Chapters Beams of light entered Sombra's room. He quickly woke up, still not getting used to the light.
He left his room, but unfortunately he didn't knew the way for the dining room.
Sombra lifted a hoof to his chin.
Luna notice Sombra standing in the middle of the hallway.
Sombra was going to bow, but Luna interrupted with her hoof.
Quickly getting up, he remembered the reason why.
Luna giggled, then she continue walking down the hallway.
Sombra nodded while following Luna. Truth to be told, that was the first time he visited Canterlot Castle.
"Good morning sister."- Celestia.
"Good morning to you too."- Luna greeted.
"Awake already Sombra?"- glancing at Sombra while he sat down on the chair.
"I suppose, I had plenty of time to sleep, also I'm hungry."- he said with a small grin.
"How was your sleep?"- Celestia continued the conversation.
Before speaking, Sombra cleared his throat.
"How did..."- he was going to question before being interrupted by Celestia.
"Cadence, she told me in her letter, everything I needed to know."- still focusing on the letter.
"Oh, alright!"- Sombra calm down when a sudden thought came through to his mind. "Did you just said "everything" ?"- he asked with a nervous smile.
"Yes, don't you worry, your secrets are safe with me."- she winked at Sombra. Sombra slightly blushed, which for some reason he remembered hearing that phrase before maybe, from his past.
"Ponyville!"- Luna quickly answered.
"Ah, thank you Luna."- Luna simply nodded back at him.
Celestia finished reading the letter placing it on the table.
"Of course, my sister."- said Luna while levitating a cup of coffee in mid air. The Princess of the Sun left the room closing the door behind her. Sombra looked a the cup of coffee, he didn't know what was that. Luna saw Sombra's puzzled expression.
Using her magic, she grabbed a second cup and filled with coffee, then she gave him.
He took a glance at the brown liquid, yet the smell was quite delicious. Bringing the cup to his mouth, he started drinking, he felt the warm liquid going down. Licking his lips, the dark stallion spoke.
Sombra's expression now was a sad one which worried Luna.
"It's just I feel that I missed a lot while I was sleeping." Luna knew exactly what he was saying. Rising from her chair, she reached him.
Hours later, the royal carriage was ready to depart. The three ponies entered and with a simple nod from Celestia, the royal guards opened their wings, beginning the visit to see Twilight and her friends.
Celestia and Luna glanced at Sombra, they could see he was enjoying the ride. Ponyville was only a few meters away. Celestia placed a hoof on Sombra's shoulder, he looked back at her.
Even before Sombra could say anything the royal carriage touched the ground and came to a sudden stop. One of the royal guards opened the door letting the princesses leaving the carriage, Sombra followed them. But before exiting he took a quick glance to the outside, but his vision soon was blocked by Celestia and Luna because of their manes. He could swear he saw something.
Something...purple.
Stepping out from the carriage, his face met a certain purple alicorn. With their eyes wide open, they spoke.
"You!"- both ponies said at the same time. The rest of the ponies was watching them.
Author's Note
After a few requests for a sequel, I got enough time to write.
Sombra was now facing the purple alicorn, both ponies had their eyes wide open.
Sombra felt anger growing inside of him, but he didn't wanted to screw this up.
He bow with a slight anger.
Clearing her throat, she spoke.
Celestia just giggled at the question. That moment remembered her when she brought Discord. She looked around, but he wasn't there.
Twilight thought for a few seconds.
But the truth was that Discord wasn't painting or anything else, from far away, hidden in a tree. Two eyes peeled from the branches.was an important meeting, which he didn't wanted to crash into since Celestia and Luna were there, also with King Sombra. He knew about King Sombra's history because Fluttershy told him.
Regardless of that, he decide to watch.
The Princess of the Sun continued.
Twilight nodded.
"Yes, I believe he can be reformed, just like Discord."
"I don't know about that."- she thought.
"Oh, um...you can rise now King Sombra."
Rising from the ground, Sombra spoke with a soft voice, or at least he tried.
Just now Twilight noticed Sombra wasn't using his royal clothes. Also his crown was missing.
"If you don't mind, we must return to Canterlot."- she continued. "I trust you and your friends."
Celestia entered the chariot, she glanced at Luna, she was talking with Sombra.
"Before we leave, I have something for you."- levitating from behind her, a red cape. Sombra looked at the cape.
"Long story."- she answered.
"I can't."- he said quickly. "That thing brings bad memories."
"But now you can make new memories, better ones."
The two princesses waved goodbye, the group of ponies waved back.
"This is going to be interesting."- he thought to himself.
Applejack approached Twilight.
Twilight thought for a while until she made a decision.
"I don't trust him!"- said Rainbow Dash.
"You said the same thing about Discord."- Fluttershy smiled.
Sombra was surprised, Twilight didn't had a castle, but a library? He was used to read books, his past life.
The six ponies gathered and they're debating about something, himself of course.
Twilight took a quick glance at the dark stallion, Sombra smiled back with his fangs, she returned back to the subject."Magic for Young Unicorns" by Star Swirl. Sombra remembered reading that book so many times.
When he looked up, the six ponies are staring at him, he still had the smile in his face. Carefully, he placed the book back on the shelf.
"I hope so."- said Twilight. "Now, returning to the subject, you can stay in Ponyville."
"Alright."- he said with some satisfaction.
"Well, I wasn't going to say that, but it's better than I thought."- she continued smiling.
Rarity got close to Twilight.
"I'm watching you mister!"- said Pinkie staring into Sombra's eyes.
"Hm, if you don't mind I can sleep on the couch."- he said pointing at the couch.
"You sure?"- she asked.
It's been almost three weeks since Sombra arrived to Ponyville, fortunately the town ponies didn't know who was Sombra.
Ponyville's streets was covered in white, the ponies were using scarfs and jackets to fight against the cold.
Wandering through the streets, he had a saddlebag on his back along with a check list that Twilight gave him, also with his red cape.
"Gooood morning Sombra!"- a pink mare greeted him with a big smile.
"Good morning to you too, Pinkie. I see today you're really busy."- he said still looking at the ponies.
The blue pegasus reached at the counter. She tried to avoid Sombra.
"It may take some time to get her trust, but I'm willing to try."- he thought.
"Hey Pinkie, do you have my rainbow muffin ready?"- she asked a sigh of relief seeing Pinkie.
"Don't worry! It's on the house."- she winked at Dash. "Same goes for you Sombra."- giving him the purple box.
"You sure about that?"- he asked feeling insecure.
"Thanks Pinkie, you're the best! Now I have to go, cya later."- just like that she was gone, she didn't even said goodbye to Sombra.
He sighed. "I suppose, well I also need to go." He grabbed the box, putting inside the saddlebag with his magic. "See ya later Pinkie." He waved at her.
Minutes later, he could see the library and a certain purple alicorn flying around the tree.
Twilight turned her around to meet Sombra's gaze.
"Sure thing, I have a surprise!"- she yelled from the kitchen.
Minutes later, the two ponies were in front of the fireplace while drinking some hot chocolate.
"I'm going to bed, if you don't mind."- Twilight looked at Sombra. He placed the book down, staring back at her.
"S-Sure...I better go to bed too."- he said, sounding more embarrassed from the current situation.
Twilight trotted upstairs, with her magic she pull the door open.
Downstairs, Sombra was also cold, the fire was dying.
"Why was I reacting like that?"- he asked himself.
"W-Well, you know it's cold and..."- she paused. "C-Could you possibly sleep...with me?"
"Are you more comfortable?"- he asked softly.
"Yes, thank you Sombra."
Sombra remained in silence.
"N-No, I really never thought about that before, because..." she was inturrept when she felt his muzzle on her neck.
"You don't need to explain."
"Good night Twilight."- pulling her closer.
Author's Note
Chapter three is out, YEAH. Sorry for the delay, stuff and more stuff.
Chapter Four: The Hero Inside
After falling asleep, Sombra woke up, but this time not in Twilight's bedroom. But in the middle of a snowy blizzard.
Suddenly, from the ground small crystals appeared, almost giving him a direction. Sombra followed them, curiously.
Without even noticing the blizzard was now more weaker.
Soon his question was answered when he found a crystal grave.
Sombra didn't heard the hoofsteps approaching from behind.
A blue wing landed on Sombra's shoulder, wrapping him. He didn't tried to turn his head, he knew.
"What do you do when you lose everything?"- he asked with his eyes filled of sorrow.
Feeling better, Sombra smiled back.
Returning to the real world, Sombra woke up, still hugging Twilight close to him.
Entering the kitchen, he opened the fridge and with his magic he grabbed some food.
After that Sombra was lying on the couch reading a Daring Do book. He admitted it was quite the fun reading that.
"Hmm, in that case I'm going too, I want to see that castle."- getting up from the couch, he reached his red cape.
In the middle of the Everfree Forest, they had a nice conversation, this time about the castle.
"Well, you see after their battle, the castle was in a bad shape."- she paused. "Building a new one was the only option."
Twilight nodded, that wasn't a moment se wanted to remember. The fear to almost fail her mission as Celestia's student.
They entered the castle, obviously the inside was full of snow because of the holes on the ceiling.
Twilight smiled.
Minutes later, the two of them were at the library, going through some interesting books. They even lost track of time.
"Sure, just wait a second."
Twilight waited for the worst, when she heard the stones falling she flinched. After a brief time, she opened her eyes.
Twilight stood up on her four hooves.
"It's better."- Twilight said with an embarrassed tone.
"It wasn't your fault."- he assured her. Twilight was going to speak, but Sombra placed a hoof her mouth with a gentle smile. She blushed.
The journey back was easy, without any sort of trouble.
The dark stallion smiled with a tiny blush on his face.
Moments later, they rested on Twilight's bed. But this time Twilight was facing Sombra, still with her blush.
"Good night Sombra..."- she fell asleep without completing her phrase.
Author's Note
Hey, so one more chapter! I have to admite, I'm loving writing this story, why?
Chapter Five: Seeking for Guidance
Once again, Sombra was sleeping in Twilight's bed. This time he didn't have to deal with nightmares or anything else, instead he had other thoughts, deep in his mind.
Twilight was sleeping in Sombra's embrace. Her muzzle was still buried in his chest.
Slowly, he opened his right eye and looked down, at Twilight in this case.
Sombra opened his eyes, maybe she was still dreaming?
Sombra gulped, feeling a bit tense to the current situation. Truth to be said, he had thought about this during his walks through Ponyville's park. It's been a long time since Sombra had a relationship with somepony. Thirty years to be more precise, but he had to admit, he was starting to get strong feelings about her and vice-versa. Sombra sighed.
Twilight, on the other hoof was new to this kind of relationship. She never dated or spend enough with a stallion in her life before.
With the beginning of a new day, Twilight, Sombra and Spike took breakfast. This time made by Spike, since he wanted to play with cutie mark crusaders, the purple dragon got up a little too early, even for Twilight.
Rainbow Dash continued following Sombra closely, she thought he was maybe plotting something evil. Or maybe she was just curious, since she actually finished her training section, for now. Sombra laid his belly on the frozen snow, under the white tree. Carefully, Rainbow slipped inside the tree, going through the branches. A smile appeared in Sombra's face, with his eyes closed, he spoke.
She had several questions, but after that moment they seemed to disappear.
"Pff, that's sooo easy!"- she smiled back. "I don't really understand alot about love and feelings, but I do know somepony who does."
Rainbow continued smiling.
Going through a bunch of books, scrolls and papers, he finally found it.
"To the Cry...I mean to Canterlot."- he said a smile. Twilight wasn't really convinced. "Nice one Sombra..."- he thought.
"Think fast Sombra!" Twilight got closer and closer.
"Well?"
"Strange, I thought I knew all of the guards..."
"He's a new guard."- he quickly added, waiting for Twilight to take the bait. Fortunately for him, she did.
During her shopping, she dropped by Rarity's boutique to discuss something very important. After a long discussion, Rarity gave her a good advice. Seek for Cadence's help. Hesitant, she agreed. What she didn't mention was that Twilight was gonna write her a letter, still that would work just fine.
Author's Note
Here's your fifth chapter, I intended to make longer than this, but I will add the next part in the next chapter. I hope you like it.
The trip back to the Crystal Empire was uneventful.
"I guess that will do." But he felt something was missing, unfortunately he couldn't place his hoof on what.
He needed to be fast in order for Twilight couldn't get too suspicious. She knew it took one hour and a few minutes from Canterlot to Ponyville. But between Ponyville and the Crystal Empire was at least two hours.
Approaching the castle, he spotted two royal guards on patrol.
"I came to speak with Princess Cadence, if possible." Sombra gulped. "It's a rather delicate matter."
The sound of hoofsteps told Sombra that the guard returned, not to mention the armour. That always made a lot of noise while trotting.
He bowed. Clearing his throat he spoke.
Cadence dropped the letters on a table that stood next to her throne.
"Indeed"- he confirmed. "Can we perhaps speak in private?""click" indicating nopony could hear them.
The room had a circular shape with big crystal windows, giving a good view to the empire.
Sombra looked down at his hooves, trying to pick the right words.
From the other side of the table Cadence listened carefully, until she felt something. Something she knew very well.friend , how does he describe her?"
After a few seconds of silence, she spoke with a smile.
"I think you forgot about it, but I'm the Princess of Love."- the pink alicorn winked at him, in returned his blush got worse.
"You sure?"
"Fine! I love her." Finally he admitted, earning a smile from Cadence.
"Does she know?" Sombra nodded. "Does she feel the same thing?" He nodded in agreement.
"When what?"
"When are you going to tell her?"
"Honestly..."- he started, gazing down at his hooves. "I don't know. I guess I'm waiting for right moment."
"Hearth's Warming Eve I suppose?" Sombra nodded.
He gazed outside, eyeing the clouds.
"That's easy."- Cadence stated with a grin. "First get a serene place, second a nice gift and then get the courage to tell her."- she finished with a smile.
He pondered, getting a some tips from the princess was what he wanted in the first place, what he didn't counted was her to discover his little lie. Anyway, just for now that would help him. He even mentioned that he saved Twilight back at the old castle.
After spending some time with Cadence, Sombra decided it was time to leave, also he wanted to buy some things before leaving.
He continued his search until he found a jewelry stand. Sombra took a sneak-peak, he saw rings, bracelets and necklaces.
The dark stallion was now sitting in a bench under a tree. He tried to remember the train schedule, trying to figure out how until the train arrives, when he felt something wet on his leg. Sombra glanced down.
A dog.
A small white dog was looking at him, almost seemed to smile at him.
He thought for a while. Since he meet Fluttershy, Twilight was been trying to convince Sombra to get a pet, but always refused.
While he was playing with his new pet, Sombra didn't noticed a stallion approaching him.
"Nice pet you have there."- Shining stated.
"I'm his new owner, since he doesn't have one and Twilight is insisting that I should get one."
"You won't?"- Sombra questioned while petting the dog.
"So, you don't mind if I..." Shining nodded his head again.
"I know you saved her and for that, I'm thankful." Shining saluted some guards trotting by. "How long will you stay?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"She doesn't know I'm here, I told her I was going to visit a friend at Canterlot. Unfortunately, the train is far from arriving."
He nodded his head.
Minutes later, Shining Armor, Cadence and Sombra stood in the train station, everything has prepared.
Author's Note
Thank you so much for your support.
Sombra arrived at Ponyville, along with he's new pet, Snow. Using his magic, he carried his gifts, for his friends.
After leaving the shop, he trotted down the street while waving to a few ponies. Finding Pinkie could be very easy or extremely hard. He just had to be lucky.
"Hello Sombra, how are you?"- she asked, still smiling. "I thought you're at the library, since Twilight left."
"Oh, I saw her with Rarity going for the spa." Alright, something is very wrong. Twilight going to the spa? She wasn't that type of mare, for all he knew. Especially with Rarity. "What's that?"
"It's only a few gifts for Hearth's Warming Eve, which that means you!" He levitated the designate gift to the pink bouncing mare.
"Can I open? Can I?"
"You just wait a little longer." Sombra giggled, remembering about something. "Oh, and don't tell Twilight that I gave you that, it's a secret."
"Who's the little one?"- she asked glancing down at Snow.
"Of course you silly filly, look up" Pinkie replied, still petting the small dog. Sombra did what she told him and looked up to see a rainbow tail looking over a cloud.
"Rainbow Dash, down here!" The mare gazed at Sombra and Pinkie, she sighed. "Come over here, please."
"It's for you, I think you may like it." Hesitantly, she hold the gift with her front hooves.
"I'm suppose to open this now?"
"If you want."- he replied with a grin.
"I presume you like your gift?"- he asked, looking at Pinkie, which she also had a smile, like always.
Rainbow flapped her wings, placing the helmet on her head.
Pinkie dropped Snow on the ground.
The two ponies left, saying their last goodbyes and heading towards their destinations.
Sombra frozed in place, much to his relief he was greeted by a small purple dragon. "Ah, it's only you, Spike." He took a deep breath.
"You're back early, so how's your trip tp Canterlot?"- the dragon inquired. "And what's that behind your back?" From the top of the stairs, Spike could see what Sombra was hiding, at least trying to hide.
"Promise not to tell Twilight about this?"
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Sombra raised an eyebrow, that was very awkward way to make a promise. "It's a Pinkie Promise."
"Now I understand." - he thought before returning back to the subject. "I got a few gifts for Twilight's friends, I already gave Pinkie and Rainbow theirs, although I don't have one for Applejack." By the time Sombra finished talking, Spike was in front of him with a questioning look, while crossing his arms and tapping his foot on the ground.
"What's wrong?"
"How about me? Did you forget?"
Spike picked the sack and smiled, with one claw, he grabbed one gem and tossed it to his mouth and chewed.
"Spike, I need your help. Can you hide this from Twilight?" Sombra lowered his head. "It's for her." The young dragon saluted, grabbing the gift carefully, he went upstairs.
Seconds later the front door opened, quickly followed by a purple mare. She noticed Sombra in the middle of the room and grinned awkwardly.
"Oh, hey Sombra, I didn't expect to see you so soon." Sombra smiled before noticing something.
"I got lucky with the train, what's that?"
"Hm, what was that?" - he thought.
"Sombra calls Equestria,"- Twilight waved a hoof, Sombra shook his head, he had other things to think about. "What you have there?"- she pointed a hoof.
"Oh, I almost forgot, this is for Rarity." Sombra facehoof, he clearly forgot about one thing. "I'm just going to give her this, alright?"
"That was close!"
Author's Note
I'm sorry for the small chapter, but there's a lot I need to focus on.
Chapter Eight: Conversation
Once more, Sombra and his pet, Snow, trotted down the street towards Carousel Boutique. Twilight almost caught him and the gift for her, but was making him wonder was the reason why Twilight went to the spa, especially with Rarity.
Learning friendship was one thing, but love was something entirely new to him.
Maybe Twilight had some kind of book about that subject, since apparently she had books for so many stuff.
Heart
"I have a heart, right?"- he asked himself. Even now, Sombra wondered about him and what he did in the past.
Loud smack was heard and two ponies collapsed on the snow.
"Ouch, I'm sorry, I wasn't...Fluttershy?" - he inquired as he rubbed his muzzle while looking at the yellow pegasi. "I'm so, so sorry." He helped Fluttershy up.
"N-No, it's alright. I wasn't paying attention." - the yellow apologized, cleaning the snow from her wings.
"What's your name little one?" In response, he barked. "Snow? That's a nice name. Where did you find him?" She glanced at Sombra, who approached them.
"In the Crystal Empire," - he answered while petting Snow's head. "But don't tell Twilight, it's a surprise."
"Okie." She dropped him on the ground. "Where were you going...if you don't mind me asking?"
Fluttershy was once again smiling.
"I will." Sombra could feel the coldness was returning. "I should go deliver this, it's going to get cold soon." After a quick hug and a 'thank you' from the shy mare, they went separate ways.
The small dog was laying on Sombra's back, under his red cape. "Almost there Snow." The dog barked.
The door of the shop opened, hitting the bell, indicating somepony arrived. "Miss Rarity?" - he asked.
"I'm feeling fine, how are you?"
"Fine as well, what brings you here?"
"I assume you like it?"
The white mare giggled.
"What was that?"
"Oh, I almost forgot, Rarity meet Snow, my pet." He levitated Snow from his back and placed him on ground.
"Glad to meet you Snow," - Rarity petted his head. "but really, I have a feeling tonight is going to be freezing." Sombra followed her gaze, she was looking at the window. Snow was starting to fall.
"As do I, bye Snow."
After a nice hot cup of coffee and some blankets, Sombra was focus on reading a book about adventure. Apparently the main character was a pegasus mare, looking for some kind of old treasure while being chased by a tiger, a panther and a...cat.
At first Twilight seemed normal, but after a few short glances he noticed something was bothering her, not to mention the quick glances she gave him. Something was definitely troubling her. If he knew her too well, she wouldn't stay like that for too long, he just needed to be patient.
"Sombra," - patience always pays off. In her voice, he could tell she was hesitating. To make sure everything was alright, he grabbed her hoof, gazing at her in the eyes with a comforting smile. "H-How did you learn dark magic?"
His smile fadded a little, he knew she would ask this one day. Still holding her hoof, he answered.
"I mean, how you really learned." Sombra sighed, her hunger for knowledge was impressive. "I can't seem to find any book about that subject."
"And you shouldn't. Dark magic is something you can't study, or even practice. Look at me and want I have done." He closed the book, remembering the number of the page. "You know dark magic is forbidden, right?" Twilight nodded.
"Dark magic feeds on the negative thoughts of the user, in this case me, after she...passed away, I became lonely, my heart was filled with sadness and soon hatred, hatred for those of didn't know how to save her. Days passed and I felt my mind breaking into a million pieces."
Twilight lowered her head, realizing that wans't a good question, especially for a pony who suffered so much.
"Twilight, want I'm trying to say is..."
"Twilight, you got a especial letter." Twilight turned around, seeing his number one assistant holding a letter.
"What is it Spike?"
"Princess Celestia gave us tickets for tomorrow's party at the castle." Twilight smiled ear to ear while Sombra dropped his head. He could swear he felt a tear running down his muzzle.
"I was this close...Sombra, you fool..."
Chapter Nine: Talking about Apples
"Is anypony there?" - Sombra shouted through the darkness. Sombra glanced around, but it was too dark to see anything. However, he could feel the ground under his hooves. "I can't see anything..."
"Hello Sombra."
Sombra frozed, his heart rate dropped. Shivers ran through his body.
"You!" - Sombra growled.
"It's been awhile, me." The shadow spun around Sombra, still smiling. "So, how is your...new life so far?"
The shadow laughed.
"You have no right to talk about her, you...monster." - Sombra growled.
"Why? Because you love her? How sweet of you." Sombra gulped again, this time he's throat was very dry. How could he knew about that?
"H-How do you know?"
Right now, Sombra was hoping Princess Luna would appear and give him a little help, but after hearing that he wasn't sure. Somehow, his dark side was still...alive and was watching, which made him shudder.
"HOW DARE YOU?" - Sombra roared, his voice filled with anger.
"What?" - he asked with a devilish smile. "I noticed yesterday you confess your love for her. Oh, wait. Almost." Sombra charged his horn, releasing a purple sphere, however the sphere went through him. "Nice try me. Let's be honest, Sombra. Do you really think everypony forgave you? Twilight and her friends just want to control you, they want a reason to lock you, buried you under ice or a stone statue for Celestia. Ask yourself this, have you really think you have changed or you're still the same tyrant?"
Sombra lowered his head, he knew he shouldn't listen to him, but deep inside that question made him wonder. Twilight said he was different, everypony agreed, even the Princesses. Wasn't their trust and friendship enough? The shadowy form spoke again.
"I'm sure you're very tired and you need time to think, after all tomorrow you have party to attend to. Think about it!"
After waking up and having breakfast with Twilight and Spike, he decided to use his time to get a gift for Applejack.
Twilight was downstairs arranging the books while Spike was reading some comics books while petting Snow on the head.
The pony in question lowered the books in her magical grasp, turning her head to see Sombra.
"I want to give Applejack a gift for Hearth's Warming Eve, but I don't know what she likes."
"Just that?" - he inquired.
"Applejack is a mare with simple tastes, nothing too fancy."
Sombra nodded, understanding what she meant and he had the perfect idea.
"Good, since you're going to see Applejack, can you please give her the invitation?" Twilight levitated the letter towards him.
"Of course Twilight."
Sombra now had a perfect idea for Applejack's, he just needed a colour change spell which Twilight provided a book about that.
"Ok, meanwhile I will give the others their invites."
On his way to Sweet Apples Acres, he greeted many ponies, like Derpy, Octavia, Vinyl and Roseluck, which he spend a few minutes to admire the flowers and eventually pick one for Twilight before returning to the library.
Applejack was inside the barn gathering the buckets. Her brother was already working on the other side of the orchard while her little sister was...somewhere in the farm. When she gathered everything, she went outside to do her job, if it wasn't for the matter her sister was speaking with somepony she shouldn't.
"That's amazing, I'm sure my sister will like that."
"Apple Bloom don't you have things to do?" Applejack said, approaching her sister with stern look on her muzzle. "That thing I told you?"
"Farewell young one."
"And what are you doing here?"
The orange mare read the letter and then glanced at Sombra. "I suppose the others got this invitation?" He nodded. "And you?" Sombra nodded again, slowly this time. "I reckon we must go, which means I must work faster."
"I could help you, if you want." - he suggested, knowing the answer.
Applejack watched closely and carefully, not wanting to be surprised, in the wrong way. The gift was wrapped with a red paper with small apples. The ribbon was orange, very similar to her coat. Slowly, she wrapped the gift and when she saw the gift, her mouth almost dropped.
"So, what do you think?" - Sombra asked noticing the look on her muzzle. "It took me awhile, especially to change the colour."
"It's...it's amazing. I like it."
"Your welcome." - he said with a slight nod. "Sure you don't need help?"
"Nope, I'm used to this."
"Alright, see you tomorrow I guess. Snow, let's go." Sombra looked around, but trying to find a white dog in the middle of the snow was kinda difficult. Applejack and Sombra spend the last five minutes looking for him.
"Over here Sombra!" - she shouted. Sombra entered the barn. Apparently, Snow decided to take a nap, with Winona. "They sure look cute like that."
"They do, but we must go now." Using his magic, he picked him up and placed him on his back, careful enough not to wake him.
"Thanks for the gift Sombra." They shared a quick hug.
Later at night, Applejack went upstairs to her bedroom. She was exhausted, now she just wanted to lay down on her bed. However, there was one last thing to do.Perhaps Sombra is doing his best to change. I'll give him a chance.
Chapter Ten: The Royal Party
Sombra was pacing back and forward. Right now, he was in Carousel Boutique, and his pacing sure wasn't helping Rarity taking care of his outfit. Finally deciding to put a stop, she spoke.
"Sombra, could you please stop doing that? You look like Twilight when she's nervous."
The white mare dropped her tools on table and turned to glance at him.
"It's the first time I'm going to meet the Princesses after a long time." He drew a circle with his hoof, unsure if he should continue. "...and I kinda hate crowds." Rarity simply raised an eyebrow at that statement.
"Stage fright?" - she inquired and Sombra nodded his head. "But you were a king, how can you be afraid of that?"
"I don't wish to disappoint her because..."
She probably knew what he was about say, but she needed to confirm for her own sake.
"Because...I...I..." Sombra lifted his head. "I love her."
"Thanks, I guess." After that, they broke the hug. "But..."
She tilted her head to the side.
Rarity returned back to her seat and resumed to her job.
Sombra smiled.
"I'm a mare with many talents, especially when it comes to dresses, which also, means your tuxedo is ready." She lifted the tuxedo and show it to Sombra, whose jaw almost fell to the ground. "Impressive isn't?" Sombra just nodded, unsure what to say or even think. Twilight was right about her dressing skills.
Two Hours Later
Everypony was at the train station, they arrived more earlier then expected. Well, almost everypony, a certain black stallion was late.
"Sombra said he was getting ready and he needed Spike's help." - Twilight glanced at Rarity with a frown. "You think he's not coming?"
"I don't think so sugarcube." They turned their heads to meet Sombra using his new tuxedo, Spike was also wearing one.
"I'm sorry for the delay, I hope we didn't miss the train."
"No need for that, but I must know, do you like it?" She kept glancing at him, she had to admit he looked rather handsome. Tuxego sure gave him a certain...charm.
"I do." - she answered with a smile. Now it was Sombra's turn to see her dress. Which was obviously made by Rarity. The colour of the dress was matching her coat, with some blue stars here and there.
Everypony was excited about the party, however Sombra was still nervous. The chances to ruining everything are high.
Canterlot Castle
Saying that Sombra was nervous, was an understatement. Especially right now. Sombra could swear the castle looked smaller than before, but that probably was because the castle was full with guests and servants, some guards here and there too.
Princess Celestia and her beloved sister Luna stood on top of the stairs. Upon seeing Twilight and her friends, she smiled.
"I wouldn't miss for nothing." Princess Luna glanced at Sombra.
"We are glad that you came too Sombra." He didn't said a word. Luna looked back at Twilight. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, he's just nervous."
"He's afraid to mess things up, but I'm here to help him." She beamed with a smile.
"In that case, you should enjoy the night while is still young." - proclaimed Luna.
"Also Twilight, Cadence and Shining are here too." - informed Celestia. "and she said she wanted to talk to you in private."
Ponies are dancing, talking, eating, doing all sort of stuff for a party. Sombra stood in a near corner eyeing the large crowd. Somehow, he lost track of Twilight, and after spending the last five minutes looking for her, he gave up. It was almost impossible to move, not to mention the glares from the ponies, especially the nobles. Sombra always hated the nobles.
Sombra turned around and smiled.
"Why are you alone? I thought Twilight was with you."
"I guess you haven't told her yet?" He shook his head. "Well, tonight is the perfect night for that." - Cadence winked.
"I don't know, there's a lot of ponies around."
"You're right," - said Sombra with a determined expression "She needs to know." He looked around the crowd. "Even if I get lost."
"You won't, I believe in you."
Cadence giggled and went outside, towards the gardens.
The pony in question shivered. Twilight was sitting outside on a wooden bench. She was gazing at the stars, but her mind was focus on something else, in this case, somepony.
She almost did that, but instead, because she was scared, she asked him about dark magic.
"What's hard?" - a voice called out.
Twilight's heart skipped a beat.
"What do you think about Sombra now that he's changed?" - asked Cadence, knowing which buttons to press.
Her face turned into a slight shade of red.
"Well, he's very helpful around the library. He does know a lot of things."
"And?"
"He's...handsome, I like his presence, it feels less lonely in the library." - she glanced at her hooves. "I really like sleeping wit him, he's so warm and cozy." By now, her cheeks were completely red. "He's kind and always willing to help me. I never felt like this before."
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"I didn't heard that, could you repeat please?"
"I love Sombra." - she repeated, just a little louder.
"I love Sombra."
"Said it louder."
"I love Sombra." - Twilight practically shouted, Cadence turned her head to look at Twilight. "That's why is hard to tell him. I don't know if he likes me..."
"T-Twilight?"
Author's Note
Sorry, it took me awhile to write this chapter.
Chapter Eleven: Sweet Embrace
Twilight and Sombra stared at each for the longest of times, before glancing at Cadence.
The giggling princess nodded, tears falling from her muzzle.
"Well, you wanted a way to tell your feelings, I gave you one." Cadence rose from her seat. "Now if you don't mind, there's a party I must attend." With a flicker off her horn, she was gone.
Twilight nodded.
"Sure."
"That's Cadence."
"If is that what you wish."
"I assume you heard the whole thing?"
His question was cut short by a strong hug coming from the princess. At first he was suprised, but he smiled and hugged her back.
Sombra kept smiling while rubbing her back.
"Y-Yes..."
"Oh, shut up you." Sombra burst into laughter.
"So, what do you want to do? Go back to the party?" - asked Sombra.
"That sounds a good idea, however I'm getting hungry."
"You eat too much, you know?" - Twilight poked his belly. "You're going to get fat one day."
"Spike told you that story?"
"Yes, he did. At least now I know time travel is possible." Sombra's stomach growled. "Can we please eat something my princess?" - he gave a low bow.
"About your friends Twilight, how are we going to tell them?" The two of them kept trotting towards the set of double doors.
"Maybe tomorrow!?" Twilight gasped. "How about Celestia and Luna? What do you think they are going to say? Maybe they won't approve or..." Twilight's short outburst was stopped by a soft kiss from Sombra.
"Don't worry," - he smiled. "I won't leave you, I'll always be by your side." They shared another hug. "You think Cadence told them?"
"Oh no..." - Sombra muttered. "She didn't..."
"Congratulations!" - they shouted, before pulling Twilight and Sombra into a huge hug.
The pony in question shrunken.
"Nothing, just that I'm one lucky stallion."
"Because I have the most beautiful mare by my side." - with that he kissed her in the lips.
"Oooh that was so cute!" - said a certain pink princess.
"Cadence!"
Finally the party was starting to show signs of ending with some of the guests leaving. Princess Celestia offered Twilight and her friends the guest rooms to spend the night.
"Of course not my princess." Twilight blushed. Sombra found amusing how every time he called her princess she would blushed like that.
"You ain't letting that go, ah?"
Twilight grabbed the tiny box with her magic and carefully, she opened it. The sight of the gift brought tears. It was a crystal necklace, but above all that, it had her cutie mark.
"Remember when I told about that visit to Canterlot?" - she nodded. "Well, I lied. I went to the Crystal Empire to speak with Cadence and while I was there I got some gifts for you and your friends. I did a few arrangements to the necklace however."
After removing the wrapped paper and the ribbons, he opened the box.
"It sure does." This time it was Sombra's turn to yawn. "Goodnight my princess," - he nuzzled her neck. "I love you."
What the future had in store for them was a mystery, but they would find out. Together.
Author's Note
And it's over, for now
