The Crystal Empire, though no longer under Sombra’s dark influence, was still in danger of returning to their former servitude. The citizens feared the possibility of having the dark overlord as their ruler, quivering every time he made his presence. The only reason they were safe was because they were under the watchful eye of Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and the Elements of Harmony, who offered to stay and provide their protective services.

“What am I going to do?” Cadance asked, circling the throne room. Twilight and her friends watched as the crystal princess constantly retraced her steps. “My kingdom needs me to stop Sombra and rid them of their nightmares, but I don’t know what to do!”

Twilight Sparkle walked towards the distressed princess. “You did as much as you could possibly do. There’s no need to bear all the weight of your kingdom by yourself.”

“But they’re my subjects, Twilight. I can’t let them fall under his reign again.”

“I still say this could be solved quickly if we just go out there and put him out of his misery!” Rainbow Dash blurted.

“Not this again...,” Applejack muttered, rolling her eyes.

“I’m telling you, all we have to do is go out there, give him the old one two, and BAM, down for the count!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, jabbing at the air to leverage her point.

“I appreciate your suggestion Rainbow Dash,” Cadance began, giving a weary frown. “But I can’t afford that risk. He’s been known to manipulate a pony’s mind if they aren’t on their guard. I won’t have you girls recklessly throwing your lives away.”

“So what, we just stand here and wait for something to happen!?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Cadance nodded. “Sadly, that’s all we can do.”

The more they resisted, the more King Sombra pushed. It was a never-ending cycle that was wearing on the princess.

“Twilight, we got some bad news!” The group turned around noticing the frantic dragon running towards them.

“What is it, Spike?” Twilight pressed.

“Well… that!!”

Spike pointed towards the horizon. The shadowy presence of King Sombra pressed through the barrier. Shining Armor cringed as he tried to keep the barrier intact, but his focus was weakening. The shield surrounding the Empire dimmed, diming with each push the dark lord.

“This isn’t good,” Twilight stated, “At this rate he’ll break through any moment.”

The crystal ponies ran toward shelter, trying to hide from the demonic stallion that was surely going to make them his servants once again.

“What are we going to do!?” Spike exclaimed.

“I’m telling you, we’re not going to get rid of him unless we deal with him once and for all!” Rainbow Dash argued again, clenching her fist together.

“Dash, don’t be a fool!” Applejack called out. “Ya already heard what the princess done said about all of us going out there! It can be more damaging than helpful!”

“Oh what, and standing here looking like a bunch of helpless wimps is helping any?!”

“Rainbow Dash, I understand your frustration,” Cadance responded, “but I can’t have all of you risking your lives trying to stop him.”

“Well then, since no one else wants to help me stop him, I’ll do it myself!”

The determined mare was about to storm out of the Castle before a set of nervous yellow hands grasped her shoulders.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Fluttershy muttered. “What if you can’t beat him? What happens if you get hurt, or worse…?”

“That’s just a risk I’m going to have to take!” Rainbow Dash replied, pushing Fluttershy’s hands away. “Unless Ms. Egghead over there has a brilliant idea. I’m not going to wait around much longer.”

Twilight attempted to come up with a viable solution. She was pressed for options; she needed to find a way to stop Sombra from attacking the citizens. It was hard to come up with anything logical, especially under the stressful conditions.

“I’m waiting,” Rainbow Dash stated impatiently. “Sombra isn’t going to sit there while you pussy foot around!”

“Rainbow Dash, you really need to calm down!” Rarity lectured. “I’m sure Twilight will come up with something soon.”

Twilight put her hands to her chin and continued thinking. Her friends argued amongst each other, ruining her train of thought. If only she could convince them to calm down.

Convince... that’s it!

“Girls, I think I have a plan,” Twilight announced, catching everyone’s attention.

“Well, what is it!?” Rainbow Dash asked eagerly.

“I’m going to warn you now that you aren’t going to like this idea...”

“Twilight, any idea is better than no idea! Just lay it on me,” Rainbow Dash encouraged.

“Well, in order for it to work, we’re going to have to let Sombra in...”

Rainbow Dash and the others did a double take at her response.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly,” Rainbow Dash began. “It sounded like you said we should let the FREAKING EMPEROR OF DARKNESS IN!”

“I knew you wouldn’t like the idea,” Twilight responded, scratching the back of her head.

“Are you loco in the coco, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she knocked her fist against Twilight’s skull. “That idea sounds insane!”

“I have to agree with Pinkie,” Rarity commented. “You’re not thinking straight. If Sombra were to have access to the empire, oh- I can’t imagine what he would do!”

“That’s just the thing,” Twilight tried to explain. “I don’t think he’s willing to hurt the empire, especially with his potential slaves here.”

“Still though, Ah don’t think it’s a wise idea to let the shield down with a bunch of panicking ponies roaming the streets,” Applejack argued.

“That’s why we’re going to confront him when the shield is down. We might not have the power to completely defeat him, but we can ward him off if he tries anything.”

The group looked skeptically at Twilight, pondering her decision.

“Twilight, I think you’re making a very dangerous move,” Cadance stated. “However, it’s better than what any of us have come up with so far. Are you sure you and your friends can handle Sombra in case something goes wrong?”

“I’m sure we can handle that creep. Right girls?”

Rainbow Dash, not wanting to show off any weakness, was the first to speak out.

“Of course we can!” she replied punching at the air. “No slave-driver’s gonna beat us!”

“Agreed!” Pinkie replied.

“Ah’m on board if Twilight here thinks it’s a good idea.”

“Well, it’s better than sitting here and waiting.” Applejack responded.

Fluttershy hesitated to agree, backing up and shivering slightly.

“Fluttershy, are you in or not?” Rarity called out. “We could really use your help.”

“I don’t know…” Fluttershy muttered. “What can a small pony like me do against a big meanie like him?”

“What we always do!” Rainbow Dash chimed in. “Stick together and kick enemy butt!”

“But… I’m not good at butt kicking…”

“Fluttershy, we need you for this,” Twilight encouraged, smiling warmly at her. Fluttershy tapped her fingers together nervously and nodded.

“Then it’s settled,” Cadance stated. “We will follow you to make sure you’re safe. However, the rest is in your hands, Twilight.”

The group rushed out into the streets, watching as the civilians fled in panic at the sight of the looming darkness. The citizens that weren’t running out in the streets took refuge in small alleys in attempt to hide from the evil tyrant. The element bearers rushed towards Shining Armor, eager to inform him of the plan.

“So exactly what do you plan on doing when we lower the shields?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “Feed him milk and cookies and have a grand old time with him?”

“Ooh! That would be a great idea!” Pinkie shouted out excitedly, oblivious to Rainbow Dash’s sarcasm.

“You’ll understand once I start talking to him,” Twilight stated.

“Talking?”

With Shining Armor in sight, Twilight picked up the pace and dashed towards her big brother. He looked at her in surprise, not expecting her or her friends and his wife to be out in the field.

“Twiley?” he began weakly, obviously drained from having to constantly pour his magic into the protective dome surrounding the capitol. “Why are you out here?”

“It’s a long story, big brother. Right now though, we need you to let down the shield.”

“WHAT!”

“Trust me, that was our reaction, too,” Applejack explained, catching up with Twilight. “However, Twi here says she got a plan,. And we trust her .”

Shining Armor pursed his lips, looking at his wife to make sure she was going along with this.

“Honey, it’s fine,” Cadance reassured. “Do as Twilight asks. They’ll be able to handle it.”

The head of the Royal Guard sighed and looked back at his sister. “Alright. If you say so.”

With that said, the shield lowered, allowing the darkness to sweep over the city. King Sombra, finally inside the city, laughed menacingly as he towered over the fearful ponies.

“So, you finally decided to give up and allow me to take what is rightfully mine,” Sombra snarled. “A wise choice. It’ll save my property from more severe punishments than they’ve already earned.”

“On the contrary,” Twilight called out, “We aren’t forfeiting anything to you. We’re giving you a chance to end this pointless war!”

Sombra glared at the pony he considered inferior. “You, of all ponies, have the audacity to claim you’re giving me a chance? What in Equestria could you possibly do if I denied your request?”

“Nothing by myself. However, with my friends here, we have the power to push you back if necessary. We might not be strong enough to kill you, but we can make sure you never get what you want. You know that better than anyone, don’t you?”

Sombra snarled from the shadows, agitated by Twilight’s statement. As much as he loathed the fact, he knew her words rang true.

“Fine,” Sombra hissed. “What is it that you want.? Make it brief or I’ll resume attacking your pitiful nation regardless of what you threaten me with.”

“Well first of all, come down here and confront us face to face and not behind the shadows,” Twilight demanded. “I’ll discuss things with you then.”

The dark emperor submerged his head into the lofty shadows and allowed them to come crashing in front of Twilight. Everyone backed up except for Twilight, who stood in front of the intimidating shadows with her arms folded. Out of the darkness came the tall, burly King Sombra. His coal black body was draped in his royal cape; he wore his crown proudly, which held back his long flowing hair. If it wasn’t for his demonic green eyes with red irises, he might not have seemed as intimidating.

“Well, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?” Sombra snapped impatiently. Twilight cleared her throat and began to speak.

“Well Sombra, you aren’t blind to the devastation and fear filling the crystal ponies’ hearts.”

“I could honestly care less about their fears,” Sombra callously responded. “They are peasants; they should be grateful I even allowed them a place to live while they were my servants!”

“You piece of...” Rainbow Dash clenched her fist and made an attempt to walk towards Sombra, before being blocked by Twilight’s magic.

“Dash, stay out of this,” Twilight stated. “I can handle it.”

Rainbow Dash folded her arms disapprovingly, quickly approaching her limit on how much she could tolerate of the black tyrant.

“Now as I was saying, these crystal ponies are not going to want to return to you. And we aren’t going to give them up to you either.”

“So why are we even having this conversation?” Sombra asked. “I have no intention of leaving here without what’s rightfully mine!”

“I figured as much. While we won’t turn over any of these citizens to you, I would be willing to offer you something else in exchange for ending this war once and for all.”

The king stood there smirking, amused by her odd proposition. He glanced at the chaos behind Twilight and the others, seemingly proud of the panic he caused.

“You are obviously acting out of desperation,” he replied. “trying to swindle me out of my property, and instead hand me whatever miserable trinket you deem serviceable. Don’t belittle me with such a pitiful gesture.”

“Well, you don’t have any other options,” Twilight stated confidently. “If you deny this proposition, things will just return to normal. You’ll keep fighting this fight and make no progress toward regaining the empire. In the end, you will end up with nothing, and keep pushing for what you ultimately won’t be able to obtain. It’s either go home with something, or nothing at all.”

The others smiled at Twilight’s ability to pin the king in a corner. Twilight looked at Sombra victoriously, a scowl forming on his face. He hated being bested like that, especially by an inferior mortal such as Twilight. If there was one thing that made his blood boil, was a peasant talking down on him. He wanted to put the mare in her place; show her why she shouldn’t act so high and mighty in front of a king.

And that’s when a devilish thought developed in his mind.

“So, Twilight,” he began, his voice leaking demonic tones. “As long as I don’t take the crystal ponies, you are willing to compromise? ”

“Correct.”

That was all the response he needed to have a small grin break through his scowl.. Twilight grew concerned about the intentions of Sombra.

“With that said, I do not intend on leaving without somepony leaving with me. I will have my slave.”

“I already told you, you aren’t going to take any of these crystal ponies with you!”

“Who said anything about crystal ponies?” Sombra smugly retorted, inching his way towards the confused mare. The elements took their stance, making sure that Sombra didn’t try anything while he walked closer to Twilight. Once in reach, Sombra put his cold, firm hands under Twilight’s chin, bewildering her.

“While having all my subjects return to me would be nice, if I can’t be given that pleasure, I might as well take the next best thing: one of Celestia’s precious Elements of Harmony.”

The group gasped, Rainbow Dash in particular not liking this demand.

“No way! She’d never agree to serving under the likes of you!”

Rainbow Dash’s outburst caused Sombra to chuckle deeply. “Let’s not kid ourselves. While I might have the disadvantage, none of you want to keep this going longer than it needs to. You’ve robbed me of my property; I don’t think it’s too much to demand your servitude in exchange of the sanity of the entire empire.”

“How rude!” Rarity scoffed. “I can’t believe you’d make such a disgusting demand!”

Twilight remained silent. She didn’t want to be in the position she was in. She hated anything to do with the dark lord, and was just as disgusted as everybody else that he would consider making her his slave. However, how could she allow Sombra to terrorize so many innocent ponies any longer?

“If I were to comply,” Twilight began, “would you end your tyranny on the empire?”

“Twilight, you can’t honestly be considering this!” Rainbow Dash shouted in shock.

“If you agree to be my property, my subject to do with as I see fit, then I will leave this nation alone.” Sombra took notice of Twilight’s discomfort, satisfying the sadistic stallion. He had regained control of the situation, and forced Twilight into a difficult decision, knowing she would lose no matter what choice she makes.

Twilight took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself and looked him in his haunting eyes. “I want it in writing.”

“Twilight, what are you doing!”

Her friend’s cries went unanswered. Sombra snapped his fingers, a contract arising from the smoke around him.

“Read this carefully,” Sombra hissed. “Once you sign this, you will be mine.

Twilight grabbed the paper and read through it’s content, analyzing what she was getting herself involved in.

This contract binds the signer into eternal servitude to King Sombra. All conditions and rules must be obeyed at all times. If at anytime the signer disobeys commands, Sombra has the right to punish him/her anyway he sees fit. The jobs the slave will be required to do include but are not limited to:

1. Cleaning

2. Cooking

3. Bathing Sombra

4. Tending to Sombra’s personal needs

5. Guard

If Sombra feels the signer is in anyway trying to usurp or kill him, he has the permission and right to end the signer’s life on the spot.

x___________________________________________________

Twilight stared at the contract with sadness. It was as if she was signing a contract with the devil, which wasn’t too far from the truth.

“Twilight, you don’t have to do this!” Cadance called out. “There has to be another way.”

“Yeah! We’d rather stand and fight then to watch ya submit yourself to this guy,” Applejack stated.

The shadows developed a pen and placed it in front of Twilight’s hands.

“Well Twilight,” Sombra stated impatiently. “What’s it going to be?”

Twilight didn’t want this. She didn’t want to have her friends see her do this to herself. But it had to be done, for the empire.

“We could keep fighting all we wanted,” Twilight stated, “but that would only send the ponies into more of a frenzy. I can’t afford to put them through that.”

Twilight put the pen to the paper and signed her life away. As she jotted down her last letters, the contract vanished back into the shadows.

“Very well,” Sombra replied. He snapped his fingers once again, calling the shadows to him and having them form a map. “This map shows in full detail where I will be residing. You are to come to the location marked on the map first thing tomorrow morning.”

Twilight grabbed the map and folded it, looking back at Sombra.

“Your crystal ponies will have nothing to worry about from this day forth. Starting tomorrow morning, you become my new slave. I look forward to our new arrangement.”

The gang watched at the king as he laughed maniacally, returning back into his shadowy form. His dark presence began to recede, causing the civilians to poke their heads out in curiosity.

“I---is he gone?”

“What happened?”

“Did they get rid of him for good?”

“Thank Celestia for the Elements of Harmony!”

While the Crystal Ponies rejoiced at their newfound safety, Twilight’s friends and family approached, concerned.

“Twilight,” Spike said walking towards his older sister. “Are you going to be okay?.”

“I’ll manage, Spike,” Twilight responded weakly. “I’m just glad that the ponies are safe from Sombra.”

“Yeah, but you aren’t!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I can’t believe you signed that so willingly! I don’t care how much we had to fight in order to free these ponies, it should not have come down to this!”

“But it did,” Twilight stated. “And I wasn’t going to allow him to harm these citizens. If it required me to be a slave to him...”

She couldn’t finish the sentence. In her heart, she knew she didn’t want anything like this to have to happen to her. Her discomfort was visible to everyone standing around her.

“It’s going to be okay Twiley,” Shining Armor reassured, pulling her into a hug. “We’ll still be here to support you and help you get through this.

“I know, brother. I know...”

The rest of the crew walked towards Twilight and wrapped their arms around her, tears welling in their eyes. Starting the next day, they would have to see their friend go off with a tyrannical king.

Starting the next day, Twilight would be a slave.