Story Prologue - Evil Wins Sometimes

The Library of Official History. You've Finally found this place. Rumors and myths have lead you to try and find it to see if it really exists. And now as you stand before the steps leading to the double doored entrance, you can hardly believe how real it looks; let alone how it feels as you enter the place.

"Welcome traveler." A male voice speaks out to you as you spy an anubis like creature waiting for you at the entrance. "You have traveled far in search of this place, and I welcome you into it's halls." The Jackle Creature adds. "You may call me The Jackle; overseer and archiver of the history of all worlds alongside their alternate branches." He finishes speaking.

You tell the Jackle that your name is [your name] and you have come here to see if the place really does exist. The Jackle smiles.

"Believe me, it might look unbelievable to your eyes, but rest assured, everything you see is real." The Jackle said.

You tell the Jackle to prove to you that this place is as real as he says it is.

"Perhaps this will convince you." The Jackle said, handing you a book. It's tittle was My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

You can't help but gasp at this. This book as the same title as your favorite show, and you tell The Jackle as much to which he simply laughs.

"Did you really think the universe you live in is the only one out there? Each of these books contains stories of various other universes, and the alternate histories of their alternate realities, ones where things happened that changed but still lead to endings. Some of these stories are still being written, even as we speak, while some others simply have stopped having updates without a proper ending." The Jackle said.

You ask The Jackle to clarify what he menas by alternate realities.

"Are you familiar with the Many Worlds interpretations of the scenario regarding Shrognigner's Cat?" The Jackle asked. You nod your head. "That is essentially what I mean: There are some instances where certain things happen that cause a new version of a world to be born, split from the prime timeline of events. Sometimes, those stories have good ends, but other times, they have bad ends. But it is a necessity for some timelines to end up with bad endings where evil wins, as it creates a balance." The Jackle explained.

You ask the Jackle if he would show you one of the versions of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic that has a bad end.

"I was waiting for you to ask that question. I believe I have just the story in mind for you." The Jackle said and levitated a book to your hands.

The title of it was Empire of Darkness. Wanting to know where this timeline split off from the original one, you opened the book up to the first page...

Takeover Arc: Prologue - Tree Destruction

"No! Not the elements!" Twilight said. "Spike, get out of here, you've got to go get help!" Twilight said.

"Okay Twilight, I'm on it!" Spike said and left to go get help avoiding Sombra's trap.

"How interesting that you'd send him off, knowing he's defeated me before." Sombra said addressing Twilight. "Sadly, he won't be able to this time, not with what I have planned." Sombra added.

“Your not leaving, meaning you want us for some reason.” Twilight said.

“Just as smart as before. Seems becoming an Alicorn did nothing to that mind of yours.” Sombra said.

“Trying to butter me up again, Sombra? It didn’t work the last time you flirted with me.” Twilight said.

“He did what now?” Applejack asked.

“I…didn’t want to talk about him flirting with me. I mean really, who just does that to a stranger.” Twilight said.

“You think I spent my time being sealed away let alone dead just twiddling my thumbs? Thought the brainwashing I did on the crystal empire proved that wrong.” Sombra said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Radiant Hope.” Sombra said. “That’s the name of Twilight’s ancestor. Found that out while sealed away. And it shows.” He added.

“What’s that got to do with you?” Twilight asked.

“Radiant Hope was the only pony who wanted anything to do with me.” Sombra said. “However, I do have to say, you are quite the beauty all the same.” He added.

“Stop. Your flirting didn’t work to manipulate me the last time, and it certainly won’t work this time.” Twilight said. Sombra laughed. “What’s so funny?” Twilight asked.

“You still haven’t figured it out? And I thought the hints were obvious.” Sombra said. Twilight’s eyes went wide.

“It doesn’t matter that your words won’t work on me, does it?” Twilight asked.

“Good, your catching on.” Sombra said.

“Twilight, what do mean it doesn’t matter?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Because he doesn’t need to worry about his words falling flat on me.” Twilight said.

“But any stallion flirting with you is kind of a big deal.” Rarity said. Everyone just stared at her. “…Well maybe not him.” She added.

“It doesn’t matter, because he plans on using other means of convincing. Not just on me, but all six of us.” Twilight said.

“Um…you don’t mean…” Fluttershy caught on.

“I do.” Twilight said. “I wish I was wrong but why else not chase after Spike? Why stay here and begin with flirting with me? Why drop all that talk on us at all?” She asked.

“Just like I thought: You figured it out.” Sombra said

“Your going to brainwash us. It doesn’t matter that I’m not falling for your flirting; you just going to brainwash us. After all, you want to use us as leaders of your army.” Twilight said.

“Well that applies to your friends. You Twilight, will have a better place in my empire.” Sombra said. Twilight gulped.

“You…your going to…to make me your Queen…” Twilight said.

“You should feel honored. But do not fret, once you are brainwashed, I will not treat you as a slave, but as an Equal.” Sombra said.

“Even now you still attempt to flirt with me…” Twilight said.

“Better get used to it, my sweet sweet Twilight. You won’t be able to resist it for long.” Sombra said as he got to the brainwashing.

“Just…promise me…one thing…” Twilight said, resisting as best she could. “You’ll…let me…at least…still have…my brother…and sister-in-law…” Twilight added.

“Twilight, outside of Celestia, Luna, and a few others, everyone will live.” Sombra said.

“That’s…fair…enough…” Twilight said before she fell under the brainwashing alongside her friends.

Besides, I may be a Tyrant, but I’m no killer to those I can use. Sombra thought to himself.