Not knowing what had become of the Main Six just quite yet, Spike ran to Ponyvile to get help. The young dragon managed to run into Spitfire, Soarin, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon.

“Spike? What’s the big rush?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“It’s Sombra.” Spike said.

“Kind of late to the party there; just got word the main six beat him at the Crystal Empire.” Spitfire said.

“That’s what we thought to but he came back and destroyed the Elements of Harmony and captured Twilight and the others.” Spike said.

“That’s not good.” Scootaloo said.

“We gotta find a place to hide and plan.” Apple Bloom said.

“There’s a cave nearby, we could head there.” Diamond Tiara said.

“Not a bad idea.” Sweetie Belle said.

“We don’t got a lot of time to argue; who knows what Sombra is doing to Princess Twilight and the other elements.” Silver Spoon said.

“She’s right, we better get in and quick!” Soarin said. The group headed into the nearby cave.

Meanwhile, Sombra had finished brainwashing the Main 6. Smiling he released them from his trap and approached Twilight.

“Even brainwashed, your eyes are still beautiful, Twilight Sparkle.” Sombra said.

“Thank you, King Sombra.” Twilight said.

“Now Twilight, don’t you remember that you don’t have to address me by my title?” Sombra asked. “You are going to be my Queen after all.” He added.

“My apologies, I must have forgotten briefly.” Twilight said.

“And don’t worry, your friends are still your friends, they are just generals in my new army. And they don’t have to address either of us by title. After all, your friends are my friends.” Sombra said.

“Hey Sombra, got a question for you.” Rainbow Dash spoke up. Sombra blinked. Funny, he believed their free will to be totally gone.

“Do enlighten me, Rainbow Dash.” Sombra said.

“Once you’ve finished taking over Equestria are you going to create your own flying stunt team akin to the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow Dash asked. Sombra blinked. It honestly hadn’t crossed his mind but he did have to give credit where it was due: The Wonderbolts we’re not only military fliers, but also stunt fliers too. And considering Rainbow Dash is amongst their numbers, and how she handled herself, he had to admit the thought of a similar team to his name was now making a lot of sense.

“Not a bad idea. Hope you wouldn’t mind if a couple of Wonderbolts were brainwashed into joining it.” Sombra said. Perhaps the brainwashing kept their personalities intact.

“Not at all. I was asking because I was hoping I could join up.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Rainbow Dash, I promise you, you’ll be amongst the elites of the new team. Given you’ve already made it into the Wonderbolts Proper, making you part of the initial Shadowbolts Team is a given.” Sombra said.

“Shadowbolts, I remember those.” Twilight said. “When Luna was possessed by the nightmare, she created Shadowbolt illusions to try and trick Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. That proved it for Sombra: Their main personalities and memories remained untouched.

“Didn’t know she was a fan of the crystal ponies I made into the original Shadowbolt team.” Sombra said.

“Wait you created the Shadowbolts?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Guessing someone didn’t know originally.” Sombra said.

“Woo! I can throw a Shadowbolt Recreation Party!” Pinkie Pie said, throwing around confetti that seemingly came from nowhere.

“Trust me Sombra, the sooner you stop questioning Pinkie Pie, the better off your sanity is going to be.” Twilight said. Sombra sweat dropped. He knew that if Twilight; the smartest mare he knew; was saying something like that, it had to be true.

“But more importantly, we better go find Spike.” Fluttershy said.

“The currently infant Dragon? Heh…fool doesn’t even realize I’ve been using my Shadow Magic to track him the entire time.” Sombra said. Twilight hugged Sombra lovingly.

“Then let’s not waste any time; me and my friends will go with you to watch you brainwash Spike and everyone with him.” Twilight said.

“That was the plan anyways.” Sombra said, leaning into the hug. This felt nice. Sure there was some brainwashing done with Twilight to force her to love him, but Sombra had to admit it that this was working to his benefit. Still, something didn’t feel complete yet. He’d figure it out later.

Back with Spike and his group, they managed to enter the cave. They had gone here to try and plan out their next move. Unfortunately, they didn't get very far into planning when both Spitfire and Soarin noticed Sombra with the brainwashed Main Six accompanying him.

"Spike behind you!" Spitfire called out. Spike looked and saw what the Wonderbolts saw.

"Sombra..." Spike said simply. He's brainwashed them completely. Twilight I can understand because he flirted with her back during that time I saved the Crystal Empire, but the others? I don't get it. He thought to himself.

"It's cute how you thought you could escape me, dragon." Sombra said. "But, I expected Twilight to send you off to get help when I destroyed the Tree of Harmony. That's why I've been tracking you with my Dark Magic this whole time." Sombra said.

"WHAT?!" Soarin yelled.

"Ya mean ya planned for this?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Not cool..." Scootaloo said, trying to be brave but her legs were shaking at the thought of her having to go up against the mare she viewed as the big sister she never got.

"That's just all kinds of wrong..." Diamond Tiara said.

"I never thought I'd say this but Diamond Tiara is right." Sweetie Belle said.

"And I never thought I'd here Sweetie Belle say Diamond Tiara was right about something." Silver Spoon said.

"Oh but wait there's more." Sombra said.

"More? How can there possibly be more?" Spitfire asked.

"Just wait for it..." Rarity said.

"Yer in for a treat." Applejack said. Sombra began to use his brainwashing powers on Spike's Group as soon as Applejack finished speaking.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note

Gonna fault the show for this: Why weren’t Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon given more then just cameo appearances after the CMC got their cutie marks? Would’ve been nice to see the two become aids to the CMC after they stopped being bullies. Heck, maybe not even aids, actual CMC members.

Though I have to wonder: Why does the site try to get me to spell correct Soarin's name when there's no reason to do so.

Fun fact: I started listening to music to help keep my mind going with creative juices as I wrote this chapter. Not that anyone ever cares it seems.