AwakeningView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedAwakeningSilverstream awoke gasping for air and struggle to get up, she felt something on her like little snakes and shook desperately to get them off, but found that she could not move. She heard doors open and saw two ponies in white come in and hold her down telling her to calm down and breathe, she did as she was told and took a breath and stopped struggling. The ponies left the room leaving Silverstream alone for a moment. Silverstream now calm surveyed her surroundings and noticed an IV drip, she could move just enough to follow the cord and find it attached to her alone with what she thought were snakes was really monitor cords. There she laid deducing that she was in a hospital and those two ponies in white were doctors, she felt a bit weak, but she didn't know why. The doctor's were outside and Silverstream could barely make out what they were saying, but could hear them. "Please, let friends see friend" she heard a gruff voice say along with even more desperate pleas. "Just listen, the patient has just woken up and is a bit weak. We'd like to monitor her overnight to make sure she's ok, but we regret to inform you she ain't all there. If you'd follow my partner she'll tell you the rest." Silverstream thought the doctor was crazy, of course she was all here, all it was; was a dream the doctor came in dressed in white and introduced himself. "My my my, you certainly have us a scare Miss Silverstream, you had your friends worried sick. My name is doctor Fros T. Byte. You're very lucky to have friends like you've got, any longer and you would've been climbing the stairway to heaven and knocking on heaven's door." He said as he examined her vitals and wrote on a clip board. "You're very lucky to have survived this hypothermia, you were asleep for at least three weeks." Silverstream's eyes sunk "three weeks?" She asked with tears in her eyes. "How did this happen?" She asked. The doctor finishing his examination set down the clipboard on the bed and told her. "You were on a class trip to Yakyakistan, while flying around you clipped your wing and landed in the snow breaking a leg in the process. When your friends found you you were already in the stages of hypothermia and unresponsive. They wrapped you in blankets while Gallus came her to get help." Silverstream with tears in her eyes just nodded The doctor looked down and said "I must get this report to the files, I'll leave you a for a while, oh but before I go your parents and brother wanted me to give you this." He put down a brown paper bag beside he bed on her table. "I think you're calm enough so let me at least remove those restraints, but remember you must stay here until we know you're well. You can move around the hospital if you want, but you can't leave. Got it?" Silverstream nodded and the doctor took off the restraints. "You'll have visitors her shortly, so you might want to eat up." He then left the room without any more words. Silverstream sat there thinking "eat up? You didn't give me any food, just this bag from......my parents." She looked at the table with the bag the doctor had left by her bed as she was finishing her thought. The doctor's words echoing in her head she grabbed the bag from the table and opened it, looking into the bag tears begin to fill her eyes, her nostrils were bombarded by the familiar smell of the food she really loved around the holidays; as the sight of kelp fritters stared back at her, her mother would even make them on ordinary days. Reaching into the bag she pulled out a kelp fritter which was warm to the touch, and with watering eyes and trembling lips she took a bite as she let out a silent cry, after the first one she took another, she was surprised on how many her mother made, like she knew she'd be hungry, she soon found that she'd had eaten half the bag and decided to save the rest for later. She wrapped up the top of the bag like it was and set it on the table beside her while she waited for her visitors. The first of the visitors for Silverstream was of course her family, her mom and dad walked in slowly while Terramar, Silverstream's little brother came running in with tears in his eyes and hugged Silverstream from the side of the bed. "Oh, sis, I thought I'd lost you." He said as tears flowed from his eyes like a waterfall, hugging his sister tight, not wanting to let go. "It's ok Terramar, I'm better now, come on and wipe those tears." Silverstream said as she wiped the tears from Terramar's eyes and planted a kiss on his forehead. Their parents with tears in there eyes just watched the reunion of brother and sister as they took a seat. "You sure gave us a scare." Sky Beak said with tears in his eyes. "I thought I lost my little girl." He said causing her to blush. "Now don't embarrass our little kelpie." Ocean Flow said causing more of a blush from Silverstream. "Mom, dad, please you're embarrassing me. You haven't called me that since I was a little girl." Silverstream said "We know, but you'll always be my little girl." Sky Beak said with tears in his eyes. "And you'll always be my little kelpie, I remember how you would lure your friends in the water pretending you were a kelpie from those stories." Ocean Flow said with tears in her eyes as she and Sky Beak joined their kids in a hug There her mother, father, and brother talked for what seemed like hours, they laughed and cried together talking about old memories and telling jokes and stories of what happened while Silverstream was out for those three weeks. After awhile Sky Beak put his claw on Silverstream's shoulder. "We better get going you have other visitors who want to see you. Get better soon." Her family left after giving her hugs and kisses and departed out the doors, then the doors opened again revealing six silhouettes.
One foot in the graveView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedOne foot in the graveFive of the silhouettes belonged to her friends, Smolder, Gallus, Yona, Ocellus, and Sandbar. The sixth silhouette belonged to her headmare, Twilight. They walked in with tears in their eyes, especially Smolder who often acts as tough as nails. "You gave us quite the scare Silverstream." Smolder said trying to hold back sobs. Smolder just approaches Silverstream and gives her a hug. "I thought we'd lost you." Silverstream just embraced the hug her friend was giving her trying to cheer her up. After a while Smolder let go so the others could give out their hugs. "I'm sorry guys, I didn't mean to scare you or give you the cold shoulder." Silverstream said trying to lighten the mood with a joke, but all she got in response was blank stare with some light chuckles. "That's not funny Silverstream, we all thought we lost you, I'd thought I lost you." Gallus would say before blushing and looking away only to see Yona in a corner sulking. The reunited friends looked at Yona until one spoke up. "Hey, Yona. What's got you blue?" Sandbar asked putting his hoof on her shoulder. "It all Yona fault." She said before continuing. "It Yona fault that Silverstream was unconscious for three weeks, it Yona fault that doctors help too late." She began to tear up. "Yakyakistan is Yona homeland, I know like back of hoof, I should have been able to find her." Yona's tears were flowing like a waterfall. "Yona." Silverstream spoke up. "It is not your fault, it was just a freak accident, I don't blame you and neither should you." Silverstream told her grieving friend, she invited Yona over to give her a hug which Yona accepted. "Thanks Silverstream." Yona said with a shacking voice "you're a good friend." Silverstream wiped the tears from Yona's eyes like she did with her brother and reassured her that it was not her fault. Yona stepped away letting Twilight come up to the bed. "Thank heavens you're ok Silverstream." Twilight said with relief in her voice. "When Gallus came to get me and the doctors I was overtaken by shock." "Thank you for your concern, but why did only Gallus go to get help." Silverstream asked. "Smolder, Ocellus, Sandbar, and Yona stayed by your side to make sure you were ok, Smolder lit a rescue fire to keep you warm and to signal the help, Ocellus and Yona stayed behind to keep you warm with blankets and their bodies, Ocellus turning into a creature with fur to do so, and Sandbar helped Smolder keep the fire going; they were devastated when they found you like that." Silverstream with tears in her eyes just laid in silence thinking of how great her friends were helping her out like that and only wished she could do the same for them, she was then overcome by an itch that she couldn't reach. "Hey guys?" Silverstream began to ask. "Could one of you please scratch my left hind leg? It really itches." She asked, but was only met with silence and awkward stares. Twilight sighed and spoke up "Silverstream, your left hind leg had to be amputated, it was severely frost bit and the doctors couldn't save it." Silverstream gave a slight chuckle. Good one, headmare Twilight, you got me good, but please could one of you scratch my leg?" Silverstream tore off the covers and didn't see her left hind leg. Silverstream let out a fit of laughter "Good one, Twilight, you almost had me again, but could you please undo the invisibility spell so I can see where to scratch?" Twilight just lowed her head "I didn't cast an invisibility spell, Silverstream, you leg is really gone." Silverstream with tears in her eyes broke into a fit of rage and sadness "No, no, you're wrong, I-I can still feel it, it itches. Please, please undo the invisibility spell, I know you cast one." Silverstream began scratching at a leg that was just not there trying to get the itch, "please I can't reach the it, I can't......I can't." She began to calm down and her yelling died down. "I can't believe it, my leg is really gone?" Silverstream asked with tears in her eyes. Her friends just nodded in unison with sad looks on their faces. "The doctors did everything they could, but the damage was already done, they had to amputate or risk that your blood circulation be slowed." Ocellus spoke up. Silverstream laid there still feeling the itch. "But why do I feel the itch, it's getting so bad it hurts." "What you're feeling are phantom pains, Silverstream, it's where you still feel the pain of something that just isn't there." Smolder told her friend in the nicest way she could. Silverstream putting a claw on her chest and taking a breath didn't feel something that should be there, something that is always working. "My necklace, where is my necklace?" Silverstream started to freak out again to the point of hyperventilating. Until Gallus stepped up and flashed it to her. "It's right here, don't worry." Gallus stepped closer and gently put the necklace on Silverstream. "The doctors had to cut it off your neck, the string was cutting off circulation, they cut it off and replaced it, saying that once you came to we could put it it on you." Silverstream now calm looked at Gallus and with tears in her eyes flashed him a smile and threw her arms around him. "Thank you, Gallus, you really are a good friend, all of you are." Silverstream hugged Gallus for about one minute. Until she released him and wiped her tears with her right claw. She then remembered the kelp fritters her mother had made for her and remembered there was still enough left to share, she grabbed the bag and opened it. "Come on guys, I'd like you to try my mom's kelp fritters." She handed one out to each of her friends and headmare with earnest. Her friends and headmare took them and took a bite, their eyes lit up as the taste washed over their taste buds and they chewed slowly trying to savor the taste for as long as they can. Tears flowed down her friends cheeks as they all commented on how good they were and asked if they could have the recipe which Silverstream responded, "that's a family secret recipe." She joked before writing down the recipe on six pieces of paper that lay by her bedside and gave them to her friends. All seemed well and happy, but though all that happiness a aura of fear and dread loomed. Silverstream being able to sense this tension asked Twilight what was wrong. Twilight just lowered her head and said. "King Sombra has risen again, but he's weak so we shouldn't have to worry about him for awhile." Twilight said both sadly, but relieved. Silverstream's eyes grew large, she feared that the events of her dream could become a reality and she did not want to relive it. "We need to still gather an army, train them to fight him. If he's weak we need to prepare now " Silverstream said in an almost crying voice. "We're already on it." Twilight assured her. "My brother is training the royal guards as we speak, Celestia and Luna are recruiting soldiers, already set up security around the boarders, and enlisted the help of our allies." Twilight told Silverstream who was calming down at hearing this information, but deep in her mind she thought "what if it's not enough."
Rehab, war, and adjustmentView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedRehab, war, and adjustmentWeeks passed and Silverstream was regaining her strength little by little, she was maneuvering in the wheel chair like a dream, her flying was improving, and her swimming seemed unaffected by the frost bite and amputation, though being able to turn into a seapony helps, her walking however was not improving. She would stumbled and trip, one time she fell on top of Gallus making them blush bright red. Without a leg to help her balance she may never walk again, but luckily the doctors have been slaving away at a present for Silverstream. Silverstream's friends and parents would visit everyday to see how she's doing and even offer their support, but even they knew that it was likely that she'd be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Silverstream laid in her bed doing her missed schoolwork that piled up and had just finished the last of it when the doctors came into her room rolling in a covered table. "You've made great progress, Silverstream, but you may not walk again. You may be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of your life." The doctor said. Silverstream just hung her head in sadness, but understanding "I understand." Silverstream said before the doctor cut her off. "But hopefully you won't have to." He pulled the cloth off the table revealing a prosthetic leg." I'm sorry I didn't lead with that, I just wanted to surprise you." Silverstream with tears in her eyes just admired the prosthetic leg, it looked study and durable. It was purple in color to match her feather tone, the only thing showing it to be prosthetic was the screws and bolts used to hold it together. Silverstream overcome by joy could only mutter two words "thank you" she said. The doctor showed her how to put it on and helped her stand up, she wobbled a bit, but quickly learned how to balance, the leg blended in perfectly that you couldn't tell that it was prosthetic unless you touched it or saw her put it on, Silverstream overcome by joy hugged her doctor with tears in her eyes. "Thank you" she uttered overjoyed that she could walk again The following evening she was released from the hospital with a clean bill of health, she couldn't wait until tomorrow to go back to school, while walking to the school to return to her dorm, she saw posters of Celestia up to rally able bodied ponies to sign up for the army to defeat Sombra, they war was coming fast, Sombra had taking up residence in Grogar's abandoned fortress and made it his own territory. Word had spread that he already conquered small towns around the area and made himself an army so Equestria and it's allies were desperate to rally troops. She got back to her dorm and found that it exactly the way she left it eight weeks ago, minus some dust which has accumulated, she laid her stack of completed missing assignments on her desk ready to turn them in tomorrow morning. She laid down on her bed and let out a little moan as she felt the comfort of her bed compared to the uncomfortable hospital bed, she felt herself sinking into the quicksand mattress adorned with satin sheets and cotton covers, her head was placed on her feather stuffed pillow as she quickly fell asleep while the threat of war seemed to drift away, at least for a moment. The next day Silverstream attended her classes and turned in her late work, her other school mates asked how she was and said how worried they were. Twilight called a school assembly and called Silverstream up to the stage, there she presented Silverstream with a collage the students made with pictures of them and her with words saying "always thinking of you, get well soon." Silverstream with tears in her eyes accepted the collage and thanked her school mates. The rest of the day involved normal activities, studying, playing sports, all the normal things Silverstream would do, she was maneuvering quite well in the prosthetic leg despite just getting it yesterday. The rest of the day had Silverstream's friends asking how the prosthetic leg felt with Silverstream telling them, she would even take it off and let her friends feel it, the plastic was durable and matched her color, the doctors even put artificial feathers on the leg to make it look like the genuine article. After a long day at school Silverstream retired to her dorm, put her bags away and fixed herself a beverage while she sat at her desk doing her homework. While in her dorm doing her homework she heard a knocking on the door only to hear a familiar voice. "Silverstream, it's me Gallus. We were wondering if you'd want to hang out tonight." Silverstream closed her book as she finished her homework and opened the door inviting her friends in. "What did you all have in mind?" Silverstream asked as Smolder brought ok a deck of cards. "We figured we'd try our hands at poker, it's something I read about in an article about Appleloosa." Smolder said. "The rules are simple, the player with the biggest hand wins. Though usually played with money, we'll be playing for fun" Smolder added to her previous statement. Silverstream stood there and replied "sure, sounds fun she chimed in." Silverstream and her friends sat on the floor in a circle and began to play. Smolder dealt out five cards for each of them and they each picked them up, each of her friends discarded some cards and Smolder dealt out the same number of cards that they discarded, Silverstream discarded one and got another one from the deck. They showed their hands with Silverstream winning with a full house of aces and eights. After hours of playing poker the friends went back to their rooms leaving Silverstream alone for the night, she climbed into her bed and extinguished the candle that was she had used for light.
Sad news and a decisionView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedSad news and a decisionSilverstream awoke and got ready for class, along they way she overheard students talking. "I can't believe Sombra took over the kingdom." A voice said "Me to, I thought they had an advantage, hopefully our others allies won't suffer the same fate, I heard that he put them all in slavery." Another said Silverstream had a uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, but she didn't know why. Surly Mount Aris and Seaquestria hadn't fallen, they have the best navy and air force around. Silverstream made her way to class where even her friends seemed to be walking around eggshells around her. She would ask them what's up only to get respiratory beat around the bush. "Alright! What's wrong?" Silverstream snapped at her friends with Ocellus hanging her head in sadness and walked up to Silverstream. "We didn't want to tell you, because we were afraid of how you would react, but Mount Arius and Seaquestria has fallen under control of king Sombra." Ocellus told her friend in a saddened voice and continued, "we heard the news late last night, after the poker game to be honest, we were heading back to our rooms when headmare Twilight stopped us and told us this news, she told us not to tell you unless we really needed to, and judging by the aura in the air, we needed to." Silverstream just hung her head in silence, and then spoke up, "What of my family? Are they safe?" She asked with tears in her eyes fearing the worst. Ocellus put her hoof on Silverstream's shoulder "they're safe, but injured. They could only fly here to Ponyville before collapsing, they were admitted to the hospital your were in." Silverstream got some good in her eyes thinking that Novo escaped until Ocellus continued. "Your mother, father, and brother will be alright, but the queen couldn't escape, Novo is now a resident in a Sombra territory." Silverstream's heart sank to the pit of her stomach as she felt light headed and started breathing heavily without realizing that she was, all her friends could do was put their hands on her back and rub trying to calm her down. Silverstream was unusually quite for the school day, but that was to be expected, it had to be eating at her, gnawing at her very soul that the only free hippogriffs were her, her mother, her father, and her brother, but her aunt, he cousins, and the rest of her family and friends were now living in a Sombra ruled land. Silverstream quietly did her work, ate lunch, and turned in her work at the end of the day. It was like she had lost her spark, her bubbly personality had gone flat like an open can of soda. Worrying about their friend Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, and Sandbar visited her in her dorm. Ocellus gently opened the door and peered in, "um, Silverstream, may we come in?" Ocellus asked in a ginger tone only to have Silverstream motion them in with her claw. The friends stepped in only for the last on to close the door behind them as Silverstream motioned for them to get comfortable. There they all say in silence, not sure on how to break the ice, but that was probably the best thing to do for now, hours passed until Silverstream spoke up. "I think I understand why headmare Twilight wanted you all to keep the information from me, it'll be like if it was one of your homes then she'd want me to keep the info from you, I'm not mad just a bit hurt and at a loss for words." Silverstream said in an understanding voice. The friends continued to say nothing until it was late and they had to return to their respective dorms, they all hugged Silverstream and left, but Silverstream stopped one of them. "Gallus? Could you stay a little longer?" Silverstream asked with a few tears in her eyes. Gallus looked back and closed the door in front of him "sure, anything you need Silverstream." He said. Silverstream just threw her arms around Gallus and wept "Thank you, Gallus, I just can't deal with the thought of my homes being ruled by Sombra." All Gallus could do was embrace her in a hug as he stroked her hair "it'll be ok, Silverstream, we'll win your home back; It's just a set back." He wiped the tears from her eyes like she had done for Yona and her brother. "We're all here for you, Silverstream." Silverstream looked up at Gallus and planted a kiss on his cheek which made him blush a bit. He placed his claw on the cheek she kissed unsure what to say. "Could you possibly stay in her with me, Gallus? I really don't want to be alone tonight and could really use a friend." Silverstream said in a sincere tone. Gallus just looked at her and smiled. "Sure, Silverstream. Anything for you." Silverstream just thanked him and nuzzled into his chest enjoying the warm embrace, probably for the last time. Silverstream and Gallus knew they could get in trouble, but Gallus was will to take tge risk to help a friend and Silverstream really needed the company. Silverstream and Gallus retired to bed and sank into the quicksand mattress, they covered each other with the cotton covers and nuzzled each other while they slept. During the night Silverstream woke up and went to her desk, she lit a candle and took out a pen and piece of paper, she began to write and did so, so quietly, she then went to her closet and took out a spare cotton blanket and took a locket with the same picture of her family that was on her desk, she extinguished the candle and quietly flew out her window into the night sky. She flew to a hill overlooking Ponyville and the school of friendship as tears started to swell in her eyes. "Goodbye school, goodbye friends, goodbye family, and goodbye freedom." Silverstream said aloud, but only she heard as she started flying again into the night sky with only the moon and stars for company.
Clipped wings and a bargainView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedClipped wings and a bargainGallus woke up the next morning to find himself alone in Silverstream's bed, he looked around the room only to find a folded piece of paper, with a heavy heart he unfolded it and began to read "Dear friends, headmare Twilight, mom, dad, and Terry, I'm writing this because I may not see you all again, I have agreed to be Sombra's slave in exchange for peace, with Mount Aris and Seaquestria falling, I feel this is the only way to protect those I love. Thank you all, especially you Gallus for sleeping with me when I needed comfort, you really are a good friend and I love you for that, you feel like my twin brother. Sincerely, your little girl, your friend, your student, Silverstream." P.S, you may want to send a team of pony doctors to help Zecora, she needs antibiotics to fight against typhoid." Gallus stopped reading and heard collective gasps from his friends, Silverstream's family, and headmare Twilight. "I didn't even know she was thinking of this, but didn't she say Zecora died of typhoid in her dream?" Gallus asked clutching the letter. Twilight just hung her head and asked the doctors to go check on Zecora and take antibiotics with them, which they obliged and went on their way. "We can get Silverstream back, we just need to form a plan." Twilight said as she flew out of the hospital escorting the remainder of the young six out. Meanwhile Silverstream was overlooking Grogar's abandoned fortress, except it wasn't abandoned; there were small builds and streets, Sombra wasn't risen for long and he already had a small town in the works, adding to it was Mount Aris and Seaquestria giving him more land to control and starting to become a kingdom, Silverstream took a deep breath and walked up to the newly renovated fortress that used to belong to Grogar and now accommodates Sombra, she was quickly mistaken as an intruder by a hippogriff guard and pony guard, and brought before the king. Sombra was sitting on a black throne with flags adorned with his symbol hung above him, he was eating grapes and enjoying a cup of wine when the guards brought Silverstream before him and forced her to her knees, one of the guards had confiscated her pearl shard necklace and the blanket and locket she had brought and gave them to Sombra. "Well, well, well, if it isn't another hippogriff to enslave."He spoke with a terrifying and cold chill, he then noticed her necklace "oh and it seems like I now have what I need, before I conquered Mount Aris, it seems your people hid their necklaces and wiped their memory on how to use it, so now you'll help me remedy that." Silverstream shook in fear and spoke. "King Sombra, my name is Silverstream, I come before you to offer a deal, please in exchange for everyone's freedom, I offer myself as your slave." Sombra looked at Silverstream with an evil grin, "interesting, one slave in return for the freedom of millions, ok I won't enslave anymore creatures or ponies if you become my slave. Now tell me how to use this pearl shard so I may seize control of the changeling kingdom." Silverstream looked at Sombra in shock "b-but you said you wouldn't enslave any creature else, you said if I became your slave you'd let them be free." She began to cry. Sombra just chuckled and stroked Silverstream's main " I said I wouldn't enslave them, I never said I wouldn't invade them." Sombra told Silverstream with a heartless grin. "The king and queen of the changelings will be no more, I'll unsurp their throne with ease, and it's all thanks to you Silverstream. By the way, we only agreed for those not enslaved yet, I'm keeping the ones I already have." Silverstream stood there saddened by her actions, because of her more civilizations will fall and be ruled by Sombra, but something that Sombra said had her thinking, "king and queen of the changelings." Sombra's words echoed in her mind until she spoke up. "King and Queen of the changelings, Sombra?" Sombra's eyes blazed with anger has he slapped Silverstream across the room causing a mark on her cheek and some blood to flow out of her mouth onto his castle floor. "CALL ME MASTER!" he demanded with authority, but yes the king and queen of the changelings." Silverstream just got up holding her cheek and stared in a confused look "but the changelings only have a king." Silverstream said more confused than hurt at the moment, but her eyes said she wanted to cry. Sombra just looked at her with false empathy, but Silverstream knew he was enjoying this. "Oh, my dear slave, did you not know?" Sombra asked toying with Silverstream until he could deal the final blow. "The changeling kingdom has a new queen, they even have a daughter, let's see oh yes, I believe you attend school with their daughter." Sombra said enjoying taking advantage of Silverstream's obliviousness. "What do you mean, I attended school with their daughter? The only changeling at that school is Ocell--------" Silverstream's eyes grew larger as tears started to swell up at the realization of what Sombra had told her as the king of shadows grinned evilly. "No, no, no, you're lying!" Silverstream was on the verge of tears. "Search your feelings, Silverstream, you know it to be true. Did Ocellus ever tell you?, Did she not act differently around Twilight than other students,? Yes, Silverstream, you thought you'd save the kingdoms from being invaded, but you thought wrong, now you'll stay awake at night knowing you gave me the means of espionage through sky and sea." Sombra said as he went back to his throne, we prepare to attack the changeling kingdom tonight, you get be ready to tell me how to use this." Sombra says has he dangles the necklace that he'd gotten from his guard. "Oh and one more thing." Sombra nodded to his guards and they took a wing on each side of Silverstream and broke her wings with a loud crunch of bones being heard and Silverstream's screams of pain and agony being heard thoughout the castle. Silverstream with tears in her eyes and gritted teeth just laid crippled on the floor staring at Sombra with hatred. "I can't have your wings intact, it may tempt you to fly away, so everytime your wings heal, they'll be broken again and again." Sombra sitting on his throne looked at the items Silverstream had brought and decided to look in the locket. Noticing it was a picture of her family he closes the locket and approached Silverstream, he proceeded to slide the locket over her head onto her neck. Silverstream stared at him in surprise "why are you letting me keep this and not my blanket and pearl shard with it?" Silverstream asked still crying from the pain. Sombra just grinned and got close to Silverstream's ear to whisper why, "I can't take the chance of you using your shard as a means of escape and a slave doesn't deserve the comfort of a blanket, but the locket, that's a nice family you got, you brought that picture for comfort did you?" Sombra chuckled softly and continued, "no, I'll let you keep that picture, it'll be a reminder that you'll never see them except there again, it will remind you that you'll never feel love again." Sombra took his head away from Silverstream and told his guards to take her to her living quarters. The guards took Silverstream my two arms and carted her off to her new home as she just stared off in the distance almost devoid of hope.
Fallen Kingdoms and Rising FeelingsView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedFallen Kingdoms and Rising FeelingsSilverstream was taken down the hall of Sombra's castle and brought to a room that had straw lining the floor, drafty areas, a lone bucket, and a window only big enough to stick the bucket out of. The guards pushed Silverstream in the room causing her to fall on the cold stone floor and slammed the door shut. Silverstream got up and surveyed the room, she approached the door and tested the handle, it moved and Silverstream opened the door just a crack and peered into the hallway which was lined with armed guards, how she didn't see them she had no idea, she shut the door and went to lay down in the straw which was moist and cold. Silverstream sat silently in thought thinking at least there won't be anymore slaves, this was for those she loved, at least she might of saved Zecora from typhoid, but unbeknownst to her, she was about to get a starting surprise. She sat alone in her chambers until she heard the door open, she looked in horror as Sombra was standing before her with a bruised and battered Zecora in tow. "Oh, my dear, did you not know that I send my guards to gather slaves also? I had just sent a few to retrieve Zecora before our deal, evidently they had to wait until some doctors left her hut, they heard the doctors tell her she was cured of typhoid, all the better for me, I need a slave that's good with medicine." Sombra threw Zecora in the room along with an Equestrian first aid kit and demanded Zecora to treat Silverstream's wings by casting them up and said he'll have a separate room prepared for her later. Zecora got to her feet spitting up blood with Silverstream helping her stand. Zecora just moaned in pain, shed put up quite a fight, but was ultimately defeated, she thanked Silverstream for helping her up and looked at her wings and opened the med kit, within it were items to make splints and crude casts or excellent ones in the right hooves. Zecora got to work casting Silverstream's wings while she talked to her. "This is quite the surprise to overtake my eyes, tell me what brings you here." Zecora said while wrapping up Silverstream's wings. "I thought I could stop the coming war, but I was wrong, I offered myself as a slave to Sombra, but he's planning his conquer I f the changeling kingdom as we speak." Silverstream said in an utterly upset voice. Zecora just nodded and spoke. "I see my friend, you sought to bring the coming war to an end, It was a valiant effort." Zecora said her rhyming becoming less and less frequent. "I do want to thank you for sending the doctors, you saved my life, they told me that you wrote in your note that I had typhoid; how you know eludes even me." Zecora told Silverstream as she finished wrapping up her wings. "There you go." After Zecora had finished casting Silverstream's wings two of Sombra's guards swung the door open and escorted Zecora to her new chambers, Silverstream just got a glimpse of Zecora's chambers which was adjacent to her's, it had potions and a brewing station which Silverstream found odd. Silverstream then sat alone in he chambers for what seemed like hours as she peered out her window and watched the sunset paint the sky hues of red, orange, and purple. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon when she heard the door creak open to see Sombra. "It is time you told me how to use your pearl shard." Sombra said in a calm voice. Silverstream just stepped up to him and bowed. "Yes, Sombra." Silverstream said causing Sombra to slap her again knocking her down to the floor. "CALL ME MASTER!" he demanded "YOU ARE A SLAVE, A THING FOR ME TO USE; YOU DON'T DESERVE TO UTTER MY NAME YOU PEASANT!" he bellowed with fire in his eyes and thunder in his voice Silverstream shackingly stood up, blood spilling from her mouth staining the straw lined floor; her cheek was already swelling from the blunt force and it felt like he had dislodged a tooth, but thankfully he didn't. Silverstream with tears in her eyes just apologized. "Yes Master, please forgive my insolence." Silverstream said bowing before Sombra's feet, groveling at them. "I will tell you have to utilize the shard, but a question if I may." Sombra grinned at hearing her word, "That's better, you may ask you question." Sombra said maintaining his regal posture Silverstream was hesitant to ask fearing angering Sombra even further, but went through with it. "Well, you said slaved don't deserve luxuries, why did you grant Zecora the luxury of potions and a brewing station?" Sombra let out a cold, heartless chuckle before answering, he stroked Silverstream's mane and gave his answer, "I can't have slaves dying from sickness or injury now can I? That itself is a luxury for it grants freedom, no, I will work every slave I have until they die of old age." Silverstream had no words, all she could say was that she'd shoe Sombra how to use the shard and followed him to his army which wad getting prepared to move out of the fortress and assault the changeling kingdom. Silverstream saw soldiers armed to the teeth prepared for battle, she say earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and a few hippogriffs; she felt her heart drop when she saw that the captain of the platoon was none other than General Seaspray, Silverstream just hug her head and followed Sombra to the front where she told him how to use her necklace; after telling the information to Sombra she witnessed Sombra using the power of the shard to turn half of the earth ponies and unicorns into a hippogriff to give a slight edge to his army. After using the shard Sombra told his guards to escort Silverstream back to her chambers and his maid to feed her, he then led the troops out, his robe fluttering behind him. Silverstream was escorted back to her chambers by the two guards accompanying her, she walked silently into her chamber and the door closed behind her. Silverstream sat there alone haunted at what she was forced to do, she felt she could never show her face to Ocellus again, she could never show her face to Twilight or Thorax again; she began to tear up until she heard the door open, looking at the ajar door she saw food be tossed in, a burnt piece of salmon, burnt hay fries, and a small pitcher of water, Silverstream took the food and reluctantly ate, knowing it was the only food and water she was going to get; the taste of the burnt food made her want to hurl, but she just swallowed it down and washed the taste down with the meager amount of water she had. After she was done eating she laid down to go to sleep on the moist, cold straw floor that was stained with her blood that she had coughed up when Sombra hit her, despite her fear and loss of hope, she drifted off to sleep despite being a bit cold. Silverstream slept soundly, occasionally waking up to use the restroom; the bucket was uncomfortable and filled up quickly, needing to be dumped out the window often, there was even a time she got a splinter in her haunches and had to remove it herself which made her flinch; the worst thing was that there was nothing to wipe with besides the straw that lined the floor leaving her with two options, either wipe or don't, but she did her business and went back to sleep after when the need arose for it. There was a time when she couldn't fall back asleep and opened her locket to look at the picture of her family; looking at the picture brought a tear to her eyes as she hugged the picture only to feel colder, soon she began talking to the picture. "Mom, Dad, Terry, I love all of you, which is why I couldn't tell anyone in person about my plan, I'm starting to wish I did, I just wanted to save other's, I thought he wouldn't invade the kingdoms if I offered my freedom in exchange, but I was wrong." Silverstream said to the picture which fell on deaf ears because she was only talking to herself. Meanwhile at the changeling kingdom chaos was erupting, Sombra and his troops were moving in fast knocking aside changeling soldiers left and right; Pharynx the head of the changeling kingdom patrol was even struggling against the onslaught, he made the foolish decision and told Thorax to run, go to Twilight and Ocellus, he could have used the extra hands and he was suffering for it; the words he and his brother exchanged echoed in his mind as the sounds of war surrounded him; "Get out of here Thorax, you can escape through the tunnels I set up, use them and you'll avoid the army entirely." Pharynx remembered himself saying. "But Pharynx, What about you? We're brothers we should fight together. I can't just leave yo--." Pharynx remembered his brother Thorax saying before he interrupted him. "NO! You're my little brother, it's my job to protect you; use the tunnels, avoid the army, go to Ponyville and be with your family, project our queen, YOUR queen and our princess, they need you more right now than we do." Pharynx remembered telling his brother as her teared up remembering the last things he said to his brother. "I love you, brother and tell Ocellus, uncle Pharynx loves her." Pharynx led a last ditch charge, but in the end was subdued and forced to surrender to Sombra. Having won Sombra didn't take them as slaves like he promised, but instead claimed the kingdom in name of Sombra and planted his flag in the ground. Sombra returned to his castle happy with the defeat of the changeling kingdom and marked it conquered on his map and set his next target, he marked Yakyakistan as his next target, he turn proceeded to go to his quarters, but something possessed him to go check on his slaves; he ventures down the hall lined with guards at every chamber and checked in on Zecora through a slot in the door; he saw that she was sleeping soundly. He then proceeded to check on Silverstream though a slot in the door and saw her sleeping peacefully, she was breathing gently and looked so angelic in her sleep, Sombra was overcame with a desire to ravage her, but something held him back, he closed the slot in the door and walked away, not giving what he felt any second thought. The next morning Silverstream woke up feeling like she was drowning and awoke to see one of Sombra's guards had woken her up by practically waterboarding her and told her that her duties start today and to go see Sombra; Silverstream stood up dripping wet and coughing due to the water in her nose and left her chamber traveling down the hall lined with guards. Silverstream got to Sombra's chambers which was filled with battle strategies and a huge map of what she assumed was his targets and Yakyakistan was next if she was correct. "Y-you wanted to see me Som--" Silverstream said shakily as she caught herself "you wanted to see me, Master?" Silverstream corrected herself which pleased Sombra be as he was raising a hoof in preparation. Sombra smiled and approached Silverstream, "Yes, I have a job for you." Sombra said with a malevolent smile on his face. "It appears that Zecora is refusing to make potions and medicines for my other slaves like I demanded her to do, she needs to be put in her place." Silverstream had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach as Sombra continued. "She has already been prepped, I want you to waterboard her until she breaks, use this bucket and don't forget, you're my slave to, unless you want to share in her punishment I suggest you don't refuse this order." Sombra said with authority. Silverstream fearing Sombra's wrath took the bucket and proceeded to where Sombra instructed her to go; as Silverstream walked to Zecora's torture chamber her heart was beating like a war drum, she had been waterboarded this morning, but it was only once, this is going to be over and over for Zecora until she breaks and agrees to brew the potions and medicines. Silverstream arrived at the torture chamber where Zecora laid on a table restrained by straps with a cloth covering her face, standing right beside her was a lone guard awaiting Silverstream and right beside him was a small sink for getting water. Silverstream with a heavy heart approached the immobilized Zecora and shed a single teat. Before beginning the waterboarding the guard removed the cloth and let Zecora see Silverstream; Zecora's face went pale as she saw Silverstream standing above her with a bucket. "Silverstream, I shall not hold a grudge against you, but I want you to know, you don't have to do this." Zecora told Silverstream as the guard put the cloth back on her face and told Silverstream to begin. With tears in her eyes Silverstream slowly poured the water on the cloth causing Zecora to scream and cough; Silverstream with a heavy heart could only say "I'M SO SORRY, PLEASE, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, IF I DON'T DO THIS SOMBRA WILL DO IT TO ME." Silverstream said with tears in her eyes as she slowly poured a second bucket. Silverstream had lost count of how many bucket fulls of water she had poured until Zecora finally broke and said she'd start brewing potions and medicines, after Zecora had broke and was being escorted back to her chambers shaking and coughing from being waterboarded; Silverstream stayed behind in the waterboarding chamber looking at her claws. Silverstream stayed there for about an hour until a guard touched her shoulder and brought her back to earth; she jumped at the feeling of his hoof on her shoulder and realized an hour has passed since the deed as ended; she walked back to Sombra to inform him that the waterboarding had ended. "Master, the deed you requested of me is done, I do ask for your forgiveness for my tardiness in relaying this information to you." Silverstream told Sombra while bowing down to him on her knees. Sombra just grinned and spoke, "Excellent my faithful slave, I have another request for you tonight, sleep with me, let us spoon each other under the night sky upon my satin sheets; I expect you to do this quest tonight as soon as i get back." "Yes master, wait when you get back? Please pray tell, where are you going?" Silverstream asked with respect and curiosity. Sombra smiling at this respect provided the answer, "my dear slave, I'm going to conquer another land, this time it will be Yakyakistan to knell before Sombra." Sombra said coldly as he motioned for Silverstream to get out. Silverstream left A Sombra's chambers and returned to her own slowly, the memories of what she done was replaying over and over in her mind; Zecora begging her to stop, begging for mercy which had to fall on deaf ears, Zecora may have told Silverstream she would not be angry with her, but Silverstream couldn't help but to feel like a monster. Silverstream returned to her chambers where to her surprise Zecora was waiting on her with a guard by her side. The guard told Silverstream Sombra had ordered Zecora to check on Silverstream's wings, to make sure they weren't getting an infection, Silverstream with tears in her eyes approached Zecora and extended her wings so she could cut off the casts, Silverstream was quite for the most part, but then broke down. "I'M SO SORRY ZECORA!" Silverstream wailed as tears flew from her eyes while she buried her head in Zecora's chest. "Sombra ordered me to do it, he threatened to do it to me if I didn't comply; you must think I'm a monster, I wouldn't blame you if you don't consider me a friend anymore." Silverstream said before Zecora started rubbing the back of her head to calm her. "Silverstream, it's ok; I do not think of you a monster for following an order. You were scared and you didn't do it of your own volition; and I understand, I will not end our friendship because of that." Zecora spoke as she held Silverstream in her arms. "Now let's see what I can do about your wings." Zecora said as she removed the casts resulting in Silverstream sighing in relief both at hearing Zecora's reassuring words and feeling her wings free of the casts allowing them to breathe. "But Sombra will just break them again." Silverstream said as Zecora examined her wings and applied some potion to them. The guard in the room spoke, "by order of King Sombra, the zebra is to heal the break in your wings by using the potion she just applied, he said there's no need to break your wings again and he doesn't wish to sleep with a crippled slave." The guard said as he stood watching the ordeal. Silverstream with a puzzled look just nodded not knowing what to say, so moved her wings to see that they were fixed and thanked Zecora who after healing her wings, was escorted back to her chambers by the guard leaving Silverstream alone with her thoughts. In the loneliness of her thoughts, Silverstream couldn't help but to think of her friends' homes and how she had a claw in helping Sombra take them over, she'd say to herself, "I won't be able to look any of them straight in the face again, not Ocellus, not Yona , not Smolder, not even Sandbar and Gallus, once all the kingdoms fall. I'll only have three friends left by the time Yakyakistan falls. Silverstream began to tear up as a torrent of emotions and thoughts flooded her mind and heart, she didn't want to sleep with Sombra, but she knows she doesn't have a choice, she had to; she offered her freedom for others, but it appeared to be for naught; their lands were still being invaded though it appeared that Sombra kept his word on not making them his slaves. Sombra at this time was in Yakyakistan battling the yak soldiers for dominance over their land, Silverstream winched at the thought and laid down to escape her thoughts by sleeping, but was still plagued by her thoughts as she slept. Silverstream was awoken by a guard from a deep sleep and was informed that it was time, Sombra had returned and was awaiting her in his chambers. Silverstream got up from where she laid and followed the guard to Sombra's chamber; when they arrived Silverstream entered and seen Sombra hanging up his robe which was dripping wet, probably due to the snow melting, Sombra stood before her without any clothes as her grabbed her claws and guided her to his bed adorned with satin sheets.
Warm body, cold heart and a sacrifice(alternate ending)View OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedWarm body, cold heart and a sacrifice(alternate ending)Author's Note This is an alternate ending despite it having the same beginning and middle this will be an alternate ending Warm body, cold heart and a sacrifice(alternate ending) Upon getting on the bed Sombra instructed Silverstream to take off her locket and place it on the nightstand; Silverstream though reluctant did as she was instructed and took off her locket and placed it on the nightstand. Silverstream and Sombra laid on his bed together, Silverstream was reluctant to do as he said, but remembered she was his slave and did as he instructed; pretty soon they were snuggling each other, Sombra wrapping his hooves around Silverstream, while Silverstream wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest where she heard his beating heart beating in a hypnotic rhythm, but Silverstream also heard sadness, a longing to be loved, a heart that froze overtime due to the feeling of not being loved or wanted. Silverstream teared up at this feeling and thought she could melt this ice and said to herself, "I can fix him. Silverstream wondered if she should say something to try and melt his heart, but decided against it and just did as Sombra wanted, she squeezed her arms around Sombra snuggling him like he wanted while Sombra stocked her hair. A torrent of lust washed over Sombra as he stroked Silverstream's hair, he wanted so desperately to ravage her, to make her his. In his head he kept telling himself "why shouldn't I?, "she's my slave, my property, why shouldn't I do as I please?, Sombra would say in his mind, but something about how Silverstream was snuggling him made him forget these thoughts. The way she was snuggling him felt good and reassuring. Silverstream and Sombra laid there in each other's embrace, they stayed that way for about an hour until Silverstream broke the silence, "Master, may I please be excused to use the restroom?" Silverstream asked afraid of how he would react. Sombra just started at her for awhile until he finally spoke, "of course you may, but please come back." he said causing Silverstream to look at him in surprise. Silverstream then slipped out of his bed and started to head out the door before Sombra stopped her. "Where are you going?" Sombra inquired his voice sounding a little angry, but still calm. "I'm going to use my bucket in my chambers, I'll come back I promise." Silverstream said Sombra sighed and looked at Silverstream as he stroked her chin and spoke in a gingerly tone, "please, use my facilities, I insist." Sombra told Silverstream which caused her to look at him in confusion before going into Sombra's restroom. While Silverstream was in the restroom Sombra couldn't help but look at Silverstream's locket, he picked it up and opened it reaveling a picture of her family. The picture captured Silverstream with her family at Mount Aris before Sombra took it over, her mother and father were on either side of her and her brother who she held in a half Nelson as they all smiled; seeing this picture brought a tear to Sombra's eyes as he gazed upon it and found out there was another picture behind the slot where the family one laid, turning over the slot he saw a picture of her and her friends, they were in the library laughing and smiling, six different creatures from six different parts of the world getting along and sharing a bond; seeing this picture brought more tears to Sombra's eyes as he realized what Silverstream had given up as he began to gently weep. Sombra heard the toilet flush and looked in the direction of the bathroom to see the door open, Silverstream walked back to his bed and sat beside him, she looked at him and noticed that his eyes were a bit puffy and red. "Mas-Master? Have you been crying?" Silverstream asked very questioningly. "It's nothing, Silverstream, just admiring these lovely pictures of you with your family and friends, I can tell you all really love each other." Sombra said as he closed the locket and placed it back on the nightstand on which it laid. Silverstream sat there shocked that Sombra had called her by her name, he's never called her by name like that before and it gave her some courage to talk to him more. "Master, would you like to talk about what's bothering you? I'm happy to listen." Silverstream said both bravely and bracing herself for the slap, but to her surprise no slap came, only Sombra speaking. "If you insist." Sombra said with a gentle voice. "When I was but a colt I knew I was different, but because of that I was treated like an outcast, I had no friends, even my own family had abandoned me, I grew up on the streets having to fight for food and to stay alive, but then it felt so good making the weak now before me I started fighting for fun, and then as I got older I wanted to make all who wronged me bow before my might." Sombra told his tale of woe to a teary eyed Silverstream. Silverstream just hugged him with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry you felt that way, if only I was born earlier I could've been the one to show you love." Silverstream said to Sombra as he embraced the hug and she felt a warmth growing inside of him. "It's ok, Silverstream I wouldn't wish that, because then you wouldn't have the friends you have now, I should've been better and not listen to darkness, hehe, this actually reminds me of a story I read about in my books." Sombra said to Silverstream as he wiped tears from her eyes. "Can you tell me the story, master?" Silverstream asked with earnest. "Of course, Silverstream, and please call me Sombra, you've earned it." Sombra said which shocked Silverstream causing her to wonder what's going on. Sombra began to relay the story he had read to Silverstream "in the valleys of where Appleloosa now is there was a tribe of buffalo, the youngest of the tribe had been called by the chief for a one on one talk, when the young buffalo came to him the chief said "son, there is a war going on inside of us; a war between two timberwolves, one timberwolves is good, he stands for love, peace, compassion, and all things good, the other is evil and he stands for greed, hatred, anger, and all things bad. These wolves are forever locked in a war until one wins. The youngest buffalo asked the chief which one wins to which the chief said the answer. Sombra cut off right there leaving Silverstream in suspense. "Which one wins?" Silverstream asked in eagerness. "The one you feed." Sombra said as he looked back to Silverstream. "And I fed the evil one, but you, you fed the good one and revived him for another round, you showed me there is good in the world, a fact that I long since forgotten." Silverstream with tears in her eyes hugged Sombra unexpectedly and felt something in her heart and so did Sombra. For Silverstream it might have been stockholm syndrome, but she could not deny it; she was falling in love with Sombra, she had a previous crush on Gallus, but eventually just thought of him as a friend. For Sombra he felt it to, but he knew they could not be together, at least not now, she was a minor and his new found morals were advising him against it. "Silverstream, I love you, but we can't be together you're a minor and I don't want to turn back to the dark side, but I also don't want you to sleep in that cold chamber, please take my bed, I'll sleep on the floor." Sombra said as he got up. Silverstream with tears in her eyes and not wanting to lose the one she loves again like she did with Gallus spoke up, "I love you to, but.." Sombra just put a hoof to Silverstream's beak and spoke, "shhhh, no buts, it has to be this way, just get some sleep." Sombra said as he patted he leg and noticed something was off. Silverstream noticed and spoke, "ah, it's prosthetic Sombra, I lost it when I got hyperthermia due to being knocked unconscious in Yakyakistan." Sombra just looked at her and hugged her one last time, "I'm sorry that happened. Now get some sleep." Sombra said as he sprawled out on the floor. Silverstream did has Sombra instructed and laid down and went to sleep. _________________________ Months passed and Sombra and Silverstream built up a understanding of one another, though every night as Silverstream slept Sombra would be up late in his study reading magic books, but he never said what he was studying nor was he that eager to share, he would stay up anywhere from a couple of hours to all night reading and studying; he was either so intrigued into the book or too exhausted to conquer kingdoms or so it seemed. One night as he was in his study his guard brought him some tea and spoke. "Master Sombra, might I ask why you've suddenly became interested in age manipulation magic? You've been up for days on end reading these texts about them." "Is Silverstream asleep?" Sombra asked with his nose still buried in his book. "Yes, sir. She is snug in your bed as we speak." The guard affirmed before Sombra stood up putting his book back on the self. "Please, let us drop the formalities. You may just call me Sombra." Sombra said as he looked up to the ceiling meeting out a sigh before speaking again. "I'm in love with Silverstream, it all started out as I viewed her as property, but now I only view her as an equal whom I would love to share life with." "But Sombra" the guard interrupted. "She's under age." he continued before Sombra lifted a hoof motioning him to stop. "I know, which is why I study these text, but they always bring a tear to my eyes because I can not preform spells of this caliber." Sombra said with a tear in his eye before continuing. "There is only one who can and I doubt she'd help me after all that I've done." "True, but you never know unless you ask. You've changed and I'm sure she'll see it." The guard spoke comforting Sombra as he began to stand up. Sombra took out a piece of paper and a quill and began to write after finishing he looked to his guard and told him to remove his helmet. The guard removed his helmet as instructed revealing a beak and his blue feathers and kneeled before Sombra which Sombra told him to stand. "You no longer have to kneel Seaspray, you and the rest of the hippogriffs I hereby set free and give back the kingdoms to Queen Novo." Sombra said as he walked out of the library and entered his chambers. He looked down at Silverstream and watched her sleep soundly, she was gently breathing as her chest moved with each breath she took. Sombra gently caressed her cheek and left the note he had written on the bed by her side and quietly exited the room. Sombra then went to his throne and instructed to a guard he had left to gather up all slaves and workers, but to not wake Silverstream. The guard did as instructed and brought all slaves and workers to his throne where Sombra shocked them with a surprise announcement. "Citizens of the lands I've conquered, you are all free to go, I give you back your homes and freedom." Sombra said as her stepped away from his throne and using his magic destroyed it with out a second thought. A collective gasp came from the audience as Sombra continued, "and i hereby step down from my title of king, burn my flags take back what is yours." Sombra continued as he walked out and made a trek for Canterlot. At Canferlot castle Princess Twilight, Celestia, Luna, King Thorax, Prince Rutherford, Queen Novo, the rest of the mane six, Silverstream's parents and friends sat at a table trying to formulate a plan to take down Sombra and free Silverstream and the kingdoms, Thorax was still hard on himself for not helping his brother with Twilight wrapping a wing over him to assure him that he shouldn't beat himself up. While they were talking a Shining Armor burst though the door. "Your highness, we've just subdued Sombra." Shining Armor said as Sombra was escorted by two soldiers by a rope into the room as Celestia dismissed Shining and his soldiers. "You have a lot of nerve showing you muzzle here Sombra, what possible reason may you have to attack Canterlot by yourself?" Celestia said as Sombra stood before her. "Please, hear me out, I've come not to invade, that is in the past, instead I come to ask for a favor." Meanwhile at Grogar's old fortress the rising sun woke up Silverstream who started looking for Sombra only to find the note that he left; she gently unfolded the paper and read aloud. "dearest Silverstream, during the last few months my soul and heart have been changing and it's all thanks to you, I feel a love you and I know you feel the same way, but sadly you and I can never be together with you being under age. So I've decided. By the time you read this I've had already freed the slaves and gave back the kingdoms, I've also abandoned my title of king and ventures to Canterlot. I've decided to ask Celestia to make me young again, your age to be exact so we can be together, but the spell will alter my memory and I'll forget everything of my adult life, which means I'll forget you to, but when i do I will always genuinely love you, and I know I'll love you even when I forget you. Silverstream with tears in her eyes dropped the note and flew out the fortress heading for Canterlot hoping to see Sombra before it's too late. At Canterlot castle Celestia looked at Sombra with anger and spoke. "Why in the hell would I do you a favor after all you've done?" Celestia said using her royal Canterlot voice. Sombra just stood there until he bowed and spoke, "I know I have no right to come here asking for a favor for all that I've done, but I was hoping you'd grant me the privilege." Sombra said with tears in his eyes as he continued, "I know I can't make up for what I've done, even if I released my slaves, gave back the kingdoms I usurped, and stepped down from my title of king, but I beg of you please at least hear me out." Celestia's demeanor softened a bit as she heard his plea and could tell that he was sincere. "Ok, what is this favor that you speak of?" Celestia asked still with a hint of doubt. "Please, if it isn't to much trouble, I'd like you to regress my age to that of Silverstream." Sombra said following a collective gasp from everyone in the room followed by shocked expressions. Before Celestia could speak the doors flew open with Silverstream flying towards Sombra locking him in a hug. Another collective gasp came from the audience as Gallus blushed and swelled with tears when he saw that Silverstream was ok, Silverstream noticing Gallus was there blushed thinking that her feelings for him had faded, but now she didn't know who she wanted to be with. Sombra noticing Silverstream blushing looked in the direction she was and saw Gallus, at that moment Sombra felt an almost uncontrollable jealousy until he saw the tears flowing down Gallus's cheeks. Sombra looked at Silverstream and gingerly pushed her aside with a sigh and spoke, "Silverstream, I love you, but I can feel your feelings, and I can see there is someone who loves you more than me." Silverstream looked at him with tears in her eyes and spoke, "but I love you pleas---" Sombra put a hoof to Silverstream's beak and looked at her tearfully. "I love you too, but it's because I love you that I let you go to be with the one you loved before, that griffon over there, I can see he can love you more than I ever could, am I jealous? Yes, but I love you to much to keep you out of petty jealousy. Go to him Silverstream, I know you truly love him." Sombra said causing Silverstream to hug him then run to Gallus. Silverstream through her arms around Gallus causing him to blush and the tear to flow like a waterfall, Gallus put his arms around Silverstream as he smiled at the warm feeling the hug brought him. Seeing this Happy reunion Twilight and Thorax shared in an unseen hug even pull Ocellus in to join them, but since she hasn't mastered control yet, Twilight changed into her changeling form followed by collective gasp from the audience except for Thorax, Ocellus, and Celestia. "Twilight, I thought that we agreed that you wouldn't go into your changeling form unless I allowed it." Thorax said not reallyw. "I-i'm sorry, Thorax." Twilight said freaking out because now everyone knows. Silverstream was the first to speak up, "Headmare Twilight, is this your true form?" Silverstream asked abit confused as Twilight looked at her in shock and decided to tell everyone in the room. With a loud sigh Twilight spoke, "no Silverstream this is not my true form, my true form will always be a pony, but this is a form of me nonetheless, after I had Ocellus I asked princess Celestia if she could give me a changeling form, and she did, but I don't have full control of it and it sometimes comes out on its own. Silverstream stood there in shock not knowing what to say, until she just said, "that's so cool." With Twilight giving a slight chuckle and a smile. Celestia walked over to Sombra and asked, "so about this favor?" Celestia asked to which Sombra just shook his head and Celestia understood what he meant. "I should send you to Tartarus for what you've done." Celestia told Sombra as he looked down in a sad, but understanding motion, "but, after what you did, I believe it's not necessary." Sombra looked up in a questioning way, but tears filled his eyes as he hugged Celestia. "Thank you Celestia, I don't know what to say." Years passed after that day and Gallus and Silverstream had never been so much in love as they are now, there was on occasion that Gallus thought it was because of Sombra that she was with him, but Silverstream always reminded him that she did love him, that he was always there for here when her leg was amputated and helped her more than anyone. Silverstream and Gallus now have a child, and to make sure that she's always watched over, they asked the reformed Sombra to become the godfather which he happily accepts and evey time Gallus and Silverstream see their child grabbing Sombra's muzzle, the smile Sombra gives yelled them that his icy heart has indeed been thawed.
Warm body, cold heart, and a sacrificeView OnlineThe Ice Heart ThawedWarm body, cold heart, and a sacrificeUpon getting on the bed Sombra instructed Silverstream to take off her locket and place it on the nightstand; Silverstream though reluctant did as she was instructed and took off her locket and placed it on the nightstand. Silverstream and Sombra laid on his bed together, Silverstream was reluctant to do as he said, but remembered she was his slave and did as he instructed; pretty soon they were snuggling each other, Sombra wrapping his hooves around Silverstream, while Silverstream wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest where she heard his beating heart beating in a hypnotic rhythm, but Silverstream also heard sadness, a longing to be loved, a heart that froze overtime due to the feeling of not being loved or wanted. Silverstream teared up at this feeling and thought she could melt this ice and said to herself, "I can fix him. Silverstream wondered if she should say something to try and melt his heart, but decided against it and just did as Sombra wanted, she squeezed her arms around Sombra snuggling him like he wanted while Sombra stocked her hair. A torrent of lust washed over Sombra as he stroked Silverstream's hair, he wanted so desperately to ravage her, to make her his. In his head he kept telling himself "why shouldn't I?, "she's my slave, my property, why shouldn't I do as I please?, Sombra would say in his mind, but something about how Silverstream was snuggling him made him forget these thoughts. The way she was snuggling him felt good and reassuring. Silverstream and Sombra laid there in each other's embrace, they stayed that way for about an hour until Silverstream broke the silence, "Master, may I please be excused to use the restroom?" Silverstream asked afraid of how he would react. Sombra just started at her for awhile until he finally spoke, "of course you may, but please come back." he said causing Silverstream to look at him in surprise. Silverstream then slipped out of his bed and started to head out the door before Sombra stopped her. "Where are you going?" Sombra inquired his voice sounding a little angry, but still calm. "I'm going to use my bucket in my chambers, I'll come back I promise." Silverstream said Sombra sighed and looked at Silverstream as he stroked her chin and spoke in a gingerly tone, "please, use my facilities, I insist." Sombra told Silverstream which caused her to look at him in confusion before going into Sombra's restroom. While Silverstream was in the restroom Sombra couldn't help but look at Silverstream's locket, he picked it up and opened it reaveling a picture of her family. The picture captured Silverstream with her family at Mount Aris before Sombra took it over, her mother and father were on either side of her and her brother who she held in a half Nelson as they all smiled; seeing this picture brought a tear to Sombra's eyes as he gazed upon it and found out there was another picture behind the slot where the family one laid, turning over the slot he saw a picture of her and her friends, they were in the library laughing and smiling, six different creatures from six different parts of the world getting along and sharing a bond; seeing this picture brought more tears to Sombra's eyes as he realized what Silverstream had given up as he began to gently weep. Sombra heard the toilet flush and looked in the direction of the bathroom to see the door open, Silverstream walked back to his bed and sat beside him, she looked at him and noticed that his eyes were a bit puffy and red. "Mas-Master? Have you been crying?" Silverstream asked very questioningly. "It's nothing, Silverstream, just admiring these lovely pictures of you with your family and friends, I can tell you all really love each other." Sombra said as he closed the locket and placed it back on the nightstand on which it laid. Silverstream sat there shocked that Sombra had called her by her name, he's never called her by name like that before and it gave her some courage to talk to him more. "Master, would you like to talk about what's bothering you? I'm happy to listen." Silverstream said both bravely and bracing herself for the slap, but to her surprise no slap came, only Sombra speaking. "If you insist." Sombra said with a gentle voice. "When I was but a colt I knew I was different, but because of that I was treated like an outcast, I had no friends, even my own family had abandoned me, I grew up on the streets having to fight for food and to stay alive, but then it felt so good making the weak now before me I started fighting for fun, and then as I got older I wanted to make all who wronged me bow before my might." Sombra told his tale of woe to a teary eyed Silverstream. Silverstream just hugged him with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry you felt that way, if only I was born earlier I could've been the one to show you love." Silverstream said to Sombra as he embraced the hug and she felt a warmth growing inside of him. "It's ok, Silverstream I wouldn't wish that, because then you wouldn't have the friends you have now, I should've been better and not listen to darkness, hehe, this actually reminds me of a story I read about in my books." Sombra said to Silverstream as he wiped tears from her eyes. "Can you tell me the story, master?" Silverstream asked with earnest. "Of course, Silverstream, and please call me Sombra, you've earned it." Sombra said which shocked Silverstream causing her to wonder what's going on. Sombra began to relay the story he had read to Silverstream "in the valleys of where Appleloosa now is there was a tribe of buffalo, the youngest of the tribe had been called by the chief for a one on one talk, when the young buffalo came to him the chief said "son, there is a war going on inside of us; a war between two timberwolves, one timberwolves is good, he stands for love, peace, compassion, and all things good, the other is evil and he stands for greed, hatred, anger, and all things bad. These wolves are forever locked in a war until one wins. The youngest buffalo asked the chief which one wins to which the chief said the answer. Sombra cut off right there leaving Silverstream in suspense. "Which one wins?" Silverstream asked in eagerness. "The one you feed." Sombra said as he looked back to Silverstream. "And I fed the evil one, but you, you fed the good one and revived him for another round, you showed me there is good in the world, a fact that I long since forgotten." Silverstream with tears in her eyes hugged Sombra unexpectedly and felt something in her heart and so did Sombra. For Silverstream it might have been stockholm syndrome, but she could not deny it; she was falling in love with Sombra, she had a previous crush on Gallus, but eventually just thought of him as a friend. For Sombra he felt it to, but he knew they could not be together, at least not now, she was a minor and his new found morals were advising him against it. "Silverstream, I love you, but we can't be together you're a minor and I don't want to turn back to the dark side, but I also don't want you to sleep in that cold chamber, please take my bed, I'll sleep on the floor." Sombra said as he got up. Silverstream with tears in her eyes and not wanting to lose the one she loves again like she did with Gallus spoke up, "I love you to, but.." Sombra just put a hoof to Silverstream's beak and spoke, "shhhh, no buts, it has to be this way, just get some sleep." Sombra said as he patted he leg and noticed something was off. Silverstream noticed and spoke, "ah, it's prosthetic Sombra, I lost it when I got hyperthermia due to being knocked unconscious in Yakyakistan." Sombra just looked at her and hugged her one last time, "I'm sorry that happened. Now get some sleep." Sombra said as he sprawled out on the floor. Silverstream did has Sombra instructed and laid down and went to sleep. _________________________ Months passed and Sombra and Silverstream built up a understanding of one another, though every night as Silverstream slept Sombra would be up late in his study reading magic books, but he never said what he was studying nor was he that eager to share, he would stay up anywhere from a couple of hours to all night reading and studying; he was either so intrigued into the book or too exhausted to conquer kingdoms or so it seemed. One night as he was in his study his guard brought him some tea and spoke. "Master Sombra, might I ask why you've suddenly became interested in age manipulation magic? You've been up for days on end reading these texts about them." "Is Silverstream asleep?" Sombra asked with his nose still buried in his book. "Yes, sir. She is snug in your bed as we speak." The guard affirmed before Sombra stood up putting his book back on the self. "Please, let us drop the formalities. You may just call me Sombra." Sombra said as he looked up to the ceiling meeting out a sigh before speaking again. "I'm in love with Silverstream, it all started out as I viewed her as property, but now I only view her as an equal whom I would love to share life with." "But Sombra" the guard interrupted. "She's under age." he continued before Sombra lifted a hoof motioning him to stop. "I know, which is why I study these text, but they always bring a tear to my eyes because I can not preform spells of this caliber." Sombra said with a tear in his eye before continuing. "There is only one who can and I doubt she'd help me after all that I've done." "True, but you never know unless you ask. You've changed and I'm sure she'll see it." The guard spoke comforting Sombra as he began to stand up. Sombra took out a piece of paper and a quill and began to write after finishing he looked to his guard and told him to remove his helmet. The guard removed his helmet as instructed revealing a beak and his blue feathers and kneeled before Sombra which Sombra told him to stand. "You no longer have to kneel Seaspray, you and the rest of the hippogriffs I hereby set free and give back the kingdoms to Queen Novo." Sombra said as he walked out of the library and entered his chambers. He looked down at Silverstream and watched her sleep soundly, she was gently breathing as her chest moved with each breath she took. Sombra gently caressed her cheek and left the note he had written on the bed by her side and quietly exited the room. Sombra then went to his throne and instructed to a guard he had left to gather up all slaves and workers, but to not wake Silverstream. The guard did as instructed and brought all slaves and workers to his throne where Sombra shocked them with a surprise announcement. "Citizens of the lands I've conquered, you are all free to go, I give you back your homes and freedom." Sombra said as her stepped away from his throne and using his magic destroyed it with out a second thought. A collective gasp came from the audience as Sombra continued, "and i hereby step down from my title of king, burn my flags take back what is yours." Sombra continued as he walked out and made a trek for Canterlot. At Canferlot castle Princess Twilight, Celestia, Luna, King Thorax, Prince Rutherford, Queen Novo, the rest of the mane six, Silverstream's parents and friends sat at a table trying to formulate a plan to take down Sombra and free Silverstream and the kingdoms, Thorax was still hard on himself for not helping his brother with Twilight wrapping a wing over him to assure him that he shouldn't beat himself up. While they were talking a Shining Armor burst though the door. "Your highness, we've just subdued Sombra." Shining Armor said as Sombra was escorted by two soldiers by a rope into the room as Celestia dismissed Shining and his soldiers. "You have a lot of nerve showing you muzzle here Sombra, what possible reason may you have to attack Canterlot by yourself?" Celestia said as Sombra stood before her. "Please, hear me out, I've come not to invade, that is in the past, instead I come to ask for a favor." Meanwhile at Grogar's old fortress the rising sun woke up Silverstream who started looking for Sombra only to find the note that he left; she gently unfolded the paper and read aloud. "dearest Silverstream, during the last few months my soul and heart have been changing and it's all thanks to you, I feel a love you and I know you feel the same way, but sadly you and I can never be together with you being under age. So I've decided. By the time you read this I've had already freed the slaves and gave back the kingdoms, I've also abandoned my title of king and ventures to Canterlot. I've decided to ask Celestia to make me young again, your age to be exact so we can be together, but the spell will alter my memory and I'll forget everything of my adult life, which means I'll forget you to, but when I do I will always genuinely love you, and I know I'll love you even when I forget you. Silverstream with tears in her eyes dropped the note and flew out the fortress heading for Canterlot hoping to see Sombra before it's too late. At Canterlot castle Celestia looked at Sombra with anger and spoke. "Why in the hell would I do you a favor after all you've done?" Celestia said using her royal Canterlot voice. Sombra just stood there until he bowed and spoke, "I know I have no right to come here asking for a favor for all that I've done, but I was hoping you'd grant me the privilege." Sombra said with tears in his eyes as he continued, "I know I can't make up for what I've done, even if I released my slaves, gave back the kingdoms I usurped, and stepped down from my title of king, but I beg of you please at least hear me out." Celestia's demeanor softened a bit as she heard his plea and could tell that he was sincere. "Ok, what is this favor that you speak of?" Celestia asked still with a hint of doubt. "Please, if it isn't to much trouble, I'd like you to regress my age to that of Silverstream." Sombra said following a collective gasp from everyone in the room followed by shocked expressions. Before Celestia could speak the doors flew open with Silverstream flying towards Sombra locking him in a hug. "Please Sombra, don't do this." Silverstream pleaded but Sombra just embraced the hug and gently pushed her away. "I want to do this Silverstream, I love you, but we can't be together with the age difference and waiting will be torture for me." Sombra said as he let go of Silverstream's claw and looked to Celestia. Celestia just looked at Sombra and spoke, "You know if I do this, there will be repercussions, I'm sure you're aware of them." Celestia said as she began lighting up her horn to perform the spell. Sombra just nodded and spoke, "I am well aware that I'll lose my most recent memories if not all, but I'm willing to lose my memories for the one I love." Sombra said letting a single tear drop from his cheek. Celestia herself was moved to tears as she began levitating Sombra in the air, her magic swirling around him as he noticeably became younger as Silverstream wiped away her tears. Celestia set down a now younger Sombra that was Silverstream's age as Silverstream walked up to him to see if he was ok. "S-Sombra? A-are you ok?" Silverstream asked as Sombra got up rubbing his head. "I-i think so, but where am I and who are you." Sombra asked causing Silverstream to hug him in tears. Twilight seeing an opportunity to make sure Sombra becomes good approached the young Sombra and spoke. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm princess Twilight Sparkle, I'm the princess of friendship as well as headmare of the school of friendship, I'd like to offer you a place at the school if you'd like." Sombra pondered for a moment before standing up and accepted the offer by giving Twilight a hug. "Thank you, I may not know where I am or many faces, but I'll be happy to attend your school." Sombra said with tears in his eyes as Twilight walked up to Silverstream and wiped away her tears "He'll be ok now that he has friends in his life, and it's all thanks to you Silverstream." Twilight said Silverstream just hugged Twilight and said "thank you, oh and Twilight Sombra implied that Ocellus was your daughter, is that true and why did you marry King Thorax?" Twilight just blushed as all eyes turned to her, but with a deep breath she looked at Silverstream and said, "It is true Silverstream, Ocellus is my daughter and Thorax is the father, as for why I married Thorax part of it is due to Ocellus, but the major reason is because we love each other. In fact I love Thorax so much that I asked Celestia to give me a changeling form that i can turn into at will, I just haven't mastered it yet." Twilight blushed while admitting it. "but my true form will always be a pony, Now come on let's get back to Ponyville with our new student." She continued as they walked out of Canterlot castle while letting Ocellus ride on her back. Months passed and Equestria was as it should be along with the restorations of Mount Aris, Seaquestria, the changeling kingdom, and Yakyakistan the students of the school of friendship continued their studies along with Sombra who in his free time spent most of his free time with Silverstream and had even started going steady with her. Silverstream and Sombra couldn't have been happier in each other's company, while Sombra may have forgotten that he was evil, everyone else remembered, but it was clear that his icy heart had been thawed.
