Shadow's Agony

By Diana Hart

Chapter 1

I will honestly say I have been wanting to write a MLP fanfic for a while, but I couldn't come up with a good story until now. Please enjoy and leave a comment.

"Brother? Are you in the library again? Brother!? Where are you?"

A red toned stallion wandered the halls in search. The crystal palace around him shined in the light as he trotted closer to the library. He knew that's where his brother most likely was. It was his favorite place in all of the kingdom. The stallion's horn glowed red when he stopped at the library door and opened it with his magic.

"There you are Sombra. Father wishes to see us."

Sombra looked up from his book, "Oh, Rubian, I'm sorry. I didn't know the time passed so quickly."

Rubian chuckled at his brother. "That's just like you, Sombra. Always studying your magic. But we must hurry, we don't want to keep Father waiting."

"Yes," Sombra stood up onto his hooves, "Let's go."

The brothers left the room and began their walk to the throne room. Upon entering the room, they met the gaze of their father, the King of the Crystal Empire. They majestically walked stand in front of the throne.

"Thank you for joining me." The older stallion said. "As you know, Rubian's coronation will be happening at the end of this week. I wanted to go over a few things for the celebration ball with you two."

"Father," Rubian cut it. "I would still like to say that I believe that Sombra would be a greater leader for this Empire than I. He is far more knowledgeable."

"But you forget Rubian that the people trust you better. You know the hearts of our people better than I could ever." Sombra assured. "You would be a fine King for this Kingdom, I have full faith in you."

Rubian nodded at his brother, but still looked uncomfortable. Their father continued business shortly after the conversation then dismissed them. The brothers walked down the corridor once again, Sombra in full intent to go back to the library.

"You do you think me a good king?" Rubian cut into his thoughts.

Sombra turned his head. "I told you back at the throne, you know the people more."

"But you know more about the politics and history."

"And whenever you need help with that, you can always s call upon me and I will assist you, brother."

Rubian nodded at his statement. "Going back to the library?"

"But of course." Sombra gave a devilish grin.

"You must get out of there more, meet some people, have fun." Sombra's brother pushed his shoulder, jesting.

He simply shrugged, "maybe someday. But this is your time, Rubian, you will become King and rule with a kind heart."

With that, Sombra left his brother and entered the library once again. Upon opening the door, he heard a quick skirmish and then several hoof beats of someone running away. He looked towards the sound a caught a quick glance of a maroon colored mare with a cutie mark of a music note on a book.

"Miss!" He called, only causing her to run faster.

Sombra chased after her, he didn't know why, but his young mare intrigued him, though he never met her. He turned several corners, following the mare, hoping to catch her and meet her.

"Miss, I will not harm you." He called to her once again before turning another corner, and losing her.

Who was she?

Time passed and the time of the coronation had come. It was a grand event where every pony was invited. A graceful ball was held in honor of the new king. Sombra watched proudly as his brother was announced to the people as their king. Soon the halls were filled with music as every pony began to dance in celebration.

Sombra looked over to his brother for a moment and noticed how he was spending quite an amount of time with a pink crystal mare with a simple crystal paintbrush cutie mark. During events like this, Sombra attended but often didn't participate, he wished he could continue reading.

"Sombra!" Rubian called, the mare close behind him. "Brother, I wish for you to meet Hazel Paradise. She is quite the artist."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Hazel." Sombra complimented.

"Oh the pleasure is all mine, your highness." She returned with grace. "His Majesty has honored me with his presence and he insisted I meet his brother the prince. He speaks highly of you."

"Really?" Sombra glanced to his brother. "Well, I hope he's also told you of his achievements."

"Oh yes, and I am very impressed." She said with a smile. "I'm happy I got to meet the royal family of the Crystal Empire."

Hazel bowed deeply with Sombra shortly after giving her a gracious nod. She gained the favor of the King quickly and Sombra quickly knew Rubian would spend most of the evening with her.

"Sombra, there is someone else you should meet." Rubian said once again. A differing mare walked over to be in front of Sombra. "Brother, this is Ruby Melody. She will be starting as your personal assistant from this day forward."

"Rubian, I don't need an assistant."

"I know, but I mean to get you out of that library somehow, and this is the best thing I could think of." His brother grinned at him.

Sombra looked over the Pegasus for a short bit. Black and red mane, maroon coat with shades of purple, and a formal gown covering her slender body, but gave freedom to her wings, provided her a majestic tone. She held herself high and showed she was not afraid of anything.

"Ruby?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Fine, come with me. We have some work to do." Sombra turned and began to walk out of the ballroom, listening carefully to make sure she was following.

After leaving the loud crowded area, he turned to her and looked her in the eyes, red clashing with red.

"Go change into something more comfortable, we may be up late." He stated and watched her nod in understanding. "Meet me at the library once you are finished."

The dark stallion turned once again but paused when he realized something.

"You do know where the library is, right?"

She nodded again. With that, Sombra turned and made his way to the one place he could find peace.