Count Sombra

“How awful it is to think about those poor sailors,” says Luna quietly, looking at the paper.

Cadence nods in agreement as she puts the finishing touches on Luna’s dress, looking away for a moment to grab more thread. “They say the only one left on board was a unicorn. She was shaking so badly, the poor dear. Eyewitnesses say that there was only a cloud of black smoke that disappeared as quickly as it arrived.” Cadence turns just in time to catch her friend as she nearly faints. “Luna, what’s the matter?”

“Nothing...I just felt a shiver...”

“I’m worried about you, Luna...you’ve began to sleepwalk again.” Cadence looks at the other with sympathy.

“No wonder — can you still believe it? Three suitors in one day!” Luna laughs. “If one proposal isn’t enough.”

Cadence grins. “Which brings us back to our main focus. I want to hear all about them. In detail.”

“Well, the first one is actually from here in Ponyville — his name is Applejack. He wears a large hat.”

“You don’t sound too keen on him.”

“He’s...a strange pony. The next one is a Doctor. Twilight Sparkle. Runs the hospital.”

Cadence fights back a giggle. “Oh, he’ll be torn between you and the madmares.”

Luna playfully smacks her friend on the head. “Finally, we have Trixie. We were neighbors when I was just a little filly. We always went to the same parties, but...he didn’t seem to care much for me until now.”

“What about you? Do you like him?” Cadence tilts her head.

“I am not certain. But the worst thing — they’re all coming over for tea and they want an answer!”

“Who will it be, then? One is dashing, one is a genius, and one is shy.”

Luna shakes her head. “I don’t know. Applejack is a show off, Twilight is smarter than me, and Trixie.... Well, Trixie never talks for long.”

“Even if you do choose today, where will you go? A ranch, a madhouse, or just in the neighborhood? Oh, what about your heart? What does it want? Will it be happy when you choose or will it suffer?”

“Those are the questions I ask myself. Applejack does nothing but show me his skills. And Twilight seems to barely have time for me. But then again, Trixie only plays with dogs.” Luna frowns and Cadence gently lays a hoof on her shoulder.

“Do what you want, Luna. Don’t let other ponies pressure you into choosing the wrong stallion. Do what will make you happy.”

Luna manages a tiny smile. “Thank you, Cadence. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no trouble. Oh, I think they’re here!” Cadence stands and goes to the door. Twilight, Applejack, and Trixie enter, pleasant smiles on their faces.

“Good afternoon, Luna. We hope you can tell us who you’ve decided upon,” says Twilight with a wink.

Luna thinks for a moment as her eyes land on Trixie. Ever since they were little, Luna has always liked him. He’s the only stallion she’s ever loved. She smiles and clears her throat. “Applejack, it is not you. I’m sorry, but all you do is brag about your so called ‘skills’ with a lasso. Twilight, I’m sorry, but it is not you either. You barely have any time for me as it is. So, I am going to marry Trixie. He’s been my love for as long as I can remember.”

Trixie smiles in triumph while the others grumble and moan. Luna goes over to him and kisses him on the cheek. Maybe this new life isn’t going to be so bad.

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Cadence always loves to walk around Ponyville when the moon is high and everypony is asleep. She likes the quiet and peacefulness of night. Her eyes wander around the homes and shops when they catch something peculiar. Luna appears to be sleepwalking. Curious on where she’s headed, Cadence follows her friend. She suddenly stops as a voice pierces her mind.

‘So you must come as well.’ The voice is deep yet sultry, almost hypnotizing. It takes Cadence a moment to respond with her own thoughts.

‘I do not understand...is this your voice in my thoughts?’ She takes a step forward and freezes as she sees Luna in the grasp of a stallion. The stallion’s eyes lock with hers and seem to stare into her very being. It makes her shiver.

‘You know the answer, my dear.’

‘Why...why is Luna here?’

The stallion’s voice is now strained, almost as if he’s upset and disappointed with her. ‘My message was unquestionably for you. But little Luna here answered, and now she is in your place.’

‘Please, let her go.’ Cadence can’t bear to see her best friend like this, with another stallion who seems to want to harm her.

‘I shall let her go forever if you answer my proposal.’ He loosens his grip on Luna.

Cadence takes a step back and speaks aloud. “No...!”

His eyes lock with hers once more, burning with anger. “Why must you make me wait?”

Cadence blinks and sees him gone. “I....” She rushes over to Luna, wraps her in a blanket, and quickly takes her home. Once inside, she lays her friend on the couch.

“What happened?” Luna asks in a small voice.

Cadence gently puts a hoof on her cheek, not sure how to explain their encounter. Her voice is soft and reassuring. “You had...you were just sleepwalking.”

Luna looks puzzled, as if her words pass right through her. “...really? It felt like a strange dream...”

Cadence starts to get up. “You can tell me about it in the morning.”

“No!” Luna exclaims suddenly. “I...I wish to talk about it now. If we wait until morning, I will surely forget.”

Cadence sits back down and nods. “Alright. Tell me what the dream was about.”

“...my soul felt as if it were floating in the sea at night. Though I was drowning, it felt so real. His eyes were burning right through me, the eyes of a hypnotist. I followed him into the mist of the night. Then, he started speaking to me. I wish I could recall what he said...he mostly spoke about you...”

Cadence, surprised, moves away from Luna. “Of me...?”

“Yes, of you. He spoke about you as if he knew you well. He smiled and whispered your name like a spell...” Luna’s expression turns to one of wistfulness. “Oh, how I wish I could stay with him...”

“Oh, but Luna! We must return to Canterlot. Shining is there and he is very ill!”

“Then you must go to him.”

“I know. I have already booked the train.”

Luna stands and looks at her friend. “Who would have thought, dearest Cadence, that we were both about to marry?” She heads upstairs, leaving Cadence alone.

_________________

The train station is crowded with ponies trying to greet loved ones or simply on their way home. Cadence is amongst them. She looks for Shining and grins once she spots him. She runs over to him and laughs as he twirls her in the air.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you, my love!” Shining says, putting her down.

“I’ve missed you! With you I can overcome all!” Cadence smiles as he puts her down. “I’m just glad you are back.”

Shining nuzzles her cheek. “I’m glad to be back. And I’m glad that you are going to be my wife in a matter of days.”

“As am I.” Cadence smiles sweetly. She walks with her fiancé out of the train station, not knowing that a pair of red eyes watch them from the shadows.