Episode 20:

The Siege of the Crystal Empire Part Three

Just after it happened, Twilight Sparkle was the first to express her horror to the point she nearly cried as a result with what has happened to the Two Sisters especially her mentor. “Noooo! What have you done?!”

“It’s quite simple, Twilight.” Scar replied like it’s something she should have known by now. “King Sombra himself beat the Two Sisters while I have just beaten King Simba himself, again. The battle is over. We’ve won.”

Hope having recovered from the shock of what just happened but still look aside at the statues in guilt with her involvement then spoke next. “Now there is nothing left to do but…”

“Wait!” Sombra interrupted still not finished as his eyes are directed towards both Twilight and Kion. “There’s another princess here that needs to be dealt with permanently. She’ll try to stop me another with this new prince of hers.”

“Sombra, they’re trapped.” Hope insisted against doing anything to her to which Scar looked on seeing her words as a futile effort on her part. “Tell him, prince and princess. You won’t get in his way, will you?”

“No, I won’t!”

“Me neither!”

Both defiantly stated.

“See, they said they…”

“I wasn’t finished. I won’t stay out of his way, and neither will I do the same for Scar himself...” Twilight interrupted as she continued with what she has to say to both Sombra and Scar. “...as long as I have the strength to stand, I will see too it that you both are punished for what you did to Celestia and Luna.”

“Not only that you will also pay for what you did to my dad!” Kion equally furious declared. “You might have me locked behind a cage, but I will never back down nor cower before you both as long as I still have some fight inside of me.”

“You’re a brave fool, Twilight Sparkle. You and your friend, Kion.” Sombra scoffed.

“And you’re a vicious coward. I read your journal.” Twilight fired back and retorted.

“And we know who you are.” Kion added.

Sombra glared at the two with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth ready to deal with them once and for all. “And now you’ll just be another entry in it, Goodbye, prince and princess.” He worked up his magic in preparing to kill them right on the spot…

...when suddenly his magic fizzled out and he nearly stumbled as a result. “Grrrr! What’s wrong with me?!”

“Sombra!” Hope moved to help him up. “You’ve over-exerted yourself. I only just gave you a boost a little while ago.”

“But I was given plenty of stability throughout the time I was brought back and away before!” Sombra angrily retorted. “There’s no way I could have just over-exerted myself already!”

“I mean…” Scar spoke up in her defense. “...both Twilight and Shining Armor did keep you and Chrysalis at bay for a while and that last spell did use a lot of magic. So, I think that explains it there.”

As Hope helped Sombra up to his hooves she then reminded. “You need to remember our goal.”

Sombra angrily retracted his hoof away from her. “Leave me alone! I can do it myself!”

“Enough, Sombra!” Scar firmly and sternly spoke up to get his obedient attention and refrain from spitting on much needed assistance. “Do not taint your victory like this. Especially when we haven’t completed secured it.” He then said deciding the next course of action. “For now, I want you to take your time in recharging your magic so we can move with the next part of the plan to ensure that your rule is permanent. Even if it means having to let the remaining masters of magic go for now. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Scar.” Sombra reluctantly nodded before trotting off. “You’re right. I do not need to defeat this prince and princess now. Now is the time to prepare to unleash what has been locked away from here for far too long.”

“What’s to be unleashed? And what’s been locked away for so long?” Chrysalis couldn’t help but curiously ask.

Scar was quickly able to speak up for Sombra before too much could be said to dissuade her support. “The very powerful secret of dark magic. One that’ll ensure King Sombra’s will be able to rule the Crystal Empire unchallenged.”

And that was enough to get Chrysalis to accept it without further questions. “Of course! Anything you need with me and my changelings to help out with it?”

Scar shook his head. “Nope. You did your part and that’s all I ask of you for today.”

“Oh, okay.” Chrysalis accepted that call without question as well. “And what about the others, I suppose you’re going to let them go too?”

“Yep.” Scar nodded. “So go ahead and get the others gathered so they can go home for the rest of the day. They’ve earned it. And in case you’re wondering, Chrysalis, I plan on getting the other Outsiders to take over going forward since it is their turn to do their part in the Crystal Empire now.”

“Very well, Scar. I’ll see to it they are here.” Chrysalis personally found it entertaining that the others will now have to suffer the burden of guard duty and whatever unfortunate consequences that could happen if something doesn’t go according to plan.

“Just have everyone meet up in front of the castle, and I’ll give them the teleportation they need to get by in an instant.” He then told her. After Chrysalis left to carry out Scar’s orders, he then turned back to the prisoners with certain measures he feels is necessary to take even with Sombra unable to do anything else to them while not fully charged himself. “That being said, Twilight Sparkle…while you’re lucky that Sombra wasn’t able to deal immediately with you like he did to your precious mentors you see as a mother and aunt, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook yourself.” He then proceeds to make a magical lock appear on her horn and chains appear on all four limbs along with her neck. He then proceeds to briefly open the cage just so she can drag the alicorn princess out by the chain around her neck like a dog on a leash.

“Hey!” Twilight exclaimed while being choked due to the chain around her neck. “Is this really necessary?!”

“Yeah! What she said, Scar!” Rarity piped up in her defense looking absolutely appalled at the way he is now treating her friend. “And really? Literally keeping her on a tight leash?! That is so much even more undignified than keeping us in a cage!”

“Quite so.” He bluntly returned as he tugged on the alicorn’s leash tightly. “Since I obviously can’t leave you alone and figuring out how to save the day like before, the least I can do for the mean time is ensure that when Sombra is back up to full power, you’ll be next to join your beloved princesses in where they now stand, forever.” He then added as he offered. “Unless of course, if you’re willing to help me out like old times sake, I could be more than willing to spare you of that fate.”

Twilight simply rolled her eyes in response. “And what do you think the answer is going to be in case if it isn’t obvious at this point?”

“I think I still see potential in you compared to both Celestia and Luna. Something that can still prove very useful to me if you’re an obedient follower like before.” He replied before tugging tightly on the leash once more forcing Twilight to walk along with him. “At least the one thing I can get out of this is being able to chat with you like old times. Now isn’t that nice or what?”

“Depends on what your definition of nice is.” Twilight sarcastically remarked in a deadpan manner to which Scar returned an amused chuckle in response.

“Fair enough, now come along, Twilight, we mustn’t keep the king awaiting.”

With that along a few tugs of the leash was the captured princess forced to walk alongside in the half lion alicorn’s custody. All while her friends futilely reach out to her in worry with what Scar will do to her.

“Twilight!” Spike cried out with tears in his eyes upon seeing her being pulled away from him like this.

“It’ll be okay, Spike. I’ll be fine. Just stick to the mission and be true to yourselves.” She called back before disappearing from the horizon along with Scar.

“We have to do something!” Spike implored of everyone. “Because it’s only a matter of time until they finish the job with her!”

“I agree!” Kion said as he tries to think of a way his friends and father can all get out of this cage along with saving their friend and the Crystal Empire.

Sometime after personally ensuring that Twilight was locked away inside where she wouldn’t stay in their way, Scar, Sombra, and Hope all took the time in between walking from taking care of the youngest alicorn princess to transporting and calling in the requested aid for guarding the castle to talk in private.

“Um, Scar. Now that we’re alone, mind if I ask you something?” Hope asked.

“Not at all, Hope. Fire away.” Scar politely replied while gesturing of the pony to speak of what’s floating on her mind.

“Why did you stop Sombra from telling Chrysalis and the others we’re going to release the Umbrum?”

“Good question, Hope. Why did you, Scar?” Sombra hissed seeking an explanation for it as well.

“It was not in my interest to tell them because their interests conflict with ours.” Scar calmly explained. “Especially not Chrysalis.”

“Why not?”

“Why would the queen of insects, the queen of vermin, oppose of this?”

“Because if she were to find out of what we were planning here she would plot to revolt against us since she and her changelings feed on the crystal ponies love like every other pony. And that’s something I can’t afford to do if we are to achieve our goals together.”

“And what would you know about the Umbrum, your majesty?” Sombra growled at the half lion and alicorn like he is his master who knows the best course of action for all parties involved.

“I may not have been around as long you both, but for someone like Twilight Sparkle who spends quality time doing his research, I know exactly what we’re talking about in regards to the Umbrum.” Scar explained as he recalled what happened when they were last here. “Umbrum ruled this place once. They burned the homes and crushed the hopes of the crystal ponies. Their coat’s faded. Their magic was lost. The Umbrum are cruel and heartless. With them released they all have the power to conquer all of Equestria and more.”

“No!” Hope cried not wanting to believe that. “That’s not what they are! I lived among them, they have hopes and dreams like any other creatures. They just want to be free.” She protested and insisted.

Scar however shrugged it off without a care in the world. “Oh, you poor girl. Been away for so long and yet you have no idea of what the reality of the situation is. Though I am curious, how exactly did you manage to live for a thousand years despite only being a unicorn? Did they grant you power inside that’ll someday make you an alicorn one day?”

The question itself caught Hope off guard. “Huh? What? I mean...no. Why would you think that?” She stammered in response.

“Just thinking of a theory considering you look as young as the ponies in this generation.” Scar answered. “And that nopony else knows who you are upon first glance. Which seems to be the case isn’t it?” Upon seeing that Hope is too stunned and speechless to confidently say otherwise pretty much tells and confirms to Scar what he thinks of her. “Interesting.”

“And very intriguing.” Sombra chimed in as he eyed her wondering what the secret of her magic inside is. “Something worth looking into later on. But for now, shall we focus on getting the Umbrum freed?”

“Let’s.” Scar agreed before separating himself from the two. “But first, I need to oversee in making the proper shift change before that can happen so, I’m going to get right on it. I’ll check in with both later.” With that, the lion alicorn hybrid made his leave from the castle leaving both Sombra and Hope alone for the time being. And once they were sure it was just the two of them they continued conversing with one another.

“They’re all so afraid.” Hope expressed still believing on what she thinks despite what Scar just said. “They don’t even understand what they’re afraid of.” Hope expressed about the Umbrum.”

“They’re afraid of monsters, Hope.” Sombra said not even denying what was assessed is the truth. “Ponies have always have been afraid of the creatures they do not understand.”

“Sombra, you’re not a monster.” She still assured as she worked her magic on him. “Just a few minutes with my healing spells and your energy will be as rain as rain.”

“I want you to stay up here.” Sombra then coldly ordered much to her shock.

“What?”

“I have been gone for a long time. I need some time to think.”

"But...I...everything I’ve done for you.” She reminded as the pony continued his way down the stairs where they first reunited with another word nor glance in her direction much to her disheartened dismay.

Unnoticed, Princess Cadance who had managed to escape being seen, happened to have witnessed this from behind the tall crystals and is now sensing an opportunity now that both Scar and Sombra aren’t around.

Meanwhile Scar has just managed to get the team that helped him and Sombra conquer the Crystal Empire together in front of the palace so he can work his magic in sending them home and they were all happy to do so no questions asked. In their steads, the hyenas, jackals, crocs, vultures, and the lionesses are all stepping up in providing security detail around the castle before he moves to regroup with Sombra in aiding him in releasing the Umbrum. While everyone was content with this, they were none of the wiser to why Scar really made this call nor even bothered to question it.

Elsewhere, Kion is trying to work his magic in unlocking the cage keeping him, his friends, and father imprisoned. By then Simba has recovered to the point he was able to come too.

“Ugh.” Simba groaned as he got up on his paws. “What happened?”

“Sombra happened.” Fuli answered. “He was able to end the fight by turning the royal sisters in stone and used that blinding light to allow Scar to knock you out up until now.”

“Ugh, figures.” Simba groaned once more as he rubbed his eyes with his vision still recovering from what happened earlier. “Not above fighting dirty if it suits him even with the bravery and skill to challenge me.”

“And yet his efforts alone were enough to turn the tide of the battle in his favor.” Ono remarked as he floated over to the small spaced bars where he was able to catch a glimpse of Scar talking to the team after the shift change. “And it seems he’s enlisted new help going forward.”

“Like who?”

“Janja, Reirei, Kiburi, Mzingo, and Zira along with their followers.”

“Janja?”

“Reirei?”

“Kiburi?”

“Mzingo?”

“Zira?”

Kion, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Simba all asked very surprised to hear it.

“Yep, all here right now. In addition, Makucha is also here to stay.”

“But why them instead of who was just here earlier? With the exception of that Makucha fella.” Applejack asked finding very odd and suspicious.

“I have no idea.” Ono couldn’t say himself. “But with Zira and her pride here, we need to act now before they see us!”

“Then we better get a move on now!” Simba then stated of what must be done especially with the lionesses here.

“And I’m working on it!” Kion stated as he tried really hard in working his magic on the lock to the cage. “Come on!” He proceeded to jam his magic into the keyhole which finally allowed the door to the cage to open up. “There we go!” But even still the door still refused to open. “What?! It still won’t open! But why?!”

“I know why.” Kyoga answered as she then moved to explain. “Because this cage has dark magic crystals surrounding it. Meaning that every bar and every piece of metal used to construct this cage was created by using dark magic itself and only dark magic can open it.”

“Boy. Talk about constructive criticism.” Bunga commented in disappointment before laughing at his joke much to the annoyance of everyone around him. “Ha! Ha! Get it?! Constructive criticism?!”

“Seriously, Bunga?” Fuli asked thinking doing so now of all times is okay. “This is no laughing matter!” Much to her irritation Bunga laughed even harder as she just said an even funnier joke without realizing it.

“Oh, brother.” Ono rolled his eyes before staying on the main focus here. “So...dark magic is the only thing that’s going to open this cage?”

“I’m afraid so.” Kyoga replied with regret as she tried to spark up her magic only to get very teeny tiny sparks and nothing more out of it. “And without Twilight we can’t use the Elements of Harmony to get us out of this one. Not to mention Scar and Sombra must have done something that nullifies my powers while I’m in here.”

“Well that is just great.” Rainbow moaned before thinking. “Unless…” He got an idea before turning to the Lion Guard's Fiercest with an idea that could work. “…unless you can do it, Kion. Work that magic of yours into dark magic that’ll set us free.”

Kion however didn’t seem eager to want to do it. “What?! No way! I can’t! It’s too dangerous!”

“Kion!” Rainbow groaned before trying to be make sense of it to him. “I know this is something you don’t want to do, and believe me I get it. You don’t want to turn out like Scar. But it’s the only way to unlock this very cage that’s keeping us from saving the day and I’m sure doing so one time in your life or every now and then won’t hurt you. And besides, Twilight along with Celestia, and Luna have used it every now and then and nothing bad happened to them...ever since we formed the Lion and Pony Guard, that is.” She added the last part as she quickly reminded herself that both Twilight and Luna didn’t exactly steer straight from evil because of it.

“Rainbow’s right, Kion.” Kyoga commented in agreement. “Just believe in yourself like Twilight said to and you’ll be fine.”

“You can do this, son.” His father also said to assure him nothing bad’s going to happen to him. “Just think yourself doing it like how you always use the Roar. For good intentions like stopping great evil from taking over, as opposed to wanting to conquer the Crystal Empire like Scar would.” He then gently placed a paw on his back. “It’s okay, Kion. Work your magic and think of only of what is best for everyone.”

Kion after pondering this advice, then gave a deep heavy sigh as he concentrated his red and gold magic on the keyhole once more. With deep focus after several seconds of working his magic he was able to concentrate his magic into creating dark magic as his eyes glowed green and red with purple smoke coming out of them much like Sombra, Scar, Twilight, Celestia, and Luna before him. He grunted as he worked his magic into the keyhole and managed to actually open up the cage door thus allowing everyone to escape it.

But just then an alarm went off as it happened thus sparking the Outsiders attention right at them.

“Over there! The prisoners are escaping their cell!” Mzingo alerted Zira along with her pride.

“Oh, monkey fudge! We’re in trouble now!” Applejack exclaimed as she spots the lionesses along with Nuka coming right at them.

"Yep! We're dead!" Ono stated in agreement.

“No!” Simba shook his head in response to that last statement as he and Shining Armor share a knowing nod together. “Just us!”

“Dad? What are you talking about?” Kion asked confused and worried before realizing what they are thinking. “You mean…”

“Yes, Kion.” His father firmly and authoritatively commanded. “Go ahead to the castle while you still can! We’ll hold them off!”

“And make sure Twilight, Cadance, and Flurry Heart are all okay after saving them, little brother!” Shining Armor also stated equally firm. “Go! Now!”

While not liking the idea, the Lion and Pony Guard obviously had no choice in the matter since time is at the essence and they know full well that Zira and her pack is way out of their league. So with no time wasted, the whole crew darted towards the castle as quickly as they can with Rainbow having to pull a still reluctant and hesitant Kion away before they could be spotted.

With the whole clan now surrounding the two, both the full-grown lion and stallion both stood their ground as they prepared themselves for a big fight against Scar’s most elite fighters. Wasting no time, the Outsiders went on the attack.

Shining Armor proceeded to act fast by plowing his head right into the first Outsider that tried to attack them before bucking, punching, and blasting three more that came his way. Then two of the other lions tried maul him by sinking their teeth into his skin before he moved to quickly teleport his body away before reappearing and then bucking them right in the face.

Simba himself managed to quick knock aside Nuka before tussling it out with Vitani himself. The two managed to exchange a few swipes and swings at one another before the larger lion managed knock the other lion away. At that moment two more lions tried to attack from both his blind spots before being quickly knocked aside by Simba himself as he was quick to counter that. Just then another lon tried to pull a sneak attack on the lion king from where he couldn’t be quick enough to react to. But this time around he literally had someone watching his back as a quick blast of magic knocked the lion out cold, courtesy of Shining Armor himself.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” The unicorn reminded as they now come face to face with the furious Zira herself as she prepares herself to take on the two that took down and knocked out her clan.

“He’s right, unicorn. For you and Simba are both going to pay for what you did my pride! And before the king meets his end…” She then stated with her mad and angry eyes directed at Shining Armor. ”...you will be the first to die before his very eyes.”

“Try it, Cinch!” Shining returned ready for that fight as a ringing bell from a wrestling and boxing match appeared out of nowhere. “Huh?”

“Where did that come from?”

“Who cares?!”

With that Zira angrily lunged at the unicorn who was quick to have his magic put up a spear over his head as he used it to fend off the lioness’s attacks with her claws. At one point Zira lunged to push the spear toward Shining’s neck only to be blasted aside and then plowed head on in response.

Infuriated by the unicorn fighting back, Zira moved to charge once more at the unicorn only to get tackled and wrestled down by Simba himself. For several seconds the two lions were on the ground wrestling with one another before they were able to break apart and stand up still facing each other down.

The two then stared down at each other like bitter enemies before swinging at each other with their unsheathed claws like they’re going for the kill. Simba managed to get a hit on her who likewise growled and returned it in kind. The process itself repeating itself for a while until Simba finally delivered a blow that slammed Zira down into the ground hard with Shining Armor following it up with a magic blast to knock her inside the cage they were just trapped before throwing in the rest of her clan inside of before shutting the cage door closed so they can’t get out.

“Great work and great moves, Simba!”

“Thanks! And thanks for the assistance Shining Armor, I couldn’t have done it without you!” The two smiled at each other to show their genuine gratitude towards one another before hearing the sounds of growling from hyenas, jackals, and crocs nearby. “Let’s go!”

The two proceeded to dart away from the scene just as their enemies turned the corner wondering if they actually managed to capture the Lion and Pony Guard or not, only to find the lion clan trapped inside the cage instead.

“Where are they are?!”

“Do we still have the Lion and Pony Guard here?!”

“And are they still locked up and neutralized?!”

Janja, Kiburi, and Reirei all asked before seeing the immediate aftermath of what has just happened.

“They’re gone!”

“They have managed to escape!”

“And they’re free! We need to go after them!”

“Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute!” Nuka called out to the other Outsiders who are just heading back out. “What about us?! Aren’t you going to help us out of here?”

“Nope!”

“Can’t!”

“Not a chance!”

The three leaders all shook their heads.

“And even with we could, we still wouldn’t because you would eat us for dinner. So there’s that.” Janja then pointed out.

“And once again I agree with the hyena with what he said.” Reirei said before glaring at said hyena. “So don’t you think this mean this moment changes anything.”

“Won’t expect it myself!” Janja growled back before moving to put their differences aside so they can set out and find the Lion and Pony Guard before they can come through and save the day again. He then turned back and saw both Cheezi and Chungu making silly faces at the imprisoned lions which made him growl in response. “Hey, furbrains! Let’s go!”

“Coming!”

“Right behind you!”

But not without delivering one last raspberry directed at them which left them narrowly getting clawed by the lions for their taunting who both screamed and laughed as they ran away.

“Ugh! I can understand now why Scar hates hyenas.” Vitanti grumbled.

“Me too.” Zira agreed as she slammed a paw on one of the bars in frustration at their current predicament. “And how are there more hyenas after Scar’s downfall as king, I’ll never know.”

“Do you all really want to know?” A certain voice said to them as he moved to unlock the cage trapping them inside.

“Scar?” Zira asked in shock.

“Yes.” He confirmed as he appeared before them as they made their way out the cage.

“It would be an intriguing story to tell, that is of course if there is time for that, Scar.” Zira then said out of respect for him.

“After this is all over, I can assure you of that.” Scar replied like it’s nothing to sweat over before getting serious once more. “But in the meantime, keep moving and find the Lion and Pony Guard along with their allies here. I want them alive for King Sombra himself to deal with.”

“Yes, Scar.” Zira said as she and the others bowed before him before asking one more question. “But what if they get anywhere near and manage to take back the Crystal Heart of theirs again?”

“Not to worry, my dear.” Scar calmly reassured. “I got someone to ensure that base is covered."

At that moment, Radiant Hope is currently looking down the stairs where Sombra descended towards before making her way around the nearby hallways as she pondered of what he told him just earlier. “I guess I should have seen that coming. Oh well, we would have had to fight her eventually anyway.”

“You’re her, aren’t you?” Cadance out loud stated as she emerged from her hiding spot to confront her.

“Who?” She asked while looking on alarmed and startled upon seeing her.

“You’re Radiant Hope. You were supposed to be a princess. I read about you in Sombra’s journal.”

“That was a long time ago.” She returned while still looking bug eyed at the princess now standing face to face with her. “You look a lot like Princess Amore. You’re related to her, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know. I’m an orphan just like you. I’ve never known my family.”

“But it seems you’ve made a nice life and family yourself here.”

“I have.” The princess didn’t even deny it as she moved to circle around her. “And I know you’re sad, I know you’re working for Scar, and I know Sombra is angry but I won’t let you do what you’re trying to do. I won’t let you hurt the ponies I love.”

“You don’t understand!” The surrounded pony insisted otherwise. “The crystal ponies are the real villains here. They locked the Umbrum away.”

“Because they were monsters!” Cadance stated with emphasis on that last word.

“That’s such a disappointing point of view…” With a simple burst of crystal blue magic she disappeared and reappeared away from Cadance before moving to make a run for it. “I’d hoped you’d at least try to understand.”

“Wait! Stop!” She called out to her before following after her in a chase.

“Sombra!” She called out to him in vain as they made their way back to the throne room.

Unable to catch her in time, Cadance then moved to focus her magic into doing something she had hoped she would never have to do herself. “Only one shot at this!” With great focus and mental exertion she was able to get her normal crystal blue magic to turn dark before using it on the throne to close the secret passageway. “I did it!” She then said feeling proud of herself with what she just accomplished.

“No!” Radiant desperately in vain tried to touch around the floor that just closed up hoping there is another way to reopen it to no avail. Leaving her at surrounded by the pink alicorn once more who is letting the smoke of dark magic exit her horn.

“I couldn’t do that before. I’ve tried a hundred times.” Cadance gently explained.

“Sombra designed it.” Radiant explained as she repeatedly and futilely tapped around the floor. “It’s a two part lock. Knowing the spell is only the first part.”

“And what is the second part?” Cadance asked. “How did I have it? Now if I don’t have it before?”

“Rage.” Radiant answered. “You have to have true rage in your heart even if you hide it well.”

“But when Twilight opens it, she…”

“Gets a headache? She must have anger in her much like she did after she got her scar. But also control which she also has had even back then too. Tell me, Cadance. Is your head hurting now?”

“No.” The princess honestly replied as she placed a hoof on her chest. “I feel fine.”

Seeing that she has nowhere to run or teleport away given what the princess in front of her is capable of she then said. “Well princess, what do we do now?”

“We have to stop both Sombra. He can’t set the Umbrum free.” Cadance firmly answered. “And neither can Scar.”

“He has to.” Radiant inisted once more. “They’ve been locked away for millennia.”

“Because they’re evil.”

“They’re not. They’re decent. They’re nice even.”

“You can’t know them. You’ve never met them.”

“But I have. That’s where I was all of these years, living with them.”

“How did you get away?” She asked wanting to know more and more of what she is being told.

“They let me go. They wanted me to know that they were good. That Sombra could be good. They wanted to help me to help Sombra complete his mission.”

“But if they’re locked away, how did you find them?”

“There’s a red crystal in the arctic wastes. It’s like a door. We can go in, but they can’t get out.”

“And you were able to go into their prison and speak with them?”

“For centuries something about that place kept me from aging.”

“Is that really?” Cadance eyed the mare suspiciously as she finds that a rare find barring an alicorn. “Can you take me there? Can I meet them?”

Radiant smiled in response to that question, feeling she will be able to prove the princess wrong. “I thought you’d never ask.”

With a poof of magic the two teleported away from where they previously stood just as both Spike and Starlight themselves makes their way by with keys in the former's hooves. All while cautiously looking around while running to make sure none of their enemies are around lurking to catch them in the act with the near close call when Makucha just so happened to be nearby. During which he managed to catch a whiff of scent which detects that one of his enemies is nearby before pressing forward in the opposite direction.

“So far so good."

"The coast is clear.” The two quietly shared before they both pressed on forward.

In a flash, both Radiant and Cadance both appeared in the arctic tundra of the Crystal Empire where they spot out the red crystal that the former had just described.

“I can’t wait for you to meet them! You’ll see they’re not at all what you think.” The former happily expressed.

The latter however had to ensure she’ll only believe when she sees it. “Hope, I want to make sure we understand each other.”

“Just give them a chance! You’ll see that they’re not evil.”

“If you’re right, I’ll help you set them free. But if you’re wrong…” She then warned as the pony works her magic in opening the portal through the red crystal they are now standing in front of. “...you have to be willing to help me stop Sombra and Scar.”

“Of course!” She obliged though still feels that she is right deep down. “But you’ll see. I’m not wrong.”

Once they emerged on the other side of the portal inside the Umbrum world, they are both greeted to sight that the alicorn herself felt unsure about as evident by the lifeless grass and trees preceding the nearby stairs. “What is it with these things and stairs?” She asked.

“Watch your step. It’s very dark.” The unicorn cautioned.

“Wait.” Cadance brought up given that she has magic too. “I have something for that.”

With a bright sky blue shine of her horn, the two were able to safely make their way down the stairs.

“Well I wish I hadn’t seen any of this.” Cadance commented as she felt herself cringing at the strange birds and plants like they are walking through a graveyard.

“You can’t judge everything by it’s appearance, princess.” Radiant reminded.

“What about it’s smell?” She pointed out as she caught a really bad whiff. “Can I judge it on that?”

Once they got down the stairs, Radiant called out to the open. “Rabia! Rabia, it’s me, Hope! I brought a guest, Rabia. She wants to meet the Umbrum and help me free you.”

Cadance looked around still not finding herself feeling comfortable being here. “I don’t see a door. Where do we go from here? Hoe, maybe we should…” But she got cut off mid-sentence as Radiant got her attention as she was looking back towards the way they came here.

“Here she comes!”

Said creature that looks like a combo of a pony and a breezie appeared before their eyes with fast speed and happy eyes on her side. "Friend Hope! She greeted. “You have returned! Is it time? Are we free?”

“Almost, Rabia. I brought a new friend.” Said pony retracted a hoof upon seeing her for the first time. “This is Princess Cadance. She wanted to see you.”

“Oh, a princess is here?” Rabia frowned in her direction.

Still to make a good impression, the princess moved to greet her like she is a friend here. “Hello, Rabia. Radiant Hope told me so much about you and how you were unjustly imprisoned.”

“Yes, it is a painful memory for us.”

“I hoped I might be able to meet your ponies. You understand, I have to make sure that my ponies will be safe.”

“Hmmmmm….” She gave it some thought but not without skepticism towards her. “A princess in person of shadows? That’s unheard of.

“Please, Rabia…” Hope insisted of her not to be too distrusting of her.

“You know it was a princess who locked us in here, right?” Rabia recalled to the pony trying to back her guest up. “What if she tries to hurt my ponies?” Personally she feels that she should be turned away right now, but then thought, if she’s going to have a solid case, she should at least convince her that they can be trusted. “I need you to promise not to use your magic inside. Not for anything no matter how small.”

“Of course, I promise!”

“Well in that case…” She then proceeded to gesture them to the area where there rooms the size and shape of jail cells. “Welcome to the shadow prison."

Back in the other world, Starlight and Spike have managed to sneak her way around the castle without being spotted by the Outsiders. It also helps that there is magic she can use to make her blend in the shadows and darkness accompanying the dark hallways along with making herself invisible while Spike himself can use the nearby dark spots and shadowy parts of the castle for cover when needed.

After making sure they are certainly clear to move on, they then made her way towards the room she wanted to find. A certain jail cell containing a certain somepony currently in chains. Starlight worked her magic in unlocking the door in front of her door before moving to go in and set her friend free.

Upon seeing both Spike and Starlight, Twilight felt pleased as she works her magic in unlocking the locks on her chains and cuffs all over her body. “Glad you managed to pull yourself away from battle when you did. Otherwise I’d still be here.” Once the chains and cuffs were removed she could moved her limbs and neck around freely. “Not to mention feeling forced around a lot.”

“Must be quite a forgettable experience.” Starlight commented as she could already imagine herself being on a literal leash herself. “I can’t imagine anyone who would enjoy that feeling.”

"Me neither." Spike commented as he griped his neck finding the very idea of a chain around his neck personally unsettling. "And if either of you do, please keep that to yourself.” He insisted as they both made their way out before anyone spotted them.

“Now, let’s go!” Twilight then declared before leading the way away from here.

“Right behind you, Twilight.” With that the two made their way out back the way the unicorn herself came from.

At the same time, Kion and the others were making their way inside the castle looking around the place hoping for signs of their friends nearby before pressing forward towards where the throne room is, thinking that Cadance might be there. Follwing that seconds are both Simba and Shining Armor as they both appeared in a flash after the latter found an opening where they can teleport inside without being caught in the act.

Outside of the castle, Makucha picked up something as he sniffed again as he was just meeting up with Scar once more. "You smell that?"

Scar sniffed himself while smiling. "Yes, I do." He then chuckled before preparing to work his magic for a quick teleportation. "Which means everyone is doing exactly what they're supposed to. And I know exactly where they're all going now..."

Back in the other world, the creatures Radiant Hope has been greeted by the creatures she had previously saw as they greeted her eagerly and kindly like they have in the past.

“Hello, Hope! So glad you’re back!” One happily greeted.

“Oh, hello princess!” Another greeted the guest she has brought with her. “You sure are beautiful!”

“This way, please, Princess Cadance. I want you to meet my daughter.” Rabia politely gestured the two ponies as they made their way by the nearby cells.

“I would like that very much.”

Upon arriving at said area, there were two more creatures ready to greet both her and Hope.

“Hello!”

“Good day!”

“What did I tell you?” Hope then told the princess as so far everything was going smoothly like she said. “They’re wonderful, right?”

“They certainly do seem nice. But why would anypony lock these adorable creatures away?”

“It must have been a misunderstanding.”

As the two walked on by, Rabia lead them towards another room as she opened the doors to said area while the two creatures both look on in admiration.

“Oooh! What a beautiful princess!"

“What a wonderful day!”

“Here we are!” Rabia gestured the two ponies to where they are now standing in. “It’s not much, but it’s my home! My daughter will be so excited to meet a princess.”

“Thank you, Rabia. I am honored to be your visitor.” Cadance humbly returned. “I’m excited to be here!”

As they moved inside the room, they found it is much dark there. In fact, a bit too dark for anyone to be able to make anything out inside the shadows.

“Hmmm...Ira must be hiding in the shadows again.” Rabia deduced. “She loves to do that “Come out, darling.”” She then apologized feeling it’s great timidness and shyness on her part. “I’m sorry, Princess. She should have manners.”

“They can hide in the smallest shadow.” Hope explained to Cadance. “It could take hours to find the little one.”

“She just wants to play hide and seek. I think it’s cute.” Cadance commented not minding any of this. “Well, I’m a hide and seek superstar! Comes with my time as a foalsitter and mother myself.” She then worked her magic ready to spot the little one out. “I have a secret weapon for…”

“No!” Rabia screamed as she rushed over to her in a vain attempt to stop her from doing so but it was too late.

The room was now illuminated with a bright light allowing the one hiding out to be unveiled. And when the room cleared up, came a sight that turned to be a very unsettling sight. Said creature is bigger, scarier, and meaner with the face that resembles a pony’s skull as if death had claimed her.

“Wow...um...you don’t look anything like your mom!” Cadance exclaimed in surprise.

Seeing this had Hope’s eyes widen in horror as this is clearly something she never saw before. “This isn’t Ira! A tiny little horse like her mother. She look’s just like a small version of Rabia.”

“You’d be surprised…” Rabia spoke now gravely and menacingly as she appeared larger in size with the same appearance as her daughter much to the ponies fright. “I can be pretty big when I feel threatened.”

“Rabia, what is…” Was all Hope could say before being grabbed by the enlarged monster.

“Oh finally be quiet, you numbskull! You only had one job! You were to resurrect Sombra and set us free! But instead, you bring a princess to our doorstep!”

“Hope, get behind me!” Cadance ordered as she quickly pulled and saved the unicorn from the Umbrum’s grasp.

“And you!” Rabia then angrily turned to the princess herself. “The only thing I asked was “No Magic!”. And you bring Amore’s disgusting ‘love’ magic in here! It’s the only thing that can reveal our true form! We can’t stand it!”

“I’m glad I did it!” Cadance returned without any regret’s about it. “You took advantage of Hope!”

Rabia then grew larger in size as she cackled and laughed madly. “I just gave Hope what she wanted. She wanted Sombra not to be what we are. She wanted to me tell her that Sombra is not a monster."

“He’s not!” Hope firecely defended. “Sombra is good inside! I know he is!”

“You fool!” She proceeded to recall and show them what happened the day he came to Equestria from shedding his Umbrum form to his pony form. “Sombra’s just as much as an Umbrum as any of us. When he was just a young filly, we came up with a plan. Our powers kept us from crossing through the crystal. So we had to lock the darkness away in him. We had to make him look and seem like a pony, so he could pass through.” After being stripped of his previous form he then collapsed into the snow having lost consciousness from the massive amount of energy expelled from her body where he is found by nearby Crystal Guards. “When the ponies took him in, they wouldn’t know what he really was. It was hidden even from him until he was finally strong enough.” With the flashback over he then turned to Cadance angrily. “But you kept him from unleashing us then! We’ve waited thousands of years and we won’t let you stop us again!”

“Hope...get to the entrance.” Cadance firmly ordered as she kept her magic working to ready to use it against them.

“There’s too many of them!”

‘Yes, princess. She’s right. You’re not leaving here.”

“Hope…” Cadance said as she kept her guard up while shouting. “RUN!” With a sudden whisk and flap of her wings she carried Hope along for the ride as the Umbrum demons all moved to try to surround and attack her. “Stay close! They can’t stand my magic!” She ordered as they ran as fast as they can with the Umbrum all following close behind them. “Can you teleport us?!” She urgently asked of Hope as they ran.

“Not until we press through the crystal. I can’t teleport in and out of this place!”

“Then keep up with me and leave the rest to me!” With that the two made their way back towards the stairs they came down from. “Let’s get up those stairs!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Hope did what she was told as she stuck by her side as Cadance worked her magic to get them up the stairs faster and back through the portal. And not only that after they emerged from the red crystal they last disappeared in, they then disappeared and reappeared…

...right in the very room where both Scar and Sombra are currently in. The very room where Hope first met the latter after many, many years as they toppled and crashed onto each other upon landing.

“Ah, Princess Cadance. Hope. Perfect timing.” Scar greeted with devious delight.

Sombra however wasn’t too pleased with what he was seeing before him. “What is the meaning of this?!”

Wasting no time, Hope moved to plead and convince him against doing what he is about to do. “You can’t do it! You can’t uncover the door and let them out!”

“Oh, my dear Radiant Hope.” Sombra sighed as he turned away from Cadance who had trouble getting up.

“Ouch! My leg!”

Turning his attention towards the nearby bookshelf with the hidden door behind it he explained. “I uncovered it before I was ever imprisoned. I just couldn’t bring myself to open it.

“You couldn’t unleash monsters on your own home. Oh, Sombra!”

“No, Hope. It’s much worse than that. What if I opened the door and they were good after all?” He then thought as he hanged his head visibly and morally torn inside. “What if I was the only real monster?”

“Sombra, you can’t open the door. I was wrong about…”

But before she continue, Sombra was suddenly blasted with certain red and gold magic from a certain half alicorn as he and the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard appeared before them at the doorway with Shining Armor quick to embrace and stand by his wife’s side.

“You are a monster and I told you you’d be punished, Sombra! Both you and Scar!” Kion declared as he kept the glowing and burning aura going on his horn. “You hurt my friends! You hurt my family! You made me doubt myself! Now it’s time you learned a lesson!”

"Kion! Wait!"

"Kion! Stop!"

Both Twilight and Cadance cried out in a desperate attempt to stop him from giving into his anger once more just when the former arrived alongside with Spike and Starlight both following after her.

Scar along with Sombra both looked unfazed as the younger lion moved to work his reddest and hottest blast of magic right at the two. Then at the last second, Scar casually stepped aside this allowing Hope who just happened to be standing there to get blasted and hurt herself from the attack.

“Hope!” Sombra screamed in horror upon seeing this happen before angrily glaring at the lion responsible for this who can only look on in shock of who he had just hurt with his magic along with realizing how ill timed that attack was as of now. “What did you do?! You want to fight monsters, little lion?” He then proceeded to work his magic in opening the door to allow the Umbrum to be set free much to the hero's wide eyed horror with Scar who is smiling wickedly the sole exception with Makucha himself quick to shut the door behind the heroes to prevent them from trying to make a run for it. "I’ll give you monsters!”

With the Umbrum now released and free to roam the Crystal Empire, Twilight knowing the best course of action stepped forward as she worked her magic with her horn illuminating violet red at the ready...

Author's Note

Okay, now that you have read this far, you'll see the changes that were made to incorporate this story while balancing out issues that needed wrenching out. Mainly for the fact that different allies were called in halfway into the story in order to do ensure that Scar still has his followers all aligned to their one big and common goal in contrast to Sombra in canon (or non-canon to which various people would like to call it). In short, for Scar, Pragmatic Villainy at it's finest here.

Aside from them along with additional fight scenes where both Simba and Shining Armor get to shine, everything else is perfect as is, now with that all said and discussed enough, now it is time to get into the fourth and final part where we finally reach that next milestone of 200 episodes going in as things really start to get intense here. So if you all kindly move on to the next part...