“All’s well…” Shining Armour nodded to himself as he walked the palace hallway inspecting the grounds. Evening had fallen long ago and the crystal empire was still and quiet. When it wasn’t being sieged the crystal empire was uneventful at most times. The ponies were polite and optimistic, but they all still seemed to mostly be introverts. Night time was almost sacred to them. It was the time where respect was given to the earth, and peace was displayed all about.
The palace was equally calm. As cheery and friendly the ponies were, so were they meticulous at tasks and partially obsessed with keeping things in proper order. That’s what kept their shine, he supposed. They polished their home daily so that not a tuft of mane could be found to a disapproving glance. Eager to please, eager to obey, happy to work, pride in efficiency, solace in tranquillity…
…Just like Crystals…frail, sharp, glimmering crystals…
Shining admired the interior as he walked up the various flights of stairs, as he found himself doing often. One never truly accustomed themselves to the sheer prettiness of everything. The ponies were pretty, the palace was pretty, the empire was pretty, the outskirts were pretty if you weren’t in them. You found details in every nook and cranny, signatures of effort to brilliance. To an outsider who’d seen the splendour of Canterlot, this new home was always as amazing as it once was years ago.
His hooves clicked on the smooth floors as he approached the deeper parts of the castle, were more treasuries and important ponies would be allowed to talk politics and strategy, or decadence depending on the nature. Unsurprisingly the area got more artistic and pristine as he did so. The crystal ponies showed important ponies greater stunning views and colourful murals to let the light play on, chivalrous soldiers and graceful mares decorating each one in tribute to some of the finest and greatest contributors to the empire as it has existed. This was all set to the glow of many crystalin lights and chandeliers, each casting wisps of light across the halls in an enchanting fashion.
Guards that he passed on his trek greeted him in curt honourable nods. He did not sparkle like they did, but they saw themselves not above him. A captain was still a captain. The work he had done for them in their time of need was more than enough reason.
Two, however, cracked a joking smile after greeting. Shining stopped and stood at the entrance to the royal chamber only a second longer than usual, idly scanning the area once more before continuing past the doors being guarded.
“Is he a cuddler, sir?” The one asked light heartily. There wasn’t a mocking tone. If anything it was a sympathetic ice breaker. Beyond comprehension was Shining’s partial role in the empire besides Royal guard. For some reason these little out of line steps were a little more normal to the crystal empire. Or perhaps Shining armour was too soft on them.
Shining took the teasing in his stride and gave a calm smile, partial used to it now. At least it helped build rapport among the guard and himself. They weren’t his soldiers truly, not officially, and as long as they still obeyed orders and did their duties he had no qualms “Classified information, soldier” He murmured back. He could see them straighten their form a bit as he trotted inside “Pleasant evenings to you both.”
Closing the door, Shining walked deeper still. From the door the interior took a bit of a less flaunty approach. A sizable common sitting area was directly ahead, for company and business. Soft cushions, sturdy looking tables and ornaments of either accomplishment or decoration brushed against the walls, flowers perched in numerous vases. They were tinted a darker colour than the palace that often taking shades of grey, black, indigo and red. A study was in a nearby door. Peering in you would have found a neatly arranged library of books, a larger chair and a fireplace along with a working desk. Some artefacts, good and evil, floated in glassed suspension. The only other room in view, also behind a closed door, was the bedroom.
Shining trotted past the common area, scanning it for irregularities as he passed by, past the study door and gently pushed the large bedroom door open. He slipped inside and closed the door as quietly as he had opened the large thing. Still he trotted on, on the white carpeted floor, passed the dressing room and the personal washroom to either side of him as he entered. The room was dimly lit and had more of the design the previous room had. The room had been painted in various patterns instead of actual paintings hung, long streaking lines that formed more of the typical crystal art style. The bed was the most outstanding thing within the room, the largest item to view and looked both sturdy and comfortable, fit for royalty.
Shining walked past it and nodded his head in its direction “Your majesty…” he greeted without stopping and headed out towards one last opening in the room, the balcony.
King Sombra looked up from his reading scroll and watched Shining Armour stroll past him and out into the open air. He’d felt no hostility neither in Shining’s voice nor walk, but something about it bothered the king. Perhaps he was bothering himself with attention needs. His lips pursed slowly as he looked back down at the documentation in question. Declaration of state affairs regarding the implementation of the…
…No, it could wait.
He slid off the bedspread and approached the balcony, finding Shining sitting near the edge of the railing and looking out towards the stars. He stepped out onto it and was at the other stallion’s side in one short stride, looking out below instead at the numerous rows of buildings and homes. His usual mantle was absent from his person, a simple silken vest of monochrome colour was all he had as eveningwear. There was no wind that evening, but Sombra’s thick shadowy mane still seemed to move like a lurking shadow creeping downward.
He regarded the empire a few moments before looking to the side “Is something troubling you Shining?” he asked, his deeper voice dripped with authority.
“I like to watch the stars sometimes. They remind me of my sister”
“…I see…” Sombra looked up at the stars himself. The evening was clear and bright. Luna’s moon cast a shimmering curtain about the night sky and anyone with knowledge of astronomy would be able to pick out the constellations with ease. Sombra always found the night calming, sometimes preferring it more than the day. “How so?”
“Her cutie mark has a star, and she’s named after a period of the day. She likes astronomy too.”
Sombra nodded “…You have not seen her since your post of office here was taken up, yes?” he studied Shining’s handsome features with a drifting eye. A smooth well-kept mane, pearly white fur, blue eyes of swimming depth and a confident imposing figure and frame complemented by his royal armour…all terribly fetching qualities that Sombra had come to enjoy the company of.
“I haven’t”
“…Do you keep in touch? It has been almost a year now.”
“She’s busy a lot with her princess duties. That and saving Equestria every other day. She writes but not often with the traveling time to the empire and Spike isn’t linked to us.”
“…” Sombra continued to study the other male with glazed eyes for some time. If Shining had noticed or was bothered by it, he hadn’t voiced a complaint. His gaze was transfixed with the sky. The king looked back down over the balcony. Despite being high up he could tell not a soul was outdoors, the city streets barren. “Shining, I would like to take a walk of the grounds to do some surveying. Your presence is required.”
Shining looked over and nodded once in confirmation. “Is there any other ponies you need?” he asked, getting to his hooves.
“No, you will suffice” Sombra turned around and headed back into the bedroom. He unhooked a mantle from a rack on the way to the door and fastened it onto place, covering his back. Indigo, not red. “Don’t dawdle”
~~~
Neither stallion breathed a word to each other leaving the palace. Shining escorted the king from his room and followed suit where he led, keeping the appropriate distance for guards, a safe distance that was not in the personal space but still close enough to take action should they must, as prescribed. He’d watched the guards posted outside the room as they left. They kept their faces stoic till Shining peered back. One of them had mustered a grin watching the royal party depart.
Sombra greeted each guard he passed in the same simple nods of acknowledges. Shining watched their eyes. There was a mix of fear and respect in those sparkling eyes every crystal pony had. Sombra’s were quietly shifting around the place, gazing at everything, Shining noticed. It seemed he had the same meticulous soul his people did when it came to detail. Or perhaps he had enforced it into them…
Past the entrance doors and a salute later, the two stallions marched into the courtyard with an important stride, not a word spoken still. A few more paces to where the gardens started is where Shining sped up his walk ever so gently, to flank the king’s side. This quiet trot continued for only a moment more before Sombra looked back at the other.
“It’s alright now. The guards aren’t in view to make fun of you if you walk at my side” he quipped playfully.
Shining armour quickened his pace again and set his position to the king’s immediate right and matching his stride “Just waiting for permission, sir”
“Honestly Shining, we both know you need no such thing from me.”
Shining gazed over at the king as he glided across the crystalline pathways. One could not deny that he was of noble blood. Constantly aware of himself and his surroundings, Sombra walked with purpose and wore his mantle with unstated pride. His face was serious, but not unapproachable. The eyes were hard to miss, some ponies said they still glow red at times, but the menacing toothed scowl of a grin was gone. His horn was straighter now but still had a bit of a devilish curve near the end and his crown of domination was replaced with a more traditional one, apparently one he used to wear. Tales tell of King Sombra looking much different than he did today, one less wild and intimidating. No cure of curses seemed to change that, but Sombra had taken means to changing everything that could.
“So what are we surveying, sir?”
Sombra looked over at the other stallion, expression unchanged “…I can’t decide if that was sarcastic charm or chivalrous obviousness…or both…or neither.” He murmured and looked away, scanning the flowerbeds.
“Which one would you like it to be, sir?”
“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you well.”
“Then it’s not sarcasm.” Shining replied, looking at the king. “…I still want to know too…”
“We’re not surveying anything Shining. I wanted to go for a walk in the kingdom I have a ruling over and I wanted you beside me as I did so.” Sombra stated defensively.
“Why didn’t you just say that then, sir?”
“You keep calling me sir. That’s why.” Sombra replied, still looking away at the scenery “I thought I might play along and guise the normal every things we do under royal jargon entirely and see how plain and unattached it may sound.”
Shining paused at the response, trying to read the other’s face. It gave no mood or hint “…If you don’t like me calling you sir, sir, then tell me.”
“Do you not like my name?”
“No. I just can’t address kings out of place without privilege.”
“Fine” Sombra stopped in his tracks, turned and faced Shining Armour with effortless regal stature, taking on a persona he was so used to now “Shining Armour, I hereby decree that you are entirely forbidden to call me ‘Sir’ or anything of the sort that use honorifics or reference title when the two of us are in the company of each other and nopony else. You are to refer to me as my given name, Sombra, and any other further diminutive label such as a nickname you or I devise that meets my approval. Are we clear?”
Shining gave the king a smiling bow of his head. He looked into Sombra’s eyes as he smiled, waiting for his next royal order in content silence. Another jesting quip sat on his tongue but he held it back. Sombra stared at that smile. If the commentary hadn’t been the charm, the smile was. He cleared his throat and turned back towards the path to resume his walk, Shining taking his side again quickly.
They passed what was the official entrance of the palace grounds and began a trot into town. Buildings of unorthodox shape and colour to the citizens of Equestria made the infrastructure as smaller shops and stalls punctuated sidewalks. Most lights were off but the empire still had a glow about it that seemed to naturally fend the true darkness of night. The streets were empty, anypony still awake and outside would probably only be found in the alleyways. Safe for the few night operation establishments, the doors and windows were all closed. No pony around to see them, not a soul about to force Sombra’s latest decree out of issue.
“Sorry for upsetting you.”
Sombra shook his head calmly as they continued walking, his eyes still idly scanning the path and various shops for imperfections or curiosities “No, no, you are correct. I cannot truly fault a guard for acting under proper protocol. At the very least you know where I stand on the matter now.”
“…I like your name, Sombra”
The king didn’t reply immediately. He made the last of his little observations of the passing town in its quiet, tranquil and unblemished state and decided that he had given enough effort into excusing his walk as a survey. He turned his head over and focused Shining with his attention “I’m glad…”
“Did your parents name you that, or was that the corruption talking?”
“…My parents. This coat of mine was always dark. They found it fitting…and in many ways it was very fitting indeed for the path my life has taken, even today” Sombra said, his features relaxing somewhat out of the royal face. “Do you like yours?”
“Uh” Shining Armour looked up in serious thought “Kinda. It’s a little long. Our parents liked long names. Twily was saying how it’s only getting worse now that she’s ‘Princess’ Twilight Sparkle. We always thought mine sounded dumber when you say it all.” He chuckled a bit in the sibling memory “I can’t think of a cooler name for me anyway.”
“…Has she…” Sombra paused a bit, considering his words and whether or not they should be voiced “Come around to the recent changes in your life yet?”
“We had an argument, but we sorted it out. She just told me to be careful and not to get too far ahead of myself in stuff I don’t know about…Cadence felt worse, but only because all she did was have a cry and by the end she was smiling all understanding at me like she’d known something like this would happen all along…But she’s not the princess of love just for show I guess…” Shining hung his head bit. That had been a rough day…and he was the only pony involved who had somepony to go back to.
Sombra watched the neckline sag a bit. He sighed “I apologise for causing this disruption in your life, Shining”
Shining snorted in good natured dismissal “Hey it wasn’t your fault I got married…It’s not your fault you got taken over by some dark energy thing either. Same thing happened to Princess Luna and everyone loves her again. Same thing is gonna happen to you Sombra”
The two started nearing the end of the residential and commercial part of the empire .The fields, public gardens and recreational parks started coming into view. They weren’t sprawling fields but they seemed big enough for the empire’s occupants. The crystal folk, so many of them, could be found there daily partaking in sport and music, always in a group. The grass was kept different hues of either green or blue depending on the kind that was growing and a plethora of children playthings could be seen in one side of every park along with the other usual park furnishings. Just like the rest of the empire, it gleamed with neatness. Sometimes Shining wondered if Crystal ponies even knew how to make a mess. “I wish I had all the courage you had”
Sombra raised a brow at his evening companion with curiosity “Courage? Where does this come from now?”
“Takes a lot of gusto to run an empire after being the dark king that everypony feared and hated and doesn’t have any memory of how he used to be or who he was before it happened.”
Sombra scoffed “That is not courage. That is duty. What good is a new life freed of corruption when you turn tail and hide in some cave or cell? I will live to see the crystal empire in its former glory. Anything else would be a waste of my time and existence.”
Shining laughed. It was such a full, true, refreshing laughter. Sombra hadn’t heard laughter so carefree in years. Ponies had not dared to laugh out of place in his presence. “What?” the king questioned with a gesture.
“That’s courage Sombra.”
“Courage implies I had a choice. I did not”
“You did. You just don’t count the other point. Doesn’t it scare you to think about? The weight of the kingdom on your shoulders, the expectations, gaining the trust of your people when they barely know anything about you anymore.” Shining shook his head “I’m just a guard. Ponies look up to me but…a whole kingdom”
Sombra regarded his companion again for a moment. Shining hadn’t looked away from him the entire time since their conversation started. Those stunning blue eyes shamed even the crystal heart “…Your courage is unparalleled Shining. It does not take magic or a special eye to see so strong a fire that burns in your heart, all to serve and protect those you care for. A sacrifice is not but a trifle to you. You are a guard every king or queen dreams to have in their court.”
Shining smiled goofily “You make complements sound so important.”
“They ‘are’ important. You are important.”
Shining’s pace slowed to a stop and looked around on the path. He trotted onto the grass for a distance and then stopped seemingly in the middle of nowhere. He planted down on the grass. Sombra had watched the deviation take place without moving, and eventually followed when Shining sat down.
“I thought I might as well make this proper” Shining said as Sombra lowered himself next to him, careful not to sit on his mantle.
“What do you mean?”
“I proper date. That’s what this is”
Sombra chuckled “You may see it that way if you so wish.”
“We went for a walk. We talked about stuff. I got to know more stuff about you. You told me not to call you sir anymore cause it bothered you that I wasn’t being intimate enough. Now we’re just here on the grass.”
Sombra traced the other stallion’s gaze that now stared up at the stars, just as he had found him. On the balcony, inside the palace, behind closed doors. He had looked so discontent and uncertain of his life. But he was smiling now, out there in the open where anypony could walk by and see the two, a king and a guard, unceremoniously sitting in a field.
“…Is this better?”
“Yeah…thanks for taking me out here.”
“It was, and still is, nothing but a pleasure, Shining”
The dead of night was quiet. You could hear a crystal drop. Any town buzz was too far from them now on the outskirts to be heard. There was no wind to blow the trees into a soft whine. To all concerned they were just commoners under other names.
“…The simple life is such a fleeting desire that royals entertain…” Sombra began “Here with you or roused by a cause, longings for a life of smaller beginnings and moderate ends sound so enticing, where burdens of various weights stack upon my shoulders. So quick do the fancies past…and I am left with the moment that inspired me, wondering why I would ever wish for another life where circumstances could change so quick.”
Shining shifted on the grass, a short scoot closer to the king as he listened.
“But I would rather die than forgo this transformation I have taken. Earning the ponies trust has been a tiring but rewarding feeling. The yearning for redemption and newer better beginning’s fills my blood with fire. So I shall…and so I lose all need to question the life I live now… surrounded by those who care and support me, even enemies a curse turned against me regard me again with wary but hopeful smiles…”
Sombra looked at the other stallion, staring back at him. A relaxed face, a knowing smile that was getting used to his longer miniature speeches, those perfect blue eyes that drew him in, silent in accommodation and respect while his tail swayed in the grass “…” Sombra reached up and gently stroked Shining’s neck thoughtfully, brushing some of the mane that laid there. “Some have thought your attendance in my court a ploy to gain trust, the brother of a recently named princess and ex-husband of another. Someday I will bring light to the true nature of your residence here, Shining. Till then that nature remains our agenda only. Not my decoy…not my ploy…but my anchor.”
Shining placed a hoof on the one stroking his mane fondly, pressing on it before getting onto his legs again. He bowed as low as he could dip his head and recited “So long as I draw breath, I will serve your kingdom and you in faith and loyalty my lord.”
Sombra chuckled at the bow “You mock me again. Very well, let me try again.” Shinning raised his head and cocked a brow. Sombra sat up properly, cleared his throat and removed the royal horseshoes from his hooves and set them aside. He clasped his bare hooves around Shining’s face, rubbing them against the cheeks tenderly as he leaned forward and pressed his snout the other stallion’s in a brief, simple kiss. Barely enough to make it more, yet Sombra hung on the other’s lip indecisively.
“I think you’re extremely attractive and charming Shining, and I am forever grateful for our relationship both physically and mentally nor can I comprehend what you see in this old husk of a king.” Sombra whispered, his forehead against the other stallion’s, listening to him breath. The one so determined to serve.
“Still too formal” Shining murmured back, playfully chewing back on the other’s bottom lip as he nuzzled against Sombra’s face.
“I love you dearly Shining.”
“I love you too, Sombra.”
Shining tucked his head under Sombra’s and lapped at his neck, careful of his horn. Sombra’s hooves travelled around the neck to Shining’s back, ironing and petting at it as he pulled the other stallion closer. He nuzzled into Shining’s mane and closed his eyes.
“I beg you not to break my heart as well, Shining. I am not as strong as your ex-wife emotionally. I will crumble to dust.” The whisper was husky and confident despite the desperate plea.
“…Cadence loved me…and I love her.” Shining murmured, tilting his head and kissed under the jaw, his hooves reaching around to hug the other stallion “But you understand me…Cadence was a fairy tale…you’re real with me…maybe she knew too…I thought all of this was going to be so much harder and awkward but we just…worked”
Sombra basked in the comforting feelings that washed over him, the embrace steadily strengthening to a cuddle. “…Well, I suppose there is one thing I can provide that Cadence cannot.”
Shining hid his face lower lest he show exploitable weakness to his king “I’m still getting used to that…”
“You don’t seem to be a novice. Quite the red blooded stallion you are actually.” Sombra stated, his hoof drifting lower to the hip region and giving it the same encouraging little pets along the smooth milky coat.
“…I mean I’m getting used to having one all the time and not just a fling here and there...”
Sombra rumbled softly against the other stallion, slipping the other hoof down to stroke around and under Shining’s chest plate “Are you enjoying your adjustment then?”
“…Sombra, I’m not good at dirty talk”
Sombra chuckled softly “Oh you say that now. You manage to sing another tune altogether when time and passion collide in our favour. Your attempts to guise it with innocence is just a tactic to bait and arouse me, I know. It always works.”
Shining’s eyes were closed, an audible little murring of enjoyment slipping from his lips at each attentive stroke of his frame “…You talk too much” he replied and looked Sombra in the eyes. Pure white hot passion was all he could see in them now. He’d seen so many spectrums of Sombra’s eyes now. This is when they were at their brightest.
“Perhaps you will surprise and silence me one night then?” Sombra rumbled, listening to Shining huff at his touches still snaked down slowly, never reaching where they should be. “I can’t deny I’m excited at the thought…” Sombra replied, kissing Shining’s nose.
Shining loosened his grip around the darker stallion and wiggled gently in Sombra’s clutches; till the King allowed him to straighten up and stand “We should get back.”
Sombra stood and dusted the grass off his mantle, a smug look on his face all the way as he put his shoes back on “Yes, we should.” He took to Shining’s side, much closer than they had walked before “You’ve been so good at caring for me Shining. I hope I have been adequately accommodating for you.”
Shining smiled coyly at the king and held out his hoof at Sombra. Sombra stared at it curiously before setting his own against it. An arm flung around Sombra’s neck to hold him steady, Shining leaned close and kissed the other darker stallion with intent. Their mouths parted quickly and tongues delved back into familiar territory, tying themselves around each other and taking turns to push and suck at one another, neither yielding nor fighting for too long. They slurped together, forgetting the world around them for the sure pleasure of tasting the other.
They parted slowly, hanging on the moment and each other with fleeting amorous nibbles to any flesh they could find near their lips, muscles that touched flexed and tightened.
“You have…I swear you have…”
~~~
The walk back was quiet save from a few queries. Shining Armour entertained the king’s request to nuzzle into his neck for the walk, as the common folk did on their non-royal dates.
Shining had come to know Sombra as an oddly pleasant mix of serious and gentle; neither a teddy bear or a tyrant. There was no worry of overstepping boundaries that no pony had stated as Sombra spoke his mind often and voiced complains simply. He did not feel obliged to protect the other outside of duty and general concern itself. Sombra was practical often in his work and life. He seldom complained about small things, choosing to take action on them instead. He cared for himself and others and as long as he had been near the king, there was not much he would not do for the greater benefit of anypony involved…that made Shining want to do his duty. They were all things he admired about the king…not counting the striking physical attributes yet.
What could he say; Shining admitted there was a thrill Sombra had over him when he gave orders…
When the castle neared their sight, Sombra’s head neatly untucked itself out of Shining’s neck and took some steps to create a gap in their strides. His muzzle straightened became serious again. The transition was unquestioned, Shining knew why and it never bothered him. He knew Sombra was not ashamed of them. Politics were simply tender matters he had to spin properly to stop the entire country from going into an uproar. The entirety of Equestria learning that Shining’s heart now resided with the redeemed king would be no fun matter to deal with at present and they both knew it.
Shining piped up when they reached the castle doors, in obvious company of the stationed guards as Sombra nodded to them “I enjoyed our surveying sir. I learnt a lot.”
Sombra looked back at him, a devilishly handsome smile parting his lips “I should say so…” he replied, his tail swishing to the sides and revealing his cutie mark just barely visible from beneath his mantle: dozens of tiny black crystals coming up together to form one large unfinished red one.
One of the guard smirked at them. Sombra let it slide…if anything, the king truly hoped they looked as good of a couple as they felt.
-FIN-
Sombra sat kneeling on the carpet in the middle of the room, the sole inhabitant. Not a thread of clothing or regalia was on the king, bare as any common pony. The magic based fire-pit was at his side but it was not lit. The windows were drawn closed by silken curtains and the place was still, a ghost of sunlight on the edges of the cloth hinted at the early time of day. The room was more cluttered than usual as well, as various books had been collected from the shelves and some of the artefacts had been moved about the place as they had been examined slightly, though there was still some logic and order to where they now stacked and stayed. The flowers in the study hung in their vases over the edge as if they were wilting, yet they bloomed quite widely in a cyan and red mixture. The king’s eyes were fixed on one of the artefacts as it hovered in a containing glass, floating with almost sentient defiance. He didn’t move, just glared at the object with a suspicious scowl, calculating and analysing approaches. After all, he worked best in the shadows.
“Sombra?”
The king turned his head to the only door the study had, slightly ajar, where the call had come from. He raised his voice and called in return “I’m here” and turned his head back to the artefact.
Some seconds passed in more silence as Sombra’s eyes darted to the various other objects in the room. He had already checked them for usefulness and none seemed so, but solutions were often overlooked in haste or a blocked mind. Sombra heard the hooved steps at the door and the solid soft thud of it giving way.
He looked over again to find Shining’s head in the opening, peering inside before entering. “Morning” he murmured.
“Good morning Shining. Have you slept well?” Sombra queried as the other stallion made his way over to him.
Shining’s white coat stood out slightly against the dimly lit room. There was no armour to hide its pearly splendour as he marched slowly towards the king. He dipped and leaned his head over to greet Sombra with a lingering peck to the lips “I did” he said as they parted. Sombra smiled and gave a pleased snort.
“What?”
“You seem to have awoken in a more amorous mood today.” Sombra replied as he petted Shining’s cheek. He could feel the other nuzzle into his hoof.
“You wanted me to be more intimate when we’re alone. I’m trying.”
Sombra regarded the statement as he examined the other’s features, his hoof now under the guard pony’s chin. His eyes were long accustomed to seeing in any variant of dark, but Shining’s still glimmered faintly as he gazed into them. Sleep still dressed his face and his usually smooth flattened mane was in a slight haze of shaggy unrest “You’re quite the natural then.”
Shining broke out into a small smile and looked to the large covered opening “It’s early. You’re not usually up this time”
“Apologies, a dark thought stirred me awake this morning.” Sombra replied, watching Shining move over to the curtain and ungracefully shove them open. Some part of Sombra enjoyed the fact that Shining rarely used his magic for practicality sake. A warm yet still subdued light slipped into the room, dancing on the various crystal and glass surfaces. The low lighting had cast a shadow of much more serious laboratorial work and magic study. Now it just looked like a slightly unkempt work room.
“When’s your first duty today?”
“Not soon if I recall correctly. I won’t be needed till mid-afternoon. I’d wanted the extra resting period to prepare for tomorrows negotiations. The crystal empire has lost many of its trade routes and the past year has only just started showing promise with neighbouring cities as you well know.” Sombra rattled off while looking at a chart on the wall. He counted the branches that still needed to be linked in trade as they used to, as well as other newer routes that needed capitalization “Why, are there any matters that I have not been briefed on?”
Shining Armour nodded “No, just keeping current. You weren’t there when I woke up so I thought you’d maybe left early for more business already.”
Sombra squinted at his mate as he spoke and the way the morning’s rays set his coat ablaze like any true diamond. A dark pulse in the air hung over its splendour and tarnished it…He would not have that.
“…Shining, I would like your thoughts” Sombra stated.
“On what?”
“Your current ones. All of them. They are my current and only concern.” The king stated with sudden seriousness. Shining stared at Sombra’s muzzle a while, slightly confused. When he gave no reply except for a yawn the king shifted to the side and tapped the rugged floor next to him “Come, at my side.”
Still giving Sombra a bewildered look, Shining rolled his shoulders in defeat and walked over, nestling beside the king shoulder to shoulder.
“Now then” Sombra looked the other stallion right in the eyes, attempting to talk a gentler tone but really only deepening his voice “Please, share your thoughts with me. What is on the mind of my mate?”
“Right now I’m wondering what got into you”
“You have. I already told you. You may think this a jest or something else in that nature but it is of grave concern to me. Something is bothering you, something about me. I want to know what it is.” said Sombra, limbs crossed tightly “Do not insult me by telling me it’s is nothing of importance. Your problems and wellbeing is of the highest priority in my life and I won’t let anypony, including you or me, stand in the way of my care for you.”
Shining blinked at Sombra, his guard caught “Well…” he murmured and looked away, fidgeting under the king’s gaze.
“Do not make me beg Shining. Because I will beg, and it is not an attractive trait of mine.”
“…” Shining looked back at the king after finding no answers in the interior around him. The ruby red eyes had softened a bit from their glare, where concern was creeping in a gentler ruby tint. “I guess…I just miss you a bit” he said finally.
Sombra unfolded his limbs and gently placed a hoof over Shining’s “There is nothing to be embarrassed about missing anypony Shining, and you certainly don’t need to hide that from me.”
“I know, just…” Shining sighed and shook his head “I’m just being dramatic”
“Perhaps you are, but that is natural.” Sombra slowly stroked the hoof under his “Why is it you feel you could not share this with me? Did you think I would see you as weak? A hindrance?”
“You’re busy with royal duties a lot and you’ve been going out of the empire alot this month. It’s not like I can just tell you to spend time with me instead.”
“I don’t see why not.” Sombra replied “These ‘royal duties’ of mine do not take preference over you and never will. They are certainly not a pleasant as your company nor do I long for the thrill of establishing networks or authorizing treaties as much as I long for you when we are apart.”
Shining hung his head and found the carpet design interesting again “…I feel silly when I think about it. But I still don’t want to bother you. You had so much work to do to get the empire back, and then running like how it was supposed to.”
Sombra reached the other limb out and stroked the base of Shining’s shaggy mane down, attempting again to make his voice more caring. Shining’s show of insecurity stabbed at heartstrings “I apologise Shining. I’m aware that I sound like an abusive father trying to discipline his colt over his wrongs but that is not my intention. That is why I want you not to fear of telling me these things, or anything. Should you wish any time of mine devoted to you then it shall be given. Should you wish to tell me anything, I will listen. No question you ask me that I know the answer to is too personal. I have no past to hide, no secrets at present or a future to scheme toward.”
Shining looked up at Sombra again. The morning light had just about reached where they knelt together. Sombra’s serious concerned face stared back at him supportively, his mane in a similar state of undress yet it suited the king more than Shining’s. “…We didn’t get to meet like a normal couple…I just feel bad trying to pry into your past” he smiled a bit “Doesn’t sound like it was fun for anypony”
“Is there something you’ve wanted to know?”
Shining glanced around the room a bit, eyeing some of the floating magical items before he asked“…How did you get corrupted? I’ve heard stories but those don’t really add up. None of them mention you used to be normal. They all just say you were this dark cruel king who got banished.”
Sombra glanced up too, following Shining’s gaze best that he could. He took a breath “Shining, have I ever explained what my magic is?”
“Isn’t it just black crystals and smoke clouds?”
Sombra laughed. The darker tone of the room cracked with Sombra’s smile and the hum of his laughter “Well crystals are just a theme my magic has taken, similar to how Cadence’s can be embodied in the crystal heart with her deep understanding of love. But it does not explain where my magic’s core resides.” he paused while smiled sadly “My magic comes from darkness…the darkness that plagues the heart”
“Huh?” Shining tilted his head “What’s that mean?”
Sombra looked at his horn, demonstrating with a small crackling bubble of dark magic forming at the tip for a few seconds. It cracked red around his curved horn menacingly before dissipating. Shining felt a chill take the room for a brief second as it did, a split-second wave of fear. “Doubt, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, anguish, hopelessness…these are the emotions I respond to. I sense and feel them in the air around me as they seep from ponies who bottle their emotions. I always have been able to, even as a young colt, the inner despair of others hung about them like a miasma ready to pull them to their depths. In time, I learnt that I could draw on, inflict, control and steal these emotions.”
Shining nodded slowly, and realisation stuck him “...Wait, that means that-”
“-Indeed, It does.” Sombra smiled somewhat sheepishly. He’d never really thought the explanation of his magic would be more embarrassing than grim. It was a pleasant change “More so than most mates, you have found one who always knows when you are sad or troubled.” Quickly the king added “In my defence I don’t try to sense it, it is simply the way my eyes see the world.”
Shining blinked a bit more then broke into a grin “I guess that explains why you always ask me what’s wrong…”
“Last night I only managed to distract you.”
“Did a hell of a job”
“You make it so easy” Sombra grinned as Shining turned a shy eye “It’s one of the traits that I adore about you Shining. You are easy to please and so eager to reciprocate…”
Shining mumbled something under his breath. As cute as it was to see the stallion become bashful, Sombra wondered if there would come a day when Shining would not look away. “So what happened?” he piped up
Sombra cleared his throat and traced his memory back to the origins of his downfall, a path filled with thorny brambles only at the end of the road “Now that you know of my magic, you can probably imagine the kind of affect it has on the psyche of any normal pony. As a lad growing up I never had much chance to tell others that misery was my gift, let alone the court. My parents never knew. My people certainly did not. Still, I had to tame it. And so I did as I grew, secretly tapping into the unspoken truths my horn whispered in my mind’s ear. By the time I was of age to begin any official proper ruling I had all but mastered and discovered all there was that I was capable of….”
Sombra’s lips creased back into a purse “Being born of darkness…I thought myself immune to its effects. I attribute this to adolescent pride but still cannot excuse myself. In truth I am only more resistant to these shadowy thoughts than most…immunity to the inner blackness does not exist. Not even the spawn of Tartarus comprehend its creeping clutch. Foolhardy was I, seeking a positive purpose my magic could give to my people…I began to burden myself with their struggles on unnatural levels….”
Shining nodded slowly and just listened to the deep voice. He expected to see pain or sorrow, but all he found was a frown of serious disappointment in the king’s face “But a lesson I now know, is that ripping the sadness out of others does not work as practically as it may sound at first. They may find themselves quicker to cheer in that one moment…but their problems have not left them…I tried the exercise on my parents first. They were deeply troubled individuals, riddled with layers of stress under their calm regal faces. Not unkind, simply troubled as if they knew not what to do with all the responsibility at times. It had been a success at the time, the layers peeling and with time their attitudes changed for the better behind closed doors. Naturally I was thrilled, overjoyed even…But that was just two ponies. In the short time I ruled with conscious mind I pulled nearly the entire collective weight of my empire under my care. It worked for some time, the ponies were more productive, thrived…and I was content, seeing the world I knew flourish.”
Sombra looked over at Shining, checking to see traits of disinterest. He certainly felt somewhat pathetic retelling the story of his past’s folly “Then one day…there was nothing special about it otherwise...my shadow slipped out from beneath me and fled down the hallway I stood in. I gave chase and tracked it all the way to the throne room. There it stood, myself in a collection of shifting pitch inky black darkness stared back at me like some haunting beast, bared fangs, blood eyed and sitting on my throne, mocking me with laughter...for it knew I could not hope to best it.”
The king went silent for some time. Shining saw a shiver of disgust run through him “…From that point onward is where history knows the rest…”
“…Do you think it would happen again?”
Sombra looked at his mate carefully. There was no fear that he could see or feel. He saw instead the face of a knight, conviction to a cause and concern for those they swore to protect. That alone was heart-warming enough “I do not know honestly know…but I won’t repeat what I once did, knowing it played a hoof in the process. That is something we all can learn from the earth ponies. They have no horn it simplify tasks, but seldom have they been the cause of a catastrophe that threatened the state of Equestria. So do I follow their example, and find the roots of doubt to weed instead of pruning the hedges.”
“Even if it does, we won’t let it win again.”
“…We…” Sombra nodded solemnly at the word “Not I, but ‘we’…yes, that is a key difference as well. Knowing that makes me certain it won’t.”
Shining looked up, and stared ahead. Sombra traced his view again, though it took no fool to see where they had gone. Shining stood slowly from the king’s comfortable side and slowly walked towards it, the object he’d found the king staring at “What’s this? You keep looking at it.”
Sombra rose as well and approached the artefact. Sealed in glass it looked harmless enough, but he knew better “This is the Alicorn Amulet.”
“This thing? How’d it end up here?” Shining inspected the amulet from different angles “Twilight spoke about it that one time an Ursa minor attacked Ponyville.”
“I’m well aware of its exploits and adventures in my absence.” Sombra scowled at the jewellery. “In truth, this amulet belongs to the crystal empire originally. It is an old heirloom of the ruling line, owned by whoever had currently taken the crown.” Sombra tapped the glass gently. The sleek well-made amulet sparked red in its chamber in response but did not show any more signs of a fight. “It served only as a magical amplifier, should we need the strength to face threats of grand proportions. Luna and Celestia were the only alicorns in that age; no pony’s power could hope to rival theirs. This amulet was the crystal empire’s reply.”
“It turns ponies evil doesn’t it?” Shining replied, still squinting at its eerily red glow. Some part of it looked alive; the Alicorn depicted stared back at him.
“It wasn’t supposed to…it was merely a booster and nothing more…” Sombra sighed in frustration “That is of course, until it was passed down to me. When I performed my syphoning of darkness across every reach of my empire, the amulet was the key to allowing me extended reach over my empire. Even the brief times I wore it to perform one act, one can only imagine the immense level of pure unfiltered negative emotions that now swells inside its confines. All it can do now is bide it’s time and wait for a new host to poison with promises and lies.”
Shining leaned away from the necklace slowly “Can you restore it?”
Sombra ran a hoof through his thick tussled mane “In theory yes. But there is not exactly a manual for handling sacred treasures of times long gone, lest you break them further” He walked slowly to the other side of the room, analysing a map idly as he explained “ The best solution I have found have boiled down to two options. One is riskier, as I try to syphon and destroy the darkness from its core. The other is the more sound option, by utilizing the crystal heart.” Sombra sighed again “Alas, the latter is one I have no control over. It is fuelled by belief of the ponies, and Cadence has shown much more affinity towards it than I. My explorations in the matter continue, but having the amulet cleansed would be a tremendous milestone in our history books.” He said and grumbled as he started looking for a scroll beneath the chart.
Shining turned away from the amulet and looked at the other stallion. More light was seeping into the room, morning almost fully realised. A pleasant glow lit the king’s one side and hid the other in the shadows. The crystal shapes on his cutie mark glimmered in the light “You’d make an awesome Alicorn”
Sombra looked over his shoulder and gave Shining an amused grin “While I appreciate the sentiment Shining, I don’t foresee that as a possibility.” He refocused his gaze in front of him at the still unfound scroll and rummaged on absentmindedly “Alicorns are an embodiment of harmony. They become so only after being carefully tempered through mind and action with some understanding of its flow within the world, as well as the balance that needs to be maintained. It takes much more than just having powerful magic or nobility. I most of all seem a most unlikely candidate, given that my gift goes directly against harmony.”
Shining furrowed his eyebrows “No it doesn’t”
“Oh? And how is that then?” Sombra asked, genuinely interested.
Shining walked a bit closer to the king. He gathered his thoughts in a few moments of silent thinking while Sombra waited patiently, not facing him still. “Darkness isn’t evil. It’s not the opposite of harmony; it’s just another part of it. Without darkness ponies wouldn’t know or feel like we even need harmony. Harmony won’t be a thing if darkness wasn’t there. And you understand darkness. You understand what it is, what it can do and how to deal with it. You see the dark in me and everypony else all the time, you know it’s something that doesn’t go away and that it’s something everypony needs to learn to live with. You’re part of the other side of the balance in Equestria, and it’s not the side most ponies want to be on but that doesn’t make you the bad guy.”
Sombra turned around slowly and faced his guard captain, an attentive and interested look on his face. Somehow looking at it made Shining more confident in his speech “Your gift made you who you are today and it shows in everything you do. Some ponies would never have been able to walk in your horse shoes, with all the things you did and all the things you’re doing now. But you don’t show fear at the challenges you’re given, you don’t doubt your decisions, you don’t sit in your throne room all sad and mopey hoping things work out the way they planned while getting other ponies to do all the work. You don’t even consider those things as choices, because you know what the dark does. You face them all, your fears, your hardships and your troubles without evening blinking. You show all of us that it’s ok to be scared or sad, as long as you do something about it. The way you rule and the examples you set teaches how to shake them off and the elements of harmony only work when we’re strong enough to fight the dark off.”
Shining scrunched his face in thought. It was one thing he wanted to prove Sombra wrong in with all of his heart. He stared Sombra right in his bright red eyes as he closed off “My sister, Cadence, Celestia. They all just build the army and make it tough. You know the enemy…doesn’t matter how big your army is if they can’t fight. And I am proud, to be a soldier in that battle with you.”
Sombra stared at him, eyes widened. “That was…beautiful, Shining” he said, a handsome smile curving onto his muzzle.
Shining reflected the smile best he could, with great ease “Hey my sis’s super smart. You learn a thing or two along the way.” He said while tapping his head cheerfully.
Sombra closed the gap between them in a slow stride. There were moments where he just felt the urge to be close to the other stallion. “I had never thought of my gift in that light…it is an interesting take to say the least, refreshing at best. Such an apt masculine view as well.”
“You never talked about it with anypony else did you?”
“No…no I didn’t. But I’m working to remedy that in this life. It is a mistake my past has made, over burdening myself with my own ideals even when they are for the sake of others. Mine are no good if they don’t bare fruit.”
“I know…” Shining nuzzled the other stallion, nibbling at the fine black fur just a bit “I’ve seen you trying. You’re a lot better than you think, especially with the pony folk.”
Sunlight was streaming into the study now. Morning had more than been born and was greeting the world eagerly. The study was bright and lively, all shadows tucked away in corners where they could not be seen. The flowers perked upward slightly to catch the light, the various treasures started to gleam in their encasings. Some invisible wind had blown some cheer inside as the light danced along the pristine crystal walls and art.
“…Thank you, Shining” Sombra murmured “I had awoken this morning with such an odd mix of anxiety and cause, thinking of the coming days. I had not known what to do with it truly…and you looked so precious in slumber, I could not wake you.” He chuckled a bit as Shining glared at him playfully “But I am glad for it now, that we could spend this morning together and share what has been shared.” the king studied the time from out the corner of his eye “For now time beckons us both elsewhere.”
“When are you coming back from your meeting?”
“The morning after tomorrow”
“Whenever you’re free then. I still wanted to ask you how you managed to get the empire back just like that.”
Sombra laughed again. “Oh that is a terribly dull tale. I will have to gussy it up so as not to bore you. Perhaps I’ll add how my honour was tested by battling a dragon horde to claim the rights of the empire as my own, all for the amusement of our dear Celestia of course.”
“Sounds good to me” Shining patted the other’s shoulder comfortingly. “I’ll be here”
They gave their dismissals, but lingered in the room. Somehow it had become so much cosier for them since entering it. In another life they would have had the time to settle down and spend the weekend like a normal couple. Perhaps go out to the fair and partake in the festivities or rides. Perhaps visit friends and be teased in good nature for their status as a couple. But then again, in another life they wouldn’t be together in the same room enjoying each other’s company. The life they had was as good as either deemed it needed to be.
Still lingering…
Forearms beginning to lock around one another’s neck…
Making weak unjustified reasons to remain longer…
Muzzles and lips at unrest…
Fur and mane so pleasant to the touch…
Throats somewhat dry from all the talking, but only one damp source nearby...
“…Sweet Celestia you smell good…”
A soft, deep rumbling chuckle “It’s the darkness…adds some robustness to the scent when you wear it correctly…”
-Fin-
