Two weeks later, Thunder Clap had finished putting together his new, lighter and cheaper rifle. He even put a small telescope with crosshairs put into one of the lenses. He was ready to present his creation to the military again. This time, only Captain Nexus and a red unicorn who introduced himself as Captain Brand Fire arrived. As best he could, he tried to barter a price with them but Captain Fire kept telling him that it was still too expensive even with the modifications. Captain Nexus, who had an eye patch for some reason, and Midnight Spangle tried convincing Captain Fire, but it seemed he was the one that would have to sign the check for the rifles. He admitted that the rifle would be useful after shooting it himself; but he never agreed on any price. He was adamant in his belief that the Thunder Storm Rifles were not needed. Thunder tried telling him that there was another pony looking for a shipment and that he wouldn’t be able to fill two large orders at once, but Spangle scolded him for trying such a tactic.

It was the truth; there was somepony that was looking at the rifles. After Shining Armor gave his final offer of nine hundred bits a pop, Thunder packed up his rifle and started towards the forest. Deep within the White Tail Woods, Thunder Clap walked in his brown winter zut suit and his rifle on his shoulders towards the river. He continued to wonder why he was doing this as he stepped up to the banks of the river. After all, the stripped pony didn’t say where on the river but it didn’t take long for Thunder Clap to see why.

“Hello again young Thunder Clap.” The dark voice said behind him.

Thunder turned and saw the crimson pony with the purple aura still spilling from the sides of his eyes. “Were you followed?”

“No, I have the newest version of the rifle if you want to test fire it.”

“I saw the test earlier. I wish to give you my price tag.”

“Your price tag?”

“I am King Sombra, Lord of Shadows.”

“Never heard of ya.”

“That does not surprise me. You know the evil that is the current government. One sided and believing only in the monetary gain. You hate it.

“Well, so what if I do? There isn’t anything I can do about it. So how much are you willing to pay for these.”

“My price is high young colt.” From behind Sombra several dark figures began creeping through the snow towards them. “I have something that can benefit both of us. I have an army ready to revolt. We just need weapons greater than those of the guards. You can provide those weapons. But my price for your help is high.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I sense your potential in you. You have a talent that can change this world with one shot. My price is the blood of somepony who has been a hindrance to my plans for years.”

“You want me to kill somepony?”

“Not just anypony, Lunarus Solaris Nexus, the pony that has denied you your future as Equestria’s next great innovator.”

“Wait, Lunarus? Like the CEO of the Lunarus Corp.?”

“Yes. He wishes to hold the place as Equestria’s greatest innovator. That is why he won’t allow your creation into his guard.”

“He’s been sticking his neck out for me this whole time. He agreed to come back and see what I’ve done.”

“Yet he does not accept your creation.”

“Captain Fire is the one that is denying the price tag.”

“The two are soldiers. You do not accept them capable of a ruse to preserve Lunarus’ position in Equestria?”

“Well, that’s a fair point, but I don’t think-”

“That you can do it? If you do this, you will be first seen as a murderer, but in time, the world will see you as a hero. The vanguard of a new era. You will have all of the power you have ever wanted.”

“I don’t want power.”

“What of the Timberwolves? I could feel your thirst for power when their lives were in your hands, the control. You felt like Faust herself, and you can have that feeling for the rest of your life. You could be that one who create a new day in technology and in the world.”

“I-I-”

“I shall return in three days time. And on that day you will chose. I sense your resistance, your fear and it is understandable. You will have an answer for me when I return."

“But-”

“Three days.” Shadows started swirling around Sombra as he spoke. “Three days and your fate will be decided.”

Sombra vanished in a column of black smoke along with the shapes in the forest. Thunder Clap stood there with his jaw on the rocky ground around the river. He had to admit, he was tempted. Sombra was right, he liked the feeling he had when he held off the Timberwolves. The control, the power of the machine in his hoofs; he liked it. But killing somepony, somepony he looked up to in some ways, that went against everything he was. Sombra was right though, he wouldn’t put it past anypony in Canterlot’s military to try and keep their fiscal status quo. Thunder Clap was spilt. He wanted power and revenge on one shoulder and the other earning his way through life rather than leaving a trail of blood. He had three days to chose.

Author's Notes:

Me: MOAR CLIFF HANGERS! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.... Ah, looks like i need to charge my camera and get the salt ready for my hat.
Nexus: I AM GOING TO KILL THAT MASCARA WEARING ASS HOLE!
Me: All in good time my hoofed alter-ego.
Nexus: I want his head on a stake now!
Me: When did you get so barbaric?
Nexus: I just finished watching an episode of Revolution. Monroe is alive! I hate that i felt sorry for that bastard!
Me: So are you mad at a show or Sombra?
Nexus: BOTH! I'LL END HIM WITH A VERY MENACING SPOON!
Me: And I'm the one stealing jokes from Josh?
Nexus: Just bring up the next chapter Roman, please. Before I break into this story and kill him now. *that bastard child of tartarus*
Me: Gladly.