Why Me...?

Chapters

Journal Entry 1
Shadows of Truth
The Shadow Dream Realm
The Mask we Wear
Breakfast at Twilight's
Shadows Alive
Journal Entry 2
Changes
We'll See

Journal Entry 1

Yesterday. everything changed. I don't even know how to put this into words, but I have to try. If I don't, the weight of it will crush me.

Sombra... King Sombra... is my father. I still can't believe it, even when I heard it from his mouth. My mom and dad have been lying to me all this time. I don't understand how this could happen, or why of all ponies it had to be me. But it's true. The dark magic in me, the weird power that I've been feeling. that all finally makes sense now. He told me it's in my blood. That I couldn't escape it.

But I don't want this. I saw what Sombra did to Equestria, to Twilight and her friends. I'm nothing like that. I won't be.

He was constantly telling me, "This is your fate, that you shall embrace the darkness, just as I have." He attempted to allure me to his side, to "accept my true self" and follow in his hoofsteps. I refused him. I couldn't betray Twilight, betray everything she and the others have done for me. I am not going to let him win, no matter how powerful this corruption feels.

But. he left me with a warning. He said the darkness inside me would grow, whether I liked it or not. That it would change me, corrupt me. I can already feel it. Every time I use my magic, it's there, lurking just beneath the surface.

I haven't told Twilight or the others. I couldn't. They fought Sombra... They saw the worst of him. How could they ever trust me again, if they knew? What if they think I am just like him? What if I become him?

I'm scared. I don't know what to do. I'm trying to be strong, but the truth is. I'm not sure how much longer I can fight this alone. But for now, I have to. I'll figure out how to stop this. Somehow.

Shadows of Truth

Lightning Bolt stood upon the edge of the Everfree Forest, his eyes widen of a truth he never thought was real. King Sombra—his father. As though struck, the news hit him hard and he was shocked and confused. Sombra's words rung in his head, a scary request: His voice, hitting low and cold, had spoken into the back of his skull. "Accept the shadow in you. It's your birthright." Inside of Lightning was the dark magic, calling him to something darker, more dangerous, than ever.

But how could he do that? They were his friends. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, and the others. Could he really betray them and live in his fathers shadow? He then faced fear of rejection from her and her friends. He felt trapped between what was true about his family and the life he have created with Twilight. But then he knew what he had to say.

"No I will not betray Twilight, you jackass!" Lightning told him in a low, powerful voice. "She has done much for me, I will not turn my back on her"

The King's looks turned even colder, and Sombra looked at Lightning with hostility. "Fine… you're a weak stallion, just like I thought... Bitch" he said, sharply. "The darkness within can't be defeated but remember, it's going to take over Lightning, you’ll come to me either out of your own choice or out of your own brokenness.” Into the shadows Sombra vanished, like some dark spell, as his words stayed in the air.

Lightning felt heavy from his father's had threat. Standing all alone in the Everfree Forest. He felt the darkness was trying to close in in on all sides. He had to get the hell out of the goddamn forest far away from this so called father of his and the promises he had made. His hooves felt familiar and heavy in the dirt, and he went forward. He felt stable, despite the magic within him, a force he could not deny, but a force that now spoke in gentle voice to the back of his mind. For whatever reason, he wasn't Sombra's pawn, not now, not ever. He had to move forward. He thought about losing Twilight and the others.

After hours through the trees, through the flat, distant lights that he saw what he knew were the familiar lights of Ponyville. That invisible chain around his heart pulled tight, even now as he neared the safety of home, as he neared home—couldn't he feel Sombra's words even now? His thoughts clouded as he slowed.

"How I am supposed to stop this?" Looking at his shadow, which looks darker than it should be, he whispered. "Is it even possible?" He was scared, Sombra’s warnings mended in his mind. No matter what he tried, the magic only grew more powerful. He didn't know how to fight it or even if he was able to fight it. He thought of Twilight, but then. He couldn't let her see him this way?

Would she still trust him if she found out?

The idea of losing her, of losing everything, felt unbearable.

But keeping the secret was eating him alive.

Wouldn't Twilight understand, right? He wasn't so sure if it was even a good idea. His fear of getting told he was no good outweighed his fear of Sombra's pain; he'd seen the pain she'd inflicted. Nonetheless, He rejected his offer for his friends. "Could they help me end this? Could they stop Sombra's control at all? Is this the end?" He asked himself many questions.

As he does that, A soft voice broke the stillness, and he had wrestled with these questions while he heard it.

"Bolt? What are you doing out here?"

Twilight stood behind him and Lightning whirled around to face her. There was a concern across her face and the moonlight painted her gently. Lightning's heart skipped for a moment at the fear that maybe she had heard his inner battle.

"T-Twilight!" attempting to hide his confusion, he stuttered. "I was just. thinking."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, not convinced. "Thinking? Out here alone in the dark?" Looking up at him, she approached. "Are you okay? You seem... concerned".

A smile, forced by Lightning, but it didn't feel real. "Yeah, I'm alright. "I guess I just needed some fresh air," I said. The look of concern didn’t disappear from Twilight’s face, only softening. "You don't even need to worry about keeping secrets from me, do you? I'm here for whatever it is." Lightning's chest felt tight. She was giving him exactly what he needed, a friend to confide in. He could never open up to her though. What would he say to her, the truth that would break everything? He didn’t want to tell her, but he swallowed hard. He looked down and said quietly, "I know Twi. But. you don't have to be afraid of it. That’s just me worrying too much, that’s all."

She looked at him for a moment, she could tell he was lying but she didn't ask any more questions. "Okay," she said softly. "Promise me you won't keep me away, alright? You don’t have to do it all alone."

The word felt hollow as Lightning nodded and said, "I promise." She smiled, still worried, but nods back and turned to her castle. Lightning felt guilty where he stood and watched as she disappeared into the distance. How much longer would this charade go on? How long would he continue to lie to her and to himself? He walked all the way back to his house but the streets of Ponyville were just as familiar and it didn’t help that he lied to Twilight. He looked to up there in the sky, the moon, and long dark shadows that seemed to go on forever.

His secret, becoming heavier and heavier, pressed down from all directions as he step inside his home, the silence made a mockery out of itself. He walked over to his desk and stared at the empty journal in front of him. The quill was still there, and it was still waiting, but he could not make himself write. He thought to himself. maybe, maybe I’ll tell them, but even as the words left his lips, he knew he was too far from the truth. Too dangerous. Too uncertain. Pushing the journal aside, he sighed. “Tomorrow.... I’ll figure it out tomorrow.” He finally went to bed, and the room was as dark as the storm inside of him. But he could not sleep, and had a hard time closing his eyes. Sombra's words, his heavy feeling, his shadow within him, his secret he held inside his mind throbbed relentlessly. Eventually he drifted off to sleep. In that fashion, lying down, the night would not end in all serenity and relief as he hope for.

The Shadow Dream Realm

Lightning hovered freely in the open, endless void of the Dream Realm, surrounded by nothing. No time, just emptiness. And his breath, too, echoed in the silence, and with each exhale it got closer, it seemed. His mind felt hazy, confused. How had he ended up here? Before he could think it, the void started to move, rippling like it was alive. He slowly emerged from the swirling darkness, himself. Or at least a version of himself.

The twisted reflection staring back at him was in complete shock as it happened. This version of him had a curved horn, the base of it red to the black tip arched like Sombra’s, glowing faintly with the same ominous aura of dark magic. His eyes glowed with the same piercing green and red, and the same unmistakable purple mist trailing from them with blue and red waving like a flag. Thick glinting dark gray armor adorned his hooves and chest, making him seem less like a friend and more like a conqueror, in the dim light. His face, cold grin twisted, arrogance and disdain mingled.

The corrupted Lightning Bolt spoke, his voice sounding more malice than anything else. “If you continue to deny what’s inside, this is what waits.” His heart thundered as he looked at this dark version of himself, and was trying to float back up to whatever above him was. He shook his head, "No… that’s not me,".

The twisted Lightning stepped closer, “Isn’t it? This is what you’re running from. The power, the control... It’s all yours. Just be it.” No sneer was given by his eyes, but they did glint with dark promise. “Why fight it? You’re Sombra’s son. The shadows are within you.”

Lightning clenched his jaw, as he shook his head in defiance. “I’m nothing like him! I don’t want this at all!”

Corrupted Lightning’s laugh echoed coldly, the chill of it settling a cold spine. “You can’t change what you are. Sure, you can lie to Twilight, you can tell your friends that you were calling him a bitch, maybe even that you were fighting him to the ground, but deep down you know the truth. You want this. You crave the power.”

The dark version of him circled around Lightning, his mind spinning as he looked at his counterpart. He fought to drown those thoughts out, but too deep a part of him stubbornly resisted the fear that maybe this twisted image was actually on the mark. Maybe the darkness inside him was only getting stronger. Of course, it could have been only a matter of time.

Lightning whispered, "I’ll never betray them." Now twisting his glowing eyes, the twisted Lightning stopped and looked at is counterpart. “You might say that now... but when the time comes, when the shadows call out to you, you’ll answer. And when you do, you’ll be me.”

"No," Lightning boomed, "I wont let myself slip away!"

"Powerful shit to say, right?" The corrupted version of himself was greeted with a nice dose of fear and anger from Lightning. His voice was stronger this time, “I’ll stop it, I’ll find a way.”

The dark reflection smirked, unimpressed. “We’ll see.” With a slight nod.

It came down on him, what he’d just seen, what he might become. Lightning looked into the darkness that surrounded him, certainly it was far from over now. Closer shadows of his future were looming. His heart thundered under his ribs, staring into the emptiness and trying to rid himself of the dread laden. His thoughts scrambled for an escape from this nightmare. How was there no way, somepony who could help? Princess Luna he thinks to himself. "Luna!" he called out, his voice echoing into the void. “Princess Luna, can you hear me? Please… help me!”

His hope flickered for a moment, waiting for the Princess of the Night’s magic to pierce through the shadows, for a moment there was only silence. But nothing came. It was oppressive, suffocating, dark and unbroken. His voice was sucked into the void. The twisted version of himself chuckles darkly from the shadows then. Corrupted Lightning sneered at him, “Bitch. I mean, you still don’t get it, don’t you?”

His breath caught, but lightning froze, the dark version of himself getting closer, the air growing colder with each word.

“In this realm, that isn’t how it’s done, Princess Luna cannot just come waltzing into here to save you.” With a grin that twisted his face maliciously, he glinted malevolently from his horrible set of eyes. “This is our realm, our mind.” The place where the shadows rule the world. This place cannot be accessed by Luna. Not even by Starswirl if he wanted to, no one can. You’re all alone here.” Lightning's stomach dropped. His voice was shaking as he whispered, 'no … that can't be right. “Dreams are the only times that Luna can help ponies at night. She… she’ll find me.”

The corrupted Lightning laughed, his harsh voice flickering like a shadow about the darkness. “So this is no ordinary dream Lightning, like I said. This is what you are, this is you poisoning and it only gets worse by the minute. If you think she could pull you out of this? She has no power here. This place... it belongs to us" Lightning wanted to deny this but he couldn't. He didnt have Luna’s guidance or any help. He was really alone in this twisted realm.

“You see?” As Twisted Lightning circled him, cold and predatory smirked, he continued. “You just can’t escape what’s inside you. You will become this, whether you like it or not.” Fear clawed at his heart, but defiance flared up in his, his teeth clenching, despite the fear. “No. I won’t let this happen.”

Instead, the dark reflection smiled wider, becoming more, more suffocating. His voice slithered through the void, “We’ll see. 'It's what happens when you fight, the more you fight the closer you get to falling. Once you do that, you can never go back.” The shadows closed in once more, and Lightning fell to his knees, back up, and stood there, heart beating as fast as rainbow dash, he knew just how dark it truly was. Food for his fear, twittery image of himself suddenly moving toward and closer, Lightning’s chest tightened, his breath shallow. The shadows moved under his skin, crawled under his skin and whispered doubt, stirred the dark he was trying so hard to deny. Inside him something broke.

"I will not let this happen!" He stated

Lightning’s hooves slammed down through void, body surging forward towards the twisted reflection of himself. He was going to fight it with everything he had if this darkness wanted to devour him. Lightning charged at him, and the corrupted Lightning’s sneer twisted to a smirk as he stood unmoving, watching. “So predictable. You think you can fight me? Fight yourself?” He spoke the air crackled with dark energy, taunts ignored by Lightning, heart racing with raw determination. Lightning shot a spell out, only to have his magic pass right through the twisted form as if it were nothing more than smoke. The dark version of him laughed behind, as he blurred in behind him. “You can't fight what’s inside you, Lightning Bolt. The darkness... is you.”

Lightning stand ground and retorted, "Not true, I will not back away from my friends!" His horn flared as he spun around and then summoned all the magic he could muster. A crackling effigy of light pulsed around him and his horn glows brightly, he blasted a shower of pure energy at the corrupted reflection. This time the attack hit home and for a moment, the corrupted Lightning flickered like a distorting shadow.

Lightning’s heart leapt. He could feel his magic pushing back against the darkness, whatever that darkness was. There was still a chance. He shouted, pushing forward again and his magic exploded into bursts of light, “I’ll never be like you! Lightning straightened, growing dark in his expression. His voice was cold and sharp, he hissed: 'You really believe that, don’t you?' The shadows about him flared with the encroaching raw power of them. “Fine. You want to fight so I’ll tell you, how long you’ll last.” A wave of dark magic slammed Lightning hard, knocking him backwards and against the same wall his alter had just launched himself off of. The force pushed him over, the air knocked from his lungs as the twisted Lightning towered over him, his glow filled the eyes with sinister energy.

“This is futile,” the dark Lightning said, voice dripping with malice. “The harder you fight, the harder I fight back.” You can’t out run the inside.” but Lightning's spirit is unbroken, he stagger to his hooves, his breath ragged. “I don’t care how strong you think you are, you asshole.” I’m not giving in. Not to you. Not to him.” Once more his horn crackled with energy, but not magic this time, but his will. His hope. He loved his life; he loved his friends; he loved Twilight. Lightning huffed, aware of what had changed, the certitude in Lightning’s declaration. As Twisted Lightning gave him a hateful scowl, he roared, "Then I’ll break you, you little shit," darkness swirling and trailing his form in shades of doom as he slammed into Lightning.

But Lightning was ready. He met the attack head on with a surge of magic, and adrenaline, and his light clashed with the dark. Their powers clashed and crackled, the force of which exploded in the void around them in a shockwave, the contents of said dream realm rattled by it. Lightning shouted and his voice rose above the commotion, “You won’t win.” “Because I’m not alone. And I’ll never stop fighting! Bolt stood back up and struck back harder no matter how hard you hit me and knock me down” The darkness came creeping in as the shadows wrapped around him with a crushing grip, but at the same time, Bolt felt a burning stab of pain through his body. The void started to come back into his head, his magic was failing. A sinister grin stretched wide on his corrupted version of himself as he grew closer.

Lightning’s limbs started to grow leaden, his breath stuttering as he fought to not fall. The pain grow stronger every movement was a shock through his body. The darkness was clawing at him, he could feel himself losing. He could not see, the twisted Lightning stretched out ready to finish him off.

But just as the final blow was about to land, everything shifted.

Lightning gasped and sat up quickly, his eyes cracking open, his body drenched in sweat as he sat up in his bed, heart racing. He walked into his bedroom, sunlight streaming through the window, the familiar warmth of which he was so used to. Morning had taken the place of nightmare, and a stillness began to take shape. The battle was still fresh in his mind; his chest risen and fallen rapidly.

Trying to calm himself he placed a hoof over his heart. There had been such pain, such a fight, but now... now it was done. He was safe. He was back in Ponyville, back in his bed. Lightning drew in a breath as he exhaled, running his hoof down over his mane. It was morning and he little comfort from the sun. While he could still feel the darkness inside him, he can still hear the echo of his twisted self's words. "Luna can’t reach me..." He whispered it to himself staring at the ceiling. "I mean... that wasn't just a dream." It was all over for now, but the war for Lightning's will had just begun. The darkness spawned, was growing and festering, waiting to take hold again. It only got stronger with every day that passed, every secret he kept.

Lightning was sitting on the edge of his bed, as his body still shook from the nightmare that clung to him like a shadow. The fight with his corrupted self had been so real, and the weight of it pressed down on him now. He glanced over to the desk in the corner where his journal lay but finding the comfort in writing down what was happening inside of him wasn't soothing anymore. He wanted to log his thoughts as an escape, a way to synthesize everything going on inside his mind. Now? Now, it felt like a weak avoidance of the truth. The darkness inside of him was growing, and he was not so sure this time that just by pouring his fears onto parchment it would be enough to stop it.

His mind turned to Twilight and the others-they were his friends, his closest allies, but they know King Sombra as the tyrant king. What would they say if they knew he was Sombra's son? Could they still look upon him the same way, knowing the blood of their enemy ran through his veins? His heart was racing at the very thought of their faces were he ever to tell them the truth. Twilight had fought against Sombra, laid everything on the line in an attempt to save Equestria from him. And the others-they'd been there, too.

"What if they hate me for it?" he whispered, staring down at his hooves. "What if they think I'm. just like him?

The fear of rejection almost ended him. He had fought so hard in his nightmare to be his own pony, away from the shadow of his father. But with corruption growing inside him, he felt the battle was being lost. Every day it grew harder and harder to hide the truth. But the fear of losing Twilight and his friends, the fear of disappointment in their eyes kept him silent.
"I can't tell them. Not yet," he muttered, shaking. "They've already been through so much because of him." But he wouldn't be able to keep this inside forever. Sooner or later, the darkness would win if he didn't act. And with that would go not just his own life but everypony he cared about. He stood up from bed and to the desk, looking down at the blank page on it. Listening on the edge of his bed, still shaking from a nightmare that was all too real. His mind was hot with questions, but one thing stood above everything-he simply could not face this alone anymore. The darkness was growing, and each time it came closer, it was harder to resist. He needed to do something, anything, before it consumed him whole.

He glanced at the desk in the corner of his room, where his Journal sat. Once, he had thought to write, but now the weight of all he had to deal with was too big for the words on paper. Could this time around make a difference... writing it all down? Or would it be another way out of keeping the truth from those who cared?

His eyes drifted to the quill lying beside the parchment, the ink bottle still sealed. His hoof hovered over it as he used his magic to open the ink bottle. I could. log this. Get it all out," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "But will that really help? Or is it just me trying to avoid the truth? " He let the quill fall. Keeping this secret was tearing him apart, and fighting the darkness alone was growing more dangerous by the day. He needed to talk to somepony, needed help before it was too late. His magic levitated the quill. deciding to write anyway and forcing himself to pick up the quill. "Maybe... Maybe that'll help." His heart ached as he began to write, but deep down, he knew it was only a temporary solution. He couldn't fight this alone, but at the same time, the fear of what his friends might think still held him in a tight grip. Maybe someday he'd find the guts to tell them the truth.

For now, though, his secret would be buried, locked in the pages of his private logs.

The Mask we Wear

He sat at his desk, having laid the quill down, and within his head, the words continued to dance, mingling with residues of the dark dream which had tormented him. The heart was still racing with the memories of that twisted vision. It was hard to shake off the feeling something dark lurked inside him. He took a deep breath and tried to calm the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.

In the quiet of his house came a soft knock at his door. The ears of Lighting twitched, and he swayed for a while, knowing not whether to answer or not. He had been avoiding them for so long, and now this seemed to give him anxiety in confronting them. What if they could sense the turmoil inside him?

"Bolt? It's me, Twilight!" called the familiar, comforting voice from the other side of the door. "Can we come in?"

His heart was racing. He wanted to call out, to tell her to go away and leave him well alone, but something in the warmth of her voice drew him in. He couldn't hide forever. Maybe she would help him find clarity and help him figure out what to do next.

"Uh, yeah, come in," he called back, his voice shaking.

Saying this, he quickly pushed the journal into his desk, hoping no one would find it. Certainly, the last thing he wanted them to see was his inner most thoughts, especially what he had just written.

The door opened and in walked Twilight and Applejack, both of them with concerned looks on their faces. Twilight's eyes lit up slightly at how the room was in disarray, but Applejack took a step forward, furrowing her brow.

"Hey there, Sugarcube," Applejack said softly. "We've been worried about ya."

"Yeah," Twilight added, softening her tone. "What happened last night? Why were you out alone?"

Lightning forced a smile over his face but it was more of a grimace, avoiding the question. "I'm fine. I'm managing."

Applejack crossed her hooves, a disbelieving expression on her face. "Sugarcube, you don't have to pretend with us. We're here to help, 'member?"

"Really, I'm okay," he insisted, even as the weight of his anxiety clung to him.

"Then what's got you all worked up?" Twilight pressed, her eyes searching his for answers.

He hesitated, wanting to pull away, but he didn't want to further worry them. "I've just been thinking about… my old home, before the changelings took over everything."

Twilight and Applejack exchanged a glance. "Is that it?" Twilight asked softly.

"Just... I don't know, it feels like I'm isolating myself and pushing my friends and family away," said Lightning cautiously. "I've just been feeling. homesick, I guess."

Applejack's face melted into a nod; she knew how hard it was to say. "I get it, Bolt. Being homesick can really wear a fella down. But just remember, you don't have to go through that alone. We're here for you, and you can always talk to us about how you feel.".

"Yeah, but it's hard to shake that feeling," Lightning continued, his voice cracking a little. "What if I drive you both and the others away? I just can't stand the thought of hurting the ponies I care about."

Twilight stepped closer, her eyes filled with understanding. "Bolt, we are your friends. And it helps that you are being open about it. You won't drive us away. Ever"

With a growl of determination, a spark of hope flickered to life within him, and he took another deep breath, wrapping himself into the comfort of their friendship like a security blanket. "Yeah, I guess it does."

"See?" Twilight chimed, the tone was a good-natured prod toward confidence. "And remember, we'll be right there with you every step of the way."

Then Twilight added, "I was also thinking that maybe you'd like to come over for breakfast?

Lightning felt a flutter of heat at the invitation. It was nice of her to try and include him, but the weight of his secret lay there in the back of his mind. "Okay, that does sound fine. Just give me a little while to get ready," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Of course! Take your time," Twilight smiled. "We'll see you soon!"

He just felt grateful, and anxious as Twilight and Applejack turned to leave. He wanted to enjoy his breakfast, but a nagging fear of giving away his true self loomed over him like an ominous specter.

He waited till they were all gone before taking a minute for himself to collect his thoughts. Just a few more hours, he told himself, knowing he could mask his fears among friends. Taking a deep breath, he started to prepare, mentally steeling himself for whatever the day might bring.

"I cannot believe I lied to them, and Applejack, the Element of Honesty, didn't catch it?" Lightning question to himself. He had this feeling that he may just get away with this, but knowing Applejack, if she knows something is off, she will get the truth out.

He took a deep breath, his heart racing with uncertainty. The thought of losing their friendship sent a shiver of dread down his spine. He couldn't bear the thought of losing them; they were his world, and thoughts of losing them freaked him out. Then he cleaned himself up, and while grooming his mane in the mirror, his Twisted self took over his reflection.

"You can't hide from me forever Lightning Bolt, it's only a matter of time before the others find out the truth. And when that day comes they'll see you for who you truly are." Twisted Lightning told him. Then, Lightning looked away from the mirror and said "No! You're not real, and I'm not like you!" He then looks at himself in the mirror again and sees his normal reflection.

"Perhaps I should go to Twilight's castle for breakfast; that may clear my mind," said Lightning as he stepped out of his house and walked in the castle's direction.

The moment he left the house, The mirror reflection reappeared, grinning this time, and said, "Soon I am going to break him, take over, and then no one would be able to stop me." A menacing cackle as King Sombra's distorted reflection takes form.

Author's Note

Sorry this chapter is very short but i feel its better to split the morning 2 on 1 chat and the breakfast to there own chapters.

Breakfast at Twilight's

As Lightning drew near to Twilight's Castle, he felt a growing sense of apprehension. "Perhaps I shouldn't be here." He said. And yet, he found himself knocking on Twilight's door. Just a moment later, Spike opened the door. "Oh, hey Bolt," Spike greeted. "Come on in."

"Thanks Spike. " Lightning replied as he entered the castle.

The air was filled with the scent of breakfast. Pinkie Pie was hard at work preparing a feast for the 7 friends. The table had been set with all kinds of scrumptious foods: waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. All were chattering and enjoying the meal. Twilight saw him the very moment he stepped into the room, her face brightening up. "Hey, Bolt! You made it!" she called, beckoning him towards her. She saw the hesitation in his step and gave him a warm smile, hoping it would soothe him.

"Yes. thanks for inviting me," Lightning finally said, still a little uncertainty in his tone as he sat down at the great, welcoming table.

"Oh, you're just in time!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, bouncing over with a plate loaded high with waffles. "These waffles are bursting with happiness!"

Rainbow Dash gave Lightning a friendly nudge with her elbow, grinning. "Pinkie's been working since dawn! Gotta try it all. It's worth it, really."

Lightning chuckled low in his throat, and his shoulders loosened just a bit. "Alright, I can do that," he said, reaching for a plate and serving himself some pancakes and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Rarity leaned her head slightly to one side as she caught the look on Lightning's face. "Darling, is everything alright? You seem a little. off?"

He paused a moment, not wanting to break the jovial atmosphere of the breakfast gathering. But a glance into the concerned eyes of Twilight made him realize there was no need for concealment here. "I don't know. like I shouldn't have come. Like I didn't belong here or something." He let out a chuckle, shyly, shaking his head. "It's stupid, I know."

Applejack leaned over the table, setting a comforting hoof upon his shoulder. "Now, sugarcube, there ain't no need to feel like that around us. We're all here for each other."

Twilight nodded, her gaze softening. "You belong here, Bolt. You're a part of this group as much as anypony else. And if there's anything on your mind, you know we're here to listen.

In a flash, Pinkie Pie was beside him, holding up a mug of hot cocoa to him. "And cocoa always helps chase away any silly feelings of doubt. Try it-it's got extra marshmallows!

And then, the warmth of friendship enveloped him-he felt its cloak wrap itself around him and tuck a soft smile on his features. "Thanks, guys," he said softly, the tone so soft, so filled with appreciation. "Guess I'm just lucky to have friends like you." The marshmallows melted on a sip into the rich depth of chocolate and brought on a calm he hadn't realized he'd missed.

As the conversation continued, he found himself opening up more: joining in the laughter and all the jokes that were cast out across the table. It was as though all his insecurities just melted away, replaced by an epiphany that this was it-that this was where he should be, right here with his friends. The peals of laughter and giggles continued around the breakfast table; his features flickered for a second, the shadows of his thoughts edged up across his eyes. Surrounded by friends, he tried to shake off the clinging feeling of unease. His mind kept on wandering back to the dark heritage he carried with him, something he tried ever so hard to hide from sight.

You're only fooling yourself, Lightning, a voice whispered from deep inside of him. It was soft, yet somehow growing louder, an echo off the walls of his mind. You can hide from them for now, but sooner or later they'll see the truth. They'll see who you really are.

Twilight catch the far-off glaze in Lightning's stare, her head bobbing with a soft bump. "Hey, Bolt? You alright?" Her eyes showed real concern then, and real concern always made the load he carried heavier.

Lightning decided to lie, forcing a smile. "I was just. thinking."

Rarity's observant stare flickered in his direction, and one brow arched up in curiosity. "Darling, there's something about you today-so light-hearted, usually! Whatever could be on your mind?"

Lightning swallowed as the fear coursed through him-if they found out… would they see him as a threat? Would they still want him around? The darkness stirred inside him at his hesitation, fuel on a fire. They'll turn on you, just like they did with him, the voice murmured again, urging him to retreat, to give in.

But then he felt the gentle nuzzle of Twilight's hoof against his. "Bolt, you know we're here for you," she said softly. Her gentle words cut through the whispers of the shadow, offering him a glimmer of strength. "Whatever bothers you, whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

Lightning took a deep breath, his eyes locked with Twilight's. The dark whispers quieted, pulling themselves once more back into the recesses of his mind, to leave him in peace for a little while longer. "Thanks, Twilight," he said lowly. "I just… I'll try to remember that.

The battle within was far from done, but being here with his friends made the present moment a little respite from the vultures in his mind. As the warmth and chatter continued around the breakfast table, the inner voices in Lightning's mind grew louder, gnawing at his resolve. Every smile, every gesture of friendship around him felt a little distant, as though he were separated by an invisible wall.

They don't know the real you, the spiteful voice of the shadow inside his head hissed. They wouldn't accept you if they knew the truth. You're Sombra's son-his heir. You're going to turn out just like him, no matter how you try to hide it.

The hoof of Lightning shook slightly as he placed his cup of cocoa on the table. He tried to shoo the thoughts out, but they dug their talons into his brain and would not let go. The room seemed suddenly too bright, too full of life, and suffocating.

"I… I think I need to get some air," Lightning muttered, rising abruptly. He couldn't bear to meet any of their eyes, especially Twilight's. Her concern and warmth in her gaze would be too much to handle. And with that, he turned and headed toward the door.

"Bolt?" Twilight called after him, a tinge of worry lacing her tone. "Where are you going?"

"I'm fine," he lied, his heart racing, as the inner voice dug deeper into his mind. "I just need a moment… alone." He barely suppressed the shakes in his voice, his hooves moving with urgency towards the door.

Spike chatted with Pinkie and looked up in confusion. "Hey Bolt, you sure you are okay? You barely ate!" However, the response from Lightning was none. He opened the door, going outside. The cool morning air was rushing over him, and he took another deep breath, which did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside him.

Run. Leave before they find out who you really are, the shadow urged, wrapping around his thoughts like a dark fog. You can't escape what's in your blood. You're Sombra's son. Sooner or later they'll all fear you. It's better to leave now before it's too late.

Lightning gritted his teeth, trying to block out the voice, but it was getting harder. He looked back toward the castle; his mind was torn. Twilight and his friends had shown him nothing but love and acceptance, but could that really last once they knew the truth?

They'll never trust you if they know. It was a cold, pitiless voice. Why not embrace what you are instead of fighting it

Lightning threw one final, anguished glance in the direction of Twilight's castle before turning away. He couldn't face them - not like this. Not while the darkness raging within him was slowly getting out of control. He folded his wings and launched himself into the air, leaving the castle and the warmth of his friends behind him.

While Lightning soared through crisp morning air, Applejack had listened intently to the conversation around the table. Something had been off about him; fidgety in his seat, a faraway glint in his eyes, suddenly needing to be elsewhere-it all composed a picture of concern.

"Hold up for one second, y'all," she said, humorless, her voice cutting through the laughter. "I'll be right back." Not waiting for any kind of response, Applejack rose from her seat and hastened toward the door as instinct kicked in.

As she pushed open the door, the sound of the teeming breakfast faded behind her. She searched the skies and the surroundings but was well out of sight, a distant silhouette against the horizon. Her heart fell.

"Darn it," she grumbled, irritation rising through her. She turned back toward the castle, her mind whirling. He's hiding something, she thought. I just can't leave this alone.

She came back to the table, her expression deadpan serious. "Everypony, we need to talk," she said, gaining her friends' attention. "Bolt's just… not himself today. I reckon he's got something on his mind, and we need to find out what it is."

Twilight frowned, "What do you mean, Applejack? He seemed fine when he came. I just thought that perhaps he needed a little space while we ate."

"Fine ain't the word I'd use. I've seen that look before, and it ain't good," Applejack insisted, crossing her forelegs. "He didn't eat a thing, and then he bolted out of here like a bat outta Tartarus. We gotta check on him. I don't like the idea of him being out there all alone."
Rainbow Dash nodded, her competitive spirit flared. "I'll go after him! No way he can fly faster than me. I'll bring him back in no time!"

"Wait, Dash!" Twilight called, raising a hoof and Rainbow stopped mid take-off. "Let's not rush in without a plan. If he's struggling we need to approach him carefully. We don't want to push him further away."

Pinkie Pie became spirited and her eyes shone with resolve. "What if we make a 'We Care About You' party? That way, he will feel super loved and would come back!

Rarity tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I appreciate the sentiment, but a party might not be what he needs right now. Perhaps we should send him a message-something to let him know we're here for him."

Applejack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, somethin' that shows we're worried but also care. We can't let him feel like he's gotta hide from us.

"Let's divide and conquer," Twilight suggested, her voice smooth. "Rainbow, you can fly and scan the skies. Rarity, you can write a note. Pinkie, maybe you can gather some of his favorite snacks to take with you. I'll stay here in case he return."

In a jiffy, the group had mobilized, every pony with the resolve to find their friend to remind him that he was not alone. As they set off, a flicker of hope crossed Applejack's face. She knew no matter how far Bolt flew, they would somehow find a way back into the warmth of friendship that waited for him at the castle.

"We'll find him," she reassured them, her determination solidifying. "And when we do, we'll make sure he knows he can trust us—no matter what."

As the girls went their separate ways, Twilight is still holding her concerns and said to herself, I hope you return here, Bolt...

Shadows Alive

The world was a blur of wind and turmoil, as Lightning flew over what was commonly referred to as the Everfree Forest. The sun was high, casting long shadows from below, but he barely noticed. His thoughts jumbled into a mess of dark whispers, urging him to keep running, to hide from the truth that weighed so inside his heart.

I have to get out of here, he thought with growing desperation flooding his mind. They can't know. He concentrated on the horizon-to be far from Twilight, from his friends-every pony that cared for him. The moment they were to find out about his lineage, they would think of him no more than a piece of his father's shadow.

But he lost his head in wild flight. Just as he was starting to climb, he felt a jarring impact.

"Whoa!" Lightning exclaimed, unable to control his momentum. He crashed into something solid, no... someone, the force of the collision knocking the wind out of him. Dazed, he looked up to find himself face to face with none other than King Sombra himself, the very figure he had been trying so hard to get away from.

"What do you think you are doing, my son?" Sombra's voice rumbled with dark authority, mingled with an unsettling calm. Red alicorn felt his heart racing; his spine chilled, struggling to his hooves.

"I wasn't… I didn't mean to—" he stuttered, his composure momentarily broken. Part of him wanted to turn and run, but another part inexorably drew him back into his heritage. Sombra was a familiar evil, and that was terrifying.

"Running away? That's a bad choice," Sombra said, his eyes narrowing as he studied Lightning. "You think you can hide from who you are? You're my son, and there's power in you, a legacy to be embraced."

"No, you infested cunt!" Lightning shrieked, his head shaking violently. "I don't want to be part of that! I'm not like you!" Words exploded from him in a rush of anger and fear, and he stepped backward as his wings spread for flight once more.

"Then prove it," Sombra challenged, the ghost of a dark smile playing on his lips. "Show me you're worthy of the power I've given you. You have a choice, my son. You can reject shadow calling and become weak… or you can let it consume you and become strong.

Torn between the two worlds, he took one deep breath and forced himself to see beyond Sombra's grim shadow. He envisioned Twilight, Applejack, and all of his friends who cared for him.

"No!" he shouted in defiance, turning from the oncoming darkness of Sombra. "I choose my own path!"

With newfound determination, he spread his wings wide and launched himself into the sky, leaving Sombra in his wake. The strong winds howled around him, carrying his spirits higher and higher, further from the dark echoes of his lineage and closer toward the bright light of friendship.

And with each gain in altitude, the shadow in him began to wane, the dark whispers receding in the wake of his determination. Whatever the future held, he would meet it, but not alone. More than son of Sombra, he was an alicorn forged by friendship, and he would fight to protect that bond.

At that moment, Lightning soared through the air with his heart pounding from a combination of fear and determination, he suddenly heard a familiar voice cut through the air. "Bolt! Where are you?" It was Rainbow Dash; her voice full of concern and urgency.

He froze mid-flight, panic washing over him. No, not now!, he thought, his instincts screaming for him to hide. the last thing he wanted was anypony, much less his friends, finding him in such a vulnerable state, especially after what happened with Sombra.

His horn flashed, and within second , the invisibility spell casted enveloped him in a flashing aura, wrapping him in sparkling twinkles of enchantment. He quickly fades from view, his heart racing with relief as he slipped into the shadows, unseen and unheard.

A moment later, Rainbow Dash streaked past him, her mane streaming out behind her like a comet tail. "Bolt! Where are you? I swear I saw you!" she cried again, flying in tight circles, peering around her with a furrowed brow.

Lightening held his breath, his eyes never leaving her as she did everything from the concealment of the treetops. The concern etched into fine lines in her face pulled at his heart. As much as a need to keep his secret was upon him, he felt much dismay at the thought of causing his friends to worry. They're only trying to help, he reminded himself.

Continuing his search, darting between clouds and peering into every nook, a pang hit him. He wanted to call out to her, to let her know he was alright, but the weight of his heritage weighed upon him like a heavy stone. If she knew the truth about who he was, would she still care? Would they all turn away in fear, just as Sombra had suggested?

He watched as Rainbow Dash finally slowed down, hovering in place and looking around, her wings beating steadily. "Come on, Bolt! Just show yourself!" she urged, her voice tinged with frustration and concern. "You don't have to hide! We're all worried about you!"

Her words cut deep into Lightning's heart. The warmth of her friendship shone brightly towards him, a harsh contrast to the chilling darkness Sombra had tried to cast over him. Even so, with her urging, he was still cloaked in invisibility, unsure how to face her.

She let out a deep, rumbling sigh after a few tense moments. "Fine, I'll check back at the castle. Just… please come back soon!" With that, she shot off in the direction of Twilight's castle, leaving him alone in the vast blue expanse of the sky.

In his mind, he heard her voice still, even when that voice faded out of earshot, and something inside of him clicked. He couldn't keep hiding forever, not from his friends and not from himself. The invisibility spell faded completely, and he was again in the open air, feeling the warmth of the sun on his wings. Taking another deep breath, Lightning steeled himself and decided to head back toward the castle. I have got to face this, he felt determination flood his veins. I must do this. alone

Flying towards the castle with his heart racing with determination and dread, suddenly he had the overwhelming urge to retreat once more. He needed a moment just to clear his thoughts, work his way through the mess in his head. Wanting desperately to block out the storm of emotions going on inside him, he chose once more to hide.

Finding a secluded grove, he landed softly among the trees, their branches casting gentle shadows over him. He breathed deeply to calm his racing heart, pulled out his journal with a flick of his horn, and let the magic manifest in a soft glow. The journal was always a safe place for him, a place where he could pour his thoughts, fears, and hopes without judgment. Maybe writing will help.

As the familiar book appeared in front of him, he opened to a blank page. The page seam to call out for his words. Puffed a quill and hovered over the paper for some time, with the usual problems of finding just the right words.

Journal Entry 2

I heard Rainbow Dash calling for me, and I could tell she sounded so worried. It tore at my heart. I wanted to show myself, to fly down to her to tell her I'm okay. I could see it in her face, confusion mixed with concern, and I hated knowing I was the reason. My friends have always had my back, and yet. I'm too scared to show them what's really going on inside me. What if they really knew the truth of my heritage, of what shadows really hide beneath the surface?

Anytime I think about opening up to them, I freeze up. It's not just a fear factor; it's much deeper than that. It’s like there’s a voice, whispering in the back of my mind, telling me that they won’t understand, that they’ll see me differently. What if the darkness inside me starts to show? What if they look at me and see only Sombra’s son instead of the friend they’ve known? The thought of losing them. it’s unbearable. I’ve come so far with them by my side. I don't want that to go.

What if they find out who I really am? It's all that keeps running through my head. It's not like I chose this path. I didn't ask to be born with this power inside, this darkness. And no matter how hard I try and fight it, it is still there, just waiting to take over. I feel it every time I get close to letting them in-this nagging sense that I don't belong, that I'm different, that I'm dangerous. They look at me and see an alicorn, a friend, but if they knew the truth, would they still trust me? Or would they see me like Sombra?

What if they can't see past my bloodline? I can barely say it aloud. I've spent my whole life trying to be the opposite of him-kind, loyal, trustworthy-but does any of that matter when the darkness is still inside me? I fear no matter what I do, I'll always be judged for the shadows I carry. Maybe it's easier this way-to keep my distance, to never let them in. Then I won't have to see the fear-or worse, the betrayal-in their eyes.

I should be braver than this. I cannot always hide. My friends deserve to know the truth; even though I'm terrified of what that will bring, Twilight and Rainbow Dash-they all trusted me, and if I want to be worthy of that trust, I need to stop running. I just can't continue to live in the dark, acting like everything is all right when it is not. I owe them more than to be honest, even if that means confronting the darkness within me. Maybe. maybe they'll understand. Maybe they won't. But I just can't keep living my life out of fear.

They deserve to know the truth in some time. It's not going to happen overnight. I know I am not ready yet. Still so much to figure out for myself. But I am going to have to stop running from this, because I will need the courage to face it and fight Sombra's legacy, to find out myself who I am, not who my bloodline says I am. And when the time comes, after I find that strength, I'll tell them. I'll let them in. Because keeping this hidden is only feeding the darkness, and I refuse to let it win.

I just hope they'll still want me as a friend when they do. That's the hardest part, the uncertainty. I want to believe my friends will stand by me, that they'll see me for who I am rather than where I come from. But a tiny little voice in the back of my mind keeps whispering back, What if they don't? What if they're scared of me? What if they don't feel the same way? I don't want to be alone, but at the same time, I don't want to continue this lie. I need them. I need their support. But would they still want to give it to me when they see the full picture? Only time will tell, I suppose. That's what terrifies me the most.

For now, I need only to be able to go on, one step after another. It means not giving up, fighting these shadows inside me, and when the time will come, facing my friends with my truth. And perhaps-they just might-stand by my side, a position they have always take

Changes

He let out one of those long, trembling sighs as the journal disappeared in that puff of magic. I got to face this, he thought, but how do I even get started?

It was strange, but the weight of its absence felt hollow, as if he had just let go of the one thing that was keeping him tethered to some kind of clarity. That journal had always been a place where he could put his most honest thoughts, where he could let his fears and insecurities spill out without anyone judging him. Now, though, with it gone, he had to face everything head-on.

What am I supposed to say, exactly?

His mind kept going back to the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice, the echo within his head, filled with her concern. He could see her now, furrowed brows in concern, her body language speaking volumes, telling him she wanted to help but he had kept himself hidden, even from her. She would never understand. She couldn't. None of them could. Not unless he told them the truth.

What if they're scared? What if they're disappointed? The fear in that was paralyzing. What if everything he'd built with them came crumbling down? He was far from ready for that to occur-to lose them.

He paced in the quiet of his hiding spot, but the steps felt heavier than usual, each one a reminder that he couldn't keep running. He needed to talk to them, to open up. The journal had been the first step, a place to process all the complicated feelings he couldn't voice aloud-but now he needed to take the next step. The real step.

With a deep breath, he called the journal back into being. The familiar weight in his hooves felt like a small comfort. He opened it, eyes scanning the pages he had written earlier.

"I can't keep running anymore," he muttered to himself, tracing his hoof over the words he'd written, the raw honesty staring back at him. Maybe that was the start-just being honest with himself first. And maybe, just maybe, he could be honest with his friends too.

He scribbled down a few more lines, his thoughts spilling out faster than he could process them:

Maybe. I don't have to have it all figured out. Maybe it's okay not to have every answer, just to be. me. And if that's something they cannot accept, if they cannot see through my bloodline, through shadows, then perhaps I will have to live with that weight alone. But I cannot act as though everything is going to be all right when it is going to be otherwise. I owe them that, and I owe it to myself.

His pen paused, hovering above the page. Could he really face them? Really tell them? I guess. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

The journal glowed softly in his hooves as he set it aside then it vanished, taking a deep breath. For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel entirely lost. He didn't have all the answers, but he was starting to feel like maybe, just maybe, it was okay not to. It was okay to let his friends in, even if he was scared.

Maybe its best to tell them a different story he thought. Then suddenly he saw dark magic spreading out across Ponyville.

Lightning's heart sank, "No... not now..." he told himself. He came out of hiding and flew as fast as he could back to Ponyville. Lightning's heart was racing as the dark magic spread across Ponyville, the feeling of dread creeping in all too familiar. The fear that had been building inside him all morning suddenly felt impossible to ignore. He had flown away from breakfast, unsure of how to face his friends, unsure of how to explain everything, and now… now his father was here.

Sombra. The name was a cold echo in his mind, full of menace. Wings beating faster, urgency forwarded him. There was no time to think. No time to hide anymore.

The closer he got, the more he saw that each of the Mane 6 were struggling to fend off from the dark tendrils of magic, each of them fighting back yet clearly overwhelmed. Sombra himself stood in the middle, his hooves weaving intricate patterns in a powerful spell. Lightning's heart skipped a beat as his mind screamed, not again.

But this time, things were different. He wasn't going to run. He had to protect them.

Taking a deep breath, Lightning focused, and his own magic surged through him. Dark magic, his own power, awakened in his hooves, not as a curse, but as a shield. He cast it forward, and a barrier crashed into Sombra's dark tendrils, halting them cold. The spell fizzled out in a burst of light, leaving the Mane 6 freed from Sombra's grasp for the moment.

Sombra turned slowly, sensing the interference, but his eyes didn’t widen in shock. Instead, he smirked, his expression unreadable. "So, someone finally decides to show up," he said, his voice low and cold, but without any direct recognition of who Lightning was. "You’ll need more than that to stop me."

Lightning's pulse quickened, but he stood his ground against Sombra's glare. Not now, he told himself. I cannot let him expose me like this.

"I am not here for you," Lightning replied, his voice as steady as a rock though he did not feel anywhere near that. "I'm here for them."

Sombra's grin only deepened, but he said nothing of the connection between them. He wanted Lightning to reveal it. To break. But Lightning wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.

Twilight and the others were catching their breath, still in shock from what had just happened. "Lightning, what are you—" Twilight started, but he cut her off with a single, sharp look.

Lightning eyes widen as he realized he might have accidentally exposed himself.

“I’ll explain later,” he promised, his tone firm, but his heart was heavy. “We need to stop him first.”

Twilight hesitated, eyes narrowing with concern, but she didn’t argue. Sombra may have been powerful, but Lightning wasn’t going to let him win—not today, not ever.

The battle was going on, but for the first time, Lightning wasn't alone. His friends were present, standing right by his side; they didn't need to know everything just yet. Maybe later he would be ready to tell them. But for now, he had to protect them, for that's what really mattered.

As he faced down Sombra, he realized perhaps that he didn't have to figure it all out this very second. The truth could wait; he merely had to be there now for his friends.

We'll See

Lightning's hooves were trembling ever so slightly, the gravity of the situation weighing upon him more than he'd anticipated. The Mane 6 were looking at him, their expressions a blend of confusion and worry, their eyes rapidly switching between him and the lingering dark magic in the air.

Rainbow Dash, ever direct, stood with her hooves crossed and head cocked. "You want to tell me why you zapped out Sombra like magic?" she asked with suspicion in her voice.

Lightning pulled back his jaw to respond, "Well I-" but Applejack cut him off. "And why you darn ran off like a dog chasin' a squirrel, huh?" She shook her head back and forth and eyed him suspiciously.

"If you will let me ju-" Lightning started, to be interrupted by the smooth but slightly anxious voice of Twilight. "Bolt, you're acting so weird right now."

The urgency of their questioning was already annoying him. His thoughts were disorganized, his head spinning, and he could do nothing but think about the ringing in his ears. Tell them the truth? I don't. I can't tell them now. Not in this state.

And then, in the flash of a lightning bolt, Lightning couldn't hold it back. "OH MY FUCKING CELESTIA, STOP!" His voice broke, the frustration pouring out as he rubbed his hooves on his temples, trying to shift the burden of the moment.

There was a pause. The Mane 6 all froze, shocked at his tantrum. Lightning just stood there, eyes screwed up tight, his heart thudding in his chest. He could only hear his own breathing, but the harsh truth slapped him in the face, he was trapped. They weren't going to back down until he came up with something.

And at last, he drew breath, the burning stares of his friends upon him. I can run no longer. I'll have my way and report to you about it. He had his hooves rub his temples, straightened a little and lowered his head to meet their faces, fearing that they were.

"Okay, okay," he told her, his voice softer now, but still with a hint of irritation. "You want to know? Sombra. cursed me. He... he placed an irreversible curse on me." Lightning's voice shook slightly as he went on, but he persevered, attempting to sound as plausible as he could. "It's... it's why I've been acting strangely. I've been trying to figure out how to remove it, but it's... it's too strong. I can't stop it."

He struggled to take a steady breath, fighting to keep his voice consistent. "That's why I left in the first place. I didn't want anyone to get hurt, but I have no idea what it's doing to me. I didn't want you all to see me like this."

Twilight and the rest stared at him in shocked silence. Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow, obviously suspicious but keeping quiet for the moment. Applejack shared a look with her, yet neither of them appeared to be convinced.

"You're tellin' us Sombra cursed ya?" Applejack inquired, a touch of incredulity creeping into her voice. "And you didn't think to mention this to us sooner?"

Lightning's mind went haywire for a solution. "I didn't know what to say to you," he chattered nervously, his eyes flicking back and forth between them. "I didn't want you to ... you know... think I was dangerous."

Rainbow Dash's face softened somewhat, but a lingering distrust continued to lurk in her eyes. "We're your friends, Bolt," she said softly. "You know we'd help you, no matter what.".

He nodded, appreciating the support, but he could not allow them to comprehend the truth. Not now. Not when he feared what it would cost him.

"I know," Lightning said, his voice softer now. "I know. But I couldn't take the chance. I couldn't lose all of you."

Twilight went on, her face still a blend of worry and puzzlement. "But you don't have to hide from us. We can work this out together."

Lightning forced a tiny, trembling smile. "I'm not hiding. I just… I didn't know how to tell you."

There was a silence, and then at last, Twilight had trust in him, even though the concern did not leave her eyes. "Alright, but we will help you with that. We will figure out how to break the curse. You don't have to suffer through this alone."

Lightning nodded, but inside himself, he could feel the knot tightening in his chest. He had lied to them, had told them a story that wasn't quite true, and he hated himself for it. But he had to.

Lightning's eyes flashed back and forth between his friends, their faces a blend of resolve and anxiety. He felt the pressure of their gaze, the gentle nudge that impelled him to let go, to tell the truth. But he was not ready to do so. Not now. Not like this.

He breathed again, attempting to calm himself down, before he lifted a hoof, restraining himself. "I… I just need a minute. Alone. To clear my head, okay?"

Twilight's face relaxed, her eyes full of sympathy, but the concern in them was not ignored. "Bolt… are you Sure? You don't have to do this alone. We are all here for you."

Lightning introduced a small, comforting smile. "I know you want to help. But I need to get my head on straight. I'll be back in a minute."

There was an eternity of silence as his friends looked at each other. Rainbow Dash had opened her mouth to speak, but Applejack shut her up with a soft hoof on the shoulder. At last, Rainbow nodded, though she still looked uncomfortable.

"Okay, Bolt. We'll wait here," Rainbow replied, her voice softer still. "Just. don't stray too far off, okay?"

Lightning's heart pounded in his chest as he nodded, his mind however crying to run. Run and dont look back before it's too late.

He unfolded his wings, rising off the ground. He flew silently away, the wind whipping across his face as he soared higher and higher until Ponyville was a small little dot on the ground far beneath him.

He needed time. Time to think. Time to push the suffocating weight of his lies out of his mind, even for a moment. He needed space to breathe without worrying about the truth leaking out, without the crushing weight of what he was doing bearing down on him.

The warm hollowness welcomed him as he soared ever farther away from the pack, the shadow magic humming through his system like a soothing, subtle melody. Having come to a spot of isolation close to the edge of the Everfree Forest, he landed silently, tucking in his wings about him.

Why am I doing this?" he grumbled to himself, scratching at his face once more. "Why can't I be truthful with them? Why can't I tell them what I truly am?"

He glared at the ground beneath his hooves, his thoughts drifting aimlessly as he attempted to dispel the gnawing fear eating away at the back of his mind.

He panted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can do it."

And even as the doubt clouded his mind, another portion of him knew that he could not hide forever. The problem was, How much longer can I continue to lie to them? What should I do?

Lightning flew on automatic, his wings beating in a rhythmic pulse as his mind whirled in a mad spiral. The familiar view of Ponyville had already faded behind him. Despite the wind still raging around him, the storm raging inside him was only becoming more boisterous, a sound of rumbling thunder leading up to the storm.

He could no longer remain there. Not in Ponyville. Not under the constant stress of having to keep such a massive deception that it was suffocating him from the inside out. He needed some time off, somewhere no one knew him or his secrets, where he could clear his head and decide what to do next.

Finally, his flight brought him to a small, quiet diner on the outskirts of town. The neon sign outside, framed in a soft circle of light, read "Honey Sweet's Diner ," a place where the frantic world of Ponyville seemed to fade away. It wasn't a place he visited very often, but it looked. safe. It didn't amount to much, just a little, no-frills diner with a handful of tables and a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere, but to Lightning, it was a refuge, a place where he could just be himself.

He landed softly in the alley, out of the sight of the passing handful of ponies. His wings folded conveniently down his sides as he stepped inside the diner, his heart still burdened by doubt.

As he stepped inside, the doorbell rang and got the pony at the counter's notice. The owner, a middle-aged earth pony mare with a friendly smile, invited him in welcomingly.

"Well, well, if it isn't stormy alicorn himself. What can i get you today, kid?" the pony welcomed with a friendly, warm voice.

Lightning's eyes wandered over the menu board, but the letters were distorted. His mind was still reeling, so much so that he had hardly even noticed that he was hungry.

“Uh… just a hayburger and fries, please. And a Lemon Lime soda,” he mumbled, his voice betraying just how much was going on in his head.

"Comin' right up," the pony replied, grabbing the order pad. "Take a seat, I’ll have it ready in no time."

Lightning nodded, moving back from the counter and sitting on the window seat. He watched out, seeing the world move by as the internal struggle still raged in him. We'll See what happens, He thought.

As Lightning was thinking how to reveal to his friends that he is Sombra son and he needs help he suddenly grasp his head in pain. when he open his eyes again he notice the diner was tinted in red and black and no pony was there.

"Hello?" Lightnings voice echoed as he looks around for somepony. When he look in front of him he saw his Twisted self sitting on the other side of his booth.

Twisted Lightning smiled "Did you miss me, Lightning?"

Lightning didn't even wanna look at his twisted reflection. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

The Twisted reflection chuckled "You think I can get to you in you sleep only? I have lots of tricks under my cape... and they can all be yours if you just let me in"

A Mind controlled Twilight enter and snuggle into Lightning's wing but he flapped her off making her disappear, "Who you think I am a pervert?! I respect mares for who they are, I don't want mares obeying me" he said

Twisted Lightning shrugged, "I just thought you would like a harem of mares, and call them your nasty, filthy, filthy, filthy bitch, but you don't like the idea... well its about time we have a nice long stallion to stallion chat" his eyes glow green as he smiled at Lightning and Lightning gulps as he knows he have no power in this state.