After about a week, I was the only one that still didn’t have a room of their own. I wasn’t in that big of a hurry to find one anyway since I could just leave the tardis in Mama’s room until I find one that just screams to me. As far as my lessons with Moon Dancer goes, we’re covering history and background of certain spells. She says she doesn’t want to start teaching me the actual spells until I feel at home. I’d complain if I were anywhere near as childish as someone my age should be. But alas, I am not. Moon Dancer had point. I shouldn’t dabble into actual casting until I feel properly at home.

Cadence gave up on helping me find a room after the fifth day of no luck. According to her, we had tried all free rooms in the palace that were accessible. Apparently there were a few rooms that no one could get open or go into without getting hexed. Sombra sure knew his dark magic! I know Cadence doesn’t want me to mess with those rooms but imagine the study material that could be in one room let alone all of them! As I was walking aimlessly around the palace with nothing to do since Shining took Dancer with him to a newly discovered chamber in the crystal caves to borrow her expertise on dark magic and my girls for the extra muscle. No teacher means self study, which I finished an hour after she left! The only assignment I hadn’t finished was something I’ve been working on for a week. FInding a room. With Skyla in school and Cadence at court, I had bugger all else to do otherwise.

This ain’t a book. The protagonist isn’t going to hear some mysterious voice crying ‘come to me’. “Come to me, my master. Please come, I’m so lonely.” The hell was that? I must be going bonkers. That or I’ve been studying too much “Master, why dost thou hesitate. Tis cold and lonely here. Please make haste to mine location.” Okay that I definitely heard!

“Who are you and where are calling me to!” I shouted at the air and I felt the voice flinch in fear of me. What’s worse, she was crying. I felt a ping in my heart. “I’m sorry, I’m not mad at you. I just need to understand. Who are you and where do I need to go?”

The voice giggled in my head and I could feel happiness returning to her. Wait, why am I happy that she’s happy? “I’m thine best friend in the world. Nay, thine birthright. Follow the sound of mine voice and thou shalt find me and relinquish me from the cold and lonely state.” I gladly followed her instructions. For some reason I can’t bring myself to question the friend part. But what’s all this talk about a birthright? Whatever she’s going on about, she has my interest.

She started singing a song that was filled with so much sorrow that music of harmony accompanied it. Despite the sad nature of the song, I felt myself drawn in by it. I’ve never met this girl before and yet I feel like I’ve known her forever and should end her loneliness. My path lead me up. Not a single turn just up. At this point it was like my body was moving on its own She needed a friend she needed me and I wouldn’t let her be alone any longer than I had to. Cadence saw me running to the girl as her court had ended for the day and started to follow me. If she cried out in concern, I didn’t hear her. I didn’t care. I finally felt alive. This was a feeling I remember greatly enjoying but I’ve never enjoyed it myself. I’m running to someone who desperately needs me and I won’t fail her!

“Thou hast found me master. Open the door and claim me.” Cadence tried to grab me but I dark lighted out of her grasp and opened the door. I felt something I usually only feel in the Tardis. As soon as I was in the room I felt at home. “Welcome master. This is thine room. If thou wishes to meet me, all that is need is to summon me.”

“Sunny get out of there, that room has been heavily cursed by Sombra. The best mages in Equestria couldn't disenchant that room!" Cadence continued to yell but I didn't care I had found my place in this palace and I'll be damned if I let anyone stop me from laying claim to it.

"Come to me friend. I wish to embrace you and end your loneliness." As soon as I said that I felt warm and happy. A pretty black and crimson drakaina no older than myself appeared before me. She tackle hugged me as soon as she was close enough.

“Tis thou. At long last, I have found my master...mistress! Draw me and and name me and our bond will be complete, mistress.”

Cadance kept shouting from the doorway and I just didn’t care. This girl needed me and I felt as if I needed her just as much. “Draw you, what in the world are you talking about? While I have no problem drawing a girl as pretty as yourself, I have no paper or pencils.” I can’t believe I said that; I’ve only used the word pretty to describe one other girl my age. My eye’s are usually on older ones.

The girl giggled while shaking her head. “There will be plenty of time for that later. If the mistress so chooses. I may appear to be a normal girl to thine eyes. But alas, I am not. I am a sword and a powerful one at that. I require you to unsheathe me and do what my previous master did not, name me. For roughly 1200 years I have been cold and alone. Guarding this room and all its contents from the unworthy. When I felt your presence I just knew that I and everything sealed within belonged to you.” A sword manifested next to me seconds after her speech.

Hesitation didn’t even occur to me, I grabbed the sword. “I am Sunny Dial, daughter of Celestia. I do hereby seal our bond and take ownership of this room and all its contents. I am Sunny Dial and you are Midnight Ruby!” I unsheathed Ruby and felt pure bliss as if I was reunited with a long lost friend. The sword itself looked Equestrian but there were what appeared to be small ruby red marks equally separated and etched into the blade. She was pitch black with a hint of red on the edges and had a ruby encrusted in the hilt of the sword.

Ruby appeared before me once more only her form had changed. There was a ruby on her forehead now and her form appeared more...nourished. “This form is quite fascinating. To make such a sword. Your soul must have seen so much pain. Before you were a princess, you were forged in the flames of pain and suffering. Suffer no more my mistress. For I shall cut down anyone who would seek to harm us and ours!” Her form of speech must have been updated when we made a contract. Fascinating.

Ruby shared her memories (however few she possessed) with me. She stated what was hers was mine and I could do with it as I saw fit. From what little I could get from her memories, she was forged by Sombra before he went off the deep end. He never even got to use her since he was sealed soon after her enchantment was finished. Poor Ruby had been alone and aware in Sombra’s lair (this was apparently where he went to be at peace) for so long. My mind went to Rory Pond for a second until I killed the thought. The ponds are the last companions I want to think about.

“Mistress, there is an intruder.” Ruby roared. Wow, her roar is ace!

I turned around to only to see Cadence toppled over in crippling pain. I instinctively dark lighted to her side. “What’s going on Ruby?” Ruby went on to tell me that there were safeguards to prevent unwanted guest ranging from slightly harmful to severely lethal. “Ruby, do not hurt Cadence. She’s family and I love her very much. I permit her entry into my lair.”

“Very well, mistress. Miamore Cadenza has been noted as an authorized visitor” Cadence’s cries of pain stopped and she began wheezing. I rubbed her back and cooed at her to calm her down. By the look of her a medley of hexs were used on her. The highest of which was induce terror. On its own it’s usually harmless, short of a heart attack but this was nearly at maximum strength. Sombra was a cruel and paranoid man, wasn’t he? “Yes mistress, he was. And yes we have a telepathic link.”

After Cadence had calmed down, I sat her down on a bed that I found way more comfortable than hers. The room must magically cater to my needs or something. Ruby confirmed that it did. Right now I’m resisting the urge to dance like a little girl..oh wait, I am a little girl. One dance later and Cadence looked me in the eyes. “Young lady, do you realize how dangerous what you’ve just done was. You could’ve been killed and I almost died!” I was about to tell that she was way off base but she stopped me. “Dark mana or not. You are not keeping anything in this room. Especially that sword, it belonged to Sombra it has to be..”

I slapped her as hard as I could. She raised her hand back at me but stopped in pure terror. I was staring at her like I was gonna kill her and I was actually considering it. That one stupid statement had set off my bloodlust and Ruby felt it. She returned to the sword and she broke apart. Now I see what she meant. She wasn’t a sword, she was a whip-blade.Was that her doing. “That’s all you, mistress. Your soul has seen so much. Enough to make your bloodlust manifest in this lovely form you’ve given me!”

“Back off, Cadence. I have two mothers and last I checked, you weren’t one of them! This room called to me. The fact that it wouldn’t even open before I came along should be proof enough that I am its proper owner. But you dare talk about what you can and cannot allow me to do. This sword, Midnight Ruby and everything that is in this room belong to me. Try and take what’s mine and I will fight to keep it! This may be your fiefdom but you will not talk to me like you’re either one of my mothers, Are we clear?” Cadence pissed herself. She actually pissed herself! I may have laid the bloodlust on too thick. That might have rattled the whole palace for all I know.

Cadence hung her head in shame and defeat. “You’re right Sunny, I’m sorry for talking to you like that. I won’t try to take what’s yours but please, be careful with this place. It contains dangerous power within it. I can feel it.” she gave me a hug while she said that. “Now I need a bath, I assume you want to come with me?” I nod my head “I’ll have a maid clean this while we’re bathing, if that’s alright with you.”

“Lady Cadence, that is not necessary. This room contains many enhancements one of which being a custodial one. I shall activate it when we leave.” Cadence protested me bringing Ruby. “I have been alone for over 1200 years. Are you so cruel that you would make me suffer even a second more of loneliness?” Cadence crumbled at the statement. No matter how much she dislikes the fact that Ruby is Sombra’s legacy, she cannot condone stripping her of the comfort of another. “Mistress and Lady Cadence. If you would allow me there is a bath in this room, I believe you’ll find it to your liking.” I gave Cadence the look and she folded.

“So how is it that a sword can take a bath with us?” Cadence asked a question that I wanted answered as well.

“I am an avatar created of the bond from Mistress’ soul and myself. It’s a type of magic that has, by what I can tell from my mistress'” I told her to call me Sunny “Sunny’s memories, has been long lost. Sombra was in the habit of hoarding information. So the knowledge may very well not be lost. But even I do not posses knowledge of all that is contained within the lair. It spans out for as long as its master wishes. I am quite certain that it will reveal what Sunny needs when she needs it.”

The bath itself was amazing. It was a hot spring type bath that had water feed to the bathing area via the mouths of windigos. There was a lava bath that had a similar system only the lava was fed through salamanders. This place is so awesome Ruby! “Once again Sunny, this place caters to your needs. There may come a time when it will know you better than you know yourself. “ I wanted to doubt her but I couldn’t. The logic was there, she had to be right.

Cadence and I obviously went into the windigo bath while Ruby went into the salamander bath. I would love to join her as well but my scales are only just starting to grow in. Ruby assured me that they would come and I stopped worrying about it. After about twenty minutes, we got out of the bath and Cadence insisted on washing both my and Ruby’s manes. I wonder if mother will ever learn to be like this. Cadence has a lot of practice tending to ethereal manes since her Skyla’s an alpha like mother, Lulu, and I. It felt really good especially when she did my tail. Cadence also had no problem tending to Ruby. She was the one that helped Twilight take care of Spike for a while. She was masterfully getting the nasty areas in between the scales and skin. Part of me was wishing mama were here so I could scrub her chitin for her. I settled for washing Cadence’s mane. “Sunny, what’s that soft squishiness on my back huh?” I knew what she was getting at, my breast were growing. However I’m barely an A cup. Not even seven and they’re starting to grow. Dragon blood for the win! I wonder how long it will take for the to be noticeable. Whatever, there’s more important things going on right now.

“Cadence, you’re such a pegasus that it’s insane. Loyal and true, forever taking care of your flock within its nest. Mother however is a stubborn earth pony mixed with a little of snobbish unicorn.” Cadence didn’t argue my point at all.

“What’s that make you then Sunny?” My tail changed from pony to dragon and I stared in her eyes while snarling a bit. “Yup you’re a dragon alright. Not the greedy hoarding type, but the defending one. You find what’s yours and you protect it from any who seek to harm it. No matter what the cost. I see the best traits of the pony races in you though. But you are definitely more draconic. It’s going to be interesting seeing you grow up!”

“Lady Cadence is correct, Sunny. You have virtue amongst you fearsome wrath” I thank them both but it was time to get out of the bathhouse and we all knew it. I was sure we were heading back to the room but when we walked the same direction, we were in some sort of study. “I assure you Sunny that we are in fact back in your room. Or at the very least, one of them. Your lair is a node an access point for all other sealed points and the only way to get to most of them. I’m sure if Lady Cadence were to sweep the Castle she’d find all sealed rooms gone. The lair has absorbed them now that it has a mistress. I and it belong to you and only you. Not even Sombra himself could rip us from you now!.”

I relayed the information Cadence gave me and assured her that we would be back in my room soon. Cadence made a phone call and had the whole palace swept short of my room that would curse any intruders and the rooms were all gone. My lair had become true to its name. Needless to say, I gave Ruby a list of authorized visitors. All of which (except mama, Moon Dancer and my girls) are required to announce their presence to either me or the room proper. I’ll have to make it a point to go over the hexs in the room and limit them to crippling. The last thing I need is an unnecessary death on my conscience.

Shining and his party returned by midday and would most likely put some items in the vault. “Mistress Sunny, I detect something dark that should now be yours. I will transport it to your lair and replace it with a fake.” Wonder what it is. Ruby had gotten amazing at talking only to me telepathically. This will really come in handy. Mama insisted on sleeping with me tonight and I couldn’t argue. Cadence and Skyla joined us and we had a sleepover of sorts. Skyla had a lot of questions about the room that I just let Ruby answer. They were all out of it by midnight. The one downside to being infused with the essence of a Timelord is the fact that I don’t sleep often. Luna is scheduled to come in a few days, I’ll just ask her to teach me how to dream walk. I’ll just force myself to sleep for the night.

I was up two hours after I was down, my body really doesn’t like being forced to sleep. I didn’t feel like studying since I’ve been doing that most of the day so I plopped down on a beanbag and fired up my computer and played some Call to Arms. Skyla was the first to wake up three hours later. Why she woke up so early on the weekend is beyond me since I was wearing a headset and I was in the Tardis. I have to move a few things into the lair.

“Hey sunny, can I play with you?” She yawned the sleep out of her and was holding an Abomination energy drink. Not only did the tardis let her in, it guided her to the fridge so she could help herself! “Call to Arms, huh? Daddy loves that game maybe you should talk to him about it. But I was serious about wanting to play with you though.”

Skyla sat down on the same bag and got close. Her mane was glowing bright and mine was flowing wild. Does this girl even know what she’s doing to me or is she clueless as all get out? “May I play with you, please Sunny?” She pulled my arm close to her when she said that. Those eyes should be considered a weapon of mass destruction. How in the world does she not have friends… oh yeah, she’s got a bit of attitude.

“Have you followed your aunt’s assignment and made any friends.” She frowned and pointed at me. “Other than me, goofball.” She sighed at that one. It must be hard to go from being the mean girl to being nice. At least she’s trying.

I hand her a controller and we start playing horde mode. Skyla is surprisingly good at this. “I play with Daddy a lot. The way you were looking at me gave it away.” After about an hour of that, we both get tired of play CTA despite our ridiculously high highscore. Shining Armor is going to be pissed! “Look at that score we made! Daddy is never going to beat that!”

“Yup, we’re a regular dynamic duo. That’s for sure.” Skyla looked at me funny for a second. I wonder if she doesn’t do comics.

“So, I’m guessing I’m Robin to your Batmare.” I gave an internal sigh of relief. She’s a geek but definitely no nerd. I’ll take it, I’m nerdy enough for the two of us. We looked at each other and giggled. I don’t know how but the two of us together equals fun. Speaking of which.

“Hey Skyla, wanna play some PPR?” Her eyes lit up as I dark lighted in with metal pads. I was good at this game, but Skyla was way better. She kicked my arse. Mama came in to let us know everyone was awake and about to go to breakfast and Moon Dancer had found the study and was hold up within it. “I’ll get her, it may be my day off but she does need to eat.” Skyla wanted to go with me but her mother had other plans and left with her in tow in the direction of her room.

I found Moon Dancer haunched over a desk with a mini Ruby sitting on said desk next to her. “She is your teacher and is in the authorized list. As such she has access to anywhere she wants that you yourself have not locked. The other authorized users are limited to your room, the study, bathhouse and the lavatory.” So Moon Dancer has decent access, that’s a good Idea. Thinking about access reminded me that Ruby transferred an item into my collection. Wonder what it is. “I don’t even know myself. It is currently being removed from its crystal sealing by a troup of minis as you call them.” She was alone for so long and I’m guessing that the minis are like drones that possess a small extension of herself. An avatar of an avatar if you will. Her processing power was amazing, Sombra was smarter than he let on! Ruby giggled in my head.

“Enjoying the stimuli, Moon Dancer?” I whispered in her ear with a hint of seduction that I could tell got her a little flustered. You pick things up when you’re raised by a changeling queen. Ruby reminded me that she was a former queen. There were only two remaining members of that hive and they weren’t about to repopulate with one another since they were siblings. Albeit half siblings and it was for repopulating, it would have been acceptable. However the mere thought of it made Mama and Uncle sick. I’ll have to visit Uncle next time I’m in Stompton. I miss hanging with him and his crew.

Moon Dancer gained her composure. “Have you read through any of this yet?” I shook my head no. “The information in this study could revolutionize the world of magic! Ruby has informed me that the majority of what I have found is merely forgotten magic. But think of the possibilities! We must share this knowledge!”

I raised my hand to silence an overly enthusiastic Moon Dancer. “And we will, in time. You and I and maybe Twilight and Lulu. Shall study the information within my study and we shall keep our lips shut. We won’t be sharing any information until I’m Coronated and can have a proper vote in royal manners. While I love my mother, she will try to censor the information. Because when it comes to things she doesn’t understand, she’s a serious bitch and Cadence will vote with her out of fear. Which would lead to a stalemate and a freezing of this place.”

Moon Dancer was about to say that my personal experience with mother was warping my opinion of her. But she thought about it and how much flak she had to go through just to get a casting license. Personally, I will be doing away with that horrible system. Even I’m on the system of registered dark mages and I find it to be oppressive! Why do we have to be corralled in a system to be feared and looked at with disgust while the light mages in the world are loved and adored. It’s. Not. RIght! “Sunny, please end this horrid system your mother created. I may have been treated fairly since I’m a red but i’ve seen how ponies...people treat mages who align purely dark. It’s not right and.” I kissed Moon Dancer, passionately. Personally I didn’t want to stop. Dancer pulled away.

“That was...wow. That was really good. Where’d you learn to? Oh, right your mama is Queen Chrysalis. You picked up the technique by watching her right?” I shook my head. Before the tardis. Mama sometimes had to sell herself to make ends meat for her and myself. While my love for her was near endless, it wasn’t filling enough and sometimes she need adult love. Uncle Ice was willing to let us stay with him but that didn’t fly with mama. She didn’t want to be a burden and Uncle Ice had worked so hard to make it where he was as is. I never saw “the act” but I did see plenty of kissing. Theory was one thing but actually doing it felt so amazing! I don’t know if it’s the just me or just reality but Dancer is stupid attractive. “Sunny, sweetheart. If you’re still interested when you’ve had your first estrus cycle then I’m all yours. Until then I’d like it if you never do that again. My head sank and tears started forming. She kissed me and placed my hand on her breast. “I’ll say it again. When you’re older and I’m no longer your teacher, I’m all yours. If you’re even still interested. I can’t really compete with those two princesses now, can I?”

Two? Oh, she must be including Twilight. The thought of kissing Twilight made my mane go wild. A part of me felt weird, really weird. Twilight and Dancer are brilliant and smoking hot! But Skyla is cute and she’s a good friend. I not an idiot, I can see what Candy girl is doing. She’s pushing us together in hopes that chemistry will do the rest. What she doesn’t know is I already like her. But if she wants me to be more than a friend, she’s gotta make some more friends and make the first move. After all you can’t have love until you understand friendship. That’s pretty good. I think I’ll write Twilight a letter later on.

I spent one more hour studying with Dancer while staying as close to her as she’d permit Then I left with Ruby on my side. As I passed the courtyard I could see the guard was doing drills. If you could call them that. The Equestrian defense system is an utter joke. Miss Brynhildr made me see that when she showed me how to fight back when I lived in Stompton. Then an idea hit me. I’ll show that lot how the Griffon army does it and maybe the Empire would have a force worth fearing. Currently their form makes me sick! “Shinny, may I audit your guard?” I asked with a voice of pure honey, thank you mama.

“Princess on deck!” One of the “soldiers” cried out. I took my position next to Shiny and was surprised that his parents were here as well. Nightlight and Twilight Velvet don’t leave Canterlot that often. All we need is Twilight and all of House Sparkle would be here. The guards did basic drills laps, pushups, etcetera. They looked slightly winded after they were done. Okay, I can’t take this anymore!

Shining goes to dismiss them but I cast a wall of dark energy to stop him. “What the bloody hell was that?! You call that sorry display a drill! I don’t think so. I know a squadron of preteens that would eat you alive! You lot are a sorry excuse for a soldiers and I’ll prove it!” I pulled Ruby out of her strap and swung in their direction while letting out my undiluted bloodlust. Out of fifteen, only three reacted. However Shining and Nightlight felt it and reacted nicely even through my shield. The other twelve were immobilized with fear and puddle could be seen. “You three, step forward. Congratulations, you lot survived a fatal assault. Names and rank!”

“Second Lieutenant Flash Sentry, Ma’am. That was an impressive display of bloodlust for someone your age, m’am!”

“Age has nothing to do with bloodlust, my dear lieutenant. Wait, Flash Sentry. As in the one who broke Twilight Sparkle’s heart?” He gulped and confirmed. “I would be mad but you were honest. Drop and give me twenty soldier!” I said coldly with my bloodlust still flowing. Respect may be one thing. But if I’m gonna fix this mess, I need these toy soldiers to fear me. If they think I’m bad, wait till the meet Brynhildr! Considering how Shining is looking at me, I should be able to get Hildie on a express train here.

I point at the second one with ballocks...tits and she sounded off. “Private Matilda Nightwing, Ma'am!” She was a griffin with lean build to her. A scout no doubt. She’ll come in handy. I’ll see if I can’t get Shining promote her to cpl. or something.

The last one waited for me to look at him. “Sgt. Pipsqueak, Ma’am!” Sure he was a little smaller than the other Stallions his age but a pipsqueak he is not. I gave him a firm smack on the back and a good job and did the same with the others. Then it was time for me to express my disappointment in the so called elite of the Empire.

“These three have the potential to be proper soldiers. Now as for you lot, you are nothing. I am going to commence a boot camp and if you don’t pass, you’re out of the guard and will be lucky if you get a desk job. Do I make myself clear, you spineless pansies?!” I was assailed by a round of yes ma’ams and Nightlight was smiling at me. He sees what I’m doing and likes it by the look of things. He’ll talk to Shining by the time I walk back and he’ll agree to everything I just said. Equestrian military is a laughing stock. Sure they can defend well but their offense is horrible and I plan on laying down the groundwork for that to change. “Ten laps around the city. Your first can’t be the fastest and your last can’t be the slowest! I catch you walking or and you get the boot, understand! As for the fliers, I want fifty aerial laps and the same goes for you! ”

Once again I was assailed by a roar of yes Ma’ams. The three that passed went to join theme and I stopped them. “You lot don’t have to join them less you have something to prove. Otherwise, you’re dismissed for the day.” They saluted and graciously took the break I permitted them. I killed my bloodlust and disengaged my barrier. Shining and his parents walked towards me.

“Well done, young lady! I must know where you learned to be such a soldier and how someone your age generates such bloodlust. My son can’t even stomach that!” Nightlight gave me a small hug and tussled my mane a bit. I would get irritated at that if it was a normal mane.

“There are three factors in that, you are aware of two of them.
I’m half dragonI was raised in Stompton, which could harden anyone to the worldI spent two years learning how to fight from a self-exiled member of the honorably discharged member Griffonian military.” Nightlight nodded in understanding and now it was Shinings turn. “What was the name of the Griffin who took you under her wing, no pun intended.” Whatever Nightlight said to shining, he was all ears for me.

“Her name is Brynhildr Blacktalon.” The eyes of the three adults standing before me went wide.“You’ve heard of her, I’m guessing.” They all shook their heads in a mix of fear and enthusiasm. “If you sign off on it, Shining. I can hire her under rank of Major. She won’t leave Stompton for less, even if it’s me asking.”

“Call her. I want her here as soon as possible.” Shining was brief and to the point. As he always is when it’s a military matter.

I smiled and pulled out my phone “ Hildie, it’s Pocket. I got a job offer for ya. Crystal Empire needs a proper military and they’d like you. No I’m not kidding. Also, I’m Princess Sunny Dial! Don’t believe me do you.” I motioned for the Sparkle house to come near me and turned the call into a video call.

Hildie was speechless for about a minute. “I can be there in three days.” She used the Griffoninan three. Old habits die hard. “Auf wiedersehen , my dear princess.” The call ended and we all walked into the dining hall for mittagessen.. I mean lunch. Damn you Hildie and your Griffonian lessons!

“How did you two meet?” Nightlight was curious how a war hero and a street rat got along. I told him that I’d let Hildie answer that one. She would tell the story better than me since I was barely four when I met her. Short of Shining asking about Ruby, the rest of the day was uneventful.

Author's Note

Midnight Ruby, a bitching lair and she's got her some bloodlust to boot! Let's see If Brynhildr can deliver what Sunny promised, Shall we. And before you comment. Yes, Ruby was based off Fi.