Sombra groaned heavily as he sat chained up in the back of a dark cave. He was like some sort of pet, humiliated, defeated, as he kept his eyes focused on the ground. At least they'd bandaged him after capturing him, although stripping him of his weapons as well as his cape, and ultimately his pride.

He had his forehooves crossed with a somewhat sad look, although spiritually, he was absolutely crushed. He just continued focusing on the ground, lost in thought, waiting for something in particular. And soon enough, that something soon came around to arriving. He heard the sound of walking in the distance, coming from further down the cave, or whatever this place was, which seemed to be some sort of network of underground tunnels.

Soon appearing before him, emerging from the shadows of the cave would be a group of diamond dogs. Particularly the female who'd captured him, her paws clenched behind her back as she wore a welcoming smile. "Well, hello there little pup, have you decided to assist us?"

Sombra remained silent for a moment, just groaning in irritation as he kept his eyes focused on the ground, glancing up at the diamond dog every now and then as she just continued to smile at him. After a moment, Sombra finally let off "F-Fine! I'll help you, can I please just get some food!?"

The diamond dog's smile only spread into a grin as she heard those words. She made her way over to Sombra, lowering her frame in front of the little colt before rubbing him on the top of the head. "Hey, we may ponynap unicorns, but it doesn't mean we're cruel heartless monsters." She leaned her head back, signaling her fellow to toss her a peculiar sack wrapped around his waist, which he untied and tossed over to her as she caught it almost absently. She then jingled the leather sack in front of Sombra as it made a clanking noise, as if a bunch of heavy objects were bundled inside.

Sombra's expression lit up as he licked his lips, attempting to snatch the sack from her paws, which she'd held away from him at that exact moment.

"Ah ah ah, patience little pup. So before giving you these, promise me you'll obediently go about your duties." She raised a brow at him curiously, waiting for a response with a contemplative look.

As his stomach grumbled, Sombra nodded hurriedly, pulling on his chain. "Yes I'll do it! I promise I promise! Please just give me the food!"

The diamond dog snickered as she smiled at him softly, dropping the leather back in front of him as she was knelt down in front of him.

Sombra snatched the bag off the ground as he'd opened it happily, peering inside with a hopeful expression. But as he remained there looking into the sack for a good long while, that happy expression slowly sunk, as he grew shocked, confused, annoyed. "W-What?"

The diamond dog stood and then turned back towards the far end of the cave, leading throughout the network of underground tunnels before glancing back at Sombra, making her way back to her fellows. "Oh sorry, forgot to mention little pup, we don't get pony food up here in the crystal mountains. You'll have to make due with what we give you."

Sombra snapped angrily as he pulled out one of the crystals from the sack. "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO EAT THESE?!"

The diamond dog snickered as she smirked. "Learn to chew,....hard..." She and her fellows then began walking away, going deeper into the cave as they left Sombra to enjoy his, food.

Sombra's stomach grumbled once again as he just continued to stare at the crystal in his hoof hesitantly. He sighed heavily as he attempted to chew the thing, although it didn't do much. He attempted it again, this time chewing as hard as he could as he'd actually attempted to crack it, and a hopeful smile crept onto his face once again. "Y-Yes!"

He then repeated the hard chewing process, up until the point a small piece of the crystal had actually snapped off, and he grinded it in his mouth, chewing the small piece as his teeth to began to throb in pain, but as he chewed, tears swelled within his eyes, he was happy. Although it wasn't scrumptious, he was happy it was edible. So he continued to sit in his spot, and crack off small pieces of the crystal, savoring each little piece that came off, happily.

As Sombra stood atop the train, he eyed Princess Luna in particular, sighing. There was no way he was going to last long if he couldn't even manage to avoid her telekinesis. He then eyed the other guards that accompanied them, it was practically him versus a small army since they had both Princesses to aid them. But as the train only continued to pick up speed, Sombra took notice of his destination in the distance.

All he had to do was avoid getting captured up until the point they reached the mountainside. He could take care of everything else from there. Or at least he believed he could. Nonetheless he put on his confident smile and looked to Princess Luna "So! You two actually think you're going to catch me hm? That's funny." Yes he was bluffing, and he was horribly embarrassed about the fact that it was such a bad once. But what else could he say?

Princess Luna groaned as she seemed a little irritated by the colt's behavior. "Sombra! Return to the castle this instant."

Sombra gritted his teeth, turning red as he stomped a hoof, a little annoyed by her tone of voice. "S-Silence! I am not your pet, Luna! Don't treat me as such! Remember who you're talking to!" He placed a hoof on his chest as he closed his eyes, speaking confidently. "I am the King of Darkness! I am King Sombra! Almighty ruler of-"

Princess Celestia giggled in the background, attempting to hold in her laughter. "hmmhmhm......"

Sombra only grew more infuriated as his brow twitched. "You two constantly underestimate me, but just you wait! One of these days you'll both be bowing before me! You'll both be no more than mere slaves!"

Princess Celestia had her hoof raised to her mouth, as she'd actually managed to hold in her laughter before exhaling heavily. "Please, K-King Sombra. You must realize that you're hopelessly outnumbered, be smart about this little one, I would prefer not to use force." She glanced down at the colt amusingly, although he'd certainly been a horribly potential threat, she couldn't help but feel pleased due to how harmless he now seemed. Maybe Luna was right, maybe there was now a chance for him to become reformed since he'd became like this, for now, he certainly was no king of darkness. And as she stood there thinking about it for a moment, she felt she had a perfect idea of how to go about this entire situation.

Princess Luna took a few trots forward as her horn started to glow. "This nonsense shall last no longer!"

Sombra gritted his teeth as he flicked his forehoof on impulse, and emerging from the roof of the train would be a mini black crystal, blocking Princess Luna's line of sight.

Princess Luna's brow raised as she scoffed. "Don't tell me you truly think this weak spell shall stop me from-" And dashing to the side, then sliding beneath her would be a small black figure, as her eyes widened and she glanced down at him, before he'd already made it past her, propelling himself up in a spin, then landing on his hind legs and dropping to all fours once again. What?

Princess Celestia chuckled as she seemed so entertained by all of this. Interesting, he's now relying on his physical capabilities rather than his magic. Such a well executed distraction, you certainly were a dangerous character, King Sombra. Luckily for us though, Princess Celestia flicked her hoof in Sombra's direction, as a great floating wall of flame had emerged, blocking his path. She smirked afterwords. You aren't even half the unicorn you used to be, you're a little too small to be playing with us anymore.

As Sombra looked up at the great wall of flame, he snarled as he peered back at Celestia with a paranoid expression.

Princess Celestia waved at him with a soft smile.

Sombra's nose wrinkled as he scowled and then looked back to the wall of flame. Now what!? He then blinked a bit as a devious smile crept onto his face, and he grinned menacingly. "Grah, of course." His horn then started to glow as the guards approaching him all raised their brows, wondering what he was going to attempt next. Sombra then disappeared, poofing away in a ball of black smoke.

The guards all gasped as they looked around for the colt, lost in confusion.

Princess Celestia's glanced down at the roof of the train. Ah, clever Little Sombra. She then looked to Luna. "Sister."

Princess Luna was glancing at the roof of the train as she'd already figured it out as well. "I know sister, worry not, I shall retrieve him, I am done playing these games." And with that Princess Luna disappeared as well.

Sombra made his way through the train, shoving all the ponies who'd been standing in his way. Wasn't this a train ride anyway? Why the buck were some of them even standing? He groaned as he hurried towards one of the back carts, realizing it wouldn't take long for Celestia and Luna to figure out what he'd done, seeing it was really his only option besides teleporting behind the flame wall, at which point Celestia would've just created another.

As he made it to one cart in particular he felt was far enough, the young colt looked out one of the windows as he noticed they'd finally reached the mountainside.

Other ponies peered at him curiously, especially those he'd shoved. Who was this colt, and what was his hurry?

One of the mares whispered to her friend, "Is that kid okay?"

And looking through the window of another cart, was Princess Twilight Sparkle, eyeing the colt curiously with a raised brow.

Spike simply continued to groan in pain, sitting in his seat. "Oooooooh....."

Sombra smirked as he made his way over to one of the windows, opening it, then sticking out half his body as his mane blew wildly with the wind as he peered downward at the steep drop, down into the forests. "PERFECT!"

The ponies in the cart all gasped in horror.

One of the stallions yelled, dashing towards him in an attempt to save his life. "What're you doing kid!?"

One of the mares cried out, shaking her head. "This isn't the way little colt! There's always still hope!"

Sombra rolled his eyes, groaning. Grah! Shutup idiots!

At that moment bursting into the cart was Princess Luna, as she eyed the individuals before catching sight of the retreating Sombra, her own eyes snapping wide at the sight of her prey. "Sombra!"

Everypony then looked to Princess Luna, puzzled. What was she doing here!?

Sombra cringed at the sound of that voice as he immediately took the leap outside the window.

The rest of the ponies gasped in disbelief! He'd actually jumped!?

Twilight's own eyes snapped wide as she heard the commotion going on in the other cart, and looked right at the moment Sombra had leaped out. She gasped. "W-WHAT!?"

Spike looked up at Twilight, groaning in pain. "W-What happened Twilight?"

Twilight suddenly dashed for the opposite side of their cart, hurriedly in a panic.

Spike looked confused as she'd departed, calling out to her. "Twilight? What's wrong?"

And in the next moment, Twilight had disappeared, poofing away in a ball of violet smoke.

As Sombra began his descent, he smirked. GOOD! Now I'll just use another teleportation spell the moment before hitting the ground, then I'll have the cover of the trees, plenty of time to make a break for it. Foolish Luna, these next few seconds of attempting to figure out my plan will cost you. I'm now home fr-

SNATCH!

Sombra's world suddenly went in slow motion.

His eyes were wide as he had a baffled look written all over his face. He didn't know what to think? It wasn't possible was it, was he really just,.....caught? By what!?

Princess Luna, was she really that good!? How could she have- but as the colt paused to regard his 'savior', he looked even more shocked than before.

Holding him in her hooves, smiling down at him, was,.....it was!!!.....-

Twilight smiled. "Whew, that was close! Listen little guy, I don't know what you're going through, but this isn't the answer."

Tears swelled in Sombra's eyes as he tore at his own mane in frustration.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!"

As Twilight flapped her wings, she'd made her back up to the train hurriedly, before catching sight of Princess Celestia standing at the top. Princess Celestia!? Twilight's eyes widened as she made her way over to her.

Princess Celestia gasped, "Twilight!?"

Twilight looked puzzled as she landed atop the cart, obviously surprised to see Princess Celestia here. "Princess Celestia? So you were the one making all that noise atop the train? What're you guys even doing up here?"

Princess Celestia eyed Sombra in her hooves.

Twilight glanced down at colt affectionately. "Oh, you guys were after this little guy? Yea Princess, he tried to jump from a window, but I managed to reach him before it was too late." She chuckled as she ruffled his mane. "Aw, he's crying tears of joy, he must be so relieved. "

Sombra looked defeated, broken, he was crying into his forehooves. , It just isn't fair! Why oh why must I be surrounded by such fools!?

Princess Celestia spoke in a soft tone, "I really doubt those are tears of joy. But either way, excellent work my student. You always seem to be there just in time to save the day, I'm so proud of you." She ruffled Twilight's mane with her forehoof in a similar manner.

Twilight chuckled as she smiled at Princess Celestia. "Thanks Princess, I wouldn't be where I am today without your guidance of course. Who is this little guy anyway?" She raised a brow at Sombra.

Princess Luna then poofed back up to the roof of the train. "S-Sister! Sombra, he!-" her eyes widened as she took notice of Twilight, who was actually holding onto the colt. "Twilight Sparkle!" Her expression lit up.

Twilight's eyes widened at Princess Luna, "Sombra?" And as she took a moment to recall where she recognized that name, shock and fear washed over her as she immediately glanced down at the colt once again, who indeed resembled the evil king of darkness they'd barely managed to defeat.

Twilight dropped him to the roof of the train as she gasped. "S-Sombra!!! W-What!? What is he, how did he-"

Sombra just remained silent as he pouted, sitting on his behind as he was slumped. "Graaaaaah...."

The guards immediately apprehended him as he didn't put up any resistance, carrying him off and into the air.

Princess Celestia glanced back to ensure he truly wasn't putting up anymore of a fight as she then looked back to her student. "Yes Twilight, King Sombra has returned. Although thankfully, he isn't much of a threat anymore, as you've probably noticed." She paused giving her student a kind smile. "I'd be willing to explain more if you accompanied us back to the castle."

Princess Luna cut into the conversation, bowing her head to Twilight. "I thank you for apprehending him Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight's expression sunk as she still seemed distraught, horrified, confused. "T-That's crazy, King Sombra is back?" She shook her head, "But he was destroyed, I thought, I could've sworn I saw him get-"

Princess Celestia chuckled. "We all thought he'd been permanently defeated Twilight, please, don't trouble yourself about it. Fate has a funny way of turning up the strangest things."

Princess Luna made her way over to Celestia. "Sister, I do not wish to dally here much longer. I worry that he may escape again if we leave him alone for too long."

Princess Celestia smiled. "Aha, I doubt he has the drive to attempt anything more sister, but you're right, better to be safe than sorry."

Twilight looked up at Princess Celestia. "P-Princess, I've gotta take Spike back to Ponyville, but, please, if anything happens..."

Princess Celestia looked at Twilight a little thrown back by the fact she was so worried about their safety, which should've been expected, it just seemed a little humorous. Well Twilight didn't know how weak Sombra had now become, he certainly wouldn't be becoming any King of Darkness anytime soon, although his spells were quite nasty still, there was always a way to keep such things in check. She chuckled and closed her eyes though, further responding to her faithful student. "Worry not Twilight, we can handle things from here. You attend to Spike," She turned away and spread her wings, preparing herself for flight, before looking back at her. "And thanks again for the 'save' hmhm."

Princess Luna was smiling as well, as she to nodded to Twilight Sparkle, before spreading her wings and looking up towards the sky, as Celestia and her took flight mere seconds afterwords.

Twilight watched them depart with a worried look as she sighed heavily. King Sombra...I can't believe he's back....

King Sombra seemed lifeless, apprehended again, due to yet another stroke of badluck. These days it only seemed common, perhaps if he just didn't do anything at all, something good would happen, or maybe things would actually go right. He just kept his yes focused on the ground as the guards held him up by his hooves, leading him through the city. There was certainly a large crowd watching him, but he didn't care, the fact none of them were attempting to rip him to pieces meant they obviously didn't know who he was. Nopony did these days, sheesh, you'd think after building up such a reputation it'd mean something, but not after a couple centuries it seemed. He sighed heavily as he closed his eyes, just sinking further into his own depression as he was led through the streets of Canterlot.

Suddenly bursting through the crowds though was a little red headed filly, as she didn't hesitate to close the distance between herself and the black colt. "Hey you!"

Accompanied by her two strange friends nonetheless.

The small white filly called out to the red headed one. "A-Apple Bloom, wait a second!"

The orange filly followed in suit. "He might be dangerous!"

Sombra eyed the filly with disinterest, but recognition. He raised a brow, oh, it was that filly from earlier, the friend of the one he'd bumped into. Great, what was she here to do? Give him a lecture on how to properly retreat from a pack of guards and avoid others in the process?

The red headed filly asked curiously. "What's your name!?"

Sombra blinked a bit, as he was a little offended by her tone, and her ignorance of his reputation. "What!? How do you not know the great!-....." But his expression sunk, as did his voice. "Oh, forget it....." He looked at her with a bored look, not even caring about anything anymore. "It's Sombra..." He purposely left out the 'King' not like anypony ever acknowledged it anymore, he was nothing more than a weak colt now, just like back then.

The red headed filly bounced with a hopeful smile, pleased that he'd cooperated. "Sombra! What a nice-"

Suddenly one of the celestial guards gently moved the red headed filly out the way. "Sorry kid! We've gotta deliver this little punk back to the caste! Princess's orders!"

The red headed filly's eyes widened worriedly. "W-What? But what'd he do?"

The celestial guard responded, "That's none of your concern! Now scram kid!"

With that the guards went about their duty, and continued leading their prisoner Sombra back towards the castle.

As they left, the red headed filly called back to the little black colt in the distance. "My name's Applebloom! It was nice to meet ya!"

Sombra still didn't seem interested, he just rolled his eyes and groaned, looking towards the ground. Children....

The rest of the process went about as he'd expected. Still without food, he remained locked away, shackled and collared like some savage beast until the princesses were ready to see him and give his punishment. He didn't really mind, he was familiar with how this worked, seeing as he'd been through it before, the sense of nostalgia only causing him to snicker.

He leaned his head back, pondering where he'd be spending the rest of eternity at. Where could she possibly banish him? Well either way he was ready, it's just too bad his freedom was so short-lived. Or maybe they'd hand him over to Cadence? So many possibilities, but thankfully nothing he came up with in his head sounded too bad.

One of the guards opened his cell later, as expected as well, and he just glanced down at the colt. "Her royal highness is ready to give you a befitting punishment."

Sombra shook actually with anticipation as he sneered playfully. Let's see what you've got Celestia....

Sombra was then led to the throne where both Princesses were expectantly waiting him, both with smiles planted on their faces. After being forced to kneel, Sombra looked to them in disgust, what were they so happy about? Yea! He'd been caught again, so what, it wasn't a big deal. His nose wrinkled as he regarded them, but then smirked back at them himself, baring an overconfident attitude. "So what's it gonna be Celestia?! Countless millenniums at the bottom of the ocean? The rest of eternity exiled on some barren world!? Bring it, I'm ready!"

Princess Celestia stated simply. "Nothing."

There was a brief silence in the room, followed by the sound of crickets.

Sombra's eyes widened as he turned a little red. "N-Nothing?" He looked speechless.

Princess Luna snickered, covering her mouth with a hoof, turning away to hide her laughter.

Princess Celestia kept her straight face, and kind smile. "Yes, you heard me correct Sombra. Your punishment will be nothing, you are now but a colt, children make mistakes and learn from them. You only need to be taught a lesson."

Sombra was furious! They couldn't be serious!? Were they really going to treat him with such insult!? Did they really not take him seriously at all at this point!? Was he really considered that much of a joke!?

He snapped! "This is absurd! You can't be serious Celestia! I demand to receive a proper punishment this instant!"

Princess Celestia raised a hoof, and chuckled. "Nope!"

Sombra trembled with rage, bound by his shackles, his already weak magical capabilities further held back by this blasted collar! He wanted to destroy them, to enslave them, he wanted so many things! But, he wouldn't be getting them, not even the right to be treated like a respectable villain. He lowered his head and his pride was crushed. "Graaaah...."

Princess Celestia continued. "But here's what I will do Sombra, you see, now that you're a colt, I think this is the perfect time to educate you, the right way."

Princess Luna was still snickering, at this point bursting into laughter. "AHAHAHAHA! F-Forgive me! I..I cannot-" She fell to her sides as all the guards looked to her, completely shocked by her behavior, it wasn't often the night princess acted in such a manner, not that it wasn't a pleasant sight however.

Sombra couldn't believe this, this was actually happening. This was even worse than banishment! He gritted his teeth, unable to hide the red flush his face now had, and he was actually trembling with embarrassment. They were no longer equals, they no longer considered him deserving of the right to be treated as such, they literally thought of him as no more than a stubborn child! And they were enjoying every second of pointing this out to him, show some mercy for pete's sake! He remained silent, just glaring up at Princess Celestia and the laughing Princess Luna.

Princess Celestia lowered her head somewhat, as if showing the difference now in not only size, but in power between the two as she was regarding Sombra in the manner she'd regard the children. "You will be sent to Ponyville, and you will attend school, where you will learn the many customs of equestrian society. You will also learn how to live as a 'normal' pony, and maybe work towards finding your destiny, which may I mention, you failed to do even by the end of your previous life."

Sombra scoffed, snapping angrily at the alicorn. "And what makes you think I won't just destroy the place and escape!? Don't take me as a fool you...you....JERK!" Seriously, she was such a jerk.

Princess Luna, who was attempting to climb back to her hooves, holding onto the side of the throne and biting her lower lip then covered her mouth once again. "Pffffffft!"

Princess Celestia snickered as she raised a brow at Sombra, amused. "Hm? Oh, well you see Sombra, that collar of yours will be preventing you from committing any such acts. It'll allow me to determine your whereabouts, and it'll be more than enough to prevent you from using any of your destructive magic." She thought of Twilight and her friends. "And there are a certain group of individuals, I'm quite sure will prevent any such thing from happening. So I suggest you cooperate."

Sombra shook his head. "Never! I will never comply with such a humiliating-"

To this Princess Luna cut him off, stomping her hoof angrily at the colt, and speaking in her Canterlot voice. "No Sombra! It is time you stopped this nonsense! You're no longer a tyrant, it is time you accepted the situation you're in! You're getting far better than you deserve you ungrateful colt!"

Sombra flinched, as his expression sunk. "Tch!"

Princess Celestia chuckled as she began writing out a letter. "Good! Then we'll begin as soon as we can."

Sombra just sighed as he glanced up at her. "Well, make sure you give me a decent sized home!" If he'd be forced into this, fine, he could use their foolishness to devise a more reliable plan, a perfect plan, a plan with no holes or possible outcomes of failure. He just needed some time, and some privacy, a vacant house would be a nice start.

Princess Celestia raised a brow, before chuckling, amused. "Oh no, you're a colt, we can't have you living by yourself now can we?"

So the insults only kept coming. Sombra groaned. "Graaah, you've gotta be kidding me...." He whimpered.

Later that night as Apple Bloom was sitting in her room, she was leaned down at her bedside, scribbling with colored pencils on a drawing. She was leaning her head on one hoof as she seemed to be pouting about something.

Applejack appeared in the open doorway with an apron on as she knocked on the door, but didn't enter, just to get her little sister's attention. "Up and at em Sugarcube, Granny and I made some Apple Pie, hurry along now and get downstairs before it gets cold!"

Apple Bloom moaned, rolling her eyes as she dropped back to all fours. "Okay okay, I'm coming!" And left her drawing on the bed, heading over to the doorway with Applejack as the two siblings then made their way downstairs.

And as the drawing remained there, it was revealed to be a decent sketch of the cutie mark crusaders, and scribbled out was a fourth figure, a poorly drawn black figure, once there, but purposely removed.

Because there was no way he could be recruited, it's not like they were ever going to see him again. Right?...... Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Foreshadows Estimated time remaining: 41 Minutes