“Oh, right this is happening.” After a good night of sleep Fluttershy was surprised to see King Sombra sleeping next to her.

I wonder what he's dreaming about. Would Princess Luna even let him? Please, let's not think about that and get just ready for whatever today is going to demand. After getting off the bed, a nice warm shower warm shower and getting dressed Fluttershy stepped outside her room to find two guards on each side of her bedroom door.

Looks like Princess Celestia assigned these two here recently.

“Good morning” Fluttershy spoke. The guards nodded but didn't say anything. Looks like they are the silent types. “Do you guys know where Princess Celestia is?”

“She's in her office. Just right down this hallway, take the right and it's the fourth door down” One of the guards replied. Fluttershy nodded as a thank you and made her way to Celestia's office. As always the castle was busy with ponies doing their duties. Maids and other staff members working at different paces but they all made seem so non-chaotic. When Fluttershy finally reached her destination the Princess told her to come in before she even knocked.

“Good morning, Princess Celestia I hope I'm not interrupting anything important” Fluttershy said while walking in. The Princess greeted Fluttershy with a smile.

“No not at all, Fluttershy . Please take a seat. I'm assuming you want to know about the guards outside your room?” Fluttershy shook her head as she sat down on a chair.

“They're there to watch Sombra right?” Fluttershy asked.

“And to come running in just in case something goes wrong. Although I don't think anything will happen. Can't be too prepared for this type of thing you know?” Celestia finished. “So then, are you here for some more advice?” Celestia asked while putting her hands under her chin.

“Honestly yes. I'm drawing a blank here on what to do next.”

Celestia tilted her head at head that statement “Really? That's surprising since you been winging it so far.”

Fluttershy blushed a bit “I think you're giving me a little too much credit there, Princess.”

Celestia chuckled “That's the funniest thing because I don't think I'm giving you enough credit for handling things the way you are. Speaking of handling things Twilight and Rainbow Dash are coming to see you later. Maybe they can help you.”

“I know they can. But, then what about Sombra I can't just leave him alone can I?”

“Take him with you if you're that worried” Celestia proclaimed with no hesitation. Fluttershy recoiled but quickly recovered.

“Uhh, that's too many unpredictable elements in that situation, Princess. I can't count on anyone keeping their cool in those moments” Fluttershy said calmly. It's not that Fluttershy didn't trust her friends, it's just in a manner of speaking opposites tend to attract one another.

“I see what you mean. If that's the case when you go out with your friends Sombra will be permitted to walk around the castle while being followed of course.”

“Thank you, Princess. I promise you won't regret that decision” Fluttershy claimed while standing up and bowing her head. Celestia nodded along and waved Fluttershy off respectfully. With that out of the way Fluttershy went back to her room.

Fluttershy came into her expecting everything to be normal. But since she was Friends with a God of chaos all everything she was expecting was thrown out of the window. She thought that Sombra and Discord disliked each other. However, here they were in her room not fighting or yelling at each other, but they were playing a game of chess. Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was witnessing. By the way the pieces were positioned it looked like Discord was about to win.

“I'm impressed, Sombra I actually had to think about a few moves there. Would you like to go again after this loss?”

What is this?! This is so weird! Fluttershy thought to herself.

“No, now please go away. I have to prepare for today's events” Sombra declared while getting up from the bed and going into the bathroom. Fluttershy wasn't surprised that Sombra completely ignored her. However, she was surprised that he gave up so easily when he clearly had moves left on the chessboard. Discord on the other hand played the next few moves quickly so that he could win. That didn't surprise Fluttershy either.

“So do you mind telling what that was, Discord?” Fluttershy questioned while crossing her arms and waiting for the potential of a good story to cross her ears. Discord greeted his friend with a smile she knew very well.

“Well obviously I wanted to play a prank when Sombra woke up. However, when I came In he (sadly) was already up. Since neither of us felt like fighting we settled on a game of chess. He's good, but not as good as I hoped. Honestly I'm just glad to see you're ok, my dear.” Fluttershy hugged Discord and he returned the gesture. The two friends separated and then with a gesture Discord asked Fluttershy for a game of chess. The two have played many times before and Discord ahead but that didn't stop Fluttershy one bit.

“Are you sure you wanna lose, Discord?” Fluttershy asked very confidently.

“Come on, my dear friend, show me what you got!” Discord responded with vigor.

Sombra came out of the bathroom to find Fluttershy laying down on the bed. From her expression Sombra already knew what happened.

“How badly did you lose, Child?” He asked while looking over her.

“Discord was holding back the entire time. I feel completely stupid at the moment.” Fluttershy ’s flat tone didn't phase Sombra. In fact he found it kinda annoying.

“You mean you don't feel stupid all time, Child? That's dissatisfying to hear.”

“Your petty insults mean nothing. Try something different.” Sombra raised an eyebrow. Those last three words gave him an idea and he wasn't one to pass on an opportunity.

“If you say so, Child-” Sombra charged his horn and moved that magic to his left foot. He kicked the bed knocking Fluttershy into the air suddenly. Fluttershy ’s “AHh!” was a sign that she was knocked out of whatever feeling she was in. “-You're welcome.” Sombra took his seat on the bed while Fluttershy hovered over him.

“What was that for?!” Fluttershy asked angrily. Sombra didn't bother looking at her. Instead he chose to just lay down on the bed with his eyes closed.

“To knock you out of whatever that was. Again, you're welcome.” While Fluttershy was hovering over Sombra she couldn't help but look at the scars Sombra wore. Although she was angry at him that question quickly came running back to the forefront.

Ugh! I guess now this is a better time than any other. I expect a non-answer. When Fluttershy finally landed on the bed she worked the steam to let the question out.

“Hey, why do you choose to wear those scars when you can easily make them go away?”

“The easy answer is: because it makes me look more intimidating. The hard answer is: it's a reminder” Sombra answered.

“A reminder?” Fluttershy asked with interest.

“To remind myself that I'm doing a good job so far.”

“Yeah.. I don't believe that.” That got Sombra to turn his head to Fluttershy .

“What makes you think I'm lying, Child?” Fluttershy could hear the curiosity behind Sombra’s question. Even if he didn't truly care he did let the mask slip just a little bit. Fluttershy was not going to let that slip past her.

“It's too simple for you. You don't do simple. So please tell me the entire truth” Fluttershy requested. Sombra continued to stare at her for a time. He looked like he was thinking about telling her the words she wanted to hear. Then he went back to his original position without saying anything. Needless to say Fluttershy was kinda angry. “Ugh! It's always one step forward and two steps backwards with you!” Sombra didn't respond which meant Fluttershy had to get his attention another way. She moved her body and reached for Sombra grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to face upright. Then Sombra opened his eyes to find Fluttershy climbed on top of him.

“Is this what you're like when you're angry? I'm not impressed” Sombra said with no emotion.

“Can you please pretend to care about anything for once!” Fluttershy yelled. Sombra continued to give the mare on top of him a flat expression.

“If I were you, Child I'd think my next move very carefully. You never know what-”

“Oh boo woo, empty threat don't you think?!” Fluttershy interrupted rather boldly. Sombra evilly chuckled and just let his actions speak for themselves. Those actions came in the form of physically overpowering Fluttershy reversing their position. Fluttershy struggled to break free but the more she struggled the more enjoyment Sombra got out of it. When Fluttershy got tried the two ponies locked eyes for the first time that morning. “You know, when you spoke about me being one step forward and two backwards the same thing can be applied to you, Child. Why are you trying so hard?” Sombra asked with curiosity in his voice.

Wait--now he's pretending to care!? Why is he like this?! I..don't get it!

“How do you expect a mare to act when you constantly ignore her! ?”

“You're not getting an apology so don't ask. Second, how was I supposed to know you were the type to force yourself onto me? Do you like this kind of thing, Child?” Sombra’s question caused Fluttershy to blush. This is not how she thought this morning would go.

“Is this just a game to you?!” Fluttershy replied.

“You started the game, Child. Don't blame me for playing it. Blame yourself for not playing it correctly. Any other questions?” While Sombra continued to tease Fluttershy his right ear twitched at the sound of the bedroom door opening and two sets of footsteps walking in.

Oh great, what now!

“F-Fluttershy !” Fluttershy knew that voice, it was..

“R-rainbow?”

“Fluttershy , are you okay?!”

“Twilight?!”

Well this is just wonderful and embarrassing. I'm not looking forward to this conversation later.

Sombra and Fluttershy looked at each other. Needless to say that this was not a good look for either of them. But at this point Sombra had made the ‘‘I don't care’’ look. Fluttershy shook her head almost begging him not to do anything stupid. It didn't work so then Fluttershy got desperate. She brought her mouth up to Sombra’s ear and very quietly whispered something she knew he would like. Sombra thought about it for a quick moment and shook his head in silent agreement. He got off Fluttershy and went back to laying down on the bed. Needless to say Rainbow Dash and Twilight were going to need a bottle of hard cider for this one.

“So let me get this straight, Fluttershy. We came in at the wrong time and what we saw was a complete misunderstanding?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes.”

“So he wasn't hurting you?”

“He was not”

“So we don't need to go back kick his ass?”

“You do not.” Rainbow and Twilight could see on Fluttershy ’s face she wished that Celestia's sun would wipe her out right now. They could've semi understand her position.

“Hmm.. Too bad I would have loved to see Twilight fight him again. My money would've been on Twilight of course” Rainbow said shrugging her shoulders.

“Rainbow, now is not the time!” Fluttershy replied with a red face.

“What? You're telling me that you wouldn't love to see that rematch? I would.”

“I.. Can't believe you right now.”

“Um, girls can I say something?” Twilight spoke with a smile that tried to defuse the situation. Both Fluttershy and Rainbow turned their heads away from each other. Twilight giggled at her friends silliness. “Fluttershy I know this is an embarrassing situation to be in. However, If you don't mind I would like to know the whole story. From the beginning if you don't mind that is.”

Fluttershy turned back around “do I have to, Twilight?” she replied softly.

“Of course not. But in order for us to help you we need to hear some more details. I won't blame you for leaving out any details you find embarrassing or incriminating.”

“Incriminating? The only crime Fluttershy has ever committed was sleeping in too late for a flying test that one time” Rainbow Dash commented.

“Rainb-”

“No No, Twilight she's right. Although, Rainbow Dash let's us not forget that some pony here caused a really bad early winter in Ponyville and that mare's punishment was to clean it all up by herself. It took you a month by the way” Fluttershy grinned. Twilight laughed and Rainbow’s face glew pink.

“J-just tell your stupid story already” Rainbow embarrassingly repiled.

“Gladly. It all started-” Fluttershy told (mostly) the entire story. She left out some embarrassing details and the deal she made with Sombra earlier. Twilight wore her thinking face. Her mind must have been running around at the speed of light because she had an idea that she was clearly proud of.

“What's the idea now, Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“One detail in that is speaking out to me. You said it seems like he enjoys a good challenge right, Fluttershy ?”

“Yeah--why?” Fluttershy asked curiously. Twilight motioned her friends to come in close. They did and with a low soft voice Twilight told them her plan.

“Woah, Twilight that's hardcore even for me” Rainbow dash proclaimed.

“Yeah, Twilight I don't know about that. What if something goes wrong?” Fluttershy asked.

“But that's the fun part! Nothing will” Twilight replied with a huge smile on her face. She was not willing to come up with a different plan. “Just thinking about it is giving me a dopamine rush!”

“We can clearly see that, Twilight. Honestly, Fluttershy I think you should go for it. I don't see a fault in it and it sounds like fun once you meet all the conditions” Rainbow Dash stated.

“If” being the keyword there” Fluttershy responded. The plan was solid and it did somewhat line up with the deal she made with Sombra. Then Sombra’s words came up from earlier. He said don't hate him for playing the game. Fine, it's my turn anyway “You know what, Twilight I'll do it.”

“That's the answer I was looking for! Let's go!” Twilight excitedly exclaimed. With the happiest grin she could produce Twilight teleported herself and her friends back to her castle to get started on her plan.

The rest of the day was spent with Fluttershy being tested on by Twilight. Needless to say that by the end of it she was extremely tired. Nothing a bed and good rest couldn't fix. She thought about the plan over and over again. The choice of not doing it was still there and no matter how she sliced it, it was dangerous.

Hmm..

“Had a hard day, Child?” Fluttershy looked up to find Sombra a few steps in front of her. He wore his usual expressionless face. But, it looked like he was a little annoyed at something.

“Sombra? They're letting you walk around the Castle?”

Sombra nodded “as long as these guards follow me. It's really annoying!” Sombra groaned. Fluttershy walked past Sombra and saw the guards. Fluttershy could see why Sombra was annoyed they were burning a hole in his back. Fluttershy gave them a warm smile, bowed slightly, and waved them off. The guards nodded along and went the other way around the corner. Now it was just her and Sombra in an empty castle hallway.

Princess Celestia must've told them to follow Sombra around until I showed up.

“Thanks. So why do you look so jetlagged?” Sombra questioned.

“I need to talk to you about something” Fluttershy said while turning around to Sombra. He looked interested.

“Is it about our deal?” Sombra asked.

“That and more. Here though. Let's go back to my room and we'll discuss it there.” Fluttershy took the first steps towards her room in the castle and Sombra followed her.

“So what do you want to talk about?” Sombra asked Fluttershy . She told him about the entire plan.

“So what do you think?” Fluttershy stated with curiosity. Sombra started to laugh. “I'm guessing you don't like it?”

“I'm laughing at your stupidity, Child. I don't why you choose to be a pawn in everyone's game. But by all means if you want to continue to play and dance with fire I'm not going to stop you.” Sombra went back to laughing at Fluttershy . For some reason she wasn't as embarrassed as she thought she would be.

“I'll take that as a yes. If we're going to do this I need to sleep first.”

“Yeah, yeah whatever” Sombra replied.

A few hours later it was nighttime. The moon was high in the sky which set light to the almost empty castle hallways. Fluttershy didn't think it would be hard to sneak out of the castle, but Luna’s bat ponies had sharpened senses which made it a lot more difficult. After the last guard took his eyes off the castle entrance Sombra and Fluttershy made their move. Sombra teleported them both outside where the light of the moon made the streets of Canterlot seem more lively than they actually were.

“I got to hand it to you, Child I actually didn't think you had the guts to go through with this” Sombra said.

“Well, I figured sneaking out the castle would break up the usual pattern. Although, after this there may not be a pattern anymore” Fluttershy responded looking down the moonlit street.

Sombra shrugged his shoulders “You say that like it's a problem.”

“When the problem is you (and I'm not helping the situation) I think I have the right to worry don't you think?”

“Sure you do. Just don't blame me if this backfires in the long run”

“Which is why-” Fluttershy suddenly stepped in front of Sombra, reached out to grab both his wrist and looked at him “You're not going to doing anything stupid after this. I don't want you going after the Crystal Empire again. You know what they say about third strikes right?”

“Is that a threat, Child? What makes you think you can stop me if I decided to do so?” Fluttershy grinned boldly and that's when Sombra noticed her eyes. They were changing color from her normal blue to red. It wasn't too obvious unless one paid attention to it. On top of that Sombra noticed that Fluttershy was a little stronger than she was earlier.

“What? You know I wouldn't threaten you? I don't have the strength to. I'm just saying you might want to think about your next move before you make it. Now, we don't have all night. Let's get moving.” Fluttershy let go of Sombra and walked ahead of him. That's when he noticed Fluttershy ’s wings. The tips weren't normal. They were almost like a bat ponies.

She's going through a transformation? And it's affecting her personality. Hmm.. Bold move, Child. Bold move indeed.

Sometime later Sombra found himself kneeling down behind a bush next to Fluttershy . They were across the street from their destination.

“The Canterlot Archives. Twilight said there would be more guards. Oh well, makes this a little easier. Teleport us in and I'll lead the way” Fluttershy declared. Sombra did and they found themselves inside the building. Twilight was extremely detailed in directing Fluttershy on where to go and Fluttershy followed it down to the exact detail. After avoiding the guards that were there Fluttershy and Sombra hit a corner. Looking past it revealed two guards standing next to a door.

“Why don't I just teleport us in?” Sombra asked quietly.

“That room has a security system that detects magic coming in. It stops when you use the key to unlock the door. So we need a way to get the key off the guards” Fluttershy replied.

“In that case wait here. Don't come out until you hear the door open.”

“You're going- just knock them out okay?”

“No promises, Child.” Sombra went past Fluttershy and turned the corner. He walked up to the guards until they noticed him. They told him to stop and of course he didn't listen. The guards saw Sombra charging his horn they both decided to attack him. Without saying anything Sombra stood still made a hole in the floor in front of the guards. The guards fell into the hole came out of the sealing hitting the floor face first knocking them both out instantly. Sombra took the key and unlocked the door. Fluttershy came out and checked the guards. They were fine and she thanked Celestia for that. After that she found herself in the room Twilight told her about. The room was library like, with three floors housing different books and various papers. It was completed by a massive window that the moon's light was shining through.

“So now we need to find a certain book right?” Sombra questioned. When Fluttershy didn't answer him he turned around to find her standing in the middle of the room. It could've been the light, but Sombra could've sworn Fluttershy had gotten a little taller. Her wings were completely different and her eyes were now completely red. Not as dark as his, but it was something to behold. This isn't that innocent child anymore. This is something different. Her posture screamed confident and..Did her hair color get lighter? Fluttershy raised her left hand, it glowed with magic and then Sombra heard something behind him. Suddenly a dark blue flew past him at fast speed and into Fluttershy ’s hand. She opened the book looking for the page Twilight told her about.

“Ok, got it. Sombra, stand here, read the page, and then we'll go from there” Fluttershy said. Sombra didn't bother questioning what Fluttershy told him. However, he had to ask one question that was bugging him to no end.

“Before I read this page, Child tell me something. Was this transformation of yours necessary?” Fluttershy looked directly at Sombra and flashed her wings.

“Now isn't the time for questions. Just read the page and let's get out of here.” Sombra wanted to say something back at Fluttershy , but decided to let it go since she was correct. When Sombra looked down to read the page he was stunned to find the letters were in old Equestrian.

It's only natural for old stuff like this to be here. Why do I have deja vu all of a sudden? Whatever just get on with it! Sombra sighed and continued.

“Fix my error bring me back to the center even better forever. A hasty recovery is what I cast, refill my battery and mastery.” For a moment nothing happened. Then the book started to shake in Fluttershy ’s hands. Suddenly the book flew out of her hands and above Sombra. Just when he was to speak the book caused a small magical explosion that knocked him to the ground and blinded him for a second. When Sombra came to he felt way better. Whatever, that spell was it sure did the trick. I'm sure I won't have a problem with some spells now. Now where did- Great she's out cold. Sombra heard what sounded like guards rushing towards the room. Since he didn't have to think about it he picked up Fluttershy ’s body and book teleported them out the building.

A few moments later Sombra landed on a rooftop somewhere in Canterlot. He put Fluttershy down and looked at the cover of the book. He was surprised by what he saw.

“This is-”

“Well well well looks like you got yourself into some trouble” The mysterious voice said. Sombra turned around to find out who it was. “Hello there, Sombra.”

“Princess Luna.” Luna was obviously indifferent to seeing Sombra but what was shocking to see was Fluttershy out cold.

“What did you do to her?” Luna asked with a tone of rage Sombra hasn't heard in a while.

“Nothing. Now do you mind telling me why you have a nightmare moon’s book in your archive.” Luna raised her hand and magically grabbed the book from Sombra. She opened the book to the exact page he read from earlier.

“You used her dark recovery spell? How did you even know this existed?”

“That's for me to know and for you to never find out, Princess.”

Luna shook her head and started to chuckle “I think you forgot how this went last time. Now be a good pony and just tell me what I need to know” Luna started to charge her magic, but then Sombra did something she wasn't expecting. He put his hands up like he wasn't going to defend himself. “Wha-”

“Trust me, Luna if I wasn't in the position I was in I would gladly fight you. However, since I am in this position you can't do anything.”

“What makes you think I can't?”

“You're not going to risk pissing off your sister or the child” Sombra spoke clearly. Luna stopped in her tracks. She hated the fact Sombra was right. His smile of confidence wasn't helping the situation either. However Luna was not one to give up so easily. She turned her attention to Fluttershy . Luna pointed one finger at the mare and shot a magical missile at her.

“Sombra, you know you must be punished for breaking the law. Since I can't punish you myself I'm going to make you work for it. I don't know how Fluttershy turned into a bat pony but it looks like she hasn't eaten anything for a while and my moon is at its highest point.”

“Get to the point already!” Sombra yelled.

“Bat ponies get a taste for blood if they haven't eaten for a few hours. So when Fluttershy wakes up I suggest you better start running. Don't bother returning to the castle my guards are going to turn you away. See ya, Sombra!” With that Luna took off in the direction of the castle. At the same moment Fluttershy started to wake up.

“ahwo! My head.. What happened?” She looked around her and saw other rooftops. Sombra came into her sights and he walked up to her.

“How do you feel, Child?”

“Like I got hit by a lightning bolt. Why are we on a rooftop?”

“I had to get us out of the building after that book knocked you out. Before you ask yes, I'm fine.”

“Oh ok that's good. One more question though. Why do you look delicious?” Sombra tilted his head in confusion.

“Excuse me?” Suddenly Fluttershy knocked Sombra down to the ground. Her eyes told Sombra all he needed to know. She was hungry. Really hungry.

“I asked,'' Why do you look so delicious? I clearly see the vines in your neck. I wonder how you taste~”

“Child, listen to me-”

“Don't bother talking your way through this. Just let me eat!” Fluttershy suddenly went for Sombra’s neck. He teleported himself aways from Fluttershy . With a predatory feminine giggle Fluttershy found him. “You can't hide from me, Sombra I can smell you.”

Shit. This is going to be harder than I thought. Six hours? I can handle that. Sombra sighed and started to back up to the edge of the rooftop. One more step and he would fall.

“Ok, Child. If you want me--you're going to have to catch me first!” Sombra declared with a wave of goodbye. Like a past mistake that won't leave him alone Fluttershy followed his scent. This is going to be a long six hours.

“Ahhh!” Princess Celestia yawned. Her internal clock was telling her it was time to do daily duty. After lazily fixing herself up she walked onto her balcony. She was kinda surprised to see her sister sitting on her balcony with a bottle of wine with a goofy smile on her face. “Hello there, Luna. Something happened last night?”

“Whatever do you mean, sister?”

Celestia leaned on the edge of the balcony “You're glowing with happiness. That means something good happened to you last night. What was it? Did you get some, sister~?”

“Oh ha ha very funny. But, no. Let's just say I love my job sometimes-” Luna finished the last of her drink. “-Also watching somepony you dislike run for their life is hilarious.” Celestia knew Luna was being literal by the giggles.

“So pray tell. Who is this “Somepony” to who you're referring to?”

Not even half a second later King Sombra came landing down on the edge of Luna’s balcony. He looked tired like he had been moving all night without a break. Luna fell backwards laughing her head off. Celestia finally knew what she meant.

“Sombra? What are you doing here?!” Celestia asked.

“No.. Time.. To..-” Sombra jumped to Celestia’s balcony avoiding a rock in the process. Celestia looked up into the sky to see where the object came from and saw somepony she didn't recognize flying at high speed towards Sombra. When the creature landed she had her sights dead set on Sombra. It didn't matter that two princesses were right next to her.

“F-Fluttershy ?! Is that you? What happened to you?!” Luna’s laughter didn't cease in fact she only got louder.

“Celestia, raise the sun. Don't argue with me just do it!” Sombra declared seriously.

“No no please! I want to see if Fluttershy catches him or not!” Luna replied.

“Sombra~” Fluttershy spoke softly. That's all it took for Celestia to side with Sombra. She was not going to let him be bitten by Fluttershy .

“Yeah, fuck that” Celestia charged her horn. At the same time Fluttershy charged at Sombra. He managed to grab her force her to look at the rising sun. The extremely hungry bat pony obviously didn't want to sleep yet but she ran out of time. Her screaming hurt everyone's ears but they suddenly stopped when the sun was fully out. Sombra and Fluttershy fell backwards next to Celestia. They were both out cold. “Luna! You owe me an explanation for this!”

“Yeah yeah. That was the funniest thing I've ever seen all year though” Luna declared happily.

Author's Note

Ok, truth be told readers; this chapter is long overdue. It was supposed to be out last week but something happened that I'm too embarrassed to admit. However, it's here now and I hope that you enjoyed it. As always I look forward to hearing your positive and negative thoughts on it.