The Lesser Evil

by DarthVendar

Rating: teen
Tags: Radiant Hope, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Original Character, King Sombra, Adventure, Violence
Length: 4220

Equestria at war 2020 writing contest submission. Sometimes

It is the Dawn of a new age, The Crystal Empire has flourished under Equestrian stewardship, However a grave threat is on the horizon preparing to plunge the Equestrian continent in total war. An opportunity to change the fate of The Empire arises, but can one pony really change destiny. Can one stallion change the tide of the oncoming war. In a decision of death or dishonor is it worth fighting for a future if it means trading one tyrant for another? Can a choice be made for the lesser of two evils?

Submission for the Equestria at War writing competition 2020

cover art from soursketches on deviant art

Published 2020-04-06 06:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-04-06 06:10:01 UTC

The final plans of revolution

Radiant Hope was in a truly unenviable position. As the leading mastermind of an uprising she found herself responsible for a mountain of work to juggle. Governors, militias and nobles needed to be swayed to gain control of necessary provinces. Commanding officers needed to be recruited without alerting the equestrian controlled government of their defection. On top of that Radiant had to perform a balancing game among a collection of like minded groups that were providing political, social, or economic support. The Dark Cultists practically worshipped Sombra and were readily recruited but their end goals were dark, morbid and ran counter to what she wished. While readily willing to help the group of black magic users held little sway politically or in the military. The Monarchists on the other hand held far more sway with both loyal forces and political sway. The Old traditionalists viewed Cadence as an unrightful ruler with no real tangible claim to the throne. While they didn’t like Sombra particularly either he did have a claim by conquest and expanded the empire greatly during his reign. While difficult to sway, they were of a similar mind with Radiant Hope’s ultimate goal. They knew with the coming war with the changelings the Crystal Empire needed a strong independent leader. They were an unstable but immensely valuable piece of the puzzle. Among the crystal guard there was a group of nationalist sympathizers spread out amongst the various militias and divisions. Getting them together and recruiting more was a chore unto itself. Last but not least Dust Snowfall and his group of loyal misfits. Dust was a dreamer who viewed sombra’s reign full of glory, obviously he and Radiant Hope worked incredibly well together.

Snowfall had proven himself incredibly useful; he focused on the hard work of attempting to bring Sombra back while she worked to get the other components of this uprising working. Secrecy was of the utmost concern for making it all work as Cadence launched anti sombra propaganda and would mass arrest vocal dissonance. However, the counterary had also been true, Sakira the romantic patriot, constantly would go against orders and try to recruit new members despite the threat of active guards searching for Sombra sympathizers. This should have gotten her arrested or at worse gotten the entire operation undermined and ended everything before it even began. Instead though Sakira had recruited a very plain pony by the name of Blank Page. The stallion very honestly should have lived a very normal life and have no impact on the wider world, instead he was the very reason that Radiant Hope had the Dark heart sitting on her planning table. Soon this would all be over, merely the pieces needed to be in their final place.

A loud knocking echoed in the old fort that made up Radiant’s base of operation. Had the Equestrians found them? They were so close to achieving their goal, they couldn’t take any risks. The Cultists guards scrambled about grabbing weapons, hiding the dark heart away, and preparing to evacuate her at a moments notice. The Guard at the front gate opened the peep slot cautiously before giving the all clear. “It’s August Reins!” he shouted out. A collective sigh went through the group and Radiant let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “Let him in,'' she replied as she attempted to cool her nerves. August Reins was an old noble and was her contact within the Monarchists. As the steel doors opened the stallion marched into the room holding himself in a very proper and dignified manner. August was as grey as iron and a similarly fortified personality. The old military commander was often called too stubborn to die and had lived through the reigns of 4 different monarchs having his first command pre Princess Amore. With his bushy ash colored moustache and eyebrows and his old military uniform on him at all times there were few more recognizable stallion’s in the empire. “Radiant Hope, I apologize for my unannounced visit, but I needed to have a word with you.” The stallion gruffed before giving a side eyed glare to the cultists around them. “Alone…” he added. The various cultists looked nervous about leaving her with him but they obeyed as she gestured them away.
As the last of the hooded ponies made their way out Radiant turned to the stallion already dreading what new arrangement needed to be made. “August, to what do I owe the... pleasure of seeing you again at this hour?” She asked, attempting to get the whole situation over with already. “Radiant Hope, I hope you take the fact that I have come here, at the 12th hour, as a sign of how seriously I and many of my compatriots take your plan.” He said his voice stoic and face stone except for the occasional twitch of his bushy moustache. “Thank you, I'm flattered. However, I doubt that you came all this way to compliment me this close to the final days. What is it you are really here for?” she asked sick of all these word and mind games these stallions played.
August let out a sigh, a truly surprising action, the first peek beyond the emotional iron curtain he seemed to constantly carry. “Radiant Hope, what you have done is no less than extraordinary, let me make that clear. Many of my compatriots were of the opinion that you would not succeed at all, yet here we are. Some are nervous, others outright scared. I will secure their loyalties and ensure that you get what you need, However, I need a guarantee.”

“A guarantee of what exactly? That it’ll work? August I don't begin something with the idea it will fail.”

“No of course not.” He interjected. “I need a Guarantee that you will give us a king, and not a feral animal.”

Radiant paused for a moment. “He isn’t a feral animal... He was in isolation trapped in the ice for a thousand years. A normal pony will go mad after a few months of solitary confinement… What would a thousand years do to even the most refined and eloquent of ponies?”

“The mind shudders…” the old stallion said with a twitch of his moustache.

“I can heal his mind.” Radiant continued. “I have crafted the spell purposefully for him. I know it will-” Suddenly the pair were interrupted as the door slammed open. Red Peyote was leading the charge closely followed by Sakira Bluebell, with Dust Snowfall and lake carrying Blank Page with a small heard of frantic cultists chasing after them

“Radiant! Radiant! You have to help him!” Sakira shouted as the truly awe inspiring chaos paraded towards Radiant Hope. August moved out of the way with an annoyed shake of burly stache as the group of ponies brought Blank Page onto the table. The plain looking stallion who had made all the difference looked to be a breath away from death and coughing blood.

“What happened to him?” Radiant asked in shock. “I thought you two were getting better after your plunge into the ice?” she turned to Sakira Bluebelle who seemed no worse for wear.
“We were! Or… I thought we were.” Sakira said, looking at Page annoyed and scared. “Well I was, and he insisted that he was fine, that the cough was nothing!”

“I didn’t want you to worry, my love.” he coughed out. Sakira berated him with light slaps while Radiant rolled her eyes. Oh young love. With a deep breath She casted a healing spell on the stallion. It became immediately obvious something was wrong as the spell worked its way through his body. While her healing magic purged any infection from his body something else pushed and roiled against her will. A black magic curse pulsed at his very core. No matter how much effort she put into healing his body the black magic refused to be purged like a parasite digging ever deeper it’s host. Blank Page cried out in pain as she released the spell fearful of causing anymore unintentional damage.

Radiant had dealt with black magic before but this curse was wild and untamed compared to what she had dealt with. “I-i’m sorry…. I, uh, cured the disease, but there is a curse embedded deep inside him… it was probably a last defense for the dark crystal in the lake… There’s nothing i can do.”

“What!? You are the greatest medical magic user in the world and an expert on black magic to boot!” Sakira blanched.

“It’s a powerful curse that has dug in deep. He has a day, maybe two… If I tried to wrench it from him it would kill him for sure…”

Sakira cried out wrapping her hooves around the dying stallion “NOOO!”

“I’m sorry…”

“After everything we’ve done It just… ends like this?! Before he can see it through?”

He wrapped his hooves around her. “At least your dream will come true.”

Radiant stood staring at the lovers embrace. Memories and dreams of long ago filled her mind. Radiant cursed under her breath. “August… how difficult would it be to move up our plans, to say… tomorrow?”

The veteran Stallion huffed up “Radiant Hope! Of all the inexcusable, irresponsible, irrhensible things you can ask! To suddenly move forward the entire table events with no prior warning or thought! Utter balderdash!” His voice boomed out like a cannon. “I’ll have it done within 30 minutes of arriving back at my estate.” he said, calmly pulling an emotional 180 with a wry smile.

Limbo

Blank Page felt like he was being held to reality by the thinnest of threads. Everything felt like a fever dream the only thing he felt was for sure real was clutched tight to his chest. His brown ragged cloak obscured his body and cargo. He dare not loosen his grip on the precious item for fear of breaking or losing it in his delirious state. Therefore he wobbled his way on three legs through the crowd around the viewing area for the crystal heart. Sakira was pressed against his side comforting him and holding him up when his coughing fits grew too strong. He knew he should be resting and attempting to find comfort in his last hours. However he had done so much already, he had to see it through. Sakira guided him to his position in front of a pair of guards, with a quick kiss on his cheek she left to go to her place as well. The whole thing had to work like a clock, each player a gear, and all the gears needed to be in position and perform their duties to the letter. The gong of the palace clock signaling the afternoon hour was the que, Page couldn’t be quite sure which hour it was anymore. The air shaked and vibrated as one of the most important hours was announced to the world. The pair Guard’s in front of Blank Page nodded and moved aside to let him pass. A pair of guards to the far left were attacked by Dust Snowfall and Sakira, while another pair to the right were distracted by a barreling Red Peyote. Blank Page took each step realizing the history he was making. The crowd was far too distracted to see him approaching the crystal heart, It was unaware of the significance of what he held in his hooves. Unwrapping the Dark heart from under the earthy cloak, he knew he was changing the fate of the world and focused with grim determination on what may very well be the last act of his life. Blank Page felt time slow down every breath seemed to take an eternity as he forced the dark heart into position. The sky above the city turned into a storm circling the palace plaza the black clouds filled with lightning as if nature itself was attempting to stop their plans and strike him down. In a brilliant white flash a thunderbolt slammed into the frail Stallion. Blank Page ceased to exist in the world around him as all the life and color of existence was swapped out for a void that stretched for all eternity.

Limbo was an existence that in many regards was worse then the hellscape of tartarus it was absolutely nothing. Existing in the nothingness was akin to lighting a match in a fridge. The energy of existence being pulled away from its source and divided evenly over an infinite amount of space until it all balanced out. Here Blank Page found himself not entirely alone, before him a black sludge of remnants giggled to itself. ”Wobbly” it giggled to itself unaware of the new arrival.

“Hello?” Blank page managed to croak out before another coughing fit took him. He had to watch in abject horror as his body convulsed, coughing uncontrollably as the thing stood up and faced him. Sombra king of all monsters couldn’t honestly be called a pony anymore, being blown to smithereens twice had taken its toll. Barely an outline of what he once was, he was a black sludge only identifiable by color, horn shape and purple smoke filled eyes. His degradation was so great even a good portion of his skull appeared to be missing. Blank Page felt his stomach churn and despair fill his soul. “No, no no no no no! You were supposed to save us! There… There’s almost none of you left! How… How are we supposed to bring you back?”

“Back… Me? But of course. But how are you supposed to bring me back? You are barely alive as it is. “ Sombra said, seemingly somewhat aware of the situation. “Perhaps if we had some sssssstairs… no that wouldn’t work. There is only enough power between us to bring only one pony back…”

Blank Page cradled his face in his hooves. Why was he doing this, if it had been anyone else they would have made this work? By entrusting him to finish the Job he started he had failed them all.

“That’s it!” Sombra shouted triumphant. “Only one pony can come back. Servant!, I need your body, so little of mine remains. I need your tongue, I am so hungry. Most importantly I need your mind, I only have half.” Sombra Laughed to himself manically.

Blank Page held back for a moment. “Okay, but you have to promise… to protect the empire.”

“No enemy shall ever step into the crystal city ever again. I can promise you that.” Sombra spoke his voice now far more lucid. The mad king outstretched his hoof and Blank page willingly took it.

Radiant Hope peered over the crowd staring at the crater made by the lightning. There was so much commotion before but now it was as if the whole world was holding its breath. Slowly the pony in the epicenter stood tall and let the brown hood of the cloak drop revealing the dark features of King Sombra himself. With a voice that shook the heavens Sombra shouted into the sky. “Spiritis! Vis! Imperium!” He was back. Her king, her childhood friend, her love was back at last. Black magic from the surrounding fields poured into the city, empowering Sombra even more, bending many of the ponies in the city briefly to his will. Today was the last day of the reign of Princess Cadence.

Betrayal

General Falafel moved quickly with the royal honor guard following the royals as they grabbed Flurry Heart and any other notable valuables. “Your highnesses, we need to move now.”

“I know General, I know.” Shining said as he grabbed one last photo. “Is the Throne room still secure?”

“For now, my Prince but the Palace has fallen utterly, we will have to take the evacuation route behind the throne.” Falafel Answered as he ushered the royal family forward. Cadence was cooing softly to Flurry to keep her calm when they finally entered the throne room. Another group of royal guards entered from one of the side entrances before barricading the door behind them.

“Sunburst has been captured! I swear they were able to track him!” one of the guards shouted. The grim idea sent shudders down the royal couple; this was the worst of all possible situations. Falafel and his soldiers pulled the mechanisms with great effort to unseal the throne and access the doorway behind it. With a grinding creak the throne slid open to reveal a group of ponies already behind it. August Reigns and a group of soldiers dressed in old uniforms blocked their exit. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Consort Shining Armor, You are under arrest in the name of the crown as pretenders to the throne!”

“August, you traitor! How dare you do this!? Sell out your own country to a mad pony!” Shining said aghast.

“I am saving this country from you, and your puppet master back in Equestria.” August proclaimed his serious face revealing nothing. As the soldiers moved towards the royals Cadences horn lit up as she slammed the throne shut.

“Okay, New Plan! Now what?” Shining clearly unnerved about the idea of being trapped and surrounded by traitors and Mobs of brainwashed ponies.

“We can use the passage just beneath us, there’s a work elevator down into the mines beneath the city. It’s a maze down there but there are multiple exits outside of the city.” Deimos Falafel said confidently. “It’s a long shot but it’s our best bet. However your highness once you two open the passage we are going to need to do something drastic. If what they say is true and the enemy can track your magic signatures, I’ll need all three of you to put on inhibitors…”
There was some obvious discomfort in the idea of making themselves powerless, but the pair nodded in agreement nonetheless.

The group resealed the throne room and walked down the massive stairs to freedom hopefully. As they climbed down, Shining and Cadence put the Inhibitors on their horns and flurry’s as well. It was an unenviable task but any chance for safety would be worth it. The elevator had been a new addition as they had remodeled and modernized the palace. It was very simple but had helped move literal tons of materials and easily held the entire group. By now Flurry had become distressed moving through the dark and with an inhibitor on she didn't understand what was going on and it took all of cadences attention to keep her quiet. Shining armor stared forward feeling confident that no matter what happened his loyal general and bodyguard would protect him and his family. The doors opened and the purple and green eyes of sombra stared back into his own. In a flash both he and his wife were held in place by the king's foul magic, and Deimos Falafel most trusted of all of Shining’s soldiers bowed to his king. “As promised my King. Delivered upon a silver plate. May you reign eternal.” Carefully Sombra pulled Flurry Heart to him and held her in his hooves examining her. “Take them to the dungeon.” He simply ordered taking Flurry away while Shining Armor could do nothing. Frozen in place he had no voice, but he must scream.

The Fate of Mi Amore Candenza

It had been a week, a week of tears, fear and worry. Not once had they seen any sign of Flurry Heart and none of their plees had been answered. When at last they were forced into a prisoner’s carriage it had almost been a blessing, anything was better than not knowing. When the ride finally came to an end they silently embraced. They didn’t know what would happen next but they would face it together. The doors opened suddenly, the outside world was a monotonous shade of off-white, fog clung to everything like a spider's web. “OUT!” The guard called out forcibly. Cadence put on a brave face as she was marched out, Shining followed slowly feeling far less sure. He saw his entire life flash before his life all his failures and all that he could have done to stop this mess. The Guard prodded his back with the barrel of his gun. “Move!” Shining complied, moving beside his wife. to their left a line of soldiers stretched out ahead into the mist their guns at rest. To the right the opening of a bridge, to where Shining could not say. Deimos Falafel stood at the opening of the bridge to greet them. “I hope your stay has been comfortable.” the newly promoted Field Marshal said with a smile.

Shining felt rage boil inside of him. “What happened, why are we here, where is my daughter!? Answer me you traitor!”

Deimos smiled “What happened is the civil war is over. The Nation is now under proper leadership, and now we are tying up the last loose end. Your fate is across this bridge. If you run or turn back, you will die. I’d hate to have Equestrian Royal blood on my hooves.”

Shining wanted to spit in his face but the sound of guns being chambered and aimed relieved him of that thought.

“Shining… We need to go…” Cadence said pressing her side against him.

Slowly they walked across the fog covered bridge a firing squad behind them and the unknown ahead. Shining armor pressed close against his wife whatever horror awaited them, they would go together. One way or another they would be together. The fog engulfed their entire world with only the railings on either side. “Are we really going to just let them take Flurry Heart from us like this? Abandon our only child in the hooves of that maniac?!”

“We can’t help her if we are dead. We have to trust that we can save her. That we will face whatever awaits us, that we will survive, that we can get to twilight and rescue our daughter. That’s all we can do…” Cadence replied, tears streaming down her face. Shining Armor didn’t know how to feel about any of this, but he pushed on silently. All that mattered was the task ahead.

After what felt like ages of slowly walking a figure slowly appeared from within the fog. Radiant Hope sat staring into the abyss holding something in her fore hooves. “Ah you're here at last. Almost done, and I bring a gift to see you off.”

Cadence knew the mare, so vocal about sombra before seemingly disappearing off the face of the Earth. No doubt she had been the cause of the whole affair. “You!” she said accusingly as she approached, but whatever words were to follow stuck in her throat. In the purple mare’s hooves lay Flurry Heart swaddled tightly and seemingly perfectly fine. There was no fuss as the mare who set out to bring Sombra back to life willingly gave Flurry Heart back to her Parents. Cadence held her child protectively as Radiant Turned to leave.

“Now i would love to stay and chat, but i must be off to see a King about a seamstress.” Radiant left them heading back into the dense fog and leaving the family united once more. Together the royal family walked onwards till suddenly the fog lifted revealing Equestria on the other side of the bridge. Celestia, Twilight, the elements of harmony and no less than a division of Equestria’s finest soldiers greeted them. As Twilight catapulted herself to holding her Brother close, Shining could only think to ask why. Why had Sombra let them go, Why go through all the effort to over through them and then release them safe and sound? Why?

“Why?”

Sombra Turned to Radiant Hope as the seamstress did her duties. “Now that is a question I didn't imagine you asking, of all ponies. I thought you wanted this to happen, with the least amount of bloodshed and all.”

“That’s true, and i’m not saying i’m not grateful that you are back to your old, TRUE self, but i still want to know your reasoning.”

Sombra chuckled truly he doubted he was any form of old self. While he was no doubt Sombra, his being was a collection of thoughts and reasoning of two very different frames of mind. With blank page’s influence no doubt the logic of Egoistic Altruism spoke true. The ideal of serving his people but enforcing his will with an iron gauntlet felt more right than ever. Times had changed and so must he, if he was to thrive anyways. “The lesser of two evils my dear. With the return of the royal family they won’t be able to make any move against us. Like a hydra arguing amongst it’s heads they will be unable and unwilling to attempt to reconquer the crystal empire. Equestria has been a thorn in my side for millenia, but Chrysalis is a megalomaniac to put me to shame. She only cares for her changelings, and even if she did ally with us to destroy Equestria we would merely be putting our head on the chopping block. In the end, we must ally ourselves with the evil we know, then the one we don’t.”