his eyes and instantly saw trust. Something no pony, or even my changelings felt for me before. He knew I could do something, like change and prove myself as a better pony. Every time I attacked Ponyville, I wanted to be a higher order. A destiny that never came due to my own greed. So many times, I failed myself from achieving my goal and completing my destiny and I’ll be damned if I have a chance to help some pony else achieve there’s and I stand by. No more hiding, and no more betrayal. I’m willing to help him no matter what it takes. Even if it means risking my life for it.” A silence goes across the dining hall for 5 seconds, until Fluttershy stands up, raining her glass for Chrysalis. “Former enemy or not. The past is the past. I give you a second chance to right your wrongs and will stay beside you.” Applejack stands up with her glass as well. “As the element of Honesty, I’m telling you Chrysalis that I still don’t trust you…but I’m willing to give you another chance.” William stands up with his glass. “Hey, my mother is going, and that’s not gonna be by herself. I’m in.” Pinkie Pie stands up excited. “Yay! Another adventure!” Rarity stands up finishing her drink. “Bad guys, good guys, doesn’t matter. There’s something we need to get done, and were gonna do it right this time. Count me in.” Rainbow Dash stands up with 2 drinks, giving one to rarity next to her. “Look, were going back to the place we fucked up before with 3 ex villains who are helping us. As long as I get my privacy and drinks, I’m fine. Besides, I kinda like Egypt, besides the heat, it was actually pretty cool there.” The only ones left sitting down were Twilight and Sombra. Waiting for 10 seconds, Sombra slowly stands up with his drink in his hand, looking into it. “Whenever I see my reflection, all I can see it a monster. Some pony who wanted blood over peace. Power over friends. Funerals…over family. My choices I made were mine and mine alone and I have no excuse and I can’t blame any pony else for my actions. Never was I given a chance to show my true strength in change in a god form.” He looks up at the rest of the table. “When you all invited me in, I felt like I finally had something to look forward to. Someone to stand beside. A family, to care for.” Tears starts to run down his face, seeing Rarity hug him from his side. “I’ll take this second chance with honor, and I’m willing to help…as long as Twilight comes along.” Twilight looks up at him in confusion, then smiles standing up and raising her glass. “Trust is a big change to go through. It’s hard to gain back trust from scarring past situations… but you’re right Sombra. It’s not like me to judge a book by its cover. Let’s see what chapters unfold by you on this trip.” Everyone in the room raises there glasses, as Chrome walks back in hanging up his phone. “I just got off the phone with Cadence. Apparently, out ride is already taken care of. Due to the difficultly of all of us being together on a plane and having to take 4 to get there, Cadence got us something different. Who here has been on a private jet?” Nobody raises their hands. “Brilliant, then you’re all in luck. We have one to escort us by 2pm tomorrow.” Rarity’s eyes light up with excitement. “Do they have a spa?” “Yes Rarity, the plane includes a Spa and Aloe and Lotus agreed to be our massage therapists for this trip. Be ready by morning and don’t be late. I will leave you if you’re not there on time. I know you all must be hungry, so shall we eat?” multiple royal guards come out of the kitchen, placing freshly cooked food on the table. “Let’s dig in.” The mane 6, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, William and Chrome Barrier all sit together for the first time to enjoy a meal together, and there future adventure.