Phase two

Sombra.

A name that was nearly written out of the history books because of actions that happen under the said regime. However, even with this taken into consideration, the truth was still buried under perception. The stories of the old describe Sombra as a powerful figure cold and ruthless. One who only thought of himself as superior in every way imaginable. A twisted dictator that forced ponies under his command to ponies to dig for crystals under their hooves were soaked with blood.

At least that's what was told.

In truth, no pony knows the true origins of Sombra or where he came from. All they did know however that one day a shadow larger than the Crystal empire appeared. Bringing an aura of twisted satisfaction along with it.

They thought Sombra to be a demon.

A powerful stallion birthed out of the shadows of hate.

Neither was true.

Who Sombra was will forever be a secret that Celestia herself kept hidden under lock and key.

Why?

Because Sombra was her dark secret. A monster she had a hoof in forming long ago when loss nearly overlook her. A time period of mistakes and misguided optimism that nearly ended in a war between the two kingdoms.

Who was Sombra?

The question was simple.

She was Celestial's student as well as a replacement for Sunset shimmer.

One of Celestia's greatest mistakes.

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Black was cold, oh so very cold.

Shivering the young filly tried her best to keep warm. Her friends Spot, Careless, and Blue moon huddled close beside her.

It was wintertime. A season Black hated the most due to a dwindling lack of warmth as well as resources. This was a time when foals like her and her friends die from frostbite. Fortunately, they already survived two winters and this one was nearly at its end.

"You would think that ponies would be a bit more sympathetic this year".

Black rolled her eyes.

"Come on Spot, this is the Crystal Empire we're talking about".

Spot chucked.

"True, but hey since it's almost time for the annual meeting between nations I bet they'll be in a giving mood".

Blue snorted. Like Black, the filly had low expectations when it comes to counting on adult ponies. They had better luck looting a freshly frozen corpse than getting any food or bits that'll last longer than a day. Still, Spot's high hopes were somewhat amusing to listen to.

Careless on the other hoof merely scored.

Black rolled her eyes.

They should consider changing his name one of these days. If they live long enough to do so that is.

"Maybe they'll have pie!"

Despite themselves, the two fillies laughed.

As they did this however Careless awoke with a jolt. His eyes snapped open and his ears stood at attention. Seeing this the others immediately went quiet. Watching as his ears began to twitch ever so slightly.

They waited.

When saw a smile begin to form they knew they were in luck.

"Somepony abandoned their colt two blocks down heading to the nearest Inn".

All four ponies looked at one another.

The grins on their faces to this day couldn't be matched.

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Some say that monsters aren't born but merely created by circumstance. Others say the exact opposite. However, the truth can be far more complicated for even the best Scholars to answer

Of course, when you're an immortal spirit of darkness you tend to have a lot of time on your hooves.

For Sombra however, time wasn't nearly to explain the hate and anger that boils in her heart. No, doing so would take decades or even eons for a pony to truly grasp the length of how far she will go to achieve victory. The princesses could just seal away using the elements. Oh, how shocked they must have been upon seeing her return. Sombra only wished that she was able to see the horrified look on their faces.

Ah but unfortunately the time wasn't right.

Soon however the downfall of this nation will be at hoof, and when that happens Sombra can exact her revenge upon the one who cursed her. The one who took everything away from her.

Princess Celestia.

The one who was supposed to be her mother.

Oh but you see fate had other plans.

Closing her eyes Sombra envisioned her close friends smiling down upon her. The ones who stuck by her through that gruesome period she was born in. Oh, how she wished that there was a way for them to see what she had in store. Unfortunately, it wasn't time that removed them from her gasp, but no matter she will make them proud once she accomplished what they promised to one another as foals. Then when the time is right she will find a way to remove her curse and join them in the eternal realm of slumber where they can join together in peace.

Black smiled.

Soon the name Sombra will be shared once more among them.

For now, however, she must bid her time and wait for an opportunity to present itself.

"H-hello i-is somepony t-there?"

The voice of an older stallion echoed in the darkness of an alleyway he and another mare used to seek pleasure in secret.

From inside said darkness, Sombra grinned. Her eyes flashed in a dark purple hue that the stallion in question saw immediately.

He screamed turning to run.

Unfortunately, a limb made of shadow moved faster than his legs ever could.

Lifting the stallion into the air she emerged from the darkness covered in her newfound attire.

"Hello prince, how would you like to make a deal?"