(Arctic Mountains, Obsidian’s P.O.V)

After using a lot of my magic just to arrive to the spot where I banished King Sombra, It would take me some time to let my magic regenerate. “I really need to stop doing this, or find another method of travel.” I said while panting in exhaustion. It would take me some time, but I was able to regain enough magic to activate my release spell, but make sure Sombra won’t escape. I activated my Dark Magic and the ground opened up like a sinkhole. I put more effort into my spell causing my nose to start bleeding a little. Then a shadow began to emerge from the hole in the earth and soon eyes of green appeared which began to take the form of King Sombra in his armor, cape and crown. “Why have you come back, traitor?” Sombra asked venomously. “Because there is somepony who misses who you once were, do you not remember Jewel Joy?” I said back to Sombra. “D-did you say Jewel Joy?” Sombra asked with curiosity. “I did and she misses the stallion you once were Sombra, she misses to love the unicorn you once were.” I said once more as Sombra looked down in thought. “Are you sure it was her? Tell me what she looks like.” He said trying to catch me in a lie, when I was telling him the truth. “Beautiful mare, violet coat, wheat grain cutie mark ring any bells?” I asked him. “Yes, yes that’s her, where is she?” He said as his eyes widened in realization. “Ponyville, she’s been really upset after your lust for power drove her away.” I said as Sombra’s eyes turned to normal but he had red pupils. “I-I didn’t want to hurt her, I just wanted to have her with me because I was afraid of losing her.” Sombra said as he started to sound choked up. “I understand, Tainted Soul wanted to hurt my friends and everypony I cared about, all I wanted was to keep them safe.” I said as I placed my hoof on his shoulder sympathetically. “None of this would’ve happened if I just listened to her! This is all my fault, she deserves better than me.” He said as tears now flowed down his face freely.

“I understand. You did it out of love, but you were blinded by it and it led to your fall.” I said as Sombra started to sob. “You may be right, but I just wanted to do what was best for her.” Sombra said as he cleared up his tears. “I know. She still loves you. She knew that the stallion you became was not the true you. You were a prisoner within your own mind and body.” I said as he looked back at me with a surprised expression on his face. “So he got to you didn’t he?” Sombra asked. “Yeah he did, and I have to say he’s the evil one, you’re not.” I said with a small smile to reassure him. “Thanks Obsidian, even when you were my heir, I still thought of you as the son I always wanted.” Sombra said through a smile. “Thanks, but I already have my family back, and you still have a chance to have your own with Jewel, just come with me and heal that poor mare’s heart before it can never be healed.” I said as I focused my Dark Magic to create a portal to Ponyville. As we re-entered into Ponyville, we were at Twilight’s Castle with Twilight, Spike, her friends, Roseluck, Minuette, Princess Luna, Oasis, and Randablitz conversing with one another and took notice of our presence. “Oh, Obsidian how nice to see you, and the soon-to be-redeemed Sombra. We were just talking about throwing Jewel Joy a party to help cheer her up, but so far we’re at a loss, do you guys have any ideas?” Randablitz asked as he looked at Sombra, probably scanning his mind for any trace of Tainted Soul. “Well, I know a grand party Obsidian had mentioned to you all before, right?” Sombra asked as he looked at the male alicorn, but still was receiving angry glares from Twilight, Spike, the Element Bearers, and Luna. “Hey, leave him alone, he was possessed by Tainted Soul, just like me. He only did what he did out of love, can’t you at least see that he lost his way?” I said stepping in front of the mares and dragon to defend Sombra.

The mares and Spike looked at me and then at one another as if they were suggesting something. After a minute, Twilight spoke up, but with a suspicious look. “Fine, but if he tries anything to harm or take over, it’s back to the ice of the North.” Sombra looked down in shame as he remembered his horrible acts while Tainted Soul possessed him. “Well, I don’t see any trace of that despicable demon in him, so he’s fine.” Randablitz said with a smile. “How do you know?” Luna asked. “Simple if any trace remained he would’ve killed Obsidian before coming here.” Randablitz responded. “He’s right, He would’ve, but I wouldn’t. Please try to understand, I didn’t want to rule or conquer anypony, all I wanted was to marry Jewel and live a peaceful life together.” Sombra said as tears formed in his eyes, making the mares and dragon look at each other with sad expressions. “Simply romantic, maybe you’re not so bad after all.” Rarity said wiping a tear from her eye. “I bet Jewel would be proud of you Mister Sombra sir.” Fluttershy squeaked in. Then we all heard sniffling from a mare, it was Jewel Joy. “I am proud of him.” She said with a smile as the tears still streamed down her face. Sombra looked at his lost lover for a thousand years, remembering he gave her his red scarf before Tainted Soul corrupted him. “Jewel! I’m so sorry, for everything, can you ever forgive me for my horrible actions?” Sombra asked her while looking down in shame. Jewel made her way towards the shadow stallion and showed him the scarf he had given her. “I already have, now…” Jewel said as she wrapped the scarf around his neck and pulled him towards her. “Kiss me.” She finished as she planted her lips on his surprising Sombra a bit, but he gave into the kiss. All the mares could do was “aw” at the romantic sight.

(3rd P.O.V)

Tainted Soul looked on at this moment and was disgusted at what he had seen. “So Sombra’s gone soft, No matter let’s see if I can find my next pawn outside of their ranks, and I know the perfect pony to help me.” Tainted said to himself as he flew off towards the direction of his new pawn. Starlight Glimmer’s goal had been ruined, her society destroyed. Only one thing was on this mare’s mind, revenge. “Curse that infernal princess! She’s ruined everything I’ve strived to achieve, now I’m stuck here in these blasted caves!” Starlight shouted ignoring the echoes of her voice inside the cave she now called home. “Hahaha ahahaha.” A laugh echoed which caught Starlight by surprise. “Don’t mind me. I’m just a pony who’s slowly going insane from the lack of social interaction.” Tainted said in a playful tone. Starlight looked around for the mysterious disembodied voice but found it empty, except her. “I don’t understand. Who are you? What are you? Where are you?” She asked starting to sound scared. Then the shadows around the cave came together and morphed into a form with two green eyes and a mouth. Starlight was shocked by this as he then spoke to her. “Whoa don’t heart attack yet, you’re not 93 yet.” Soul joked a bit. “Who are you?” Starlight asked clearly afraid of her new visitor. “Name’s Tainted Soul, and I take it that you’re some kind of dictator? Heh, I’m just messing with you. I know who you are. Starlight Glimmer.” Soul said as he floated around the mare. “You aren’t completely wrong, I was the leader of an entire village that had the same cutie mark, until Princess Twilight Sparkle came, and took it all away!” Starlight spat with hatred in her voice.

“Haha, wait Twilight Sparkle.” Tainted Soul thought for a second. “Lavender alicorn, five friends and overall lust for knowledge?” Soul said as an image of Twilight appeared in front of Starlight. “Yes, that’s her! I wish she was never conceived!” Starlight said with an angered expression. Soul was amused by her hatred and loved the smell of anger. “You know Glimmer, you’ve impressed me because I want revenge on that alicorn as much as you, but I can’t because I need two things, If you can help me, I can let you have your revenge on that book nook princess.” Soul offered as he looked at Starlight for a response. “So if I help you, I get whatever I want, but what about you?” She asked. “For me, I just want Equestria to experience a nightmare on a catastrophic level, but you can make Twilight suffer for all of eternity same with her pesky friends. So, do we have a deal?” Soul asked as he reached his hand out to Starlight and ignited a green fire around it. “Let’s do it!” She said with a devious smile and shook the demon’s hand, signifying the deal had been made. “Excellent! Now one thing I need is a little talismen I created a long time ago and apparently has the power to potentially match the power to those princesses if wielded by a powerful unicorn. It looks like this.” Soul said as he conjured an image of an amulet; The Alicorn Amulet. “The Alicorn Amulet, I thought that it was only a legend.” Starlight said while staring at the image in awe. “This charm is no legend, It was lost after King Sombra’s first defeat and I can sense it hasn’t been destroyed, but hidden somewhere in the forest near Ponyville.” Soul said as the image disappeared. “Well let’s go get it, especially if we need it for our plans.” Starlight said with a smile.

(Twilight’s Castle, 3rd P.O.V)

With the preparations of the Crystal Ball underway, King Sombra and Obsidian had to make sure everything was set and in place due to them being at the Crystal Ball multiple times. After the giant Crystal Ball was raised onto the ceiling, it was smooth sailing with food and refreshments. “Settle down love, everything’s fine.” Jewel Joy said reassuringly. “I want this Crystal Ball to be amazing for everypony.” Sombra said to Jewel as he levitated his clipboard. “It will be amazing, because it’s something nopony has seen in over a thousand years.” Jewel said with a peck on the cheek. Sombra smiled at her and went down the hall to be sure everything was squared away. “Ok, let’s see here, detection wards; check, drinks; check, food; check, party favors; check, giant crystal ball; check. Everything seems to be in order.” Sombra said as he looked over the list. With everything completed, he had less to worry about since the ball won’t start til eight in the evening.

Sombra returned to see Jewel having fun with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s foal, Strong Spirit. “You’re a natural with foals.” Sombra said to Jewel as the little colt’s parents just stared at him in complete shock. “Thanks, I love to play with them.” Jewel said as she continued making the little prince giggle. Cadence was the first to speak to Sombra. “How are you back?!” She asked in complete surprise. Shining Armor looked to see what was happening and then saw King Sombra in front of him. “Sombra.” Shining said with anger as Sombra lowered his head in shame. “Leave him be, let me explain.” Obsidian said as he appeared in front of Shining Armor and Cadence. “Sombra isn’t the tyrannical king you know him to be, he was possessed by the very demon who imprisoned you all in crystal stone and Sombra just wants to make amends to you.” Obsidian said as he defended Sombra. “You mean to tell me that Sombra never meant to take over the Crystal Empire in the first place?” Shining asked. “I was only afraid for the sake of Jewel, I dove too deep in Dark Magic that it consumed me, becoming the shadow king I once was.” Sombra explained with deep sincerity. “Wow, that really sounds like a raw deal, you were a prisoner, not a king.” Cadence said with a saddened expression on her face. “I can agree, I still have trust issues that Cadence finally got to understand, so I’m not one hundred percent on trusting you just yet Sombra.” Shining said as he momentarily glared at Cadence. “I understand, I don’t really deserve your forgiveness, especially after everything that I did.” Sombra said as Strong Spirit crawled over to the ashamed stallion.

He hugged his armored leg and nuzzled against the steel armor with affection. Sombra raised his foot with the attached colt as he only laughed at the little ride he was given. “Well, well look at what we have here, a little curious prince climbing a mountain.” Cadence said playfully making the little colt giggle and babble in response as the little prince began to flap his wings. The prince was able to hover within the first few seconds and flew a little higher before his wings gave out and landed in Sombra’s flowing mane and behind his crown’s symbol. Jewel giggled at the adorable sight. “You’d make an excellent father.” Jewel said as Sombra levitated the colt back towards his family and just gave a sad sigh and walked into his temporary room.

“Hey, what’s bothering you?” Randablitz asked. “I thought you would have been Jewel for a second, but as to my troubles, I wouldn’t make a great father.” Sombra sighed as he removed his crown and looked at the symbol. “I disagree, my godson seems to like you, and he knows decent ponies when he sees them, and you’re a decent pony.” Randablitz said with a smile. “You weren’t there when I raised Obsidian, trained him almost twenty-four hours with little free time and rest while I was under Soul’s possession. Just looking back at this just makes me feel all the more terrible about what I’ve done, just go out and enjoy the ball. I’ll join you all later.” Sombra said still not looking back as he set down his crown. “Well the way I see your predicament is that you can do one of two things, one learn from your mistakes and leave your past where it belongs, in the past, or stay in the past and be left behind. Think about it for awhile, come join us when you’re ready.” Randablitz said as he left Sombra to think about what he was just told.

(Everfree Forest, 3rd P.O.V)

In the Everfree not too far from Ponyville, Starlight and Soul were heading to somepony who may have a clue to where the Amulet could be hidden. “Alright, we should be almost there.” Soul said to Starlight. “Great, just who would have it, since it corrupts the user, but only if they’re a unicorn, so it has to be an Earth pony or somepony that can’t use magic as a direct medium.” Starlight said sarcastically at first, but realised that only a pony that had no horn could hold onto it without going mad. “Quite persistent aren’t you? But since I was the creator, the effects won’t work on me and as for who has it, we’ve arrived at her hut.” Soul said as they did see a hut within a tree. “Who’s house is this?” Starlight asked in confusion.

“Zecora, she was the one who hid away my amulet and knows where it is.” Soul replied as they slipped near the hut and peeked through the window. “Do you see it in there?” Starlight asked as she watched her companion’s back as he looked through the window. “No, but Zecora’s in there asleep and I might be able to access her mind and find the location myself, just watch for any trouble.”Soul said as he slipped into the hut and silently entered Zecora’s mind. Inside her mind was an organized hallway of doors that represents a memory and to Soul, it was like home. “Now to find that Amulet.” Soul said to himself as he began his search. Starlight looked around the hut’s perimeter only to find some blue flowers. Soul had searched for about ten minutes until finally discovering the memory he was looking for; The Amulet’s location hidden in a tree not too far from her hut inside a little chest. “Found you, time to go.” Soul said as he left Zecora’s mind and found she was still asleep and went out to find Starlight Glimmer in a pretty bad situation.

“What are you doing?! Don’t touch those flowers, they’re Poison Joke!” Tainted Soul shouted, but he was too late. Starlight already rubbed some on her body. “Oh no, what kind of joke did they play on her?” Tainted wondered as he shook his head in disbelief. “What? Is there something on my face?” Starlight asked in Germaren. “Oh great, nice going there fraulein.” Soul said sarcastically. Starlight then realized what had happened, he couldn’t understand her because she was speaking an entirely new language. “Is there a cure for this?!” She asked in Germanen as Soul conjured a dictionary on her language and did some research. “Yes there is, all we need is to get the zebra to make you an herbal bath, and you’ll be fine in no time, but I can’t be with you and you can’t spoil our plans, I’ll meet up with you later.” Soul said in Germaren. Starlight knew he was right and nodded in agreement as he then teleported away.

Starlight sighed and made sure she came up with a believable story to hopefully get the cure. Knocking on the hut’s door she anxiously waited for an answer. “Hold on a moment, I’ll help you with your ailment.” Zecora replied as she made her way over to her door. She opened it to reveal a mare she had never seen before and she was looking quite distressed. “I’ve never seen a pony like you, May I ask who are you?” Zecora looked at Starlight as she sighed and replied. “My name is Starlight Glimmer, and I need your help, I seem to have had a run in with Poison Joke.” She said in Germaren. Zecora couldn’t understand what she was saying. “It seems you speak a language out of my tongue, perhaps you can show me what had been done?” Zecora asked as Starlight pointed at the blue plants nearby her home. “Ah Poison Joke a tricky plant with a joke to tell, but a cure is just a simple spell.” Zecora motioned Starlight into her home and went to her cauldron. Adding some ingredients and pouring some potions in, the cure was ready for Starlight’s dilemma.

“The potion is complete my dear mare, hop in and bathe without a care.” Zecora smiled as Starlight was hesitant, but got in the cauldron and felt the soothing effects of the cure. “Thanks, I couldn’t take another minute of hearing myself speaking that language.” Starlight said as her voice had returned to normal. “With the end of your poison joke’s claim, mind if you revealed your name?” Zecora asked Starlight to know her better. “My name is Starlight Glimmer, and I was just lost in the forest, I’m just trying to get to Ponyville.” Starlight said with a smile. “Pleased to meet you Starlight, but why did you travel at night. The Everfree can be dangerous and can cause quite a bit of havoc.” Zecora asked her as Starlight got out of the cauldron. “I didn’t know about this place, I thought it would be a simple journey.” Starlight said in response. “Well glad you’re safe from that dangerous flora, before you go, my name Zecora. Ponyville is not too far I must say, about three minutes away.” Zecora said before Starlight was about to leave.

“Thanks Zecora, for everything.” Starlight said as she politely closed the door as she left the hut. Outside was Tainted Soul who was chilling on a chair and reading a book. “Hey Starlight, get that voice fixed yet?” Soul asked as he got rid of the chair and book. “Yes and I hate that Germaren language now. So where is the amulet?” Starlight replied as Soul flew up to her. “The amulet is hidden in a tree around her hut in a small chest, let’s find it shall we.” Tainted said as he and Starlight began their search and Starlight especially did her best to avoid the Poison Joke. After a few minutes they found the tree where the Amulet was hidden. “So this is the Alicorn Amulet. It’s so beautiful.” Starlight said in a trance-like voice. “Yes, now quickly let’s get out of here before we get caught by that Zebra.” Soul said as he took the amulet and ran off with Starlight not too far behind.

(Crystal Ball, Sombra’s P.O.V)

Sitting in my room for awhile did give me time to think about my past actions how I treated the crystal ponies, and how badly I had hurt Jewel after Soul had consumed me. I knew that Jewel truly loved me and forgave me, but the question was: “Could I forgive myself?”. I looked at my crown once more where the moonlight shimmered across the one of the spires as I looked at the center symbol. I sighed as I put it back onto my head and sat up with some confidence. “I can, and I must, for Jewel’s sake, as well as my own.” I said as I walked out of my room. I had just walked up to open the door to find the mare in front of it looking quite down. “Don’t worry, I was just coming down to join you.” I said as I closed the door behind me. “Good, I was starting to get lonely.” Jewel said with a smile. “Do you really think I can be forgiven to the Crystal Empire citizens?” I asked as I walked with Jewel to the ball. “I think so, but do you believe you can be forgiven?” She asked in response. “It’s worth a try and if they don’t, then I guess it’s one less place I won’t see for a long time.” I responded. “That’s the spirit! Now let’s go have some fun!” Jewel said with joy. “Alright, let’s go.” I said with a chuckle.

When we arrived at the ballroom, everypony was having a great time. Ponies were talking, dancing, eating, and drinking. Obsidian was in charge of concessions as Twilight spent some time with Celestia. Pinkie was firing her party cannon or something and Randablitz was spending some time with Luna and Oasis. “Wow, everypony seems to be having fun, and that makes me happy.” I said with a slight chuckle. “You wouldn’t mind giving some small speech to kick off the party would you?” Jewel asked with a smile. “Sure.” I said as I kissed her cheek. “Alright. Attention everypony, the creator of this party has something to say.” Jewel said getting everypony’s attention. I gulped with anxiety as I stepped forward to everypony as they looked at me with quite fearful and confused expressions. “Ahem, Hello everypony, You may know me as King Sombra and I just want to say that I want to let you all know that, I want nothing more than your forgiveness for my acts in the Crystal Empire and I want to make amends to those I’ve hurt.” I said with some stage fright and tried to be as sincere as possible. Everypony looked at me with sympathetic expressions. “We forgive you.” Everypony said with smiles. I was relieved as I felt happiness for once and spoke out. “Then let the Crystal Ball commence.” I said as I blasted the crystal ball with my magic, making it reflect the light and created beautiful light patterns. The ponies applauded as the ball did it’s magic and went back to their business. Jewel on the other hoof couldn’t help but hug me tenderly. “You did great, now promise me you’ll ask me the one question we’ve spent over 1000 years waiting for.” Jewel said as she leaned in and gave me a loving nuzzle.“I will, but before then, let’s enjoy this nice evening.” I said as I nuzzled Jewel.

(Outskirts of Ponyville, 3rd P.O.V)

Opening the small chest and taking out the Alicorn Amulet, Tainted Soul was beyond excited to have his old talismen back after all those years. “Finally, after all this time it’s mine once more.” Soul said as he looked at the amulet. “Yeah, so what now?” Starlight asked. “Now, all I need from you is to let me into your mind as I wear the amulet, with your powerful magic with the amulet will make you pretty much as powerful as those princesses combined.” Soul explained. “Alright, let’s make those princesses suffer.” Starlight said with a smile. “Great, it’s a deal.” Soul said as he put on the amulet and took possession of Starlight’s mind with the amulet, Starlight’s magic was amplified and made her feel powerful. She looked down at the town of Ponyville. “Let’s see who’s more powerful now.” Soul said through Starlight’s mind.

Meanwhile at the Crystal Ball, Sombra and Jewel were dancing merrily on the dancefloor to a song they knew well. Luna, Oasis, and Randablitz were talking and drinking. Sombra and Jewel had finished their dance when the old King did something that could change their lives forever. He knelt down and was about to show an old engagement ring and said. “Jewel, will you make me the happiest stallion in Equestria by ma-.” He was cut off when a wall outside the ball was exploded and a mare stood in the hole with an evil grin. “Hahahaha, I’ve waited a long time for this.” Starlight said as everypony looked onto the mare. “Starlight Glimmer? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked in complete surprise. “You! You ruined everything I created including my perfect equal society!” Starlight shot at the alicorn princess. “You were taking away everypony’s talents, while keeping your own, you based your perfect society on a lie!” Twilight shot back. “It won’t matter anyway, because I have brought a friend who will show you the amount of pain I felt after what you did.” She grinned as she charged up her magic and fired a beam of raw power at Twilight. The Princesses and her friends were shocked as Twilight was groaning in pain. “No! Leave them alone you evil abomination!” Sombra shouted gaining Starlight’s attention, and by extension, Tainted Soul’s. “Well, Well, Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Sombra Umbarium my old friend.” Soul said but maintaining Starlight’s voice making the ponies confused. “What is going on?!” Celestia asked in complete anger and confusion.

“Allow me to explain, Princess Sunbutt.” Starlight said as Soul emerged from her mind to show himself to everypony. “Did you all miss me, admit you missed me.” He said toyingly. “No, we didn’t we wished you disappeared and never came back.” Applejack said with an angered expression.”I thank you for your honesty, but I have a riddle, Why did the country mare scream?” Soul asked. “Why?” Applejack asked in confusion. Then Soul blasted his magic from the amulet toward Applejack and she screamed from her most frightening nightmare. “Because she was having a nightmare, hahahaha.” Soul laughed at her expression of terror. “That’s just low, even for you.” Luna said with a angered scowl. “Not as low as you giving yourself a nightmare each night? Face it you’ve seen worse in only what nightmares can bring.” Soul said with a burn on Luna’s statement. “Well, unlike you, I moved on, you’re still stuck in the past, and your magic has only one place to hide during the day.” Luna said as she started to laugh maniacally. “Heh hehahahaha, you really think I’m just going to go away when the sun comes up? Hahaha I’ve got my old talismen back that I lost before Sombra’s first defeat, does the Alicorn Amulet ring any bells?” Soul said with a grin. “No, it can’t be, Zecora hid it from everypony in the Everfree Forest.” Rarity said as she remembered the day Trixie was defeated a second time. “It was in a tree nearby her home, it wasn’t that hard, but with the amulet’s power, mine and Starlight’s, I can be immune to the light and spread this land into a world of eternal nightmares.” Soul stated as he then showed his power by blasting somepony into their own nightmare. “Well then I have an answer to that.” Randablitz said as he began to pray for the help of one of his land’s gods. “Great Neightorias, please grant me your divine wrath. Give me the power to banish this demon from this misguided mare. Grant me your sword, and I shall send this demon to the Abyss!” Randablitz said as the ground began to glow and an enormous, and beautiful sword emerged.

“Oh no a demon slaying sword, oh what will I do about this?” Soul asked with a sarcastic scared tone. “Hiding inside that mare won’t save you, this sword only harms demons, and the great Neightorias will be awaiting you in the Abyss.” Oasis said as she defended her shared lover. “You think that can stop me, Go ahead Randablitz show me what you got!” Soul said as he floated halfway to Randablitz ready to take on the alicorn stallion. Randablitz swung the double-edged blade and it hit Soul causing his left leg to be cut off. Soul screamed in pain. Soul looked down at his severed limb and laughed a little. “Hahahaha, that was it? Wasn’t that supposed to banish me to this ‘Abyss’? A little spoiler should be told, I’m already in my physical form, so that’s basically useless.” Soul laughed as he regenerated his limb. “Now I understand, it doesn’t work because I’m not the one destined to fight you, I just wanted to use you as a guinea pig to see if the edge was as sharp as the legends say.” Randablitz said as he tried to sound confident. “Legend smlegend, it’s been fun chatting with you, but I think it’s time for me and Starlight to have our fun and get some sweet revenge, Starlight, let’s have some fun hahaha.” Soul then became one with Starlight and the magic amplified within the unicorn. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence then stepped up to the threat with malice and said. “The only way to claim Equestria is over our crystallized bodies!” All three alicorns shouted as they drew their weapons and charged at Starlight. “That can be arranged.” Soul said as he simply fired a shot at the princesses and crystallized them like ice almost three feet away from Starlight.

Obsidian leaped at Starlight and managed to land a blow on the mare’s face, and broke her nose, causing it to bleed. With no sound of pain, the nose fixed itself and Obsidian was thrown across the room toward Sombra and Randablitz where a cage was formed around them to prevent teleportation or flight. “Hehe you’re out of your league gentlecolts, but Equestria is mine now! And as for Twilight, Starlight your revenge awaits.” Soul said as he brought the young alicorn toward Starlight. “Go on, finish her.” Soul said as Starlight tossed her into a cage next to the crystallized princesses making the mare weep in sorrow. “Why?! Why are you doing this?!” Twilight wailed in sadness. “You ruined my life, so I’ll ruin yours, it’s a fair trade.” Starlight said simply as Soul then left Starlight to do what she willed and decided to have some fun and put everypony into their nightmares, starting with Twilight’s friends. Everypony ran for their lives to escape Soul and hope they wouldn’t end up with their nightmares. “Now, time to say goodnight.” Soul said sarcastically. He blasted the Mane 6 with his magic and they began cowering in their nightmares and screamed with fear of what they were witnessing. However Oasis, Roseluck, Minuette, and Jewel were hiding from Soul and were scared of what might come to their stallionfriends. “We need to do something!” Jewel said with a determined expression. “But what? Soul is too powerful and we can’t do anything.” Roseluck said as tears rolled down her face. “Simple, this was created by Sombra, so only he can defeat this tantibus.” Oasis said as she looked at Jewel, who knew what had to be done, but was extremely scared to do it. “Well we’re with you all the way.” Minuette said as she placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Thanks, but I really hate to do this to him.” Jewel said with a sad expression while she looked at her lover. “But we’re going with you.” Oasis said as the four mares ran over to the cage. Sombra saw Jewel looking at him with a small smile. “Get out of here Jewel, save yourself.” Sombra said with a sad expression. “Not a chance, you made this monster, and only you can stop him, if you don’t find a way nopony will.” Jewel said as she lightly kissed her stallion on the lips. After the kiss, Soul turned to Sombra and found four mares nearby. “Say Sombra you really care about this mare and she cares about you, doesn’t she?” Soul asked approaching Sombra.

“NO! NO! Leave her alone!” Sombra shouted as he saw Soul blasted the mare with his spell, plunging Jewel into her worst nightmare. “Don’t feel too bad Sombra, you still have a chance to join me and Starlight, we’ll take this nightmare nation wide and you’d be a part of it and having everything you always desired, I’ll even spare precious Jewel here.” Soul bargained Sombra as he showed a future with him, Sombra, Starlight, and Jewel together. “I will not allow you to corrupt the love of my life with your evil!” Sombra shouted as he intentionally rammed into the cage which was futile. “Haha, Oh Sombra since you won’t join me, perhaps your friends will and I’ll torture their mares as well til they do.” Soul said as he turned to Oasis, Minuette, and Roseluck menacingly. “I’ll never give in, and Oasis won’t be broken easily.” Randablitz said with confidence from inside the cage and Oasis nodded in response. “Minuette has seen more disastrous dental check ups than this. Roseluck has suffered sibling humiliation for years, and I will never give into your offer since you gave me a scar to remind me to never trust you.” Obsidian said as he spat in Soul’s direction. Soul didn’t say as much as a word as he levitated all the mares towards him, including Jewel over to him and broke her from her nightmare. “Well, perhaps a more drastic measure will make you all suffer for what power I possess, I think I’m going to kill one of them just for the heck of it.” Soul said as he pointed at each mare to help decide. “O. U. T. That, spells, Ou-.” Soul was about to kill a mare before Sombra shouted.

“You coward, if you want a fight then fight me, alone in the mindscape where you were born from!” Sombra shouted from inside the cage. Soul looked at him and simply said. “Fine.” He dropped the mares onto the ground and floated towards the cage. “I win, Nightmares reign over Equestria.” Soul wagered. “I win, you disappear from existence forever.” Sombra wagered in response. “Then it’s a deal.” Soul reached his hand out to Sombra. “Deal.” Sombra said as he shook Soul’s hand. After leaving his physical body in crystal, Soul was in his in his shadow morphed form and flew into Sombra’s mind laughing maniacally.

Entering the mindscape, Soul looked around and found one door nearby. “Wow, such a calm void. Gotta say Sombra, you’ve really cleared your mind.” Soul said impressed as he opened the door to find Sombra in the form he was in before he consumed him one thousand years earlier. “I didn’t have many things to think about with you at the wheel.” Sombra said with a blank expression. Outside in the real world Obsidian had secretly made a plan with Sombra and did one thing that could have permanent consequences. He looked at Sombra’s unconscious body and lit up his magic to activate the spell. “You ready to fall in a world of nightmares?” Soul asked as he was ready to fight his creator. “That depends, you ready to vanish from existence?” Sombra asked his devious creation. Then the door closed violently and green flames appeared. “WHAT, NO NO NO!” Soul said as he then realized what was happening. “Soul, you’re being erased. Memory spell that you taught me, clever?” Sombra asked with a smile on his face. “You Imbecile, don’t you realize it’s destroying your mind too?” Soul asked as he looked to see the fire surrounding the area between him and Sombra. “I know, but there’s a small probability I’ll walk away from this unscathed.” Sombra said with a smile. “Let me out of here, Let me- Why isn’t this working?!” Soul tried to escape but found his powers were useless in the destroyed mindscape. “You have no power here, or anywhere anymore.” Sombra said as he accepted the fate of the mindscape. “P-please, you’re making a mistake. I can give you anything! Money! Infinite Power! Your own planet please! NO! What’s happening to me?!” Soul tried to make Sombra reconsider but began to go corrupt and glitch out as he screamed in agony. Then in his final form where he was a shadow with black eyes and red pupils he reached out to his creator. “SOMBRA!” Soul was met with a powerful punch from Sombra and made direct contact in his eyes. Soul only screamed as he was then erased from Sombra’s mindscape. Sombra had defeated his tantibus, but he knew this sacrifice would come with a cost, himself and he accepted his fate as the fire burned what remained of his mind.

Back in reality, Obsidian had just finished the spell and lifted his head up and looked at Sombra’s body with sorrow, but around them the cages disappeared, the Princesses were freed from their crystal prisons, and all the ponies were released from their nightmares. Starlight was still taunting Twilight, unaware that Soul’s hold over Twilight was gone. “Say goodbye Twilight!” Starlight said as she tried to cast her into a nightmare only to find Twilight looking at her with a smirk. “I-I lost haven’t I?” Starlight asked with an unsurprised expression. Twilight nodded as Starlight sighed in defeat. “Do what you want, I deserve it.” Starlight said with her ears drooping down. “Starlight, to earn our forgiveness, you have to do something hilarious, but we have to remain quiet as well as you.” Twilight said demandingly as Starlight dropped her head in shame. “You have to hold a stack of pancakes while being sprayed with butter, banana slices, strawberries, whipped cream, and maple syrup.” Twilight continued as Starlight’s head fell even more. “Okay.” Starlight said as she was given a stack of pancakes by Pinkie pie. Everypony all stood behind Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity as they all had guns filled with the pancake condiments previously mentioned.

But all wasn’t happiness, as Jewel ran over to Sombra’s body in tears. Obsidian stood by her with a sorrowful expression as well. “He wanted this, he thought it would be better to die along with his creation so nopony could recreate it.” Obsidian said as he put a hoof on Jewel’s shoulder. Minuette and Roseluck walked up to Obsidian and embraced him as they began to sob into his coat. Oasis hugged Randablitz and Jewel was in denial that Sombra wasn’t completely gone. Jewel kneeled down and got her muzzle close to Sombra’s ear. “Listen to me you big goof, you have to get up, you have to get up, because I love you, and I know you love me too, enough to ask me to marry you, please just come back to me.” Jewel pleaded as tears streamed down her face. Then Sombra did come to consciousness as his eyes slowly opened and found himself next to a mare. “Uh hi there, what’s your name?” Sombra asked confused. “It’s me, Jewel Joy, your one and only love, remember?” Jewel asked with tears still in her eyes. “I’m sorry, but no. Should I though?” Sombra asked still confused. Then it all clicked for Jewel, Sombra truly forgot everything they had together. “At least we can have a proper chance with him this time.” Jewel thought to herself as she smiled. “Sorry, you just reminded me of somepony I once knew, but he’s gone. At any rate, my name’s Jewel Joy, who are you?” Jewel said with a smile. “My name’s… uh I’m.” Sombra had trouble remembering and then looked at Jewel. “I don’t know.” “Well I know, your name is Sombra Umbarium. ” Jewel said. Sombra then thought for a moment. “Sombra. Sombra? It has a nice ring to it, but I feel as if I know that name from somewhere?” He tried to think for a moment. “It doesn’t matter, what matters is that you know me, and I know you.” Jewel said as she hugged Sombra tightly. Obsidian smiled at this as he brought in his two shared mares in for a tight embrace and kissing both of them.

All seven ponies looked over and saw Starlight holding a stack of pancakes while Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity were holding guns filled with butter, whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, and maple syrup. “Oh now this looks good.” Minuette said as Pinkie told them to stay quiet. Rarity sprayed her butter hitting Starlight in the face. Fluttershy sprayed Starlight with maple syrup, making the ground slippery along with the butter. Applejack aimed her banana filled gun and shot it, the slices hit Starlight’s hooves causing her to stumble slightly. Rainbow Dash had her strawberries ready, and fired them. Twilight finally aimed her whipped cream and shot Starlight directly in the face. When all was said and done everypony laughed loudly, while Starlight managed to muster a small smile, it was kind of funny to see everypony try to stay quiet the whole time. “Well I guess you win.” Randablitz said seeing how she had managed to make it through her challenge. “I guess so, so what happens now?” Starlight asked as Celestia was whispering something to Twilight while Luna tackled her two lovers to the ground in a tight embrace.

Twilight approached Starlight. “Starlight Glimmer, based on what you’ve done, I have no choice, but to teach you how to make true friends despite their differences.” Twilight said with a smile. “You mean I become your student?” Starlight asked. Twilight nodded. “Well, I guess it beats living in a cave all alone, and I could use some friends, so sure why not.” Starlight said as everypony committed to a huge group hug. But Jewel and Sombra were not a part of it due to them being somewhere else as Jewel wanted to at least kick off a clean slate with her relationship with Sombra.

Author's Notes:

Hello Ponies and Bronies, Obsidian here to say that this is it the final chapter of this wonderful story and I wish to thank each and every one of you for the support and Randablitz for helping me edit this, It was quite fun making it and to point this out, Tainted Soul came from the popularity of Bill Cipher from Gravity Falls. He was a really good villain and I thought of creating a villain like him would be really interesting. But we're not done quite yet as an epilogue is in the order and the story shall be complete.

Be sure to Like, Comment, Favorite, and Follow me and Randablitz and til next time, I'll talk to you all later.