Long Shot

Bullseye was becoming extremely frustrated. " You, Sombra, are a terrible pony!"

" Fine, then. I'm a terrible pony," Sombra huffed, his interest waning. " Everypony can go tend to their normal activities. I need you, little one, to come and have a quick chat with me."

" Bring any of your family you may have with you as well. Maybe they could help you defend your actions," Shieldshine added curtly as he and Sombra trotted back inside.

The crowd slowly started to split apart as all of the ponies went to return to their homes. Many of them were quite surprised at the young colt's bravery. One of them in particular was so impressed that she wanted to meet him for herself. " Mom, can I go to see that colt that was arguing with Sombra?"

" No, Melody. I don't need you getting into any trouble with him."

" But Mooooom--"

" No buts. I don't want you anywhere near him. He could be a bad influence on you. Besides, if King Sombra is asking to meet with him, I don't think it will end well."

" I just wanted to say hi," she grumbled, frustrated with her mom.

" You know that was a terrible idea, right?"

" I had to, Ruby! What he's trying to do isn't right, and somepony needed to say something."

" But still, he asked to speak to you personally. I don't think that means very good news for you."

" Then it doesn't mean good news for you, either, because you're coming with me."

" I love you, Bullseye," she sighed," but you can be such a smartass sometimes."

" I know," he replied happily. The two of them walked to the entrance of the castle, Bullseye in the lead. As he trotted along, Bullseye noticed that he was getting funny looks from all the ponies they passed by. They soon made it to their destination.

The siblings entered a huge archway. They were greeted by a large main hall filled with beautiful decorations. There was carved wooden tables on either side of the room, both topped with a candle or two and a vase holding a type of crystal flower. There were also flags hanging from the ceiling, coming in various colors and depicting the royal sisters.

Sombra's ears perked up at hearing the two young ponies come in. He trotted to the door to greet them, beckoning to Shieldshine with his hoof to join him. " Welcome, young ones. I, uh, didn't happen to catch your names during our little conversation outside."

" I-"

" I'm Ruby,  and this little rascal here is Bullseye, " Ruby said nervously, eyes darting between the two colts.

" And he is the one who I was talking to on the balcony?"

" Ye-"

" Let him speak for himself," he replied, putting a hoof over her mouth.

" Yes, I was the pony who was talking to you. Are you mad at me?" Bullseye raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his face.

" No, why would I be? It's just a young stallion trying to stand up for what he believes in," the black stallion answered, with a bit of a sarcastic tone. Sombra still had his hoof over Ruby's mouth and she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. She stepped back from Sombra, his hoof lowering to the ground.

" We should really be going now, King Sombra, so if you would kindly let us go...."

" Don't you two want to stay for dinner? You must be hungry at this hour."

Ruby was beginning to sweat, she was so nervous. " Uhhhhh..."