(READ THE DESCRIPTION!!!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wkfMxRq6tQ

(I DEFINITELY suggest you listen to the song while looking at this picture)

I have a feeling some of you guys may have seen this coming. I’ve been on a Monte Cristo edge for quite some time. And I have absolutely no idea WHEN i’m gonna get over it, to be perfectly honest. Not that it’s a bad thing. It just means I get to practice working with MLP designs a bit more. I already mentioned that i’m stapling MY design of Tirek as official in my gallery, and i’m sticking to it. However, since you’re all probably wondering certain things – like why Chancellor Neighsay is hanging out with two of the greatest evils in Equestria – then hang in there, cause i’m about to explain.

In the world of my version of “The Count of Monte Cristo”, Shining Armor plays the role of Edmond Dantes. Alot happens similarly to the show, but not all that much. Nightmare Moon fills the role of Napoleon Bonaparte, and has been engaged in civil war with Celestia’s kingdom for years. Several years before the MLP series would begin, King Sombra and Tirek would be reformed. Or at least given a chance to live peacefully in the world if they were willing to serve in the military. Both accepted, knowing things might be better for them if they do. Sombra Mondego, the dreaded/former king of the crystal empire, appeared a year before Tirek, and was found by Shining “Dantes” Armor, and nursed to health. For the first time in his life, Sombra sees what kindness, and compassion can bring, and becomes Shining Armor’s closest friend. And the two of them serve as lieutenants to an unnamed General. Tirek, however, being of a more militaristic distinction, rose up the ranks to become Lieutenant General, which is the highest position in the Equestrian military. And all 3 of them serve in the Equestrian Military, which often leads them overseas at times. Though he IS rough around the edges, Shining eventually befriends Tirek, as well. To a lesser degree.

And, of course, Sombra has feelings for Cadenza “Cadence” Mercedes, who is still Celestia’s niece, but the Crystal Empire hasn’t appeared yet. So, for the time being, they all live in the town by the sea named Mareseilles (Marseilles). And that’s what brings us to all this trouble. One day, while Shining, Sombra, and Tirek are at sea with their general, he suffers a brain tumor which basically eats away at his mind, and is already killing him. Against Tirek’s orders, as he technically was in charge in the General’s absence, Shining took the stallion he was most loyal to, along with Sombra and Tirek, to an Island for aid. This island ended up being where Nightmare Moon exiled herself to as the war ended up falling out of her favor. After nearly getting killed by her soldiers, she welcomes the group to her domain, and offers her help – she might be something of a tyrant, but she ISN’T heartless. And she greatly admire’s Shining’s dedication, and loyalty, and respects him. However, due to his trusting, and compassionate nature, she takes advantage of him by asking him to deliver a letter to an anonymous friend in Mareseilles, on the promise that it’s just a simple letter to a friend, and that HE never tell anyone of this errand.

He agrees, of course………but Sombra manages to spy on him from a distance, and saw the exchange.

Things really brew when the General awakens from his tumor-induced coma minutes before his death, and requests to speak with Shining Dante’s – alone. In secret, he tells Dantes’ that he wishes for him to take his place as General of the Equestrian Military. At first, Shining isn’t too keen because he knows Tirek is next for the position, and has no wish to impede his friend of something he’s wanted for a long time. But the general tells him of Tirek’s ambition, and how he fears that his ruthless nature may lead to him abusing his status if he was appointed. The General trusts Shining far more, and it’s the reason he wants him to take over, and take his ship along with the position. In the end, though with a but of hesitance, he accepts, before the General succumbs, and dies. Unfortunately, Tirek was the only one who remained behind to listen in on the conversation. And a newfound anger, and rage began to swell within him all the way back to Mareseilles – just as Sombra began to grow suspicious of Shining after seeing the exchange, and Shining refusing to tell anything about it to him, despite the two being close friends.

Shining’s sister, Princess Twilight, who was given the task of managing the military’s shipping companies that funded their overseas expeditions. When inquiring about their recent expedition, she is told the events of the voyage, and their stop at Nightmare Moon’s island (note she doesn’t also live in Mareseillles – Twilight just visits whenever she can, along with her seven friends, every time her brother returns home). Shining is then compelled to tell of The General’s dying words, and final wish to have him be made General. Thinking it over, Twilight says that if that’s truly what the General wanted, then there’s no choice but to accept it. All she had to do was go over this with the royal sisters to make it official. Tirek is naturally outraged, but is told off by the princess, who points out that trying to save the General by going ashore should have been HIS idea. And he leaves in a fume, feeling that this was a bias-based decision because Shining’s this princess’ sister. His anger towards Shining turning to jealousy…….and even paranoia as he begins to fear shining might have him discharged from his lieutenant general status with no real reason.

Sombra, meanwhile, attempts one more time to win Cadenza’s affections, even fibbing about Shining being dead. But she refuses him, and Shining appears on the scene to greet the two. While Cadenza is MORE than happy to see her beloved stallion, Sombra can only sneer as he leaves his friend confused, and unsure of what he did. This leaves Shining with Cadenza, where they share their feelings in all the way possible on the rocks at the base of the Mareseilles cliffs by the sea. It is here that Shining says he can’t wait any longer, and wants to marry Cadence tomorrow – a sentiment she shares greatly. And in their moment of happiness, she creates a small band of a ring made entirely out of sapphire crystal to symbolize the strength of their love, with the promise to always be there for each other, and never forget.

Sadly, that’s when we come to the moment above, where a stumped Sombra staggers by a tavern in his stewing anger. Here he meets with Tirek who offers him a seat, and a drink. They begin to converse about many things: but mostly about how ridiculous it was having a stallion like Shining Armor around. That’s when Sombra let’s slip what little he knows of the Nightmare Moon sent letter. Enter the chief prosecutor, Neighsay Villefort, who left the EEA to do more good as a prosecutor, as he had a strong sense of justice. And he happened to be in acquaintance with Tirek, and Sombra. They tell him everything they know, including the letter – something which gets Neighsay uneasy because he knows who that letter is for: his father, who is a secret follower of Nightmare Moon. Realizing his families reputation is at stake, he begins talking with the two about Dante’s, with the other two sharing their newfound disdain for him. But at the question of if something should be done about him, an idea emerges in Tirek Danglar’s head.

As Shining Dantes is an obstacle, and danger to all 3 of them in one form, or another, perhaps it’s best to get rid of him, and dispose of the problem for good. The 3 then begin sharing their devious intellects to concoct a perfect plan to dispose of Shining without ever having to kill him: make him into a scapegoat, and frame him for a crime he never committed. Said crimes being conspiracy with Nightmare Moon, and aiding her allies, which is an act of treason. And even add the possible MURDER of the former general to his crimes. All it would require is sending an anonymous tip to the Royal Guard, and then send him to the Prosecutor Neighsay to dispose of the incriminating evidence of treason, and then sentence Shining Dantes to eternal imprisonment in one of equestria’s most notorious prisons, the Chateau D’if, to rot away and disappear from memory for all time. Tirek would finally be appointed General, and he would run Princess Twilight out of business in the shipping firms. Sombra would finally be able to have his chance with Cadence, and eventually wed her himself. And Neighsay’s reputation, and status would remain in tact – though he honestly wishes it didn’t have to go this way for Shining, he holds his reputation higher than a single stallion’s life. So he’s more than willing to go through with this sinister conspiracy. In the end, Shining proved no match for the cunning craft of 3 most intelligent masterminds.

His history will be a story told to inspire tragedy, and despair for all who know him.

On a last note, Sombra was wearing a very nice suit akin to Twilight Monsparkle from the Ink potts animatic. But with his true nature rising to the surface at the prospect of such a dastardly plan, his inherent magic altered his appearance to let his true nature show itself. Even if it’s for just a few moments, the true Sombra Mondego is laid bear for all to see. Sadly, noone but his companions will ever pay mind to such an evil, and wicked presence. For evil enjoys company.