Blazing Shadows

by Mister Origin

Rating: everyone
Tags: Autumn Blaze, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Comedy, King Sombra, Adventure
Length: 16292

After nearly dying, Sombra is nursed back to health by the Kirin, Autumn Blaze. But will the talkative Kirin's warming glow be enough to melt the icy exterior around the ex-tyrant's heart?

After King Sombra narrowly escapes his demise yet again after his attempts to conquer Equestria. Sombra was weakened and wandered through Equestria only to end up in the Kirin village, completely exhausted. But luckily one talkative Kirin took in the dark unicorn to nurse him back to proper health. Sombra was annoyed by the talkative Kirin, but decided to wait until he returns to full power and crush all who defy him. Only if he survives the Kirin's insistent talking. Or, possibly even warms up to her and see the world in a new light.

The awesome art cover was created by anotherdeadrat

Published 2019-12-05 23:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-01-31 07:58:07 UTC

Chapter 2

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Chapter 3

King Sombra
Autumn Blaze
Rex
Otis
Roxy
Buster
Pablo

Autumn Blaze's Cottage

It was raining cats and dogs outside, as the rain was soon followed by lightning and thunder. But inside Autumn Blaze's cottage sitting outside of the Kirin Village, lights were shining through the windows with the silhouette of a certain dark unicorn being seen through one window.

Inside the cottage, Sombra was sitting on a bed as he stared intently at a broom leaning against a wall nearby. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the broom as he started to force a surge of magic to flow through his horn. Only exerting a tiny glow of red magic followed by a few sparks as the broom started to become enveloped in a weak aura of red magic.

Sombra gritted his teeth and started to sweat as he attempted to lift the broom off the ground. He remembered only a few days ago he could bring down an Ursa Major with one magical blast. But now, he could barely lift a broom as he continued his attempt to levetate the broom.

But as the broom started to lift only a few feet off the ground, Sombra's magic konked out as the magical aura around the broom disappeared and the broom fell to the floor. Sombra glared at the broom and started to growl through his fangs.

"Curses! Not again!" Hissed Sombra in anger as he hopped off the bed and kicked the broom aside with his forehoof.

"Sombra, what did I tell you about straining yourself like that? You can't be forcing your magic through like that while your suffering from a magic-block. You can cause some serious damage!" Warned Autumn from the other side of the room as she was stirring the elixir that was being cooked in a pot hung over a fireplace.

Sombra groaned in annoyance as he backed up and sat back on the bed.

"Do you have any idea what it's like to loose your magic? It's HUMILIATING! I feel like nothing but a helpless foal." Groaned Sombra as Autumn turned back to the dethroned tyrant.

"Hehe, well, back with the diamond dogs you didn't seem like a helpless foal. With how you stood up to those diamond dogs and what they said about you, it sounded like your a pretty powerful unicorn. I mean, I already KNEW you were a powerful unicorn by what you told me. But by having someone else back up your statement even more, you should be as powerful as one of those Al-I-Corns... right? *Am I saying that right? Al-I-Corns...*" Asked Autumn as she continued to stir the cooking elixir in the boiling pot.

"Hehehe, I'm practically as powerful as an alicorn. Powerful enough to conquer a nation!" Exclaimed Sombra with a confident smile, immediately realizing what he just said as he turned his eyes to Autumn who stopped stirring the pot to look over at the unicorn with a confused expression.

"Wait, what?"

"Oh! Uhh... Or SAVE a nation from a powerful monster. Just relatively speaking of course..." Said Sombra with a nervous smile as an attempt to defuse any suspicion.

"Oh, okay!" Stated Autumn with a smile as she continued to stir the elixir.

"Is that antidote ready yet? You've been stirring in that pot for thirty minutes now." Stated Sombra as Autumn stopped stirring and skipped over to another side of the room, where she then levitated the Shennong in an aura of magic.

"You can't rush perfection!" Stated Autumn in a sing song voice as she skipped back over to the pot of boiling elixir where she dropped the Shennong into and started stirring again.

"I'm not rushing perfection, I'm rushing you." Replied Sombra as Autumn started to quickly stir the serum, only a few moments passed before Autumn took the wooden spook out of the pot and took a sip of the elixir. After tasting it and making an inquisitive look, she smiled at the result.

"Perfect!" Exclaimed Autumn as she levitated a cup and a ladle over as she used the ladle to pour the elixir into a cup. Autumn then turned to Sombra and walked over to him, the cup of elixir levitating next to her.

"Alright, here ya go!" Said Autumn as she levitated the cure over to Sombra who held it with his hooves. Sombra then looked down at the steaming serum before him as he raised an eyebrow, unsure of how the serum will taste.

But the second Sombra took a whiff of it, he stuck his tongue out in disgust and held it away from his face.

"Ugh! Are you sure something didn't crawl into this stuff and died?" Asked Sombra.

"Trust me, it tastes better then it smells. And it's the only cure for your condition." Stated Autumn with an honest shrug as Sombra glanced back to the serum and narrowed his eyes at it.

"*Sigh*... Fine." Groaned Sombra as he chugged down the serum with one quick gulp, as the foul tasting liquid ran down Sombra's throat and into his belly. Sombra then placed the empty cup aside as he expressed a look of pure and utter disgust.

"See? It wasn't that bad." Said Autumn in an encouraging voice as Sombra shot the mare a small glare.

"It tastes like a mix of swamp water, dishwater, and toilet water!" Growled Sombra as he stuck his tongue out, hopefully getting rid of the awful taste.

"Well, we still have some time before we should hit the hay. Have any ideas to kill the time?" Asked Autumn as she looked out the window where it was still raining cats and dogs.

"I don't know." Answered Sombra flatly as Autumn shot the dethroned tyrant a slight glowering expression. As Autumn put on an expression of contemplation, she looked over to a window nearby and happily trotted over to it. As Sombra was giving the kirin a confused expression.

"Uhh... What are you doing?" Asked Sombra as Autumn started staring out the window with a smile. Before turning back to Sombra.

"Well do you know what I like to do whenever I'm bored? Or angry? Or sad? Or... Really just any time I can?"

"No. What?"

"I love to... SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII- Uph!" But Autumn was cut off immediately as Sombra, somehow moved at the speed of sound from the bed to Autumn and placed his hoof in her mouth. Silencing her before the kirin could sing.

"Stop that! Stop that! Your not breaking into song while I'm here!" Yelled Sombra as he pulled his hoof out of the mare's mouth and started walking back over to the bed.

Autumn rolled her eyes in vexation as her eyes drifted around the room once more.

"Okay then... How about..." Autumn trailed off as she looked around the room, until her eyes landed on a script book laying on a table nearby.

"Wait, I have an idea. How about I read you the play script I wrote about?" Asked Autumn as Sombra shot the mare an inquisitive look before Autumn levitated the script play over to her and took a seat on a chair across from Sombra.

"A play? You wrote a play?" Asked Sombra as Autumn failed to hold back a chuckle.

"Well-Pff! I already told you I love plays! And I wrote a few of my own. This is my favorite, it's called 'Hoofilton'! You wanna hear it?!" Asked Autumn in an extremely excited tone as she held the script tightly to her chest and had an ear-to-ear smile.

Sombra silently stared at the mare as he considered the offer. Normally, he would answer with a straight up 'no' and throw the sheets over himself and portend to got to sleep. But for some reason, he decided to legitimately think about it. It could be because the mare decided to risk her own safety just to help him get rid of his magic block. Or maybe the ex-king wanted a new relaxing form of entertainment after a crazy and radical adventure like today. Or maybe because she seemed so excited to share something she wrote with another pony she trusts and considers a friend...

Either way, Sombra decided to not say 'no'. He locked eyes with Sombra and nodded his head in agreement as Autumn's smile got so big the dethroned king was surprised the mare's head didn't fall off.

Autumn then flipped open the script at the speed of sound and cleared her throat to read the first sentence.

"COMPANY: Manehattan.

HOOFILTON: Pardon me. Are you Burro, sir?

BURRO: That depends. Who’s asking?

HAMILTON: Oh, well, sure, sir, I’m Alexander Hoofilton, I’m at your service, sir. I have been looking for you.

BURRO: I’m getting nervous.

HOOFILTON: Sir… I heard your name at Canterlot. I was seeking an accelerated course of study when I got sort of out of sorts with a buddy of yours. I may have punched him. It’s a blur, sir. He handles the financials?

BURRO: You punched the bursar.

HOOFILTON: Yes! I wanted to do what you did. Graduate in two, then join the revolution. He looked at me like I was stupid, I’m not stupid. So how’d you do it? How’d you graduate so fast? "

As Autumn happily read on, Sombra listened as he leaned his cheek on his hoof like how a bored school colt would.

Hours passed as Sombra listened and listened as the mare continued to read from her script. All the while the storm raged outside. Sombra eventually decided to try and zone the mare out, finding the story boring and uninteresting as he turned his attention to a nearby window.

But after getting bored of doing that, he decided to give the reading mare another chance. Turning his attention back to her and listened to her as she read her play. Although this time was different, the story became interesting and enrapturing. When Sombra was in power years ago when he was in power in the Crystal Empire, he would usually read.

But sometime down the road, he just started to loose passion for reading. He found the stories boring and dull when he read them, reading stories by himself with his own cold and dark voice was uninteresting and... lonely.

However, Autumn was different as he became enraptured by her narration. In contrary to Sombra's cold and dark personality, Autumn Blaze's personality was warm, bright, and joyful. Perhaps it wasn't even the story himself that he was delighted by. Perhaps it was just Autumn Blaze herself he was interested in...

'Sombra, what are you THINKING!? That antidote must have some kind of temporary side effects that's affecting your mind. Like sleep depervation or laughing gas... Why are you ogling at this mare!? You have been doing this since the forest! Stop this and act like the dignified ruler you are!' Yelled Sombra's Id as it tried to overtake Sombra's currently dominating Ego.

But Sombra's Ego won, for now. As Sombra continued to listen to the mare's story and admire her... appeal from afar.

The sunlight shined through the windows of Autumn Blaze's cottage as Celestia's sun rose over the land. Autumn herself was slumped backwards in her seat, snoring loudly as the open script book sat on her face.

But as Autumn was in the middle of her nap, a loud zap of energy woke the mare up.

Kazap!

"Ahh! Ahhh!" Screamed Autumn in shock as she awoke and fell off of her seat from the shock of the noise.

"What's that noise!? Is the sky falling!? I KNEW this day was coming!" Yelled Autumn to herself as she picked herself off the floor and heard the same noise.

Kazap!

Autumn used her magic to pick the script off of the floor and placed it to the side as she followed the sound of the noise.

Kazap!

The noise came from outside, from the front of the cottage as Autumn walked over to her front door. As she opened it up to see what all that racket was, she saw Sombra standing there with his back to her. She could tell the unicorn had a smile on his face as his horn surged with red and purple magic as pieces of chopped wood and rocks levitated above him. Being coated in a purple aura.

Autumn's eyes widened in surprise as she quietly walked closer, not wanting to interrupt Sombra with whatever he was doing. The remedy did the trick alright, the unicorn was able to use his magic again.

The Kirin remained quiet as she silently watched Sombra use his magic to toss several of the rocks and chopped wood high into the air. Sombra bared his fangs in delight as his horn glowed brighter with magic as he fired several blasts from his horn.

Kazap! Kazap! Kazap!

And with 100% accuracy, the soaring blasts of energy hit the flying chopped wood and rocks as it shattered them to pieces. Sombra smirked at his accomplishment as his eyes drifted up towards his smoking crimson horn, as the ex-tyrant blew on his horn like a smoking gun.

"Finally! At last I've regained my powers! That mare's remedy worked like a charm! Now I can finally set my sights on conquest and revenge! First the Crystal Empire! Retake my rightful place as ruler and lock those false rulers in the dungeon for eternity! Then... Haha, oh then... Those mares shall pay. For what they've done to me, they will know the true meaning of pain after I'm done with them... They will beg for forgiveness and release from their suffering, knowing the true power of King Som-"

"Woohoo! Yeah! That was SO COOL!" Sombra immediately halted his open monologue as he turned around with fright to see the happy kirin standing there and cheering Sombra on.

'I have REALLY got to stop speaking out loud...' Thought Sombra in fear. Hoping the kirin either didn't hear what he said or was too much of an airhead to really comprehend what he was talking about in the first place.

"Woah, Sombra! That was amazing! I had no idea unicorns could be that skilled. I mean, we kirin never even THOUGHT about doing anything like that with our horns. We only use our horns to carry stuff and move things around. I guess it's because of our lifestyle, we never get into any actual conflict. Or if we do get into conflict, we just turn into Nirik. Guess we never gave out horn a second chance." Stated Autumn in awe as she walked up to the fully powered unicorn. Sombra silently stared down at the mare, surprised she wasn't the least bit suspicious of him. But either way, he was thankful she didn't start to catch on.

"Well, yes. Your antidote (despite it's awful taste) worked as promise. I feel as powerful since I ruled the Crystal Empire with an IRON HOOF!"

"What?"

"I-I mean, uhh... With a gentle hoof."

"Oh."

"Well, anyway... I'm glad to see your back in tip-top shape! And now I get to finally see what you can finally do! Honestly, when you kept bragging about all your amazing power... I kinda felt like you were full of hot air... But now, I can see that you really are as powerful as you said you are!" Said Autumn in excitment as Sombra merely puffed up his chest in pride and rubbed one of his hooves against his chest.

"Well of course I am... I am the most powerful unicorn on the face of Equestria! If your impressed by me blasting a few rocks into pieces, it's foals play compared to what I can REALLY do..." Said Sombra looking away, but smirking and glancing back to see if the Kirin was still excited.

"Do I!? What else can you do?" Asked Autumn enthusiastically as Sombra immediately spun around on his hoof as he aimed his glowing horn at a nearby tree.

"Just sit back and watch this!" Said Sombra as he blasted a bolt of magic at the ground nearby.

Crack!

As a black crystal started to grow and rise out of the ground, soon followed by smaller black crystals that began to rapidly grow and spread across the ground. Autumn's awe soon transformed into slight fear as she saw that the crystals were creeping up all around her and Sombra.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

"Umm... Uhh... Sombra..." Spoke Autumn with a twinge of fright in her voice, as the Kirin started to be forced back into Sombra.

Sombra merely looked back at the frightened Kirin with a smirk.

"Hehe, no need to worry. Just sit and watch..." Uttered Sombra, confidence dripping from his voice as the black crystals started to grow and move inward. It appeared like they were forming a cage around Sombra and Autumn.

But before the strands of black crystal could entrap the two completely, there was one more loud cracking sound that dwarfed all the other crystals.

CRACK!!

Suddenly, Sombra and Autumn were escalated rapidly into the air and blasted the crystal cage apart. When the ground they were standing on stopped it's movement, Autumn looked down with surprise and fright to see that the two were stand on top of a massive black crystal.

Autumn looked on with a mixed look of awe and fear at the ground far below them that were still covered in growing black crystals. Sombra glanced back at Autumn to see her astonished face as the massive black crystal the two were standing on were overlooking the garden of black crystals.

With one more prideful smirk, a white wave of magical energy exploded from Sombra's horn. As in a bright flash of light, the black crystals were annihilated and blasted into nothing.

Kazap!

As Autumn blocked her eyes from the bright flash of light, she suddenly felt nothing below her hooves. As if she was floating. Once the Kirin opened her eyes once more, she saw a red aura around her and Sombra as the ex-king gently leveated Autumn Blaze and himself back to the ground.

As the two landed on the ground and Sombra's magical aura disappeared, Sombra kept his chin up, readying himself for the praise he was sure Autumn was about to shower him with.

"I know, I am incredible. No need to praise me." Said Sombra with his eyes still close and waited for the praise. But when Sombra heard nothing, his eyes shot back open as he looked back as Autumn Blaze. Whowas starring at the dark unicorn with an unsure expression on her face.

Sombra's smile faded away as he stared at the Kirin.

"You, don't like it?"

"Oh, no! No! It was great!"

"Grr... Of course you wouldn't like it. It's unsettling isn't it? It's 'FRIGHTENING'... Just like all the others..." Trailed off Sombra was a disappointed growl as he turned away from the Kirin.

"Hey! Hey! Look, it was a bit scary and unsettling at first. That is true. But that doesn't mean I'll never find it interesting. Just like being a Nirik. It's not about what you have it's about how you use it. It's just a bit scary when you did that with no warning." Said Autumn in a comforting tone as she slowly walked up to the dethroned king and placed her forehoof on Sombra's shoulder.

A moment of silence passed, before Autumn asked another question.

"Uhh... What was that thing about, 'like all the others?'" Sombra then straightened himself back up and turned back to Autumn with his chin held up once more.

"It was nothing. Forget about it."

"Oh... Alright then." Said Autumn as she turned away and slowly started to walk.

"So umm... I guess you'll be on your way soon?" Asked the Kirin as she cheerlessly kicked a pebble aside.

Sombra turned his attention over to the Kirin with a confused expression. "On my way?"

"Well, I mean... No offense, but you seemed absolutely miserable here. Honestly, I'm kinda surprised you didn't hit the road the second you got your magic back..." Said Autumn with a depressed tone as she kicked the dirt once more. All the while, Sombra looked at her with a bit of an awkward expression.

"That is true, my magic is brought back to it's full power yet again. Although... I'm not exactly miserable, right now at least. I'm, honestly impressed with your bravery, ingenuity, and creativity. I haven't had this kind of exciting experience in years. Plus, I really don't have anywhere else to stay..." Said Sombra in a bit of a bumbling tone himself, as Autumn's eyes shot back at Sombra with a spark of excitement growing in them.

"Wait, are you serious? You... Really wanna stay here? With me?" Asked Autumn in even greater excitement as Sombra cleared his throat, in an attempt to sound less embarrassed.

"Don't get yourself carried away. Just for now at least. But I won't be staying here for good. Just until I come up with a plan of where to go next."

"YYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!" Shrieked Autumn in total glee as she leaped at Sombra with her front hooves spread out.

"Aaahh-!" Screamed Sombra in surprise, before being cut off and tackled to the ground by the happy Kirin. After Sombra was tackled to the ground, he opened his eyes back up and looked down to see Autumn Blaze was happily hugging Sombra with her forehooves as Sombra's awkward expression only grew as he stared at the Kirin.

"That is so cool! I mean, I never had a roommate before! Or even a temporary one... Anyway, we are gonna have so much fun! Before you leave I gotta show you the VERY BEST the village has to offer! I promise, you'll be happy you did it! And it'll also put you in the best of moods when you go back to your kingdom and take down those evil tyrants who dethroned you! Oh! This will be so much fun! I mean I haven't had this much fun since- Mff!" Autumn was silenced as Sombra's hoof covered Autumn's mouth yet again. As Sombra stared at the Kirin with a blank expression on his face.

"#1. Talking too much again. #2. Don't touch the merchandise." Groaned Sombra in annoyance as Autumn immediately gave an awkward and nervous giggle before pulling herself off of the ex-tyrant and standing back up.

"Oh, sorry... I guess I just got a little too excited." Said Autumn with a slight blush as Sombra stood up and dusted himself off.

"Clearly."

"Uhh... So, anyway, I'd still like to learn how to use magic like that! Since your gonna stick around, can you teach me?" Asked Autumn with a hopefully optimistic smile, as chuckled a bit to himself in an arrogant way.

"I don't know, learning spells can be quite the complicated task. I'm not sure you can handle it." Said Sombra in a slightly playful, antagonistic voice.

"Pff! Come on! I can take down several diamond dogs at the same time! I think I can handle it! Although, I almost forgot a promise I made to you. So how about a fair trade? You teach me how to use magic, and I'll teach you some hoof-to-hoof combat? A fair trade, wouldn't you say?" Asked the Kirin with a smirk as Sombra smirked back at the mare.

"Well, learning a few moves could assist me later on. Equestria forbid I loose my magic again... A more effective way to defend myself if I get into that situation again. Very well, I will take your offer and learn how to fight... And hopefully not getting attacked by woodland creatures again..." Mumbled Sombra as he glanced away from Autumn.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Exclaimed Sombra as he turned back to Autumn.

"Even though I admit, you are skilled. I am not exactly a slouch myself." Stated Sombra as he placed his hoof on his chest, and Autumn walked up to him with a self-assured smile on her face.

"Oh really? So... You don't think somepony like me can kick your butt?" Asked Autumn, the two's muzzles only inches apart as Sombra smirked back.

"I admit, your fighting prowess is impressive, I am still taller and heavier then you are. Plus I am physically stronger then you. I doubt a few fancy combat moves could-Ugh!" Sombra was silenced as out of nowhere Autumn leaped on the confident stallion as she wrapped her back legs around Sombra's neck and performed a flying scissor leg takedown. Before Sombra even knew it, the ex-king was pinned to the ground face first, as Autumn Blaze pulled back one of Sombra's front legs and one of his back legs to keep him pinned. Sombra growled as he tried to break Autumn's hold, but to no avail. All the while, the Kirin giggled playfully as she held down the dark unicorn.

"Still think it's all about size?" Asked Autumn with another giggle as Sombra huffed his nose in frustration.

"Okay! I get it! Let me up!" Growled Sombra out of annoyance as the Kirin complied and let Sombra up.

"Alright now, can you teach me some magic now? I really, really, really, really, REALLY wanna know!"

"Well, very well then. Pay attention." Stated Autumn as he turned his head back to all the rocks and chopped wood he was using as target practice. The ex-ruler levatated a rock over to a wooden stump nearby and turned back to Autumn.

"Alright, we are going to try a simple attack spell. Focus the magic through your horn, or... antler. Then fire it at your target." Stated Sombra as he pointed his hoof at the rock. Autumn nodded with a smile as she turned to the rock and tried her best to fire an attack spell, much like Sombra. But no matter how hard the Kirin tried, she just couldn't do it. Autumn tried several more times to unleash a blast of energy, but nothing came out. Sombra narrowed his eyes at the Kirin as he shifted his gaze between the rock and the Kirin.

"Well, don't worry. Eventually you will get it. Besides a levitation spell, an attack spell is the second easiest spell to perform. If you've done it at a young age. Trying to perform one as an adult for the first time can be difficult. Just keep practicing and I will be back to check up on you. Stated Sombra as he turned around to leave. Autumn noticed this and stopped practicing and turned to Sombra who was still walking away.

"Wait, where are you going?" Asked Autumn in confusion.

"Don't worry. I'm just, going for a little walk. I will be back soon enough. Just keep practicing." Stated Sombra as he walked deeper and deeper into the woods.

"Alright, just don't wander too far, okay?" Replied Autumn as she turned back to the rock with a her game face on.

"Okay, ROCK... Consider yourself, BLASTED!" Exclaimed Autumn as the Kirin attempted to focus her magic, and blast the rock sitting on the stump.

The Cave

Within a cave only a few miles away from the Kirin village, the gang of diamond dogs that attempted to rob and kidnap a delivery Kirin the last day. From the dark cave was growling in inaudible speaking from the current residents taking refuge in the cave. But then, resounding laughter dominated the rest of the sounds in the cave.

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

"What are you laughing about!?" Angrily replied another voice.

"I'm just thinking about the other day when that little Kirin beat you up so bad. Hahahahaha!"

"So? He beat you up too, you moron!"

"That's true, but at least I put up more of a fight then you. And I didn't look NEARLY as pathetic as you. Also, at least I look like a full grown diamond dog and not a pup!" Mocked Pablo with a smug smile as he and Otis glared each other down in the cave.

"That's it! You wanna go!? Let's go!" Growled Otis as he lunged out at Pablo, only to be grabbed by a large paw and pulled back into Buster's arms.

"Come on guys... Let's not fight. We were all humiliated by those little ponies. But that doesn't matter! At least we have each other!" Said Buster as he held back the angry Otis with little to no effort as Otis struggled as hard as he could to escape Buster's vice-like hold.

"Oh, and I'll have Pablo... actually his NECK IN MY HANDS! NOW LET GO OF ME BUSTER!" Barked Otis as he attempted to break loose of Buster's grip to beat up the smirking Pablo.

"Come on, where's your sensitive side, Otis?"

"Let go of me!"

"Uh, uh, uh... What's the magic word?"

"NOW!"

"No wonder we're dangling at the bottom of the food chain! Just look at ourselves!" Growled a feminine voice from a corner of the cave as the three diamond dogs stopped and looked over to see Roxy. Who was sitting there as she picked up pebbles and flicked them at a cave wall.

After flecking another pebble into the wall, she stopped and glanced back over at the three diamond dogs who were just a moment ago fighting with one another. The female diamond dog expressed a cringing expression before picking up another pebble from the cave floor.

"Actually, scratch that. Just look at YOURSELVES." Uttered Roxy as she flicked another stone at the cave wall, before standing back up.

"Oh yeah, and you've been so helpful lately." Growled back Pablo as Buster let go of Otis and Roxy walked closer to the trio.

"News flash, I'm not the leader... Yet. If I was the leader, we'd all be swimming in diamonds. Also, we wouldn't be banished from the Diamond Dog Kingdom." Replied Roxy as Pablo and Otis nodded in agreement.

"At least in that category we agree." Agreed Pablo as Otis crossed his arms.

"Besides hitting a few diamond rich caves, one of the only big scores we made was robbing that Zebra's little hut in the middle of the Everfree forest. And the best thing we got from that little hut was that useless amulet! We even finally caught a pony after WEEKS of looking. Or Kirin, whatever you wanna call it! And we lost him!"

"If we weren't banished from the kingdom and actually had some HELP in our efforts, we would be rich. But no, Rex just HAD to kidnap ALL THOSE PONIES! I mean, ponies are good for two things, work labor and food. But he KNOWS the laws of the Diamond Dog Kingdom, there's a LIMIT to how many ponies a diamond dog can take before that Sun Alicorn takes notice! And because of that, we've hit rock bottom."

"I'm pretty sure at this point we've hit a level lower then rock bottom. All we've done is go more and more downhill every day we're out here! And it's all because of that mutts big fat ego! He NEEDED to capture all those ponies! We're lucky Diamond Dog King Gora Morim didn't cut off our rear ends and hang them over his fire place! We're even more lucky that that those pony princesses didn't reduce us to ashes! Ugh... And it's all that mad dog's fault! But... Maybe all isn't lost. I think I have and idea of how to get out of this funk." Said Pablo as Otis and Roxy raised their eyebrows in suspicion.

"Where are you getting at?" Asked Otis suspiciously as Pablo smirked at the short diamond dog.

"What if tonight we take all the gem stones and other treasures we've collected so far and head out while Rex is asleep? That mad dog will never know anything by the time he wakes up! Heck, if we're lucky we can just go back to the Diamond Dog Kingdom and completely disassociate with that maniac. Maybe they'll let us back in the king- AAAAAHHHH!" Pablo was cut off as a horrible noise echoed through the cave. Making all the diamond dogs cover their ears in pain.

SSSSSSSCCCCCCRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

As the terrible scratching noise stopped, the diamond dogs all uncovered their sensitive ears and looked over at the origin or the terrible noise. As all the color drained from their faces, seeing three deep clawmarks in the cave wall with the perpetrator standing next to it as he checked out his oversized razor sharp claws.

"So... That's how it is, huh? Blaming me for our predicament, us hitting rock bottom, our banishment... Please, we're a team. So, if you have any constructive criticisms, please... SAY IT TO MY FACE..." Growled Rex in a low tone of voice as he slowly made his way over to his underlings.

"Uhh, look, Rex. We didn't mean anything. We're just, a little upset with the situation. We didn't really mean any of the stuff we just said. Honest." Said Pablo fearful as Rex made his way to the four diamond dogs and stood over them. Except Buster who was the only one that was taller then Rex.

"Upset, huh? Well, it seems to me that your all of you are off games lately. What happened yesterday was beyond an embarrassment. And starting to stab each other in the back, I thought we were all better then that. Your all disappointing..." Said Rex as he continued to talk down to his fellow diamond dogs and rub his index claw and his thumb claw together.

"Except for you, Buster. You've been doing very good." Said Rex as he pointed to Buster with a smile.

"Yay! I'm doing good guys!" Cheered Buster as the remaining trio of diamond dogs glared at the large lovable oaf.

"Goodie goodie..." Growled Roxy under her voice.

"The REST of you however..." As the trio turn their heads back to their leader, he got up to their faces and scared them into falling back onto the ground. "You all seem to forget the plague those sickening multicolored menaces have brought upon our race! On all non-ponies!"

Rex growled deeply as he takes a few steps back and regains his calm demeanor, as the diamond dog leader started to slowly pace and began to talk.

"Ponies dominate this entire region, there are more of THEM out there then the diamond dogs, the griffins, and even the dragons. The dominate this entire land! Even the Minotaurs bow down to the ponies pretty sun princess. We even speak their LANGUAGE for heavens sake! The original language of the diamond dogs aren't even taught in SCHOOLS ANYMORE! That just shows how much power those pathetic little equines have!" Growled Rex as he paced over to a large stalagmite sticking out of the ground, as he slowly dragged one of his oversized claws on it. Leaving a long and deep scratch mark on the stalagmite.

"The only reason our own language isn't even taught anymore and only still exists because of a few brainiacs that preserve the language. It's even MORE infuriating when our own KING is terrified of those ponies! Scared that if we take too many ponies, one of the big bad princesses will come along and blast our nation to Kingdom come!" Rex removes his claws from the stalagmite, before grabbing it with his paw and starting to slowly crush it.

"I'm not stupid. I know that those ponies are WAY more powerful then we can EVER hope to become! For Pete's sake, they have the Spirit of Chaos on their side! I might have gotten us banished by kidnapping to many ponies and risking the ire of Celestia... But it's a price I'm willing to pay! Ponies must be eradicated!" Growled Rex as he crushed the stalagmite completely.

CRACK!

As Rex pulled his hand away and looked at his claws again.

"Uhh... Rex, with all due respect, we're not an army. We can't even take down a single Nirik. And your talking like we're about to destroy all of ponykind. We aren't anything compared to them!" Stated Otis in a brutally honest tone as Rex turned to the smaller diamond dog and growled once more. Making Otis shrink back in fear.

"All we need is one good break. Just ONE CHANCE... And we'll be back on top of the food chain, and under our footpaws, where they belong..."

"Greetings, filthy Diamond Dogs!" Rang a familiar voice from the opening of a cave. All the diamond dogs turned their heads to see the dark red horn stallion, Sombra standing in the mouth of the cave. All the diamond dogs stared on, frozen with looks ranging from surprise, to shock, to anger, to all of the above.

Sombra merely held his head high with an arrogant smirk on his face, as he continued to speak. Each word dripping with pride.

"No need to cower before me, mongrels. Yet, you should bow to royalty when they present themselves to you. Now, I am not here to fight (a little bit), all I want to do is to talk. You dogs have something that interests me, and I am willing to negotiate for it..." Sombra praddled on as he slowly marched deeper into the cave. As if the cave itself and everything in it was his, and the diamond dogs should feel lucky for basking in the arrogant king's glory.

But that's when the diamond dogs looks of suprise and anger transformed into uncontrollable laughter, leaving the diamond dogs in stitches as Sombra continued his walk. Like the diamond dog's cocky laughter wasn't even going on.

"Well, well, well... It seems like our dinner has just come trotting in... Don't let him escape this time." Ordered Rex, as suddenly all the diamond dogs got on all fours and began charging straight at the red horned unicorn at full speed.

But as it seemed like they were about to get close enough to grab Sombra, the ex-king's horn suddenly glowed bright like a sudden torch brought to life.

"Stand back, dogs..."

CRACK!!

Suddenly, a colossal black crystal shot out of the ground and instantly blocked the diamond dogs from attacking Sombra. Either stopping in their tracks or crashing right into the monolithic diamond. As the diamond dogs came to their senses, they started to take instinctual steps back, as Sombra walked around the massive crystal and stood next to it with a smug expression.

"Unlike last time, I won't exactly be so harmless. My magic is powerful enough to match Celestia's. I won't recommend doing that again."

The diamond dogs narrowed their brows in anger, as the dogs silently obeyed the dark ex-king and kept their distance.

"So what? Have you come here to gloat?"

"That is tempting, but no. You see, you have a special item I am very interested in. You dogs probably don't even know what I'm talking about. This artifact is powerful enough to overpower the princesses themselves, and if used by somepony like me. Hahaha, well... Let's just say I will be unstoppable." Said Sombra as he malevolently laughed to himself.

"What are you talking about? 'Powerful item'? We have no idea what your talking about, unicorn. If you have something to say, just spit it out already!" Growled Rex, already loosing his patience with the ex-despot as Sombra glared back at the diamond dog.

"Maybe if you diamond dogs had a single brain cell between the lot of you, maybe I wouldn't have to explain it, like explaining it to a foal." Shot back Sombra as Rex let out a growl an immeditally moved closer to the ex-tyrant, showing off his teeth.

"Are you mocking me!?... I will eat you up, pony. Magic or no magic, it won't protect you from me! I'll eat you for breakfast!" Growled Rex as Sombra smirked back at the diamond dog and began to pace.

"Yeah? Well, I'll give you indigestion!" Sombra snapped back.

"I'll pick up some antacids to stop indigestion!"

"Yet you didn't know your antacid tablets were expired!"

"Then I'll just bring back the receipt and get a new bottle!"

"Yet you just remembered you accidentally threw your receipt away!"

"Then I'll talk to the manager!"

"But you didn't know the manager was out sick that day!"

"Ladies! Ladies! Your both beautiful. But, can you get to the point, pony?" Commented Roxy, breaking up the little match that was going on between Rex and Sombra. Sombra took a step back as he quickly cleared his throat and started slowly pacing.

"The item I am referring to is the Alicorn Amulet. When worn by a unicorn, it can vastly ehance the users power to that of an alicorn and beyond. It was said to be lost to time, and I have no idea how you diamond dogs of all creatures got a hold of it, but it is more valuable then ALL the gems in Equestria! And with it, I can finally defeat the princesses, the elements of harmony, and even Grogar... So, hand it over." Ordered Sombra, stopping his pacing and turning back to the diamond dogs with glowing green eyes.

"You mean this thing?" Asked Buster as he picked up the very same Alicorn Amulet from a nearby cart.

"Yes, that. Now give it to me!" Growled Sombra as he started to become more irritated. Meanwhile Rex looked back at his biggest underling and held his hand out, signaling Buster to toss it over to him. Buster tossed the Alicorn Amulet to Rex as the leader of the diamond dogs held it up in front of Sombra, as if to mock the pony.

"Now hold it right there, pony. What's in it for us?" Asked Rex with a suspicious look as Sombra expressed an annoyed look. Before the ex-king gestured to the massive black diamond he just summoned in the middle of the cave.

"I know you diamond dogs love gems and crystals... I can summon you enough crystals to set you for the rest of your lives, and live in luxury." Uttered Sombra as Rex glanced at the massive crystal with little to no emotion. As he glanced back at Sombra.

"If I knew that's all that you could offer me, I would take the deal. But, I know you have MUCH more to offer then just crystals." Said Rex as his shadow began to eclipse Sombra.

"Hmm... Maybe, I have something that can benefit both of our parties." Stated Sombra with an evil smirk as the diamond dogs replied with inquisitive looks.

"We're listening..."

"I'm sure you remember that little Kirin from yesterday, or should I say, 'Nirik'. Imagine if you had an entire army of Nirik? All of them fighting for you and burning down anything or anypony that stands in your way? One of the spells that I excel in above all others is mind control. Once we've captured the Kirin, I will make them completely subservient towards you, your own personal army to do whatever you wish." Stated Sombra with a nefarious smile as Rex developed an expression of consideration as he scratched his chin.

"But wait, what about your Kirin friend? I thought she was your ally." Asked Pablo.

"Please, do you think I honestly care about some overly energetic and annoying Kirin? All I needed her for was to cure my magic block. Now that she's served her purpose, I can care less what happens to her or the rest of her kind." Said Sombra as he glanced back at Rex.

Sombra smirked evilly as he hopped off his platform and landed in front of Rex. "So, what's your decision?"

"... Alright, I accept your offer. But, I want my army first. You'll get your amulet once you completed your side of the deal first." Sombra's eyes widened at surprise at this statement, before expressing a look of frustration and anger at the diamond dog. He even thought about simply blasting the diamond dog and taking the amulet for himself. But, he managed to control his feelings of frustration and force a calm look on his face as he stared back at the diamond dog.

"Fine! But, I still need you to do one more thing before I cast my spell..."

"What do you need?"

"I need more of those cuffs and chains in order to make sure those Kirin stay in line. These creatures aren't like your average ponies, if even ONE of them got loose, they can ruin our entire plans."

"Very well, but it will take us a week to get all the chains and cuffs needed for such an endeavor."

"Meanwhile, I will stay with the red haired Kirin, Autumn Blaze. Make sure that neither hear nor any of the other Kirin will realize what's going on, plus, gain their trust. Making it far easier to capture them then." Stated Sombra as Rex nodded.

"Alright then, at the end of the week we will capture the Kirin and you will activate your little mind control spell. But, if you try to back stab us in any way, I will personally hunt your down and kill you..." Said Rex in a deadly serious voice.

"Hehehe, fair enough..." Said Sombra as he turned around and began to walk out of the mouth of the cave. After the unicorn exited the cave, Rex turned to the rest of the diamond dogs.

"Roxy, Otis, get started on getting enough metal to start making the cuffs and chains." Ordered the leader of the diamond dogs before turning to the last two members of the group.

"Pablo, Buster, I want you to follow that unicorn around and spy on him. Make sure he's keeping his end of the bargain."

"Come on! Why do I get stuck with the worst job? And to make this moron my partner?" Asked Pablo, gesturing to Buster as Rex marched over to him and stood over him with a furious expression.

"Because you failed to stop the delivery colt from escaping, because you planned to backstab me multiple times, because your tiny and pathetic, and because I will SQUASH YOU if you don't!" Growled Rex, each time his face got closer to Pablo's. Making the blue diamond dog eventually lie on the ground as Rex stood over him.

"... Any more reasons?"

"NOW, PABLO!" Barked Rex as Pablo immediately stood back up and ran off, as he and Buster left the cave.

"And what will you be doing while we're getting the cuffs?" Asked Roxy as Rex glanced back at her.

"That doesn't concern you. Just get to work." Ordered Rex as Roxy rolled her eyes and walked away with Otis by her side.

When Rex was certain that the two were gone, he held the necklace up to his face as he stared directly into the red gem in the middle of the amulet. As the diamond dog continued to stare, he felt a strange surge of power move through his hands. Realizing that the amulet was glowing with a seductive crimson aura surging from the artifact.

As Rex started to smirk evilly at the Alicorn Amulet.

Autumn Blaze's Cottage

Sombra walked through the woods as he retraced his hoofprints back to Autumn Blaze's cottage. Besides regaining his magic, he was also happy he was finally becoming familiar with the layout of the woods. No more falling into nasty ponds and getting covered in leeches. Or getting ambushed by a bunch of homicidal woodland creatures. Even if he did face a new threat, he could blast them into nothing.

But, now the ex-king had a new challenge. He needed to keep the Kirin occupied while the dogs worked on gathering the supplies needed for the attack. Sombra was wondering, could he honestly survive an entire week with this Kirin chatterbox? He was starting to consider getting sent back to the darkness by the elements of harmony or Grogar a better alternative. But if he wanted the Alicorn Amulet and finally rule Equestria, he'll have to do what he needs to do.

As Sombra walked through a final collection of bushes, he made it to a small clearing where he could see Autumn's cottage and Autumn Blaze herself. Still standing several feet away from the rock sitting on the tree stump just how he left it.

Sombra's eyes widened in suprise as he saw an exhausted Autumn Blaze standing a few feet away from the tree stump and sweating bullets. As if she attempted to pour all her energy into her attempt to fire a blast of magical energy, nearly completely depleting her of energy.

Sombra slowly walked over to Autumn as she attempted once more to focus another blast of energy from her horn, only generating a few sparks from her horn. She looked like she could pass out at any moment.

"Have... You been out here, practicing for three hours straight?" Asked Sombra in a slightly concerned voice as Autumn immeditally stopped and turned back to the ex-king.

"Huh? Oh, well... Yeah. But I'm fine. I almost got it!"

"You look like you just ran a marathon. Perhaps it would be best if you get some rest." Suggested Sombra. Not caring if the Kirin did actually passed out, it would just be an annoyance to drag her unconcious body back inside.

"No! No! Really, I got it!" Exclaimed Autumn as she turned back to the stone as she attempted to fire another blast of magic. Only to fail once more.

"Very well, if you refuse to go inside until you complete the spell, let me assist you." Stated Sombra as he walked closer to Autumn and hovered beside her, observing her from a close range.

"Now... Fire again." Ordered Sombra as Autumn turned her head back to the rock. "Calm yourself. Just relax, then when your ready, focus your magic through your horn again and fire when ready..."

Autumn stood as still as a statue as she silently stared at her target. Taking Sombra's advice, she stood as still as a statue. The Kirin attempted to calm herself as best as she could, as she let out a relaxing sigh as she closed her eyes. Inhaling one more, the Kirin opened her eyes back up as she glared at the stone with a determined expression.

Sombra watched as the talkative Kirin focused her magic through her horn once again, but this time sustaining the magic much longer then before. As the magic built up and reached critical mass, she looked back at the target. And fired.

Kazap!

Sombra's and Autumn's eyes widened in shock as the two stared at the burnt stump of the tree where the rock once laid. Now shattered into a thousand pieces. Autumn's face started to slowly transform into a massive smile as Sombra smirked at Autumn's work.

"Hmm, not bad." Commented Sombra as he looked over at Autumn, only for the Kirin to suddenly explode with excited cheers as she started to bounce all around the red horned unicorn. Like an excited little filly.

"YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSSSSS!! I DID IT! I TAUGHT THAT ROCK WHOSE BOSS!" Exclaimed Autumn happily as she bounced around Sombra with pure joy. All the while Sombra looking at the mare with distain.

"Did you see that!? DID YOU SEE THAT!? That was so cool! I mean, I can still do stuff like that with my Nirik form or my fighting skills, but to do that with my horn is just WAY TOO COOL! I wonder what else I can do? Can you teach me more!? What about summoning? Ohh! Or maybe transmutation! Teleportation!? Healing!? Force-fields?! I heard that unicorns can even time travel! Ohh that is so awes-Mph!" Autumn was halted as Sombra stuck his hoof in the mare's mouth. Stopping the mare from getting carried away again, as he slowly removed his hoof.

"Do you EVER turn off?!" Asked Sombra in irritation as Autumn blushed and rubbed the back of her head.

"It's a curse, I'm afraid..."

"Well, it seems like your going to need more practice before moving onto more advanced spells."

"Oh yeah! I'm so excited to learn new spells! Also, thanks, Sombra." Thanked Autumn with a sweet smile.

"Yes, yes, sure thing. Have fun, I'm going to go back inside and read a book. Maybe make some tea." Said Sombra as he instantly turned around and started to walk back to Autumn's cottage. Autumn expressed a look of shock before trotting over to Sombra and standing in his way, stopping him.

"Wait, wait. You just wanna stay crampt inside in the dark all day, reading books like some vampire?" Asked Autumn as a look of realization instantly crossed her face. "Oh, wait. Forgot who I was talking to for a moment. But anyway, it's still a great day, and we still have a lot of daylight left! And I have a few ideas of what we can do for today! Teaching you a few more fighting moves before going out and looking around the village. What do you say?" Asked Autumn with a huge smile on her face as Sombra stared back with a blank expression.

"You enjoy yourself how YOU want to, and I'll enjoy myself how I want to..." Said Sombra smugly as he attempted to walk around the Kirin, only for Autumn to move and continue to block his path.

"Please?"

"No, Autumn. Let me through."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?"

"NO! Stop asking!"

"PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-"

"You can't keep that up forever."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Yes I can! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-"

"Okay! Okay! You win! Enough already!" Admitted Sombra in defeat as Autumn immediately stopped and cheered as she pumped her hooves into the air.

"So your going to teach me a new fighting move?" Asked Sombra as he and Autumn slowly paced over to the middle of the open field in front of Autumn's house.

"Yup! Now pay close attention! Just in case you find yourself in another situation where you can't use your magic anymore, this move is gonna help you take down an opponent in one move!" Stated Autumn as Sombra subtly rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I'm already dying of anticipation..."

"That's the spirit! Now, I want you to try and take me down. Without your magic. I mean, if you can... Remember this morning?" Said Autumn in a challenging tone as she raised one of her eyebrows at the ex-king.

"Please, last time I simply wasn't prepared for your attack. Now that I am, your going down. And I'm not afraid to hit a mare." Replied Sombra as he squinted his eyes in anticipation.

"Show me what you got!" Stated Autumn as she got into her combat position, before Sombra charged straight at her, horn pointed straight ahead. But as the stallion was only a foot away from her, Autumn leaped into the air and performed a spinning crescent kick, jumping in the air and spinning around with her back hoof extended. And her back hoof connecting with Sombra's chin and sending the stallion flying back.

As Autumn landed back on the ground, she made her way over to where Sombra was lying back first on the dirt ground. With whatever dignity the ex-king had remaining, getting knocked out of him by the cheery Kirin's kick.

Autumn made her way over to Sombra and looked down at the solemn king. As the Kirin attempted to hold back a few giggles Sombra only stared back with an annoyed deadpanned look.

"Hehehe, hows the weather down there, Sombra?" Asked Autumn as Sombra slowly turned his head to the mare in irritation.

"Your enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Well, kinda. But don't worry, most untrained ponies don't know how to defend against an attack like that. Or even pull one off." Stated Autumn assuredly as she reached a hoof down to help Sombra up, as the ex-despot took it and got back up.

"Come on! We're just getting started!" Stated Autumn as she wandered back over to the spot where she knocked down Sombra just a few moments ago.

Sombra groaned in annoyance as he started to walk over to the mare. "Next week can't come fast enough..."

Author's Note

Thank you for reading everyone, I hoped you enjoyed. Now, just in case some of you are thinking that King Sombra is just obligatory switching back and forth between becoming good with Autumn and just switching around to stab her in the back with the help of the diamond dogs, he's still a crazy tyrant. He's still conniving and planning on revenge, power, and conquest. So basically, he isn't redeemed yet. Just in case some of you were confused.

Also, I know I keep saying this on every chapter but I do look back every now and then and make edits whenever I find any grammar and spelling errors, or when one of you lovely viewers point one out to me. I'll also try to get these chapters out at least once a month, but I can't promise there won't be any late chapters. You know, college and stuff.

Anyway, please leave a comment, tell me what you think, and I'll see you all later.

Chapter 1

Author's Note

Just so there's no confusion, this take place right after the events of Season 8 Episode 1 & 2. If Sombra had survived the friendship beams of doom. Now this story is going to be small, maybe around 3 or 4 chapters long, maybe a few more. And also, just in case if anybody brings it up in the comments, yes. Sombra is meant to be much more goofy in this story then menacing, much like the Season 9 depiction of Sombra. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. And don't hesitate to leave a comment either.

Chapter 1

King Sombra
Twilight Sparkle
Rainbow Dash
Applejack
Autumn Blaze
Crazy Old Pony
Random Royal Guard

“NO! THIS CAN’T BE POSSIBLE!” Yelled Sombra as the main six held hooves and beaming with an insanely powerful aura of magic and energy. All of Sombra’s attacks were useless when he tried to take down the six heroes of Equestria.

This made no sense. How in the world could these ponies possibly produce this power without the Elements of Harmony? This shouldn’t be possible. Sombra was once the predator, closing in on his prey to finish them off. But now, thanks to their infernal friendship, they are the ones who became the poweful ones. The predators. As Sombra was as helpless as any tiny rabbit.

"Your magic can't defeat mine! I DESTROYED THE SOURCE OF YOUR POWER!" Yelled Sombra in terror and shock. All of that intimidation and arrogance falling apart to reveal who King Sombra truly was, a scared cowardly stallion who realized how much he underestimated Twilight Sparkle and her friends.

"You can't destroy our friendship, Sombra!" Commented Twilight as pure magic surged through her.

"And we keep telling bad guys-..." Continued Rainbow Dash.

"But ya'll just don't seem to remember-..." Added Applejack.

"That friendship... IS MAGIC!" Yelled the six mares in unison as the aura of magic only grew stronger, forcing Sombra back.

Sombra attempted one last time to attack the main six with a blast of dark magic. But it just bounced off as the aura of magic continued it's expansion. Forcing Sombra back into his black crystal throne as the energy hit him. Tearing him apart as he let out one final scream.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Before being blasted into nothing. But as the energy wave expanded and spread throughout all of Counterlot and Ponyville, it destroyed all black crystals and freed all those who were under Sombra's mind control.

But, just like several hours before in the Crystal Empire where Sombra merely faked his demise and survived as a hardly noticeable puff of black mist, performed the same trick once again. As the girls believed they zapped the tyrant into oblivion just like last time, Sombra managed to send a part of himself away and luckily escaped the friendship death blast.

The puff of black mist flew and dashed outside of Counterlot castle and landed in the royal gardens. It took around a minute, but King Sombra managed to reform himself and slowly stand back up.

"No... They... They defeated me?... NO! NO! NO! THEY COULDN'T HAVE DEFEATED ME! THIS MUST BE A DREAM!" Denied the weakened king as he spoke to himself.

"How!? HOW!? I calculated everything perfectly! I was even able to defeat the lord of chaos himself! I will go back up there and- UGH!" Sombra groaned in pain as he collapsed on the ground from his extremely weakened state.

"No... No no no no no no no no no no no no no NO! I will not be defeated yet again by the power of LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP! I am King Sombra! It took the power of TWO alicorn princesses t defeat me in the first place! I am... I am King Sombra!" Yelled King Sombra, motivating himself into fighting against the weakness and pain as he stood back up into a more regal position.

"I am King Sombra! And I will destroy all who stand in my way! For I am the embodiment of hatred and fear! The lord of shadow! The prince of darkness! The rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire! And all those who DARE TO STAND AGAINST ME WILL COWER BEFORE MY-!"

"Hey! I think I heard something over there!" Spoke a voice from nearby as King Sombra looked over to hear galloping that got closer and closer. Sombra already knew it was the royal guard, already having their control from him eliminated, no doubt by that annoying blast of magic. But they are nothing but a bunch of mere royal guards, King Sombra will blast them into nothing once they show up!

Sombra attempted to charge his weakened horn with a surge of dark magic, but the dark energy immediately burned out. Leaving the horn completely vacant of power as Sombra looked back up at it in concern.

"AAAGH! It took everything I had just to escape that infernal bombardment! Those blasted ponies will pay for-!"

"Hey! I think the voice is coming from over here! We're getting closer!" Yelled a royal guard as the patrol of guards got closer and closer to Sombra's current position as Sombra looked over once more in worriment where the voices were coming from.

"Curses! I have got to stop talking to myself!" Growled Sombra to himself as he turned and started galloping away from his current position in the opposite direction of the castle and the royal guards.

The once infamous and feared King Sombra, has been reduced to nothing more then a nomadic wanderer of Equestria. After his failed attempt to retake the Crystal Empire and conquer the rest of Equestria, he was completely drained of magic. After escaping the frontal assault of the main six, Sombra was nearly destroyed. But he managed to survive, severely weakened but still alive. The dark unicorn had no other choice but to flee, to flee Canterlot and Ponyville in order to find a safe place to properly hide out and lick his wounds.

There was no way in Tarturus that he would ever return back to Grogar. His pride was already damaged enough, and the dark king would personally be blasted back into the aether then returning back to Grogar's hideout, and be mocked my an old goat, a withered centaur, a fallen queen, and a little pagusus filly. Much less even work with those pathetic fools.

King Sombra wandered the Equestrian country side for heaven only knows how long. Even after a few days or probably even weeks passed, his magic was still as weak and useless as it was when the main six foiled his evil plan yet again. If the dark king had to guess, he would say that it was yet another affect of the friendship magic the main six used against him. Perhaps forming some kind of block to his dark energy, preventing him form currently causing any more harm.

Sombra was wandering through a field of grain with tired red eyes and bags under his eyes. He as been currently wandering for five weeks now... Or was it three months? He's been alone and wandering for so long that he can't even remember how long he's been out there.

Even though any other pony would drop from exhaustion at this point, the ex-tyrant of the Crystal Empire was made out of tougher stuff. Or so he thought as he continued to wander through the field of grain.

"Okay, I should be getting closer to the next village by now..." Said Sombra as he just barely ignited his horn and pulled out a rolled up map. Unrolling it as he looked at the map in front of him while scratching his chin with one of his whooves. Thinking.

But before Sombra could open his mouth to speak outloud once more, the magic in his horn fizzled out once more as the aura around the floating map disappeared and fell to the ground.

"Grrr... And of course, still barely enough magic left in me to pick up a map." Growled Sombra to himself as he reached down with one of his whooves and held up the map. Looking at the next nearby village he would be coming across. He looked at the map that presented the village, then looked back up in the distance to see what appeared to be a village in the distance.

"Hphm! Walking to one tiny village shouldn't be too hard!" Sombra exclaimed to himself as he held his head high and rolled up his map before putting it away and once again, walking through the field of grain.

Sombra walked for what had to be over two hours before walking up as small hill. Sombra looked ahead of himself with a confident smile as he marched up the hill. He knew that right over this hill would be the village he was marching towards for the last two hours where he could get something to eat, something to drink, and if he was lucky, find a book of spells to find away to reverse whatever magic blocking condition he had. He was excited to think about what he would do once he got his powers back. One thing he knows he will do is enslave an entire army of creatures before returning to the Crystal Empire and Ponyville and separating the main six before destroying him. No more games. No more allowing his pride to make foolish decisions. Once he got his power back, none will stand in his way.

""Hahaha, that wasn't to hard..." As Sombra got over the hill and looked ahead with a smile... it immediately disappeared as he saw that the village he was walking towards was even farther in the distance then it was before.

"Are you kidding me!? How is that even possible?!" Roared King Sombra in anger as he growled while gazing into the distance. But he managed to calm himself and take a deep breath before moving along and continued walking.

"*Sigh*... No matter. I will get there soon enough. How far can it possibly be?" Asked King Sombra out loud, followed by a small laugh escaping his mouth before he continued walking.

Sombra, exhausted and tired walked up another hill as he looked ahead of himself. To see that the village was still there, miles into the distance.

"I swear, if this is some kind of practical joke by Discord... I will atomize him once I see him again..." Growled Sombra as he continued his march.

Sombra walked up yet another hill as he looked ahead... Only to see that the village was still in the distance.

"... ARE YOU KI-"

Sombra dragged himself on the ground with his front two hooves, finally making his way into the village. The exhausted and on the edge of death pony then pushed himself back up off the ground as he looked around with bloodshot red eyes and a semi-psychotic smile on his face.

"Ha! Hahaha! HA! There! I finally made it! Take THAT YOU BLASTED FIELD OF GRAIN! I BEAT YOU! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Laughed Sombra, pumping his hoofs into the air in success before actually getting a good look at the village he was in.

And just like that, Sombra's smile disappeared as he got a better look at the town. The houses were disintegrating and falling apart, windows were boarded up, the surrounding shops had boards covering the doors and windows of the shut down establishments, and a single tumbleweed blew through the town.

Sombra looked all over the town in fear and anguish, not seeing a single pony or a sign of life for miles as his frustration only grew greater and greater.

"Wha- What!? Oh no! No! No! No! No! Noooooooooooooooo!" Screamed Sombra in pure rage as he continued to scream to the sky and continue his tantrum.

"Noooooooooo! All I wanted was some food, some water, and enslave an entire town and brainwash them into being my dark army! Was that too much to ask!?" Yelled Sombra in anger.

"What are ya doing here!? Can't decent folk get some peace and quite!?" Sombra immediately stopped his whining as he looked over, only to meet a very old and possibly crazy pony eye to eye as the pony glared at him. Making the dark king jump back out of temporary shock.

"What is wrong with you!? You can't just jump out of nowhere and spook ponies like that! What's wrong with you!?" Yelled Sombra in frustration as he stood back up to face the old pony.

"Well, maybe if you weren't screaming and hollering like that and disturbing anypony... I wouldn't have to yell at you!" Retorted the old crazed pony as Sombra glared at the old pony and looked around the town once more.

"Disturbing who!? There's nopony around!" Yelled Sombra as he used his magic to pull out his map to show it to the old pony in front of him.

"This map told me this town would be hustling and bustling with ponies! Why is it suddenly a ghost town!?" Asked Sombra as the old pony gazed as the map as he scratched his chin with his hoof.

"Oh, see your problem right here is that this map was printed eighty years ago. This town was abandoned around sixty years ago. Sorry pal, but your outta luck." Stated the old pony with a shrug as Sombra looked back at the map with an furious glare. Managing to summon up enough dark magic from his horn to burn away the map in black fire. After the map burned away and Sombra's magic died out, he looked back over at the old pony.

"If this is just a ghost town, what are you doing here? Just to be a cliche creepy old pony to scare off any travelers?"Asked Sombra sarcastically as he moved his hoofs in quotation marks while rolling his eyes as the old pony started to walk away.

"Well, THAT and because every ghost town needs a tumbleweed salespony." Said the old pony as he walked up to a cart full of tumbleweeds. Picking one up and cackling madly before tossing it away and allowing the tumbleweed to blow in the wind. Sombra only staring at the display of madness and stupidity with an emotionless expression. Before suddenly growing angry and took an aggressive stance as his horn started to surge with dark magic.

"I have had just about enough off this FOOLISHNESS! First the neverending field! Then wandering to a ghost town! And now this! You will fear me old pony! And my new army of darkness will begin with you!" Yelled Sombra as he aimed his red horn at the old pony and attempted to fire a bolt of dark magic at him. Only for his horn to burn out once more, with only a few black specs of dark magic to fall from Sombra's horn and on the ground before burning out.

Sombra simply looked back up with a glare. But before he could speak or do anything else, the old pony dashed up to him and silently looked at the dark kings horn. As Sombra looked back with a strange look.

"What?"

The old pony simply grabbed Sombra's head and pulled him closer in order to get a better look at his horn.

"Get your filthy peasent hooves off my head before I cram all those tumbleweeds of your up your nose." Hissed Sombra as the old pony looked as Sombra's horn for another moment, before stopping and taking a few hoof steps back.

"Oh! I see what's wrong with ya! It seems like your havin' a little trouble focusing your magic." Concluded the old pony as Sombra glared at the old pony with an annoyed look.

"Brilliant deduction there... What's going to be your next extraordinary discovery? Fire is hot? Water is wet?" Growled Sombra in an extremely sarcastic tone.

"But luckily for you, I know where you can go to get that little problem of yours fixed!" Exclaimed the old pony. Sombra merely rolled his eyes as he decided to play along.

"Very well, and where is this place of miracle workers your talking about?" Asked Sombra.

The old pony lifted his hoof and pointed over at a mountain nearby covered by some greenery and several large jagged pieces of rock. "The Kirin. After becoming allies to the nation of Equestria, they have become known for their natural healing medicines and herbal tea. They have also been known to help out creatures who have been having trouble focusing their magic. If you wanna fix that little problem of yours, that's the place ya gotta go!"

Sombra simply looked at the old pony, and glanced back at the mountain he pointed to. Of course Sombra could just dismiss him as nothing more then a crazy old pony. But, he did read about the legendary Kirin when he was younger, and this area WAS the place where the Kirin were said to live. But, going there would still be better then just staying in a ghost town with a crazy old pony.

"Hmm... Very well old pony. I will seek out the Kirin and find the cure for my mysterious magic block. And once I get my powers back I will- Bgh!" Sombra was interrupted as the old pony stuffed a rolled up map in Sombra's mouth, stopping him mid sentence and stopping him from talking.

"If yar gonna go and seek the Kirin your gonna need a map to know exactly where your going. There's a lot of wilderness out there and it'll be easy to get lost of you don't know exactly where yar going." Uttered the old pony as Sombra reached for the map that was crammed in his mouth and pulling out, angrily unraveling it as he spoke to himself once more.

"Once I get my powers back I swear..." Sombra looked at the map to see exactly where he needed to go and where the Kirin village was. The words on the map were actually very skillfully well-written with the illustrations being artistically impressive. Sombra lifted an eyebrow with an impressed grunt before looking back up at the old pony.

"Hmm... Perhaps the old pony isn't as insane as I-..." But Sombra stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that the old pony cackling like a mad pony as he started tossing tumbleweeds out of his cart.

"They laughed at me! They ALL LAUGHED AT ME! They all called me crazy! Now look at me! Hahahahahaha!

"Nevermind." Said Sombra as he slowly started to back out of the ghost town before turning around and walking away.

It was later that night as Sombra started wandering through the dark woods. He held the map in front of him with his magic as sounds of the birds and insects of the night were all around him. He hated walking though the woods, he could remember back then when he was sitting on his massive throne years ago. Ruling over an Empire with an iron hoof and indulging in the best luxuries money could buy. But now, here he was. Wandering though the woods like some nomad.

"Ugh... I loath the woods... I hate the trees, I hate the cool fresh air, I hate that my hooves are starting to hurt, I hate the animals and their annoying notices, I hate the rocks, and I don't know how much longer I can complain." Growled the king outloud as he continued to inspect the map he held out on front of him with his magic.

"Hmm... According to this map, the village is only a few more- Ugh!" Sombra didn't even finish his sentence before tripping over a root and falling face first into a shallow body of water. Sombra stood back up as he brushed away the the dirty excess water that was in his fur and spat out the water that made it's way into his mouth.

As Sombra looked down, his eyes widened in disappointment as he telekinetically pulled up his wet map out of the water. "My map!"

Sombra uncrumpled the map as he attempted to read and memorize the rest of the route. But unfortunately for him, the illustrations and words on the map were smuged and unillegible thanks to the water.

"Just wonderful. Yea-No, that's just wonderful. No more map." Growled Sombra as he crumpled up the map and tossed it aside.

"Forget it, I'm sure I can find the village myself. It's not like things could get any worse." Said Sombra out of pure annoyance as he continued to walk through the forest. As he did, he felt several eyes peer down at him as he continued his solitary march.

But Sombra soon started to get angrier and more annoyed as the unknown predatory creatures behind him got closer and closer. And as Sombra stopped in his tracks and the creatures loomed over him, he turned around and roared as loud as he could. Baring his sharpened fangs and summoning what magic he could to enhance his aura and make him seem more intimidating.

The creatures immediately turned tail and ran away back into the dark forest as Sombra laughed to himself as he continued down the trail.

"Haha! Even without my magic, there is no creature in these woods that are more fearsome then I!" Stated Sombra pridefully outloud as he continued his walk. But only five minutes into his walking, he stopped in his tracks yet again as he got a weird feeling all over his body. Like several 'creatures' were on him and squirming around.

"What's that squirming? Is something on me?" Asked Sombra as he looked down to see that his legs and body were covered in leeches.

"LEECHES!? AAAHHH! AAAHHHH! AAAHHH!" Sombra started to panic and scream as he brushes his legs and body to get rid of the leeches.

After a little more (rolling on the ground and scraping his body against trees and boulders, he continued down the trail. While occasionally brushing his body to get rid of any unnoticed leeches. After brushing the rest of the bloodsucking parasites off his body, the ex-tyrant cursed under his breath as he continued his way down the trail. But as Sombra continued his semi-peaceful trek down the trail while thinking about when he regains his power he will raze every forest in Equestria to the ground and push the leech species into extinction... His stomach growled as he looked down.

Sombra hasn't eaten anything in a little while. Not packing any food, Sombra had no other choice then to look around for something to eat as he continued down the trail. Perhaps he would stumble across an apple tree or maybe some other fruit baring tree. As the king looked around the area, he stopped and looked down at something that was blocking his path.

It was a small rabbit sitting in the middle of the trail and holding a carrot. As the bunny was preparing to bite into it, Sombra gave an insidious smile as he used his magic to snatch up the carrot right as the bunny bit down into thin air. Sombra started to take a bite out of the carrot before looking back down at the rabbit that shook it's fist at him. Making several noises that were no doubt the bunny cursing him out.

"Hahaha! And what are you going to do about it, bunny? If you haven't noticed, I am far BIGGER then you... Consider yourself lucky that I didn't step on you..." Smiled Sombra as he swung his hoof and knocked the bunny aside before laughing and continuing his way down the trail. The bunny stood back up and gritted it's teeth at Sombra before turning around and walking away.

Sombra continued his walk down the trail as he finished up eating the carrot that he stole from the helpless bunny. As he swallowed the final morsal, he looked around to see that he ended up in a clearing of sorts. Looking up, he saw that he was standing in front of the jagged mountain that the old crazy pony pointed him to and claimed to be where the kirin were.

As Sombra continued to inspect the area, he found that there were several rock formations forming stairs that led up to what appeared to be an entrence with beautiful waterfalls all around it. In the moonlight, the waterfalls were beautiful. One could only imagine how beautiful it would be in the sunlight, in the daytime. Except Sombra only rolled his eyes at this thought. That wasn't beautiful. The only thing that would make THAT beautiful would be giant black crystals.

Sombra smiled at the thought as he took a hoof step forward, but before he could take another step he saw from the bottom corner of his eye that something was blocking his path. Looking down he saw the same rabbit from before standing in front of Sombra with an angry look in it's eye and it's forelegs crossed.

"Hahaha, it's just you. So what do you want? Have you come so I could steal more of your carrots? If not, step to the side. Or I will not hesitate to stomp on you..." Threatened Sombra with an evil smile as the bunny held it's fist out and started chirping outloud. King Sombra looked in confusion, but as he did he heard the scampering of tiny feet, wing beats, and hooves from all around him as Sombra looked all around him. Only to see that dozens of woodland creatures surrounded him. Dozens of squirrels, ferrets, birds, rabbits, deer, and more.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh no! Herbivores! I am SO SCARED!" Exclaimed King Sombra as he continued to laugh to himself, nearly having a heart attack from his insensate laughter. But suddenly out of nowhere, the woodland creatures started lunging out and viciously attacking him.

"AHHH! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! GET OFF OF ME! I COMMAND YOU! OBEY THE KING! AAAAHHH! GET OFF OF ME! YOU STUPID! ANIMALS!" Screamed Sombra in agony as the comedic scene of Sombra getting viciously attacked by harmless woodland creatures only got worse and worse. For him, anyway.

Sombra thrashed here and there as he tried to get all the bloodthirsty forest creatures off of him as he stumbled around the area and fight off the cute and harmless creatures all throughout the night.

The sunlight shined through the windows and openings of the shoddily built shack. The dark unicorn known as King Sombra was lying face up on a bed with a blue sheet covering his lower body and acupuncture needles covering Sombra's head, face, and the rest of his body. Along with several bite and scratch marks from multiple animal species all over his body.

The sunlight shined on Sombra's sleeping form, causing Sombra to stir and growl. The dark king started to return to consciousness as he slowly started to open his eyes. As he slowly opened up his eyes, he looked around the new location he was in. Even though he was groggy, he still saw that he was no longer in the woods any more. But instead some old shack, he growled and closed his eyes as he just noticed that the sun was shining right in his eyes.

But as he was about to push himself up from the bed, he noticed a shadow appeared over him. Looking up he saw the face of a smiling pony-like creature hovering over him with one of the biggest smiles he's ever seen in his life. About as big and shining as the sun itself. He hated it, but that brief millisecond of hate was quickly replaced by shock that somepony was standing over his sleeping form.

"AAAAHHHH!"

"*Gasp* Hi there! I mean- Good morning sleepy head! I found you passed out in the woods nearby while I was collecting herbs and other plants for medicine and tea so I brought you back to my home and saw that you were all banged up. So I decided you needed a good old session of acupuncture. So why are you here? Are you hungry? Reflective? Thirsty? I mean-Oh! Just look at me going on and on and- So are you a unicorn? 'Cause not many other unicorns have crimson sharp horns like that! That coo- OH! And I just love your mane it's so floowy and dark and I have SO MANY QUESTIONS and I-Oh I almost forgot! Drink this!" The Kirin spoke so fast Sombra laid there in the bed, dumbfounded by how fast the kirin talked that he just noticed that she was holding something up to him. He looked down to see a cup filled with... some kind of medicine he assumed. Or maybe she was just crazy and was trying to poison him. Either way, it smelt repulsive.

"Ha... Yeah, like I'm going to drink-Blaaaa...." The Kirin simply removed one acupuncture needle on Sombra's face and stuck it on another side of his face. Making Sombra loose muscle control around his mouth as it opened up, allowing the Kirin to simply toss the foul tasting medicine down Sombra's throat before pulling the pin back out.

"Oh, sorry about that! It's just a little medicine to help with the healing process. Anyway, hi my name is Autumn Blaze and do you mind if I ask what you were doing out in the middle of the woods because normally ponies or other creatures don't hang out in the middle of the woods (unless their not sentient like rabbits, birds, or squirrels). But you are a pony and you were in the middle of the woods, so can I ask you why you were in the middle of the woods and why are you covered in bite marks? And why is your horn red? And why does your main flow like that? And why-Hhm!" Autumn Blaze was silenced as Sombra placed his hoof over Autumn's mouth.

"Now. I am going to remove my hoof. And when I do, I want you to talk SLOWLY and in an UNDERSTANDING TONE... DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" Asked Sombra in a slow and intimidating voice as Autumn Blaze nodded.

"Mm-Hm..." Vocalized Autumn Blaze as Sombra removed his hoof, allowing a moment of silence to pass through the cottage.

"First, what is this place? Why have you taken me in? And are you one of those... Kirin?" Asked Sombra as he pulled a needle out of his head.

"Haha! Well duh! I'm a Kirin! This place is my lovely cottage and I took you in because you you seemed in pretty bad condition out there! So, what brings you around here?" Asked Autumn, still possessing a huge smile on her lips as Sombra just glared back at her with suspicion.

"So then, if your really a Kirin, Is it true that your all healers like ponies say?"

"I mean, I already treated you for your wounds. So of course! But there's no need to rush!" Said Autumn Blaze as she quickly dashed away and came back a millisecond later, carrying a coffee pot in one hoof and two coffee cups in the other hoof. Quickly pouring the coffee in the two cups before handing one to Sombra and placing the coffee pot on the side before taking a sip.

"I thought it would be cool if we got to know each other! I mean, I never seen a unicorn like you before (I mean I never saw a unicorn in general) but I didn't know they were as grim and serious-looking like you. So, who are you? Where did you come from? Why are your teeth so pointy? Do all unicorns have pointed teeth? What's your-"

"ENOUGH!" Yelled Sombra in a semi-demonic voice that made the Kirin stop talking and give a look of fright. Sombra silently placed his hoof on his head and began to rub one of his temples.

'*Sigh*... Alright Sombra, look... You don't have any powers, from what I've seen she currently she doesn't know who you truly are... And you CANNOT risk being exposed again. I cannot risk being taken down in this vulnerable state... Play nice until she can reverse this magic block...' Thought Sombra to himself silently. Sombra then lowered his hoof and looked back at Autumn Blaze.

"...Can you just tell me if you Kirin are healers like I heard about?" Asked Sombra in the nicest tone of voice he could muster up.

"Yeah, sure. Is there something wrong with you?" Asked Autumn in a concerned voice as she stood up and walked over to Sombra.

"After an... Altercation I've had with other magical forces, I can't focus magic through my horn like before" Said Sombra as he pointed to his horn. Autumn tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow before gently grabbing Sombra's head and pulling him closer to get a better look.

"Hmm... I'm not sure what the problem is yet... Try focusing some magic." Stated Autumn before letting go of Sombra and taking a few hoof steps back.

Sombra did as the Kirin asked and struggled to simply perform a simple levitation spell. But only three seconds in, his horn lost power. Only a few sparks of magic fell from his horn. Sombra looked back up at Autumn to see that she was scratching her chin with a thoughtful look on her face. She remained that way for several more seconds before lowering her hoof and looking back at Sombra with a smile.

"So, can you fix it?" Asked Sombra with a hopeful tone in his voice.

"Yeah, don't worry. It can happen to Kirin too if we use up too much power at once. The good news is, I can fix it!" Exclaimed Autumn with a smile as Sombra cocked his eyebrow with a suspicious look.

"And the bad news?..."

"It's gonna take a little while to make the cure." Said Autumn Blaze with a nervous smile on the mare's face as Sombra face hoofed himself. Sliding his hoof down his face, the king let out a groan of annoyance before speaking.

"*Sigh*... Very well... I can be patient..." Uttered Sombra as Autumn Blaze walked up to the unicorn yet again.

"Actually, come to think of it... I never got your name. So... What's your name?" Asked Autumn Blaze looking up at the tall stallion in front of her. Sombra merely looked down at the Kirin in front of him with a look of discontentment on his face.

"You may refer to me as, King Sombra!" Stated Sombra with pride as he held his chin up in a snobbish manner.

"Ohh! Your a KING!? That is so COOL! What Kingdom do you rule? Tell me everything! I never met a king before!" Said Autumn excitedly as she held her hooves together with a big smile on her face and moved up and down in place. Each movement followed by a cute squeaking sound.

Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!

"For I, King Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire and is the most powerful, skilled, and intelligent unicorn to ever live! But alas... My position was overthrown by those infernal..." Sombra stopped and glanced over at the excited Autumn Blaze.

Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!

"Stop that."

Squeak! Squeak! Sque-...

"Now where was I? Oh right. I was overthrown by that infernal pink alicorn, that annoying white unicorn, and that worthless purple alicorn and her friends..." Growled Sombra as Autumn Blaze had a sympathetic expression on her face.

"That sounds horrible. I'm sorry that happened to you, but maybe when you get your magic back you can overthrow those tyrants!" Exclaimed Autumn Blaze with a huge smile on her face and swung one of her front legs.

Sombra merely rolled his eyes and waved one of his front hooves, dismissing the comment.

"Yeah, yeah... Overthrow those tyrants or whatever... Now, when can you get started on that elixir of yours?"

"I actually have to go out and get some ingredients first." Said Autumn Blaze as she looked over at the door and opened it with her telekinesis, before looking back at Sombra.

"So, what are you waiting for? Come on, we can talk on the way! I wanna get to know you better, your majesty." Said Autumn as she playfully bowed with a giggle. Sombra looked back with an annoyed expression.

"I'm sure your more then capable of getting the ingredients YOURSELF... Why would you want me?" Asked Sombra was he rolled his eyes.

"Well, because we're friends. Duh!" Stated Autumn as Sombra started to laugh at the statement.

"Hahahahahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHA... Um, NO. We are not friends. You are a healer to me, just someone to cure my ailments. Besides, I don't need friends." Clarified Sombra with a dead serious expression.

"Come on now, everyone needs at least one friend. And who says we aren't friends? I see you as my friend." Said Autumn with a big smile on her face as she and Sombra awkwardly stared at each other for a few more seconds.

"*Sigh*, fine I will come with you... Just no friendship speeches. I'm already aching enough for today..." Gave in Sombra as he walked to the door and Autumn Blaze.

"I'll do my best, your majesty." Said Autumn Blaze as she playfully bowed and giggled as an annoyed Sombra passed by. Soon the two walked out the door and down the path leading into the woods.

But instead of walking down the path like Sombra expected, the Kirin suddenly stopped and grabbed hold of Sombra as she looked over at the rising sun beyond the cliff.

"Oh! Oh! Wait! You gotta see this real quick! It's beautiful!" Exclaimed Autumn Blaze as she grabbed Sombra by his hoof and without even having enough time to process what's going on, the Kirin dragged the unicorn to the cliffs edge.

"Oh my goodness... Isn't it beautiful?" Asked Autumn Blaze as she pointed at the sun rise with her hoof as Sombra stared on with an annoyed and bored expression on his face. Sombra remained silent as Autumn continued to take in the gorgeous sun rise.

"I absolutely love sun rises... To see the source of all life and heat in the world to rise above our heads and cast warmth and light throughout the land with it's benevolent gaze. To show the true beauty of the world around us and show how the sea, the land, the sky, the plant life, and all of us are connected and show that none of us are truly ever alone. To show that we are all connected in one way or another." Autumn stated as she looked over at Sombra with a big smile on her face as Sombra merely gazed back at her with a emotionless expression on his face.

"What could be better then sun rises anyway?" Asked Autumn as Sombra turned to her with a massive frown on his face.

"Being DEAD. Or anything else..." Growled Sombra as Autumn looked at him with a surprised expression, before rubbing the back of her head and laughing to herself.

"Oh, hehe. Yeah, I guess not everypony likes poetry or sun rises. But that's cool. Let's get going." Stated Autumn as she turned around and walked away from the cliff. Sombra doing the same as he walked right next to her.

The two walked down the path and through the woods as the two remained silent the entire time. Sombra glanced at the mare next to him and looked at her with annoyance.

'How could one mare have that much energy and be that annoying? And should I really take her seriously as a healer? What professional healer acts so much like a hyperactive child? *Sigh* Nevermind, just bare with it until she fixes you, and then... Nothing will stand in your way. Yet, I must respect her boundless enthusiasm... To a degree...' Thought Sombra to himself as an evil smile crept onto his face.

"So, Sombra, can I ask you something?" Asked Autumn as she turned to the annoyed king to her right.

"What?"

"How did you get your main like that? It's wavy and black and it moves on it's own, I LOVE it! What's your secret?" Asked an enthusiastic Autumn Blaze as Sombra groans in annoyance.

"This is going to be a long day..."