After getting or stealing the journal from the mare, Sunny and her friends, Sombra was able to locate his empire as he landed in a shadowy cloud before materializing on the cold snowy ground. He squinted his blood red eyes through the billowing cold and snowy wind.
Before his eyes widened at the sight. Gone. Everything is gone. What once was a proud and majestic empire was all in ruins and standing in the very center was the castle. Fearing the worst, Sombra hurried to the castle. The whole thing looks abandoned but... how many years was he gone?
Entering cautiously, Sombra entered what used to be the majestic castle of his empire. Webs, cracks and ruined furniture were somewhat visible but the whole place was a mess. Entering what looked like the throne room, Sombra stood at the very center as he gazed at every angle of the room. It has indeed been abandoned but for how long?
He growled softly and took out the journal he took and tried to find answers but nothing in the pages helped. Growing even more frustrated, he threw the book aside and it hit something that caught his eye. He looked over and saw a portrait. Walking towards it, he immediately recognized who they were. Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight Sparkle even that little filly. What was her name again?
Ah, he remembers. Flurry Heart. It seems she has grown into a fine mare that would make stallions fall for her beauty. But the only question still remains is how long was he really gone? Picking up the journal that he took, he just glared at the symbol before putting it back to the saddle that he managed to snatch before walking aimlessly through the hallways. He found the library and wasn't really surprised that all of the books are still there but he wasn't really in the mood.
Walking out, his hooves seemed to be following an unknown path until he reached the very heart of the Crystal Empire. Spinning slowly between two spikes was the Empire's most prized possession, the Crystal Heart. He almost laughed at the irony. He was sure one of the mare's, Sunny Starscout, friends was called Aurora Crystal Heart. Stepping near the gem, it pulsed as if welcoming the only citizen of the Empire as he gazed into it blankly but on the inside, he felt hollow and empty. His citizens... His empire... All gone into ruins...
'Just how long I was gone...? Years? A thousand winters? Decades...' He thought as he put his hoof gently on the Crystal Heart.
A soothing yet solemn music started to play as he began to do something he hadn't done in years. Sing.
Sombra: Dancing bears, painted wings
Things I almost remember.
And a song someone sings
Once upon a winter
He pulled his hoof away from the gem as he closed his eyes.
Someone holds me safe and warm
Ponies prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory
As he sings, he imagines the empire as it might have been before now. In his mind's eye, he sees it transforming back to what it once was in splendid glory. Even royal ghosts step out of the portraits and waltz to the floor as ponies all greeted him with bows and respectful nods and warm smiles which made his heart ache.
Someone holds me safe and warm
Ponies prance through a silver storm
Figures dancing gracefully
Across my memory
Ghostly wisps came from the Crystal Heart as it surrounded him and turned him back to what he used to look like before he embraced dark magic.
Far away, long ago
Glowing dim as an ember
Suddenly the Royal Sisters, Twilight, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor even Flurry Heart appeared in ghostly forms as they smiled and bowed to him as he bowed back.
Things my heart used to know
Things it yearns to remember
Then one last pony made his heart ache as silent tears welled up in his eyes. Radiant Hope. She smiled warmly and eyes filled with love towards him. He offers her a dance which she silently accepts with a warm smile as they glide in a gentle rhythm.
And a song someone sings
Once upon a winter
Sombra hesitantly let go of Radiant Hope as she plants a gentle kiss on his nose as everything and everyone starts to disappear and blow away. Sombra kneeled just as Radiant Hope's ghost fades away with that soft and warm smile still on her muzzle.