This story is a look into the events that unfolded 1000 years ago that turned the the Crystal Empire from a harmonious paradise into a cursed dystopia.

Unsettling dreams are starting to worry Princess Luna. She is positive these dreams hold an ominous portent for all of Equestria, but there is only one stallion who knows for certain the answers she seeks. King Sombra has been imprisoned again in Shadow since his defeat and the shattering of his body, but he is no less cunning and ruthless. And as Luna tries to interrogate him over time, she finds there is a softer side to the unicorn king, one nopony has seen before. But Celestia fears for her younger sister, warning Luna against Sombra's advances. Is the once-tyrant truly starting to court Princess Luna...or is she simply being used as a pawn in his plans to regain power?
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Cover art by the amazing MickeyMonster, who has permitted me use of it for this fanfiction, as this image inspired me to write this story in the first place.
Edited and proofread by my girls TheOneBehindYou and LabyrinthineMind.

8tracks playlist: https://8tracks.com/yoru-the-rogue/lingering-shadows

The Equestrian ponies live in a state of fear, under the hooves of a pair of terrible tyrants.

Many wake every day, only to run for their lives, seeking some safe hiding place. And they are the lucky ones.

Others are slaves, forced to work, fight, and die, with no hope of freedom.

Some want to fight back, but none seem to be able to stand against their oppressors.

And still others seek refuge, going to the one being in Equestria that can help them. A Spirit of Chaos, named Discord.

Very alternate universe story, in which the characters' moralities are reversed.

Sequel: here

Featured on Equestria Daily! [Link]

In the wake of a great tragedy, Celestia opens up, and, for the first time, tells her own story. For the first time, she tells what happened with Discord and King Sombra. And, for the first time, she tells what it's like to have to give up everything she's ever had, everything she's ever wanted, everything she's ever dreamed of--all of it, for the good of Equestria.

Please note: this is an "AU-ish" fic--that is, it sticks to canon in most respects, except when it doesn't.

Unfortunately, not planning on continuing this story arc [Blog Post]. I hope you enjoy it nevertheless!

Rated Teen for mild language.

Thanks to Eruantalon, CCC_037, and Rainb0w_Dashie for proofreading.
Awesome art by Alanymph. Go check 'em out!
Original cover art, also by Alanymph.

War. War is a powerful word, and a dangerous thing. When all else fails, and we are not able to reach the standards we desire, the things we want, feel that should be ours some turn to war. And while Equestria itself does not face war, an alternate world does.

King Sombra's return, was more detrimental than any could imagine. Controlling ponies was a catalyst that brought about Sombra taking over a large section of Equestria, but controlling other species was what started a grand battle on Equus of which the likes Princess Celestia never imagined could ever happen. And right now, the moment to end that war, lies on the shoulders of a pegasus, a broken pegasus. General Rainbow Dash of The Resistance.

Rainbow Dash has lost a lot, her dignity as a pegasus, many of her friends to the war and Sombra's antics. But Sombra is strong, he is powerful, he is confident. He has made calculations and has prepared for this very moment.

What he didn't prepare for, was a certain Stormtrooper to join the battle and aid Rainbow Dash in the fight, that would ultimately decide the world's fate.

Through a miraculous and cruel twist of fate, Sombra has survived death yet again. However, his many defeats have left him broken and near feral, and the Princesses see no option but to lock him away. Starlight Glimmer, seeing more than the rage and hate the others see, feels pity for the fallen king, and offers to take Sombra under her care to try and reform him.

She quickly finds out Sombra's more broken than anyone believes, and it's going to be a rocky road to redemption, but even the darkest shadows can take solace in the starlight.

Cover art drawn by my sister, linked in the art itself.

This story is a sequel to Luna's Foal

Luna’s filly was taking more of her mother’s time and Celestia’s reluctance to accept the father was driving a wedge between the Royal sisters.

When Equestria finds itself under attack the sisters must act, but can they pull together or will bitterness divide them?

This story can be continued further to Celestia's Alliance.

A feud between two chefs ends up involving a very strange third party.

Now has a prequel in the works, called Cooking Roach.

Celestia has often looked to the furthest edges of her kingdom when watching for dangers. Sometimes, she may even journey there, just to make sure things are on the up and up. Today, she goes to, of all places, the former village of Starlight Glimmer. But it is not the mare herself she has come to see, but the village's newest resident, who is not as unfamiliar to her as might first appear.

After losing her beloved, Celestia finds it difficult to continue on without him. But, she should be fine, right? It's not the first time she lost somepony close to her. So why is she so broken about it now?

Discord will have no idea what to make of what he'll learn.

This is a Princess CelestiaxAU King Sombra
This is inspired by the Reflections Arc of the MLP Comics, which runs through issues 17-20.