Catering for the King
Chapter 1
Inside the Cage
It was a great summer day in the Crystal Empire. Even more so for Prince Shining Armour and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, it was leisure day for them! Free of any chores or royal duties, they had the entire day to themselves. Oh the possibilities of what they could do.
They decided to go out on a picnic on the outskirts of Ponyville near a lake, just the two of them, as a normal couple and not royal figures. The picnic was then to be complimented by a stroll around the park to take in the sights and maybe pet a squirrel or two. After that, shopping! Not in Canterlot, of course. They’d go to a normal confectionary shop Twilight Sparkle mentioned to them during one of her many visits; Sugarcube Corner. They’d get a few treats for themselves and return home, and after that?
Well, they had their own private plans for the rest of the day.
Currently, Shining Armour was lounging outside on the chamber’s balcony, sipping on a cup of coffee he made not long ago while gazing out into the green landscape, devoid of any sparkly crystal buildings that were an eyesore. Cadance was in the shower, humming a happy tune.
Shining had somehow managed to hear somepony knocking on their door over the jets of water and Cadance’s humming. Though it sounded more like somepony dropping plastic bottles on the floor.
“Honey, did you drop the shower gel bottle again?” Shining leaned back on the chair as he asked loudly, setting his cup aside on a little wooden stand.
“No, Shiny,” Cadance replied equally as loud. It was amazing how a mare’s voice travelled through thick walls without losing any of its volume.
Taking a final sip from his cup, Shining quickly cantered over to the gold plated door with numerous decorations. Surprisingly, a Crystal Guard greeted him with a rolled up parchment laid out on his extended wing, Celestia’s seal keeping the roll of paper closed.
“Good morning, Captain. Princess Celestia has instructed me to deliver a letter addressed to you and Princess Cadance in person. It is of the most importance as her majesty recommends you read it as soon as possbile,” the Guard presented the letter to Shining. He plucked it away with his telekinesis and thanked the guard. “Sir,” the armour clad Pegasus saluted and casually trotted away, a sword sheath clunking near his crystal blue armour in tow. Shining’s eyes lingered on the hilt of the weapon, a sour looking overcoming his usually calm features.
“A letter from Celestia? I wonder what it might be,” Cadance startled Shining Armour from behind. The unicorn swivelled around and regarded his wife coolly. She smirked at him while drying off her mane with a lilac towel adorned with flower decors.
“Yeah, even said it’s something urgent,” Shining chuckled and slumped, glaring at the letter, “I swear, if your auntie needs us to do anything today... hey, how about you read it? I have to go down to the barracks anyway, sort out a few things with today’s uniform.”
“What’s wrong?” Cadance rolled up her towel and put it away. Shining glanced behind him and closed the door so it was open just a tiny crack.
“The guard that gave me the letter, he was carrying a sword, Cadance, a weapon, in the palace halls. What would the nobles and public say if they see it? Our guards can’t be carrying weapons without a reason. The Crystal Empire is one of the top safest places in Equestria,” Shining Armour sounded troubled. He reached up to touch his brow while Cadance dismissed how silly he sounded.
“If’s it bothering you that much, then pay them a visit. Now, let’s see what auntie Celly thinks is so important she had to worry Shiny about taking away his little holiday,” Cadance swiftly stole the rolled up paper and sat down onto the edge of their bed. Shining Armour sighed internally and made his way down into the barracks, where no doubt a good chunk of the Guards are reading up for duty.
With a barely supressed yawn, Cadance tore the seal off and unrolled the parchment. By the way the words were hastily written, it was obvious something was bothering Celestia at the time of writing this letter. Not many things bothered the sun goddess.
Shrugging and lying down on her back, letter floating above, Cadance went on about reading.
***
“Cryyystaaals…”
The clank of iron chains resonated throughout the cobblestone prison cell, deep underground. Two guards clad in full combat armour flanked each side of a thick steel door with only a single view port to allow observation of the prisoner inside. More guards were lining the hallway that stretched out as far as the eye could see, long spears and steel swords in holsters and sheathes. Small chandeliers hung above, each one two metres apart from the other, a construct of a hollow metal rim with three torches attached.
“Mmm…”
The deep voiced stallion inside the cell kept on growling and hissing his love for crystals while his chains clicked and clacked against the concrete floor, announcing his awakening.
“Be ready, Luna and Celestia should be here any second,” one of the guards muttered as his horn flared up in a brilliant orange. The longsword was drawn an inch from its sheath. “Be ready, this bastard has so many tricks up his sleeve it makes mimes look like amateur comedians.”
No more than a few seconds later, a strong gush of air travelled down the tunnel, almost tipping over a few guards who weren’t expecting it. An ear splitting thud of metal announced the arrival of someone further down the hall.
Escorted by a dozen ponies clad in royal yellow armour and matching weapons, it took them a good two minutes to finally arrive near the solitary cell in this underground complex. Princess Celestia strode forward with Princess Luna in tow, a shimmery bubble of their own magic surrounded them. This wasn’t something the majesties themselves did - collect a prisoner in person, that is.
But desperate times call for desperate measures. Days ago, the Desert Rangers, sent onto an exhibition into the unmapped Malhaid deserts to uncover the truth behind the Sand Flower, an old relic that is said could heal millions in seconds, found the most peculiar pony buried inches into the sand.
Now while in Equestria, everyone treated him like a ticking time bomb, even while he was asleep. The Princesses were no exception, they have taken the necessary precautions in order to approach him and talk one-on-two.
“Now that we’re here, I’d like to have a word with him,” Celestia held her head high, eyes trained on the steel door, “Open this cell at once.”
Celestia’s order was carried out barely a moment later. One of the guards unhooked a large iron key strapped to his chassis and pushed the tip against the flat surface of the door. As soon as it made contact, a key shaped hole materialized, allowing the key to slide in. It had so many enchantments stuffed into it that instead of opening like a conventional door, it exploded into bright orbs of blue light which disappeared as they touched the ground.
Inside laid a golden cage with thick bars. Sheets of sparkly transparent material surrounded every angle of the cage. No windows, no lavatory, nothing. The stone cell was stripped clean of everything, except for the cage and its defensive barriers.
Celestia had to duck through the low door frame, but once inside, she was able to rise to her full height again. Luna stepped through and took her place by her sister’s side.
The unicorn within was stripped of everything; his crown, his armour, his cape, and his honour. Even his magic was disabled by a white ring dotted with red diamonds fitted around his horn. Fed only once a week to keep his powers recharging at bay, Sombra wasn’t looking his best. Ribs faintly showed on his chest while his form wasn’t as muscular as it was before.
“Sombra,” Celestia began with a commanding tone. Guards behind were grouping up to block the exit. Their faces hidden beneath metal, they would seem intimidating for a normal pony.
The voice echoed against the walls and reached the stallion’s ears. They twitched, and he stirred along with the chains.
“Celestia,” Sombra almost purred in his deep, albeit raspy, voice without even opening his eyes first. “Come to visit and leave presents?”
“It is not the time for jokes, Sombra,” Luna glared at him, eyes somehow narrowing at the same time. She didn’t shout, but the irritation was present in her voice, which made Sombra smirk.
“Stand down, Luna,” Celestia motioned for her sister to step back a little bit. Luna complied with an internal huff. “Stand and open your eyes, Sombra. Let us speak as ruler to ruler.”
“Ha!” Sombra jerked up quite unexpecantly. The clatter of armour in the hall suggested some of the guards had flinched. He took a step towards the cage before the thick iron chain around his neck choked him into standing still. “How civilized of you. Those two ruler wannabes should’ve taken a page out of your book before blasting me to kingdom come with the crystal laser.”
“They had a perfectly good reason to do that. You came charging with full power, at full speed. Any pony with half a mind would blast your tyrant back-end to oblivion,” Luna perked up again.
“And what has gotten you so riled up, little princess? I didn’t aim for your precious Canterlot, did I? I suggest you stay out of this, child. Let the adults speak,” Sombra grinned, fangs glinting in the strong light the magical bubbles gave off. Luna had the expression of contained anger. Oh how this scrawny infidel regarded her.
“You have no right to address Luna like this. Pick your words carefully, Sombra, or you might see your chances at answering for your sins disappear,” Celestia warned, cooling down her sister with a comforting hoof to the shoulder. “Now, I suppose you’d want to know why I brought you here.”
“You modern day ponies have a shoot on sight policy for ‘villains,’” Sombra snorted in disgust at the nickname, “So, yes, let’s hear out your reasons.”
Celestia took a moment to make sure Luna wouldn’t snap at Sombra again.
“As you might know, or don’t, Discord was branded an enemy of the country and its people. We trapped him in stone, but that never worked out. After very careful consideration, we’ve decided to give him a chance at redemption. Now, he walks freely among ponies due to some help from our friends-” Celestia was abruptly cut off by Sombra’s yawn.
“Yes, yes, Discord. Interesting character that can bend the very fabric of reality, yet he was persuaded into submission by a handful of ponies,” Sombra waved his hoof dismissively, which the guards took as a sign of him trying something funny. Three of the bulkiest soldiers entered the room, swords drawn. Sombra only gave them a toothy, malicious smile.
“They’re not just a handful of ponies, they’re the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, a most powerful magic. We knew the Crystal Heart was owned by you once, that explains why you weren’t completely and utterly decimated. We used powerful magic akin to the Elements to track down your location, Sombra. We found you on the edges of the unmapped Dahtri deserts. I do not know how your body has managed the trip, but do know that it was under my order to retrieve you-“ once again, Celestia was cut off. It seemed that Sombra had no fear of anypony, even the sun goddess herself.
“I do not need a history lesson from you. How I was found is of no concern. All that matters is that I am alive, thanks to you,” he chuckled, pure hatred simply spilling out of his mouth as he eyed Celestia and Luna, the ones who banished him in the first place.
“You should be grateful, wretch. My sister could have chosen to ignore you and let you die in the scorching sands. It is Celestia that has saved you, not your precious Crystal Heart. She has saved you from annihilation. You should at least show some appreciation,” Luna harrumphed and demanded with a stop.
Sombra could only laugh at her childish attempt at forcing him to display gratitude. “Hold your tongue. Your sister has not saved anyone; she has made a mistake by bringing me back. I would have found my own way anyway, so it does not matter,” he eyed Celestia. “What do you want, Princess? Surely you’ve come here for a reason. Explain yourself.”
“If you insist,” Celestia decided to get to the point already. This was taking up too much of her time, while being frustration to deal with Sombra’s smartass remarks and laughing. “I am going to explain to you what is going to happen. You will be transferred to Equestria to a very familiar place. Upon arrival, you will meet two of your future… instructors. They will attempt to drive the darkness from your heart, and possibly restore your original self. Because no creature is born pure evil, I-“
It started out as a snicker then turned into a chuckle. It grew into a low laughter, amplifying into a deep rumble of madness.
“Listen to yourself!” he spoke between intervals of laughter, “Drive the darkness from my heart? Restore me to my original self? Did you finally spit your bit, Celestia? I cannot be restored, I was like this from the very start. No two whelps could restore what isn’t there in the first place. Where did you think up this pile of b-“
“I think Cadance and Shining Armour would be delighted to have him as a permanent guest. Don’t you, sister?” Luna looked up at Celestia with a thin smile. Celestia offered a smile of her own and nodded her approval.
“Who?” Sombra stopped at the hearing those two names. “Who in Oblivion are Cadance and Shining Armour? You think sending me to some two lovebirds will just magically fix everything? You have much to learn, Celestia. My desire for the Crystal Empire is not easily sated. I will break them, crush them beneath an iron hoof. This is your worst and final mistake, mark my words.”
The Princesses completely ignored the unicorn. Celestia nodded back to the guards. A few stepped in, wielding short shock rods that sparked with electricity at the metal tip.
Sombra barely managed to contain his rage. The top priority on his list right now was to break free and rip apart the Princesses, bit by bit, then reclaim was what his.
“Fools, all of you, fools. Too young and stubborn to understand the fire you’re playing with. You would’ve been wiser by freezing me in the cold North again, but no, you choose to reform me, like you did with Discord,” Sombra stepped back from the bars, teeth clenched. “I am not Discord. I cannot be reformed. And as a consequence for your mistake, you will see the ones you love burn in front of your very eyes. Canterlot will burn, Equestria will burn. ‘tis not a threat, but a mere warning of what is going to come.”
With a roll of her eyes, Luna decided that enough was enough, and she’d like to skip watching Sombra being beaten with shock rods. With a zap and a release of pressure, Luna directed a jagged string of blue electricity towards Sombra. It caught him dead on in the chest and stopped all motion. Pupils dilating, he bit his own tongue in order to stop from screaming in sheer agony. He collapsed shortly after, every limb twitching as white foam accumulated inside his mouth and spilled out on the floor.
“I think you might have overdone it, sister,” Celestia commented, but smirked nonetheless. At least it stopped him from ranting about his great escape and what he’ll do.
“He deserved so much worse,” Luna couldn’t help but grin at the sight of the twitching stallion.
“Your majesties, package is ready for relocation,” one of the bulky soldiers announced, sheathing his weapon. Was it just Celestia, or was the guard actually smirking underneath his face plate?
“Splendid. Hurry, Luna, let’s get him ready for Cadance and Shining Armour. A straightjacket should do for now.”
***
Job done. Shining had filed a complaint and every guard who had a weapon or anything close to being used as one, now doesn’t. He’d been gone for about ten minutes, now wants to see what progress Cadance had made on the letter from Celestia.
“Honey, I’m back. What did Celestia write?” making his way inside the bed chamber, Shining found Cadance sitting in the middle of the room with her back turned to him, wings unceremoniously dropping from her sides. The letter was nowhere in sight, only the torn off royal seal remained.
“Cadance?” Shining approached her slowly, pivoting his head around to get a glance of her. This wasn’t typical Cadance behaviour, usually she’d be preparing for the day ahead, not sitting in the middle of the room, giving off uncomfortable vibes.
“Guess who’s back?” Cadance’s quiet voice stopped Shining in his tracks. She didn’t turn to him as she spoke again. “Back again.”
“Who’s back, Cadance? Are you alright? Why are you sitting on the floor…” his voice trailed off as he noticed a small lump of grey ash on the carpet sitting near Cadance’s hooves. “Is that the letter? Cadance, did you burn it?”
“It was a fake, Shiny. Somepony replicated one of Celestia’s letters and sent it to us,” Cadance slowly stood. She raised a hoof to wipe something from her muzzle.
“How could it be a fake? It had her seal and everything. And the guard, I’ve known him for over two years, he can’t be a fake too,” Shining approached his wife from the side, but her hoof sprung up to his chest and stopped him.
“Then why would she send King Sombra to us? Like a simple little package we just have to take care of.”
“King Sombra? Cadance, Sombra is dead, he was disintegrated by the Crystal Heart. Maybe you’ve read it wrong and got a bit worried,” sighing, he eased her hoof down and reached out with his own to her chin, “Honey, are you sure you’re alright? You haven’t had much sleep yesterday. Maybe if you lie down for a few hours, that’ll make you feel better. Then we can go to the picni-“
“Captain! Captain Shining Armour!” the door suddenly flew open as a mare’s voice grabbed the couple’s attention. She sounded out of breath, “Princess Celestia and Luna have arrived at the palace garden, sir! They request your and Princess Cadance’s attendance immediately! They have King Sombra with them!”
With an utterly disbelieving look, mouth agape, Shining turned back to Cadance. She was looking at him now, a tiny grin playing on her features.
“Guess who’s back?” she whispered.
***
Shining Armour had expected the Empire to be surrounded by pitch black clouds of evil with Sombra’s giant head grinning down at him, black crystals poking into every orifice possible. Instead, his expectations and a little bit of his panic shattered as he found Princess Celestia, Luna, and Sombra all standing amongst a thick group of fully armoured guards in the gardens. The ex-ruler was tied up to such an extent that he found it difficult to even breathe, thanks to the iron muzzle he wore. The Princesses acted so calm and casual without the safety of flak armour as they flanked Sombra.
Crystal Guards filed and grouped up behind Shining Armour, puzzled and surprised as much as him.
Shining Armour stepped forward, his eyes plastered on the black unicorn.
“Celestia, your Highness, is this…” he was at a loss for words. What in everything that is holy and pure was Sombra doing here? Sombra! The unicorn King that enslaved everypony in the Crystal Empire and made it disappear for a millennia.
“Worry not, Prince Shining Armour, for Sombra is completely harmless. Why, he couldn’t hurt a fly with how we’ve secured him,” Luna mocked. Sombra mumbled something behind the muzzle. “Sorry, what’s that? You like the garden? My, I never took you for a horticulturist, quite a pleasant surprise.”
“Sister, please, you’re agitating our friend,” Celestia smirked, but no pony noticed. “Now, Sombra, be nice to Shining Armour. He and Cadance will take on the responsibility of becoming best of friends.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Shining Armour cut in, holding his head in his hoof, “Is this-is this normal, your Highness?” he pointed at Sombra.
“What troubles you, Prince?” Luna responded instead of Celestia. “Sombra is need of friends that will guide him away from the path of hate and darkness. My sister couldn’t have picked a more fitting couple than you two. After all, Cadance is a Princess of love, something Sombra needs to understand the concept and meaning of.”
“I apologize for addressing you in such a manner, Princess Luna, but is this sort of thing normal where you come from? Bringing back evil beings that have hurt us one way or another?” Luna opened her mouth to respond, but Shining Armour continued. “This-“ he shoved a hoof at Sombra, “-is Sombra. King Sombra? You know, the unicorn that tried to take over the Crystal Empire and enslave everypony again after a thousand years? Also, why isn’t he dead?!”
“Shining Armour,” Celestia began softly, “I have explained everything as clearly as possible in the letter. Have you not read it?”
“No, I didn’t get a chance to. Cadance read it, but-“
“Ah, Cadance, I almost forgot! Would you be as kind to excuse us for a moment?” Luna happily trotted over to Shining.
“Er-“ and passed by him without saying another word. “Sure.”
“Pardon me for sounding so flamboyant, but I have important royal matters to attend to, Shining Armour. Heavens forbid I miss an important meeting. Sombra is muzzled, restrained, disabled. Completely harmless. Now, everything is in the letter, read it when you have a chance again. It will explain in detail how our new friend here survived the Crystal Heart and made his return amongst the living,” Celestia offered a thin smile, one which Shining Armour didn’t return. “Now, I leave Sombra in your care. Even though I had his magic disabled for a lengthy period of time, he is older than sin itself. Keep a close eye on him at all times.”
“Oh, one more thing, my sister will be a temporary guest in your kingdom, she’ll make sure everything is performing smoothly with Sombra. An… inspector, if you will,” Celestia nodded at Shining and turned around, making way to the sizeable chariot hidden behind the group of guards, leaving Sombra, ex-tyrant ruler, slaver, and most dangerous and evil unicorn in the care of the Crystal Empire, as if it was no big deal and hey you should totally take in this evil guy. What could possibly go wrong?
Also, she left Luna behind.
Shining Armour hoped Celestia knew what she was doing.
This was all so sudden, he didn’t know if he should panic, lock Sombra up deep, deep underground where no pony could find him or welcome him with semi-open arms. He guessed Celestia wouldn’t take kindly to him treating Sombra in an unacceptable manner. Slapping him around was out of the question. What a shame.
Sombra was left sitting in the grass, wrapped up tightly in a white jacket that restricted most movement, primarily his forelegs. He held his head low, eyes piercing Shining Armour with malicious intent.
“I guess the picnic’s off,” Shining muttered, wiping away sweat from his brow. Was he sweating? “You,” Shining began approaching the sitting Sombra. “I don’t know what’s going on right now, but you better listen carefully and follow my instructions, understood?”
Sombra made no attempt at responding, only staring. Any moment now Shining expected the edges of Sombra’s eyes to flame up as everything was surrounded by his magical black clouds.
“I won’t go against Celestia wish, so for now, you’re stuck with me and Cadance,” ‘I guess,’ Shining thought. This was just so… freakishly unnatural and wrong. How things would’ve been simpler if Sombra just died in the blast. “I want my only day off to go smoothly, so you will listen to me or Cadance. We say jump, you ask how high, got it?”
Why. Isn’t. He. Dead?! That was the only question that kept surfacing. Sombra looked fine! A bit starved and weak, but fine! Where’s the charring, the missing skin and or limbs? The Crystal Heart decimated evil atom by atom, there isn’t even supposed to be any ash left.
Is that what Shining wanted, for a pony to die? Maybe, if it was Sombra or someone similar.
“I guess you’ll need a room, too… “ somewhere near a pit of lava and an army of guards. What if he just locked him up in the cells down in the dungeon?
“Reforming doesn’t mean depriving him of social interaction and good accommodation, Prince Shining,” when did Luna get here?
Only now did he hear the silent beat of her wings as the Princess landed behind Sombra, not startling the seething unicorn. “I know that look anywhere, Prince. The one of bad natured contemplation. No cells. He will be treated as a formal guest, is that understood?”
Shining wanted to just tip Sombra over a cliff and call it a day. “Yes, your Highness, I understand.”
“Simply splendid! Now, Cadance has informed me that you have a picnic planned for today. Would it be a bother if you invited a friend or two? It would be a shame to miss such a fun occasion.”
Is… is she serious? Picnic’s back on.
“Take Sombra out on a picnic?” Shining’s eyes gaped. Luna only nodded with a smile. Even Sombra seemed disturbed by the idea, shaking his head left and right. Obviously, he didn’t enjoy striped carpets on grass and baskets of goodies. Shining was already doubting Celestia’s judgement. “I couldn’t deny a request from Celestia, and if helping Sombra means taking him out on a picnic-“ Shining hissed the words through clenched teeth, “-then I’d be glad to accommodate.”
“It is a marvellous way to begin a friendship, Prince. You will not regret the hours we will spend together, strengthening bonds and manufacturing new ones! I already can see what the future holds for us four!”
Ooh, he could already image how great it would be. The headache agreed!
‘Play along,” Sombra gargled and choked with distaste. ‘Just play along.’ His hooves were trembling under the straightjacket of how much he wanted to choke the life out of them, especially Luna. He’ll kill Luna first when he regained his strength. Or maybe torture her with her worst fears and nightmares, it’ll be fun to watch her weep like a foal.
“Sombra’s trying to tell us something, Prince!” Luna lowered her ear towards his muzzle. Involuntarily, Sombra leaned away from her. “Mhm,” she nodded, as if he was speaking to her. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, “Oh! Sombra,” Luna teased, giving his shoulder a nudge, “You want a flower in your mane?”
A sound akin to choking emitted for the unicorn.
“A rose? Oh, I agree, I do think it’ll go with black,” momentarily, Luna plucked out a single blood red rose from one of the flower patches and lodged the stem inside his mane near his ear. The petals danced in the weak wind. Sombra’s eyes were the size of saucers. The sight was… disturbing. Only the sickest of minds would willingly imagine Sombra with a flower lodged between his ear.
Stepping back, Luna took in her work and sighed contently, “Doesn’t he look marvellous? Oh, maybe we could play dress up, see what outfits are fit for a king!”
Shining covered his face, a croaky ‘oh my lord’ escaping his mouth.
Luna is definitely going to suffer first, Sombra thought.
Humiliation is a powerful subjugator, Luna grinned.
Shining walked away before Luna did anything more… awkward.
“Guards, round up some maids and instruct them to wait in the dining hall,” at the command, two Crystal Guards saluted and trotted inside the palace.
“Oh,” a smooth voice perked up from the balcony overlooking the garden. Cadance leaned on the railing, eyes locked on Sombra. “It is him.”
Sombra’s eyes somehow shot even wider at seeing the pink Princess. He struggled under his confinement, muttering something indescribable, almost a gargle.
Her! The wretch who flew away with the Crystal Heart when it was in hoof’s reach! This isn’t reformation, this is torture! Celestia knew everything that had happened, everything! He will have to cope with seeing the mare who ruined everything he worked so hard for day to day! Right now, if his magic wasn’t disabled, he’d simply detonate everything within one mile radius and walk away unscathed. He’d pick up Cadance’s carcass and shred it to pieces afterwards.
Cadance now took Luna’s place on Sombra’s ‘to kill and/or torture’ list.
Author's Note
Well, here's number one of something. Started out as I suddenly took a liking towards King Sombra for some reason, and now this happened.
Second chapter is written and almost done, just need a little bit of cleanup. Let me know if it's actually worth publishing.
Catering for the King
Chapter 2
Up to Mischief
Cadance had only recently realized the predicament they were in; Sombra was back in the Crystal Empire.
That in itself should explain everything, but it didn’t. One pony from the public sees him, it’s all over, mass panic. What was Celestia thinking, bringing him here? The shock alone from seeing Sombra alive had numbed Shining’s and Cadance’s rational thought. Luna said nothing. She just joked and mocked Sombra along, like he was an old friend.
‘Luna, did your sister swallow a stupid pill this morning? Sure seems like it, bringing Sombra back here,’ Shining sighed. If he said that, well, he’ll be in trouble.
“Princess Luna, I think we should reconsider where Sombra will be staying. I cannot explain the sheer outrage and panic it will bring the crystal ponies once they hear he has returned,” Cadance stopped and turned to Luna, effectively blocking her path.
“Yes, I was afraid it’d come to this,” Luna scratched her chin, deep in thought. “I say there are two options. One,” Luna regarded Shining, “Let him stay here in the Crystal Empire and help the crystal ponies fight their fear by demonstrating Sombra isn’t who he used to be. Two,” she glanced at Cadance, “There is an uninhabited property which I own the rights to not far from here, we could set him up there. Of course, you should’ve decided that a long time ago, when my sister sent you the letter.”
The property sounded reasonable and seemed like the safest choice. But who will look after him? Surely Sombra couldn’t be left alone, heavens know what he might get up to.
“Me, Cadance and a few service ponies could visit him periodically, make sure everything is alright-“
“No no no, Prince Shining Armour. The reformation of a pony requires around the clock attention. You cannot leave him alone in a cottage to fend for himself, it is too dangerous,” Luna tapped the floor with a hoof, shaking her head. “No, either you settle with him, or you let him stay here and cause a public outrage. Soon, news of his arrival with spread to other towns and cities. Lesser ponies will believe Sombra has regained control over the Crystal Empire again, and, as you know, stupid rubs off. Many will come to us, demanding an explanation. We’d rather avoid this.”
“I’m sorry, but why didn’t Celestia think of this sooner?” Shining perked an eyebrow, quite distressed at the fact that Celestia was so careless of where to put Sombra.
“It was all in the letter, Prince. Did you not read?” Luna shifted her own brow. Cadance sheepishly grinned behind Luna. Yup, burnt it.
“Right, I apologize. But if we relocate with him, what of our duties?” Shining glanced at Sombra, the pony who had caused so much trouble and still is without even muttering a word. He just stood there, looking glum in the straightjacket and muzzle.
“I will assume temporary control of your duties until Sombra has gained enough of your trust. Upon your return, you will resume your default routines while I visit Sombra. I will do an evaluation of your progress and send my report to Celestia. She will analyse and send additional instructions. Does that sound fair?”
“It’s perfect,” Cadance smiled while Shining Armour nodded. Luna could be trusted to watch over the Empire for a while. They’ll make up an excuse for her temporary rule, something among the lines of ‘holiday.’ It always seemed to work. “We’ll take him to the property outside the Crystal Empire.”
“Wonderful, this will all go flawlessly. You hear that, Sombra? You get to have housemates!” Luna patted the unicorn’s head. He made the motion of snapping his jaws at her, but it turned out as a nod. “He agrees too. My, this is going well above expectations.”
Groan.
“Do we need to bring over furniture or something?” Shining asked.
“No need, it is already fitted with everything a lovely couple such as you two and an evil king are going to need. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, lavatory facilities and a spacious back yard garden. Oh, it is also located near a beautiful stream, if that matters at all. It is not worthy of royalty, but it will do for the time being. But you should bring your own personal items, the stay will be lengthy.”
“That’s no problem as long as Sombra is away from the crystal ponies,” Cadance chuckled. Luna smiled and nodded. Shining explained that he’ll go and ready up some luggage.
Why do it yourselves, Sombra thought. They’d be better off with servants doing the heavy lifting.
As they laid out their plans, so did Sombra. Quietly soaking up all he could, he already had his plan on how to escape this hold of theirs on him ready. He had to play along as the good reforming pony, for now. Get on their good side, ‘earn their trust’, so to speak.
“Stand, Sombra. You do not want me to guide you by a leash, do you?”
Oh, he almost forgot; Luna. Kill her second.
Yet again he was forced to wait while Shining and Cadance gathered up their personal belongings, something Sombra had taken away from him. His crown, armour and cape, all gone. Even the straightjacket, magic disabler and muzzle weren’t his. What a shame, they’d look good on Cadance while she writhers about.
“My!” Luna exclaimed, startling the quiet Sombra. “Ah, our most sincere apologies. Your crown! And, uh, ‘apparel.’ They are all inside the cottage. My sister was kind enough to let us- I mean me- retrieve your belongings. I have found them in quite the peculiar place; the Canterlot sewers!” she chuckled and pet Sombra on the head again, painfully reminding him of the stupid flower still etched on there. If he could he’d bite her hoof off and spit it back in her face, but he was more intrigued by what Luna was doing in the Canterlot sewers.
Actually, he didn’t want to know.
More than millennia old, but still acting like an oblivious foal. Sombra couldn’t tell if it was an act or if Luna had something seriously wrong with her. He thought his return would stir up some panic between Cadance and Shining Armour, cause them to freak out. But no, they were acting completely normal.
Was this what he was reduced to? A pony in need of reforming, no longer a powerful king that everyone feared? He aimed to change that very soon.
Cadance and Shining were finally done squabbling in their chambers. Both of them dragged a suitcase on wheels behind themselves. Sombra felt naked, he didn’t have much.
“Alright, my little ponies, take a deep breath,” Luna reached out to grab everyone and pull them into a squishy group hug, Sombra included. He protested, but no pony heard him over the sizzling of Luna’s horn. Even Shining and Cadance looked surprised.
With a flash of blinding golden light and a feeling of pain like no other. Sombra, along with Luna, Cadance, Shining Armour and their luggage evaporated into thin air. The only thing left of them was a charred scorch mark on the pristine tile floor.
“Amateur!” Sombra screamed as the stallion materialized out from thin air, meeting a faceful of dirt. Luna popped out next, gracefully landing on all hooves beside Sombra. Shining and Cadance were flung out. Cadance took to the air while Shining steadied himself with a bit of magic.
“Were you trying to rip us apart?! Who taught you teleportation spells?” Sombra whirled to Luna. Her wings flared along with her horn. Sombra’s containment gear was missing, along with the magic disabling ring. Oops.
Before Sombra could even realise that he was partially free, one of the suitcases popped out and was sent whirling at the stallion. It tackled him and forced him to roll and slide a couple of feet along the grass, his hind end finally bumping into an oak door. Embarrassing, Luna thought. A quick zap of magic later and the ring was back on his horn.
“Mmm, that should have gone smoother. Are you two alright?” Luna turned back to the couple. Shining nodded and so did Cadance. “Perfect, so no pony was hurt.”
No pony except Sombra. He was experiencing such strong disorientation he felt like the world was upside down. His stomach churned, he dry heaved, and gasped a moment later.
“I thought my... reformation should have been less… less painful,” he commented, picking himself up on wobbly legs. His entire form ached from hoof to horn, how his horn actually hurt was incredible. He wanted nothing but to stretch out right now.
“Princess Luna, this house is beautiful! I don’t think you can call it a cottage, it’s huge!” Shining Armour exclaimed, admiring the building in front of him. Sombra groggily turned around and looked. Pathetic, just a very light yellow two storey house surrounded by a white picket fence and flowers. Flowers, urgh! The rose was still somehow in his head! He plucked it off and threw it away, grimacing.
“Never, and I mean never, put flowers in mane! Do you understand?!” he seethed at Luna, spittle escaping his clenched teeth. This treatment… it was so foreign. He was used to the high life with everypony under his command, doing whatever he wanted. Being pushed around like this, treated as a commoner… Sombra no likey.
“Alright, Sombra, I’ll make it up to you by letting you choose your room!” Luna clapped her hooves together, “There’s two, so pick the one you like most.”
“A room?” a room? “A room?! I demand my palace, child! My tower! My Empire! Not some forsaken room in the middle of nowhere! This is a place for mortal whelps, not eternal royalty!” Sombra made to approach Luna, but upon seeing her sparkling horn, he reconsidered. He’d rather not tangle with two Alicorns right now.
“Princess Cadance is royalty. She does not mind staying here, do you, Cadance?” Luna looked back with a smirk.
“Of course not. I like it, actually. It’s very peaceful compared to the palace,” the pink alicorn drew in a deep breath. “Oh, and the scents are quite the thing, too.”
“Gah!” Sombra stomped angrily, half bucking the front door open. Which, fortunately for him, was open. “Children, all of you,” he muttered as he entered the building. Now he will claim the largest bedroom for himself.
Once out of earshot, Shining approached Luna. “Your Majesty, I can’t help but feel uneasy. How do we know his magic won’t come back on its own? What if he escapes during the night?”
Luna only chuckled. “Do not worry, Prince. The walls of this structure are magically enchanted. Specially so, they allow Sombra free reign around the property, but he cannot leave without your say so. If he attempts to remove the ring or leave the premises, he will be greeted by an electric shock, one powerful enough to freeze him in his tracks. This will allow you to catch him red hooved in the crime and carry out necessary punishment.”
“Punishment? What sort of punishment? We’re not torturers, Luna,” Cadance sounded unhappy, but Shining wanted to slap him around a bit. Just a tiny bit for draining Cadance so much during his invasion.
“I would recommend starvation or dehydration, but Celestia informed me that it is ‘too barbaric.’ I, however, have read up on some interesting ways of subduing a pony to your command. Mainly, the technique requires either leather or synthetic material whips. You ‘whip’ them in areas where flesh and fat is most present, primarily their backs or rumps until sore or red. There are stages, the first and most common one being resistance. They will try to ignore the pain and shout profanities at you. The second stage, which is the most interesting one, is where the connection between master and slave is forged-“
“Your Highness, please!” Shining waved his hooves at Luna, Cadance stood back and covered her flushed face. Luna’s methods for everything were very… eh, archaic. “You don’t need to go into detail about that. We’re not going to punish Sombra if we’re going to be reforming him, it will only make matters worse.”
“Yes, I agree. It is up to you, Prince. You two decide what will become of Sombra if he breaks rules. Now!”
“Is it time for the picnic? Oh, I so do not want to miss that. We’ve been planning for weeks!” Cadance perked up. Luna smiled and nodded.
“Of course, Cadance, of course. It is truly time for such an occasion to finally occur. But first, let us settle you in and prepare a portable grand feast!”
Any more of Luna’s high yielding voice and Shining’s head was going to pop. Did she always speak this loud? Worse than Mom.
The interior of the house was anything but plain, it was actually very cosy. Treated and painted wooden walls, soft carpeted floor, brand new furniture, and a fireplace! The living room was the most spacious one, that’s where the fireplace was. The bathrooms weren’t anything special; shower, sink, lavatory. The two bedrooms both had a double bed. Sombra was nowhere in sight.
Luna politely asked if Cadance could venture upstairs and bring Sombra down for the picnic and preparation of food, if he was there. No sooner when Luna began conversing with Shining Armour, Cadance was already travelling up the staircase.
***
Yes… yes… he can hear one of them coming. Perfect. They’re alone, that will allow Sombra to carry out the first stage of his plan. He will use a little trick one of his ‘allies’ involuntarily gifted him. First, create a diversion, something to hide his true intent.
Sombra stood in the middle of the bedroom, back towards the door, and began to stretch. First his neck, forelegs second, back third, and hind legs fourth. He emitted deep satisfied grunts as each joint popped and pivoted. Being cooped up in a cell with steel clamped to his body wasn’t the best method of staying fit.
Charming.
As much as Sombra’s masculine visuals weighed well above average, he was still Sombra. There was just no going around a fact like that.
Cadance stood quietly and watched from the doorway. She still couldn’t grasp the concept of Sombra being harmless. No such term was applicable to him. Could Luna’s magic alone simply render him unable to make use of his magic? If so, where was she when he attacked the Crystal Empire? It would have saved so much hassle.
“There is no shame in observing,” Sombra grinned, turning around to face Cadance. She visibly recoiled and almost had the urge to gag.
“I was just-“ why did she have to excuse herself to Sombra? “Look, I don’t like this as much as you do. I want to be rid of you, you want to be rid of me. So let us get this over with as quickly as possible, starting by going downstairs and helping prepare some lunch.”
“Lunch?” Sombra’s grin disappeared. “You want me to help prepare lunch?”
“Remember that Princess Luna is here. If you don’t comply, she’ll zap you, simple,” Cadance took on a smug smirk, one which Sombra furrowed his eyes at. “Don’t start trouble by acting like a foal, just come along.”
“Fine! But this is the first and last time I partake in such sissiness. Preparing lunch, pha! Where are the servants to do this for us? No mind! Let us go and prepare this ‘lunch.’”
As much as he seemed harmless, Cadance couldn’t help but feel that Sombra was… ‘up’ to something. Where was the swearing, the shouting, the threats of what he will do to them once he was free? It was almost as he was eager to go and help out.
“Yes,” Cadance eyed him closely, inspecting his peculiar smile. “Of course. Follow me.”
Cadance turned, she couldn’t see him. This was his chance, his only chance to catch one of them alone. How inconsiderate of Shining Armour, letting his wife wander into the chamber of a king.
Once she had turned her back to Sombra, he knew this was the time to finally strike back.
Sombra stood back, lowered his horn, and shut his eyes. There was interference, an outer force that supressed Sombra’s magical prowess. Sombra sweat with the effort of casting this one little spell that will turn the tables right around. Cadance will fall under his influence and bow to him. No doubt will she be a useful pawn in his escape plan, a trick up his sleeve, an ace.
His horn fizzed and popped with a sharp crack. The casting was involuntarily cancelled.
Zap!
“What… what is…” Sombra’s muscles froze, stuck in a pose of holding his head low. His limbs weren’t responding to his commands. He felt a quick, millisecond long prickling pain where spine met skull on the back of his neck and that was it, no further pain. Just a complete shutdown of his motor skills. “Luna, you…” it had to be Luna, there was no other possible explanation that would make sense. This was Luna’s fault, everything after him being put in a straightjacket is Luna’s fault.
“Luna?” Cadance turned, then gasped at the scene before her. “Sombra, what did you… did you try to cast a spell?”
“Damn you all… to hell,” Sombra muttered through a clenched jaw. Cadance couldn’t help but giggle quietly to herself at his failed attempt at mischief. “Weak… lings…”
“Hush, Sombra. You stay here and think about what you’ve done. Learn from your mistakes. Attacking friends isn’t-“
“You are not… my friends,” he hissed, spittle running down his lip, “You will never be my ‘friends’, you are only wasting your… argh!” something inside him clenched hard enough for him to feel it. His heart convulsed. “L-Luna, you filthy…”
Sombra’s expression was so pained Cadance thought he was going to shed tears soon. “I think I should go and get Luna. Don’t move you a muscle! Not like you can… move.”
“Argh!”
“Indubitably!”
Cadance bolted for the stairs, but steeled herself later. With a quick power trot, she found Luna and Shining googling the fireplace.
“Princess Luna, Sombra is...” stuck? “He tried to cast a spell and something happened. He can’t move now, and I think that something is hurting him… bad.”
“My, oh my,” Luna turned and smiled, “I should have known Sombra would attempt something like this. My mistake for sending you up to him.”
“You mean you knew he was going to try something funny? Cadance could have been hurt!” Shining sounded shocked.
“Of course, but I would never put any of you at risk if I have not taken the proper precautions. If Sombra has attempted to use magic, his motor cortex is in temporary shutdown, meaning we would not be able to retrieve him for about…” Luna checked an imaginary watch on her fetlock. “Two hours, enough to prepare for the picnic.”
“But he can talk,” Cadance had already accepted the fact that Luna is beyond unusual. She would humour her, “Maybe we can bring him into the kitchen so he can watch?”
“Oh? Well then, he is a strong willed stallion then. His inferior frontal gyrus of the brain remains functional. I do hold high hopes that he will able to share some advice on my cooking.”
Luna… cooking? Like, cooking food that has to be eaten later on?
“Celestia help us all,” Shining muttered under his breath. Luna had heard him, but decided not to ruin the moment.
“I have a few recipes I am willing to try out. Cadance!”
The pink princess almost jumped at Luna’s yell. Why did she have to be so loud all the time?
“Yes, Princess Luna?”
“We, me and you, are going to embark on a quest of gathering ingredients-“ good, Shining Armour can stay behind and watch over Sombra, -“while Prince Shining Armour watches over our new friend. I doubt the Prince has attained much skill for cooking.”
“Hey, I can make food well enou-“ Shining was silenced by Luna’s hoof to his lips. The sparkly blue horse shoe felt especially cold.
“Two mares are adequate enough, Prince. If you join us, who will keep Sombra company? After all, he is the guest star of this show,” Luna removed her hoof from Shining’s mouth and gestured for the door. “Let us make haste, Princess Cadance. The ingredients are waiting.”
“Yes, of course,” Cadance turned to Shining Armour. “Be careful, Shiny,” she slowly draped her hooves around his neck to pull him into a soft embrace. “Don’t turn your back on him. Heavens know what he might try.”
Shining returned the caring gesture. “Don’t worry about me, I’m good. He won’t get the jump on this Captain.”
With a chuckle, they parted. Shining was left alone with Sombra in the house. He took a moment to sit down on the sofa to wrap his mind around things and take a little breather.
Sombra isn’t like Discord, right? What’s the hope of ‘reforming’ him then? Much less become friends. Friends! With Sombra! At face value that sounded asylum-level insane. Was Princess Celestia insane for even considering this, much less ordering them to carry out the task?
Huh. Better than to be left in the dark, wondering if Sombra had actually died or not.
With a heaving sigh, Shining finally put his mind at rest and focused on the task ahead; to keep Sombra company.
Entering the room, Shining contemplated if whether he should greet him. But, seeing Sombra bowing, in a way, he decided that he’ll try to make his day a little bit better.
“Sombra,” Shining began, taking a seat a fair distance away from Sombra.
“Crystal Prince,” Sombra hissed back, his eyes searching for the unicorn. “How nice of you to join me. Would you like a drink? Here, I call it ‘Frozen King.’”
Funny.
“Good to see you’re not a humourless spirit like I thought you were,” Shining leaned back into the chair and crossed his hind legs over each other.
“I am an immortal king, destined to his throne. I may have the appearance of an equine, but I wield power beyond your wildest imagination,” Sombra sighed, his frozen expression somehow drooping. “Yet, I am a prisoner of a mere mortal,” his eyes found Shining Armour, “You.”
“You wouldn’t be if you just died when you had to,” Shining stated boldly. Sombra’s lips curled.
“Is that so? Well, let us see… Crystal Prince, mortal. Princess of Love, alicorn, immortal. Tell me, Prince, what is your opinion on your spouse outliving your worthless mortal life?” Shining’s bewildered expression satisfied Sombra.
“That is a topic which you won’t be revisiting. Understand?” a firm, clear order. He had to act like the Captain he was to have some edge over the king. Though the mention of Cadance outliving him…
“Clearly,” Sombra chuckled. “If you have any seconds thoughts, feel free to come to me. My abilities can make wishes come true.”
“So how is it that you’re not dead?” Shining decided to change the subject. Sombra took notice of that.
“Your guess is as good as mine. Seems that the Crystal Heart isn’t what you thought it was. After all, it used to be mine. It didn’t want to utterly destroy its previous owner,” even Sombra wasn’t completely sure. Be it by luck or someone interfering, he is alive.
“It doesn’t matter now. We will try and-“
“Reform me?” Sombra laughed. “Go ahead, give it your best try. I would most definitely like to see you fail miserably.”
“We have faith in Princess Celestia. If she thinks you can be helped, then we will try. All the crimes you’ve perpetrated aside, I personally think you are nothing but a lost cause. An old king that doesn’t want his throne usurped from under him-“
“You know nought of me, peasant. To me you are nothing, a runt born of weak mortals. But somehow, fate has us working in… eh, mutual correlation,” a grunt later, Sombra attempted to move. No, still nothing. “Curse my luck for ending up with you.”
“Mutual correlation, yeah, that’s a mouthful. If it was up to me, I’d dump you off Canterlot’s highest tower and go back home. I’m sure Cadance would agree.”
“I do not doubt it.”
“Even you can tell she despises you.”
“Of course.”
Sombra and Shining kept quiet for a few minutes after that. Sombra stared at the floor while Shining shot him occasional glances.
When were Luna and Cadance going to return? Shining wasn’t feeling particularly comfortable around Sombra. The ex-king just gave off bad vibes that made Shining’s stomach churn. He blinked.
Sombra was nowhere to be seen.
How handy were teleportation spells.
“Sombra?” Shining bolted from his seat, head spastically shooting about. “Sombra?! Sombra, you stop hiding right now! Sombra!”
Shining felt two powerful hooves wrap around his neck and pull him back roughly into the chair. He struggled, tried to free himself of the choke hold, but the muscles bulged and hardened into steel like density, keeping the struggling unicorn in place. His throat was unaffected, just the sides of his neck.
Soon, Shining Armour’s struggling slowly weakened until his hooves fell limp at his sides and his eyes rolled back into his skull. Sombra eased off on his neck and slowly descended him onto the floor, rolling him on his side so Shining wouldn’t choke back on his tongue.
“Sleep tight,” Sombra muttered as he shifted one of Shining’s hooves under his head and drew out his hind leg so he wouldn’t roll on his stomach.
Still breathing, Shining Armour was alive, but unconscious. Sombra wanted to kill him, it would have been easy as this, but not yet, it is too soon for death. First, he had to assume control over him. Force him into being the King’s slave. Then, when his usefulness has expired, he can be disposed of.
Sure that nothing would zap him again, Sombra began to cast the previous disrupted spell. Not his own magic, but merely a gift from one of his 'allies.' He wasn't sure of the specifics.
So it was Luna that interfered with his magic. Now that she was gone, using magic again was as easy as blinking. His curved horn flared into a brilliant, deep red. Small bubbles materialized around it and began to orbit.
Even Sombra himself didn’t know what the spell did, only that it allowed control over the victim. Good enough for him.
The bubbles warped, turned inside out, to form small, eye sized hearts that pulsated with pink energy. Sombra, of course, didn’t notice, he was deep in thought and focus. The hearts swirled and swirled with such speed that they became nothing but a blur.
A wave of pink light shone over Shining Armour’s body, drawing a twitch from him. Tiny motes of light accumulated around the tip of his horn. One by one, they made contact with it and soaked in.
Sombra drew back, opening his eyes that he had shut. They were glazed over in visible bright pink light. Almost instantly the light disappeared and his eyes were restored to factory default; white sclera, red iris, slit shaped pupil. Thankfully, no flames were erupting from the edges of his eyes, a sign that would surely give him away.
He had gone it. Sombra had completed the first part of his plan. Now all he had to do was wait for the magic to take effect and develop. Shining will be under his command. Sombra says jump, Shining asks what off what cliff.
Now, to make up a story.
“Shining has fallen asleep… fell by accident… Sombra was good and did not even touch him, let alone cast a spell that would allow me control over him,” Sombra grinned and chuckled, “Yes, perfect.”
Now, onto more important things.
A glass of water.
Author's Note
Here's two.
