The Shadow King Returns

It was late in the afternoon as Shining and Sombra continued on with their sparring match. Neither wanting to give an inch to the other. All of the crystal guards had finished their assigned training at this point and were excitedly  watching the fight.

"How long have they been at this?"

"At least a few hours, looks like they're starting to run on empty though."

"I hope Prince Shining Armor wins, getting thrown to the ground twice in a row must have pissed him off. Plus I want to see Sombra get beaten to the ground."

"You know the Prince wouldn't do that, did you see how he was being all buddy buddy with Sombra earlier?"

"Yeah but how in the name of Tartarus did he get here?"

"I don't know but feel free to ask the Prince any time you please, I'm sure he would love to answer your question."

At that moment Shining took a strong buck to the stomach, only to grab both of Sombra's hind legs and throw the stallion across the ring. He landed with a thud but recovered quickly. Already being back on his hooves Sombra decided to start some smack talk.

"If you keep doing reckless things like that you'll lose again Shining. Wouldn't it just be so tragic if you couldn't even beat me once in combat." Sombra made sure to strike a pose during his last line.

"Quit being so melodramatic, you're just talking so you have time to rest. Lets get back to it Queen Sombra." Shining knew that last comment would throw him off, hopefully he would start to attack without thinking. That would give Shining the perfect chance to end this.

"You think I'm pretty enough to be a Queen? Oh Shining you shouldn't flatter a stallion like that."

Shining couldn't help but facehoof at that ridiculous statement. That totally backfired on me gotta think of something better. Shining noticed his troops snickering at the statement as well. Suddenly he couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed by his and Sombra's banter.

"PRINCE ARMOR LOOK OUT!"

Shining could only turn his head fast enough to see Sombra out of the corner of his eye, barreling at him like a freight train. He had no time to act as Sombra was almost upon him.

"Dammit."

Sombra crouched low before tackling Shining in an upward direction, causing him to get every ounce of air knocked out of his lungs. When the two slammed on the ground Shining couldn't help but start coughing, trying desperately to breathe. The former King stood and was about to cry out in victory but noticed the amount of pain Shining was in.

Instantly Sombra regretted his actions as he sat beside Shining. His horn glowed and crimson enveloped the prince.

Taking notice Shining was about to raise an objection but Sombra beat him to it. "I'm using a regeneration spell on you so stay still and shut it while I work my magic."

Shining had not seen Sombra this serious since he was revived. He must have been worried about the possible damage he caused with that tackle. Shining took a moment to appreciate that he had made such a caring friend.

Friend... why did that word feel so out of place? It's not like it was a negative word. So why did hurt to hear himself use it? He looked up at Sombra from his internal dialogue and couldn't help but smile as he saw the stallion working to make him feel better. Not wanting to exhaust his magic supply with a regeneration spell Shining rolled to his stomach and stood up. He was a little shaky but other than that it wasn't a problem.

"Shining what are you doing? Didn't I tell you to stay still during my spell?" Sombra looked a little more than irritated that Shining didn't let him finish. He knew it only meant that Sombra cared about his well being so Shining didn't worry.

"I'm fine now Sombra I was only beaten up a bit and I need to tell you something." Shining leaned in as if he wanted this to be private. The would be Doctor Sombra took the hint and leaned in as well. All the while wondering what he would be told.

"YOU FUCKING CHEATED YOU UMBRAL ASSCLOWN!"

Sombra had momentarily lost his sense of hearing so he had plenty of time to think of a witty comeback while he waited for it to return. Before a comeback he had a very important question to ask.

"Shining what's an assclown?"

Shining couldn't help but facehoof at the former King. Shining had then realized that Sombra wasn't from this era. He still decided not to tell so he had Something to hold over Sombra.

"Never mind that Sombra but good match." As Shining was about to address his troops he noticed something off about Sombra.

"What happened to all of YOUR wounds Sombra?"

Sombra waved a dismissive hoof at Shining's question. "As soon as the match was over I activated my self regeneration magic. Being highly skilled at magic yourself I'm sure you know that casting a regeneration spell on yourself is much easier that casting one on another pony."

"Whatever you still cheated."

"I cannot help you accept a truth if you are too deeply rooted in your own lie."

Yeah just shut it Mr. Profound. "Alright troops as you just witnessed battles can last for many hours so stamina and perseverance are the keys to victory. For the rest of the day just do patrols. Dismissed."

With that order the troops started to split up to cover their different designated areas. All talking amongst themselves about the incredible match that they just witnessed, and voicing their disdain for Sombra's method of victory.

"It seems your troops will not be taking a shine to me anytime soon."

"What do you expect for a cheater."

"I did not cheat! I took advantage of your distraction."

Shining decided the best retort was sticking his tongue out at Sombra.

"You can be such a child Sometimes."

"OH! That reminds me we still need to go into town to get the public used to seeing you. I have the perfect place in mind for that."

Sombra had seen that dopey grin before and was beginning to question the situations that followed it.

A comic shop... great.

"See I told you this place was cool just look at all of the comics and figures and cards and..."

Not wanting to overload on nerd Sombra tuned Shining out. While he was getting many less fearful glares here than outside this wasn't exactly his sort of place. Fictitious books and comics had never held much value to the stallion. Although, upon seeing the enthusiasm on Shining's face when he got here Sombra was unable to ask to leave. It warmed his heart to see his friend happy.

Sombra couldn't help but feel sad every time he thought of the stallion as only his friend. He had started to wish for something more substantial with Shining. But had been trying to get the idea out of his mind since the other stallion was already married. He sighed and looked at Shining who looked as if he was expecting something. Damn he asked me a question.

"I'm sorry Shining could you repeat that?"

Shining frowned and Sombra felt bad for not paying more attention. "I asked what kind of comics you like."

"Well, I'm not really a fan of comics." Sombra waited for a, 'What the tartarus is wrong with you!?' Shining didn't yell or even ask why.

With a head hung low Shining spoke, "oh, I'm sorry for dragging you here then. If you want to leave we can."

Sombra hated to see Shining this way, only wanting to make him feel better he tried to fix the situation. "Oh no no Shining don't worry about me I'm sure you have friends here that you want to see."

Those words made Shining want to cry and Sombra could see the pain on his face. "You're the only friend I have here."

He couldn't believe his hears. How could such a great stallion not have any friends? Shining was getting ready to run away when Sombra hugged him.

"That's their loss Shining, you are magnificent in so many ways. You have strength, honor, and you care deeply for those around you. If there is anypony who cannot see these qualities in you then they are unfit to be in your presence."

Shining was so glad the store had cleared out when they walked in, however much it must have hurt Sombra to see that. He was also glad they were behind a bookshelf so nopony could see him in this state. He returned the hug while a few tears escaped. There was not a single soul in equestria that had ever been able to make him feel this way. Not even his wife had ever said something that kind to him with such conviction.

A hoof came up to Shining's eyes to wipe his tears away. "Don't cry like that Shining there is no need for you to feel sad, I am here for you and always will be." The Prince looked up at Sombra to see tears coming down his face as well. Shining couldn't stand it, seeing him this way.

Shining leaned up to Sombra and before a question could be asked he locked lips with Sombra, surprising the dark stallion. Instead of pulling away he gave in to the soft warmth of his partner's lips. The kiss was not fueled by passion, it was fueled by the love that these two shared. It was simple kiss yet it spoke volumes of how deeply they cared for one another.

Soon after the kiss started it ended, leaving both stallions blushing, speechless, and wanting more.

Sombra was the first to speak. "Do you wanna go get something to eat Shining? I don't think we've eaten since breakfast."

Shining had to pull himself out of a haze to answer. "That sounds nice, where did you want to go?"

"I thought somepony familiar with the area should decide. Seeing as I don't even know my way around the castle yet."

Shining chuckled at the remark. "Well it isn't very romantic but do you want to get some pizza?" Shining took a moments pause before realizing what he had said. "Wait! Don't take that the wrong way! It's not like I'm trying to make this romantic or anything just two ponies getting pizza right? Haha ha..."

Sombra had been smiling throughout Shining's minor ordeal. "Of course, I would very much like some pizza." As Sombra trotted towards the door he stopped to whisper. "Aren't you coming Shiny?"

Shining begrudgingly walked alongside Sombra as he tried his hardest not to blush, to no avail.

After some walking and idle chit chat the two stallions had made it to the premier pizza shop in the crystal empire. Shining took the lead as they walked through the door. Sombra on the other hoof felt the hatred radiating from each of the ponies seated in the restaurant. He still kept pace with Shining, albeit with some effort. As they approached the counter to order the cashier looked like she was about to wet herself.

Shining saw her demeanor and thought it best to remain at a slight distance. "Hello can we get a large uhm..." He turned around to face the stallion trying to hide behind him.

"Hey Sombra what kind of pizza did you want?"

He tried to hold his composure as he felt all eyes in the room on him. "I'll ah, just have whatever you're having Shining." Sombra tried to find a better answer than the one he gave but couldn't make a request with the feeling of dread welling up inside of him.

Shining looked at the stallion and wanted to hold Sombra close to get rid of everything that was bothering him, but they were in public right now and he couldn't do that. So he decided to get out of there as quickly as he could.

"What pre made pizzas do you have?"

"We only have cheese at the moment is that alright?"

The mare's face was screaming 'please say yes,' fed up with the ponies around him Shining would settle for a plain pizza.

"Yeah and that's to go. Just send the bill to the castle. Sombra grab that box please and I'll be right behind you. There's something I need to say here."

Without a word Sombra grabbed the box with his crimson colored magic and headed for the door. When he was gone Shining was ready to unleash his fury. He jumped onto the counter to make sure he had the entire rooms attention.

"How could you all do that to a pony? He was here for simple reasons and meant no harm to any of you. He didn't even talk or look at anypony because he didn't want to cause a disturbance. He was trying to be considerate while all of you were being ignorant. There is no excuse for what happened here today and all of you need to learn to show some kindness."

Shining jumped off of the counter, proceeding to trot out of the door. Sombra was there, waiting for him. "You didn't have to do that Shining. If they want to hate me then they can."

Shining put a hoof on Sombra's shoulder. "But it's not you they should be hating, you were not the one that did those horrible things to them. You don't have to accept their hate as a fact of life, it does not need to bring you down. I know that you are strong, if anypony has the power to rise above that hate it is you Sombra."

"But that's what my downfall was from before, giving into the hate. If I couldn't do it then why would I be able to do it now?"

Shining couldn't help but smile. "I will be by your side the entire time that's why."

Sombra could not find the words to thank Shining with. He instead turned to the direction of a park he saw on the way to the pizzeria. "We need to eat this before it gets cold right? There was a park on the way here that seemed nice."

Shining trotted beside Sombra and started to walk with him, and it didn't take long for them to get to the park. It seemed empty so the two lied down on a nice patch of grass so they could enjoy their pizza.

As Sombra took his first bite he couldn't help but make a "Mmmph" sound. Shining found this quite funny as he couldn't stop laughing at him. He didn't notice Shining on the ground clutching his sides until the first slice was gone.

"What's so funny Shining?" Sombra said with a hint of irritation

After taking a moment or three to catch his breath he was able to speak. "The sounds you were making while eating the pizza. They were just too much I couldn't help it."

Sombra's face shifted from irritation to a pout, Shining found this more adorable than ever and had to hold back a Hnng.

"But Shiny it was just so warm and gooey I couldn't help but make sounds when I swallowed it."

Shining didn't know if it was just him being perverted or if Sombra did that on purpose but it sounded highly suggestive either way. Sombra couldn't hold it back for long, he burst out laughing at the befuddled look on Shining's face. The Prince couldn't help but chuckle at the dramatic shift from adorable pout to a deep manly laugh.

As time went on the pizza was gone and the two had realized it was nighttime. Not wanting to upset his wife Shining, with Sombra in tow, hurried back to the castle. When they arrived at Shining's office they found a note on the desk.

It read as follows, 'Dear Shining, I closed court early today and took care of the few requests I got. So you don't have any paperwork tonight. But since you were late and I had no clue where you were I locked you out of the room for a night so find another place to sleep.'

"What!? She can't just shut me out of my own room that's bullshit!"

"Calm down Shining its going to be fine, relax and take a few deep breaths."

He tried to do as instructed and managed to calm down a little bit. While Shining was distraught Sombra was the opposite, he saw this as a good way to get closer to Shining. After all he did show how felt earlier.

"I have a solution to this problem and I think your overlooking it."

Shining couldn't think of what he was missing and Sombra's coy grin wasn't helping his ability to think.

"Here I'll give you a hint." Sombra walked to Shining and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. Shining immediately turned red and got what Sombra was, not so subtly, hinting at.

"If I can't sleep in my room then I guess your room would be alright." While keeping his head down he asked a question he already knew the answer to. "But... where will I sleep?"

With Shining looking up at him Sombra almost couldn't take it, the way his blue mane was barely out of his teal eyes. He looked so huggable, so adorable.

"The bed in there is big enough for the two of us, that is if you don't mind sharing one with me."

Shining started to feel his heartbeat quicken and his body heat up. He knew that his coat was more red now than white but he didn't care. It felt so nice to be like this with Sombra.

"I wouldn't mind."

"Then we should be going, it is getting late."

The two left the office and made their way down the hall towards Sombra's room. He opened the door so Shining could enter first.

"After you my Prince."

Shining couldn't help but feel giddy being with Sombra, such simple actions like that made him feel loved. As the door closed the two crawled into the bed and lied down face to face.

"Goodnight Shiny."

"Sweet dreams."

As the two stallions were lying in bed Cadence and Shining's room had a lone figure sitting on the bed contemplating the days events. "I knew we were losing touch but I never thought that he would be able to adjust so quickly. It hurts knowing that I can't compare to another pony... But that shouldn't matter I am the princess of love! From only today's events I can see that those two share something deeper than Shining and I ever had. It is my job to ensure that the ponies of this world find true love. Even if I have to lose somepony to do that."

Cadence couldn't help but sigh as she found her resolve to perform her special talent. She knew it would hurt but if he could find somepony then so could she. "Ugh, tomorrow is going to be a long day."