“Well at the very least you got him to say something. That's good right?”

“Yeah, but I feel like I didn't really accomplish anything at all. He just laid there looking at me like I'm silly for attempting to talk to him. I'm gonna have to “switch up my tactics,” as Pinkie would say” Fluttershy said to Princess Celestia. It was early the following morning from the start of Fluttershy’s mission. She found herself in Celestia's bedroom drinking her favorite, sweet tea. It woke her up from the nightmare that was figuring out how to get King Sombra to talk to her.

“You said you tried for an hour right?” Princess Celestia asked while taking another sip of tea.

“I tried asking asking him about everything you told me and nothing” Fluttershy voiced flatly. While staring into her almost empty cup, she kept running into dead-ends with various questions for Sombra. Fluttershy sighed with frustration.

Celestia then magically held Fluttershy’s chin up to look at her warming smile “Do you want my opinion, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy’s timid nod was so innocent. “Well let's play a game. Pretend I'm King Sombra and ask any question that comes to mind. Don't ask one of the questions you asked yesterday ok?” Celestia asked softly.

“Alright, Princess I can do that” Fluttershy replied. Fluttershy thought about the question she would ask. It was way harder than she anticipated since the same questions from yesterday kept popping up over again. It took a while but then she finally got her question. “Did you learn anything from our first meeting yesterday?”

Celestia tilted her head and looked a bit confused. Why would Fluttershy ask that when she knew the answer? Oh well, gotta roll with it.

“No. I didn't” Celestia's tone change from sweet and motherly to completely dead serious and deep. Instead of being scared Fluttershy was actually impressed and tried her hardest not to giggle at the sudden switch in tone of Celestia's voice.

“I don't believe you” Fluttershy replied.

“Well then that's your choice.”

“It is. Just like it's your choice to lie to me for no reason right now” Fluttershy mentioned with a raised eyebrow.

The Princess broke character and giggled “Calling a dark king a dirty lair to his face? You're getting bold there, Fluttershy. I knew it was right to pick you for this” Celestia said playfully.

Fluttershy blushed and looked aways from the Princess “Was that too strong? Could I be lighter? C-”

“No, it was just right in my opinion” Celestia interrupted. She could see the embarrassed expression of Fluttershy and couldn't help but be glad that she made the right decision. While Fluttershy was looking away Celestia re-filled her tea cup. It was a small reward but useful nonetheless since Fluttershy had started drinking again. It seemed to make Fluttershy more relaxed. Then Celestia watched as something hit her. It was the “Oh shit I just realized something” face.

“Princess?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, Fluttershy?” Celestia asked with a worried look.

“Has King Sombra eaten anything at all since he's been down there?” There was the slightest hint of worry in Fluttershy as she asked the question. Celestia gave it some thought and she didn't actually remember sending anything down to the dungeon. Luna might have but that's a fifty-fifty right there. When Celestia didn't answer Fluttershy got up from her seat and started to walk to the bedroom door in a hurry.

“Wait, Fluttershy where are you going?!” Celestia questioned in surprise.

“I'm gonna tell your cooks to prepare something for him. If they don't, I'll do it myself. You gave me a job and I intend to do it, Princess” Fluttershy declared seriously while walking out of Celestia's bedroom leaving her alone. Celestia knew she couldn't stop Fluttershy or any of her subjects once they clearly had a goal in mind. So instead she teleported herself in front of Fluttershy who was not even ten steps away from her bedroom.

“Ah! Princess don't do that!” Fluttershy proclaimed understandably scared.

Celestia giggled and waved it off “Come now, Fluttershy you gotta be a little tougher than that. Anyway let's go to the kitchen and prepare for your day ok?” Celestia said turning around and walking ahead of Fluttershy. Fluttershy followed and the two headed off.

With the help of Princess Celestia, Fluttershy had managed to cook up a variety of sandwiches for King Sombra and herself. It didn't take long or rather it felt that way. Talking to Princess Celestia while cooking was actually pretty fun for Fluttershy.

“Oh my what do we have here? Let's see... I count ten sandwiches-- and I'm guessing these might be for our locked up prisoner hmmmm?” Discord suddenly questioned, making Fluttershy jump in the air.

“Discord! What did I say about doing that!” Fluttershy softly yelled. She tried her hardest to seem upset with Discord but her cute flurry down towards the floor really did not help her in the slightest.

“I'm sorry my dear but I couldn't help myself. Your back was turned and how could I ever pass up the opportunity to scare you upwards?” Discord mocked while striking a overly dramatic pose. Fluttershy finally touched the ground and shook her head.

“W-whatever! Anyway to answer your question, Discord; You are correct about your assumption. Your opinion is also welcomed if you must know” Fluttershy voiced while starting to wrap up her sandwiches. Discord stopped her by lifting her up by the waist and hugging her tightly.

“Aww look at you Discord, I've never see you so worried about a friend before. You know she's fine though right?” Celestia asked in a mocking attitude. Discord wasn't really pleased with that however he would have to put up with it for now at least. When Fluttershy finally made her escape from the hug she sighed.

“Discord I swear I'm ok. You didn't have to hold me like I was dead or something” Fluttershy respectfully proclaimed.

Discord crossed his arms and looked away from Fluttershy, “Well I was worried about you. Is that so wrong?” Discord asked. He didn't expect Fluttershy to float up to his face and offer him a sandwich that was meant for someone else.

“If I give you this will you promise to act like you again? You're kind of creeping me out a little, Discord hehe” that giggle at the end persuaded Discord. He took the sandwich, tossed it up in the air, swallowed it in one go but then suddenly paused. He took the time admire the taste of the sandwich and was actually impressed. It showed on his face to. “You ok, Discord?” Fluttershy asked curiously. She got her answer when Discord snapped his fingers and the sandwiches started flying around kitchen.

“Yes I'm dandy hehehe. Bye, Fluttershy and good luck” Discord replied in a hurry. He teleported out of the kitchen leaving Celestia and Fluttershy confused.

“Did he just pull a Pinkie Pie on us?” Celestia asked confused and grabbing one of the flying sandwiches from the air.

“Well.. Yes I think he did, Princess. Glad to see she rubbing off on him, hehe” Fluttershy giggled.

Celestia and Fluttershy cleaned up the kitchen and found themselves in the very early afternoon. Fluttershy was behind the Princess in deep thought. How was food gonna help at all? Well evil or not, King Sombra was still a stallion and if there's one thing all stallions have in common it's their undying love for good food.

Maybe I could.. Nah that won't work either. How about.. One piece equals one answer.. Yeah! That sounds like a good idea Fluttershy thought. Her train of thought was cut short by Celestia looking down at her. She looked like she had asked Fluttershy a question and was waiting for a answer.

“Fluttershy, did you hear me?” Celestia question.

Fluttershy shook her head “I'm sorry, Princess I was thinking about how to proceed with Sombra. What was the question again?” Fluttershy acted quickly and gave Celestia a smile.

The Princess chuckled “Don't worry about it I understand. I asked are you gonna go visit him now or return to your room first?” Fluttershy looked down at her outfit. It wasn’t clean, but not too dirty. However this was a perfect opportunity for a little bit of practice before she met with Sombra again.

“I'll go to my room, Princess Celestia” Fluttershy said respectfully. She watched Celestia nod and place her hand on her shoulder. Next thing Fluttershy knew she was in her bedroom. “Wow ok, that was.. Fast. Guess I'll just prepare now.” Prepare herself she did. Fluttershy took on a new casual long dress and along with that she talked to herself in the mirror of the bathroom. The goal was obviously to hype herself up. It was about ten percent successful. With that ten percent of self hype Fluttershy took off to the dungeon food in hand.

With the same thoughts of all of her friends believing in her Fluttershy descended the stairs into the castle's dungeon. The same guards escorted her to Sombra’s cell where this time he was completely focused on channeling magic. The pure red aura around his body was doing something. That something was completely lost to Fluttershy and the guards. Fluttershy quietly told both of the guards to go back to their positions while she just as quietly went into the cell and sat down with her food next to her.

Fluttershy tried her hardest to understand what Sombra was doing. Was he healing himself? Or doing something else?

“Augh! Damn it!” Sombra cried out in recoiled pain. Looks like a failed spell. Twilight never mentioned pain when failing a spell. Which only meant one thing.

“What kind of dark spell were you attempting?” Fluttershy stated out loud. When she realized what she just did she covered her mouth. Sombra stood up quickly and was prepared for a fight. Fluttershy was surprised by how tall Sombra was. He had to be at least a little less tall than Celestia. Dude to the very little light in the cell Fluttershy could barely make out his muscles. But there was no time to worry about all that now. “Umm..hi..again, King Sombra” Fluttershy greeted. She could feel her heartbeat speed up the more Sombra looked at her with fight in his eyes. The feeling didn't last long and thank Celestia it didn't.

Sombra sat down and stared at Fluttershy shaking his head “Do you like playing with fire, child?” He asked calmly while going back to his original sitting position. Fluttershy felt better now that they were at somewhat eye level.

“I don't actually. I'm sorry that I interrupted your concentration” Fluttershy voiced softly. Sombra sucked his teeth and waved it off. Ok at the very least he didn't actually care. Quiet washed over them again. Time to put that ten percent to use then. “So... what were you trying to do?” Fluttershy asked. Just like yesterday Sombra refused to answer. “Were you trying to heal yourself?” no answer. “Were you trying to get someone or something to come rescue you?” Sombra actually chuckled at that.

“What makes you think I need anyone's help to get out of here?” Sombra replied. Sombra was right. He could have busted out of here anytime he wished. But then Fluttershy was confused about that notion.

“Well because if you could get out of here you at any point you would've done so already. Or I am wrong?” Fluttershy asked while putting her together on her lap. When Sombra refused to look at her face she knew that she was right.

“I’d watch myself if I were you, child. Especially if you gonna act like a smartass” Sombra voiced viciously. That did scare Fluttershy but not enough to run away. After Sombra’s low-key threat the sound of silence came back. Sombra refused to give Fluttershy attention and Fluttershy was trying to think of a way to get Sombra to talk. That's when something loud roared in the cell. It was Sombra’s stomach.

Oh thank Celestia. I'm going to risk today playing this card. Here's goes nothing Fluttershy thought. She reached into her food basket and pulled out a sandwich.

“I figured you were hungry, King Sombra so I brought you some food” Fluttershy said while holding one close to her. Again Sombra didn't turn around to look at her. “I'll give you some if you answer my questions deal?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Ugh.. Fine.. Deal” Sombra’s magic grabbed the sandwich and brought it to his mouth. He had to admit it tasted good. In the back of her mind Fluttershy was jumping for joy at this actually working. Now all she to do was not fuck it up and wait until Sombra finished the sandwich. Once he was done she allowed herself to speak.

“So do you still think I'm here to hurt you?” Fluttershy asked softly. The answer was going to be yes but this time Fluttershy had a answer for it.

“Based on your inability to sneak up on me I would say you couldn't hurt a fly” Sombra responded. He was kinda correct, Fluttershy had hurt a couple of them much to her dismay.

“So that's a good thing in your eyes then? Since I can't hurt you anyway?” Fluttershy asked while grabbing another sandwich from the basket.

“You would be correct, child” Sombra replied flatly. He grabbed the sandwich Fluttershy was holding and started eating it. This one had a spicy taste that tickled his tongue. With each bite that tickle feeling became more intense but it didn't bother him. However out of the corner of his eye he could see Fluttershy wanting to say something.

“Please stop calling me a child. We both know a child wouldn't be able to handle this” Fluttershy voiced calmly. Sombra faced her again with a blank stare. Is there any emotion this Pony has besides nothing and various range of angry?! Fluttershy thought.

“You don't think it's appropriate? It's funny since you're the one who been acting like a child. Don't get upset at me because you're acting like one, child” Sombra mockingly stated. He saw Fluttershy was getting upset at the fact that he was calling her a child. The feeling of not caring showed all over his face. That's when Fluttershy grabbed another sandwich, got up and walked over to him. They were within arms reach of each other and Sombra tried to grab the sandwich but the Fluttershy quickly pulled back.

“If you're going to play this game I'll play along” Fluttershy stated boldly. She and Sombra looked at each other. Unfortunately for Sombra, Fluttershy already won because she knew what was coming next. Sombra got up and went straight for the sandwich in Fluttershy’s hand. Fluttershy jumped back just enough to keep the food out of the kings reach. Fluttershy smirked “Ok, King Sombra so tell me again who's the child here again chasing food?” She asked staring directly at him. Unfortunately for Fluttershy, Sombra wouldn't play along with her. She suddenly flew backwards in the metal bars hitting her back and head. “Ahhugh!” she yelled in pain.

“Like I said before, Child you're playing with fire here. Don't think I won't hurt you just because you're innocent. I've killed for less” Sombra proclaimed viciously. He looked down at the drop sandwich and decided to pick up and eat it. Fluttershy got up and for the first time in a while she was actually pissed off.

Since Sombra wasn't paying attention to Fluttershy he did not expect her to suddenly come back and grab his arm. Again they stared at each other.

“You got some bite, C-” Fluttershy slapped him with her other hand. She slapped him so hard that the sound ringed throughout the cell. Sombra was impressed honestly.

“I'll ask again, King Sombra who's the real child here?!” Fluttershy asked doing her best to look angry. Sombra took back his arm and decided to sit back down. Finishing the sandwich was his top priority although that didn't stop Fluttershy from looking down at him. Again he did not care and she wasn't going to get a apology anytime soon. The situation was certainly entertaining to him and just to add to that he actually looked at with a “I dare you to try something” face. Fluttershy simply just stood looking down at him.

“Do yourself a favor and sit down before I send you flying again” Sombra ordered. Fluttershy just stood there quietly clenching her fist. “I'm warning you child, that first swing you take better be your best. If not you’re hitting the bars again even harder this time” Sombra dared. He actually enjoyed playing around with Fluttershy like this. Seeing her struggle like this was pure entertainment.

“I'm not gonna hit you. As much as I want to I can't do it” Fluttershy stated. For the time ever in Fluttershy’s life she witnessed King Sombra actually giggle. It was weird as heck.

“So one painless slap is all you can manage? That's really disappointing” Sombra said shaking his head.

“IS ALL OF THIS JUST A GAME TO YOU!” Fluttershy yelled. Again Sombra giggled. He looked directly Fluttershy eyes and horn glowing bright red. A big feeling of fear washed over her.

“As I said before, Child you. Are. Playing. With. Fire. Get that through your thick skull and maybe I'll start treating you with some respect. However, yes I do find enjoyment in toying with you. Now leave me alone, I'm done with you for today” Sombra claimed seriously. His words rigged in Fluttershy’s mind. He was done with her however-- she wasn't done with him. Fluttershy then walked over to her food basket took out one more sandwich. She threw it at Sombra hitting his face. When Sombra turned around to Fluttershy he saw the look of a mare who made up her mind about something. “That's the first expression you made that's not disappointing. What's on your mind, Child?” he questioned mockingly.

Fluttershy walked up to him again, took a knee, and suddenly grabbed his horn she forced him to look directly into her blue eyes.
Sombra expected to see some type of rage or anger in them; he didn't. In fact he saw the exact opposite.

“I promise you this, King Sombra; I'm not gonna give up on you that easily. You can push me away all you like, but I'm gonna save you whatever you like it or not!” Fluttershy voiced with vigor. She let go of Sombra’s horn and started to make her way out of the cell. Fluttershy grabbed her food basket and then left Sombra alone again.

Sombra went back focusing on his magic. Or at the very least he tried. Everytime he got remotely somewhere Fluttershy’s words ringed in his mind.

”I'm gonna save you whatever you like it or not.” Sombra sucked his teeth in disgust and decided to lay down to rest. Fluttershy’s words would not leave him alone.

It was still afternoon time when Fluttershy came from the dungeon. Honestly now she had nothing to do since the main task was taken care of. She walked the castle hallway trying to figure out what to do next. Going to her room was always a good idea but then she heard Princess Celestia's voice behind her.

“Hello there, Fluttershy how did it go with King Sombra this time?” Celestia asked walking up to Fluttershy. She was about to answer the question but then stopped.

“Can we discuss this on your balcony, Princess Celestia? I need some fresh air” Fluttershy voiced flatly. Celestia obviously took note of the tone in Fluttershy’s voice but she nodded nonetheless.

“I can free up twenty minutes. Let's go” The Princess said while surrounding herself and Fluttershy in her magic and teleporting them out of the hallway.

The feeling of the soft wind touching Fluttershy’s skin was very uplifting. She sat down on the balcony’s edge stretching out her wings and that felt even better. Celestia noticed the sudden change in mood to which did make her feel better about asking what happened.

“So how did it go this time? Did you make any progress with him?” Celestia questioned softly. She made sure to give Fluttershy the she needed time to answer for obvious reasons.

“I'm not sure if I made any real progress. But I did learn a few things about him” Fluttershy replied.

“Oh really? What did you learn?” Celestia sounded interested in hearing this. What could Fluttershy have learned in a short time span?

Fluttershy closed her eyes and recalled everything that happened “Well for one he was hungry. So I'm gald that worked out.” They both chuckled at that. Its always fun when a plan comes together. “It seems like it takes a lot channel magic. He struggled with it and actually hurt himself when it pushed it too far.”

“Well that's too be expected when a Unicorn is under a lot of stress. But since he uses dark magic that must make it ten times worse” Celestia replied. “Did he try to use any magic on you?” she asked seriously and curiously. Fluttershy waved it off the Celestia's fears immediately.

“The most he could do is push me backwards. Nothing to serious. But I have a feeling that's all he can do and it's frustrating him to no end. Which proves your earlier point, Princess.”

Celestia watched Fluttershy turn around hop off the edge of the balcony. Fluttershy then went into a self-controled deep thinking trance. Celestia knew that Fluttershy was thinking about how dark worked and how it was affecting Sombra.

“It's mostly negative emotions, dear hehe” Celestia giggled. Fluttershy quickly came out of her trance and smiled.

“Then I can-”

“Breaking one's connection with dark magic takes years of experience I'm afraid. But I love the way you're going about this, Fluttershy” Celestia said proudly. Fluttershy tried to hide her blush.

“T-thank you, Princess Celestia.”

“Oh before we continue I wrote a letter to your friends and told them about your mission. The letter they replied with should be in your room by now. You can go read it now if you wish” Celestia voiced. Of course she wanted to hear more about what Fluttershy had to say about King Sombra but she could help in anyway it would be reducing the amount of stress that came with dealing with King Sombra.

“Can you teleport the letter here so I can read it and feel relaxed on this balcony?” Fluttershy asked. Celestia chuckled and agreed with Fluttershy decision. The letter appeared suddenly in front of Fluttershy and when she grabbed it she could feel all of her Friends love and support from the unopened letter. Her feelings were confirmed she when finally opened the letter.

Dear Fluttershy,
Princess Celestia told us about your mission and we fully support it. You are the strongest Pony out of all of us when it comes to saving others. We know you won't give up and we won't ever give up on you either. If there's anything we can do to help you from Ponyville please don't hesitate to ask. Remember Fluttershy we're always with you even if we're far apart.
Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle

Fluttershy smiled. Knowing her friends were still behind her pushing her forward made her so much more comfortable with the situation.

“Princess?”

“Yes, Fluttershy?”

Celestia saw that same fire in Fluttershy eyes as before. It was brighter this time and it made Celestia more hopeful that Fluttershy would succeed.

“I think I have a idea” Fluttershy said boldly. Her confidence showed all over body.

“Ok, Fluttershy let's hear it heheh” Celestia giggled.

Author's Note

Leave your best guess about this idea Fluttershy had. As always I appreciate any good or bad feedback you may have.