My Little Pony: Stormbreaker

Record 04: All the King’s Pawns

Princess Cadence was moving about her map, horn alight while she was casting her spell to track the hearts of those within her reach. She was observing the movements of two dots as they proceeded across the broken land to groupings of other dots, and those clusters were growing smaller as more added to the bright shine of her Empire. She had the fullest confidence in the capabilities of Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, but she was not so sure that the wicked would stand by as the ponies were being taken from their reach; yet, not a single villain was moving. King Sombra was likely lurking in the Umbra realm, not caring about anything but getting back his false claim over the Empire. Nightmare Rarity was also able to elude her when she entered the Dreamscape, leaving these her a mystery, but it was also unlikely the mare was interested in anything beyond her forest.

Prince Shining Armor made his way into the room, looking very concerned for his wife. “Hon, you really should take a break” He started. “Keeping up the shield, and doing all these tracking spells will drain you. The Apex of Villainy has made no moves yet, I doubt they will if you step away for a moment. Those two are fine”

“I know…” She said with little enthusiasm. “I just can’t bear the idea of something going wrong. They are the first signs of hope we’ve had in ages, and sitting here I feel so helpless” She groaned, a weary sound, and her spell was cut. With heavy eyes, she watched as the map dimmed, and all the dots faded.

Nuzzling her, doing his best to soothe and keep her supported. “They are strong. You should have seen how they devastated Sombra’s forces that first day, not to mention how bad Apple Bloom beat my soldiers, and all that is without the Elements” He mused, with a sense of envy in his tone, but far more respect. “If I had a dozen of them on guard, Sombra would be crushed, and nothing would threaten our Empire. So you should let them go about, and focus more on here. You can do great by meeting our new citizens” She had not thought of this, and she studied him. “A Prince is one thing, but you know how crazy ponies are for a Princess” He gave her a suggestive grin. “And this Prince is certainly crazy for you too”

Chuckling, and shoving him playfully, Cadence said “You always know what to say, you love sick foal”

“You do inspire the best of me” He responded, a bit more amorous.

“Don’t get too inspired, my love, we have ponies to meet” Her eyes glanced below him, before she moved toward the door.

Together, they joined Mystic Tome outside, where a large gathering of new ponies were being observed and addressed by royal staff. They were sorting any who needed care, and keeping sure that nothing wicked had entered.

The crowd was a quick reminder of how bad it was outside, with so many ponies looking on the verge of death or collapse. Sick, broken, or nervous, each one seemed to echo the last few years, and the different horrors it brought. Despite of what they had gone through, they all found new life upon seeing Princess Cadence. The ponies of the shattered world, seemed whole again before a royal mare. It filled her with purpose, and renewed determination. Shining looked on, proud that the mare he had been so lucky to love, was such a force of hope, that even those so long lost, were again revived.

“My dear ponies” She began, and the crowd calmed. “As our champions who saved you assuredly said, the Crystal Empire welcomes you all. We wish to take you in, and give protection, and unify what is left of our once, beautiful and proud kind” She looked out at the sea of demoralized, and weary people, and felt guilt for what she knew needed to be asked. “I know you all have gone through much, traveled in a way most unusual, and have much to take in, and it weighs heavy on me to ask this, but if any among you wishes to lend what you can to our cause, the Empire will need the added help to support all the ponies it will now house. If any wish to volunteer to join the guard, we can use capable ponies” This caused a shift in the emotions of those assembled, and Cadence quickly attempted to stifle any misunderstanding. “I do not require this, this is not an order. This is pure choice, and it does not reflect your stay in the Empire. You will not be rejected, if you do not wish to lend us aid, but we will need help to keep up with such a boost in our numbers”

“I knew it!” One angry pony shouted, with a number more rippling with their wave of discontent. “This is a set up! Join you, join Nightmare, or get taken to the Clouds. You’re all just using us!”

Shining was not going to be idle at this, and shot back. “Nopony said this is mandatory! We asked, and not once demanded. You all chose to come here, your made that choice. We only ask if you will consider another, and help out. You don’t want to be here, you can choose to leave too! This is all up to each of you”

The crowd did not entirely become satiated, and a much larger number was angered by the situation. They shouted and argued, becoming an unintelligible noise. Then one pony shoved their way through, with a few more flanking her. A yellow Pegasus, with amber eyes, and a mane like fire.

“Hey! SHUT IT!!!” She shouted, managing to silence the group. A few still muttered, but the others in her group made threatening moves, some leaping to the sky to draw the attention. “We’ve all been out in that shit storm for many years now, doing nothing but just getting by, hiding and hoping one day it will all be over. These kind ponies, they’ve gone out of their way to give us that! None of us could get here, or we would have long ago. They saved us, and you miserable ingrates all want to piss and bitch about doing some fucking chores?!” She looked around, giving very hard looks at any who seemed to wish to challenge her. “They’re not telling us, they are asking, and it’s pretty shitty to think not one of you will give back something, anything, to sustain our new home. They might not, but if I catch a single one of you complaining about helping, I will personally throw your flanks out” Showing what kind of force she had at her back, even more ponies started to gather with her, all with something that marked their former status as a team.

Turning to the royal ponies, she gave a bow, with the rest of her Pegasi joining her. “You’ve asked, and the Wonderbolts are here to stand with you, my Princess and Prince” She raised her head again, with such a fire in her eyes, that both Cadence and Shining felt a chill of awe. “We’re proud to serve Equestria again, and her ponies!” Many behind her cheered in agreement.

“We are proud to have you” Shining finally said. “I’m surprised any Pegasus, let alone such a large number, escaped Rainbow Death’s Lightning Guard”

She looked even more serious, as an anger grew inside her. “She was one of the greatest Pegasi I had seen, perhaps the best any Pegasus to have lived, and she used that. Some saw the signs, and even after, some managed to escape to keep low until we could find a way to strike back. We will defy her, and spend every ounce of ourselves in stopping her and those traitorous cowards in her Aerial Nation. She is no Pegasus, she is a demon”

Moving closer, and taking lead, Princess Cadence spoke to ease the pony’s mind. “We are glad to have you here, and see that there are so many who resist the wickedness of this land. The Empire, and we its rulers thank you. You are the illustrious, and storied team of noble Pegasi as so many of us remember you being, and we welcome the Wonderbolts into our ranks, and their fearless Captain Spitfire”

More ponies approached, these new members were dressed in unkempt, broken, and mostly useless armor, but they wore them like they were new and gleaming. “Sweetie Belle told that the Empire was seeking to save the survivors of Equestria, we the Last Soldiers of Canterlot are not here as refugees, but to join the ranks of the Crystal Empire!”

Shining seemed near to tears, seeing some friends he once had in his days in the Royal Guard, and the old armor that he once wore like a second skin. “We are happy to see you alive, and ready to continue your duties” He attempted his best, to hide his emotions.

Dust Jacket, working as aid and runner for Mystic, arrived to inform the Princess. “They just came in, while miss Fire was speaking. They heard her, and I couldn’t keep them from marching here in force”

“Nothing to be worried about, this only makes matters much better” Cadence smiled, seeing now the burden was less on those poor souls who came here only seeking escape. “Dust Jacket, please have a message sent to Sweetie Belle to inform her to be sure to tell those they save that we only ask that some ponies to consider aiding the Empire. I’m sure she will find a good way to word it, but stress that it is not a requirement of any who come”

He nodded. “Yes, my Princess” Then he took to the air, zipping back to join Mystic.

Cadence addressed the crowd again, continuing her request. “If any should decide to lend aid, seek out Prince Shining Armor, and all others continue to listen to our aids, who will help you in whatever way you need. We will find housing and feed you. If any carpenters or farmers are willing, this bulging Empire will need your help most of all”

Shining took over, addressing those he would lead. “Ok, Wonderbolts, Canterlot guards, and any who wish to join now, follow me” He turned and lead the large group away, as the remainder were again being attended by Empire ponies, and it left Princess Cadence to return to the castle to reflect.

Ascending the stairs, and returning to her map, Princess Cadence was deep in her thoughts. “How can I be so happy to see so many ponies returned to safety, yet feel such dread?” She was speaking out loud, and to nopony. “I know I had hoped more would pitch in, but now a real strain will be placed upon us and the resources we have” She hovered over the map, not sure why, but she was drawn to summon her spell, yet she did not. “No, Shining is right, I cannot be spending so much on our protection and exploration. If I burn out, it would do no good”

She retired, leaving the map behind, with her desire to keep her watch. Cadence knew the most important thing now was to rest, for she had been pushing far too hard lately. The Empire needed its Princess, ever more as it filled with ponies.

******

After a few days since the groups had started pouring in, Princess Cadence had focused herself on shoring up the plans and duties of the court, as Shining was busy getting his new forces used to the life in the Empire, and how he ran it.

Coming to the map again, for the first time to use it since those few days past, Cadence called her spell, and observed the state of things. She could tell that the pair of Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom had made it near the very end of Equestria and the last groupings, but despite the fact it should be bare, something seemed out of place to her. There were a few places where ponies refused to leave, for one reason or another, and now they were gone. “I don’t like that…” She still felt for those ponies, even if they did not wish their help. “I fear they have been claimed by dark forces…” She pushed herself harder into the spell, hoping that maybe it was just not at full strength, but it resulted in nothing more than before.

“They… made their choice…” She said, deeply pained in her attempt to clear her mind of guilt. “I do not like it, but they had a chance to escape… we did wh-” She stopped, and something far more urgent took her focus. “Shining Armor!” She cried out, and rushed out of the room.

Before her spell faded, the map showed several dark spots, growing in numbers until they were nearly one. The blackness was moving, creeping like a stalker in the night, ready to consume the castle in their wicked intent. This was no battle to come, it would be the deciding war between the Crystal Empire and the Umbra.

Prince Shining Armor was well aware of the gathering forces against them, and had pulled every soldier he had, save for those not yet ready to do battle from the refugees. The Canterlot guards, and a few others were already trained, but still a large number was not used to the maneuvers and drills to be of any good in such a decisive fight. He would leave those willing to fight, but unready as a last resort to fill their ranks if the course took a turn.

“Royal Guard of the Crystal Empire” Shining began, addressing his forces. “Last Soldiers of Canterlot, soldiers and guards from around Equestria, King Sombra is making his move. He must see our growing numbers, and has been forced into attack. He is desperate, and we cannot underestimate those who have nothing to lose. We have everything to lose, and will fight against him and the Umbra because we are the defense of our kind, our friends, families and all those who stand in the shadows of the Apex of Villainy. We are the survivors, they are the aggressors, and now as this battle nears, we will show the world that the united force of those oppressed will not bulk and fall. The Shatter Storm is gone, and in the pieces we are rebuilt, and made stronger. Of all the scattered ponies, we are now one again. We are not ponies from Canterlot, Manehattan, Cloudsdale, Ponyville or other place from our lost country, we are the country! We are Earth, we are Unicorn, we are Pegasus. We are Equestria!”

His words flowed through the assembled, and filled each one of these warriors with a drive and purpose that was too much to keep in. They cried out, shouting for their home, and everything they fought for. They would give everything they had, and not one would dare anything less. If they fell, it would be in defense of the defenseless. The opening act to the war against the Apex of Villainy was swelling to the score of ponies chanting and marching in unison. King Sombra and the Umbra would be the first to taste the pent up fury of a people too long hidden away as their world died, ponies who had a cause to fight for.

Outside the protective shielding of the Crystal Heart and Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor stood at the front of his forces, with a select few of his best flanking him, and a sea of brave ponies behind. The group was largely Crystal ponies, some who had long awaited revenge since the terrible King enslaved them a thousand years ago. There was Earth and Unicorn plenty, and a few Pegasus who hovered above keeping their honed eyes into the distance for the first signs of the enemy. With Cadence at the map, she would see if any trouble was moving around, but from what she saw, Sombra was focusing on a full frontal assault, either so desperate he felt he needed to give his all here, or too foolish to think of a better plan. It did not much matter, for barrier was too strong for them to break, not before a contingent could move on them. Shining did not bet all on this front line, and had groups through the Empire waiting to move if needed. This was not his first battle, and he had studied many before his time, and so long as it was needed, Shining would be the master in combat and display it.

It would not be long, as the field before started to tremble, and the echoing sound of hooves on the move marked the first signs of their approach. For some, it was the first time seeing the horrors of these monstrous creatures. Horse-like in the same way as starved corpse, with the wispy form of a specter. These ghosts were ravenous and depraved. Through and around them, in his shadow form, King Sombra rolled with his forces, his head lost in the smoke, save for the greedy, lustful eyes, and a smile to match. It made it hard to see just how many of the horrors were there, as his form covered and uncovered those around him.

Prince Shining Armor and a detail trotted out to meet the forces, stopping short as the Umbra and their King made their line. Against everything in him, Shining attempted one last act of diplomacy. “King Sombra, in the past we have clashed and fought, and we have never been able to end in peace. I ask you, one last time, come to reason, and end these hostilities. Leave the Crystal Empire be. We do not seek to harm you or the Umbra, and if you end this aggression, we can go our separate ways and let one another alone”

Not laughing or seeming as blinded by his desires as oft time before, Sombra nearly appeared to be considering this. “Prince Shining Armor” He began, more of his head forming. “I have come to respect and admire your devotion to your ponies, and the Crystal Empire. You are a skilled leader, and if not for our differences, I may have employed you” Shining could clearly see this conversation was not going to end in peace. “You are a skilled leader, but as I am also a leader, a King whose throne was stolen, I must lead my Umbra against you to reclaim what it rightfully mine; unless of course, you and those who deny me leave the Empire, and return it to its true King”

Sighing, and looking down, Shining was confirmed that this day would not end without bodies. Steeling himself, he looked back at the other ruler. “You lost any claim to a crown here, when you enslaved your ponies for your own selfish needs, and dared to challenge Equestria. No pony here will ever accept you back, unless it is as a corpse. The Crystal Empire will not welcome you now, or ever. Today, we end this!”

“Foal! I am the King of these lands, and you are but a Princes. A King always overrules a Prince, so bow before me boy!” His fury was no longer being held, and his stormy form raged with him.

Not backing down, Shining responded as he locked eyes with the clearly deranged stallion. “You are a false king, who cheated his way to rule, and only succeeded in becoming a tyrant. I will not suffer a dictator, and this Prince will dethrone you now, and for all time!”

High in the towering room where she kept her map, Cadence was looking out the window to the battle beyond. The war had begun, and it was fierce. She bore a heavy heart, knowing her beloved was standing against the greatest threat the Empire had known in many centuries. She dared to look away, only to seek the answers on her map, seeing if his heart ever showed signs of being lost. She said she would remain outside the battle, so the Empire would not chance to lose both rulers, but she knew that if he seemed poised to fall, she could not stay herself. A couple ponies were stationed with her, to keep her safe from a surprise attack, should one get so far, but also keep her from acting too impulsively.

“Our numbers at full are a fraction of the Umbra, and we do not even meet them with that” Cadence started, letting her worried mind spill out. “He has never sent so many at once, and we had only ever kept them at bay before”

One of those keeping watch, was also an adviser. They offered. “The Prince is the greatest tactician in Equestria, your majesty, before or since. Princess Celestia had always praised him for his cunning, and his skills as a warrior. He has protected and lead us again and again against the foes who sought to destroy us these long years” The mare smiled, giving some of it to Cadence. “He will come through, have faith” Her words did bring some ease to the Princess’ mind, but it was not easy to reject the doubt so readily.

“Numbers mean little, when weighed against wisdom and skill” A stallion said, standing near the window, observing the battle beyond. “History has shown that a minority can raise and overcome great odds. Your Prince is the wisdom, his well trained and loyal soldiers the skill. King Sombra and the Umbrum are wild and unrefined, and that can be victorious, but rarely can it be against a trained, focused foe”

His words were very wise and informative, giving her a renewed sense of hope. It was not for a moment more, that she would regard who was talking, and finding a stranger. “I thank you for your words, they do aid my troubled mind, but just who are you?”

A black coat, that may have once shined like obsidian, but now looked tired and unpolished. His mane was long, and flowed off him like a lion’s, also grayed with age, but the silver streaks added to It somehow. His eyes were a deep jade, not affected like the rest of him by age, they almost had a glow to them. He also bore a proud, long horn denoting that he was indeed a powerful creature. Dressed like an emperor, he seemed at home in the Crystal Empire, yet none knew him. He gave a graceful bow, and spoke again, with a rich voice. “Forgive the intrusion, my lady, but I am simply another relic, a forgotten and ancient foe of Equestria” He stood again, now Cadence was on guard. “Do not worry, fair Princess, I mean no harm to you or those of this Empire. I am Lord Equinox. I was once a fiend, long before your people came to claim this land, but those days are far behind” He turned his eyes back to the window. “I would be lying if there was not some investment in this battle, however. I ask, if I may observe with you, my lady?”

She was taken by him, he had such an air about him, it was hard not to be, but she was also unsure to how true his words were in that he only wished to watch. As guards rushed in to form a barrier, she asked. “Wh-what do you seek then? If you have no ill will toward us, what is it that the battle has for you?”

“The Umbrum were once mine, until my son betrayed me, and imprisoned me” He turned his head to look more fully out the field beyond, a cold expression forming over him. “I am curious to see how he has progressed as their ‘King’… so far, he has again disappointed me” He smiled in a way, both light, but unnervingly. “Sombra forgets his roots, so distracted by his brief time as just an orphan pony. He believes this Empire is his, but it was Equestria that was his birthright, however as long as I remain, he has no real claim to anything but punishment for usurping me”

“Will you seek to take Equestria, if you can gain the Umbra again?” She attempted to stay neutral, but she was ready to move should he require it.

He looked at her, with a distance in his eyes. “There is not much of this land to want, and I do not wish this Empire either” He looked away again, drawn toward the traitorous son. “This ground is poison to the Umbrum, and it weakens even me as I stand here, at the heart” He had a faint smirk. “No paronomasia intended”

Cadence was a bit confused by his exposure, and she had noticed a look of almost pain since he drew their attention. “Why disclose such a weakness?”

“A show of faith” He turned, and knelt before her, the guards aiming their weapons at him in fear it was an attack, but she halted them. “You have my word, as the true King of those misguided creatures, that I shall not intend or bring harm to you or this Empire, so long as you bring none to me”

She regarded him for a moment, sensing his power and the aura of one who was wicked, yet she also felt that he was being true to his words. There was something to how he conducted himself, and it reminded her of the stories Shining would talk about in his O&O campanes, where even enemies could meet and be honourable and not just kill one another. Equinox was one such, noble and traditional lord. Cadence waved off her guards, feeling no danger, and bowed to him. “My Lord, I vow as Princess of the Crystal Empire, no harm shall befall you in my grace, as long as you hold to your words and respect the laws I uphold” The guards were not sure of this, but they trusted her judgement. Still it was weird to them, as she was speaking so respectfully to a stranger and self proclaimed villain.

They now stood to their fullest, the impressive height of an Alicorn was easily met and even slightly surpassed by the stallion. They locked eyes, two powerful beings, potential enemies, but now simply equals taking measure of their alliance. He was first to speak, again displaying his old world conduct. “You are a true, and brilliant leader. It leaves little wonder why the Empire has endured. With your heart so pure, and convictions likewise strong… Those eyes too, so much like your mother”

Shattering her resolve, the weathered and practiced Princess was reduced to a filly with a single mention of hope to her lost history. “Y-you knew my mother?!” She stepped forward, forgetting any sense of stoicism.

He took no pleasure in his unintended strike, and even frowned to himself. “Yes, I knew her…” He looked away, not as much as to avoid the answers to questions rushing to her mind, but the fact that something beyond was happening. “These tales will come in time, but now I fear there is a turn in the conflict” He strode toward the window, hoping to leave that moment behind.

Snapping back to the reality of the war, Cadence pushed down her own needs, and charged to the window. They stood together, observing what it was that Lord Equinox was talking about.

***

The battle waged beyond the protective barrier of the Crystal Empire, and not one within those walls could ignore that their very future was out there in bloody conflict. Many sought some place to hide, to try and escape the reality, others watched from where they could, more still muttered and spoke on the subject. Many where those who had been “saved” and brought here, questioning if they were truly better here or out there. It was seeming to be they had just been rushed into death, not salvation. The waves of Umbra, crashing and crushing the forces of the Empire, only added weight to the complaints and talks of those fearing the worst.

Of the many groups in states of unrest, another were the untrained, unready defenders. Their chance to fight was taken by the suddenness of battle, but their blood still boiled and their hearts ached to be there to save their kind. None, perhaps, suffer more than the former Wonderbolts. They had training as a team, skills as a unit, but were withheld because they were not military.

Pacing like a caged tiger, Spitfire snorted and kicked up the ground, wearing a groove where she trotted. “This is madness” She spat. “We should be out there” She could not take being reduced to this station. She lost her place as a leader, being a captain again, but that was not her gripe. She could not accept that she had to listen to an order that left her grounded.

“But ma’am,” One of the others, still holding to their ranks as Wonderbolts. “What can we do? Surely we would be a liability, seeing how we are not warriors or trained in their maneuvers. You always said it was important for a team to know one another, in and out, and know how to move like one. We know nothing about them” His words were rational, and worse, made sense with her own words used against her.

She stopped, not calmed by the logic, only fueled more by the theme. “We are not soldiers” She looked up, like she was watching her thoughts ascending. “We are Wonderbolts, a well oiled machine, that was survived the Death Squads of the Flock. We knew before how to react and move with sudden changes, we trained to read the unpredictable, and we are able to learn to work with another force” She turned fast to her group. “We’ve not some raw recruits here, we are a team! The best fuck’n team Pegasus kind… Equestria has ever seen!” She took to the air. “I will not sit here, as those good ponies die for us. I will not stand by as more fall while we hide! Soarin and his squad gave their lives so we can live, so we could be here now to echo their sacrifice! He stood at a crossroad, and made his choice. Now we stand there. Who will make that choice again?” There was only a brief hesitation before the first Pegasi took to the air, then more until the sky was shuttering with the beating of hearts and wings.

Spitfire smiled, with a pride only a leader could know of her people. “Every Pegasus must now unite, to fight along with the Earth and Unicorns. We are not the greatest race, but we were born from the blood of warriors and champions! The Pegasi have the drive, the endurance and the ambition to turn this battle! Together, with all ponies, we are glorious, we are powerful, and we all share in that greatness and promise of being legends! Raise up, do your best, and make the wicked cower to our beating wings, stomping hooves, and illuminated horns. We will end the hurricane! We will shatter the storm! We here now are Pegasi, but together WE ARE EQUESTRIA!!!”

As the Pegasi shouted and cried out in unison, many around the Empire were listening, and some were even moved themselves. The ones who were doubting, now knew they had made the right choice by coming here. They needed to stand with their follow ponies, be it a last stand, or just one before they win back their land, or die trying.

“Lead and Wing ponies form up!” Spitfire instructed. “Team divided amongst them, stay with your groups, and listen to your leaders. Watch for changes, and show these fuckers what it means to cross our grounded kin, what it means taking on all who call their land home! Wonderbolts, SOAR!!!”

***

The battle field was deafening, the clashing of weapons, horns, and bodies. The crunch and gore of living and death, in the chaos that could not find even the best poets means to describe it in any way but horror. The fields painted by disturbed earth, blood, and corpses, it was no sight for the weak hearted, and there was no place even for the strongest. Some reverted to primal tactics, biting and using anything blunt to crack skulls and break bones. Despite the roar of battle, some still halted when the ground convulsed, and the sky exploded.

Shining was among those who could not ignore the sounds, and turned. “What is-” He got out, before a rain of shapes came over the battle, living missiles that found target in the Umbra. Large groups exploded off the battlefield, as these trained, hardened Pegasi cut through rank after rank of shocked foes. Their speeds made even the most powerful of siege weapon look like toys, as their very bodies were now the weapons. The first volley ended, and unlike normal artillery, the Wonderbolts were alive. With their flair and skill, they rocketed back high into the air, found new targets, and repeated their deadly deluge.

“Hmm…” King Sombra, engaged in battle, yet not so much as his pawns, observed this new turn. “So, the Wonderbolts survived their mad President bloody term” He turned his attention to his soldiers, barking out. “Rear groups, focus attacks on those Pegasi” He then added to himself. “Let them wish they were fed to a machine, and not our maws”

With the aid of Spitfire and the Wonderbolts, the battle was definitely taking a turn, as it became more of an even fight, yet it was far from conclusive. The hope was restored, and moral boosted. The Umbra would face fresh and reinvigorated foes.

Lord Equinox coughed, looking to be in a great amount of pain, yet still keeping a regal and stoicism to his demeanor. This did not stop Cadence from taking in his repressed feelings, as they were observing from the tower window. “Are you ok, my Lord?” She asked with a genuine concern for the supposed villain.

He turned his head slightly toward her, giving her a smile that further pushed this notion of him being wicked away. “Do not allow me to be a distraction or concern to you, my Lady. Being Umbrum here in the castle, surrounded by the powers of the Empire, Heart, and your shields, does me a great disservice. The crystals here own, and hold an energy that puts great strain on us”

“Is there anything that I can do to…” Her thoughts shifted, something in what he had said caught her attention and processed. As she searched this out, she caught sight of his smirk, telling that he did not speak simply to his own well being in the information he provided. She whipped around, and pointed at an attendant. “Get word to Prince Shining Armor!”

A galloper charged through the carnage, their sole mission was to get news to her prince, and once she arrived, it first annoyed Shining to be distracted. His mood turned, when the news was possibly a turn in this battle. He did not know how this came to Cadence, but he would accept it. He shifted back to the fight, and processed what to do. “Get word to all Unicorns, draw upon the crystals of the Empire, use their energy with your own, and strike the Umbra!” The word would be passed, as he thought to himself. “I hope she is right…”

King Sombra had been marching and fighting without a sense of concern, as his forces were still holding ground, yet it was fading as the Pegasi were proving to be a greater nuisance than he believed possible. The mood was completely lost, as his confidence and arrogance was turned to frustration and anger. The Unicorn were now seemingly multitudes stronger. “What is going on here?!”

One of his soldiers nearest hear their King question the situation, and took it as a chance to speak. “It appears they have rediscovered our ancient weakness to the power of the crystals that litter their Empire, why the Umbra have been unable to truly take this place”

Sneering, and gritting his teeth, Sombra rage grew to a zenith. He disregarded all else but to take out the prince, and so he charged through the fields, crash and crushing alley and foe alike. The energy that drifted from his eyes, now like blazers. “I will squash this upstart, and kill the morale he installs”

Shining Armor saw the rolling cloud of fury, crested by the twisted and furious head of Sombra, tearing through the crowds. “She said the crystal energies did not affect him the same” He thought, turning to face him. “But my magick is more than enough to face this fiend” He wanted this, desired it. All he had done, the endless assaults upon his Empire, those he cared for and protected. The death of his sister. Shining let all else fall away, only seeking to end this vile king.

Leaping from the clouds, Sombra made a large ache, coming down upon Shining, as their horns clashed, sending out a wave of noise like an explosion. With just as much force as a volcano, their meeting draw much attention to those nearest. Their magick crackled and danced from their blows, stretching out like lightning bolts, doing near as much damage to the ground and those too close. They held different titles, but these two stallions were of similar might, yet it was clear that Shining Armor had an upper hoof here. Sombra was too lost in his rage, as his plans and ambitions fell away, he focused these frustrations on the Prince, but he did not focus his efforts on their battle.

“Such a disappointment” Lord Equinox said with such disdain, nearly unable to keep watch of the battles, and the thing he sired. “The defeat of my Umbrum by Princess Amora, and my banishment were far less of an upset and blow to my pride, than this travesty. That usurper bastard, leading my people to the slaughter, as he conducts himself like a spoil child refused his toy. He holds no honour, no glory, no respect. Sombra knows only greed and fury”

Hoping for a chance to change things, Cadence offered. “Why not retake your throne? Surely after these events, the Umbra would take you back, welcome you, against the continued leadership of a foal?”

He bore a painful smile, and turned away. “Sadly, this is no option. They had readily chosen him, shaped him to overthrow me. To the point they passed the name ‘Umbrum’ for his ‘Umbra’. They see me as accountable for their long imprisonment and their banishment. They will not come to forgive such a crime, even if I was the better alternative to my rotten spawn. They would not heed my words to end this fight, for they would only wish to push on until they had revenge and freedom. I could not be king, even if I desired it. My ambitions are no theirs”

“I wish you could, we would welcome you as an ally”

“Oh dear child” He turned to her, looking dangerous enough that she actually was feeling at risk. “I am still a villain, do not be drawn to the illusion my civility and honour in my conduct displays. We are still enemies” His words saddened her, and she did not fully know why. “I can be civil, and I did vow to remain so, however had I a kingdom again, and people to rule, I would also have the drive and desire for conquest. Fortunately for you, my Lady, I am King of nothing, there for I aspire for nothing”

Heavy was her heart, Cadence was taken with this pony, and wished he would let go of his wicked ways to be her friend for more than the convenience he somehow was finding here. “I do not understand how we cannot take a new path here, you could-” She was ready to confront this, but something much more pressing was drawing their attention. “What is that?” She looked to her map. “More Umbrum?” Something was swarming the map, moving quickly toward the battle. Their numbers as great as the Umbra at the start of this fight, but their hearts were confusing and twisted, not at all reading like the rest of those engaged, and it took her a moment to realize what they were. “Oh please…” She stumbled back, Lord Equinox moving closer to see just what she saw. “Oh Cosmatia, no… not her… Not now!”

Finding no answer in the map, the former Lord moved to the window for clarification. The sky was turning black, like a cloud that was sweeping toward the conflict below. A cloud made of several creatures.

Princes Shining Armor and King Sombra were heavy into exhaustion, as their battle was draining. They panted and tried to recover enough to make another move. Shining had been solely focused upon Sombra, and much the same was the King, yet when the sky was changing, it draws the Prince’s attention, while a new danger was flying their way.

King Sombra was about to take this distraction as a chance to strike, but something landed beside him, and he found focus there instead. He was near to strike whatever it was, when her voice stopped him. “In this clash of Royalty, you forget to invite a Queen?” Chrysalis mocked a look of pain, as she regarded Sombra. “Oh how disappointing”

“What do you want, bug?” He snapped, not at all welcoming this rival to what is his battle.

“Dear King,” She began. “I am here to aid in your take over of the Empire, why, after all, you and I are the only two who are true royalty here. King and Queen of these broken lands, so why should we be divided enemies, with small dominions, when we can be joined rulers and share it all as our new Kingdom?”

Record 04: All the King’s Pawns

End

Author's Note

Again, two Villains meet on the battle field... however not as enemies.

Will King Sombra accept what Nightmare Rarity rejected? Can the Empire stand against Umbra and Changeling?