The Shadow King Returns

Shining was up slightly before his usual six AM waking time, he attributed this to all of the extra sleep he got last night. That was thanks to Sombra's help with his usual load of paperwork. He sat up in bed to stretch out, after doing so he turned to the form of his still sleeping wife. Shining decided to have some early morning fun since his wife did so yesterday morning.

Shining looked under the bed and found the bucket that Cadence used to wake him up. Shining levitated the bucket out from under the bed and tried to decide what to do with it. Since he was not as cruel as his wife he wouldn't douse her with ice cold water, plus she would throw a major hissy fit if he did. Instead Shining decided to make some noise. He used his levitation to raise the bucket up to the ceiling and made sure that when he let go it would land right beside Cadence on the floor. As the bucket fell Shining eagerly waited for the moment of truth.

When the bucket made contact with the floor there was a loud CLANK, then Cadence proceeded to scream and jump out of the bed onto the floor. Shining couldn't help but lose it at the sight of his distraught wife who was looking around frantically for the cause of the noise. Cadence then found the bucket and picked it up to hurl it at Shining's head. Since he was too busy laughing the bucket scored a direct hit and sent him to the floor.

"What the hell was that for?" Shining said as he sat up rubbing the spot the bucket had hit.

"For scaring me awake of course, what did you think would happen?"

"I don't know but I didn't expect you to start throwing stuff at me."

Cadence tuned away and started to walk out of the door."Well it serves you right."

"At least I never threw stuff at you when you woke me up like this."

"Yes because you never throw things at a mare. Now I'm going to breakfast I'll see you when you get there." With that Cadence left and slammed the door shut behind her.

"Stupid double standards, such bullshit." Shining picked himself up off of the floor went out of the room and started to walk down the hall to Sombra's room. I wonder what kind of stuff he managed to get done during the night. It couldn't have been too much since I didn't notice any noise and there wasn't much in the room to use.

Shining paused outside of Sombra's room before walking in. "Hey Sombra how did the decorating... go?"

The sight before Shining had left him speechless. Right above the bed was an exact depiction of Sombra's red crystal cutie mark, but that wasn't even the cool part. It was the stuff that made it up that was cool. There were tons of red crystals growing out of the wall that made up the shape of the mark. As Shining tore his attention away from that spectacle he noticed there were more drawings on the walls that were made up of the same material. There were classical instruments, musical notes,and a variety of beasts on the right wall. Sombra was standing at the base of the wall on the left finishing a depiction of a mountain range close to the Empire. His horn was glowing a crimson hue as he made more crystals grow out from the wall.

Sombra took a step back to admire his work seemingly oblivious to Shining's presence. "That looks nice but I might have to add something else to make the image draw the eye more." As he was pondering what else to add to the mountain range Shining decided to speak up.

"Sombra this is amazing, how could you do all of this in a single night?"

Shining's voice drew Sombra away from his work of art, he was glad that the stallion seemed to be impressed by his work. "Oh Shining I didn't hear you come in sorry for that. And to answer your question, you see that my cutie mark is a crystal correct? It means that crystal related magic is my specialty, also in my childhood I was quite fascinated with art and became somewhat adept at it."

"I would say that something like this requires a higher skill level than adept Sombra, this is beautiful." Shining was still entranced by the unique style of the work, so entranced that he missed the sight of Sombra blushing. Something that the former King of Shadows was grateful for. After he managed to shake himself back to normal he decided to get to the task at hoof.

"So Shining shall we make our way to breakfast or would you like to continue ogling my work?"

"Oh yeah, sorry about that Sombra. You're right we should get going now."

The two started to trot side by side down the hall towards the dinning hall. As they did so Sombra noticed a mark on Shining Armors forehead.

"Shining did you hit your head last night?"

"No it wasn't that, I made the mistake of angering my wife first thing this morning."

"What did she hit you with?"

"The bucket I used to scare her awake."

There was a moment of silence before Sombra decided how to respond.

"You should probably learn how to duck before you try that out again Shining or better yet just do a barrel roll, that usually works."

"Thanks Sombra I'll be sure to take that to heart."

As the two continued the walk to the dinning hall a pair of guards were approaching. They were chatting but stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the Prince and his companion.

Shining decided to make a move before they could. "Hello you two I would like you to meet my new FRIEND and our newest resident of the castle. This is Sombra and starting today he will be my assistant." Shining nudged Sombra with a hoof signaling him to speak.

"Ugh hello, I am happy to be at the castle and I look forward to working with the both of you." Sombra tried to smile after his shaky greeting but the guards jumped back when they saw his fangs. Quickly realizing his mistake he lost the smile and tried to smirk instead. This did little to ease the guards so Shining had to step in again.

"He is no longer the tyrant he once was so you two can relax. Plus how is he supposed to help out with training if you're scared of him. Remember soldiers we do not give in to our fear we face them. Am I clear?"

The two guards hastily nodded their heads and hurried past the two stallions. After they were out of earshot Shining and Sombra continued towards the dinning hall.

"That could have gone worse, at least they didn't have a violent reaction. What do you think Sombra?"

When Shining looked over to Sombra he was walking with his head to the floor and had a sullen look on his face. Shining didn't know why but it felt like seeing Sombra this way made him hurt, almost to the point of tears. He had to stop himself from hating the two guards that made his friend feel this way. He knew the best thing to do would be to try and cheer Sombra up.

"Hey I'm really surprised that you didn't have any snarky remarks about the title of assistant. I was almost sure that you would have a comeback primed and ready for something like that."

A smirk came across Sombra's face. "I was going to say something  but I decided to be on my best behavior."

"Aw come on Sombra I already have one killjoy in my life I don't need another one. Maybe some food will cheer you up."

Sombra looked up and saw that they had reached the dinning hall. Shining lead him over to a small table where Cadence was sitting drinking some tea. As they sat down Cadence was the one to break the ice.

"So Sombra did you sleep well?"

"I didn't sleep last night I decided to decorate my room since it seemed rather bare."

The use of the word decorate seemed to trigger something in Cadence as she immediately perked up.

"I have been asking the servants to decorate all of the guest rooms for some time now but they always seem to come up with something else to do so they 'don't have time to do it.' They really are bland, how did you decorate yours?

Shining was able to respond faster than Sombra. "It was really cool he made a whole bunch of awesome crystal artwork for on the walls and..."

"I did not ask you I asked Sombra. I'm still mad for how you woke me up this morning so shush." With that interruption Shining was silenced and Cadence turned her attention back to Sombra. He was put off by the way Cadence talked to Shining but thought it best to let it slide since it wouldn't help matters if he told her off.

"Its as Shining said I made some crystal murals for the walls since they seemed like a blank canvas to me."

Before Cadence could respond the waiter came out to ask for their requests. "So monsieur, mademoiselle, what would you and your guest... like"

The waiter froze whenever he actually looked at Sombra,never having thought he could be the former Shadow King. Not wanting this to turn out like the last time Sombra smirked and tried to address the waiter in the most polite way possible.

"Hello sir, how are you doing today?"

"Ve... very well, I um, thank you for asking." The waiter kept working to retain his professional image while still being extremely nervous. "So, if I may take your orders to the chef now."

Cadence was the first to make an order, "I'll take some waffles and please bring my usual syrup with them."

Shining was next to order, "I'll just have a bowl of sugar rainbooms."

After the waiter wrote down the second order he looked to Sombra who seemed to be confused by the foods just named.

Shining was quick to pick up on this and offered him a way out. "Sombra the cereal I ordered is really good maybe you would like it too."

"Alright I will take the same order as Shining then, please."

The waiter quickly wrote that down and power walked back into the kitchen where Sombra presumed he was trying very hard not to have a panic attack.

"Shining why would you tell Sombra to order that garbage. Do you want him to have diabetes too?"

"They're not that bad Cadence relax."

Cadence hated when Shining told her to relax. "Yes they are that bad, they have a whole days worth of sugar in one bowl!"

Sombra didn't want to admit this out loud but that did sound like an excessive amount of sugar. Yet he also didn't want the couple to argue so he tried to settle it.

"Don't worry Cadence I'm willing to try anything once."

"Fine if you want diabetes be my guest."

Sombra realized that by not taking her side he lost any progress he made with bringing up his decorating. He couldn't help but sigh as Cadence went back to her tea.

Shining felt bad for Sombra seeing him try and fail to remain neutral. But that feeling was soon replaced by hunger when their food was brought out.

Shining dove in as soon as he got the bowl and Cadence didn't wait to dig into her waffles either. Sombra looked down at the bowl filled with rainbow colored flakes and tried a spoonful. Cadence was right they did have a lot of sugar, but they were also really REALLY good.

It wasn't long before there was no more food left and everypony was about to head their separate ways to start their days. Cadence turned to Shining and gave him a peck on the cheek. "See you tonight Shining."

"Yeah see you tonight."

As Cadence began to walk off Sombra couldn't help but feel seething anger towards her. His best explanation was that after how she acted towards Shining he didn't think she had a right to act lovey dovey with him. Shining was oblivious to Sombra's resentment as he was lost in his own thoughts.

We're losing touch, we argue so much now and I don't feel the way I once did when she kisses me.

Noticing Shining's disposition Sombra made a quick move to try and cheer him up. "Shining don't we have training to get to? Or are you just wasting time since you know that you'll be getting friendly with the ground?"

Shining slowly turned to face Sombra and took a step towards him, they were mere inches apart. "So you think your a better fighter than me?"

Sombra closed the remaining distance and butted heads with Shining. "I don't think I know."

"It's going to be so much fun to make you eat those words Sombra."

"Don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're my friend."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

They broke the headbutt and started towards the guard barracks. Starting at a walk their speed began to pick up until they both broke into a full blown gallop. Each one trying to beat the other at the impromptu race.

At the pace they were going they reached the barracks at the same time. As they were both trying to catch their respective breaths they had drawn quite some attention. Shining's lieutenant was the first to question the presence of Sombra.

"Sir permission to speak."

As Shining regained his posture he was able to get out a reply. "Permission granted."

"Sir is that really Sombra, if so why is he here?"

"Why yes Lucid it is and he will be helping train you today so you and the rest of the troops will to show him the same respect you give me. Am I clear?"

Lucid Lance had to bite his tongue to hold back his protests. "Crystal clear sir." He went back to the rest of the troops to convey the message given to him by the Captain.

"So Shining what's the plan for the training?"

"Well, to get some practice for attack and defense I was going to have the attacker charge and the defender stay in place. Both will be trying to take the other down and will switch roles after each charge."

"Ah I see so both will have to constantly change their strategies to accommodate their opponent."

"Exactly so to start I will attack and you will defend." Shining wanted to smile at the prospect of putting Sombra in his place, but he needed to keep his game face on in front of the troops. "Alright troops watch this demonstration closely Sombra and I will be showing you what to do, we will switch roles after each attack and try to take one another down. Start 20 paces apart and charge whenever you're ready."

Shining walked the 20 paces and turned to face Sombra who was staring a hole through Shining. With an expression vacant of all emotion, Shining almost felt intimidated, almost. He charged at Sombra and tried a simple tackle. Sombra moved so fast that Shining barely caught what he did. First he dropped to the ground, then he quickly rose while grabbing Shining's right forehoof. Shining ended up on his back with Sombra in the perfect position to break one of his legs.

The crystal troops were ready to take action against Sombra before they heard Shining start to laugh. After he caught his breath he couldn't stop smiling.

"Sombra that was freakin awesome, you need to teach me how to do that."

Sombra just smiled and helped Shining to his hooves. "You need to be prepared for my attack now Shining, as I said I will not show mercy."

Shining nodded and Sombra began to walk out the 20 paces. At the 20th he immediately turned and sprinted full force at Shining. But Shining was already in a defensive stance and prepared to get payback. As Sombra approached he pivoted on his front hooves so Shining prepared to reverse a buck. Sombra however did not buck, instead he kicked his hindlegs at a slight angle with the ground and slid. He clipped Shinings hooves and threw him off balance allowing Sombra to get on top of him and use a choke hold. All of the troops and Shining were shocked at Sombra's skill in hoof to hoof combat.

Sombra released his hold and once again helped Shining to his hooves. When Shining looked at Sombra he wore the biggest shit eating grin that Shining had ever seen. This would have pissed Shining off in any other circumstance but he was actually really impressed. He turned his attention back to the troops who immediately snapped to attention.

"Alright troops you saw the basics of what to do so do the same with your own style of fighting." He then turned to Sombra who looked uncomfortable with all of the attention on him. "Sombra and I will be sparring in the ring, after 20 repetitions of each role you can watch and learn if you please." He turned and started towards the ring with Sombra following closely behind.

"Shining I'm sorry."

"Sorry about what?"

"Beating you twice in front of your troops, it must have been humiliating."

"Redemption shall I rise my friend, you won't beat me this time."

Sombra walked closer to Shining until he could whisper in his ear. "Shiny, in this ring you will be my bitch."

Shining stopped dead in his tracks as Sombra continued and jumped over the rope marking off the ring's boundaries.

Shining couldn't move as he felt paralyzed by Sombra's words. He looked at the ground as his face went from white to a deep shade of red. His heart kept beating faster and faster causing his entire body to feel like it was overheating. Shining kept hearing those words repeat inside of his head. They sounded more appealing each time they repeated, he found himself thinking of Sombra in a new light.

When he realized the thoughts were going in that direction he tried to mentally shout them out of his head. That was when Sombra called to him.

"Shining are you gonna get in the ring or not?"

When Shining slowly walked over, Sombra noticed how he wasn't making direct eye contact and lost his confidence from before.

"Hey Shining you alright, I didn't mean to upset you with what I said. It was just banter, you know that right?"

Shining shook the last of the thoughts from his head and looked at Sombra good as new. "Yeah I know just wasn't prepared to hear my pet name coming from you Sombra. It shocked me a bit is all."

"Sorry Shining, I won't use it again."

Shining felt his heart sink a little after hearing that. "No, its fine just not when other ponies are around." Shining hated that he just gave in so quickly to a little negativity from Sombra. He soon forgot that feeling when he saw Sombra's smile.

"I'm happy that you trust me with something like that but don't you have a score to settle?" Sombra asked with an arched eyebrow.

Completely forgetting his negative feelings Shining jumped into the ring. "I'll do more than settle it, I'll put you in your place."

"Sounds fun, how about we get started."

Both stallions got into a fighting stance and let out a battle cry as they charged towards one another. Both fully prepared to pound the other in the friendliest way possible.