‘Well, this is going to be awkward.’ Fly Away thought, ‘Why would he request I meet him in his chambers? Did he change his mind? Did he accept Wit’s? Is he going to accept mine?’ She took quiet steps down the hallway, trying to not disturb anypony who is sleeping. She only had her sleeping gown on as she had been sleeping only half an hour prior when one of Sombra’s guards knocked on her room’s door. ‘Knocked isn’t the correct word.’ She thought, ‘Maybe burst down?’

Her walk down the limitless halls continued, ‘They could’ve at least told me what he wants to talk to me about.’ She thought while walking down the hall. ‘It’s so annoying not knowing.’ She took the left to go to Sombra’s room. ‘Heh, he gets a room and we all get quarters.’ Her ‘Room’ was nothing more than four walls, a bed, a closet, and a nightstand. She saw that across from his door there were two guards stationed, ‘Is that where he’s keeping her?’ She followed up on the thought, ‘Of course, she was in his room earlier in the day. He probably wants her close.’

The blue pegasus mare walked up to the unguarded door and knocked. A voice followed shortly thereafter, “Enter.” It was stern and demanding. She opened the door and entered the room. She immediately turned said, “Your Highness? Is there something the matter?” She was practically oozing with anxiety.

“Yes, there is.” He replied, ‘Oh no,’ her mind began, ‘What did I do? Was it the council meeting? Was I disrespectful? Did nothing happen and he just wants Twilight dead?’ He then followed up, trying to put her concerns to rest, “It has to do with the future.”

“If we are to keep Twilight Sparkle alive, then keeping her as a hostage would only be a temporary solution.” He stated, ‘Temporary? So does he plan on having her executed?’He continued, “Her potential as an asset would be wasted. In other words, I need this ‘Oath’ as you say, from here as soon as possible.” Fly Away was internally cheering, ‘Suck it Wit.’

She again nodded, not showing her increased happiness and not knowing where his line of thought was going. “And this ‘Oath’ as I am thinking of it is Marriage.” Her mouth dropped, Think of a scratch record playing in Fly’s mon, “Marriage!?” She said, not thinking of how insulting it was. The king turned to her, his face seemed to grow angry. She quickly corrected herself, “That would be… an oath… I suppose.”

“I am sending you to Ponyville to get information about the Elements of Harmony, her last friends. If that entails talking or questioning the residents of her home, then so be it.” He then followed up his statement. “That's where anypony she cares about would be.”

‘Ponyville, that’s where my troops were stationed when we were besieging Canterlot.’ He continued, giving her no time to respond or deny the command, “I am aware you are familiar with the town.” She nodded, “Yes your highness. I am. It was the staging area for the siege of-”

“Spare me the detail. I know there are at least five ponies she cares about, and a baby dragon I believe. I am sending you there with detail to find these five ponies, mares I think, and dragon. Conduct the interviews yourself if you must. Once you find them, contact me immediately, if I am to extract their names from Twilight Sparkle, then I will contact you.” He stood up, his shadow casting over her form. “Do not move on them, I will contact you with instructions.”

Fly Away was taken back by the order, “Your Highness, I simply must protest this decision, anypony there will just attempt to throw us out. Maybe send somepony more covert.”

“I’ve made my decision. You leave in two days time.” The king commanded.

“O-of course, Is there anything else you need to tell me?” She asked. ‘I hope not.’ She thought.

“I want you to talk to her now, tiredness makes ponies sloppy. Perhaps you could get some information out of her. My last attempt, as you know, was less than successful.” He said.

Fly Away replied, “Your Highness, I know that you think this is best, but talk to her, I am not as an imposing force as you are, she might be more inclined to talk to you.” She turned to the king. He held a questioning look on her face while he had an expressionless face.

“Well, counselor, I would, but I prefer to get my rest and not deal with any questions she will undoubtedly ask. I could have somepony else do it… if you don’t feel… up to the task.” She immediately knew what he meant, ‘I could replace and discard you.’ She shook her head.

“That won’t be necessary. I will talk to her, but I won’t be able to answer all the questions she asks.” She breathed in, “I’ll have to defer them to you... when you are ready to answer them, your Highness.”

“Alright; now leave me.” The King said, “I expect you to report to me, in the council room, at 6 in the morn.” She nodded, “Yes, King Sombra.” She turned to leave. “Oh counselor,” She turned back, “You should know what failing me means.” She nodded and said, “Your Highness, goodnight.” She turned, opened and walked out the door. ‘I should at least make myself look official.’ She thought.

Twilight was in the shower, she attempted to wash away the pain that plagued her broken and battered body. Suffice to say, it didn’t work. She had inspected her body while the warm water washed over her, the heat from the water was scorching to her, but she didn’t care, ‘It’s not like I’ll be alive long enough, he probably just wants to give me hope and take it away.’ She closed her eyes, ‘Or do what the guard was going to do.’ Twilight went all the way up her body, from feet to head, but she stopped at her wrists. Twilight looked at her wrists, they were unbelievably burned, her fur was black in some places. ‘I could fix this if I had my magic.’ She closed her eyes again, ‘My magic…’ She sat down, ‘He’s never going to let me have my magic back, is he?’

She tried disregarded the thought and tried to wash her body. Twilight had spent half an hour on her tail and mane alone. They were horribly matted and knotted up from all the time she was in the dungeon. She ran a brush through her mane, ‘Ow,’ She thought as she caught a knot. After the fifth time, the brush finally catching no knots. ‘Finally,’ She thought, ‘now the tail.’ It was worse. Her tail had been tied up numerous time when he would torture her, the captain had threatened to cut it off a dozen times and had even cinched it when he attempted to whip her. Eventually, she had gotten all the knots out and cleaned it with soap and shampoo.

She then washed the rest of her body, taking hardly any more time, ‘What if he thinks I take too long.’ She thought. She soaped up her body and washed off. She had been there for almost an hour by the time she had gotten out. When she turned off the water she felt the coolness of the room settle in around her. She shivered, ‘No point in staying in here.’ She thought

She stepped out of the shower and grabbed the towel hanging there, ‘I’d rather dry myself magically, but at this point, I don’t care.’ She thought, her defiant nature seems to have abandoned her. She dried off, spending extra time on her mane and tail again. She threw the towel on the ground when she was done, going into thoughts about her future. ‘Even if he does keep me alive, I’m just a prisoner, aren’t I?’

She looked around the bathroom, ‘Now where’s the bathrobe?’ She thought. Twilight looked all throughout the bathroom, but both the robe and her clothes were gone, ‘What, where-?’ She had a brainwave, an image flashed in her head. ‘Oh I left it on the bed.’ She opened the door. ‘Nopony else is in there anyway.’ She walked out only to find herself staring at the back of a blue pegasus, ‘how did...’ She thought. The pegasus was wearing light gray armor around her body and black pants.

Twilight didn’t even comprehend the fact that she was turning until she was staring at her eyes. Both stood there, wide-eyed, Twilight was looking at the pegasus looking at her. The pegasus soon moved her eyes southward and was looking over her body, but she cou-’Wait, I’m Naked!’ Immediately, Twilight covered herself, but it was already too late, the pegasus had already gotten an eyeful of her voluptuous body. She turned back quickly, “Sorry!” She yelped, “Forgot you had no clothes.” She said while giving a high pitched voice and a forced laugh at the end. She looked down at the bed and saw the robe and the bloody garments.

“Here.” she reached out and grabbed it. While not turning around she handed it to the princess. ‘Former Princess.’ She corrected herself. “Y-yeah t-thanks,” Twilight said, slightly very embarrassed. She quickly put it on. “Okay, it’s fine now,” Twilight said. The blue pegasus turned around.

“I did not imagine that this is how we would meet.” The blue pegasus said. “I expected you to, well, nevermind, it doesn’t matter now.” Twilight finished tying the bathrobe around her body. It was too small for her, but she didn’t care, ‘At least I’m not covered in my friend’s blood.’ She grimly thought, her head moved towards the floor.

She began apologizing again, “Sorry about that.” She said, “I didn’t mean to see you… well... naked.” Twilight only gave a light smile, “It’s not a problem,” She took on a somber tone, “at this point… I just don’t care anymore.”

She stuck out her hand, “I’m Fly away, King Sombra’s diplomatic advisor.”

Twilight began laughing, despite it hurting her stomach she was able to say, “Sombra and d-diplomacy!” She paused due to the pain, “HAH! Now that’s a joke.” Fly Away still had her hand stuck out, her face stoic. Twilight saw this and said, “Y-you’re serious.”

Fly away nodded. Twilight immediately stopped and shook her hand, “Uhh F-former Princess Twilight Sparkle I guess.” ‘I really don’t know what I am right now.’ She thought. “Do you know what I am? Currently, I mean.”

“On the execution block in like an hour.” She said seriously.

“W-wah?” Was all she could stammer out, her legs gave out and she sat down on the bed. “B-bu-but I-i Th-” Twilight had tears brimming in her eyes but was cut off. “Okay, yeah no, I was just kidding with you to uhh… break the tension, though it’d be funny and all.”

“So a-am I?” Twilight asked. ‘Please say no.’

“Of course not.” Fly away replied. She scratched the back of her neck with her hand. ‘She was just kidding, I’m fine, I’m fine.’ She reassured herself. She then went on the offensive, her face went into an angry expression, “That’s not a funny joke.” She croaked out.

“Yeah, it wasn’t. I’m sorry.” Fly said apologetically. ‘At least she seems genuine.’ Twilight thought. Another thought came to her mind, “Why are you here Fly?” Se paused to think, “Why are you working for Sombra?”

She seemed to lose her cheery demeanor, “I was the mastermind who said you should live.” She said seriously, “King Sombra has seen fit to take my course of action rather than the alternative.”

“The alternative?” she asked timidly, “What would that be?” She dreaded the answer.

“Execution, most likely, but there could’ve been something else.” She said matter-of-factly. “But you don’t have to worry about that anymore.” She looked out the enchanted window. “It’s getting late, I should go.” She turned to the door.

*Knock* *Knock *Knock*

Both mares turned to the door. Fly away lightened up, “Oh your food, you must be starving. I overheard that they’ll bring your clothes in the morning, they couldn’t find any clean ones.” She turned and opened the door. A servant was there holding a silver platter. She was a violet mare with a maroon mane wearing a maid outfit. The servant walked inside and put it on one of the desks in the room. “I will be back in the morning to pick up the platter.”

Twilight nodded, “Thank you.” The servant nodded and walked away. Fly Away then turned to Twilight, “I wish a good night.” She walked out of the room fast. Twilight was slightly annoyed, ‘She never answered my second question.’ She pouted. Twilight took the platter and moved it to the desk closer to the window. She only then realized there was a book on it, ‘Predictions and Prophecies.’ She saw the title and gave a light smile. ‘It’s the book that caused me to go to Ponyville in the first place. I never would’ve met my friends without them.’ She lost her smile at the mention of her friends, ‘They’re okay Twilight.’ She told herself, ‘Even Rainbow Dash isn’t dumb enough to get caught by Sombra’s soldiers.’

Twilight took a piece of celery off of the platter and opened the book, ‘Why not start from the beginning. I’ve never actually read the entire thing.’ She trained her eyes on the words on the page. ‘I can’t believe it,’ She thought, she was happy, ‘An actual book, WITH WORDS!’

Three Days Later

8 pm

Twilight was relieved. She had finally gotten a small collection of books and new clothes, that suspiciously looked like her old ones. ‘Maybe there can be some sense of normal around here.’ She thought. She looked down at her wrists. They always remind her of what had happened to her... and what could happen to her again.

She opted to just ignore her hands as much as possible. ‘At least I don’t have to worry about that torturer anymore.’ She huffed and turned the page. Books took her mind off of things. It gave Twilight a sense of home, despite being so far away from Ponyville. She tried not to think about her home, her castle, and her friends. She looked up to see the sun setting.

Her mind drifted while she wasn’t reading. ‘I don’t want to think about them right now.’ She thought. She turned another page. Twilight instantly recognized the page, ‘The mare in the moon.’ Her mind couldn’t ignore it anymore. ‘I need to get a letter out, something out to let them know I’m okay.’ She begrudgingly looked at her wrists, ‘...now.’

*Knock Knock Knock*

She turned her head to the door, ‘Who is it?’ She hadn’t talked to anypony since Fly Away bid her goodnight, ‘And that was three days ago.’ She croaked out the word “Y-yes?” There was the sound of the door unlocking, then the door opened. She immediately tensed up at who entered. “K-king S-Sombra.” She timidly said.

“Twilight Sparkle.” He replied. “I have some questions for you. It would be best for you to answer them.” He walked over to the desk she was at. “I expect you to answer them truthfully, otherwise…” He put his hand on her shoulder. Despite her only feeling it through the cloth, she tensed up even more.

“I’ll answer them!” She blurted out, ‘I don't want to know what he might’ve said.’ She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. “I just… I’ll answer them… to the best of my ability.” Twilight croaked out. Her throat felt dry all of a sudden, ‘When did I drink last?’ She opened her eyes in time to see him gesture with his hand to sit on the bed.

She was hesitant to comply, ‘Why would he… No, he… wouldn’t’ Her mind railed. She got up out of the chair and walked over to the bed, his hand still on her shoulder. ‘Is this a questioning technique.’ She started to feel warm all over, ‘Why do I… feel like… this?’ Her mind churned. ‘He must be doing something to me.’ Twilight stopped and looked to his face, it was as stoic as ever. She then saw he was holding a glass of water in his other hand. He moved it to her in a friendly manner. She took it and took several gulps. ‘Why does it taste so… funny?’ She thought, ‘But it tastes so refreshing.’

She sat on the bed and he sat next to her. ‘Too close.’ She thought. Twilight looked forward, but she could feel his stare looking down on her features. She began to feel even hotter. ‘What is happening to me?’ However, she dismissed this thought as Sombra began questioning her.

“Twilight Sparkle, you will look at me when you answer the question, otherwise I will assume you're lying.” He said. His voice seething with authority. ‘I can’t have him choose to do the… alternative… as he put it.’

She gave out a sigh, “I-i understand.” She timidly turned to him and slowly trailed her eyes up his body to his face and finally, his eyes. She felt the heat in her body increase. ‘Can myself just… not right now.’ She thought.

Seemingly fine with her slow demeanor, he began questioning her. “You have a castle in Ponyville, correct?”

She looked into his eyes and said, “Yes.”

“Do you know the bearers of the Elements of Harmony?” He asked sternly, studying everything about her.

She brought her eyes down,“... … yes,” She finally said, bringing her eyes back up to his. “Yes, I do.” He moved a hand to her chin. He stared directly into her purple eyes. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. ‘She better have at least somewhat recovered by now.’

“Do not move. This next question is important.” He said sternly, “Understand?” She nodded. ‘I just said… nevermind.’ His hand left her chin. He kept pressing her, keeping the same expressionless expression. “Who are they?”

She looked into his eyes, ‘I can’t.’ She thought. “I-i-i, don’t… can’t…” Sombra interrupted her, “You are lying,” He said, “This is your only second chance, Princess.“ He repeated the question, “Who are THEY?!” She tried to look away, but Sombra brought his strong hand back to her chin, holding her in place. She managed to stammer out a reply, “I can’t! I-I’ve known them for years!” She said, forcing herself to look away, “They’re the last ponies I care about.” Twilight said in a quiet voice, “Please, ask me anything, but that.” She leaned forward, her hands holding her head.

“Well,” Sombra replied, slightly annoyed, “I’ll just have to kill them all then.” Twilight sat up at this. “What… do you mean?” She asked Sombra gave her a smirk, “The townsponies,” He said, “since you can’t identify the bearers, I’ll just have to kill them all. Can’t have them rise up in revolt now can I?”

Sombra then stood up off the bed. “I bed you good-day, Princess. If you change your mind, well It might be a bit late to by tomorrow.” Twilight only hung her mouth open. Her face had one of pure shock on it. Sombra began to walk to the door. A smirk on his face, ‘She’ll come around in 3… 2… 1…’ He heard a defiant and sad, “NO! WAIT! STOP!” from the princess. Something grabbed his hand, He turned only to see her holding his hand as if he was her last hope. ‘Which I am, in this case.’

Tears were streaming down her face, “Please I’ll tell you,” She said between sobs, “Can you... Can you just please… not hurt them. They don’t to be punished because of me.” She was a complete mess, she was no longer holding back tears, openly sobbing into Sombra’s hand and arm. “I give you my word, they will not be harmed.” She was feeling desperate, as if-if he left the room, then they’ll all die.

She seemed to feel better, ‘I can at least know… that they’ll be safe.’ Sombra continued, “Now Twilight, tell me their names.” She nodded, her legs gave out when she stood up. Sombra, the smirk still on his face, helped her onto her feet, she grabbed him and moved her toward the bed.

‘This is the second time he’s done this to me.’ She thought, ‘I can’t help but feel, safe somehow, how though? I’m going to give my friends to Sombra. My enemy!’ Sombra sat her down on the bed, he sat down next to her. Twilight, not caring at the moment grabbed his arm and huddled against it. ‘I can’t lose them too.’ She thought. Tears kept coming off her face.

After ten minutes, Sombra began talking, “Twilight, it’s time, I need you to tell me; Who are they? I already have you, I just need five names.” Sombra seemed to have a sympathetic tone in his voice. Twilight shifted, but not far. She lied her head on his arm. ‘Please, don’t be lying.’

She began to speak, “R-Rainbow D-Dash, she is t-the Element of L-loyalty. Rar-Rarity is the E-element of Generosity. P-P-P-Pinkie Pie is L-laughter and A-applejack is Honesty.” She took a deep breath, ‘I can’t give up Fluttershy, she’s too innocent. She doesn’t deserve this… none of them do.’ Sombra brought his other hand and took his fingers through her mane, he then said, “There is only one more, Kindness, who is it?”

She began crying “I-i c-can’t, sh-she doesn’t des-” He just put his hand around her muzzle, “Only one more name,” He said, “Only one more name, and it’s done.” He paused, “Think of it as if it taking a band-aid off, you want to do it quickly.”

She nodded. ‘I’m so sorry Fluttershy,’ SHe shut her eyes closed, ‘Please forgive me’ She opened her mouth “Fl-Flutter...shy,” Twilight said through the sobs, “Her name’s Fluttershy.” He merely grunted and moved to get up, “Please, wait, I don't think I can…” He looked at the broken mare before him. “I just can’t be alone right now.” He sat back down and allowed her to grab his arm.

She merely sobbed into Sombra’s arm for the next half hour and muttering, “I’m sorry.” Sombra kept running his hand through her mane and rubbing her back. Twilight didn’t care who was comforting her, she just needed somepony to help her.

And right now, that was the very Pony who had taken everything from her.

Author's Note

There will be some, other things happening soon.

If you catch my drift

Any errors please tell me below.

Thanks!