Sombra could feel his time running short, the sinister evil closing in around him. He breathed heavily as he glanced around nervously, sitting behind a small patch of bushes. Actually, surrounding him was what appeared to be more shrubbery and forest scenery. He was sitting in a recluse spot, in the middle of a forest. Sombra didn't have time to recite his thoughts as he often did, he was in too much of a hurry. He was running out of time. He grabbed a stick from the ground as he lowered his frame, attempting to ram that stick behind his collar, and forcefully remove it. He tried every strategy he could think of, he attempted slipping his head out, breaking the collar, causing it to malfunction, but absolutely nothing worked. He gritted his teeth angrily, "Blasted thing! Useless stick! GRAH!" Sombra tossed the stick, before commenting. "Pathetic!"

Suddenly a looming black figure peeked its head over the bushes, looking at Sombra with wide eyes.

The colt froze, as a chill ran down his spine. He slowly turned to look back at the ominous figure with wide eyes of his own, as he felt the fear building up within him. N-No...too soon...it's far too soon! Impossible! Sombra immediately climbed to all four hooves as he broke off into a sprint. An expression of pure angst came over his face as he blindly ran through bushes, dodged trees, and hopped over other obscurities that blocked his path of escape. He breathed heavily as he trotted.

The figure just continued to stare at him run off, as it then glared at him.

Sombra continued to run, but it wasn't long before he felt a sudden tug at his hind legs and tripped, falling face first into a trail of mud. Sombra cried out to the skies, digging his front hooves into the muck beneath him. "NO! I SHALL NEVER RETURN TO THAT PLACE!" As it was revealed that what was wrapped around his hind leg was a rope.

The figure stepped from the shadows further back with a somewhat annoyed look but also a playful smirk. "Hah, simmer down sally." There stood Applejack, as she just rolled her eyes and began tugging on the rope, dragging the colt closer.

Sombra had a death grip on the now dry dirt, as he shook his head continuously. "NEVER; PEASANT SCUM! SLAVE!"

Applejack ignored his insults and only continued to pull him closer and closer until he was only practically a foot away from her. She sighed and just looked down at him tiredly, before flashing the late king a smile. "You do realize this is somethin I do often, right...sugarcube?" She lowered her head, raising a brow at him. "You ain't goin anywhere."

Sombra remained silent, looking as if he'd lost his mind as he covered his head with his forehooves.

Applejack just chuckled before turning around in the opposite direction, putting the end of the rope in her mouth and then making her way back towards the farm. "Welp, best hurry back then, Granny'll probably be preparin dinner by now."

Sombra's eyes snapped wide. "D-Dinner?...You mean APPLES! Nothing but APPLES!"

Sombra sat at the kitchen table with thick bags underlining his eyes. He looked exhausted, as if he'd been subjected to many days of torture and sleep deprivation. He gulped, and actually looked fearful, something he didn't often reveal to anypony due to his prideful nature. But this place was an exception. Princess Celestia was cunning, and far more cruel than he ever could've ever imagined. How was she capable of something such as this? How was it possible to subject somepony to this form of hell? No, Princess Celestia was something far more conniving, he'd underestimated her greatly.

"Welp, sorry little guy, looks like you ain't gonna be gettin what you're lookin for for a long while." Applejack was wearing an apron as she made her way into the dining room from the kitchen. In one hoof she held a freshly made apple pie, and wore an amused smile before setting it slowly on the table. "Looks like you'll have to make do with what we're givin' ya."

Sombra stared at the freshly sliced apple pie for a long while, angrily, menacingly as he was certainly on the edge of sanity. No, not again, he would not go through with it again! NOT AGAIN! "I ALWAYS MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU'RE GIVING ME! AND ALL YOU'RE GIVING ME IS APPLES, APPLES, APPLES, APPLES, APPLES!" Sombra slammed his hooves on the table, before pointing menacingly at the apple pie. "T-This....THIS DIABOLICAL CREATION IS FIT ONLY FOR THE COMMON PEASANT! I am a king! I should be served only the finest gems in all the land, yet I am served with this......"

Applejack glared at him in annoyance, before getting in his face and shoving a hoof up against his muzzle. "Listen here Sugarcube, I'm doin my best alright. How long are you plannin ta keep this up? Runnin away from the farmhouse, refusing to eat any meals we cook for ya, always complainin about every little thing. Ya see here, the princess trusts me to do this, so I'm not gonna let her down, ya get me?" Applejack sighed before scooting the pie closer to him. "Now just try to bear with it, sheesh. I'll get ya some of those gems somehow if it'll get ya to cooperate." Applejack closed her eyes and just made her way back to the kitchen at that time, as she could be heard in the distance speaking to Big Macintosh as well as Granny Smith.

Sombra remained at the table as he grumpily crossed his hooves. He looked at the steaming apple pie in annoyance, but soon his expression eased into one of disappointment, shame. What was he doing here? After all he'd achieved, after everything he'd accomplished, what was he now? He truly was no different from a sheltered child at this point; it was nonsense. The more the days drew on the more he felt his conviction slipping away from him, how could his enemies casually treat him like this was beyond him. He lowered his head with a sigh, before scooting back from his seat, still refusing to eat for a moment longer, but then, soon enough he reached hesitantly, for that one piece of apple pie.

Apple Bloom was just laying on the floor, smiling as she looked through some pictures of her and her fellow crusaders.

As Sombra entered through the door, he flashed Apple Bloom a look of disgust before making his way to a small makeshift bed with some stacked pillows and blankets, before laying down and turning on his side to face the wall.

Apple Bloom smiled widely, "Sombra Sombra! Come over here and look at this."

Sombra's nose scrunched up as he remained facing the wall. "Don't talk to me as if we're of the same status brat. Once I get my strength back, you'll all be bowing before me, and everything will be as it should be."

Apple Bloom puckered her lower lip and whined. "You're always sayin stuff like that."

Sombra snapped, but closed his eyes as if he were trying to go to sleep. "That's because it's true! Relish in these small victories, they won't last long, it's only a matter of time."

Apple Bloom frowned somewhat. "We're only tryin to help ya."

Sombra scowled, glancing back at the filly. "I don't need any help, never have, never will."

Apple Bloom glared at him, before leaning up. "Everypony needs help at least once in their lives."

Sombra sighed before burying his head into his pillow. "Hmph, don't you have some 'crusading' to do? What was your little group called again? Oh that's right, the Cutie Mark Crusaders? Hah! What are you?....Children!?"

Apple Bloom was just silent as she looked at Sombra with wide eyes.

Sombra fell silent for a bit to before muttering, "Don't answer that. Grah, this has been too distracting, I'm going to sleep."

Apple Bloom put on a cheesy smile before chuckling and going back to her pictures, then muttering. "Goodnight, Sombra."

Sombra rolled his eyes in disgust before covering his head with an extra pillow. "Tch!"

Meanwhile at Golden Oak's Library, despite the time, Twilight Sparkle was up, flipping through the pages of a particular book. She didn't appear tired, and more concentrated on the contents of what she was reading, as she often was when she dedicated herself to learning. She kept a small lit candle by her side as she read downstairs by her main study. Surprisingly even Spike was up at the time, rummaging through kitchen snacks as he to maid his way into the main area, before leaning back against a book shelf and looking at Twilight for no particular reason.

Twilight smiled remaining focused on her book, "Spike you should probably go get some rest. It's getting late you know."

Spike tossed a small gem up into the air, before catching it in his mouth and munching down on it, swallowing it. "You're one to talk Twilight. What're you reading so late anyway? Anything interesting?" Spike's eyes widened as he felt surprised by his own question, realizing that it was more than likely nothing he'd ever have any interest in.

Twilight stated simply, "Tracking Spells. I'm planning to enchant Sombra's collar, in order to track him down if he manages to escape. The collar itself already reduces his magical capabilities significantly making him as dangerous as any earth colt, but the tracking could use some work." Twilight sighed before glancing worriedly back at Spike. "Applejack is only one pony Spike, she could definitely use some help watching over a former tyrant. I can't help but worry sometimes."

Spike shrugged with a smug smirk. "Applejack has been doing just fine Twilight. Sombra hasn't been able to escape once, and it's not like even if he does he can do anything. Princess Celestia would find him eventually."

Twilight shook her head, remaining concentrated. "Spike this is King Sombra we're talking about here. It isn't smart to underestimate him, especially after he came so close to succeeding once. I know he's far less powerful now but, whose to say he doesn't have another trick up his sleeve which he hasn't revealed yet? I mean, he's here now isn't he? And we all thought he was destroyed at the Crystal Empire." She continued, "It doesn't hurt to be safe, is all I'm saying."

Spike yawned before making his way for the stairs next. "Ugh, well I guess that's true. Well I'm going to head to bed Twilight."

Twilight flashed him a smile, "Alright, goodnight Spike."

Spike closed his eyes and yawned once again before smiling back at Twilight tiredly. "Goodnight Twi-" But before he could finish, the baby dragon was knocked off his feet by a loud, practically forced burp as green flames spewed from his mouth, along with a letter. He fell on his butt before letting off an irritated groan. "Ooooooh...."

Twilight's eyes widened as she scooted back from her study and immediately made her way over to the letter. She glanced down at it, before cocking a brow and appearing confused. "Huh?"

Spike scratched the top of his head before agreeing. "Yea, what's Princess Celestia want at a time like this?"

Twilight shook her head. "That's the thing, this isn't a letter from Princess Celestia." She used her levitation magic to lift the letter before inspecting it, more precisely the way it was sealed.

The information now caught Spike's attention as well, as he'd looked just as confused. "Then who is it?"

Twilight shrugged, before unsealing the letter and opening it to look over the contents. "Let's find out." Her eyes scrolled over the letter instinctively before her expression steadily sunk more and more. After a few good seconds, she exhaled before letting off a sigh. "It's Cadence, Spike. This isn't good, this isn't good at all." She paused for a good while, before looking over the letter again. "She wants to talk to me in private, she thinks Princess Celestia and Luna are hiding something very important from her."

Spike blinked before looking a little skeptical. "Well uhm, she wouldn't be far from the truth."

Twilight groaned, "Ugh! That's not the point Spike. Cadence nor Shining can be allowed to know about Sombra, it'd jeopardize this entire idea of reforming him. Of course Cadence would want him imprisoned for his crimes against her subjects, it's only natural."

Spike cut into the conversation. "But isn't that their right Twilight? He did do horrible things to their subjects for a long time."

Twilight turned away from Spike, feeling conflicted about the entire thing. "You're right Spike, but Cadence wasn't in charge of them at that time either. Still; even so, I see what you're saying. Sombra doesn't deserve a free ride for what he's done, but then why is she contacting me? I-It's not like she knows I know anything right? I mean she's practically asking me to lie to her! I don't want to lie to them Spike, but I feel I don't have any other choice. Why doesn't she just go to Princess Celestia if she has suspicions?" Twilight cocked a brow looking confused. "How the heck did she find out about it anyway?"

Spike shrugged. "Gee, I don't know Twilight. Maybe because she wants somepony's opinion? To her you probably don't know anything, she probably just wants your advice. You are considered very smart you know."

Twilight stomped grumpily, before groaning. "Which is why I can't tell her the truth!" Twilight paused before pacing back and forth, tapping her muzzle. "Well this is Cadence and Shining we're talking about here I mean...i-it's not like they'd go against Princess Celestia's wishes, they'd understand if I explained it to them. Sure Princess Celestia was hiding it but that was for their own good, Cadence will certainly understand, especially once she knows King Sombra's a harmless colt, he can't hurt anypony anymore the way he is now."

Spike sighed, "If you say so Twilight." He'd paused "So, got any idea when they're planning to stop by here?"

Twilight nodded plainly, and disappointingly. "Tomorrow afternoon. Talk about bad luck."

Spike began making his way upstairs. "Well there's no point in worrying about it now."

Twilight took one last skim through her book before closing it, followed by yet another distressed sigh. She looked worried for obvious reasons and just muttered, "I hope you're right Spike."

The night was young, to say the least.

Even Princess Celestia and Luna were awake, although Princess Celestia was a bit more uncommon. Humorously she was even wearing a bath robe as she'd yawned. Princess Celestia gave Luna a tired smile as she watched her sister overlook the city from the throne room porch, she cocked her head to the left. "Luna, what's troubling you?"

Princess Luna seemed distracted, as she just squinted a bit. "Sombra, I can't see him."

Princess Celestia's own eyes widened curiously before she felt a little more curious now. "What're you implying?"

Princess Luna shook her head, "Perhaps he's still awake. Although it troubles me, I will continue to watch."

Princess Celestia chuckled before closing her eyes and smiling. "I'm sure you will Luna. Please don't strain yourself." With that the Princess turned and made her way back, further into the castle to likely head to bed.

Princess Luna continued to look off into the distance. She sighed, "Why must you cause so much trouble for yourself? Sombra..."

Sombra watched over Apple Bloom's bedside, content with just looking at the sleeping filly. He had a blank expression, almost as if he were questioning himself. He recalled an old conversation he had with the filly in particular, back when he'd first arrived at this house, he glared somewhat at the sleeping filly.

Don't you want to discover what your destiny is Sombra, doesn't it matter to ya?

Destiny isn't always as spectacular as you make it out to be.

But it's still better discovering it, rather than never knowing for the rest of your life.

Sombra turned away from her bedside, and just made his way out of Apple Bloom's room. He felt disconnected, and looked utterly displeased; however, he knew such thoughts were only distracting. He muttered, "Stupid children."

What would you know of the glory of destiny? Sombra thought back to a particular memory, one where he himself was surrounded by nothing but a barrage of roars and encircled by streams of flames. The chaos was erratic and wild, unpredictable in every sense of the word. He however, found himself standing still, simply glaring down at a particular individual. He also wore a strange pendant, one that began to pulse and shimmer with black magic, crackling as if reacting to Sombra activating the magic in his horn. He gave that particular individual a cold stare, before muttering something. His words were mute.

That individual looked up at him, and she only smiled softly, as if pleased, satisfied. She was a diamond dog, and her eyes weren't sad, nor were they afraid, and they were locked on the colt almost as if she'd pitied him. She smirked, "Good boy."

Sombra immediately cut off the memory there, simply heading straight for the window and glancing back at Applebloom. For the first time since he'd arrived, her regarded the filly with a sense of pity and saddened eyes. "Don't get your hopes up."

The colt landed outside, in a small patch of grass outside the Apple family household. He glanced back at the place of his imprisonment before he glared. "No more games." Then broke off into a sprint towards the forest once again, a common routine of his, except this time, things were different. Applejack thought she could best him? When he himself were once shadow? He was an embodiment of the night, he wouldn't be caught so easily by her once again, and especially not after so many attempts. No because this time, his plan was full proof, it'd take a genius to figure it out. He made his way through the trees and shrubbery, before skidding onto the dirt path with a serious expression, then following it deeper into the forest.

What!?.....

Sombra halted, before just sighing heavily. "There's always something..."

Blocking his path would be the hooded pony, staring silently at the black colt with curious eyes.

Applejack went about her daily routine of constantly checking up on Sombra. She went into Apple Bloom's room before giving the sleeping filly a gentle smile herself. She then looked over in the direction of Sombra's bed, noticing a small lump beneath the covers, and it brought a smile to her face. "Haha aw shucks, he really is harmless when he's like this when ya think abo-..." She blinked a bit just staring at the motionless lump before her brows furrowed and she made her way over, and pulled down the covers only to find a pillow. "What in tarnation!?" Applejack simply sighed before placing a hoof over her face. She cocked a brow before hurrying over to the window and glancing out towards the forest. How did he manage to get down from this height though?

Applejack shook her head, realizing she didn't have time to be worrying about that. She hurried on over to her own room to retrieve her lasso, before making her way downstairs and outside the front door. She gave an intense glare in the direction of Everfree Forest.

Sombra just frowned, before closing his eyes and lowering his head. "Graaah, so, are you just gonna stand there or are you going to say something slave? If the latter, I'd suggest moving out of my way before you upset me."

The hooded pony just spoke simply, "Pitiful."

Sombra's eyes snapped wide then, before he'd glared up at her from his position. "What was that?"

The hooded pony continued, as her eyes were halfway closed with a tired stare. "You're pitiful." She paused, before her eyes glanced down, her focus now on his collar. "Slave Sombra....Oh how low you've fallen."

Sombra said nothing more as his face darkened. He kept his head lowered as his form soon began to dissipate, despite the fact he was wearing the collar. It was as if the colt was knocked into a trance, and for a split second he looked intentionally at the hooded pony before disappearing entirely, becoming one with the shadows which covered the forest at midnight.

The hooded pony's eyes widened, as she remained focused on his previous position.

Sombra was silent, as he was already behind the pony. "Watch your tongue you wench..." Manifesting from shadow at his sides would be two lances of pure black shadow, solidifying themselves in a strange manner. They shot towards the hooded pony.

The hooded pony glanced back at Sombra with wide, still somewhat fascinated eyes. At that moment the pony sidestepped off the path, into a position bathed by pale moonlight. The shadow lances continued, only to shatter into pieces the moment they entered the perimeter of the moonlight, burning away and dissipating into the air like ash. She'd glared at the once king at this point.

Sombra gritted his teeth. "Tch!...Who are you?"

The hooded pony smiled then, before nodding and then bowing before him. "Yes, yes it's true, you are indeed still the wise and powerful King Sombra of the past, despite your current state. Even now it's obvious you're still a danger to most if you really intend to harm somepony." The pony then spread her front hooves in the form of a courteous bow. "I've come to bring you warning King Sombra." She flashed him an amused smile, glaring at him somewhat. "Do you recall the Crystal Empire?"