Chapter 143: The Dark King Cometh Pt. 2
The sound of the train chugging along the tracks could be heard. The locomotive moved at high speed as it was heading to its destination. Onboard the vehicle was a group of friends. Storm, Twilight, and the others were on their way to the Crystal Empire as they had a mission.
After getting the message from Twilight's father, the King had the teens gather as he informed them of an old foe that had returned. Night Light told the teens about Sombra as he was an evil warlock that ruled over the Crystal Empire for 1000 years. His reign ended at the hands of Night Light and Velvet when they were about Twilight's age. The two believed that they had gotten rid of the evil tyrant, but as it turned out, that wasn't the case. The King had tasked the teens to go to the Crystal Empire up north to help Shining Armor and Cadance, who were preparing themselves for whatever Sombra had planned. There were already some reports of Shadow Beasts trying to enter the kingdom. Shining Armor and his men were able to hold them at bay. But they couldn't last for long.
"Be warned, Jedi. The powers that Sombra holds pale compared to some of those you've faced in your life. My daughter must remain safe at all times." said Night Light.
Storm awoke with a start to a pair of soft eyes staring straight into his own, a look of genuine concern etched into the face they were attached to.
"Um…" Twilight spoke in a loud whisper. "Are you ok? You...Seemed to have been having a frightful dream."
The Jedi blinked a few times, trying to gather his wits about him. "Huh? Ah...No. I'm fine, Sparky."
He lifted himself from the bed he was lying within, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he did so. He gazed about the rather small room he and Twilight occupied, confusion written plan upon his face. It was almost as if he didn't know where he was. Reality would kick him back into gear; however, as he looked outside the nearby window, the sight of speeding mountainsides was passing him by.
Twilight sat on the bed next to Storm, kissing his cheek. The girl then hugged and nuzzled her cheek against his as her hands began to feel about his chest.
"Feel better?" asked Twilight as her hands moved under his shirt.
"A little," Storm smiled as Twilight gave him another kiss before standing up and standing before her partner.
"We're still on the train heading towards the Crystal Empire, right?" He yawned and stretched, working the kinks out of his system before noticing the princess fidgeting worriedly. "Is something going on? It doesn't even look like it's morning yet."
Twilight looked off to the side as she spoke. "Well, um…Yes…W-We have a few…um…extra passengers on board…"
"Passengers?" Storm's mind instantly grew alert as he jumped to his hooves. "Is it Sombra!?"
Twilight cringed at the sudden loud volume of the boy but answered all the same. "W-Well, no...But...Maybe it's best if you come and see for yourself...If that's ok with you."
Storm frowned in confusion but would relent, following after the girl.
"What the hay was ya'll thinkin'?! Sneakin' onto the train! A train, mind you, goin' to one of the most dangerous places on Equis right now! Did ya'll have stupid for breakfast?!"
Storm couldn't help but flinch in reaction to Applejack's admonishment, even though he knew it wasn't meant for him. Both he and Twilight had just opened the door to the next train compartment to the scene of three familiar girls standing in front of two very pissed-off sisters and one angry pilot. Fluttershy and Pinkie stood off to the back of the group; the latter looked on uncharastically with worry, fidgeting as her hair was slightly deflated.
"What the? Scootaloo? Applebloom? Sweetie Belle? How did they get "onboard?" asked Storm to his partner.
"Storm!" called out the girls.
Applebloom was the first to rush toward him, wrapping her arms around his lower body and giving the boy the most hopeful of smiles. "Thank goodness ya'll are here! Tell 'em we ain't meant no harm by it! Honest!"
"Yeah!" Scootaloo added as she ran up and hugged him from the other side. "We just…We just wanted to go with you guys, that's all."
"What they said!" Sweetie Bell squeaked for good measure, taking refuge behind the Jedi.
Applejack stomped her foot in agitation as all three girls ran to their would-be savior. "He ain't got nothing to do with this!"
"That's right, girls." Rarity added. "He has enough to worry about, and you three just added to that."
"B-But he's just gonna go and beat up the bad guys anyway, right?" Sweetie Belle stammered.
"Yeah! There's no way we are in danger with you and him." Scootaloo boasted. "I bet even Rainbow and him will have it all covered before breakfast starts!"
All three girls flinched at that, Scootaloo more than the others.
"Storm…W-We just wanted to support you…." Applebloom said in a low tone as she turned to face the Jedi Knight. "I just wanted to help ya and..."
"I...I mean…" Storm sturred softly as he looked away from them. What could he even say to the three of them?
The girls hid behind the older boy as their sisters and Rainbow glared at them before turning their attention to Storm if he decided to take their side.
"Listen, girls," said Storm as he turned to look at the Crusaders. "I get your heart was in the right place, but... this is a dangerous mission. You all shouldn't be here. Where we're going isn't a pleasant place. There's danger. And Applebloom, imagine what Granny Smith or Big Mac must feel. They're probably worried and looking all over for you."
The small farm girl put her head down as she could already hear the cries from her grandma and older sibling trying to find her.
"Now, now, don't cry. Despite what you have done, I know that your intentions were good. You didn't mean to hurt anybody, but I must tell you that what you did today was wrong. Do you understand?" The girls would slowly nod between quaking sops and whines. "Fluttershy, can you keep them by your side till we return?"
The shy girl nodded as the three girls ran to her and hugged her. Storm smiled as he looked at their older sisters and Rainbow; all three gave him expressions that showed they were thankful he could talk to the girls while not being too stern. However, they would hand out their punishment when they got back.
"I just contacted my father to let Granny Smith and Big Mac know that Applebloom is with us," said Twilight to her partner.
"Thanks, though... did we have to bring your annoying brother with us?" complained Storm as they looked to see in one of the booths Spike was munching away on some breakfast as servants brought him whatever he wanted.
"Mom made me do it," sighed Twilight, as she didn't want to bring her little sibling before turning to address the group. "On another note, It shouldn't be long before we reach our destination. Everyone should get their things in order now. Wanna make sure we don't leave anything behind after all. Rainbow, can you sweep the train and ensure there are no other small surprises around."
The rainbow-haired teen saluted. "Can do Twi. Got it covered."
"Thanks." Twilight sighed deeply, making her way back toward her own cabin. "Today is already starting off bad..."
The others sought to follow her example and returned to their respective cabins. Storm stood in front of his bed as on it was the hoodie he always wore when he visited Equis; however, this time, it was different. The boy picked it up as the magic in it resonated with him. It entered the boy as soon he felt warm before it stopped as he put it on. Before leaving for the Crystal Empire, Night Light had his magicians cast enchantments on a set of attire the King had made for the teens.
For Storm, the King had his mages cast their magic and spell on the sweater he wore when he was present. Twilight's father gave the girls their special outfits as they were told the enchantments were to keep them warm up north and were durable enough to tank hits without damaging the clothing. And the outfits that the girls received were similar to what the boy was wearing.
Starting with Rainbow Dash, her's was a dark blue jacket open zipper somewhat like Storm's, but without the pauldron plaid-like cloth on his shoulder and longer sleeves reaching just above her hands. The trims on the sleeves were a gold lightning design wrapped around the edge, and the bottom of the jacket reached just before touching her legs. The back of the jacket had a rather fierce design depicting a rainbow lightning bolt striking the bottom of the jacket and sparks of individual colors of the rainbow flying off and away from the impact site of the bolt. These designs were made of many gems as they glittered in the light. To finish off the outfit on the collar, on either side of the zipper teeth were rubies in the shape of miniature versions of Rainbow's element dangling. Her white undershirt, although not as flashy, seemed to compliment the jacket for its simplicity compared to it.
Next was Applejack. Her outfit kept to a theme to match her personality, hat, and lifestyle. Starting with the red neckerchief around her neck seemed to hold green vine-like curls that trailed near the edges of it. A green and white shirt plaid long-sleeved cuffed shirt, the back of it was of an entirely different design that resembled closely to a saddle that reached to just before her waist but had fringes that came off it and covered the upper parts of her legs. The plaid shirt, however, did not reach as far as it ended, where a pleather edge wrapped around the stomach and looked like it connected to the saddle-like back part of the outfit. To add to this ensemble, she wore boots on her feet; they seemed to be the same material as the saddle part of Aj's shirt. The bottoms were encased in some metal, a green strap buckled around the ankle part and at the front of the zipper that reached from the buckle up to the top. The top edge extended upward away from the top of the zipper as it wrapped around the leg. It looked like her regular cowboy boots, but the metal plating on the bottom would do more damage if she decided to kick something.
The fashionista wore what could be considered a sleeveless V-collar top, baby blue, with a very light pink band that traced around the collar an inch away from the edge. The top reached down till just about her stomach, where a magenta sash wrapped around it, fastened in place but diamond-shaped gems in the shape of Rarity's signature mark and where her pants would begin. The pants looked almost like tights and had a gradient. Starting from the sash, it was midnight blue and only started changing to a lighter blue around where the upper and lower leg would meet. Two silver lines went the outer sides of both legs and gave off a soft shine. However, it was unclear how far the gradient went since she wore high-pleather shoes that were a darker reddish compared to Applejack's. A leather strap was wrapped around near the top of the shoes with a buckle on the outer sides.
Fluttershy's took the same inspiration as Twilights, but hers took on a more floral form. The entire outfit took on a rather light green path as the majority of its color with white as its follow-up color for trimmings, straps, etc. She was wearing a sleeveless hoodie jacket made of thin and smooth material; unlike Twilight's jacket, the end of it reached down to her legs and then out and away from her body a few inches looking like flower petals just past the black belt around her waist, and her zipper having a pink butterfly. On her belt, her saddlebags resembled Twilight's sans the color scheme and the latch. Her shoes also took a modern look, yet there were black trims where the front would meet the white straps holding the shoes to her feet, with white soles and light everywhere else on those shoes.
Pinkie's outfit had a light blue buttoned-up blouse with the girl's mark represented at the front and center of it but cut in half to place on both sides of the line of buttons, with puffed out sleeves and frilled trimmings on them and the bottom of the blouse. Purple, somewhat puffy pantaloons ending just before the legs bend with the same frilled trimmings as she wore red leg bands.
And lastly, was Twilight. Twilight's outfit consisted of a dark purple cloth jacket with two-tone streaks matching the streaks in her hair going up her sleeves and connecting to her hoodie that also matched their colors. It was zipped up with a gem representing her element as the tab on the zipper you pulled on. She wore light pink leggings that seemed loose at the ends of her legs and ended a few centimeters from her blue-laced boots. It held to her legs with dark blue straps at the front of the boot, in front of the tongues. Wrapped around her hip area was a belt with a specially designed saddlebag on one side, with the same design and color code as her boots; only the latch resembled her element.
Storm grabbed his lightsaber on his bed and quickly checked it. He turned it on as the blade came out; he shut it off and clipped it to his side before grabbing the pendant Twilight gave him and putting it around his neck. He looked at the small thing before lifting it to kiss it and putting it behind his shirt. The boy exited his room as he passed the other cabins and headed toward a specific one. He stopped in front of the door and knocked on it.
"Come in," said Twilight.
Storm grabbed the handle as he stepped in. The boy entered the room as Twilight stood in front of a mirror. The princess glanced over the outfit her father had made for her as she saw her knight and turned.
"Well, what do you think?" asked the girl as she did a quick spin to show off her attire in front of the boy.
"Honest opinion?" questioned Storm.
"Yes."
"Perfect," smiled the Jedi.
"I knew you'd say that," responded Twilight with the same gesture.
The princess approached her partner and hugged him before kissing his cheek and leaning into his chest to nuzzle. Storm smiled as he wrapped his arms around the girl and held her, his chin resting on her head while rubbing her back.
"This feels... nice," whispered Twilight, her eyes closed as she relished being in her partner's presence.
"Princess..."
"My Jedi Knight..."
The teens stood there embracing for quite a bit.
The wind blew relentlessly around the small group as they exited the train, and despite the warmth of the clothes, the cold air chilled Storm to his very core.
Geeze...Not even Orto Plutonia was this cold.
Rarity held her head up high and bore a smug smile as she stepped out into the snow, fully dressed in a winter coat and scarf, topped off with a fashionable hat. "Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves."
Spike, who took it upon himself to carry all of Rarity's bags despite Storm's offer to help, stood behind the girl, struggling to hold on to his charge. "I didn't say a wo-" the poor boy was cut off as three over-eager girls bowled the small prince over, bouncing into the snow.
"Wow!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "There's so much snow!"
Sweetie Bell shivered slightly. "Yeah, too much snow if you ask me."
A soft-spoken 'ahem' from Fluttershy caused all three girls to stand up. "Now, girls, no wandering off and no crusading. I don't mind watching you, but you must always stay by me." The girls sighed dejectedly but agreed with the older girl nonetheless.
Applejack smiled as she placed a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. "Mighty nice of ya to do this for us, Shy."
"I agree." Rarity added. "Once this is done, we will gladly take them off your hands." She turned to the girls. "It will also give us time to consider a fitting punishment for when they get home." The Crusaders looked away from the rest of the group, each with a look of innocent worry.
Storm raised a hand to block against the wind as he ventured further into the snow, checking the surrounding area. The boy didn't take long to notice a lone figure approaching them in the distance. He quickly moved in front of them all, pulling out and turning his lightsaber on as he did so.
"I think we have company, everyone."
As the figure became more visible, Storm could see that he, unless it was a very muscular female, had a pure white coat, maybe even purer than the snow. The person's toned blue hair and the black scarf he had wrapped around his neck flapped in the wind. Soon he got closer, raised the goggles upon his head, and called out a very unfamiliar name, but at the same time, he knew exactly who he was talking to without question.
"Twily!"
"Shining Armor!"
The two siblings hugged as they were grateful to see each other. Shining Armor also hugged Spike as the older brother was happy to see his baby brother was also present.
"Greetings, Jedi," said Shining Armor, seeing Storm.
"Your Highness," responded the boy.
"How are things progressing? Dad told us that Sombra's forces had been trying to get in," said Twilight.
"Dad was right. We just held off their last attack. Now come on, We better get moving. There are things out here that we really don't want to run into after dark."
Fluttershy gulped, pulling Applebloom and the rest close to her. "What kind of things?"
Shining Armor looked toward the raging snowstorm before him, frowning. "There are things that even make me afraid." The prince then made his way to Storm with a stern expression. "I want you to be our rear guard. Understand?"
"Yeah… I can handle it, don't worry." Storm smiled as she pounded his chest.
Shining nodded and turned to lead the way. "Alright, everyone. Follow me and keep close. Keep the children in the middle as we trek. Let's move out."
A shadow figure stood beside the crystal pool as it showed the image of Storm and the others making their way to the Crystal Empire. They touched the glass as it flashed between the royal kids and the girls.
"So... Night Ligh has sent his children to defeat me. Well, if he wanted them to die. All he had to do was ask, " said the shadow, licking his blade with his tongue. "Time to splatter the blood of the royal family."
The shadow began to form as it revealed a warlock in his place, clad in dark black armor. "This time... I'll show them the fear of Darkness!"
The wind from the heavy snowstorm pummeled the small group relentlessly, each step taken feeling as though they were walking through heavy lead. The group had to stick together at least; each one felt they would lose themselves within the thickness of the snow, never to be seen again.
Despite wearing his hoodie, Storm couldn't help but think that pants wouldn't be the worst. Forcing his eyes to look forward, he could see that the others were faring no better, especially the three little girls traveling as close to Fluttershy as they could. They struggled the most due to their small size. The Jedi Knight gritted his teeth as he fought through the sting of the cold.
How can anything survive out here? Let alone a whole Empire. This cold is intense.
Shining Armor's voice drew him from his inner thoughts, though what he had to say was far from comforting. "Something keeps trying to get in. We think it's Sombra and his forces."
Sora could hear Twilight's voice next, though he could barely see the lavender princess. "B-But Dad said we were being sent to find a way to protect the empire. It must already be protected if Sombra can't get in!"
Before Shining Armor could offer any response, a loud unearthly sound filled the air around them, somehow even drowning out the noise of the snowstorm that seemed to rage endlessly. Storm's eyes darted frantically as he searched for the source of the disturbance.
"What the...What was that?!"
Fluttershy quickly pulled the girls closer to her, her all four shaking from the cold and the foreboding feeling of fear. "I-It's one of the things, isn't it!?"
Shining stomped his foot on the ground as he turned to face the group, a determined frown on his face. "We have to get to the Crystal Empire! NOW!"
Before any of the group could start running, a thick cloud of smoke began to swirl behind them. The elements of the storm did little to affect it as it rose high in the sky. As it formed, it grew dark, and the feeling of dread could emanate deep into everyone who looked up at it. Blood-red eyes opened at the top of it when it was fully formed and stared down at all of them present.
After recovering from the shock of seeing the creature, Storm turned to the girls and yelled one word. "RUN!"
And run they did.
Scooping up Spike onto his back and causing him to leave all of Rarity's belongings, Storm kept pace with the girls and the prince while still staying at the end of the group, ready to defend against any attack that may come their way. He glanced backward, only to find the cloud of darkness chasing after them without remorse. He clicked his teeth and put on an extra sprint in his step.
A bright light dome could be seen over the horizon, causing Shining to smile with relief. "Look! We're almost…."
His jubilation died on his lips before he could even finish what he started to say. Everyone behind Twilight's brother could see what caused the sudden interruption. Many of the same Shadow Beasts that long existed could be seen rising out of the snow, their beady yellow eyes focused on their targets.
Twilight…" Spike called out, pointing a shaky finger toward the waiting creatures. "They got…"
"Horns!" Twilight finished. "They have horns! They can use magic!"
Rainbow threw her arms in the air. "Aww! COME ON!" The girl pulled out her blaster, ready to take aim.
Applejack stood before Fluttershy and the Crusaders. "This looks worse than a swarm of grasshoppers in a corn field…."
"You're telling me!" Pinkie said with a sigh. "How can I make friends with the crystal citizens if Meanie McShadow Pants stops us from reaching the place!"
Rarity gulped as she made her way behind Storm. "You don't suppose they would let us through if we asked nicely, would they?"
"These guys only understand one thing, Rarity! A good old-fashioned beating to the face!" exclaimed Rainbow.
Shining Armor gritted his teeth and fell back to be next to Storm. "I need you to take the girls and go on ahead! Find a way to get them to safety!"
Storm didn't take his eyes away from the Shadow Beasts. "What about you? What are you going to do?"
"I'll take care of the one right behind us!" Before Storm could object to him facing the big bad king alone, Shining ran at full speed towards the encroaching shadow, his hands flaring with a readied spell. "Emblem, shine on!"
The prince touched his wrist as his bracelet began to shine. The nanotechnology responded to his call and magic as he donned his suit of armor. Because he had no choice, Storm ran ahead, tossing Spike over to Applejack with a quick throw as the girl managed to catch the small prince. Freed from his burden, the Jedi ran ahead of the girls, turning his lightsaber on.
"I'll make an opening! You guys take it when-Woah!" He yelped as he nearly dodged a beam of dark energy as it shot past the boy, nearly clipping off more than just a few strands of his hair.
"They have magic, Storm!" Twilight called out, summoning a shield with her powers to cover herself and her friends as a wave of magic began to assault them. "Uhn! Rushing in without a plan is way too dangerous."
The boy gritted his teeth as he watched Twilight's shield take on the full brunt of the magic. Soon his eyes sparkled, and a bright smile played on his lips. "Magic. Magic!" He turned to Twilight. "Twilight! I need you to form a shield around me!"
Everybody looked at the Jedi with shocked expressions, all saying the same thing. "What!?
He made his way to Twilight's side and whispered into her ear, and when he was finished, the princess pulled away, looking at the boy with uncertainty.
"A-Are you sure that will work?"
"We can do it, Twi. I trust you. Do you trust me?"
The girl looked at her partner before donning an expression of her own.
"I would have to be close to you. The further away you are from my magic, the more I have to produce to keep it together."
Storm smirked as he pointed towards his back. "Then you better hop on and hold on tight, princess. Can't have you falling off mid-way."
Twilight hesitated for only a moment before doing as she was told. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he faced the others. "All of you, get behind us but stay close. Me and Twi are gonna smash our way through these beasts!"
The girls all complied just as Twilight formed the energy around her and Storm. A big purple orb enveloped the boy, encasing the teens.
"All right, Twi!" Storm called out. "Let's show them what we can do!"
Storm began running at full speed. The orb around them glided effortlessly in the snow as it made its way toward the front line of the Shadow Beast army. Seeing this, the creatures began to shoot the same dark energy toward the ball, but it had little effect as it bounced right off the glowing surface, sometimes sending it right back toward its owner. Disorientated, the creatures could not escape as the Storm/Twilight ball of energy bowled them over, sending more than a few flying into their brothers.
It took little time before Storm, the girls, and Spike made it, though near the end of the army. Before he reached the end of the line, however, Storm jumped in the air allowing the others behind him to dash under Twilight and himself.
"Release it! Now!" instructed the boy.
Twilight felt her own magic strengthened. Pouring all of the magic she could muster into the upcoming attack. The pair expanded the bubble outwards, hard and fast. The result was devastating as the heartless were sent flying away from the pair in a burst of magic and light. When the two landed, Storm twirled around to see the effects of his and the princess' work.
"It worked! Twilight we...Twi?" He felt Twilight slouch on his back, her cheek heavily leaning upon him and her grip loosening. "Twilight!? What's wrong?!"
"I…I used…too much…energy…" She huffed, her grip around his neck slipping more and more.
He looked toward the dome, which was only a few feet, and back toward the creatures blocking his way to getting to Shining Armor. He really didn't have much choice in what he had to do, even if his heart was screaming at him to not do so.
"Come on! We need to get you to safety!"
Rainbow appeared beside him, pointing towards Twilight's brother. "What about Shining! We can't leave him here!"
Storm stood firm in his resolve. "Twilight is down; we have kids with us! Getting them to safety first is the best thing we can do now."
"B-But we can't just leave him!" Rainbow tried so desperately to argue, more out of frustration than anything.
Storm nodded. "He can take care of himself for now. When we get them inside, I can return for Shining!"
Rainbow scowled. "B-But...We can't...I mean... He's Twilight's brother and…!"
"Go…"
All the girls turned to look toward Twilight, who was raising herself off the boy. "The little ones…They have to come first…Go..."
Rainbow gave a look of defeat as she tried in vain to rebel. "B-but…Twi… He's your…We can't just...I mean..." She struggled to come up with something but to no avail.
"Come on, ya'll…." Applejack said, lowering her hat over her eyes. "Ya heard Twilight…Applebloom and the other young'uns first. Trained soldier later."
Rainbow closed her eyes tight and shook before heading toward the dome, the rest following soon after. As soon as they entered, they were greeted with a sight unlike any other. Crystals as far as the eyes could see. The buildings, the road, and even most of the décor were made of many different crystals. But that was nothing compared to what lay in the crystal city's middle.
The Jedi gaped at the crystal spire rising higher than any buildings he had seen. Its slick crystal exterior would likely make you marvel at its beauty and namesake. The most noticeable thing was that it felt like a bright summer day inside the dome they entered, completely contrasting with the harsh winter outside. Though all the kids gasped in amazement at their surroundings, Storm would not enjoy it with the rest. He quickly slipped Twilight off his back, passing her to Rarity as he did so. Quick as he could, he turned to run back out into the harsh elements of the snow, ready to join Shining Armor in battle.
Only to find nothing.
No Shadow Beasts.
No Sombra.
No Shining Armor.
Nothing.
"What…no...nonoNONONO!" Storm ran out into the snow, turning off his lightsaber as he did so. "SHINING ARMOR! SHINING ARMOR, WHERE ARE YOU!" The boy yelled out into the darkness of the storm, only to be answered with the howling of the bitter wind. "No...I was too late..."
You're nothing but a weak kid playing pretend.
Storm slumped into the snow as the words stuck with him.
You can never escape your heart, Storm.
Storm raised his hand to his heart, feeling a familiar tingle within. The sudden feeling of his forehoof being grabbed caused the stallion to look behind him, Applejack pulling him back towards the safety and warmth of the barrier.
"Sugercube…Come on…Ah… Ah'm sure he's fine…Come on now…We can't afford to lose ya too." Storm allowed himself to be led back to the Crystal Empire, though before he entered, the boy looked at the raging storm of frost and ice.
"I… I'm sorry…Twilight…I was too…"
Weak...
"One down... and one to go," said a shadowy presence.
Sombra then took his shape as he approached his crystal pool. He touched it and saw that the kids had made it inside.
"I warned you, Night Light. The blood of your kids will be on your hands. You put them in harm's way. You live with that." snickered the Dark Lord cooly. He waved his hand over his crystal pool as he worked his black magic.
The black crystal that served as the gateway inside of the barrier glowed. The Dark King smiled as it still worked after all these years. Soon the gate responded to his magic.
At the same time, the group made their way to the castle.
"Oh my goodness! Twilight!"
Storm watched as Cadance came bounding weakly towards his side. Her three-toned hair seemed like it had seen better days...maybe even weeks. The tell-tell signs of sleeplessness and fatigue weighed heavily on her violet eyes. There was a hint of a constant bluish glow emanating from her hands, something he found rather odd.
After gently patting her head as Twilight lay in Storm's arms, the woman turned to face the others, a look of concern on her worn features. "What happened to Twilight?" She looked around the group as if she was looking for something specific. "A-And where's Shining Armor? I don't see him anywhere here. Is he hurt?"
No one could meet Cadance's gaze as she looked to all of them for some answer. After a heavy sigh from Applejack, the country gal decided to speak up on everyone's behalf. "Twilight used her magic ta help us get inside, Princess Cadence, due ta the fact that the whole area was swarming with those freaky shadow creatures." The farm girl gently placed a hand on the sleeping purple princess. "She just used a bit too much of her magic, is all. Plum passed out on the way over here. She just needs some rest, and she'll be right as rain soon."
"And Shining?" Cadence asked with bated breath. "What happened to him?"
"He…T-That is we…" Applejack looked away as she finally relented. "We don't know."
It almost looked like the princess's world shattered at Applejack's answer. "W-What?"
Storm stepped forward and shifted Twilight in his arms so he could at least be a little more comfortable as he spoke. "He stayed behind to face King Sombra so we could escape." the Jedi Knight answered. "He gave us all the opening we needed to make it to safety." Storm looked away from the alicorn mare. "I… It's my-"
Pinkie Pie jumped beside him, pulling the boy into a hug before he could say anymore, being careful not to jostle Twilight too much. "Shining stayed behind to distract Kingy McMeanypants from getting to us. Storm wanted to help him. He really, really did!"
Applejack nodded. "It was everyone's decision ta get these little ones ta safety first. It's what Shining told us ta do. And even Twilight agreed." Applejack pulled her little sister close to her, giving the younger sibling a reassuring nuzzle.
A mix of emotions played upon Cadance's face before the woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath before releasing it. The princess gave them a gentle yet shaky nod when her eyes snapped open.
"Please...Tell me what happened."
Author's Note: Well... it seems things have taken a turn for the worst. Not only do we have some stowaways, but the danger to the Crystal Empire is getting even more dangerous. And not only that, Shining Armor has been captured and Twilight is currently unconscious. And it seems Cadance based on her appearancealone isn't doing much better. Safe to say, this is going to be a much tougher situation than any villain the group has faced. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.