Heart of Darkness (King Sombra x Reader)

His Return

"I spent months planning my heist. It's flawless; they haven't even realized it's missing yet. I have brought it to you, to help you regain all your strength," I explain.

Sombra's eyes gleam with a sinister light as he gazes upon the Crystal Heart, his hooves clenching. He turns his gaze back to me, his expression almost one of genuine respect. "You have done well, Autumn Rose..." he says, his voice a low, ominous rumble. "This artifact will prove quite useful in reclaiming my empire."

I bow deeply. "I beg of you, my king. Let me assist you as you rule, only as your humble servant, by your side. I will not get in your way or question anything you do."

He studies me for a long time, his expression contemplative. A smile slowly forms on his face, an almost sinister smirk. He appraises me carefully, weighing my offer in his mind.

"You seek to serve me, as a loyal and humble servant, hm?" he says, his voice smooth and commanding. "To follow where I lead, to never question my decisions, to remain loyally in my shadow... what is it you hope to gain from such a service?"

"Only your favor, my king. Some power over your crystal slaves in my role beneath you. It'll make your life easier. You will be able to enjoy your life as king while I carry out whatever task you assign me," I respond.

Sombra raises a brow at my boldness, his smirk growing wider. He leans back in his throne, contemplating my request, before speaking. "You wish for power, do you?" he says, his voice almost tinged with a hint of admiration for my ambition. "Very well, Autumn Rose. I will allow you to serve me... for now. But keep in mind, my favor is hard-earned, and my loyalty is not easily won. You serve me well, and you shall be rewarded. You fail me... and you shall suffer tenfold for it."

"Yes, my king," I say quickly. "I understand. I will be punished if I ever fail you."

His eyes flash with a spark of satisfaction. He sits back in his throne, his gaze upon me intense and expectant. "Good," he replies, a hint of approval in his voice. "See to it that you remember your place. You are a tool, Autumn Rose. You are a blade in my hand, to be used as I see fit. You are nothing more than a means to an end, and you are expendable if you prove ineffective."

I gulp. Sweet Celestia, he can be scary. 

"Yes, um, one more thing, my king. I'm an... acquaintance of Twilight Sparkle's" I say nervously.

Sombra's eyes narrow at the mention of Twilight Sparkle's name. A cold smile spreads across his face, his expression darkening slightly. "Twilight Sparkle, the so-called Princess of Friendship," he spits, his voice bitter and full of contempt. "And how to you know her, pray tell?"

"I studied with her at Celestia's school" I explain. "I always tried to win Celestia's favor, but she always loved that... that brat over me," I say bitterly.

Sombra laughs at my statement, his expression one of dark amusement. "Ah yes, Celestia's favorite student. Always so perfect, always so beloved" he says, his voice full of mocking derision. "You tried to gain her favor? Poor little pony."

I frown. "I was never as powerful as Twilight. And now she has everything I could possibly want. It's not fair," I smirk slightly. "Imagine the look on her prissy pony face when she realizes she's failed the Crystal Empire," I mull.

Sombra's eyes gleam with a malevolent light at the thought of Twilight Sparkle's misfortune. His smirk grows wider, his expression almost gleeful at the thought. "Oh yes, the look on her face will be quite the entertainment!" he says, a sinister laugh escaping his lips. "Imagine her horror when she realizes the empire she once saves is now mine once again... the absolute despair she will feel when she sees I, not she, stand victorious."

I smirk at the thought. "She'll be fine anyways... she has the rest of Equestria. But the Crystal Empire? That will be ours."

I gulp as I see your expression and quickly correct myself. "U-uh... I mean... yours."

He leans back in his throne, crossing his hooves and giving me a long, almost calculating look. "Ours, you says? Hmph," he grunts, his expression cool. "Careful, Autumn Rose. Remember your place. You are not my equal. You are beneath me, less than nothing. This empire is mine. Not yours, not Celestia's, and not Twilight Sparkle's. Mine."

"Y-yes, my king," I say softly. "Forgive me."

Sombra studies me for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. 

Please don't hurt me, please don't hurt me, I pray.

He gestures to a spot by his throne. "Come here, Autumn Rose. Kneel before me." 

I kneel before the shadow mist, holding out the Crystal Heart. Sombra's gaze softens slightly as he gazes at the Crystal Heart, reaching out his scarred and dark hoof to take it from me. He brings the artifact up to eye level, admiring its gleam and glow in the dark scenery.

"Such power..." he whispers, his voice almost reverential. "The Crystal Empire is mine once more, all made possible by your efforts. You have served me well, Autumn Rose."

The shadows around me swoosh into a black mist, almost knocking me over. I look back up to see King Sombra, fully formed now, standing before me. I grin and bow at his feet as he lets out an evil laugh.

"My king."