From the ashes

by TheGunslinger12

Chapters

Prologue: Rise from the ashes
Prologue ll: A warrior is born
Prologue lll: The fall (edited)
Chapter 1: New age, new beginnings (edited)
Chapter 2: Long time no see
Interlude: Time to get physical
Chapter 5 (Fresh start arc part 2): A party to remember
Chapter 6 (Fresh start arc final): clearing the air with trust
Chapter 3: beyond the cover
Chapter 4 (Fresh start arc part 1): a questionable proposal and settling in

Prologue: Rise from the ashes

Author's Note

Hope you enjoy my story

of course any criticisms are welcomed in order to improve my skills as a writer :)

Prologue: Rise from the ashes

(1st person-???)

Sometimes I wish that day was a bad dream, so I could wake from it and be with them again.

That day was like any other snowy day in the north, snow falling from the sky and temperatures so cold your hooves would freeze right off without protection. unfortunately it was time to get firewood for the house and because of my fathers had a bad knee, that means all the wood collecting is left to me.

My village was sizable and a place mostly populated by, including me, earth ponies, and hoof full of unicorns and pegasi, located pretty far away from the border of the famed Crystal empire. I wished to visit it someday but I didn't have a reason too

‘Maybe I could bring sis there for her birthday next winter, she goes crazy over that place’ I think to myself with a quiet chuckle. My family was mostly filled with explorers. Father used to be a traveler, trekking miles of unknown and undiscovered lands for a multitude of reasons. Mother still goes out looking for new flora from time to time, even taught how to make special remedies using specific plants. Sis wasn’t as wide-eyed as my parents, mostly wanting to ‘see the sights’ as the ponies say now. Me…I just wanted a quiet life, to settle down and be at peace for a while, I never really cared about exploring or finding new things, much to the annoyance of my father.

Eventually I stopped reminiscing about my family, reaching a good spot not too far into the forest, and setting down an old wicker basket, and raised an axe near to the base of a tree with my mouth, and I swung. After a couple of moments the tree came crashing down and I got to work chopping it into pieces. These trees were thinner than most trees ,from what I heard from my mother, so I spent the next couple of minutes chopping down a few more, soon placing the result of my hard work into the basket. Whipping the cold sweat from my forehead with my hoof, I picked up my basket and start walking back when my ears perked up to a distant sound that, soon, shook me to my core.

There were sounds of loud explosions and the agonizing cries of ponies in the distance. Hearing this I dropped the basket and ran as fast as my legs would let me, ignoring the cuts and scraping from branches and forest floor rocks. My mind raced a million miles per hour trying to figure out what was going on. I eventually reached the origins of the horrifying sounds and my eyes grew to the size of dinner plates at what I saw.

My village, my friends, my FAMILY were all burning before me.

My body was moving before I could realize it, and I sped through the smoldering town that was once my home and as I ran, I looked around at my surrounding. Ponies were trapped under rubble, some already either burned to a crisp or bleed out from injuries, an Injured foal crying out for their crushed parents to wake up, or wounded residents trying to flee the inferno. All of that didn’t matter to me then, my family was a part of this too and I needed to hurry.

I soon rounded the final corner and stopped at my ,mostly intact, but still burning house, and I ran inside. When I got in through the door, I heard the crying of my sister could be heard. But before I could proceed, I saw the trapped corpses of my mother and father, crushed under broken ceiling beams. I clenched my eyes to fight back tears, before opening them and following the sounds of my sister's wails. Reaching her room quickly, I spotted the form of my sister under her bed sopping her eyes out calling out for me and our, now dead, parents. The ceiling in her room was about to collapse on us, so I quickly grabbed my young sister and jumped through a nearby window, protecting her from any glass shards.

Soon the sound of a loud crash was heard behind us as I landed my back into the soft snow, soon rolling on my haunches, holding my young sister in my hooves. When I was done taking a couple of breaths, I looked down at my sister and froze. She was in a bad state to say the least, half of her upper body was badly burnt to the point some bone was showing, multiple gashes with splinters, spewing out blood, and her throat was probably raw from the screaming and crying. The edges of my vision were going dark at the sight of my beloved sister as she looked up at me with pain filled eyes and a low whimpering noise coming from her mouth.

Tears poured down my lowered face as I held my dying sister in my arms, saying “please don't go, please don’t go, PLEASE DON’T GO!” over and over again. I was suddenly interrupted when a big, golden colored, ball of intense magic came slammed into the earth nearby and causing an explosion, sending me and my sister flying in opposite directions.

The heat from the blast burned the flesh of the upper half of my face and I felt an intense pain in both my eyes as My body crashed into some rubble, knocking me unconscious . The last thing I saw in the distance, was an alicorn flying off.

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I soon came too and the first thing that I noticed was an intense pain flaring in my entire body. I opened my eyes but rubbed them in a dazed confusion, everything i saw was mostly black but there were out lines of, what I guessed, was were burnt buildings and debris. The outlines were very hazy, like somepony tried to draw a picture with solid white mist.

Seeing this, I thought my vision was messed up due to the blast, but that idea was debunked after a couple of seconds of waiting. I started to panic about it but the memory of my parents and, especially my sister, came back to me and I set off searching for my sister.

My vision was not helping me in the slightest as I searched around the nearby ruins where my sister flew off into but the vile smell of burnt flesh and the outline of my sister came into view and I ran up to her still form. I tried shaking her shoulder carefully and in a vain attempt to wake her up but soon found out she would be coming too.

At that point my mind snapped and I sat there in front of my sister's corpse with a wide eyed,1000 mile stare. It could have been minutes, a couple of hours, but to me, it felt like a lifetime of me just blankly staring at the charred corpse I called a sister. The sound of multiple hooves somewhat snapped me out of my trance as I slowly raised my head to see what looked like a small legion of armored ponies trotting down the street. A couple of guards broke off at random times, going down different streets for a reason unknown to me, with two of those same guards coming up to me.

“We got a live one here, what should we do with him?” the guard on the left asked her partner on the right.

“I say we kill him right now, poor bastard probably should have been dead a while ago, considering what this shithole of a town went through” the right guard said with a snarky tone to his voice.

“Are you sure I mean-” The left guard began, but was stopped when the right guard, presumably, gave his partner a look. “-y-you’re probably right” she said with a lowered voice.

I look back at the right guard's silhouette to see him raise what looked like a spear above his head. I closed my eyes and waited for my demise, what was the point of trying to resist. if I tried to fight back, my vision and lack of fighting experience wouldn’t get me far, and besides, I had no one to go back to now. I waited for death to come and release me from my sorrow but it never came.

“Stand down! This is the one I have been searching for” A strong and powerful voice said, causing me to open my damaged eyes.

There, surrounded by guards, was a stallion and at first sight even with my current vision, I could tell he wasn't any normal stallion. His aura alone poured out the overwhelming feeling of power, and his appearance complemented that. He was above average in height for a stallion with muscles that appeared to be carved of stone. His attire consisted of armor pieces around his hooves, barrel, neck, with a crown on top of his head, with a cape covering his back. The most most eye-catching feature about him was the curved horn on top of his head that looked like it could pierce a pony clean through.

Then mysterious stallion trotted up and stopped in front of me and looked down at my pitiful form and he cleared his throat to get my attention. “My name is King Sombra, the Future and rightful ruler of the crystal empire. May I know what yours is young one?’ The mysterious stallion, now named King Sombra, asked in a commanding tone. At first I tried to reply, but the mix of anxiety and my sanity on the brink of collapsing, nothing came out.

King Sombra sighed at my silence and ordered some of his guards to scout out the area for supplies and any survivors, leaving us alone. After doing so, he sat in front of me and the aura of understanding came off of him as he began to speak. “I understand that despair in your heart, the overwhelming feeling of sadness of everything being ripped away from you. we feel the same way…because of her" Sombras voice went low at the end, as his head lowered slightly.

“W-who…” I said in a low and ominous tone.

King Sombra looked up with a raised eyebrow and ,unknown to him, a faint smirk. ”What did you say?” he said with a hint of curiosity.

“I said WHO!" I quietly shouted quietly, my voice shaking and my eyes watering with barely restrained anger.

“I wouldn’t want to say it in order to keep your mind from not breaking. But you know her very, very well” he said with a sinister chuckle.

“princess…Celestia “

Did… I hear him right? I don’t think I did? There is no way he just said HER name. The ruler of the sun and day, the goddess amongst mortals, the one who PROTECTS us from dark forces. There is no way it was her.

“Y-You’re lying to me” I said in a shaky and disbelieving tone. “W-why then, WHY DID THEY HAVE TO DIE!” I shouted accusingly at his face. The tears from my eye where once coming out again as my mind tried to rationalize everything i had been told.

King Sombras face turned grim and strained with anger as he looked away. “I wish I was, but sadly, I am not. She is the reason everypony, including your dear old family, is dead.". King sombra stood once again and turned his head towards me with the same look of anger on it "I shall explain everything to you."

“Me and a legion of my soldiers were liberating a nearby town closer to the crystal empire when Celestia soon interrupted us. I tried talking sense into her and explain my actions but she wouldn’t listen and so we began to battle. I attempted to deflect her attacks away for my safety, but more importantly, the town I was trying to free. Unfortunately some of her more powerful attacks strayed away from our fight, and resulted in your home being destroyed. The wench didn’t even realize what she did to you, and after my legion and I ran her off, we noticed your town burning and came over to save any survivors”. Sombra finished his speech with a sigh as his look of anger turned into one of sorrow and regret. “You are the only one left…I am sorry”

That was the reason, that was the reason my family is dead, because of some misunderstanding…

My body visibly trembled with rage and my already messed up vision got worse as a result, but that was the issue here. That BITCH did this to my community, MY FAMILY, and did jack shit to help. I wanted to scream, flail my body on the ground, punch Celestia in the face, but I knew that wouldn't do anything. So I did the only thing I could think and threw myself at Sombra, locking him in tight hug as I cried my heart out

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(King Sombra-1st person)

As the Navy blue coated, black maned, earth pony clung to me and wailed like a newborn foal, I resisted the urge to obliterate him then and there. But I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a bit pity for the young colt, but I wasn't here to comfort a foal, I was here to recruit a warrior.

A couple of months ago, a unicorn spy of mine, from the small village far outside the borders of the crystal empire, reported a strange young colt. At first I was going to have the spy punished for wasting my time with some child, but they explained to me something that stopped them from getting a painful demise. From what they saw, the colt had the strange ability to seemingly absorb magic, which was surprising considering he was an earth pony. This caught my interest so I instructed the same spy and to continue observing the colt. Over the next couple of months they went on to say the colt had unique qualities such as heightened stamina, strength, and senses.

Before, I was interested, but then I was hooked and went to work planning on how I was going to get this colt in my ranks. At first I was going to have the colt kidnapped and forced to work for me, but I heard from a source out in Canterlot that Celestia was coming for me and I saw an opportunity. Some of my council members said it was crazy, that it wouldn’t work, but with a hoof full of threats and a a couple of unfortunate disappearances I got them in line and my plan was set in motion.

I tore myself away from my musings and put my attention on the now silent colt clung to my body, most likely getting Celestia knows what on my cape. 'I'm going have to get these washed yet again because of this brat, but it's nothing in the end' I thought in annoyance to myself.

"Now, I'll ask again" I said as I slowly and gently pulled him away from me and held his shoulders in my hooves. "what is your name?" I finish with a devilish grin. The colt wiped away the tears from his burnt face, wincing a little as he did so.

“Cold stone.” The colt answered with a cold and monotone voice.

Prologue ll: A warrior is born

Author's Note

For reference, this is what Cold Stone pov looks like if you guys were wondering.

Prologue ll: A warrior is born

(Cold Stone-3rd person)

Cold Stone, King Sombra, and his legion, went down a long and snow cleared path surrounded by trees as Cold Stone sat in the back of a supply cart pulled by soldiers. He had his face covered up in spare bandages from the cart he sat in, and they were irritating on his face.

After Cold Stone properly introduced himself, Sombra explained to him that they were heading back to one of his temporary strong holds a few miles out. Of course Cold Stone would be lying if he said he wasn’t feeling a bit nervous, but thinking back to what happened to his home and especially who caused it, it made his blood boil. He still could not understand why Celestia would do that sort of thing, but at this point he didn't care. 'I mean I haven't heard much about her because of how isolated my home was, but from what little other ponies told me, she wont do that...right?'.

Eventually, Cold stone and co. finally reached the strong hold and ,on the outside, it didn't look special in any way to Cold. The perimeter consisted of dark gray cobblestone perimeter in the shape of a square with a tiled roof covering a walkway, four cylinder shaped guard towers on each corner made sure no intruders would get close, and a tall door that acted as the entrance. From what he could see from the outside, there was a monolithic tower that , he guessed, reached around 50 meters tall and was made of a strange material that for a reason made Cold stones vision the tower in a dark purple mist instead of the usual white he had been accustomed to at this point.

Approaching the oversized entrance, the sound of a mechanism could be heard as the Door slowly opened to reveal the front courtyard. Cold stone felt the cart move as Sombra and his small legion eventually went through the doorway. Once inside, Cold stone look around to see multiple guards either patrolling on top or inside of the perimeter, or soldiers training with wooden weapons and Cold Stone was a little amazed at the soldiers combat skills as they fought. Cold stone's observations were cut short as Sombra ordered 2 guards that were patrolling to escort his 'newest recruit' to his living quarters.

During his escorted trot to his new room, Cold stone took the chance to peek into rooms along the way. Some were what one would expect to find in a fortress such as an armory, indoor training rooms, an expansive dining hall, a room that confused him that was called a ‘personal treatment’ bath, and finally the entrance to the soldiers living quarters, which is where he was entering. Eventually Cold stone and the two guards reached an room which would soon become his.

"Here ya go kid, your new home. get comfy." Said one of the guards in a condescending tone. Entering his room, Cold Stone took notice of the more major additions to his new room that consisted of a bookshelf with book of various topics, a small study table with a quill and ink on top, some candle holders along the wall with a unlit oil lantern hanging by the door, and finally a big bed in the middle of the far wall that looked like it could fit 3 ponies in. To him, it was surprisingly empty but Cold stone would take anything he could get right now

Cold Stone headed towards the to test its comfortability when he stopped, noticing a door on the left side of his messed up peripheral vision. He walked over, and Opening it was like walking through a portal to some unknown realm to him. The walls were made of polished stone painted white, in the center of the room was a big wooden tub shaped contraption with short metal pipes attached to the back, length wise, with red and blue knobs attached to them. On the left side of the small white room was a smaller contraption, compared to the bigger one, that Cold Stone knew a bit about. The fabled toilet, an advanced waste disposal machine future that are owned by royals or filthy rich.

Cold stone was amazed by the contraction of legends. In his village, if he wanted to answer nature's call, he would have to use an outhouse or make his own ‘toilet’ out in the forest. The curious stallion was about to test the famed contraption but was stopped when a knock came from the door which made him, reluctantly, leave the bathroom.

“Um… you can come in.” He said hesitantly. The door opens to reveal to him, a young looking unicorn mare adorn in nurse attire carrying a box in her magic. Unrevealed to him however, The mare had a light pink coat with a fire red main with ] a cutie mark that depicted a staff with two snakes wrapping around it. The mare trotted to the bed, placing the box onto the bed and went up to Cold Stone. Upon seeing The bandage face of Cold Stone, get gave the young cot a sympathetic look as she guided him onto the bed.

“Oh you poor thing” the mare cooed softly as she opened the box full of medical supplies and starting the process of changing his bandages, only wincing as she saw the burnt tissue.

Cold stone chose to stay silent as the mare to wrap bandages around his half scarred face, and to the mid surprise of Cold, even with the new bandages started to cover his eyes, he could still see in his new vision. ‘ I need to ask Mister Sombra about this later’ he thought to himself as the medical mare finished bandaging his wounds.

“I can’t imagine what you have been through.” The mare said as Cold Stone bandages were finally replaced. “If you need anything, then don’t be hesitant to ask before I leave.” she said with a small smile.

“well there is one thing...” the mare still stood in front of him, waiting for his answer. "You see, my villiage wasn't a very wealthy one, so non of use have ever used a proper toilet before, only out houses and the bushes. So can you tell me how to use one...please?" He awkwardly asked while pointing a hoof in the direction of the bathroom.

The gears in the mare's head were spinning trying to understand what she just heard. When it finally clicked, her eyes slightly grew at this. Instead of immediately responding, she packed up her medical kit and set it by the door. After a silent moment, she gave Cold Stone a kind smile.

“I understand sir.” The mare said with a small smile as she helped Cold Stone from the bed and to the bathroom to begin the long and awkward experience of using the bathroom.

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Celestia- 3rd person

The past 24 hours had been the worst Celestia had experienced in her few centuries of being alive. Two days ago, she was contacted by Queen platinum of the crystal empire, that a powerful dark magic user that went by the named King Sombra was leading an attack on a a military outpost far from the border of the empire and asked for assistance due to a sickness outbreak among her soldiers. Celestia thought about bringing reinforcements with her for assistance, but got cocky and went in alone, believing she could talk to this Sombra character

It took a bit of time to fly all the way out to the snowy north, but when she eventually arrived, she was appalled at what Sombra's forces have done. The outpost was in shambles, tents and huts up in flames, dead crystal empire guards laid out in the snow, and black armored stallions finishing off any survivors. She became enraged by this an took in a deep breath.

“SOMBRA, I DEMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF!” Her voice boomed with the royal voice. As a result, the pony named King sombra Sombra trotted up one of an already burnt hunt to get some high ground. The smug look of the Sombra further enraged the solar princess

“So you are the legendary Princess Celestia, it is nice to see you took the bait so i could be in your presence. Also it’s KING sombra to you.” The dark king welcomed, with a threating tone at the end.

“We have been informed by Queen Platinum of your actions, we came to find out why thou are causing such unnecessary blood shed” Celestia demanded.

“Al this 'unnecessary blood shed' is only a means to an end. these pathetic lives meant nothing in the grand scheme of things ” Sombra asked with venom practically dripping from each word.

“What do thou speaketh of?” Celestia asked while raising an eyebrow, to which, sombra to become irritated.

“Non of this is your concern to you princess and you have no business being involved, leave now or I will end your pathetic existence” Sombra demanded.

“If thou do not wish to talk-” Celestia’s horn glowed with a powerful golden hue “-then we have no choice but to stop you treachery.” She got into a mid air stance ready for Sombra to make the first move. Sombras horn lit up with with a dark red hue as the white of his eyes turned green while purple smoke came out at the edges. Sombra then fired off a powerful blast towards Celestia, but she was easily able to dodge it and the fight began.

Celestia flew through the air dodging magical blast from Sombra and any of the unicorn soldiers of his legion, using Incapacitating spells on any pegasi that flew after her, and avoiding the occasional spear thrown in the air that intended to hit her. For a time, she was holding up pretty well and dispatched a good chunk of Sombra's large legion unconscious, but any attacks she threw at Sombra. Most of Celestia's spells were either blocked, overpowered, or deflected away from the battlefield, and Celestia started to doubt that this would be a short fight. Then, a lucky unicorn soldier shot and offensive spell at Celestia when she was distracted which cut deep into the edge of Celestia's left wing, causing her to fall out of the sky and crash land. The rest of the soldier that were left alive were about to swarm her when Sombra suddenly called out.

“STAND DOWN ALL OF YOU!” All of the soldiers stopped instantly and backed away from the grounded princess. Celestia took this time to check the damage sustained to her wing. Unfortunately, she found that the damage would mean she wouldn't be able to fly as fast as fast unless she risked injuring it more. her head turned to the sounds of hoofsteps crunching on the snowy ground coming towards her, and looking upto see Sombra approaching her with a victorious smirk.

“Looks like you had a little accident…well…this just makes it easier for me-” Sombras horn shone brighter as his smirk grew into a vicious grin.”-anypony who dares to interfere will die a slow and painful death.” Sombra stated as he fired off a shot, which Celestia barely dodged.

For the next half hour, it was a crude dance between Sombra and Celestia, firing attacks at each other, with Sombra's attacks getting stronger every minute due to Celestias growing exhaustion. Celestia would sometimes get a couple of hits in but due to her dwindling magic reserves, they barely effected The dark king. Eventually, one final attack would hit the solar princess, sending her wounded body to the ground. As she laid there, bloody and worn out, Sombra trotted up to her laughing darkly fashion.

“As I suspected, you are more weak than I imagined. Such a shame ,really, I was expecting more from you but I don't expect much else from a corpse.” Sombras horn lit up once again, manifesting a blade made of pure dark magic that was raised over Celestia neck, ready to end her life.

In a last ditch effort, Celestia gathered the rest of the magic she had left in her, tightly closed her eyes, and set off an explosion of light that blinded everypony, especially sombra, in the immediate area. Taking this chance, Celestia rocketed off into the sky as fast as she could ,ignoring the burning pain in her left wing, as headed off in the direction of the everfree castle.

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As Celestia flew off, the soldiers and Sombras slowly vision returned to them. A soldier spotted the solar princess flying off into the distance and panically called out to his leader.

“Sir! The princess is wounded, but she is retreating, should we finish her off?” Sombra turned his head to see the tiny white silhouette of Celestia fly further off into the distance. Sombra Sighed to himself while canceling his magic, getting rid of his blade and turning to his legion.

“No, do not waste your strength on a weakling. We already accomplished what i set out to do, now it is time for me to collect my earnings” He turned his head to the direction of a small village a few miles out. ”Let's move out and get what I came for. Any that have major injuries will be executed, we have no need for dead weight." he ordered as a small portion of his stallions started to head in the direction of a ascending tower of smoke, as the sound of metal piercing flesh echoed out behind him.

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After a few agonizing minutes of flying, the sight of the castle of the two sisters came into view for Celestia as she approached. Her head was starting to felt lite from the heavy blood loss. This didn't mater to her though, she already had problems to deal and now she added another by overestimating King Sombra.

Soon enough, the castle of the two sisters came into view, and after a bit more sloppy flying, Celestia practically smashed through the glass ceiling of a hallway. The last thing she saw before blacking out was a startled and panicked maid, running off to get help.

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Princess Celestia-1st person

A knock from my chambers door snapped me out of my thinking and turning towards it, I instantly knew it was.

"Thou may enter, dear sister." I replied as my mouth formed a soft smile. The door slowly opened and the dark blue and black head of my sister revealed itself

“Is thou art healing well, sister?” Luna questioned as She opened the door all the way and trotted over to my bedside.

“Other than my body feeling like it was thrown into Tartarus a thousand times, I say I am recovering quite well” I finished with a soft smile. Luna gave a soft giggle and smiled at me, but quickly turned annoyed when she noticed something.

"Thou knows that dialect annoys us greatly sister." She said in an irritated tone. Seeing this, I gave her the ‘shit eating grin’ as some of my guards say from time to time, which only served to Luna giving me a cute angry pout.

“What can I say dear sister, you should try it. It's becoming quite popular these days.” I replied. Luna looked as if she was going to give me a lecture, but instead sighed in defeat, as her irritated glare softened.

“Thou are so...SO!” Suddenly, she flashed me a mischievous look while rubbing her hooves together. “Apparently since our dear sister is in the jesting mood to bother us, we guess as a punishment we’ll have the cooks dispose of your beloved pastries.” Luna stated as she gave me a playful smirk.

“Oh sister, thou are the victor. we take back thine words and apologize” I said while putting my hooves up in a mocking defeat. Luna looked in the air, rubbing her chin with her hoof, deciding my fate. She stopped and gave me a smile.

“Well thou are forgiven.” Luna then got up ,turned around, and headed towards the door. “If thou require anything, then don’t hesitate to call.”

I let out a small laugh as Luna finally closed the door behind her. I shifted deeper into my bed and pull the cover over me as I went to sleep once again.

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Cold stone- 3rd person

The past few hours were certainly an experience for Cold stone. After getting the nurse to help him figure out how the big contraption in the middle of the restroom works, he found out it was actually called a ‘bathtub’. After a couple of minutes of questions from the young colt and the mare helping him clean dirt and blood off him, Cold stone was finally squeaky clean.

Leaving the bathroom and getting comfy in his new bed, Cold stone politely asked the mare if she could get him some food, to which she agreed and left. An hour later, a different mare dressed in maid attire, entered his room with a silver tray of food which consisted of a salad, some freshly made bread rolls, and a glass of water. The maid left and Cold Stone tore into his food like a starving timber wolf and finished his dinner in no time. He then set the silver tray on the table next to him and laid back into the bed.

“That was a pretty good meal, but not as good as…moms…cooking.” At the mention of his mother, his mood instantly sunk. Memories of his family before their deaths played in his head which brought tears to his eyes. All that Cold stone could do was pull the covers over his head and quietly sob himself to sleep, hoping that when he woke up, this would be all a bad dream.

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Cold stone-1st person

I opened my eyes to something my mind couldn’t possibly begin to understand. The first thing I was able to make out, what I thought, were all possible colors in existence, instead of the black and misty white I have become accustomed to. The second and last detail I was able to make out was the smell of burning air all around me.

Suddenly, there was a boom sound approaching me. I tried moving my forelegs, my head, anything in order to escape, but no matter how hard I tried they wouldn’t respond. In my useless attempt to escape, what only I could make was an oversized statue of a pony, but there were features about it that made it feel wrong.

“First one's descendant, the time of ascension will come…prepare. ”The statue informed me as it suddenly moved its arm towards me. The stoney appendage approached where my head was and touched the tip of my forehead. When it did, I felt a spark of unknown energy flow through me and images played in my mind of multiple things.

The first image was of an older me and Sombra battling Celestia and a smaller, midnight and black, alicorn with a starry mane. The next image is of a group of mares ranging from purple, cyan, pink, white, orange, and yellow, and displayed them doing…something?. They were located on a cliff side, presumably talking, talking with somepony shrouded in the dark of night. The final image is of a blind folded stallion fighting a horrible, eldritch monster as the mares from the previous image were left lying on the ground.

I didn't have time to think over these images, as my body was thrusted back at high speeds to the point it felt like the flesh was going to peel right off my bones. The infinite colors of my surroundings flashed past my eyes, making my stomach do flips inside my body making me tightly close my eyes. After a moment, everything came to a stop and I opened my eyes again.

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3rd person

With a jolt and a startled yelp, Cold stone shot up in his bed covered in a cold sweat. He looked around his room and instantly calmed down, knowing he wasn’t in that place anymore. There came a knock and Cold Stone turned to face the opening door to reveal King Sombra.

“Follow me and don’t ask questions, they will be answered soon.” King Sombra ordered as he left the room and waited outside. Getting out of his bed and fixing the bandages on his face, Cold Stone hastily followed after his future king.

Noticing Cold Stone leaving his room, Sombra started to walk down the lengthy corridors with his newest recruit trailing him. Not long after, the pair stopped at a door with a sign saying ‘training hall’. Going through the door, they made their way in and walked down aisles of areas ,sectioned off by thin stone dividers, meant for sparring. Sombra stopped at one of the sparring areas and entered it followed by Cold stone.

Sombra stopped on the far left side of the sparring area and turned around and put his hoof up to stop Cold stone from following him.

“I hope you are at least intelligent enough to know why we are here.” Sombra said with an raised eyebrow. But his recruit did respond. Instead Cold stone stood still and stared off into space not showing any sign of hearing the dark king.

Sombra waited for his response but got irritated at his recruits' silence. So he activated his magic and levitated a wooden training sword next to Cold Stone and wacked him in the head ‘lightly’, and sent the newbie into the ground with a THUD.

“OW WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?” Cold stone yelled in pain.

“I know your half bling, but I didn't think you were deaf either. Now get up and listen to me child” Sombra angrily berated. Not wanting to anger him more, Cold Stone got up from the floor and shrugged off the pain in the back of his head and apologized. Cold stone perked up at what sombra said and, under his bandages, gave him a confused look.

“Wait, how did you know I could still see?” He questioned. Sombra closed his eyes and sighed while levitating the wooden sword over to Cold stone, to which he grabbed it in his mouth.

“It was obvious, First of all, you never whined about being blinded.” As Sombra explained, he levitated a small book out from under his cape. ”Second, the way you were looking around when you arrived here, you never randomly looked around, instead you peered into rooms like you were looking into them.” He opened the tiny book and stopped at a seemingly random page. “And finally, from the maid and nurse I sent to your room, they only confirmed my suspicions.” Sombra finally finished as he closed his book and returned it under his cape.

Cold stone stood in stunned silence as he took in what Sombra said. Thinking about it, it did seem a little obvious to him now that he thought about it. Cold stone shook his head and set down the wooden sword that was in his mouth onto the ground.

“You’re right sir, it was idiotic that I didn’t notice. Still though, why did you bring me here?” Cold stone asked curiosity.
Sombra stayed quiet for a second thinking of something to say and instead of immediately responding, he activated his magic and levitated the wooden sword from in front of Cold stone and put it back on the rack.

“I am planning on turning you into one of the most powerful soldier Equestria has ever seen.” Cold Stone opened his mouth to say something but was quickly stopped by Sombra continuing.” As we discussed, your vision isn’t up to par with a normal pony's vision. In fact, it's better.” The confused colt tried to ask what he meant but was stopped once again.” You may not know this but you have the special ability to act as some sort of magic sponge.”

Now rightfully confused, Cold Stone raised his hoof in the air and ,this time, Sombra allowed him to speak.

“What do you mean I’m a ‘magic sponge’?” He questioned. Although this was new sort of information to him, Cold Stone knew something was different with him. When he was 10 winters old, there were two local unicorns who were infamous for being the town bullies and picked on Cold and other fillies their age. One day, they learned offensive spells from somewhere. They weren’t harmful enough to draw blood, but left some bad bruises and even fractured a colt's foreleg.

The only time these 2 unicorns were bullying Cold because of his race, thinking they were superior, but Cold wasn’t reacting to their insults so they got mad. They tried to use their magic on him, but when they did, their attacks barely made him flinch.

Thinking back to those memories, Cold stone always thought that their attacks were too weak to affect them. It was half of the truth but now the other half of it.

“What I'm implying is that, when Celestia’s magic injured you, your ability of course wasn’t strong enough to absorb it all but it may have used some of it to heal your eyes. Now I don't have the slightest idea how your vision is able to work, even wrapped in bandages, but you could use that to your advantage.” Sombra finished off with a triumphant look and a raised hoof. Cold stone looked down at the floor with a crestfallen expression as he signed.

“I know what you want from me sir, but I don't want to become some soldier, I just want to go and see my family” Sombras face turned to one of annoyance, but before he could berate the colt, Cold Stone continued. ”But because of HER, I can't do that, so I have no choice.” Cold Stone looked up at Sombra with an angry and determined look. ”So please, teach me everything you know sir” He begged and finished by bowing to his lord.

Sombra was shocked at the un-expected obedient attitude, but his mouth formed a wide grin, as his plan was finally complete. Now all that is left is to turn this colt into the best warrior Equestria will ever have to displeasure of fearing.

Prologue lll: The fall (edited)

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 1: New age, new beginnings (edited)

“KING SOMBRA!!!” Cold stone galloped towards the pinned down king in panic, completely ignoring the Lunar diarch flying ahead of him. Celestia and her sister teleported out of sight as an explosion of shadow engulfed Cold stones vision and sent him flying back.

His body felt colder than ice but hotter than any fire and every inch of his body felt completely numb. seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours, and so on.

Suddenly the feeling of cold wind rushed past Cold stone as he flew back. Opening his eyes, Cold stone found out he was flying through the air in an arch toward a nearby mountain face. Cold stone quickly used his momentum to twist his body around and raised his sword wielding hoof beside his head in preparation. Soon enough, the mountain face was a couple of meters in front of Cold and he thrusted his sword into the rock, making a straight carved line as he went down. In order to slow down even more, Cold stone slammed his free hoof into the rock as well and, with the combined force of his sword, started to slowly descended until he was a few inches from the ground.

Cold stone released a heavy sigh of relief as he dislodged his sword ,and now bloody hoof, from the rock and landed back side down into the snow. The pain in his hoof sent a flare of pain throughout his foreleg, but that wasn’t important, he needed to find and help Sombra. Slowly rolling over to his side and getting to his hoofs, he surveyed the area and his eyes widened in shock and confusion.

There was nothing but snow and a blizzard that wasn’t helping his already poor eyesight and ended up making him slightly shiver.

“Where in Tartrus am I? Where is the empire, Those alicorns, Sombra?” Cold stone scratched his head, but winced when he used his injured hoof to do so and looked down at it. “I’m injured…great.” He thought with a grimace as he carefully put his bloody hoof carefully onto the snow and looked back to the distance.”Maybe that dark explosion didn’t send me that far from the empire…I hope.”

Cold stone was brought out of thoughts by a distant explosion and the dark clouds and its blizzard were blown back to reveal a bright blue sky. Cold look to where the sound came from and saw a beam of colorful light shoot out and spread throughout the sky. The sight reminded him of the days where he and his family would look to the sky and gaze at a similar sight. Cold stone continued to gaze at the beam of light until something entered his line of sight.

At first, it was a tiny black dot that grew bigger and bigger until it resembled a sharpened object that was flying straight at him. Cold stone effortlessly dodged it and the object landed with an audible crash behind him, which made Cold lose his balance for a moment. Looking back, the object was a couple of meters away from him and out of curiosity he approached it. When he got close, he started getting the feeling he seen it somewhere before, then it hit him like a bag of bricks, it was-

“KING SOMBRA'S HORN!?” He shouted in shock. The ,mostly, red horn was lying in a tiny crater, at the base, it was obvious that it had been broken off. Cold stone stood there for what felt like a good couple hours as the edges of his vision darkened. The only pony he could call family was most likely dead and the only thing left of him was in front of him. No, it couldn't be possible. Tears started to run down his cheeks as he slowly approached the horn, the only sounds being the crunching of snow and Cold's pitiful whimpers. When he was less than a meter away, Cold dived onto the horn and grabbed it, hugging it tightly to his chest, as he loudly cried into the sky.

“W-Why does this happen to me!? What did I do to deserve this…why…” Cold’s cries died down back into whimpers as he balled up and cried to himself, still holding onto Sombra’s horn.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT… THIS IS RIDICULOUS… I SWEAR I’LL RIP THAT DRAGON AND HIS MARE FRIENDS APART!” A quiet voice roared in anger. Cold stone was quick to get to his hoofs at the sudden voice, holding the horn in his injured one.

“W-Who’s there, show yourself coward!” Cold demanded, trying to keep his signature stone face, even though the tear stains and shaky voice didn’t make him seem all that threatening.

“Black Ivory? What in Tartarus are you doing here?” The tiny voice questioned. This only resulted in Cold getting into his biped stance and holding his now chipped sword in his free hoof.

“I demand you show yourself now and maybe i’ll make your death less painful!” Cold still shouted to the empty air, with no response except a conveniently timed howl of wind.

“Ugh, Black Ivory you idiot, i’m down here!” The tiny voice called out. Cold lowered his sword and looked down at the ground in thought.

“Wait, That voice!” Cold looked down at the horn in his grasp and his eyes widened under his blindfold. ”King Sombra!” tears started to fill the corners of his eyes, but in joy that he hasn’t felt in a long time. ”OH thank the gods you're alive…what happened?” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“Now that you are done crying like a foal.” Cold stone blushed in embarrassment.” After Celestia defeated me, I activated a fail safe spell and banished the empire and everything deep into the north so nopony could find it. Unfortunately, I had the bright idea of using myself as the fuse and my physical body was lost. My spirit was bound to the crystal of the empire and I haunted it for years.” Sombra horn started to heat up to the point Cold stones injured hoof was cauterized, which wasn’t painless to the blindfolded stallion. " that pink alicorn and her husband came in and used some shielding spell that kept me out. THEN, after hundreds of years, I FINALLY had the chance to take the empire back. BUT THAT DRAGON AND THOSE MARES GOT IN THE WAY!! “Sombra finished with a roar of anger.

For Cold stone, it was a lot to take in and the more he went over it, the more he started to hate himself. While his king was fighting for the control of his empire all this time, Cold Stone was nowhere to be seen to help him and his king got banished TWICE.

“I-I’m sorry my lord. I wasn’t there to assist you, and as a result you were dethroned. I don’t deserve to be by your side for what i did.” Cold stone weakly responded while hanging his head low in shame. Sombra was about to berate him out of blind anger but nothing came out of his non-existent mouth. Instead his anger died down as Sombra felt something he hadn't felt in a while.

sympathy.

“Do not wallow in self pity, the spell was faulty at best and you most likely got stuck in some sort of short term limbo as a result, you couldn’t have helped me anyway.” Cold stone raised his head at Sombra's words and looked at the horn with a confused look.

“What do you mean by that sir?” Cold questions. Sombra was quiet for a moment but scoffed in response.

“That doesn’t matter right now, what does it mean that I need to come up with a plan to get back my power.” Sombra thought about the action of rubbing his chin while thinking of an idea, then something struck him. ”Black Ivory-”Cold stone perked up to his fake name and listened to the horn.” I need you to put my horn against your forehead.” Cold stone was about to question his king but was stopped when Sombra continued. ”Don’t question me right now, do this and we can start ,making plans from there..”

Cold stone hesitated for a moment, but took the horn in his hoof and put the cracked base of it against his forehead. The sudden rush of agonizing pain pounded at Cold head, making him fall back onto the snow and writhe in pain. This pain continued to spread through his brain and brainstem and the feeling of Sombra's horn fusing with his skull made it worse. Soon, the pain died out and Cold's body went limp as he heavily breathed in exhaustion.

“There, it is done, now stand.” Sombra's commanding voice broke the silence as Cold weakly got to his hoofs as he could barely stand. After a few more seconds of silence, Cold raised a hoof to his forehead as his hoof touched something pointy.

“W-What the-?”He continued to poke his newfound horn. It was similar to sombras, it was smaller and instead of it being red and black, it was an icy blue with a navy blue color at the base that matched his coat. “How is this possible?”

“I fused my horn into your skull in order to form magic based symbiotic relationship-” Cold raised an eyebrow at the word ‘symbiotic’ but chose to stay silent.”- and in short, you are becoming a unicorn like me.”

“This is a lot of information for me to take in sir…” The horn on his head started to pulsate and it gave Cold stone a minor migraine which made Cold wince.

“There is no time to explain right now, we must go back to the crystal empire and continue from there.” Sombra commented as Cold stone body weakly nudged itself forward as he started to walk towards the empire in silence.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight- 3rd person

It was a wild day for Twilight to say the least, the whole situation at the crystal empire left her and the rest of her friends exhausted on the way back to the train. She had failed the test Celestia assigned to her and the thought of being separated away from her friend scared her to no end.
But in the end Celestia ended up revealing that she did, in fact, pass the test. The news made Twilight's friends ecstatic and they all went back home to celebrate, mostly to Spike's victory. Twilight was happy that Spike got all the recognition for saving the crystal empire, but she felt as though she could have done more to help. Twilight was brought out of her thoughts as the front of the door to the library opened to reveal the small drake himself.

“Oh hey spike, you're finally back from your part?.” Twilight said as she used her magic to close and set down a book she had been reading. ”I thought you would stay a little longer, considering it is dedicated to you.” Spike waddled over to the couch and flopped onto it while breathing a sigh of exhaustion.

“I-I tried Twi, but a dragon like me can eat so many cupcakes before he gives up.” As he said this, a loud rumble came from Spike's stomach as he recoiled in pain. “But I don't regret it.” He finished as he made his body go limp and his tongue hung out of his mouth. Twilight giggled at the drake and levitated him in front of her.

“Well hope you can recover quickly, pinkie is throwing me a party as well in a few days.” Spike gave her a small look of annoyance which made Twilight give him a sheepish smile. ”Look on the bright side, it won't be in a couple of days.” Twilight walked towards and up the stairs with a spike in her magic, which didn’t help his stomach ache. They reached the master bedroom and they entered as Twilight placed spike into his basket as she hopped onto her bed.

“Really? Knowing Pinkie, would she throw you one at the same time as mine?” Spike questioned as he covered himself in his blanket.

“Apparently she ran out of supplies, so it will probably be one or two days before she can start one.” Twilight responded as she also got cozy in bed. They finished up their conversion and said their goodnights before the sound of spike snores reached Twilight’s ears. But the studious unicorn couldn’t sleep, the only thing keeping her awake was the thought of her not being there for any pony.

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Cold stone-3rd person

The sky was dark by now as Cold Stone trotted through the snow. The empire wasn’t that far away but the sight of it only made Cold stone to scowl.

During his trot, Sombra went into the details of what happened while Cold was in limbo and his king kept talking, the more Cold’s blood boiled. He’d agree that these random mares and, what really surprised him, a dragon just waltzed into the sombra empire and stole it from him. Cold stored the violent thoughts away so he could listen to Sombra.

“Wait a minute.” Cold stopped just outside of the border which made sombra stop talking. "Seeing how these peasants act towards you and your leadership. Don’t you think my new horn would make them suspicious of me.” Cold pointed out with a slightly worried expression.

“Why do you care what they think? All we are doing is going in there and taking back my power.” Sombra retorted. Cold stone stayed quiet as he entered the border, the feeling of warm air rushed over but didn’t faze him. Cold quickly took cover in a nearby alley and hid behind a dumpster as he took off his blind fold.

“I’m in no position to question you sir, but you and I are both weak, in body and magic. There is no way we would be able to trot up and take on anypony. If you will, I have an idea.” Cold stone gaze hardened as he started at the floor. Sombra had to reluctantly agree that Cold brought up a good point.

“I’ll admit that you are right, and see my track record of trying to regain my control, going head first in would be idiotic.” Sombra scoffed at his stupidity. “I allow you to speak.” He sighed in defeat.

Cold stone's mouth formed a small smile as his brain thought of a thousand ‘what if’s’. Shortly after, Cold stood up and put his blindfold back on as he trotted out into the open. The sight nearly made Cold sneer, The ponies fur were replaced with a crystal sheen as everypony were throwing a festival dedicated to Sombra death. Cold held himself back and his face gave off his signature stone cold expression.

“What are you doing!? I thought you had a plan, why are you wondering into the crowd?” Sombra demanded with a hint of panic in his voice. Cold stone Ignored him as he moved through the crowded streets, all the while getting odd glances from the crystal ponies. The pair soon arrived at a gigantic crystal build ,known as the library, and entered through the door.

The library was empty of any ponies, including the librarian, so Cold quickly trotted through the rows of bookshelves in search of something.

“Sorry I didn’t respond sir, I don't know if I could talk without speaking out loud.” He stopped at the ‘G’ section of a random shelf and scanned it for a book. ”As for my plan, we need to get power without alerting ourselves to others and after some thinking I got an idea.” The book he was looking for came into view and he pulled out ‘geography of Equestria: for dummies’.

Cold turned and trotted to a table to sit down in one of the seats and put his book onto the table. “From what you told me, as time goes on, your horn will fully fuse with me and i’ll start to be able to perform magic right?” Cold questioned as he opened his book.

“Yes, that is correct.” Sombras voice confirmed.

“Adding in the factor we have 3 options.” Cold turned his swiveling chair around and put his hoofs together as he continued.”Option one, we wait until my magic get powerful enough to where I can go hoof to hoof with an alicorn, but considering there are three of them now, that won’t work. Option 2, I wait until my magic gets to a point where I can use it properly, and I can make a magic infused potion to mind control ponies. Finally, option 3, We somehow make our own army and overwhelm them, but that would also take too much time.”

Sombra thought over Cold's options and there was one clear choice. Option 1 would take a long time and 3 seemed like a pipe dream, but option 2 interested him greatly.

“Tell me black ivory, what do you have in store for option 2?” Sombra asked, giving himself a devilish smirk. Cold turned his chair around and looked at the geography book. His hoof pointed to a location called ‘The Everfree Forest’.

“My mother was a fanatic for every type of flora there is, bought any book on the topic and was making potions and medicines in her free time.” Cold sadly smiled at the memories but continued.” I remember her telling me about a location her mother visited called the Everfree Forest, a forest filled with every type of strange flower and plant you can find. I read some of the books my mother got and there were pages in it dedicated to Hallucinogens.” He ripped out the page depicting the map of Equestria and put it into one of his belt patches.

Sombra let out an annoyed sigh. “How is a simple drug going to help me gain power again?” Sombra questioned with a non-existent raised eyebrow.

“What I am thinking of cooking up isn’t a normal drug, it’s magically infused.” Cold put the geography book back into its place and moved onto the ‘F’ section.”If I get a right combination of herbs and plants, i can make a drug that with make somepony mentally stupid and subsptable to magical influence.” The ‘F’ section came into view and it didn’t take long for the conniving stallion to find a book on floral science.”Then all i have to do is to infuse it with specific spells and put it into a town water supply, activate the spells, and then i’ll have a entire town under my control.” Cold finished as he sat down and started to read his second book.

Sombra was at a loss of words at the moment, he thought all this stallion was good for was just some living weapon. His evil laughs echoed in Cold's head.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An hour later

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Excuse me sir, what do you think you are doing here?” an elderly voice made Cold turn his blindfolded head towards the voice. Upon seeing the ‘face’ to the voice, what he could tell was an older mare with tied back hair with big,round glasses. ”The library was closed hours ago because of the celebration, i can report you to the guard you know?” The elderly mare threatened. Cold stone held back the urge to kill this mare and calmly got out his chair.

“I’m sorry ma’am, I didn’t realize that and I deeply apologize. ”He lowered his head into a bow and raised it again. The mares glare softened a little as Cold made his way to put up his book.

“It is alright young sir, but i can’t excuse bringing weapons in here though.” she pointed a hoof at Cold's straight edge sword. ”But I’ll excuse it this one time if you made yourself scarce.” She started with a hoof pointed towards the entrance.

Cold blew out a breath of frustration through his nose as he put up the floral book and started to walk out. He had all that he needed by now so it wasn’t that big of a problem, but the mare's attitude was reasonable since he technically broke into the library. The blindfolded stallion only stopped when he was close to the mare and looked at her, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Before I go, do you know why I can get to the Everfree first the quickest?” At this, the mares eyes widened a bit at the request.

“Why would you want to go there? that’s one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, you have to be insane to go there!” The mare tried to protest. But Colds' hoof touched her shoulder and gripped it with surprising strength.

“That is none of your concern. ”He leaned in closer to the mare, who was starting to shake in fear. ”Now tell me…where.do.i.go.to.get.there.” Cold slowly questioned in a low and threatening tone, while gripping the handle of his sword.

“T-The train s-station is your best b-bet. I-It isn’t that far away from here, I-I'm sure you can find it…please don’t hurt me.” Cold stood in place for what felt like hours, but soon let go of his sword and the mare's shoulder. The mare panted heavily when Cold walked out of the door.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold has faced many horrors in his lifetime. From the most savage of beast, to the harshest weather, and even other ponies. But what he saw at this ‘Train Station’ was one of the most creepy and scariest things he has seen. At the front was a…the head?... of the beast, pink with a boxy and round body with a big yellow eye at the front. It had wheels at the bottom and armor at the front for protection, the most frightening thing was that it was spewing smoke from the top.

Attached to the beast were colorful boxes on wheels with windows in them which was probably its stomach. To his horror, there were ponies inside but for some reason they weren’t screaming in terror? The Monster made a hiss and this made Cold stone get into his biped stance and shakenly draw his sword at the beast, making the ponies there stare at him with bewildered and shocked faces.

“I don’t know how I'll be able to cut his iron hide, but it’s going to become a problem when it becomes hostile.” The monster let of a hiss of steam which his Cold this time, sending him to his haunches and getting a couple of laughs from the crowd. He quickly recovered and was about to charge the iron beast when a middle aged stallion stopped him.
“Sonny, what do you think you’re doin’?” the stallion questioned with a country accent. Cold stared down at him for a moment before sheathing his danged blade and getting on all fours. ”Follow me son, let’s talk.” Cold stone's face scowled a bit but followed the stallion anyway.

“First of all, I am not your son. second, I was trying to kill that iron creature, why did you stop me?” Cold monotone voice demanded with a bit of anger behind it. The middle aged stallion chuckled as he found a bench, which he and cold sat down on.

“Looks like somepony woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” The stallion remarked, gaining him a deeper scowl from Cold stone. ”That ‘beast’ ya talkin’ about it the train. Ya ride it to get somewhere.” The stallion said while pointing to the iron bea- train. Cold's face reddened a bit from his mistake as he looked at the middle aged stallion.

“That…makes sense now. But still, I was told this thing could get me to my destination but I have never been on a ‘train’ before.” Cold Used air quotation at train, still not trusting the locomotive. The Stallion chuckled as he got off the bench and trotted towards the train station with Cold close behind him. They reached a wooden boxed area labeled ‘ticket booth’ and the stallion paid for a piece of paper labeled ‘equestrian rail road, dodge junction’.

“This here is what you will call a ticket, they’re the thing that allows you to travel on the train, now i don’t have enough bits to buy you one, nor do i know where you are going so you’ll have to get your own.” The stallion said with a kind smile.

Cold stone was confused and annoyed by this, why would this random stallion care about what he was going through. Not that he didn’t appreciate it, it’s just that it wasn’t common where he came from. The stallion started to leave but was stopped when Cold put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Why, why would you help me?” The blindfolded stallion question. Earning an amused expression from the middle aged stallion which was lost to Cold's eyes.

“What ya mean, it’s always nice to help someone that’s in need, that is what my ma taught me.” The stallion started to walk off again but was stopped when Cold stone spoke up.

“What is your name sir?” He was surprised that he said that, why should he care about his name, he’ll never see him again, so what is the point?

“Oh, it’s trailblazer, have a nice day sir.” After that, Trailblazer entered a train car and was lost to Cold stone. He turned around, trotted up to the ticket booth and mimicked what Trailblazer did, and tapped a silver colored object which produced a small ringing sound.

The half asleep mare behind the booth shot straight up and the sound and upon seeing Colds clothing, gave him a bewildered look.

“So are you some monster hunter?” She tried to joke, only silence and the sound of crickets chirping. ”Soooooo…where ya heading?” She questioned while pulling a long sheet of paper made of blank tickets.

“I need one of those pieces of paper to go to a town called ponyville.”’It’s the closest settlement near the forest’ Cold thought to himself. The mare was off putted by the way the way this stallion was speaking, so she pulled off a ticket and wrote down the location as quickly as she could.

“That’ll be 5 bits sir” The ticket mare put out a hoof through the window of the booth. Cold pulled out a small pouch of bit from behind his cloak. He would sometimes take the money of any victims he had but he never really used them. The mare hoffed the ticket over and took the bits, with a thanks, Cold made his way to the train and hesitantly entered and took a seat in one of the train cars.

Soon the train whistled, startling Cold stone, and started to move as the landscape passed by the window next to him.

Cold stone’s eyes started to feel heavy, so he laid his head against the vibrating window and fell asleep, ready to put his plan into action.

Chapter 2: Long time no see

A light orange, yellow maned, pegasus in golden armor was flying with his squad towards their destination in silence. That silence was broken when one of the squad members spoke up.

“Commander sunrise, do you want me to go ahead and serve the damage?” A young guard asked. Sunrise Road looked back at his young comrade and nodded his head, singling him to proceed As the young soldier flew past the group.

From the reports that he got, Sunrise was mildly surprised by it. One of the equestrian railroad trains derailed a few hours ago and the death toll only complemented how bad the crash was. There hasn’t been a train crash, at least not this bug, ever since Sunrise could remember, and they were about to see it first hoof.

In the distance, the crash site came into view as the commander and his squad approached. The train itself was toppled over with its wooden cab in splinters, lucky the driver had hopped off before he could get injured. As for the cars themselfs, it was the worst site Sunrise had seen in his entire life to the point he almost felt sick.

Paramedics were on scene treating any injured, Some ponies on stretchers with broken or missing limbs with some covered by white cloth. The worst being the ponies that were in the cars, or what was left of them. Sunrise and his squad landed near the site as they started to spread out, taking the injured away to the hospital, or cleaning up any damage.

Sunrise looked over at one of the cars and something made him feel a bit disgusted a bit. A middle aged stallion was handing out of a broken window, glass piercing his abdomen and body parts twisting in ways Sunrise thought wouldn’t be possible. He passed the stallion's corpse as it was removed by two of his soldiers carrying it off.

Sunrise spread his wings and used them to fly up onto a train car that was flipped on its side and broken in half. The inside was surprisingly intact except for the widows and some minor damage to the seats.

His eyes scanned the ruined interior with slightly narrowed eyes, luggage was everywhere, items and clothing covering the floor. Sunrise's eyes almost passed over a pile of rubble and clothes, until he noticed a navy blue hoof sticking out of it.

Rushing over and grabbing it, he pulled on it as gently as he could while moving any rubble out of the way with his wings. Once out, Sunrise noticed the pony was a slender looking unicorn stallion, he almost mistook him for a mare, with an odd looking horn and blindfold covering his eyes. Looking over The stallions body, Sunrise released a relieved sigh to see minimal damage, mainly due to the old, and now damaged, armor covering his body. Sunrise wasted no time putting the unconscious stallion on his back and bringing him to the paramedics.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold stone-1st person

The familiar stench of burning air filled my nose as my eyes slowly opened, only to widen at what I saw. I was in that weird realm again, the nonsensical environment, the horrible air, and most of all…it.

This time however the statue was more clear now and I was able to make out details this time. The statue had the body of a regular body but more…boney? The ribs of the creature showing through. Instead of normal front forelegs, they were replaced by two powerful, bird-like wings that folded against itself. The back legs almost resemble that of a griffon but more bird-like in appearance. The most noticeable feature of the statue was the bird head That looked exactly like that of the fabled phoenix.

My body stiffened as a Booming sound echoed in the endless void as the eyes of the state glowed like a roaring fire. “This path thou hast trekked will only bring suffering, thou can not turn back, nor must go any further, thy must carve his own to ascend.” The voice of the avian statute boomed, making my body vibrate violently.

Despite this, I felt more calm than the first time I met the stone creature, almost like meeting a friend you haven’t seen in a while. I then noticed something on the statue, black tendril poking out behind it and looked to be infecting the stone creature like a parasite. Before I could look at it more, a pulling sensation dragged me back as my vision went black.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I tried opening my eyes, but a bright light forced me to shut them again in sudden pain. There were some strange beeping noises coming from both sides of me, and the repetitive sounds started to annoy me. My eyes finally stopped burning as I slowly opened them, my altered vision only being filled with a white light that flickered momentarily. I turned my head side to side to see strange boxes with blinking lights and tubes that connected to my forearm.

Looking around some more, the only other features I made out were the bed that I was laying on, two chairs opposite to it, a window to the left of my bed, and a wooden night stand under it.

A knock suddenly came from a door off to the right, and turning my head towards it, it opened to reveal a young earth mare with a nurse's cap and clipboard, who entered and closed the door behind her as she approached me with a smile.

“Good morning mister, are you feeling any better?” The nurse asked while writing something onto her clipboard.

“Where am I? What is this place?” I asked in my usual monotone voice. The mare's smile felt a bit, but returned as she replied.

“You’re in Canterlot central hospital, you unfortunately got involved in a bad train accident a few days ago. You are pretty lucky to only come out with only a couple of lacerations and a fractured hoof.” The mare trotted over to my bedside and sat down as she finished explaining. ”I’m going to need some basic information for the records, then I can let you rest okay?” the nurse said with her clipboard and pencil in hoof.

I stayed quiet for a moment as I gathered my memories. The last things I remembered were that kind stallion that helped me, getting on the train and falling asleep. That stallion was most likely dead but recent events left me emotionally drained as I looked at the nurse.

“My name is Black Ivory, I’m 33 years old” I started out at the mare and wrote down what I said onto her clipboard. The mare looked up from writing and had an uncomfortable look on her face.

”I-I’m sorry if this is a sensitive topic, but are the scars on your face…recent?” The mare gained a sheepish smile as she looked to the side. ”I-it's to make sure any recent injuries, not from the accident, weren’t infected.”

At the mention of my face, my eyes widened a bit and my stomach dropped as I quickly covered my face by wrapping a foreleg around it. Even though my eyes were covered, I could still see the mare back away from the sudden motion with a surprised expression. The room was silent for a moment before I slowly removed my foreleg away from my face.

“S-sorry Mrs. it's just that I don’t like my face being out in the open.” Ever since my face first healed, my face only served to get me disgusted and uncomfortable glances from Sombra's soldiers. Their glances were distracting and made me self conscious about myself. So my king came up with the idea of me wearing a blindfold to cover my scars, and ever since that day the glances stopped and I wore that blindfold almost all the time.

”Also, where is my gear? I don’t see it anywhere.” The mare looked confused for a moment before a look of realization came across her.

“OH, your ‘clothing’ had to be discarded. They said it was probably the reason why you aren’t dead right now, that unfortunately meant that they were in damage beyond repair, I’m sorry” The nurse gave me an apologetic look as my mood dropped even more than before.

“It's alright Mrs. did my blind fold stay intact, and if it did, can I have it back. ”I requested with some desperation in my tone. The mare smirked as she pulled out the worn out cloth from a saddle bag I didn't notice before and placed it in front of me.

“Luckily it did Mr.stone. I also have your cloak as well, also, call me pumpkin spice, Mrs makes me sound old.” She replied with a giggle as she set my cloak on the end of my bed. I tied my blindfold around my head as a small smile came to my face. Pumpkin spice asked me a few questions and then left me to myself.

I took this time to get out of my bed, cold air passing over my now naked body, making me shiver a bit. I got out of the bed and my legs almost gave out.’Guess being in bed for days left me weak.’ I thought of balancing myself out. I trotted over to the widow and looked out of it, only for my eyes to widen again at the landscape that was in front of me.

The place itself was expansive to say the least, buildings white as clouds with purple and gold accents covered most of the view as the streets below were filled with ponies, mostly unicorns, wearing expensive clothing. The most shocking part was the fact this kingdom was situated on a mountain, from what I could see, and the thought of the kingdom sliding off frightens me a little.

“So this is the city of Canterlot I’ve heard about?” a familiar voice suddenly made itself known, making me jump a little in surprise.

“King Sombra I was beginning to wonder why you were being so quiet. Also…what is a sit-tee?” I asked. The immediate response I got was a amused grunt from my king.

“While you were sleeping, I was busy trying to get enough magic from the atmosphere so you can perform magic.” Sombra explained.

“I-I’m sorry sir, but i am not sure i understand what you mean by that.” I asked with a timid voice instead of my monotone one. Sombra’s voice sighed and I could imagine him pinching the bridge of his muzzle with his hoof.

“I should have expected this since you weren’t a unicorn before. To put it lightly, the sun and moon are the main sources of magic for everything and all living and nonliving things absorb that magic. Then the magic those things absorb get expelled into the atmosphere for all creatures to use. Then when a creature, like unicorns, uses magic, it gets reabsorbed by the earth and the cycle repeats. It is like how a plant makes oxygen but with magic instead, and I'm currently trying to use your horn to absorb as much magic as it can from the area.”Sombra finished his crash course with a heavy sigh of breath.

My head hurt slightly from the short explanation…and maybe a concussion…but I tried to understand it as best I could as I got back into my bed.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celestia-3rd person

As another talked Celestia ear off about some petty inconvenience, something was making her nervous. Ever since her faithful student and her friends defeated Sombra, there was a little nagging feeling in the back of Celestia's mind that she was missing something. It didn’t help that she felt the awful energy of dark magic somewhere in her kingdom, so she recently had guards patrol more often in search of a pony with features of a dark mage, such as a sharp horn or dark magical presence.

Celestia snapped herself out of her thoughts as she finished speaking with the rest of the bothersome nobles. The sun was setting as the moon rose in the distance, turning the hallways Celestia was walking down pitch black, only the light from the moon illuminating her path. Sadly the thoughts that were plaguing her mind dampened her mood as she reached her room.

Entering her room, Celestia made a beeline towards the bathroom and started a nice warm bath. Celestia climbed into the porcelain tub and her body instantly relaxed as she used her magic to levitate a small read book over to herself and began to read.

The only sounds that filled the room was the occasional turning of pages and the silent popping sound of bubbles. Celestia's ears perked up to the sound of hoof steps outside her bathroom door.

At first, Celestia thought that it was a maid bringing her something, but she didn’t remember requesting for anything to be brought to her. After a long minute of nothing, the solar diarch got out of the tub and dried herself off with a quick spell and moved towards the door as quietly as she could and put her ear up to it. She could hear the faint sounds of breathing and a slight shift of a hoof from the left side of the door. Breathing in deeply, Celestia charged her and teleported to the other side of the door with an offensive spell charged and pointed at the intruder that was…Luna with a pie in her magical grasp.

Luna stared at her sister in surprise but gained a devious grin as she threw the pie at Celestia, who didn’t dodge it in time. Luna fell on the ground laughing while holding her sides as Celestia wiped the remains of the pastry off her face.

“Ha Ha Luna, very funny, especially since I just got done taking a nice bath.” Celestia said sarcastically with a slightly amused expression.

“We are sorry dear sister, we saw an opportunity and took it. ”Luna got off the ground and gave her sister a slight glare.” consider paying back for switching the sugar with salt when i was making my tea.”

Celestia giggles at the memory of her most recent prank. Luna got introduced to the concept of ‘prank wars’ from somepony and started getting Celestia involved in their little battles. It served as a good distraction to get her mind off stressful things for a moment.

“It was quite amusing seeing you freak out, I thought you were going to banish the maid who served it to the moon. ”Celestia giggled again, Luna soon joined her as well.

Luna stopped giggling and gave her sister a worried look as she approached Celestia.

“Sister, I've noticed something has been bothering you for the past few days. Is it because of that dark present you felt?” Luna questioned, putting a wing around Celestia's shoulder>

“Yes, it's about that dark magic present. I can tell it’s somewhere far inside the Canterlot, but even I can feel it from here. Either it’s somehow multiple dark magic users, or their hate is so strong that their magical presence practically overshadows Sombra’s. ”Celestia trotted out to her balcony and looked to the night sky, the wind blowing the hair out of her face as Luna trotted beside Celestia and leaned against her.

“It’s good to be cautious but there is nothing that you or I can do right now sister. The most we can do is increase patrol guards and wait until something comes up.” Luna reasoned as she nuzzled her sister's neck.

“You're right Luna, maybe I should relax mor-'' Celestia was about to finish when suddenly the door to her bedroom burst open and Commander Sunrise came in with a panicked expression.

“Your majesty! We found the origin of the dark magic presence.” At that, Celestia and Luna faced him with shocked expressions. ”But the suspect was found at Canterlot central hospital but is on the run. ”Sunrise waited for Celestia to respond. Celestia on the other hoof gained a serious expression as she pointed her hoof at him.

“Gather any available units and pursue them, do not engage unless necessary.” Celestia commanded as she charged a teleportation spell. ”I’ll deal with them myself." Then she disappeared in a flash of light.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold stone-3rd person

Cold stones body ached as he galloped as fast as he could through the lantern lit streets of Canterlot with golden armored guards hot on his trail. Cold stone turned a corner and saw a cart of apples on the side of the road. Getting close, he kicked the middle of the cart, breaking an opening in it as apples poured out of it. Most of the guards simply jumped over them, while a few unlucky few slipped on them.

So far, Cold stones stay in Canterlot was interrupted when some of the golden guards came into the hospital on the basis of ‘inspections’. When they came into Cold's room, they reacted almost instantly, a unicorn guard pointing an offensive spell at him and saying to come quietly.

Instead of coming quietly, Cold made a rash decision and jumped out of the window of his room and landed in some bushes. He’d be damned if he allowed himself to be apprehended by Celesita’s lap dogs. Galloping non-stop for 5 minutes straight wore on his already damaged body and a broken hoof didn’t make it any easier.

Cold stone turned another corner, but stopped when he saw another group of guards coming towards him. The street was at a 90 degree angle and he was currently trapped. Cold stone turned and galloped towards a window and broke it, grabbing a big shard of glass in his mouth. The taste of blood covered his tongue, but it mattered little to him as the guards were coming right at him.

Cold breathed in deeply and then got to work by pouncing at the oncoming crowd. The first guard was a unicorn who fired a stun spell, but Cold stone dogged it by moving to the right and then spinning around and slitting the guard's throat.

More guards either charged in to tackle Cold or fired stun spells. But every time Cold barely dodge their attacks and slashed, stabbed, and mained and guard that got in his way. Purple smoke started to emit from behind Colds blind fold and he roared in anger as he used a full force punch to pierce through a guards chest, the sensation of his hoof breaking not being registered.

Suddenly a golden blast came down from the sky and hit Cold stone, sending him through the wall of a nearby store. The rest of the living guards backed up as Celestia descended and touched down onto the ground. She looked around with a dark grimace at the carnage caused by Cold stone.

“Stand down now and I'll make sure your sentence won’t be as long.”Celestia commanded as her horn glowed brightly. Her furious expression turned one of shock as Cold stone trotted unsteadily out of the store. Upon seeing The solar diarch, Cold snarled like a fucking animal and got into his biped stance and pounced at Celestia.

Celestia Made a shield instead of dodging and Cold stones' broken right hoof impacted the shield, causing a small crack to appear and his blood to splatter onto the shield. Cold recoiled in pain and Celestia took this change to pin him to the floor with a levitation spell.

Some of the guards joined in by firing off multiple stun and sleeping spells at the struggling stallion. Unfortunately, the spells did little to calm the stallion's rage as Celestia started to struggle with holding Cold stone down. Celestia gave the stallion a look of pity as she charged a high level sleep spell and shot it at Cold. When Cold stone got hit, he instantly started to calm before he eventually started to lightly snore.

The guards lowered their guard upon noticing the now sleeping stallion. Celestia orders them to bound him and to have a cell ready, and to bring a clean up crew as well. Two pegasus guards cuffed and gagged Cold stone with rope, then flew their prisoner back towards the castle. As they flew into the distance, Celestia couldn’t help but stare in confusion as to how she could forget him.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twilight-3rd person

The sound of birds chirping and the smell of spike cooking breakfast woke up Twilight sparkle. She got out of bed and did her daily routine like she had hundreds of times before and went into the kitchen.

Spike was wearing a little pink apron as he was cooking the usual breakfast of pancakes, hay bacon, and eggs.

“Good morning Twi, did you sleep well last night?” Spike asks as he expertly flipped a pancake out of the pan as it landed perfectly on a stack of other pancakes. Twilight yawned and shook her head.

“No, I couldn’t sleep last night again. ”The tired mare half mumbled. Twilight closed her eyes, opened them up when Spike put a plate of food in front of her.

“You’re starting to worry me Twi. Ever since we got back from the crystal empire, you haven’t had a good night’s rest. I think you should go see a doctor.” Spike said with a worried look as he took his own set across from Twilight and started eating.

“Maybe you’re right spike, I shou-”Twilight was interrupted when green flames spewed green flames almost hitting Twilight's face.

“A letter from the princess, this early?” Spike questioned as he opened the letter and read it.

“My most faithful student,

Something has come up that requires you and the rest of the element bearer’s attention. I’ll send two chariots down to ponyville to make the trip quicker, bring the elements just in case.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia”

Spike finished reading as he rolled the scroll back up and sighed with a defeated expression. ”not even a week and something comes up again.”

Twilight finished her breakfast as she levitated the dishes into the sink.

“It’s probably nothing too serious…i hope.” Twilight trotted to the front door with spike tailing her but turned towards him. ”Take care of the library while I'm gone and I'll get you a ruby when I come back, ok?” Spike lit up at the prospect and gave a mocking salute which made Twilight giggle. She said her goodbyes and left the library to collect her friends.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold stone-1st person

My consciousness started to return to me as my eyes fluttered open, only to close when a spike of pain ran through my head. I opened them again to find myself in a dark, dank stone cell with old rusty bars blocking my escape with torches on the wall as my only light source.

I looked down to see both my hoofs wrapped in bandages, my right fore hoof hurting a lot more than my left. I felt something attached to my horn, and reaching up to touch it, it felt like a ring of metal with a lock on it. The sound of a door opening caught my attention as I tried to move my weak body into a defensive position.

There were 5 unicorn guards who came into my cell, and with little struggle, bound my hoofs with chains and tied rope around my barrel as they led me down the dark hallway. Soon we went up a long flight of stairs and reached an oversized wooden door and went through it into a marble white hallway. After a bit more trotting in the empty white hallways, we reached an even bigger door decorated in gold.

One of the guards forcefully held my head down as me and the other guards trotted inside of the high ceiling room.

“You may stop there, make sure he doesn’t get free.”

That familiar voice almost gave me the strength to break my cuffs and charge at it, but my body was too weak to even stand at the moment. I just sat on my haunches with my head still held low and my teeth clenched as hard as I could.

“Raise your head and face justice.”

I wanted to go against her word, to just yell and curse her for a 1000 years but ,much to my surprise, my head started to slowly rise and I eventually faced…her.

“Long time no see…Black Ivory…”Celestia said with a serious glare.

Interlude: Time to get physical

It was 2 years after Sombra brought Cold Stone into his ranks and both of them were in Sombras private chambers. The slightly older Cold stone was doing pushups as sombra timed him with a gold pocket watch.

“You still have another 100 left to go child, don’t give up on me now. ”Sombra stated as he watched the young colt slow down slightly.

“I-I’M NOT SIR!! OH FUCK THIS HURTS!!” Cold's voice echoed off the polished wooden walls of Sombras chamber. The colts arms were shaking more than a flag in a snowstorm and buckets of sweat poured off the poor colts body.

After a couple of minutes, the blessed sound of Sombras hooves clapping together came to Cold Stone's ears. The exhausted colt let himself drop stomach first into the puddle of his own sweat as steam radiated off of his body. Out of view of Cold, Sombra gave a slow clap and used his magic to pull the colt off the ground.

“I commend your determination and ability to achieve my expectations, but your insurance is lacking and you have a long way to go.” Sombra criticized with a judgemental look.

“Ahhhhh….” Was the only response the half conscious colt could provide. Sombra sighed as he called in a maid to take Cold stone away for a bath. Now alone, Sombra trotted over and sat down at his writing desk, putting his hooves under his chin in thought.

“At this rate…that colt will die before any of the real training begins...I need to write a letter. ”Sombra grimaced as he reluctantly grab a quill in his magic, dipped it in ink, and started to write.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So why are we outside sir?”

It had been days since Sombra wrote his letter, a few days of back breaking training for Cold stone, and a hellish few hours waiting in the snow for the letters receiver.

“We are waiting, your progress is lacking and I wrote to somepony that may help you to get motivated. ''Sombra said with a heavy grimace on his face.

Cold stone felt a little worried about the pony he was going to meet, if his king's expression was anything to go by. Suddenly the sound of loud humming in the distance and this somehow made Sombra's expression even grimer. Over the small snowy hill was a bright orange coated mare, puffy Vermilion colored mane, with a cutie mark depicting an orange with a slice cut out, pulling a cart.

“Umm...sir...who is she?” Cold stone asked with some hesitation. Sombra didn’t respond as the mare stopped in front of them.
“HIYA! I'm a sweet citrus, Sombras aunt!” Sweet citrus loudly introduced with the thick scent of orange coming off her.

Cold stone was slack jawed at the revelation and his mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening. The tall, dark, brooding King Sombra, future ruler of the crystal empire, was related to somepony like her!? Cold was about to ask the obvious but Sombra beat him to the punch.

“Before you ask, yes, she is my cousin, and yes, we are blood related…unfortunately.” Sombra said, mumbling at the last part and shifting his eyes to the left. The mare of discussion suddenly popped up behind him and wrapped a fore leg around his neck.

“Awww, did somepony wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Well have no fear! Citrus is here!” Citrus exclaimed, standing on her back legs and pointing a hoof to the air.

Cold stone was awestruck, his biped training was nightmarish on his lower back and pelvis, it took him a day to recover when he dislocated his femur the first time he tried it. But this mare just did it like it was nothing and got back on all her hooves without any trouble. Cold stone dived at the mare's hooves and put his own front hooves together.

“PLEASE YOU FRUITY GODDESS, TEACH ME YOUR WAYS!!” Cold stone begged, making the Citrus giggle. Sweet Citrus then grabbed the sides of Cold stones head and put him face to face with her.

“Oh do be a silly filly! I’m not like ol’ Somby other there-”she nudged her head in an irritated Sombras direction.”- I don’t need other ponies' validation to feel superior, so there is no need to beg.” Then the fruity mare threw Cold into the air, stood on her hind legs, and caught him bridal style and walked towards the stronghold.

“She’s lucky she’s family. ”Sombra muttered under his breath.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the indoor training room, Citrus setted up thin foam mats while putting on strange attire consisting of red leggings, a white one piece swimsuit, and sweat bands around her forelegs and forehead. Citrus then pulled out a silver box with two big circles and a handle out of her mane somehow.

“Alright filly! I’ve sensed you have been lacking in your gains and biped stance!” Citrus yelled while showing off her biped stance and folding her arms.

“Y-yes Mrs. Citrus, I haven’t been doing well..” Cold weakly admitted. Citrus stomped her left back hoof into the ground, making Cold flinch.
“Don’t give me that nonsense maggot! What you’ve been through is nothing compared to what I'm going to put you through.” Citrus pointed a hoof at the colt. “And during my training you will remember one thing maggot, PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY!” She proudly shouted while saluting with her right hoof.

Besides the ear rape and deja vu, Cold started to fell unsure of himself. Was this mare really the only way for him to get better? He didn’t have a choice, unless he was to spend another 2 days in the pit.

“I DON’T CARE IF YOUR FACE IS MESSED UP, I DON’T CARE IF YOU BROKE YOUR ELBOW, HELL, I DON’T CARE IF YOUR MISSING BOTH YOU LEGS, I AM GOING TO WHIP YOU INTO SHAPE STARTING TODAY. GET READY!” Suddenly, the fruity mare grabbed Colds shoulders and dragged him into starting the most painful few months of his life.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold stone shot up in his hospital bed with a cold sweat. After a few minutes of heavy breathing, Cold released a relieved sigh as he laid back into his bed. until the smell of oranges entered his nose, making him stand on top of the bed in his biped stance.

Looking around, Cold spotted a fruit basket filled with all kinds of fruits like apples, pears, strawberries,...and oranges.

Cold's fear was dissipated instantly as he trotted to the basket.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If somepony was trotting by the east side of Canterlot central hospital at 12:45 am, they would see a basket of fruits fly out of a window at high speeds and somehow hit an unfortunate foal in the face.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold Closed the window of his room as he went back into bed with a sour sweet mood.

“I hate oranges.”

Author's Note

ready for a work out?

Chapter 5 (Fresh start arc part 2): A party to remember

It was early weekend morning for the small town of Ponyville, shops and food stalls were being set up for the day and ponies were making their way out of their homes. Everypony was enjoying their morning except 3, very bored, fillies who were all inside of a small tree house.

“UGH, I’m sooo bored!” A little orange coated, purple maned pegasus groaned.

“We did everything on our list of potential crusading ideas. Hey Applebloom, do you have any idea?” A white coated, light purple manned unicorn asked.

“Nah I ain’t got a single idea Sweetie bell” The yellow coated, red mane earth pony said with a sigh.

Silence filled the tree house as the 3 young fillies laid about on the floor. Suddenly the One named Sweetie bell shot up with an excited expression. The other two noticed this and looked towards the unicorn filly.

“Hey, what if we go help Zecora make potions and stuff?” Sweetie Bell suggested. The pegasus filly only snickered at this, which got her a confused look from the other 2 fillies.

“Are you sure we should do that after the whole Applebloom cutie marks fiasco last time?” The pegasus asked with a sly smirk.

“Scootaloo! That was one time, besides Zecora forgave me after words, so ah don't think she would mind us helping.” Applebloom said with a huff.

“Whatever you say, anything sounds entertaining right now.” The other fillies nodded in agreement as they rushed to the door of their treehouse. As they trotted down the stairs and ran off, they didn’t see a set of bloodshot eyes watching them from in the tree line.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No one-3rd person

“So this the place…huh? Swe- Sw-ee-t app- ap…ah screw it.” Cold stone said to himself while looking at a large white gate with a sign on it saying ‘Sweet apple acres’. Passing through the gate, Cold stone walked down a path practically surrounded by apple trees that seemed to stretch for miles.

It took a while to find the farm, considering he had never stepped a hoof in this backwater town and any pony he tried to approach, they would make some excuse and quickly ran off. Cold stone figured rumors about him were spreading like wildfire and having every guard giving him the stink eye made it obvious who was starting them.

‘I can’t believe I actually agreed to be around these annoying pests, even if being here gets me closer to Sombra. Those looks are starting to annoy me.’ Cold stone though as he tightly clenched his teeth.

Cold stone soon reached a tall, red and white barn house at least two or three stories tall and ,after some light admiring, Cold walked up the patio stairs and reached the door. Knocking on it, Cold waited for a moment before a familiar orange mare opened the door.

“Oh, howdy Mr.Stone, what brought ya here this morning?” Applejack asked with a friendly smile. She opened the door the rest of the way and motioned for Cold stone to come in. After some hesitation, Cold obliged and entered through the door, the smell of freshly cooked breakfast filling his nose.

“I thought about that offer you gave me on the train yesterday, and I decided to accept it.” Cold stones said in an almost bored sounding tone.

“Well ain’t that mighty kind of ya Mr.Stone” Despite Cold stones dreary aura, the news of him wanting to work on the farm made Applejack excited. “Well before ah start putin’ ya to work, why don’t you come and sit for breakfast?” Applejack offered, nudging her head towards the kitchen.

“No thanks, I’m not hungry. I came here for work, not to leech off of others. Besides, I’ll ruin your meal.” Cold stone declined, sounding somber at the last part. Cold stone was never one to take something without working for it, any pony who would, he considered them as disgusting lowlifes.

“Nonsense, what kind of mare would ah be if ah let my newest farm hoof starve all day. You're going to need to be extra full if this is your first time on a farm.” Applejack patted cold on the shoulder and guided him to the kitchen, which he reluctantly did.

Once at their destination, Cold stone found that the table was covered in different apple related treats, all of them smelling like heaven itself. Also at the table were two other ponies, one of them was a big stallion with a red coat, orange mane, and a yoke around his neck with a tired expression on his face. The other was an old looking mare with a lime green coat and white mane, around her neck was a polka dot neck bandana with a white frill. Both of them noticed Applejack and cold entered, and the old mare gave Applejack a confused look.

“Applejack, who in the hay did ya bring in?” Granny Smith questioned, pointing a hoof at Cold stone.

“Well Granny, I like to introduce you to our newest farm hoof.” Applejack said.

“Well isn’t that nice. I’d like to welcome ya, ma name is Granny Smith and this big colt over here is ma grandson Big McIntosh, Big Mac for short” Granny Smith introduced, a hoof pointed at Big mac, who started to sway a little.

“What’s wrong with him?” Cold stone said with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, Big Mac gone and overworked himself again so he ain’t feelin’ the best right now.” Granny said with a worried expression. Big Mac's response was to simply say ‘Eeyup’ and start eating an apple fritter. “Good thing you're here, I mighty appreciate it.” Granny Smith said with an appreciative smile.

“There is no need to thank me miss. I’m just trying to repay for my actions.” Cold stone bowed and turned to leave when Granny Smith spoke up.

“Where do ya think your goin’ sonny? Sit down and eat with us.” Granny said while pointing a hoof at an empty seat at the table.

Cold stone was about to object to the offer again, but a look from the old mare made him realize that it was no use trying to decide for himself. With an audible sigh, Cold walked to the empty seat and sat in it, Applejack doing the same. So the Apple Family and Cold started to eat and the food was really good, it kinda reminded Cold of his mothers cooking. At the sudden memory, Cold stone's eyes slightly widened under his blindfold and he stopped eating, this getting the attention of Applejack.

“Is something wrong Mr. Stone?” Applejack asked with mild worry on her face.

“No, nothing’s wrong, I was just remembering something.” Cold stone explained. Applejack got a knowing look and was about to pry further when Granny Smith interrupted her.

“Say Applejack, have you seen Applebloom anywhere?” Granny smith asked with a confused look.

“I'm sorry, ah forgot to tell you, She and her crusadin’ friends went out to their tree house earlier than usual.” Applejack said.

“If I may ask, who are you talking about?” Cold stone politely asked.

“Applebloom is ma little sister, she and her friends go out and do random things in order to find their cutie marks.” Applejack shook her head and chuckled at the memories of the fillies escapades.

Cold stone nodded and he continued to eat until he finished. Once done, he placed his plate into the sink and went to the front door and walked out. After a while Applejack appeared from the front to find Cold stone waiting for her.

“Well let’s get started.” Applejack said as she started to walk towards an empty patch of land surrounded by a fence. Cold Stone followed her and they soon reached their destination and entered through the front gate. Applejack led Cold to a piece of farm equipment that he had never seen before. It was a sort of a 3d iron triangle, with two curved wooden appendages with metal loops at the end, and rope tied to the loops with a worn out yoke at the other end.

“You look like a strong stallion, so I’ll give ya some moderate work to do today. All ya gotta do is plow this field, plant seeds in the grooves, and cover them up. I’ll help you get set up.” Apple Jack then proceeded to show Cold stone the basics of plowing and helped him get set up.

Cold stone was soon plowing the field with little issue, even Applejack seemed impressed at how Cold caught on so fast. Though in the stallions head, he was comparing his and Applejack's family and how he missed his. Cold stone would be lying if he said that he didn’t feel a little jealous of the farm mare's family, all it reminded him about was how it could have been.

These thoughts started to cloud Cold's mind with pent up frustration as he lost track of time and he began to plow faster, even almost missing some turns when making a new row.

Cold stone only stopped when Applejack stepped in front of him, making Cold stop in his tracks as he panted heavily. Applejack was panting with some sweat going down the side of her face as she gave Cold a slightly irritated expression.

“Ah said, you’re… done now… Mr.Stone.” Applejack panted out. Cold stone was confused, but finally knew where he was when he looked around.

Instead of being in the fields like he expected, He found himself in the middle two rows of apple trees. Looking back, there was practically a mini trench of dirt leading back to a broken fence. Cold Stone looked back to the irritated mare with a slight blush.

“Sorry…I got distracted. I’ll pay for it and leave my position.” Cold stone apologized with some embarrassment behind his tone. Applejack only sighed and fixed her hat as she walked past Cold, making him look back at her.

“There ain’t no need for that. You made a simple mistake and that's that, now let's go back and fix the fence and get back to work.” Applejack said while waving her hoof at herself, indicating for Cold to follow her.

Cold Stone was shocked by the mare's response and how she wasn’t furious about him breaking her property. If he did something like that to Sombra stuff, he would beat Cold to an inch of his life for it. So the blindfold stallion dragged the plow back with him as he and the farm mare walked back in silence.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluttershy-1st person

I wasn’t sure about going through with what Pinkie asked of me. Of course being her friend, I couldn’t just say no, but with how quickly everypony around town was talking about him, I wasn't sure anypony would show up.

Rarity had gone and unintentionally gossiped about Cold stone, the news spread like a horrible plague and got ponies weary about my newest house guest. Sure, he’s not very outgoing and friendly looking, even scary looking at some points in my opinion. But under the cold and callus exterior, was a stallion who hasn’t had any real pony contact, and was being manipulated by an evil stallion for a long time.

I Finally reached Sweet apple acres and walked down its long dirt path. Cold stone said he was going there because applejack was giving him a position and that he wanted to repay her kindness. I soon arrived at Applejack's home and saw her and Cold stone walk past with wood planks and tools.

“Oh Cold, there you are.” I said excitedly, I made the pair stop and look at me as I approached them. “I need you for something real quick, If…you’re not too busy.” I said meekly, looking away a little.

“Sorry, but I need to help Applejack repair the fence I broke. I’ll come with you once I am finished.” Cold stone denied. My ears splayed back as I got a disappointed look on my face. I thought for a moment that Cold stone recoiled from my reaction and before he could speak Applejack took the tools he had on him and chuckled.

“You go along now, I’ll take care of the rest for today so you don’t have to worry. ”Applejack said with a smile as she gave me a knowing look. Cold stone looked like he was going to argue, but a look from Applejack made him quiet as he nodded. I gave a small smile and started to walk with Cold stone behind me back to Sugar Cube corner.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The three fillies that made up the Cutie mark crusaders walked through the trees of the Everfree forest, the environment looking darker than usual. Applebloom was leading the trio, Sweetie and Scootaloo, the latter having an annoyed look on her face at her friend's lack of direction.

“You know, since you visit Zecora the most, I would think you would know the way!” She angrily shouted. Applebloom stopped walking and looked back at the angry pegasus filly with a hurtful look.

“Hey it’s not ma fault, It’s like the forest changed or something. The usual trail I take doesn't look the same.” Applebloom argued.

“I think Applebloom is right, the forest looks a bit scarier than it usually does” Sweetie Bell fearfully said, looking around in the dark foliage. Scootaloo Rolled her eyes as she started to walk past the others.

“Don’t be a scaredy cat Sweetie bell, look, I’ll get us back on a trail and we’ll walk-”Scootaloo was interrupted by a low growl from the trees. The fillies looked in the direction of the noise with dreadful looks, and were frozen in fear at what they saw.

It was a Manticore, but it looked like a living corpse that tripped in a tar pit. Its rotted muscle and bone were exposed to the open air, Its eyes were missing, and its body was covered in splotches and tentacles of a black substance that stunk of death. The beast and fillies stood in silence for a moment that felt like hours to the fillies. The silence only stopped when the manticore roared and black tendrils appeared from its back. The fillies screamed as they dashed off in the direction they came from, the undead manticore hot on their heels.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No one- 3rd person

Sugar Cube corner came into view for Flutershy and her stoic companion, the shy mare looked nervous as they got closer.

The looks that went towards the pair made Fluttershy flustered, even if they were mostly directed at Cold, the rare ones she got brought up bad memories of flight school and made her start to shake in fear.

Fluttershy was surprised when she felt Cold stone got close to her and put a hoof around her in a protective manner.

“Don’t let their repulsive faces affect you, look ahead and ignore them.” Cold stone instructed with a hint of anger in his voice, but not directed at her. Fluttershy blushed a little as she did what Cold said to do, and in no time, they both reached the candy looking establishment.

“Um…you can go first…If you want yo” Fluttershy said. Cold hesitated for a moment, but walked to the front door and opened it to find total darkness.

He was confused when his special vision saw multiple pony silhouette’s hiding in the dark for some reason unknown to him. He cautiously moved forward into the darkness, and jumped back in surprise when the lights came of and the hiding ponies sprung out and yelled-

“SURPRISE!!!”

Cold stone quickly saved face and returned to his stoic state as he scanned the room filled with a good amount of ponies. They all had smiles and happy looks on their faces instead of the typical distance and disgust. Pinkie pie suddenly appeared beside Cold Stone with an excited expression while bouncing in place.

“I’m sooo glad you could make it coldy! Did I surprise you?! DID I, DID I, DID I?!” Pinkie pie frantically asked.

“...yes…”Cold stone half lied. Pinkie pie gave a wide grin and bounced off as everypony started to talk, play games, or eat treats. Fluttershy walked past Cold and disappeared into the crowd, leaving a bewildered and confused Cold stone behind.

With heavy hesitation, Cold stone walked through the crowd in search of any feastivities to partake in. The first one he saw was of a pony with their own blind fold on, being spun around, and then trying to pin a fake tail on a picture of a gray pony.

When he approached the group, he asked to play and they agreed, they called this game ‘Pin the tail on the donkey’ and he internally scoffed at the name.

‘So unoriginal, why do I even have to pin the tail on this ass, why the hell did they lose it?” Cold stone internally ranted to himself. The other ponies were confused if they should let Cold stone wear his blindfold, but made the excuse that it was probably see through, saving Cold stone an explanation. The second blindfold was tied around his head and Cold was spun around until he was moderately dizzy.

Cold stone easily walked to the flank of the donkey picture and pinned the tail perfectly on it, and lifting his second blind fold, the other ponies faces were ones of shock. Cold stone felt some pride from their expression, but got out of there quickly and walked over to the snack table.

The treats on the table awed Cold, cakes and cupcakes, a strange red liquid in a bowl, and small tubs of differently colored treats. The last one interested Cold stone the most, when he got close, he saw that most of them were already eaten out of. Even if he couldn’t read well, Cold stone found that they had labels with flavor names like cho-co-late, van-illa, strew-berry, cot-ten-c-andy, and one that wasn’t touched labeled-

‘HOLY SHIT, I LOVE THIS TOWN!’ Cold stone happily shouted to himself as he gave off a childlike excitement. Though Cold stone was basically illiterate, the word was one he took to heart and knew too well. The tub was labeled ‘mint ice cream’ ,better yet it was untouched, and Cold didn’t even look for a utensil and started to scarf down the ice cream like a starved beast.

Ponies nearby gave the mint crazy stallion a weird look and tried to look away from him.

Ever since Cold stone was a small colt, he loved the cold of the equestrian north considering he grew up in it. When his father came back from an expedition he was on, he gave the young colt a small bag of red and white candies that exploded with a cool flavor that slightly burned his tongue. Ever since then, Cold stone became obsessed with mint and anything mint flavored, even to the point it worried his family. When he was brought in by Sombra, he was unfortunately separated from his beloved flavor for decades. Today was the first time he had anything mint related in, technically, over a thousand years.

Cold stone removed his head from the now empty tub of ice cream with a frown, a sudden giggle made him jump in surprise and turn around to find Fluttershy behind him. Cold stone heavily blushed in embarrassment and threw the empty tub into the crowd, hitting somepony in the process, and wiping his mint ice cream covered muzzle with a napkin.

“I-I hope you are enjoying the festivities.” Cold stone said in wavering version of his stoic tone. Fluttershy stopped herself from giggling further and gave Cold a kind smile, which gave Cold stone a weirdly warm feeling.

“I should be asking you that, but I can see you obviously are.” Fluttershy said with another small giggle.

Cold stone was about to damage control for his actions, before distant screams caught his and everypony else's ears. The blindfolded stallion trotted out the front door and his eyes widened under his blindfold at the sight of the marketplace burning and a horrible beast attacking terrorfied ponies.

The un-dead looking beast was clawing at any unlucky ponies, adding to the blood and mauled corpses coated the dirt path. Cold stone quickly ran back inside and grabbed a cake covered knife from the snack table and jumped through the window. Off to the left, he saw the rest of the elements appear and they went head first at the monster, ready to battle with it.

Cold stone Stood on his hind legs and tightened the muscles in them, got into a stance, and shot off at speeds that would impress Rainbow Dash. The rest of the elements were about to jump the undead manticore when a navy blue projectile rocketed past them, making the group jump back and yelp in surprise. The manticore spun around in the direction of the noise when Cold Stone slammed into it, plunging the knife into its forehead, warranting a roar of pain from the beast.

The manticore dug its back legs into the ground and tried to push back Cold stone, who was doing the exact same thing. The elements, plus Fluttershy and pinkie, and other ponies watched in amazement as the two stood their ground, making mini pills of dirt behind their legs. Their expressions became ones of horror when the manticore suddenly swatted Cold stone into a market stall, destroying it in the process. Cold stone recovered quickly and got back onto his hind legs, grunting in pain when he noticed the claw marks on his left side, blood running down his body.

Cold stone was about to charge again when a Rainbow blur slammed the manticore away, closely followed by Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack. Rarity and Fluttershy came to the standing stallion with worried expressions as Fluttershy started to look at his wound.

“Darling, are you alright? What is with this…thing you’re doing” Rarity frantically questioned. Cold stone pushed past the two mares, much to the dismay of Fluttershy.

“I’m fine…just get out of my way” He coldly stated as he ran off to fight again. Cold stone saw Applejack had a rope tied around the beast's mouth as Rainbow dash and Twilight tried to wear it down with physical and magical blows.

The manticore had enough as it broke the rope and roared, making the three mares jump back and make a perfect opening for Cold stone. As he ran, Cold spotted a piece of broken lumber from a destroyed stall, and grabbed it with his hoof. The manticore was a couple of feet in front of cold, it went to swipe at Cold, but he threw his upper body back and went into a ground slide, slashing the manticore leg in the process. The undead beast fell to the ground as Cold got back up and jumped onto the manticore's back, tightly wrapping his forelegs around its neck.

The beast thrashed around, slamming its back and the stallion on it into stalls and the back of homes. During this, Cold stone was stabbed in the side by a piece of wood that almost made him lose his grip but he endured the pain. Cold stone was pissed at this point, first he made a fool of himself at apple jacks farm and destroyed her fence. Then he was interrupted talking to Fluttershy and thrown and stabbed instead of being around her.

He was unfortunately thrown off by the beast and he slammed into the ground, pushing the piece of wood in his side, deeper in. The beast was about to tear Cold stone apart when it was interrupted by a voice behind it.

“How dare you! You come here and hurt innocent ponies, then hurt my friend as well! You should be ashamed,” Fluttershy gave the beast the fabled stare, but with the lack of actual eyes, the beast roared in the face of the now dreading pegasus. The manticore pounced at Fluttershy, and time seemed to slow to a crawl for Cold stone at the site. His anger flared to its absolute limit and Cold's usual black vision started to turn red as he pounced at the beast with a yell.

“AHHHHH!!” Cold stone bit down onto the rotten flesh of the manticore and dug his hooves into the dirt, making the beast fall to the ground before he reached the frightened mare. The manticore was about to turn around to kill his attacker when it was suddenly lifted into the air, and slammed into the ground behind cold stone, making a dust cloud. Then Cold stone wiped his head to the left and threw the manticore into the rubble of the marketplace.

The injured manticore was about to get back up when the navy blue stallion appeared over him with, what it sensed, a wide eyed death glare. Cold stone then got down and started to beat the beast relentlessly, sending splotches of black goo and blood onto himself and the area around him. The manticore got a few hits in, one hit grazing Colds face, making the blindfold fly off, but no matter how much the manticore tried to fight back, cold ignored the attacks and continued to cave in the beast face.

The manticore soon went limp, but Cold stone continued to punch as hard as he could in his blind rage, cracking his hooves in the process. With one final roar of anger, Cold slammed both hooves into what remained of the manticore's head and the market place went dead silent. Everypony, including Fluttershy, watched the whole scene in horror with a few throwing up at the brutality of it all.

Their horror filled expressions were only fueled more when Cold Stone got back up on his hind legs and looked at the crowd. His body was littered with gashes and cuts oozing with blood, especially the wound on his lower left side where the wood had pierced his skin. But the most eye-catching part was his scarred face, the skin was a light blue with no fur and dark areas of callus skin, and his eyes were milky white and hazy.

Cold stone's mind was foggy as he looked at the horrified crowd in confusion, hadn’t he just saved them, why did they give them that look? He decided to ignore them and check on Fluttershy, who had a mixture of horror and pity at the sight of the injured stallion. Cold stone frowned deeply as he calmly stepped off the manticore and approached Fluttershy.

She slightly flinched when the towering Cold stone stopped in front of her. He suddenly gave a warm smile at the mare, who started to cry for a reason unknown to him. Cold stone reached a hoof out to the crying pegasus and his smile wavered a bit as he started to sway side to side.

“Why don’t we… go back to the party…we…didn’t…”Cold stone slurred as his milky white eyes somehow went even hazer and he fell on his side into the dirt. The last thing he saw before he blacked out was Fluttershy over his body, crying heavily with tears dropping on his scarred face.

‘Why is she crying?’ He thought to himself as his world went black.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
???-3rd person

Deep in the forest, there was a tall and infected looking tree that sat in the middle of a wide opening. Inside, all manner of Everfree creatures scurried around, even some ponies mixed in, all of them had the same undead look with the strange black substance.

Deeper inside, the dark zebra mage had a scowl on their face as they looked at the ceiling of their room. Then they smiled evilly and looked down at a giant iron cauldron with mysterious substances being mixed into the same black goo that its servants had.

“Even if that useless colt destroyed one of my failed experiments, it won’t matter in the end.” The tall black goo-covered zebra got up and walked over to a big, circular hole in the tree that had a far off view of the city of Manehatten.
“They will all cower at my hooves and worship me as their rightful king, for I. AM. ZOMCA !”

Chapter 6 (Fresh start arc final): clearing the air with trust

Cold stone jolted straight up in his bed with a cold sweat, he looked around and calmed down seeing that he was still in his bedroom. There was a knock at his door and it cracked open to reveal a dark purple coated, black maned, earth mare with a cutie mark depicting multiple flowers. The mare opened the door the rest of the way and approached Cold with a kind smile.

“Ah, Sweetie, I see you are awake.” Her kind expression became one of concern at the sight of Cold stone. “Are you alright? Did you have a bad nightmare?”

“Not really, it was weird though.” Cold stone got out of bed with a thoughtful look. “But I'm fine mama, I don’t really remember much of it.” Cold said with a reassuring smile. Cold's mother giggled and turned around to leave, before she did, she turned her head to look at Cold stone.

“Well alright then. Once you are ready, breakfast is ready.” With that, the mare left Cold alone in his room.

‘He’s losing a lot of blood! Where in Tartarus is the nurse!?’ Cold stone jumped at a gruff voice that echoed from the window of his room. Trotting up and looking out, there was nopony out this early and the young colt was confused. Cold shrugged it off and walked out of his room to see his family in the main room, all enjoying their breakfast.

“Good morning kiddo, how’d you sleep last night?” A middle aged stallion with a dark blue coat, white main and beard, and a map as a cutie map said.

“I slept well last night, right now, i’m really hungry.” Cold stone took a seat next to a small filly with a light purple coat, and gray mane. The filly hugged Cold with all her strength, which wasn’t much, but made Cold smile non the less.

‘This poor bastard is lucky to be alive. Any higher, then it would have pierced his lung.’ The same gruff voice echoed through the room, making Cold stiffen up in surprise. His family looked at him like he grew two heads, none of them seemed to hear the voice like Cold did.

“Big brother? Are you ok?” Cold's young sister said with evident worry in her voice. Cold stone just smiled at his sister and rubbed her head with a hoof.

“It's alright C̷̨̰̣̍o̸̧͙̣͓̮̖̼̺̠͓͔̣̬̖̓̎̃̉̒̾̊͑͘l̶̨̨̤̱͈̥͍͈̤̺̀͌̓͠v̴̛̛̲̊̒͆͌̽̅͒̃̍͌̿e̶̠̗̟̩̣͌͐͘͠ŕ̷͕̞̐͑̆̔̑̚͝͝͠ ̷͔̖̫̖̗̫̪̭̰̤̮̎̅͊̐͝͝l̶̟̟͈̦̥͎̔͑̌̈́̔̏̅͋͌͂̉͘̕͘͝e̵̛͈͓͇̟͚̲̎́̚͜͜͜a̷̢͔͙̥̳̖͚͇͉͖̟̭͋̍̊̃̌̀̅͝ͅf̶̢̛̟͕̟̟̺̯͍͕̪̮̺͓̰̾̐͛̀̐͑̊̃̄̔͐̌, I thought i heard something.” Cold stone said with a little laugh.

His sister, and parents, didn’t push the subject any further and they all started to eat their breakfast. As he ate, Cold looked around at his family with a warm smile, just being here with them was all he needed in-

“Big brother…” Cold stone's sister's voice brought him out of his thoughts as he looked over at his now crying sister. His mood suddenly dampened at the sight and he moved in to hug her, but the young filly pushed him back with great force.

“C̷̨̰̣̍o̸̧͙̣͓̮̖̼̺̠͓͔̣̬̖̓̎̃̉̒̾̊͑͘l̶̨̨̤̱͈̥͍͈̤̺̀͌̓͠v̴̛̛̲̊̒͆͌̽̅͒̃̍͌̿e̶̠̗̟̩̣͌͐͘͠ŕ̷͕̞̐͑̆̔̑̚͝͝͠ ̷͔̖̫̖̗̫̪̭̰̤̮̎̅͊̐͝͝l̶̟̟͈̦̥͎̔͑̌̈́̔̏̅͋͌͂̉͘̕͘͝e̵̛͈͓͇̟͚̲̎́̚͜͜͜a̷̢͔͙̥̳̖͚͇͉͖̟̭͋̍̊̃̌̀̅͝ͅf̶̢̛̟͕̟̟̺̯͍͕̪̮̺͓̰̾̐͛̀̐͑̊̃̄̔͐̌ what’s wrong?!” Cold stone worrying asked with a sad expression. He looked towards his parents, only to find them giving Cold an

absolute death glare.

“Why brother, Why didn’t you save us!?!?” Cold stone’s sister yelled at him with such anger that it made Cold recoil from it. The walls of his home suddenly caught on fire, widows shattered, and wooden beams crashing down.

“What are you talking about?! What’s going on?!” Cold stone asked with panic in his voice. He got back on his hooves and back away, only to stop when a dark and sinister laugh rang out behind Cold.

Turning around, his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates when he saw a creature made of black smoke, giving him an unnaturally wide smile. Something told him to turn around and the sight made him nearly break down in hysteria. His parents were crushed under broken and burning beams, both of them still wailing in agony as their flesh started to burn. His sister was the worst of it, her body was burned black, bone exposed to the open and half of the skin on her face was missing with exposed muscle showing.

“YOU COULD OF SAVED US, WHY, WHY, W̷̢̽H̵̨̛̤̺͉͇̳͍̳̝͉̺̼̥͕́̐̈́̋̔̓̋̔ͅÝ̴̢̧̨̢̘̳̳̠͓͍̠͎͓͙̝͛̆͒̓̎̆͠Y̵̡̠̣̰͚͖̯͎̥͕̝̚͜Y̸̛̺͈̹͚̿̽̋̃̈͑Ȳ̶͔̣̦̩͇̮̼̝͉͎̻̟̻͂͒͊̿͘ͅY̷̢̧̝͍̖̭͚͖̦͙̦͖̆̇̏̊̈̂̉͗͑Ẏ̴̨̛̪̟̹̂́̐̾̋͑̆̓̾̃͘ͅY̷̡̡̡̹̫̩̞͓̞̱̰̎!!” Cold’s sister started to fall apart as the flames consumed her body.

Cold was hyperventilating and fell to the ground, holding the sides of his head whale crying as the flames came closer.

“ Why can't it not be like before…why…”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold stone shot up in his bed with a yell, he wrapped his forelegs around his head in a protective manner as he curled into a ball and wept.

“Sister please, I’m sorry! P-Please don’t go! I’m sorry I wasn't there!” Cold stone screamed repeatedly, with sorrow and pain heavy in his voice. During his hyperventilating, he didn’t notice a yellow pegasus mare trying to talk with him, her word being lost to Cold's hysteria.

The only sound that he could hear was a constant ringing and an annoying beaming rhythm that hurt his ears. 3 ponies in white coats rushed into his room and tried to restrain the frantic stallion, his strength making it hard to do so. Finally, one pony took out a syringe with a clear liquid in it, and stuck it into Cold's neck and pushed the plunger. Cold stone started to calm down, and eventually laid fully on his hospital bed, muttering the same phrase as he passed out.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celestia- 1st person

“Dear sister, is something the matter?” Luna asked me with a curious tone.

“Yes Luna, apparently our little reforment got himself into trouble.” I replied with a sigh. I rubbed the side of the temple to try and stop a headache from starting as I set a letter down with my magic.

“What KIND of trouble?” Luna said in an angered tone.

“Calm yourself Luna, he actually saved the town from being destroyed by a manticore. But he didn’t come out unscaved.” I said as I got up from my bed and walked past my sister to the kitchen, Luna followed me as well.

“Is he alright?” Luna asked with curiosity with a hint of worry. We soon arrived in the kitchen and I asked a royal chef to prepare myself and Luna our favorite tea.

“Fortunately yes, but I got a letter from Twilight not too long ago saying that he was having a ‘freak out episode’ as she put it. I don’t know what that particularly means, but I’m waiting for an update soon.” I said as Luna and I sat at the dining hall table.

“Well that is unfortunate.” Luna said sadly. “But about that manticore, why would it go that far out of the Everfree?” Luna asked nopony in particular.

“I don’t know for certain, but the corpse we collected had some sort of black substance that resembled tar, coated around its skin. I had it sent to our best researchers and scholars for examination, you never know what can come out of that forest.” I said with some spite in my voice.

A waiter came with a silver platter that had a gold tea set on it, they set it down and Luna and I took a cup, poured our tea, and discussed other random topics.

‘If I think what I think it is, then finding Sombra won’t be too hard.’ I grimly thought to myself.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluttershy- 3rd person

It was night time from what Fluttershy saw from the Cold stone hospital room, the stallion in question still sleeping in his bed, tossing and turning while murmuring something. Her friends were with her as well, all of them having expressions of worry and discomfort, and Fluttershy was the most beat up about it.

How could she just sit there and let her guest get beat up like that? He was hurt because she wasn’t brave enough as usual. Tears started to form in the corners of Fluttershy's eyes as she berated herself, but a hoof touching her shoulder made her look over to see Rainbow dash with a concerned face.

“Yo Flutters, you alright?” Rainbow dash asked, Fluttershy stayed quiet for a minute until she shook her head.

“No, It’s because of me that Mister stone is..is…” Fluttershy started to choke up before she covered her face with her hooves and silently cried into them.

“Hey you did nothing wrong, besides, dark and gloomy others are fine now.” Rainbow dash said with a unsure smile.

“I-I just s-sat there in fear w-while he had to s-save me. For that, he’s like that because of me.” Fluttershy said between sobs. Rainbow dash was about to try and comfort the mare again when a light groaning sound came from Cold stone.

“Ugh…Where am I?” Cold stone tried to look around, but Fluttershy flew into and hugged him with tears coming down her face. Cold stoned looked to be bewildered, even with the bandages covering his upper face, and he noticed Fluttershy’s friends in front of him.

“P-please don’t do that EVER again! You worried me sick!” Fluttershy sobbed out. She felt Cold Stone grab her shoulders and pull her away from himself, which saddened Fluttershy a little.

“What's going on? Why am I still alive?” Cold stone spoke with heavy confusion in his voice. Fluttershy was bewildered by what he said, maybe because he doesn’t know what a hospital is…yeah. Twilight walked to the side of Cold's bed with a slightly disturbed expression.

“After you…killed…that manticore, you were sent to the hospital. They said not to move for at least 4 days in your condition.” Twilight said with a synaptic look.

“That's not what I meant.” Cold stone moved his body back, with a little trouble, much to the disapproval of Fluttershy. “Why didn’t you finish me off while you had the chance, then I wouldn't be your problem anymore…” The room was in dead silence for a solid minute before Rainbow dash gave a light chuckle.

“I think that manticor knocked him around a little too hard.” Rainbow dash patted Applejack's shoulder. ”He thinks we would kill him, real funny man.” The silence in the room instantly got rid of Rainbow dash’s joking attitude.

Everyone then gasped when Fluttershy suddenly slapped Cold Stone on the cheek with her hoof. She looked at the stunned Cold stone with a furious face as tears continued to rush down her face.

“How…How dare you say things like that! We thought you were going to die! I thought I wouldn't be able to help you anymore, and when you finally wake up, you say we should have killed you?!” Fluttershy shouted into his face. Cold stone moved his head back to look at the pissed off Fluttershy, then hung his head low with an audible ‘tch’.

“I got defeated by some mere animal, I obviously ran my course. Even then, you know about the type of things I do…so why help me?” Cold stone said at a low volume to where most the elements, except Fluttershy, barely heard.

“W-what are you say, you’re not making any se-” Fluttershy was interrupted when Cold Stone started to laugh, which surprised her and the elements.

“I don’t understand any of you damn idiots. You all think of me as some crazed murder and yet you still chosed to save my life.” Tears soak the bandages as his voice got choked up a little. “E-ever since I got stuck here, I’ve felt as if I am nothing more than some clueless foal wandering in the dark.” Cold stone took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he sat in silence.

All Fluttershy could do right now was to wrap her forelegs around Cold stone and hug him. Cold Stone let out an audible gasp at the sudden contact and even tried to pry the pegasus off himself, to no avail. Cold stone was about to voice his protest his complaints when Twilight walked up to the pair with a kind smile.

“While it is true we know about what you did, It doesn't change the fact that we see you have the ability to change for the better.” Twilight said as Pinkie Pie appeared on the opposite side of Colds bed.

“Besides, who knows what that meanie Sombra did to you, now that you’re with us, It’s probably the reason that you are feeling happy now!” Pinkie giggled at the shocked face of cold. Rainbow dash flew just above Cold, nearly hitting the ceiling.

“You’re a scary dude to be honest. But I can tell you are a cool pony at heart, not as cool as me of course, but still cool.” Rainbow dash flew back beside Applejack, who took this chance to speak for herself.

“Mr. Stone, you got to be one of the most stuborn stallions I've ever met. That stubbornness is what makes you strong, but it’s alright to have a friend or two to help you out once in a while.” Applejack tipped her hat as rarity took center stage.

“Darling, It is true you did do some…unsavory…things in your past. But being here gives you a chance to start anew and explore things that are new to you.” Rarity smiled as the room went silent.

Fluttershy was still clinging to the stallion, and slightly jolted when she felt Cold embraced her in his own tight hud. Cold's hooves removed themselves from Fluttershy, she looked up to see Cold removing the bandages from his face. She and her friends slightly winced at the sight of his scared face, which had a sad smile present on it.

“You all are the first ponies I met that I can’t figure out.” Cold looked into Fluttershy’s eyes with an intense gaze. “Do you really not believe that somepony like me deserves death for the things he's done?”

“...No…” Fluttershy simply answered.

Cold stone continued to silently stare into Fluttershy’s eyes, her face heating up at the awkward silence.

“I’ll choose to believe you…''Cold stone stated with a genuine smile. He suddenly let out a hiss of pain and sank himself back into a lying position, the sudden action worrying the shy mare.

“You shouldn’t move around too much, you’ll break your stitches.” Fluttershy said, putting her hooves back onto the floor.

“You don’t need to worry, I’ve been through worse.” Cold stone averted his gaze away from Fluttershy with a little pout. Fluttershy and Cold started to bicker back and forth with each other, Fluttershy’s friends lightly laughed at the scene in front of them.

Although Fluttershy or anypony else didn’t notice, a certain fashionista noticed a faint blush on Cold Stone's face. The discovery making her gasp and squee internally as she realized something.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zomca- 1st person

I sat upon my throne as I looked down on my un-dead slaves working to finish my poison. Ever since I rid myself of that boot licker of a colt, I have been flourishing with my latest plan to retake my power.

Though I have to give credit to my ex-servant, the plan he made had some promise to it, I was just greatly improving on it. My concoction works like a virus, takes over the host and connects to me in a sort of a hive mind, quite brilliant if i say so.

“Master, Progress is 89 percent complete and our force increases by the day. Are there any other tasks I should carry out?” A sudden voice Interrupted me from behind. I sighed in annoyance as I turned my head to the left to see my newest servant.

He was a head taller than my old servant. Rotted black fur covered most of his body except for his right foreleg and half of his face. His hair was replaced by vines, roots, and other kinds of foliage, a long scorpion tail on his lower back, and the same position covering his body like the rest of my servants.

“Make sure those pathetic low lives work harder, I want to get this done as quickly as possible for the main event~” I said with an evil smile. My servant nodded as he disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Unlike my last attempt, this servant doesn’t get held back by pain or emotion. Barely makes any noise, faster than the blink of an eye, stronger than any creature you will find, and the most loyal monstrosity I had the pleasure of making. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss Black Ivory at least a bit, but I think that’s the striped one’s morality seeping through.

“Soon, the land of Manehatten will be mine, and eventually, all of Equestria.” I said to myself, my cackling laughter echoing throughout the wood walls of my temporary castle.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been two days since Cold had woken up, despite the short time frame, a lot has happened since then.

Applejack came early in the morning to give cold payment for helping on the farm. He tried to decline the offer, but Applejack made the excuse of him deserving it after saving the town, so Cold reluctantly took the bits and the farm mare was on her way.

Rarity arrived a couple hours after Applejack left, she had saddle bags on that had a slight bulge in the bottom. The cause of it was a brand new cape that was made of white silk with a solid purple lining, there was also a matching blindfold in addition which he wore almost instantly. Cold tried to pay for it with the bit Applejack gave him, but Rarity declined them and said that it was a gift. Before she left, she said ‘Good luck with Fluttershy darling’, then winked and left, leaving a confused Cold stone.

Pinkie pie and rainbow dash came by and set up a mini party for Cold in celebration for a good recovery. This was also the time both mares discovered Cold's obsession with mint, when he found out that pinkie brought leftover mint ice cream from the last party. Rainbow Dash begged for Cold to teach her how to fight like he did, which he declined several times. A satisfied Pinkie pie and a disappointed Rainbow dash left and let Cold get a good night's sleep.

The second day, Cold stone was able to move around again but not without an aching pain. Twilight also came around this time catching the stallion on his hooves. She expectantly freaked out and almost opened some of Cold’s stitches trying to put him back into bed. After that, she explained that she came by to start his reading a mouth writing lesson, which excited the stallion a bit. She called out to somepony named Spike, and a small drake with a large stack of books waddled in, this was also the first time Cold met or even seen a dragon. So most of the session was Cold just asking questions about dragons, Spike providing fake answers with false pride, but was deflated by twilight correcting them.

Fluttershy met with Cold at the end of the day, bringing some homemade tea that was somehow still warm, and a couple of breath mints provided by Pinkie Pie. They conversed mostly about their daily lives, until Fluttershy brought up a point.

“I’ve noticed recently, why don’t you have a Cutie mark?” The question made Cold spit out some of his tea, making Fluttershy fluster in panic. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to offend you.” She said with her hooves waving in front of her dismissively.

“It’s alright, I just cover it up so nopony would see.” Cold stone set his tea cup down onto the table next to him. Fluttershy went from panic to confusion at the stallion's explanation.

“What do you mean by that?” Fluttershy asked with her head tilted to the side.

“When I started working for Sombra, he said to cover it up so it would be harder for others to recognize me…or something.” Cold rolled his eyes, which weren’t covered up, and let out a light chuckle.

Fluttershy took a closer look at Cold's flank, which had an image partly covered up by smeared navy blue fur paint. There was a muffled coughing sound that made Fluttershy look up to see a slightly flustered Cold stone looking at her.

“I-I’m sorry!!!” Fluttershy apologized loudly, her face red as a tomato from embarrassment and after a while, Cold was able to calm the mare down. The rest of their meeting was short and ended in Fluttershy rushing out of Cold's room with the excuse of feeding her animals.

Cold stone smiled when the pegasus left, she was the only one that he could feel comfortable around. At some points, she reminded Cold Stone of his mother with how kind she is.

Once again, that weird warm feeling that spread out through his body appeared at the thought of Fluttershy.

“Why do I feel this way about her?” Cold asked himself with clear confusion in his voice. He put a hoof to his beating heart as he contemplated in silence. He figured he needs to ask Twilight about that the next time he sees her.

Chapter 3: beyond the cover

“Long time no see…Black Ivory…”

Celestia sat upon her golden throne with golden accents and a sun emblem on the top. The one next to it that was similar, except with blue accents and a moon emblem on top. Behind them were three windows, two on the right and left depicting the same sun and moon, and one above the thrones depicting what looked like a meteor shower.

“I hope you know why you are here.” Celestia questioned with a raised eyebrow, keeping the same serious glare at Cold stone.

Cold stone stayed quiet, mostly due to him being too exhausted to speak, but he was also frantically trying to reach sombra on what to do in this situation. Celestia sighed and her expression turned into one of pity for the bound stallion.

“You are being charged with the pony slaughter of 18 solar guards, massive property damage, and resisting arrest…why?” Celestia went quiet after she finished, which got the attention of Cold stone. Cold’s breathing got ragged for a second before he opened his mouth.

“W-why…WHY!” The guards had to put some force to pull back Cold stone, who was trying to approach the solar princess with a scowl under his blindfold. “Like I'll…answer to anything by the l-like of you!” Cold stopped trying to move and fell back onto his haunches, but the guards were more cautious of him this time. Celestia stared at the scowling stallion for a moment but got up and slowly approached Cold stone.

“That is not what I meant…”Celestia stopped a short distance in front of Cold, who looked like he was going to rip her throat out any moment. “I meant why…why did you allow yourself to become like this?” The second she finished speaking, Cold stone tried to pounce her once again, but the guards strength kept him from doing so.

“WHY…you're the one who caused it you bitch.” Cold stone voice became dry as he went on. “Master said so! You knew and did nothing about it!” Cold stones voice was starting to become rough as a bit of blood ran down the corner of his mouth.

'Well it is obvious he thinks i did something to him…but i didn’t know him until my fight with sombra…’ Celestia stood there in complete confusion as she tried to think what Cold meant by that.

“Y-you let my village burn! My family and friends! They are all gone because of you!” Cold stone yelled at the princes but his legs gave out and he fell flat onto the ground. Celestia's eyes widened a bit at what Cold accused her of and she looked down at Cold who was heavily panting.

“I-”Celestia was about to retort but Commander Sunrise came through the throne room door and trotted up to her. Sunrise glanced over at Cold stone with a hurtful and disgusted expression before he returned his gaze towards the princess.

“Your majesty, the elements have arrived. Should I have them escorted to private rooms or bring them to you?” Sunrise asked with a little bow. Cold stone raised an eyebrow at the mention of these ‘elements’ but that wasn’t important to him right now.

Celestia closed her eyes and took a moment to decide, when she did, she sighed and ordered Sunrise to raise his head.

“Bring them here this instant.” Celestia ordered. ‘I need them just in case.’ Sunrise nodded and rushed off to get the Elements of harmony.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold stone-1st person

As Celestia watched that guard leave, I took this chance to look for any way to escape. Both of my legs were bound together and there were 2 guards holding me back with rope around my barrel and neck. there was no way i could do anything.

‘I’m too weak to do anything, dammit!’ I mentally berated myself. I gritted my teeth in frustration as I tried to think what sombra would want me to do in this situation.

Ever since I was small, my peers would make most decisions for me, even my parents would help me choose betweeen simple things, even when I was old enough to go to school. That didn’t mean i was stupid, actually i was quite smart for my age, it’s just I was more content with following others when the time was right.

I really want Sombra's guidance right about now.

“Now back to our discussion.” Celestia's voice brought me out of my useless observations as I looked to see her look down at me with…pity. “What you said about me. To be truthful, I haven't got the slightest idea of what you speak of.” Then she knelt down in front of me and put a golden hoof on my cheek.

“I don’t need you pity.” I quickly twisted my head to the side, freeing my cheek from her touch. ”And I don’t need your excuses either. I know you’re lying to me, witch!” I gathered saliva in my mouth and spat it at the solar diarch, successfully landing hitting her square on the muzzle.

That resulted in one of the guards that was holding me down, to hit me in the back of the head really hard. The strike sent a shockwave of pain throughout my skull.

“Control yourself sir!” Celestia's voice boomed with anger surprisingly not at me, but to the guard who wacked me in the head. I looked up in time to see him quickly recoil away from the Princess, but went back to making sure I didn't move just as quickly.

The princess surrounded the saliva in magic and made it poof away, then sighed and started to walk back to her throne.

“You may remove his restraints, I don't think he needs them.” Celestia ordered, making the eyes of both guards, and especially mine, to widen. The guards hesitated for a moment as Celestia sat back on her throne. One look from her and the guards untied the rope and unlocked the chains from my body.

The instant they were off, I tried to stand on my hoofs but only resulted in me falling back onto my rump again. My bones felt like they were made of wet paper, and I was so exhausted that i could barely see straight.

I heard the throne room door open and I looked back to see that Sunrise pony sticking his head in the door crack.

“Your majesty, i have brought the elements like you asked” Sunrise opened the door, opened the rest of the way and 6 mares walked through. I
turned my head to see the misty outlines of ponies that consisted of 2 unicorns, an earth pony, and 2 pegasi, one of which was hovering above the ground.

They all have different expressions towards me, both the earth pony and floating pegasus gave me a suspicious stare, the front unicorn gave me a cautious and calculating look, the other unicorn gave me a look of disgust, and the other pegasus hid her face behind her mane.

I raised my eyebrow when I noticed one of the group was absent. I felt sompony grab my shoulders which made me stiff up in surprise.

“HIYA, my name’s Pinkie Pie! what's your’s?” The bubbly sounding earth pony happily yelled in my face causing me to move my head away from the volume.

“Pinkie got away from him! you know what Mr. Sunrise said about him.” The front unicorn berated. The earth pony named Pinkie Pie let go of me and somehow reappeared behind the group.

“H-How” I stuttered out, now in my monotone voice.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No one-3rd person

After Pinkie Pie entrance, Twilight and her friends passed Cold stone, keeping a respectable distance away, and stopped near Celestia.

“Ah’m gonna take a wild guess and say HE is why we’re here.” Applejack asked with a hoof pointed at the blindfolded stallion. The princess nodded and gave her a small smile.

“You are correct on that applejack, I would like all of you to meet Black Ivory” Celestia introduced. Rainbow dash Snickered which got the attention of “black Ivory”.

“What do you find so funny, Rainbow freak?” Cold stone insulted, which instantly got him a glare from the rainbow pegasus as she got up into his face.

“What did ya say punk?! And that’s Rainbow Dash to you!” She angrily yelled in Cold's face. Cold stone kept his stone face, not flinching a bit.

He was about to respond to the rainbow mare with a head butt before applejack bit Rainbow's tail and pulling her back. The two bickered a bit until a look from the princess that made them shut up.

“Now let's get back to our chat before we get off track again.” Celestia said as she gave Cold Stone another serious look. “What Sombra said to you is most likely false, everything that stallion says is a lie.” When Celestia said this, Cold stones stoic face twitched a little as the elements looked at the princess for answers.

“Umm, princess, what does this have to do with Sombra? Didn’t Twilight and Spike defeat him days ago?” Pinkie Pie asked with a questioning look and a hoof under her chin.

This certainly got the attention of Cold Stone, who was trying to keep back a snarl, but the twitching of his face was making it hard to hide it.

‘It was them, They were the ones who made him like this!’ He angrily yelled inside of his head. Cold stone bit his lip to keep from yelling, biting so hard a little blood came out.

“If you must know. A thousand years ago, I had spies planted in the crystal empire to keep an eye on Sombra while me and Luna dealt with Discord. From what they told me, they found out Sombra had a right hoof Stallion who would mostly stay by his side when in public.” Celestia informed. The fact that Cold was around for that long AND was that close Sombra made them stare at them in surprise.

“...Yes it’s true.” Cold stone confirmed. ‘How did I not find out?’ Cold stone felt a bit embarrassed but thankful Sombra wasn’t able to hear any of this.

“When I and Luna fought with Sombra, Black Ivory was there too and was holding off my sister as I battled with Sombra. When the empire disappeared, I never thought that i would have the chance to meet Ivory in the flesh”The solar princess said with a sad look on her face.

“Wait.” Twilight spoke up suddenly. “He went up against Luna?! You didn’t mention we would be meeting somepony who was powerful enough to go against an alicorn!” Twilight frantically but covered her mouth and tried to apologize. Celestia raised a hoof to stop the panicking mare and gave her a comforting smile, a scene that made Cold Stone feel oddly envious.

“It is alright my student, It was my fault that I didn’t specify-” Celestia turned her gaze back to Cold stone.”-But apparently the reason he joined Sombra was because he thinks I purposely destroyed his village.” The elements gasped when Celestia said this.

“And it’s true. I guess you didn’t want to tell the truth to your subjects so you could save face.” Cold stone spat back, venom coming from every word.

“Hey shut it! Princess Celestia would never do something like that!” Rainbow dash retorted, which made Cold stone to darkly chuckle.

“Oh yeah? 6 years before Sombra went to war with the empire. Celestia fought with Sombra as he was trying to liberate a nearby village, he said that he tried to deflect her attack but some of them destroyed my village. He said that she saw her look in the direction of my burning village and didn’t do a thing!” Cold Stone's voice wavered a bit as he spoke.

Celestia’s blood went cold as she looked down, as she remembered that day. Cold story was true in the fact that Sombra was deflecting some of her attacks. But something felt odd about the way he did that she found it strange, but never found out when she had to make a retreat. Now it all made sense to her.

“That bastard…” Celestia cursed under breath. She looked back up at Cold stone with a look of pity. “ Sombra has been lying to you…yes it is true when i fought him, he did deflect some of my attacks. But I didn't know he would do something like that.” She said as her body trembled in silent rage.

Cold stone got what she meant and his stoic face crumbled into one of rage as he shakenly got to his hoof.

“DON’T YOU DARE IMPLY THAT! KING SOMBRA WOULD NEVER DO THAT!” He yelled at the princess, scaring the elements in the process. Faint wisp of smoke started to emanate from under Cold’s blindfold as the anti-magic ring on his horn started to crack.

Seeing this Celestia got up and used her magic to pin Cold stone to the ground as she turned her head towards the elements.

“Twilight, use the elements quickly!” Celestia yelled. Twilight and her friends wasted no time and powered up the elements.

Their eyes started to glow white as they all started to float into the air as a powerful aura surrounded them. A blast of energy in the form of a rainbow shot into the air, and curved back around too hit the raging Cold stone.

Cold stone could only yell in pain when the beam hit him, the sensation made him feel as if the flesh on his face was burning off.

As the beam continued to work its magic, the horn on Cold’s head started to revert back into sombras as it was slowly pulled away from Cold stones head. The horn eventually came off and was accidentally shot out of one of the Throne rooms’ windows, sending it far into the distance. The beam stopped and the elements fell to the ground as Cold stone covered a gaping hole in his forehead, which almost instantly healed.

Cold stone noticed his missing appendage and looked around for it and noticed the hole in the window. He frantically got to his hooves and galloped to the window, and jumped through it, which got the attention of the solar princess. She hastily followed and stopped in front of the window in time to see Cold stone falling and she used her magic to catch him mid fall.

While this happened the element got back up and were clearing their heads, Pinkie Pie rapidly shaking her head side to side at high speed. They looked back at the princess, who was now pulling a crying and hyperventilating Cold stone back through a broken window.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hours later. Fluttershy-3rd person

It was night time when Celestia came into her, and her friends, room.

After Celestia pulled the scary stallion away from the window, he tried to crawl back to it as hard as he could. It got bad enough to where he tried to cut his leg, that was trapped by Celestia's leg, off. Her friends tried to help, as Fluttershy was too scared to assist, but in the end Celestia had to use a sleep spell on Black ivory, which seemed to work as he fell asleep instantly.

Now Fluttershy and her friend were now sitting in a room they were escorted to after the event, and they all talked before Celestia came in. Celestia had a downcast expression as she approached the group as Fluttershy's friends berated her with questions.

“What in the hay happened princess?!”

“What happened between you two?”

“Is he alright?”

“Are you alright princess?”

Celestia raised her hoof to silence Fluttershy's friends. They all stopped talking and sat back, waiting for Celestia to answer their questions.

“I am alright now my subjects, I had some delay as Black Ivory woke up.” Celestia stated. Rainbow Dash trotted closer to the princess with a cocky smirk.

“Did he give you any trouble princess? If so, I'll teach him a lesson if he does.” She proudly stated.

“Fortunately he didn’t. Unfortunately, I tried to talk to him but every time I asked something, all he did was stay silent and hid away from me.” Celestia looked to the floor as she muttered something under her breath.

Fluttershy would be lying if she said she didn’t feel a bit sorry for the stallion. She was about to ask a question, but rarity spoke up before she could.

“Well that is unfortunate. But that doesn’t answer the question of what happened between you two.” Rarity spoke up. She and the rest of Fluttershy's friend stared at the princess, waiting for an answer.

Celestia sighed before she started to speak.

“What he said was partly true. A long time ago, I was sent a request by the queen of the crystal empire about a dark magic user who was destroying military outposts outside the borders of the empire. I was foolish and went by my lonesome thinking I could take them on by myself. When I got there, I tried to talk to Sombra but it was apparent that he wouldn’t listen and we started to battle.” As Celestia spoke, she sat down and was followed by the rest, Pinkie Pie with popcorn on the hoof.

“During our fight I sent some attacks at Sombra, which he deflected in a way that was weird to me. At first, he sent them flying in random directions, but after a while he seemed to be deflecting them in a specific spot. I didn’t have time to think about it and eventually I was bested by sombra-”Pinkie Pie dramatically gasped.”-and to this day I never figured out what truly happened until now.” Celestia finally finished and everypony stayed silent for a minute before Twilight spoke up.

“What are you saying Princess? Are you saying that-” Twilight was about to finish, but Celestia nodded and spoke first.

“I don’t have a solid idea on what happened, but the most likely answer is that it was a coincidence that my stray attacks hit Black Ivory’s village and Sombra took him away and put the blame on me. That still leaves a lot of questions, but it’s the best I've got.” Celestia looked down with a frustrated expression.

“I still don’t trust the creep…but that’s kinda messed up.” Rainbow Dash surprisingly admitted. Everypony else sat in place to take in that information, but FLuttershy got an odd feeling of determination in her heart.

“Princess Celestia?” Fluttershy’s voice broke the silence, somewhat surprising her friend as she stood up. “I-Is Mr.Ivory still awake?” Fluttershy asked in her usual timid tone.

“Yes, I think he still is. Why do you ask?” Celestia asked with a questioning look.

“I-I would like to try and talk with him.” Fluttershy answered with a firm tone. This got everypony’s attention as rarity retorted.

“But darling, you can’t possibly suggest you go and talk to him?! It’s too dangerous.” Rarity warned.

“I know, b-but I know he’s hurting right now and he needs somepony to talk to. I can’t imagine what Sombra did to the poor thing.” Fluttershy looked away with a sad expression. She then turned her head towards Celestia with a determined look. “So please let me talk to him. You can send as many guards as you want, but I just want to talk.”

Celestia looked at Fluttershy for a moment, but then closed her eyes and sighed and opened her eyes again.

“I’ll allow it.” Celestia answered, surprising everypony.

“But Princess, Don’t ya think it’s too dangerous to send her by herself? Ah mean, from what that Sunrise feller told us about what Ivory did, he doesn't seem to be the safest to be around.” Applejack tried to reason. In response the princess cracked a small smile as she stood back up.

“You're right about it being too dangerous, that is why I'm sending all of you with Fluttershy just in case. Now come along.” Celestia then turned around and walked out the door, closely followed by Fluttershy and the rest of the elements.

“Ah, I still don’t feel right about this,” Applejack said to herself. All but Pinkie Pie heard and she wrapped a foreleg around AJ’s shoulders.

“I think we should trust Fluttershy. Even if he is a big meanie pants, everypony deserves to smile no matter who they are!” Pinkie tried to reason. Applejack had a faint smile at the pink mares words.

“Ah hope your right Pinkie” The apple farm said as she and the rest walked towards Cold stones room.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold stone-3rd person

Cold stone laid in his new bed with the zero light on in the room, mostly because he broke all them in a fit of rage.

He was tied to the bed with rope tied around his left foreleg, the rope tightly secured to one of the beds posts. The room itself was fantasy by his standards, cold accents line the edges of the wall and a purple rug covered the entire floor. Of course it had a separate bathroom that was useless due to him being tied down.

As he laid in his bed, all he could think about was how weak he was to do anything to stop Celestia, how pathetic he must look like right now. Cold stone was now captured by the enemy and had no pony to help him, everypony was against him now.

‘What if what they said was true…’ Cold stones eyes widened when the sudden question popped into his head. Of course those were lies, trying to fool him into spilling answers or something, there’s no way Sombra would go out of his way to destroy my village…right.

He shook the ridiculous thought from his head as the door to his room suddenly opened. Cold stone didn’t bother to look to see who it was, he just pulled the covers over his head as he heard the door close.

“U-um hello?” A quiet and timid voice reached his ears, the voice was so quiet that Cold was barely able to pick it up.

“Are you awake? If so, I would l-like to talk.” The voice asked quietly. Cold stone stayed quiet, hoping they would go away, but unfortunately the shifting of the cover made that impossible. There was some silence for a moment before the voice spoke up again but a little louder this time.

“I-I just wanted to talk, I know you’re hurting right now, so I wanted to let you know that i’m here to listen” The voice said in a soft and kind tone Cold stone hadn’t heard in years.

“I’m not giving you answers…so just go…”Cold stone weakly said. Despite his words, he found himself uncovering his head a bit.

The voice was silent for a bit, but the sound of a door closing and approaching hoof steps made Cold feel somewhat anxious. Then Cold felt the mattress move as the voice's body sat on the bed.

“I can’t do that. Even if I found you scary, I know that under your tough exterior, is a pony who needs a true friend.” The voice calmly said. This made Cold stones eye widen a bit at such a idiotic statement. He didn’t need anypony, he made it this far without ‘friends’, he. Was. fine.

“Isn’t it obvious why I'm hurting?” Cold stone started out. ”I just lost somepony who was there for me at my lowest, AGAIN. Then I get told he might have been the reason everypony i knew was dead, and I don't even know what to do with myself because at the end of the day I'm just that same snot-nose cry baby who can’t do anything right!” The muffled voice of cold yelled out as tears started to form in the corners of his damaged eyes.

“I can’t even decide on a simple thing without help…I'm so pathetic.” Cold stone's voice went quiet as the bed covers fully covered him again.

The feeling of a hoof wrapping around his body made Cold Stone stiffen up a bit.

“I know that feeling as well, those moments when you feel completely useless and worthless. Those moments where you question why you were even born, I know that as well.-” Another hoof placed itself on top of where Cold’s head would be, forming an awkward hug. “But it’s ok, you can have those that can pick you up when you are at your lowest, those that don’t expect you to do everything. There is no need to carry the entire weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s ok to cry.” The voice went silent as Cold Stone took in her words.

Tears were pouring down his cheeks by now, and for a moment he thought his mother was on the other side of the cover. When he pushed back the bed covers, he was surprised to see the timid, yellow pegasus that he considered cowardly, sitting there with a warm smile.

Cold stone didn’t care though, he couldn’t hold it back any longer as he caught the pegasus in a tight hug as he quietly wept.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluttershy-1st person

It took a while, but Black ivory stopped crying and let go of me, letting me see the tear streak stain on his cheeks.

“P-please don’t tell anypony about this…please?” The blindfolded asked while looking away with a faint blush on his face. This caused me to giggle, which made Black Ivory look back at me with a brighter blush.

“W-Why are you laughing !?” Black ivory raised his voice a bit. I stopped my giggling and also blushed at embarrassment at what I was doing.

“I’m s-sorry. It’s just that, compared to when I first saw you, you’re like a completely different pony.” I flashed him a small smile when i finished.
“I could say the same thing about you too, using your mane to hide” Black Ivory deadpanned. “Also, I never got to know your name.” Ivory stated, which made my eyes widen in surprise.

“Oh I-Im sorry, my name is Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you Black Ivory” I held my mane close to my face.

“Actually, Black Ivory isn’t my real name” The blindfolded stallion stated. “It’s actually Cold stone.” Cold stone revealed. I gave him a warm smile as I got off the bed.

“Well I think that is a wonderful name.” I Complimented as I started to trot away but Cold stone made a coughing sound which made me stop and look back at him.

“You kinda remind me of my mother.” Cold stone suddenly said. The statement surprised me a bit, but when I waited for him to continue, he lied back down and didn’t answer.

I decided to leave him rest for now as I left his room, only to be berated with questions by my friends.

“Did he do anything to you right?”

“Did he tell you anything important?”

“Ya kept your distance right?”

“What flavor of cake does he like?”

“I don’t want the ruffian was yelling about in there”

Those and many more questions came at me at a million miles per minute, which made me recoil a bit from the sudden volume change. I then put a hoof to my lips, that made my friends go quiet as the guards on each side of Cold stones room.

“You all should quiet down, he’s asleep right now.” I responded with a smile as I trotted off with my confused friend staring at me.

Chapter 4 (Fresh start arc part 1): a questionable proposal and settling in

I opened my eyes to see that damn statue in front of me again. This time, the black tendrils were gone and the statue itselfs had more color to it. Its main body was a chocolate brown, and all its limbs had fiery red and yellow feathers. It seemed to stare down at me with a small smile, but my vision was slightly blurry from my moment of weakness earlier.

“Speak child, for we don’t have much time to talk here.” The statue said in a calming voice.

“Who…are…you.” I said weakly. I must look pathe-

“Strong beings are allowed to express weakness, to hide it shows how pathetic one truly is.” The statue interrupted me. My eyes widened in surprise at the fact that the statue somehow read my mind.

“As for my name, no mortal can really comprehend my true name. So, you may call me Dantalion, the flame of creation.” Dantalion introduced himself. I took a moment to register the fact that he basically called himself a god, the statement almost made me laugh in disbelief.

“Well I would say I don't believe you. But with everything that's been going on lately, I don’t know what to think .” I lowered my head and chuckled darkly.

“You are free to believe what you want, but the fact is I need to clear things up.” Dantalion said with a more laid back tone.

Suddenly, Dantalion's stone body started to crack and fall apart to reveal a fleshy version of himself, same color scheme included. He then scooted forward on his stone pedestal and hung his legs over the edge as said pedestal rebuilt itself into a throne that Dantalion laid back into.

“Thank me I get to drop the wise sage act. So basically I’m one of four gods that made the universe. We watched everything evolve and grow until we more or less got bored, well, at least I did.” Dantalion leaned to the side and used his winged arm to prop his head up.

“So I came up with an idea. We each find a mortal with a terrible life, make an offer to let their soul leave and be reborn into another life, and take over the body to walk with the mortals.” Dantalion finished his explanation.

“W-wait, you’re gonna steal my body?” I Hesitantly asked, turning my head to the side a bit as I did.

“Well I'm not going to STEAL it, it doesn't work that way. As I said, my friends and I make deals, there is no unnecessary force involved. So, are you out or not?” The fire god asked with a raised eyebrow.

“What if I say no?” I cautiously asked Dantalion, giving him a suspecting look.

“If ya do, then my astral body is stuck here until you die. Also…my presence alone is MAYBE sucking the life outta you since mortal bodies can’t handle a being like me, so I would take it.” He said with a somewhat sheepish grin.

I stayed floating in silence for a bit deciding on my answer. I didn't have a bad life, at least I think I did? But how things are going now…saying yes doesn’t seem like a bad option…not like i really have a choice…but.

“No”

“I decline, I still have to save Sombra. I still need him.” I argued with a hint of desperation in my voice. Dantalion Eyebrows raised a little as he sat straight back up, and I proceeded to give him the most determined glare I could muster.

“That guy? Why the hell would you want to be with him? He’s nothing but a power hunger ass who REALLY needs to stop monologuing when he is alone. I’ve seen war criminals more respectable than him!” Dantalion said with an eye roll.

“Don’t you dare slander the name of my great lord! He’s…He’s just misunderstood…I’m sure of it!” I angrily yelled at the fire god with heavy uncertainty in my voice. The only response I got was an irritated scoff.

“He wasn’t the only one poking around in your mind, the things i saw where the most fucked up things I seen in a long time. He doesn’t care for you, you’re just some toy Sombra can use when it’s convenient for himself and you keep falling for it.” Dantalion said with a talon pointed at me.

“Somepony like you wouldn’t understand! H-He really does care for me you bastard!” I shouted back.

The fire god only closed his eyes and, with a sigh, sank into his chair and pinched the bridge of his beak with a talon.

“You’ll come around eventually, until then I got to go, see ya later.” Dantalion gave me a lazy, to claw salute as the familiar feeling of my mind being pulled back woke me.

I awoke in my bed again, I raised my head to unfortunately see that my leg was still tied to it. My head fell back onto the tear stained pillow as I sighed out of boredom. It had been at least two days since that yellow mare came in here and every time my thoughts drifted, they always went back to her.

“Why did I open up like that… She’s the enemy and I don't even know her.” I tried to reason with myself. The answer to my dilemma was right at the tip of my tongue but no matter how hard I tried to say it, it never came.
“Whatever, I need to figure out a plan in order to find Sombra.” I concluded as the door to my room was opened up to reveal two guards.

“Let's go freak, the Princess wants you.” One of the guards rudely said with a scowl as both approached to take me away.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of the Everfree rang throughout the moist and humid air as many creatures ran through the trees. A certain zebra was scavenging for supplies when she came across something so peculiar.

It was a long, sharp, horn, with a red and black color scheme lying in a small mound of mud. The zebra had the slight feeling of dread looking upon the object, but the tender sound of a faceless voice filled her ears as she approached it. The second she was face to face with the horn, it suddenly shook and stabbed her straight in the forehead.

The only sound in the Everfree were the agonizing screams of a certain zebra shaman.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celestia- 3rd person

Celestia, her sister, and the elements of harmony all sat waiting in the throne room for Cold stone. Luna and the elements, except Fluttershy, had an uncertain and cautious expression on their face, all because Fluttershy made a deal.

Two days ago after Fluttershy interrogated Cold Stone, she gave a sudden proposal that seemed completely ridiculous to the solar Princess. Fluttershy proposed that she would take in Cold Stone in order to reform him, her argument being that he ‘showed signs’ of being able to reform and other details she didn’t disclose.

Of course, she got overwhelmed by her friends saying what a foolish idea it was and that she would put herself in danger by being close to that ‘savage murder’.

When Luna got up from her sleep and got caught up, she didn’t have much of a different reaction. Fortunately Celestia broke up the noise to let Fluttershy explain and make sure she really thought this was a good idea.

Celestia wished she could disagree, but she couldn’t argue that Cold stone had the potential to be good again. So to please everypony, Celestia allowed Cold stone to be in the care of Fluttershy, only if she and her friend kept the Elements on them at all times and that Ponyville would have increased security to keep Cold in line. Everypony seemed to agree at least, although reluctantly of course. Luna tried to talk Celestia out of it, but after a long while of talking, Luna also agreed to the proposal. So for the past few days, Celestia was sending out patrols to Ponyville and doing paperwork non-stop for the past two days.

The doors opened to reveal a couple of guards and the stallion of discussion, as they made their way to Celestia. Looks from both the guards, and most of the element of harmony, showed clear caution and mild hatred as Cold stone was sat right in front of Celestia.

“It's a good morning today isn’t it, Cold stone?” Celestia said with a sly smirk as she could tell Cold stones eyes widened under his blindfold.

“How did you-” Cold stone suddenly got the look of realization as he turned his gold gaze onto a certain yellow pegasus, who ‘eep’ed’ and hid behind her mane. “Call me Black Ivory, you don’t deserve to know my name.” Cold stone said in a low and angered tone.

Celestia sighed as she moved her gaze towards the forehead of Cold, which had a faint circular scar that his hair slightly covered.

“That’s understandable. But first, I want to know what happened to the horn that was on your head? The first time I saw you, I was pretty sure that you were an earth pony?” Celestia said with a questioning look.

Cold stone visibly flinched at the question like he’d been caught doing something. Rainbow dash trotted a foot away from the group with a confused expression.

“Hey, now that you mention it-'' She flew in the air a circled Cold stone while looking over him. “ I do remember something like that. Guess I didn’t notice during all that chaos.” Rainbow dash then landed on the ground directly in front of the cold and got really close to his face. “What’s the deal with that, HUH?!?” She said as she faced him with an accusing tone and narrowed eyes.

Cold stone sat there with the usual never changing blank expression, no matter how intimidating Rainbow tried to be. This one sided staring contest was stopped when Celestia choughed into her hoof and got everyone's attention.

“While Rainbow Dash does have a point, I need to hear it from you Col- Black Ivory. Depending on your answer, you might be able to go somewhat free.”Celestia stated.

The throne room was quiet for the longest time, seconds felt like hours as they awaited Cold stones answer. Celestia saw a subtle twitch in the corners of Cold stones mouth, like he was trying to hold back a frown.

“It was…a gift from sombra before he died…he used the last of his magic to turn me into a dark mage in order to take on his legacy.” Cold stone confessed as his head lowered a bit.

Red flags were going off in Celestia's head that something was up. Even though the explanation seemed to be genuine, something about the way Cold stone talked made Celestia feel uneasy. Apparently Applejack was also feeling the same way, because she obviously knew something everypony else didn’t. Instead of calling the stallion out, Celestia put on a fake smile and motioned the guards to move away from him.

“This could only mean that Sombra is still alive. Because he didn’t give a horn to you before the empire disappeared and there was no sign of you when Twilight and her friend fought Sombra in the crystal empire. So that only means that Sombra somehow lived and is out there somehow.” Celestia was trying to draw out the truth a bit and make Cold slip up, but the stallion didn’t react and instead decided to nod in agreement.

“King Sombra gave me the horn after the empire disappeared.” Cold stone stated like it was obvious.

Celestia found it to be a bit more believable, but there was still something she felt was missing and it was bothering her.

“Your explanation is believable and I'll allow you to make a decision.” Cold stones ears perked up as Celestia started. “Either you can stay here in canterlot castle under mine and my sisters watch until we think you're able to go back into society. Or you could go with the elements back to ponyville under heavy security and under the watch of Fluttershy.” Celestia pointed a hoof to the yellow pegasus, who slightly jumped at the sudden attention.

“The choice is yours, Black Ivory” Celestia finished as she leaned back into her throne.

The silence returned in full as Cold stone sat in silence. Then, he got up and trotted towards Fluttershy, her friends ready in case he tried anything, and simply sat beside her. The scene almost made Celestia crack a small smile, but she took the obvious answer and nodded.

“Well it’s decided, I hereby allow for Black Ivory to be under the watch of Fluttershy until further notice. You will be assigned to send me at least one friendship report every two weeks to update me on your progress of reformation. You may all go now.” Celestia bowed as the elements and Cold stone left the throne room.

Once out of sight, Celestia allowed herself to completely sink into her throne and give off a tired sigh as she massaged her head with a hoof.

“Did I really make the right choice? I mean…he has the potential to be better, but there is something about him that makes me feel otherwise.” Celestia said to herself with a troubled expression.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No one- 3rd person
The landscape passed by the train car windows as The Elements and Cold stone sat in silence, the only sound of the train cars subtle rumble. Cold stone and Fluttershy were sitting side by side, Rarity and Twilight across from them, and everypony else were all sitting in their own seats.

The train they were riding was a backup from Canterlot Railway Company, given to the Equestrian Railroad Company until their locomotive was repaired. It was a more drab color palette of dark grays and blacks, which bothered a certain fantionista.

Everypony was stealing small glances towards the blindfolded stallion, who was sitting perfectly still to the point they thought that he was asleep. The silence was ended when Fluttershy used a hoof to lightly nudge Cold, making him jolt at the sudden contact as he looked at her.

“Huh? What is it?” Cold stone tiredly asked.

“I was thinking that since that… you know… staying with me, i was wondering if you would like to get to know my friends? If you want, of course.” Fluttershy asked. Twilight turned around in her seat to face the pair with a smile.

“If we are then I’d like to go first.” Twilight cleared her throat. “My name is Twilight Sparkle and I’m Princess Celestia's student that’s studying under her guidance. I also run Ponyville's local Library, so feel free to come by anytime.” Twilight offered with a wavering smile, trying to be somewhat friendly to Cold stone.

“I’m sorry but I…”Cold stone looked away with a slight blush of embarrassment. “Don’t know how to read…” Cold stone admitted, lowering his head to not see the mare's reactions.

The train car was silent for a moment before Rainbow started to snicker, trying to hold back a howl of laughter. Applejack came up and smacked the back of Rainbow Dash's head, earning her a glare from the rainbow pegasus.

“Wait, you don’t know how to read?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Didn’t you hear me? I don’t know how to read…or write…I grew up in a time where those skills were only available for the wealthy.” Cold stone turned his head back to face Twilight.

“Well, come by the library and I'll teach you okay?” Twilight said with a genuine smile this time.

Cold stone nodded as Applejack trotted up to him.

“The names Applejack and I help run the local apple orchard in Ponyville. If ya need any work you can come down and I’ll get ya set up.” She said with a tip of her hat.

“So that is what your cutie mark means.” Cold stone replied
“What do ya mean?” Applejack was confused by Cold Stone's sudden realization.

“It’s just I never met a pony with a farming related cutie mark before.” Cold stone had a child-like wonder in his demeanor. Pinkie pie suddenly appeared behind Cold stone, making flinch in surprise.

“OH OH, can I go next?” Pinkie Pie excitedly asked.

“Uhh… sure?” Cold stone awkwardly spoke. The pink mare took a dramatically long breath of air that filled the blindfolded stallion with fear.

“MYNAMEISPINKIEPIEANDI’MASUPER-DUPERPARTYPONYWHOWANTSTOSEEYOUSMILEWHATISYOURFAVORITEFLAOVROFCAKEWHATMUSICDOYOULIKEICAN’TWAITTOTHROWYOUAWELCOMEPARTY!” Pinkie shot off words at a million miles per minute right into the now ringing ears of Cold stone. The noise messed with Cold’s vision and he covered them to block out Pinkies ramblings.

Seeing this, Fluttershy moved closer to pinkie pie and put a hoof on her shoulder, making her stop talking.

“Pinkie, could you be a little more quiet please?” Fluttershy quietly asked, pointing her other hoof at Cold stone.

Cold stone noticed the lack of loud ramblings and uncovered his ears and, under his blind fold, gave Pinkie a death glare.

“You're. Too. Loud'' Cold stone criticized with venom dripping with each word, causing Pinkie pies ears laid against her head.

“Oops, sorry” Pinkie apologized with a sheepish smile.

“It’s…fine.” Cold stone said with some apprehension. This made Pinkie Pie return to her usual cheeriness as she bounced back to her seat. The next one to come to Cold was the white fashionista with a proud look on her face.

“I like to introduce myself darling. I am Rarity, fashion designing extraordinaire, and I can make you anything to wear. I also must say, your dark colors are giving me some great ideas for stallion clothing.” The fashionista said while putting a hoof on her chest.

“Uh, thanks? I…don’t know what you mean by that but I'll keep it in mind.” Cold stones monotone voice mixed with an overwhelming silence after his response made Rarity uncomfortably sweat a little. Rarity took the chance to say her goodbyes and quickly made it back to her seat.

Finally, Rainbow dash flew behind Cold stone and Fluttershy with a prideful look on her face as she put a foreleg around Cold stones shoulder.

“Last, but not least, me! Rainbow dash, the best flyer in Equestria AND a future ace Wonderbolt!” She proudly stated with a cocky smirk.

“What is a ‘Wonderbolt’?” Cold stone axked with a slightly confused expression. Rainbow Dash eye suddenly bulged out and, with a gasp, grabbed Cold’s shoulders and spun him around at breakneck speeds to face her.

“Dude, you. Are. missing. OUT” She said, getting closer to his face with every word. Cold stone freed his face from Rainbow’s grasp and moved her away from him.

“Just a word of advice Mr. Stone, don’t mention Daring Doo around her, she’ll talk ya ear right off” Applejack jokingly said with a chuckle.

Rainbow Dash blushed heavily from her secret being revealed to a complete stranger, and she started to berate the farm pony. Everypony but Cold stone were laughing as the scene took place, but no one saw the small smile the blind folded stallion had on his face.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold Stone- 3rd person

The group soon returned to Ponyville to find it relatively normal, beside the multitude of guards patrolling around every corner of Ponyville. When Cold Stone got off the train, the guards that stood by the entrance of the train station gave him a shifty eye look, ready if he did anything.

Despite this, the others didn’t seem to notice as they all talked to each other about random topics and what they were going to do tomorrow.

When Cold stone had the option of being free in Canterlot near the princess, or being free but closely watched in an open air town, it was an obvious answer. The plan was to find Sombras horn again and fuse with it, then continue with the original plan he made. But as he spent more time on that train with these mares he just met, there was some weirdly warm feeling in his chest he couldn’t figure out.

‘This feeling…I thought I only felt this way around King Sombra…what the hell is happening?’ He thought to himself as most of the elements departed back to their homes for the night.

“Well, um, let’s head back to my place. I got a spare room you can stay in.” Fluttershy spoke up, bringing the blindfolded stallion out of his thoughts. The calm breeze making her air flutter in the wind, and the setting sun made the yellow mare look absolutely-

Cold stone shook his head vigorously to rid himself of these random thoughts, a faint blush on his was hidden by the sunsets lighting. Cold stone looked at Fluttershy, who had a confused look that quickly turned into an amused look as she giggled cutlery, making Cold stone blush harder for some reason unknown to him.

“L-Let’s just go already.” Cold stone quietly said, doing a pretty good Fluttershy impression. Fluttershy finally stopped giggling as she turned around and trotted off to her home, Cold stone not too far behind.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They soon reached Fluttershy’s cottage after trotting down a long dirt trail. The place was cozy looking to Cold stone even if he liked to live a minimalist lifestyle.

The cottage itself was situated on top of a small hill, a bridge over a stream connecting to it, and a tree on the front lawn that was decorated with multiple bird houses. All manner of creatures big and small scurried in all directions upon seeing Cold, this didn’t matter to Cold as they approached the foliage cover home.

Fluttershy trotted a little faster to reach the door, as she politely opened it to let her new quest inside. Going in, the inside made Cold stone confused at the cottage's interior. The inside was just as cozy looking as the outside and the air smelt of flowers. Just like outside as well, animals noticed the sudden appearance of Cold stone and ran off, mice going into holes in the walls, birds going into birdhouses mounted on the ceiling, and squirrels disappearing into the ceiling.

Cold stone looked back to see Fluttershy closing the door behind her, she looked up to see Cold stone staring at her.

“Is something wrong?” Fluttershy looked a little worried, probably worried she offended Cold stone.

“Did you leave a door open or something?” Cold stone pointed at Fluttershy. Her expression became one of surprise at Cold’s question.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked with her head tilted to the side.

“I mean there are a lot of rodents in your home, I was wondering if they somehow wandered in from the outside?” Cold stone asked with a raised eyebrow. Fluttershy had a look of realization as she gave Cold Stone a smile.

“Oh I forgot to tell you that I’m an animal caretaker. The animals you see are my friends.” Fluttershy trotted towards the kitchen, but turned back to look at Cold. “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable, I’ll make us some tea.” Fluttershy said as she disappeared into the kitchen.
‘I just hope I don't step on animal shit.’ Cold stone groaned inwardly as he made his way to the couch. Upon sitting on it, the couch felt like the most soft piece of furniture he has ever sat on. So he laid down across the couch on his side, and released a relieved sigh as the tension in his body vanished.

Cold stone closed his eyes in order to rest while Fluttershy was making food, but the feeling of something soft hitting his head woke him up.

Opening his eyes, the sight of a small rabbit with an angry scowl was right in front of his face. The small rodent was making what must have been an angry squeaking noise as it shook its paw at Cold.

“Piss off you overgrown rat.” Cold stone angrily spat as he pushed the rabbit off the couch with a hoof. He went to close his eyes, but the rabbit threw a half eaten carrot at his face and got him right between the eyes.

“I swear I’m going to skin you alive you…” Cold stone was going to threaten when Fluttershy reappeared with a plate of small, round, disks made of…something…with bits of chocolate, and a tea set with good smelling steam coming out of the tea pot.

“Here, I thought you would like something sweet to eat, so I brought some leftover cookies from one of Pinkie's parties.” Fluttershy placed the plate of ‘cook-ee’s’ and tea onto the table and poured tea into small cups.

Cold stone hesitated for a moment before he used his mouth to grab a single ‘cook-ee’ and took a single bite of it. The baked tasted alright to Cold stone, it was a good balance between soft and chewy and the chocolate in it exploded with flavor, it’s just Cold was never a baked goods kind of stallion.

“It tastes pretty good, but I'm not a fan of chocolate.” Cold stone admitted as he finished and grabbed another.

“Oh, do you want me to get something else?” Fluttershy asked with a slightly worried expression.

“No, it’s fine. I should be grateful you even gave me food.” Cold stone lowered his head as his voice got quiet.

“Well of course I would, you are my guest and new friend.” Fluttershy stated with a kind smile, causing Cold stones eyes to widen under his blindfold in disbelief.

“Are you kidding me, we barely know each other and I'm basically your prisoner until I can satisfy that princess of yours. Besides I should be the last pony you should be friends with, especially a mare like you…” Cold looked away with a somber express. Fluttershy sifted closer and grabbed Cold's hooves, making him face her in surprise.
“You shouldn’t say things like. Sure you did bad things in the past, but that's because Sombra made you do those things. Besides, I can tell deep inside you is a kind hearted stallion that just needs somepony.” Fluttershy hooves grasped Cold stones tighter as she gave him a determined expression.

Cold stone stayed in a stud silence at the shy mare's sudden persistence as he stared into her ocean blue eyes. Fluttershy then realized her sudden actions and recoiled back with an embarrassed ‘eep’.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Fluttershy apologized. Cold stone then surprised Fluttershy when he cracked a small smile himself.

“It’s fine just…let's drop this topic for tonight.” He grabbed the tea cup in his hooves and took a sip of the jasmine tea that had a hint of sugar.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
???-3rd person

A tall, lanky, figure of a pony shakenly trotted through the Everfree in a seemingly random direction. It made moans of agony as it trudged along, with the cackle of something dark almost obscuring it.

The figure itself looked like a normal pony that had its limbs stretched out, skin stretched over its foreleg joints. Its fur would have been a beautiful pattern of strip if it weren’t for black, oily splotches decorating most of its body. The creature had a long and sharp horn on top of its forehead, with it fading from red to black from the top to the base.

Two Timberwolves jumped out of the trees and blocked the creatures path, the wooden creatures snarling in an attempt to frighten their prey. The creature only laughed in amusement at the Timberwolves as its sharp horn lit up with a dark magical energy. One of the Timberwolves tried to pounce at the creature, only to yelp in surprise when the same dark magic surrounded its body. Suddenly, the wolf started to howl in pain as it started to decompress on itself, soon becoming the size of a large hoofball.

The second timber wolf was about to avenge his fallen comrade when the creature appeared behind it in a flash, and grasped the upper and lower jaw of the Timber wolf. With a sickening cracking sound, the jaw of the Timber wolf was ripped off with sap spilling on the forest floor.

The creature dropped the Timberwolves corpse and was about to continue its trot, before the sound of multiple growls sounded behind it. The creature looked back to see at least 20 Timberwolves all staring at it with hungry eyes.

The creature scoffed as it again charged its horn with a wide, evil grin.

“You pests will know how to bow to your new king.”