"So, this is the tree of Harmony..." Sombra said, gazing upon the tree of Harmony as Twilight began removing the elements from it; including the now darkened element of magic.

"Indeed it is. There was a point where the tree protected Ponyville from the plunderseed vines. But after my spell, the plunderseeds have been cleared, and the rest of the Everfree Forest has become our domain." Twilight said. "The spell that I have cast onto what was once the Everfree Forest will prevent it from ever growing again." She added before putting all the elements into a case she had brought with her. "Thus, the tree itself will be fine without the elements. They were only really given back so the tree could combat the Plunderseed Vine infestation. Now that the Plunderseed Vines are no longer a threat, the elements can be removed permantly." Twlight explained.

"So, what's your big plan for the elements? You know you can't use them by yourself, yes?" Sombra asked.

"I am aware of that, but once my friends have willingly joined our side Sombra, then the use for them will become clear as day." Twilight said. "Let's just say that I have an endgame in mind for Celestia and Luna." She said before doing another evil laugh.

"I can only begin to imagine just what your ultimate plan here is." Sombra said. "The more things you do, the more steps you take...are proving your worth. I only wish this could move a little faster then it is." He added.

"I wish the same, but patience is a virtue." Twilight said as she started to leave. "But then you'd know all about that, wouldn't you, my king?" She asked.

"I've waited a thousand years to rule equestria; I suppose I can play the slow game if it means that is what happens at the end." Sombra said. Twilight flashed him a smile.

"Just keep faith in me and my plans; my worth to you will be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt." Twilight said, a grin on her face.

"You've certain proven you can be trusted at the least; but not enough to become my queen of darkness. At least not yet." Sombra said. "But you are getting there." He added with a grin of his own.

"I'll admit, I am expecting resistance here..." Sunset said. "Given King Sombra, he's bound to have a few traps in place or a way to see that we're coming to him rather then waiting around for him to do something." She added.

"But Twilight needs our help." Rainbow Dash said. "So we'll have to roll with the punches as they say." She added.

"I'm not gonna lie...I'm a little worried we will not make it back." Trixie said, looking towards the forest.

"The forest may have changed, but if we can locate Zecora's hut, we'll have a good landmark to use on the way to the castle. I doubt King Sombra got rid of everything in the forest." Rarity said. Suddenly the group spotted the Zebra in question carrying supplies into town.

"Zecora!" Applejack said and went up to the Zebra alongside the rest of the girls.

"I...tried to talk to her and make her see a way...but her mind was distant and far away..." Zecora said.

"Her? What do you mean 'her'?" Fluttershy asked. "Sombra is male..." She added.

"Has Rarity not checked her boutique of neatness; because once she has, then you'd know why my mane is quite a mess..." Zecora said.

"My beautique?!" Rairity said before going off the check. She suddenly screamed at the top of her lung and rushed back.

"My house...it's been turned upside down as if someone had looked for something specific!" Rarity said. "I checked, and the Fire Ruby; the one my little Spikey Wikey gave me; is gone!" She exclaimed.

"But...the only person who know where it was..." Pinkie Pie looked to Zecora. "What's missing from your house?" She asked.

"Looked everywhere I did once I realized the mess, if only what was stolen was something less. Gone from my home like the bone of a horn, the amulet I have been keeping that resembles an Alicorn." Zecora said. Everyone gasped.

"The Alicorn Amulet!" Trixie said.

"You mean that thing you used the last time you were here?!" Sunset exclaimed.

"The one and only..." Rainbow Dash said.

"But if it was stolen like the Fire Ruby was earlier..." Rarity said.

"And knowing we all know of only one pony who knows both things..." Fluttershy said.

"Could it be...Sombra's Corrupted Twilight?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"It's the only explanation that makes sense, I reckon. Well now we know what he's done with her." Applejack said.

"Hold up...it could've been a corrupted Twilight, but it could've also been Sombra after he got the information out of her somehow." Rainbow Dash said.

"That is also a possibility..." Fluttershy admitted.

"My gut's telling me Twilight's been corrupted and Sombra is using her as his puppet. Once we stop Sombra, we'll free our best friend!" Applejack said.

"Well we were going to free Twilight regardless of the circumstances; that much would be true." Trixie said. "So here's hoping Sombra won't use her against us." She said. Everyone blinked. "What? She's super mega powerful. We should be worried he might use her against us!" Trixie said.

"Somehow...that doesn't make me feel any better..." Sunset said.

They could hear an evil laugh coming from Everfree forest shortly after Sunset finished speaking.

Author's Notes:

Side note: Zecora's rhyming is difficult to write; don't judge me.