A Human, a Tyrant, and a God of Chaosby Ender InkbourneChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 1Guess i should start at the beginning. Name’s Alex, and your probably wondering how i ended up in Equestria in the first place. Well.. To put it simply, and bluntly, i died. During open heart surgery no less, which was happening to SAVE my life. which is pretty freakin ironic when you think about it. turns out those ghost hunting shows were right, your spirit really does hang around in a location where you passed. though i didnt stick around. what i thought was the light aka heaven opened behind me and, not really having any other options, walked into it. turns out it was kinda like heaven, or at least, some version of it, anyhow. Turns out, i was in Equestria, at least thats what Celestia told me. And thats when my new life began. I mean sure ive read Harry Potter but, even those books dont compare to this! Of course, due to me being basically an alien species, Celestia thought it best for me to be in the castle, for both the ponies and my own safety. I did have to agree, i really didnt feel like dying again. Still, it wasnt too bad. I mean sure, Luna was having trouble intergrating back into society after her 1000 year banishment, luckily me and celestia were there to help her. Well..mostly Celestia. As i was still asjusting to equestria as well. So we were basically her students in that regard. Like twilight was, who is now currently in Ponyville, that village below the city in the valley. Even though she absolutely did not want to go. Celestia gave her a gentle push in the right direction as it were, and i tried to help. which ended with me accidentally getting launched through a window, unfortunately landing on a few passing guard ponies in the process. But thats a story for a whole other time. Anywho. It was a sunny morning as the sun rose up from the horizon, a signal to everpony that it was time to start a new day, well, almost everypony. Did i mention i wasnt a morning person? Yeah, well im not. At. All. “Ugh..just five more minutes..” i groaned out, covering my face with the blanket. I then felt the blanket being pulled off me by magic, which annoyed me even more. “Why cant you let me sleep?” I asked. “Cause you sleep till noon. Up and at em, Alexander.” Celestia said. “You can call me Alex, ya know.” i said, getting up and slipping on a pair of shorts and a shirt. “I could, yes.” She said. “Then would you?” I asked. “Nope.” She answered. I sighed and got up, slipping on clothes and heading to the dining hall, where breakfast was already on the table. I sat down next to Celestia and began to grab food and put it onto my plate. “I never knew humans had such big appetites.” She said. “Not all of us do, but i sure do!” I said, and began to dig in. She chuckled before starting to eat herself. At that moment, the doors opened and three ponies stepped in. I already knew two of them. Luna and her midnight blue fur and hair, same as celestia only representing night rather than day, it fit pretty well overall. She tended to be the more quiet one of the two of them, didnt mean she wasnt as capable. And then there was Blueblood. He was the epitomy of spoiled, to put it lightly and he was just a jerk in general. Yeah if you couldnt tell, i dont like him very much. As for the third..ive never seen him before now, he of course must live here, but i guess he just doesnt leave his room much. Something seemed off about him, however, as if he was missing something. Still the most striking feature was his eyes, as they were a emerald like green color, unlike Celestia’s magenta or Luna’s deep blue. It was interesting. Luna sat down across from me, Blueblood right next to her, and the unknown one next to me. It was then i smelled something, and it wasnt the food either. It was like i was spice shop, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne and more all hit me, and i wondered where or who it came from. Thats when i realized it was coming from the stallion sitting next to me. I found it abit odd but i didnt question it, i mean actual magic existed here so.. We continued eating, Celestia and Luna discussing what i assumed was politics and other things, blueblood had finished already and left to..do whatever it was he does, and the mystery stallion was still eating, but it took me a moment to realize that he was taking tiny glances at me. I wanted to ask what he was doing, but i figured that probably wouldnt help the situation. It wasnt until the stallion left that i was alone with Celestia and Luna, and now i figured id ask some questions. “Who was that stallion? I havent seen him before.” I asked. “Oh, that was Sombra, Alexander. He’s been living here for a quite a while, ever since i found him and was able get him back to health.” Celestia answered. “When was this?” I asked. “A long time ago, way before you came here.” Luna answered. “Well..can i get the whole story?” I asked. Luna looked to Celestia, who nodded. A long time ago, in a kingdom known as the crystal empire, a young mare named Amore ruled, spreading love and joy through out it, and everyone in equestria shared in it as well. Though, one stallion did not feel such love and joy, and his name was Sombra, the son of unknown parents, but from what we know, his parents were always on business trips, so he was watched by their next door neighbors. He was a studious colt, always looking for new knowledge on anything he could get his hooves on, and Queen Amore took him as her pupil. As he grew, his thirst for knowledge did as well, and he wanted to learn more forbidden magic, but Amore was firm in her decision of refusing. He soon left the empire and went off into the wilds of Equestria, some believing he’d never return. Years passed, and the Crystal Empire flourished. Then, one day, Sombra returned and soon went to Queen Amore, to show her what he had learned on his travels. But she only saw him as a monster of the stallion she once knew, and as a result he- “He killed her?” I asked. Celestia nodded in response before continuing. And thats when he took over as ruler of the Empire, turning the citizens into his slaves and even taking control of them to become his soldiers. If no one stopped him, then he’d take over all of equestria. So we did. We were able to banish him, though before we did he placed a curse on the kingdom, making it disappear, and should it ever return, he would as well. But something else happened, something we werent aware of until we found him. He had been split in two, not literally but more..spiritually, as it were. “So he became like..Yin and Yang?” I asked. “We do not know what that means.” Luna answered. “Like good and evil, essentially.” I said. Luna nodded in understanding, before she took over. His evil, or his shadow, had been seperated from his physical form, and had become banished in the frozen north, as for his physical self, it ended up in the Cave of Harmony, trapped within crystal, but still alive..somehow. Our sister had felt a sort of magic emenating from that cave that wasnt what normally came from there, and thats when she found him. We still do not know how he ended up there or who put him in the crystal, but when he finally woke up, he apologized profusely for what he had done and he has been living here ever since. I was stunned to say the least. I mean, i didn’t how to describe what i was feeling. “We’ve been trying to encourage him to make friends but he’s been stubborn, to say the least.” Celestia said. “Maybe i can try? I mean it’ll give me something to do since im kinda stuck here.” I asked. “Hmm..we believe you can try, but as our sister has said, he is a stubborn one, alexander.” Luna answered. “Well i’ll fight stubborness with stubborness!” I said, heading out of the room. “How long so you think it’ll take he’ll fail?” Celestia asked. “We give it a week, tops.” Luna answered. Author's Note {Hey everyone! This is officially the start of my first story on Fimfiction and i hope everpony enjoy’s it, even if it may not the best} Chapter 2‘What a strange creature it is.’ Sombra thought as he made his way down the hallway, his hoofsteps muffled by the carpet lining the middle of it. The morning light poured into the castle through the large windows that adorned the wall, allowing also for a view of Canterlot itself, and even some bits of the valley below if you focused hard enough. He had heard of a new resident in the castle, but it wasnt until this morning that he was able to see it. To have a mane, but no fur and be able to walk on two hooves was not something entirely unheard of in Equestria, as there were minotaurs. Though unlike them he didnt have fur covering his body or even hoofs or horns, though he supposed those strange paws were his hooves, in a sense. It didnt seem hostile, however, which put the unicorn at ease somewhat. At least he wouldnt have to worry about it hurting anypony. Still, he wanted to be sure it wasnt a threat, regardless of how it acts around others, and the best way to do so was to hit the books, and see whatever information, if any, could be found on it. It was a worth try at least. And, even if he didnt find anything on whatever the creature was, whatever he did find would (hopefully) make it easier to understand it. He walked to the library, opening the door with his magic and stepping inside, closing the door behind him as he did so. He immediately got to work, using his magic to pull several books off of different shelves and set them on one of the nearby tables. He then trotted over and sat down in the cushioned seat and using his magic once again, pulled the topmost book off the pile and in front of him, opening it and beginning to read through it. No matter how long it took, he would find what he needed to know. He had done it before, why would or should now be any different? Seemingly hours passed in a blink of the an eye, as the clock located on the far wall of the library chimed as the minute and hour hand reached midnight. He silently groaned and rubbed his eyes as he closed the book he was currently reading, setting it aside next to the small pile of the books he had managed to read. He levitated the quill out of the inkwell and put the cork back into it, setting both of the items into the appropriate spot on the table, before he got up, yawning but not trying to be loud. He hadnt found any information on what species the creature was, the closest thing to it would be the Minotaurs, though there really werent many similarities between either of them, minus them being bipedal, and the fact his use their hooves or in the creatures case, paws to hold things. He would have to continue his research tomorrow, right now however, it was time for sleep. He trotted to his room, and once inside plopped himself onto his bed, falling asleep as soon as he touched the matress. He groaned, tossing and turning before he sat up, his eyes becoming blinded by the sunlight pouring into his room. He shut them immediately, before reopening them slowly, letting them adjust to it. Thats when he heard somepony knocking on his door. He figured it was likely Celestia, as she usually woke him up in the morning, or at least attempted to anyway. He got up and trotted over to the door, using his magic to open it. However, when he did, the creature was standing there, a small smile on his face. “Why are you here?” He asked, irritableness evident in his voice. “Well i noticed you missed breakfast and well i brought you a plate so you wouldnt go hungry.” It said, lifting up a plate of haysh browns, toast and scrambled eggs. “And why couldnt Celestia have brought it to me?” He asked. “She had Day Court directly after breakfast, so she asked me to.” It answered. He simply ‘hmm’d’ and levitated the plate out of its hands using his magic before he closed the door. Before the door actually closed, the human put its paw in the way. “Do you need anything else? Juice, milk, fruit?” It asked. “No. I am fine with what i have.” He answered. The creature moved its hand and the door closed all the way. “If you need anything else, let me know!” The creature said from behind the door. He trotted back over to his bed, sitting on it as he began to eat the food. He contemplated what he was going to do today, as Celestia had Day Court and Luna was likely asleep as she always slept during the day. ‘Maybe hanging around that creature may help me understand it better.’ He thought as he continued eating. He soon finished his breakfast and left the cleanish plate and utensils on a small table next to the door, so the maids knew to pick them up, before he opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him. What took him by surprise was the fact the creature was standing next to the door, as if it was waiting on him. “Why were you waiting?” He asked. The creature shrugged. “If you need me, and i honestly hope you dont, i’ll be in the Royal Garden.” He said. He trotted down the hallway, heading for the Gardens. Once he was outside, he trotted over to a nearby oak tree and sat down beneath it, sighing to himself as he felt a soft but cool breeze blow past making the tree and its branches sway. He took in the peaceful environment, closing his eyes and without realizing it, he drifted off into sleep again. Not that he could help it, staying up till midnight will do that to you. However, he was abruptly woken up by somepony sitting down next to him. He opened his eyes abit and looked to beside him, and who else would be there but the creature. ‘Of course..’ He thought. “Oh hey, i didnt see you.” It said. He didnt respond. He was actually doing his best to ignore it, hoping it would go away. “You alright?” It asked. He still didnt respond. “If you dont wanna be disturbed-“ it said. “Look. I know what your trying to do, and i would appreciate it if you would stop.” He said. “What do you mean? Im not-“ it said, before he got interrupted. “Your trying to be my friend.” He said. “Is that such a bad thing? Everyone deserves at least one friend.” It asked. “Well i dont need nor do i want any friends. So just stop.” He answered. He soon after got up and trotted away, leaving the creature alone as he went to somewhere he could be alone and not be bothered. Chapter 3The next few days after were..interesting to say the least, despite the fact that it was pouring down rain non stop, forcing everyone to stay inside. Not that it bothered the unicorn that much if at all. After their conversation from the previous day, it seemed the creature had given up trying to be friends with him. At least he had some breathing room, so that was something at least. He was at this moment, sitting in his bed and listening to the rain as it pounded against the windows and watching the grey clouds moving at a snails pace across the sky. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock at his door, so he got up and trotted over to the door and opened it with his magic. Standing at the door was the creature, or as he had learned from Celestia was called a human. “You do realize i havent missed breakfast, don’t you?” He asked. “I know but i wanted to be nice is all.” It answered. He wanted to yell at it, tell it to go away and leave him alone, but he decided against it, as the human hadnt exactly warranted an outburst like that. He just simply took the plate of food from it without a single word. ‘Why is it trying so damn hard to be my friend? Wasn’t it listening when i said i didnt want any friends?’ He thought as he ate his breakfast. He knew the answer to that, so why did he even think of the question? He sighed to himself as he finished eating, he set the plate down on the small table before he left the room. He trotted down the hallway, not really having a destination, as he couldnt really go outside due to the pouring rain, but at least he could kill some time. The rain pattered against the windows in an relentless torrent as lightning flashed followed by the loud rumble of thunder. Thats when he heard a loud crash from a nearby room and decided to see what or who caused it. He stopped at the door and opened it with his magic, taking a look around. Apparently from what he could see, someone had dropped a few plates and cups onto the floor, making small shards of glass go everywhere on the carpeted marble floor. He wondered who dropped them and where that someone went, till he heard a whimper like sound coming from nearby. Trotting over to where it was coming from, he saw it was the human, huddled up and shaking like a leaf. “Why are you hiding?” He asked. Not that he actually cared, he was just curious. “I got scared by the thunder, so i ran and hid..” it answered. He chuckled at that. “Its not funny! Im terrfied of loud noises!” It said. “And i thought only foals were afraid of such things.” He said. “Im not a kid! Even adults have fears!” It said. He didnt respond and simply walked away. ‘I do agree, adults can have fears, but its better to face them than to let them gain any power over you.’ He said. Your one to talk about that, arent you? His eyes widened. He hadnt heard that since- Did you really think you were truly rid of me? No one is truly rid of the darkness they hide, and that is especially true for you. ‘What in tartarus do you want?’ He thought. Cant i wonder what my weaker half is doing? ‘You deserve to freeze to death.’ Harsh. Of course, youve been just as harsh to that human, havent you? ‘He’s been trying to be my friend. I dont need friends.’ A laugh echoed in his head. YOUR one to talk about that. You did have friends at one point, or do you not remember? ‘I DO remember them, but they left me behind.’ Because they saw the monster you had become and shall always be. He could have and probably would have continued arguing, but there was no point in it. ‘Why dont you consider working with me instead of atagonizing me?’ He heard another laugh. Are you really crawling back to me already? ‘No. Since i doubt i’ll ever get rid of you, im thinking you come to our side and save the trouble of getting your ass kicked.’ Once again, another laugh rang out, only it seemingly turned into a cackle halfway through. Man, i havent laughed like that in a long time! ‘I was being serious’ Oh i know, thats what makes it even more funny. ‘Your incorrigible.’ At least you admit it. ‘I was talking about you.’ And im a part of you, so your talking about yourself there. He groaned. He really didnt want to deal with this right now, excluding his growing annoyance from the human, of course. ‘Fine. If you dont want to listen, then go.’ You really think that will just get me to go away? He didnt answer. Ignoring me? Really? He still didnt answer. Real mature. He heard an annoyed growl. Fine. Be the immature one. He felt his shadow’s presence fade, though he knew they were still connected, and that it would likely be back. Before he could take a sigh of relief, the human was kneeling in front of him, a sort of worried on his face. “You ok?” He asked. Sombra made a sort of ‘hmmph’ noise before answering. “Im fine.” He answered. “You sure? You seem abit upset.” The human answered. Ok. He will admit that the humam had a point in that regard, but could he honestly blame him? Well, if the human actually knew what he was going through, then he probably wouldnt. “As i just said, im fine.” He said. He trotted away, leaving the human alone. Why was he trying so hard to be his friend? That question had came up in the unicorns head several times over the past few days and yet he had been unable to come up with an answer. There had to be a reason why he was so stubborn about it, surely. He possibly could have asked the human that question, but he doubted he would get an answer, or at least an answer that would satisfy his curiousity. He shook his head as he walked down the hallway, he didnt need to let this get to him. Maybe Celestia would allow the human to go into Canterlot or even Ponyville soon, and then he’d be out of his hair. And maybe he would make friends of his own and leave him alone like he asked. He could only hope after all. Chapter 4It seemingly was a normal day in equestria, the rain having finally stopped, revealing a bright blue sky but not a cloud to be seen, and Twilight and her friends were on their way for a visit to Canterlot Castle, though only Twilight new the real reason why they were going. She hated lying to her friends but she couldnt exactly say they were going to see a human for the first time. She found the human interesting on many levels, besides the fact he was taller than most ponies, besides Celestia and Luna of course, and that he was an entirely new species, which of itself heralded research. Soon enough the train stopped at the station, and the six mares and spike stepped off and onto the platform. Canterlot hasnt really changed much since Twilight had left, as it was only halfway through the summer season, which meant the city was filled with both stallions, mares and their foals as they did their daily shopping and such. They walked outside of the station and began the trek up to the castle, hooves stepping on the cobblestone street as more ponies went to and fro around them. “Wowie! This is Canterlot?” Pinkie asked as she hopped her way in front of them. “Calm down sugarcube, we aint even to the castle yet.” Applejack said. “Besides the beautiful castle, Canterlot is where the most richest ponies in equestria live.” Rarity said. “Eh, i dont really care for all that smancy fancy stuff, i just want to know why Celestia asked us here.” Rainbow said. Twilight acted like she didnt know, though she wasnt very good at it. “I have no clue, she just sent a letter saying for all of us to come to the castle.” Twilight said. “The letter actually said-“ Spike tried to say, but Twilight put a hoof over his mouth. “Anyway, lets get up there, i dont think the princesses want us to be late!” She said as she trotted ahead, having put spike on her back using her magic. The others looked at each other with concerned looks on their faces. Meanwhile, in the castle, Celestia was sitting in the throne room, waiting for her pupil Twilight and her friends to arrive, her mane floating as it always did, as if the wind was blowing, despite the fact no windows were open in the room itself. At that moment, the door opened and she expected twilight and her friends to enter, but instead a few guards and alex entered. “Let me guess, he tried to sneak out again?” Celestia asked, alex looking annoyed. “Yes your majesty.” One guard said. She sighed and placed a hoof onto her forehead. While she could not really blame him for wanting to go out into Canterlot, this had been the fifth time he has tried this and it was starting to get on her nerves. “Leave us.” She said, and the guards left, closing the door behind them. “So.” She said. “I’m not sorry.” He said. He really wasn’t either. “I did not expect you to be.” She said, rubbing her head with her hoof. “So you understand why i try to sneak out, then?“ he asked. She did understand why, though that did not mean it was not irritating. “Alex, we have talked about this-“ she said. “Actually, its been less of ‘talking’ and more of you lecturing me, and i never get a word in edgewise, and i am not a child Celestia. You dont need to shelter me from the rest of Equestria like im helpless.” He continued. “I know your not.” She said. “Then why treat me like i am?” He asked. She was about to answer, but alex cut her off. “And do not even try the ‘younger than me’ speal.” He said. She sighed in annoyance. “What do you want me to say then?” She asked. “You should already know.” He answered. “Alex, you know-“ she said. “Then why cant i go with Twilight? She can make sure nothing happens!” He said. “I understand that, but what if she wasn’t around?” She asked. “Then i could handle it myself!” He answered. “What if you couldn’t? I know your an adult Alexander but you can’t do everything.” She said. “Oh and you can? Just because your princess does not mean you can dictate my life! Your not my mother or my older sister!” He said. “And what would they say if they were here? Hmm?” Celestia asked. Oh hell no. Oh. Hell. No. Alex felt his blood boil. Normally he was a pretty calm and happy person, but he did have a temper like a lit stick of dynamite. “Don’t. You. Dare.” He answered. “Don’t i dare what?” She asked, “You know EXACTLY what your doing.” He answered once again. The guards heard the argument outside, and wanted to intervene, though none of them really wanted to face a pissed off Celestia. Though im sure nopony would want to face her pissed off, regardless of the situation. It was at that moment, that Twilight and the others walked in. They of course could hear the argument between the man and the alicorn, all but one of the mares, and spike, had a confused look on their faces. “Their at it again, aren’t they?” Twilight asked. The guard nodded in response. “Um sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “You girls wait out here, i’ll go in and see whats wrong.” Twilight said, opening the door slightly enough so she could go in. When she got in, what she saw was both not and exactly what she was expecting. Luna was standing in the middle of the room, with both Alex and Celestia raised up in the air by her midnight blue magic, with magic hand’s put over both their mouths, so all she could hear from both of them was muffled. “Which one started it this time?” Twilight asked. “From what we could hear, Alexander tried to sneak out again, and thats when the argument started.” Luna answered. Twlight looked up and to both Celestia and the human. “What am i gonna do with you two?” She asked, her hoof on her head. “Mmmph!” Alex said. “Luna.” Twilight said. She nodded and lowered Alex to the ground, removing the hand over his mouth. “Thank you. And secondly, i was hoping that maybe i could go to Ponyville with you, Twilight, i mean, if its ok with celestia.” He said. Twilight looked up at Celestia for a moment, going from her to Alex in a back and forth motion, going into thought. “Well..i would not mind it myself, but its not my decision to make.” She said. “Luna, you would you please?” Twilight asked. She nodded and lowered Celestia as she did him. Celestia sighed before talking. “I’ll think about it. But dont pester me either, or else it’ll be no.” She said. The human nodded and after a few minutes of calming down the others were allowed in. Everypony hoped it would go well. Emphasis on hoped. Chapter 5A lone car is seen driving down the road surrounded by mountains on one side and on the other side were grasslands and the occasional old barn or cows peacefully grazing amongst tall haybales. It wasn’t an abnormal sight, even in rural Ohio, but it would make you take a second glance if you saw it. the passengers of the car were silent, but a sense of sadness and dread hung over them like the plague, though they tried to seem happy, yet it didn’t change the mood. The car soon pulled off onto a left turn driving through a large wrought iron gate, the name on said gate read: St. Adam’s Cemetery {Est. 1885} the car parked in the mostly empty lot and they all got out, each holding something in their hands. They ranged in age from 18 years old to 70 years old, all of them being either related to or friends of the grave they were visiting. “Come on everyone, im sure they’ve missed us.” The second oldest woman said. Everyone in the group nodded and they began to walk into the cemetery, along a concrete path, until they took a turn and began walking on the grass, stopping in front of a small granite gravestone. Inscribed into the gravestone was the persons name, date of birth and date of death. It read like this: Alex. J. Greyson 1996-2019 “Mom, its ok. You don’t need to hold it in.” a woman says, placing a hand on her shoulder. The woman let her tears fall onto the grass, not caring about anything else. She missed her baby boy, and she wished he was still here. “I miss him too mom, i know there was nothing we could do but we were with him through all of it, and i know alex is appreciative regardless.” The woman said. She sniffled and wiped the tears away before answering. “I know, Emily, i just..you were there for your brother more than i was..” she said. “Mom, you raised both of us by yourself, no thanks to dad, while you were working night shifts at the hospital, your an amazing mother, and alex loved you just as much as i do.” Emily said. Their mom set down the flowers, as did emily and her friends, and the elderly lady and man, their grandparents, set charms for good fortune and peace on the grave, before setting three sticks of scented incense, which were set in a traditional burner as they lit the incense sticks and said prayers over them. Their grandparents grew up in thailand, and though they weren’t religious themselves, they followed the funerary rights for family members to the letter, not only to show respect for the departed, but to also show they would love them even into the afterlife. “He’s in a better place now..” Emily said. They all nodded and once they said what they wanted to, they left. Back in equestria, though, it was the middle of the night, a dark blue sky full of stars laid above everything and everypony, who were currently sleeping in their beds. Twilight and her friends were sleeping in the guest rooms in the castle, them meeting me for the first time having gone..relatively well, they all, minus twilight and spike, asked alot of questions, most of which i could answer, but when asked about my family.. Yeah the tears started flowing, and honestly i was abit embaressed. While yes, i have certainly cried before, it felt somehow different now. I guess cause i wasn’t crying cause of pain, i was crying of my own volition. Since i couldn’t really fall asleep, i decided to go for a walk through the gardens. i walked through the halls of the castle, being as quiet as possible, as i did not want to wake anyone up, plus i was trying to avoid the guard patrols, as they would likely escort me back to my room if they caught me. I couldn’t blame em, as they were likely following Luna’s orders. Of course i then remembered that she was awake at this hour, though she was likely in Night Court. Though i didn’t realize at the time that something was following me. however before i could even get to the door someone dropped down, hanging upside down from the ceiling by their tail, their face in front of my own. I jumped back and landed on my butt, but didn’t scream as i did not want to wake anyone. “Oh, sorry, did i scare you?” I looked up at him with a mix of a scared and angry look on my face. “You did. Why were you following me?” He gave a sly sort of smile and i noticed he had fangs. “I wanted to make sure you weren’t trying to sneak out again, your quite known amongst the guards you know.” I stood up and dusted off my legs. Bear in mind i was only in my boxers and a t-shirt at this time. “Well, do you blame me?” He put a hoof to his chin in thought for a moment or two. “Not at all actually, i can understand being stuck here everyday must get boring.” “You have no idea how right you are..um..” “Oh, my apologies, i forgot to introduce myself. I am called Nightshade, private of the guard under Princess Luna.” “Nice to meet you, also, why are you hanging upside down?” He gave a small chuckle and smiled again, his fangs more visible now. “Im a bat pony.” “Bat..pony?” The stallion gave another smile and released his tail, and he landed on his hooves. “Yes, though i can tell from your expression that you likely do not know what a bat pony is i assume?” I nodded in response, kneeling as i usually had to with most ponies, though now that i was over the initial shock, i noticed his eyes were a light lavender color, and seemed to sparkle in the moonlight that came in through the windows. So he explained it, and the fact that most bat ponies eat fruit. Which made feel abit less nervous around him, thank goodness. “So, how about that walk?” “are you afraid that i’m gonna try to sneak out again?” “Luna and Celestia gave the order for the guards to be on watch after all, can’t be too careful.” I sighed, he did have a point. “Alright then.” We then headed outside, the moon shining above us, so at least we didn’t have to worry about not being able to see. “So what do you do during the day?” “Sleep.” “Wait you sleep during the day?” “All bat ponies do, we’re nocturnal after all.” “That..makes sense actually..where do you guys sleep anyway?” “Honestly, as long as we can hang upside down, it can be anywhere really.” “I wish humans could do that, but the blood rushes to our heads.“ I pointed to my head, giving a tired shrug. “I’m sure thats not the only place blood rushes to.” He gave a sly sort of smile after he said that. It took me a moment before i realized what he meant, which made my face heat up. “Seriously? You went there?” “Come on, we’re both guys here, no need to be so embaressed. “Ok yeah but still..” He let out a light chuckle. “I didn’t know you could get so flustered that easily.” I didn’t say anything back, as i was trying to get myself back under control. We soon stopped and sat down under a tree, laying back against the trunk, the tree itself was positioned near the westward wall of the gardens, giving perfect view of the castle and the surrounding area. “The castle is beautiful, isn’t it?” We both looked up, watching the sky, above us, covered in stars. “It is. Wish i could see more than just the castle though. I mean i understand why Celestia is keeping me here but, i just..” “I get it. You hate being confined, and i’m sure Celestia understands that as well.” “Then why doesn’t she at least, i don’t know..take me out into Canterlot at night, when everypony’s asleep?” “She has a reason for everything she does, maybe she has a reason for not doing that.” “Fair point..” I still hadn’t given up with being friends with Sombra, which was still in a stalemate, though i hoped i was getting through to him regardless. I was brought out of my thoughts by nightshade gently tapping shoulder to get my attention. “So, what were you into before you came here?” “You mean hobbies and stuff?” He gave a nod in response. “Well, quite a few things actually.” “Anything specific?” I gave a shrug, there wasn’t really anything worth talking about, at least i thought so, anyhow. “Well besides my love for science and reading, nothing else really pops into my head..well, except maybe fencing.” “Fencing? You don’t seem like the fencing type to me, no offense.” I gave a chuckle. It was true, people always told me i didnt have the figure or skill for it, but i never let it get to me. “I haven’t actually trained any, i was going to after i healed fully from my heart surgery but..we all know how that went.” “Maybe Shining Armor can teach you a thing or two, he’s trained most of the new recruits.” “Shining Armor? Who is that?” That name did sound familiar, maybe somepony mentioned it before, but who and when i couldn’t think of. “Shining Armor, he’s twilights older brother, and captain of the royal guard, well, the day guard anyhow.” “I’ve wondered why Twilight didn’t want to go to ponyville, guess thats why, can’t really blame her.” “Would you want to leave your family behind somewhere-“ It was then that the realization hit him, and he made sort of teeth sucking sound putting a hoof to his mouth. “Oh..right..” I felt tears come to my eyes, but i wiped them away with my arm. “Yeah..” There was an awkward silence for a while after that, neither of us wanting to say anything and we both understood why. I then stood up, telling Nightshade that i was going to bed, and scurried off. “Good job Nightshade..you had to say that didn’t you..?” As i was heading back, i felt a warm breeze blow by and i looked up at the stars, when i did so a shooting star flashed by before disappearing. Even despite me being an adult, i still made a wish on it. I know it seems stupid but i just felt like i needed to. Id always do it as a child, wishing for something i knew wouldn’t happen, but i always held out hope for it, regardless. I sighed before making my way back to my room and collapsing on the bed, falling asleep as soon as i touched the matress. the world soon melded into a starry night, on top of a tall hill with a tree planted at the top, the sky was full of stars and three people could be seen sitting on the grass watching them ”Mommy! Mommy! Look, a shooting star!” A little boy jumped up, pointing at it, a smile of joy on his face as a girl huffed beside him. ”now Emily, your brother did see it first, don’t worry, you’ll get your chance.” the boy closed his eyes and made a wish, opening them again a few moments later ”what did you wish for?” ”i can’t say! Or it won’t come true, emily.” the woman gave a tired smile as she watched her children stargaze. She didn’t care for it herself, but she loved seeing them happy, so she didn’t mind coming out here with them. ”Hey, its getting late, the kids have school tomorrow, Rachael!” The voice belonged to a man who stood at the bottom of the hill ”we’ll be there in a minute, dear! Come on kids, its time for bed.” When she said that, both of them groaned. They didn’t want to go to bed yet! “But mommy!” they both said that at the same time, giving a puppy dog eyed look up to her ”its late and you two have school tomorrow. But i promise me and your father will bring you out here again.” the trio soon joined the man at the bottom of the hill, and headed back to their home as the stars shined above them. I remember this. it was one of only few happy times we had with him. one of the only times he was ever a father to us. Luna couldn’t help but wonder as she gazed upon the dream, her hoof beneath her chin in thought. was it truly a dream? Or a purposely forgotten memory of a better time? She’d have to show Celestia this later. Right now though, she had her duties to attend to.. Chapter 6Alex was currently sparring with Shining Armor, both holding wooden practice swords. One in hand, the other with magic. The week prior, Alex had asked Celestia if Shining could train him on how to swordfight, not mentioning going to ponyville, but he likely had that in mind whenever he asked. She summoned Shining to the throne room, and after some explanation from Celestia and introducing themselves, the princess asked the man to wait outside while she and Shining talked, which he begrudgingly did. Once allowed back in, they both agreed to allow it, but she herself would be there to oversee it. Though the man was bummed abit when he learned they wouldn’t be using actualy swords, but wooden practice swords, scuffed and chipped from years of use by the new guardsmen. ”You’ve got to get the basics down before we can get to real thing.” Shining had said that when he brought the swords out to the gardens on their first day of training. Over the next week, Shining saw alex improve with learning basic technique drills he had assigned him, and then decided to start the man on basic combat. The human wasn’t a master, not by any means of the word, but he was learning, and at a rather fast pace at that. He was at least impressed, though he knew his student had a long way to go before he could be at his own level of training. The human’s current outfit consisted of his hair being tied into a short ponytail, he suggested it so his hair didn’t get in his eyes, a grey sleeveless tank top and a pair of blue shorts, which where made by Rarity after she took his measurements. These were because it was supposed to be very hot and sunny, and even despite knowing he’d likely get sweaty and dirty, he’d rather not have him collapse from heat stroke. His hands were also bandaged, to keep splinters from digging into them, as the swords were old after all. The sounds of wood hitting wood, labored breath and the thumps and thuds of foot and hoofsteps could be heard in the gardens as the duo were in combat, and even though it was only training, neither held back and gave it their all. Sombra, Celestia and Twlight had decided to watch, the only reason Sombra had came along was cause there was really nothing to do. can you leave me alone? As if. But, i will admit, that man is..interesting. The human? Really? what? I can be interested in other things. I do have a life outside of you. your stuck in the frozen wastes, what is there for you to do anyway? ..don’t remind me. Why are you interested in him anyway? I can’t stand him myself, figured you’d feel the same way. ah yes, is it because he’s been trying to be friends with you? Sombra heard a chuckle echo through his head. yes. I’ve told him multiple times i don’t want friends yet he hasn’t quit! Even so, you have to admire his tenacity. Reminds you of yourself, doesn’t it? Sombra felt a chill go down his spine making his eye’s widen and he shook his head. when i was his age, yes, though i doubt that he’ll make the same mistakes i did, though he can’t actually use magic, thank the ancients. your only 29 genius. He’s 23. Sombra became confused upon hearing his shadow’s statement. how do you know that? I didn’t know that. He looks about 19 to me. His soul is like an open book. You already know whats going to happen, yet it’s still interesting nonetheless. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t suspicious, the umbrum could tell something was up, but didn’t know exactly what..yet. But he guessed it wasn’t good, though anytime darkness was involved, it was never a good thing regardless. his light is rather..radiant. Although given his personality and sweetly sickening kindness, it makes sense, at least to me. What surprises me is that he doesn’t seem to have friends besides the princesses and celestia’s pupil. so what? his darkness, on the other hoof..its rather..powerful, unlike yours it has a tone of sadness and pain, physical pain to be more exact. physical pain? Oh yes, its quite interesting actually, i’d tell you myself but why spoil the fun and ruin the secret? Sombra frowned. What was that man hiding that he hadn’t told anyone? Also, if your thinking of taking his body- He heard a snickering chuckle cut him off before he could finish his sentence. oh believe me, i’d love to have a more physical form to call my own but..his light is just too..off putting for my tastes..it’s just too bright, with an air of naivety to boot. Though, i thought you couldn’t stand him? So why should you care what happens or has happened to him? Sombra paused for a moment, trying to think of an answer. you do care, your just too afraid to admit it to yourself. shut up. i don’t hear you denying it, now do i? Sombra stayed silent after that. When he turned his attention back to the human and shining, he saw the man on one knee, the sword stabbed into the ground as he had both of his hands on the hilt. His body had small patches of dirt and grass stains though it seemed most of it was on the tank top and shorts, though the feet and lower legs were covered in dust and just as many grass and dirt stains. Shining trotted up to him, holding out a hoof, which he took and slowly stood up, picking up the sword a moment after. “You did good today, Alex.” The human gave a tired smile. “Thanks Shining, i do try my best.” “So i’ve seen, though i am impressed by your progress over this past week. Most of the new trainees take a few weeks just to get the basic’s down before even moving onto combat training.” “I’m a fast learner, at least when it comes to some things.” “Keep it up, but don’t shirk off going over the exercises between our lesson’s or even when your by yourself.” He gave a small smile as the man walked off, going to take a shower to clean off. “He’s learning quite well, maybe in a few years, he’ll be as good as shining.” Celestia gave a nod, before turning her head back towards shining, who had picked up both swords with his magic. “As long as he keeps at it, i’d say you are correct, Twilight.” She looked over at Sombra, but she realized he had left, though didn’t know when as nopony had looked over in his direction till now. Meanwhile, Alex entered his room, slipping off his clothes and setting them in a nearby hamper. He did fold them up so they’d fit better, plus it was easier on the maids and butlers, that way they didn’t have to do it themselves. Every little thing helped after all. Once that was done, he picked out a clean outfit to wear, boxers included and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. he turned the bath on to let it warm up, grabbing a towel off of the nearby rack as well as a bottle of bubble bath solution. The label on the bottle said it was strawberry scented. Opening the bottle and sniffing it, it really did smell like strawberries, but it wasn’t the artificially made kind of scent either, it actually smelled like the fruit had been plucked off the plant and put into the bottle itself. This being Equestria, it made sense they wouldn’t do things like humans would..well in a manufacturing sense anyhow. He poured some of the bubble bath, only about a full cap of it, and swayed his hand in the warm water to get the bubbles foaming. Once that was done, he carefully stepped inside and slowly laid down in the tub, keeping his head above the water. As he lay there, his mind began to wander, as it usually did when he was in a quiet and peaceful environment. He closed his eyes and relaxed, not realizing he was slowly sinking into the tub, until he got a noseful of water which made him shuffle up and grab a washcloth to wipe the soap off, making sure none of it got in his eyes. He soaped up his hair, diving under the water with closed eyes to wash said soap out, then washed his body off, getting the washcloth wet to help him. Once that was done, he got out of the tub, pulling the stopper and letting the water drain, which after doing so he washed the tub to make sure the foamy bubbles left behind went down the drain as well. He grabbed the towel and dried himself off, rubbing the towel on his hair to make sure all of it was dried, then tossed it into a hamper hanging on the door. He then got dressed and slipped his feet into a pair of sandals sitting next to his bedroom door, opening the door and walking down the hallway and headed outside. When the human entered the gardens, the only one around was Sombra, lounging underneath a large tree near the castle wall. He smiled and walked over to him, sitting down next to him. The unicorn opened an eye upon noticing someone had sat down. “How many times must i tell you?” “Tell me what?” “You should know already. Unless your either just that stubborn or idiotic.” “Look i’m just trying to be nice-“ Sombra growled in an annoyed tone. “I don’t care. I’ve told you and told you, yet you refuse to listen.” Sombra had gotten up and began to trot away back towards the castle. His tone of voice, which was full of both anger and venom, something he hadnt heard him have before, but it still brought a feeling of fear over him, yet the man felt it even down to his soul. Is this fear what the people of the Crystal Empire felt after Sombra took over? “Sombra-“ he had begun to walk towards him, holding a hand out as if to reach for the umbrum. Though he wasn’t able to actually get close, as he was struck by a blast of magic straight to the chest, which knocked him back and made him slam his back into the trunk of the tree, making several leaves fall and the limbs shake, as well as knocking the air out of the human’s lungs. He gasped for air, and saw Sombra with likely the most angry expression he had seen him have, his eye’s having this strange purplish aura around them, seeming almost like smoke and his horn smoking with a ruby red aura. “S-s..” He wasn’t able to finish his sentence, due to the fact he was struggling to regain his breath. “Don’t. Even. If you even come near me i won’t hold back next time.” Sombra then trotted away, leaving him alone as he tried to regain himself. He layed there for celestia knows how long, till he regained enough strength to sit up, though trying to stand up resulted in his falling back against the trunk. Once he was sure he regained enough strength, he slowly stood back up and tried to make his way back to the castle, but fell onto his knee before he even made it halfway there. He slowly staggered back up, only barely getting back onto his feet before he passed out and collapsed onto the ground. When he regained conciousness, the faint beeping of a heart monitor as well as distant voices filled his ears, and he tried to sit up, but felt woozy and fell back against the apparent hospital bed the man was in. “Where..?” “Your in the medical wing, Alexander.” “Luna?” He then noticed the princess of the night standing near the hospital bed, her midnight blue mane flowing in some kind of invisible wind, and her eye’s were holding this look of concern in them. “Who else calls you that? “Your sister.” She gave a small chuckle, smiling slightly as she did so. “True, but she is not right around right now, is she?” It was then he noticed it was nighttime outside, though it seemed to be a new moon, as he could barely see anything outside, other than the stars twinkling, which also meant Celestia was likely sleeping. “Fair point.” “You know, the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up soon, have you thought about attending?” “I’m not really one for those fancy events.” “and why is that?” “I just..i don’t do well around crowded or loud as hell area’s.” “Is there a reason?” He shuffled uneasily in bed. It seemed to be a touchy subject, based on that reaction. “Look, its nothing to worry about Luna.” She gave a sort of worried look but decided not to push the subject. “Anyway, you should get some rest.” The man nodded but before she left, she looked back at him, giving him the same worried look as before, though it almost had a motherly tone to it. The man got up out of the bed after he was sure she had left, and he went outside his room and walked down the hallway for a quick bit of excercise, since he had likely unconcious all day. He did see a couple of the night doctors, but let them know that he was only taking a short walk to stretch his muscles, which they agreed to, but then it was back to bed. He normally would’ve argued but they knew what was best, and since the man was under their care for who knows how long, it would be advisable to do what they told him to. He reached a hand into his shirt and pulled out a locket, which had gotten burnt when he got blasted by Sombra’s magic, leaving a blackish char mark on it and even some on the chain, clicking it open and revealing a smallish photo resting behind the glass inside, which was cracked, though that happened a while before he even ended up in equestria. It was a photo of himself, his mother, and his sister, all three of them much younger than they were now, Emily being around 6, and Alex being only 3, with their mother’s age, at least he guessed anyway, around her early 30’s. He closed it and put it back into his shirt, and turned around, heading back to his room before the doctor’s worried. ”Your really homesick, aren’t you?” The mans eye’s widened and he turned around to where the voice was coming from, and saw a figure in a long black hooded trenchcoat standing where he was just a few moments ago, yet something was off. The figure, whatever or whoever it was, was seemingly fading in and out, becoming as solid as he was one moment and then translucent the next, as if he was fading into and out of existence. “Who are you?” The figure, completely ignoring his question, began to walk towards the man, passing straight through him, making a harsh chill go down his spine. The figure then stopped and turned its head to back towards him. ”You are not yet ready.” “Hey wait!” He ran towards him, but before he could reach the figure, they vanished entirely, leaving the human dazed and pretty confused about what just happened. “Mr. Alexander, are you alright?” The man turned his head as one of the doctors had trotted over to him. “Oh, yes i’m ok, doc.” “Are you sure? If anything’s wrong you can tell us, and we won’t tell Celestia, doctor-patient confidentiality.” Alex looked back to where the figure stood not a moment before, but shook his head. “I’m ok, i just want to get back to bed.” “Alright.” The doctor helped him get back to his room and into bed, before making sure everything was in order and left to let him rest, shutting the door as he did so. He rolled over in bed, laying onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. Who the hell was that? And what did they mean by “you are not yet ready?” As he closed his eye’s and fell back into sleep, he had a feeling of dread overtake him, not unlike the fear that had done the same earlier. he just really hoped he wouldn’t see them again. Chapter 7“I never thought i would wear a tuxedo till my wedding day.” “Well, there is a first time for everything, Alexander.” I was looking at myself in a large floor mirror, making sure i was at least presentable for the Gala. Though, compared to most of the ponies that were going to be in attendance, i was basically Cinderella, except without the fairy godmother, the talking mice or the pumpkin carriage. “I know, its just surprising is all.” I could see Luna smiling behind me, herself already having gotten her dress, which was the same color as herself, with lighter blue accents, as well as sparkles, which likely imitated the night sky she had dominion over. Her hair was also styled, having curls and it seemed to be brighter than it usually was, but was as always flowing as if being blown by an invisible wind. “So, what exactly is this Gala like?” “It was started to celebrate the completion of Canterlot centuries ago, and it is much like the Summer Sun festival.” “Hmm.” Luna frowned abit before trotting up to beside me. “Is something troubling you?” I sighed, but took a breath before answering. “Yeah, actually.” “Is it about what happened with Sombra?” I looked down at the floor abit, but gave a small sort of nod in response. “I deserved it..” “Alexander-“ “No i did. I annoyed the hell out of him trying to be his friend! I should’ve just given up before i even started.” “Alexander. While it is true that you brought it on yourself, sombra should not have reacted in that way, he caused harm to somepony else, and that is something that we shall not stand for.” “But i deserved-“ “You did not deserved to be harmed in such a way!” I actually flinched back from that, i had never heard Luna yell before, and it honestly terrified me. It brought back..bad memories. “We are sorry, we did not mean to raise our voice.” “I-its ok, Luna.” “We did have a talk with him, and for his punishment, we decided that he shall not attend the gala, and that his magic be..bound, so he cannot use it.” I gave a small nod in response. “Now, let us get going Alexander.” I did a last minute touch up on my hair, before we both headed out and to the grand staircase in the entrance hall. As we arrived, guests were already coming in, dressed in tuxedo’s and dresses of all shapes and colors. “Hey luna?” “Is there something bothering you again? “Not exactly, but i do have a question.” “And what is your question?” “Have you..noticed anyone or anything odd lately?” “I can’t say that i have, why do you ask?” I thought back to that night in the medical wing and that person in the black coat. ‘You are not yet ready..’ Those words still hung in my mind, and i’ve been trying to figure what they mean, yet i had come up with nothing. “No reason, just wondering is all.” “There is no need to lie, Alexander, but we will discuss it later, for right now, let us enjoy the evening.” I nodded. I should’ve known she wouldn’t let it slip past her, hell she was like a pony lie detector. “Princesses! Alex!” I turned and smiled, seeing twilight and her friends enter, wearing gowns that matched with their colors as well as the elements of harmony. I ran down the steps, kneeling down and hugging her, joined a moment later by the others. “Where’s spike? I figured he’d come with you.” “He’d rather stay home, but anyway, i’m surprised your attending it.” “Eh, i figured it’d be a good way to meet the ponies who live in canterlot.” “I’m sure Celestia will let you go into canterlot soon, Alex.” “I hope, or i’ll pull a rapunzel down one of the towers.” After another hug they went on their way into the ballroom, disappearing into the sea of guests inside already. I decided to head outside, to try to get away from the loud noises, finding the gardens had gathered some guests as well, but not as many, thank celestia. It was as beautiful as it always was, which was one of the reasons why i loved coming out here, well, that and hanging out with Nightshade. “Alex!” I smiled seeing Shining trotting towards me, so i kneeled and pulled him into a hug. “Surprised to see you up so late, shining.” “Eh, i’m mostly here to help the night guard, but what im surprised about is seeing you here.” I chuckled, smiling and shook my head. “You aren’t the only one.” “I was actually heading into the ballroom myself, i just had to make sure the night guard were at their proper posts.” “All work and no play, huh?” He chuckled at that, his mane moving as he did so. “What can i say? I’m a busy stallion.” “Fair, though if i were in your position i don’t think i could handle it.” “One day you may be able to, never sell yourself short, Alex.” “Maybe, but lets cross that bridge when we get to it.” “Anyway i hope to see you inside.” Shining then began to trot away, heading towards the ballroom. I was about to head back in myself, until i felt a strange chill overtake me, and turned around quickly. Yet, nothing was behind me, except for that odd statue i always saw when i came out here, but that was a good ten feet away. I let out a small sigh, before heading inside. The ballroom was beautifully decorated, curtains hung along the top of the room, chandelier’s with multicolored crystal’s hanging from and shining from the light they gave off, and the sounds of ponies talking and mingling amongst themselves. “And who might you be, dear boy?” I turned towards the voice, and kneeled down to face them. “My name’s Alexander, but who are you?” “You may call me Fancy Pants, mister Alexander.” I internally chuckled at being called mister. “Its nice to meet you, sir.” “I hope i don’t offend you by asking this, but are you related to any minotaur’s by chance?” “I’m not really sure, actually.” Though i could understand why he’d ask, since both humans and minotaurs walk upright on two feet, well hooves in a minotaur’s case. As a waiter went by, Fancy Pants levitated two drinks, handing one to me. “Oh, thanks.” “Its no issue, really.” Fancy took a drink of his, but i didn’t take a drink of mine, as i wasn’t much of an alcohol drinker, but soda on the other hand, that was a different story. “I haven’t seen you around Canterlot much, do you get out often?” “Unfortunately no, Celestia is afraid i’ll get hurt.” “And why would she be afraid of that? I gave a shrug, being careful not to bump into anyone walking by as we both sat down at a table. “You’ll have to ask her that yourself.” He finished his drink, levitating another one to him as another waiter went by. “I’m sure she has a good reason, she has everypony’s best interests in mind after all.” He wasn’t wrong, all things considered, but i must of gotten lost in my thoughts, as it took me a moment to realize Fancy was trying to get my attention. “Oh, sorry Fancy, i must of lost myself there.” “It is quite alright, we all lose ourselves to our thoughts sometimes.” “Happens to some more than others.” “That is quite true, but it can be a welcome respite, don’t you agree?” I nodded, letting out a small sigh. “Are you alright, Alexander?” The noise of the room was getting to me, making my brain start to go haywire, even despite the conversation i was having at the moment did nothing to drown it out. “I need to get some air, i’ll be back.” I got up, heading out of the ballroom and into the main hall, seeing no one was there besides myself, no surprise, seeing as how everyone was enjoying the gala. “Alexander, are you sure your alright?” I turned, seeing Fancy had followed me out, apparently i didn’t hear him trot towards me. I couldn’t try to lie to him either, i wasn’t a very good one to begin with, so i knew that was a no go option. “No, i’m not, Fancy.” His expression became more worried after hearing me say that. “Do you wish to talk about it?” I simply gave a nod, and we both walked over to the grand staircase that lead upstairs, and sat down on the first few steps of it. “Just take your time, dear boy.” “Ever since i was little, i hated being in loud, crowded places, it made me go crazy and panic.” “Oh dear, that explains why you looked so nervous, i thought it was because you were talking to me.” I gave a smallish chuckle, a smile forming on my face. “But then, why come to the Gala?” “I wanted to try to make friends, and meet the ponies from outside the castle.” “Oh, because you haven’t been allowed outside yet, correct?” I nodded again, taking a moment before continuing. “As you probably saw, i’m not good at making friends.” “It’s tougher than you think it is, i mean, look at me, for example.” I raised my eyebrow in confusion. “I’m a part of Canterlot high society, and i have an entourage of ponies at my side, everywhere i go, waiting to hear what i have to say about something.” “And do you consider any of them as a friend?” Fancy shook his head, which make his monocle fall off, but i picked it up for him and he levitated it back into place. “Thank you, Alexander, but i doubt they consider me a friend, as they most likely think of me as one of those celebrity ponies you see on those films in Applewood.” “Applewood? What is that?” “Oh, right i guess you wouldn’t know where that is, its the home to Equestria film industry as well as its celebrity population.” “If its anything like Hollywood back where i came from, then i think i can understand what its like, then.” “But why not live there instead of here?” “I prefer the quiet life as compared to the hustle and bustle.” “But i do wish to ask you something, if you’ll hear me out.” “Well, what is it?” “Well, if you ever do get to leave the castle, i would like to show you around Canterlot, if you are ok with that, that is.” “Sure, i wouldn’t mind.” “Excellent! But i must say it is getting quite late, so i think it is time for both of us to ‘hit the hay’ as they say.” I nodded, not realizing how tired i really was till now. “It was nice meeting you Fancy.” “It was quite nice meeting you as well, Alexander.” He got up and trotted away, but gave one last smile to me before he left the room, heading out the front doors, closing them behind him. I yawned, and headed upstairs, going to my room, and upon getting inside i got into my sleeping attire and got into bed, falling asleep a few minutes after i did so. I opened my eyes and saw i was standing in one of the castle hallways, still wearing what i usually did when i went to sleep, had i sleepwalked out here? I hadn’t done since i was about 4-5 years old and had grown out of it, at least i thought i had. But that would be something to figure out later, right now i had to get back to bed. I walked down the hall, and tried to open my room door, but found it was locked, which was rather odd, as i never locked it. “Great, now what?” I was likely going to have to ask Luna to help me unlock the door, as my key to it was inside my room, in my bedside drawer. That’s when i heard sobbing coming from down the hallways, though i didn’t know if anyone else could hear it, but it didn’t seem like it. “I better go see if someone needs help.” I walked down the hallway, the sound of the sobbing becoming louder but yet not clearer, as i couldn’t tell who exactly was the one doing it. It certainly didn’t sound like either of the princesses, that i knew. Rounding the corner, my eye’s widened as i saw one of the night guard on the floor, pieces of shattered glass covering the floor around him. when i got closer, i noticed he was covered in bruises and his armor was dented in several places. I let out a small sigh of relief seeing it wasn’t nightshade, and i put two fingers against the guards neck, thankfully feeling a pulse every few seconds. “At least the guard’s ok, Luna would’ve have a cow if they weren’t.” Speaking of, where was she? Hell, where was Celestia? Surely they would’ve heard the guard fighting someone and come out to investigate it, yet they haven’t. Something really wasn’t right here. I stood up, being careful to not get any glass stuck in my feet, and continued down the hallway’s, the moon outside shining brightly, casting everything in a pale whitish blue glow. It felt strangely cold as well, not enough to make me shiver, but enough for me to know it was there. Where was everyone? Did something happen while i was sleeping? “Huh? Is that..sombra?” I had never seen him cry before, i’ve seen him mad before, but this was new, and honesty, it made me sad seeing him like this. I walked up to behind him, and kneeled down onto the carpeted floor. “Sombra? Are you ok?” He turned his head towards me, tears in his eyes. “I don’t need your help. Have you forgotten what happened before?” Like i could ever forget that, especially having been literally scarred from it. “I just heard you crying and was wondering if you are ok.” “As i said i don’t need your help or your sympathy.” I frowned abit but he didn’t seem to notice and stood back up. “I’ll go get Luna, she-“ “No!” I stepped back abit almost tripping over myself. “I told you i don’t need your help!” Before i could even react, a blast of magic was fired my way. “S-sombra-“ Another blast was fired at me, barely missing me, hell the wind from it ruffled my hair. “How are you able to use your magic?!” He fired another blast, and i ran away from him back down the hallway, but he ran after me, and was actually keeping up. I kept dodging the blasts he fired, until one hit me square in the back, making me cry out in pain and tumble across the carpeted floor. The magic sparked all over my body, making me go numb and unable to move, as i saw Sombra trot closer to me. “S-sombra..” He charged up his magic, making his horn go a crimson red. “Goodbye.” He fired the charged up magic at me, i closed my eyes and prepared for the impact.. Yet it didn’t come. Opening my eyes, i saw sombra and the magic blast was frozen, yet i was still able to move, somewhat. “I think that’s enough of that for one night.” I turned my head towards the voice, seeing Luna standing beside me. “Luna! Whats going on? Did something happen?” She shook her head, looking down at me. “You haven’t realized yet i see.” “Realized wha-“ My eye’s widened as it finally hit me. “This is a dream, isn’t it?” “Well, more of a nightmare, but you are correct regardless.” “But this didn’t feel like a dream..nightmare, it felt real.” She nodded, using her magic to help me up to my feet. “Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish a dream or nightmare from reality, Alexander, you are certainly not the first it has happened to.” “But let us move to a more peaceful setting, shall we?” I nodded as the setting changed to a peaceful lake surrounded by forest, with the full moon shining high in the night sky, the stars surrounding it, yet shining in equal measure. “Its beautiful.” “I’m glad you like it, Alexander.” I sat down, Luna sitting down beside me. “Is there something you wish to talk about?” I suppose i should’ve seen that question coming, given what’s just happened and all. “I just feel awful about what happened, Luna. I’ve had nightmares ever since it happened and-“ He wrapped a hoof around me, pulling me close to her, to where i was leaning against her side. “I just wish i could apologize to him.” Though it wasn’t hard to tell how i was feeling, especially lately, and especially for somepony like Luna, given what she’s been through. She understood more than i thought she did. “Someday you will be able to.” She wasn’t wrong, of course, I just wished it was more sooner than later. But if i tried to right now, it probably wouldn’t end well, even despite the fact he couldn’t use his magic. “Thanks for helping me, Luna.” “It is no issue Alexander, it is my duty to help ponies while they sleep.” “But im not a pony.” “You are a resident of Equestria, which means i have a duty to protect you, as does my sister.” Was that why they were so protective? Or was it something else? “What if you or celestia are the ones needing protection?” She looked up at the night sky, as if looking for the answer there, before she did answer. “If we were ever in need of it, then we have faith in not only you, but twilight and her friends as well.” “Im not as good a swordsman as shining, Luna, at least not yet. I have years to go before im at his level.” “While that may be true, you have still learned enough to defend yourself or anypony else.” I mean i did know the basics, even some intermediate techniques, but i’ve never been in a situation where i’d need to fight outside of training. “But what if i can’t, what if i fail you and celestia, what if-?” I had felt tears come to eyes, feeling a few fall down my face as so many scenarios played in my head, almost like a reel of film in an old styled film camera. She nuzzled the top of my head, which i found abit odd but didn’t say anything about it, as i felt her wing gently wipe them away. “You can, Alexander, as long as you remember that we will always be with you, even if we aren’t beside you.” I smiled, sniffling. “T-thanks Luna.” She smiled as well, before we both started to stargaze, every once in a while Luna would point out a constellation to me, and explain what it meant in equestrian terms. I suddenly started felt tired, which was odd as this was a dream and i was asleep. “Whats..happening?” “It seems that daytime is upon us, but do not worry, Alexander, we will be able to speak like this again soon.” I felt the world around me fade into nothing, luna vanishing from sight in a haze as light began to fill my vision, till i opened my eyes, and sat up in bed. I saw that the covers had been kicked off of me, likely due to the nightmare. It wasn’t really a surprising sight at this point. I fumbled around and grabbed my glasses off of the bedside table, putting them on and then getting up out of bed. “That was a nice dream..at least the part with luna anyway.” It reminded me of the talks me and mom would have whenever i was upset or disheartened, which back then was alot, maybe more than i’d like to admit. I shook my head at the thought and took a shower and got dressed for the day, heading down to breakfast. The only ones there when i arrived were Luna and Celestia, Sombra not being there didn’t surprise me in the least, as we were trying to avoid each other for..more than obvious reasons, but Blueblood not being there certainly did. Did something happen at the Gala after i went to sleep? “Ah, good morning Alexander, how did you sleep?” Luna had a small smile on her face as she glanced at me. “I did have a bad dream but..thankfully i had someone watching over me to help with it.” I saw from the corner of my eye luna’s smile grow lightly, which made me smile. I didn’t want to admit it, at least out loud, but i thought of both of them as moms, of course i couldn’t replace my real one, i never could or would, but- -i suppose having a mother figure never does hurt, right?
Chapter 1Guess i should start at the beginning. Name’s Alex, and your probably wondering how i ended up in Equestria in the first place. Well.. To put it simply, and bluntly, i died. During open heart surgery no less, which was happening to SAVE my life. which is pretty freakin ironic when you think about it. turns out those ghost hunting shows were right, your spirit really does hang around in a location where you passed. though i didnt stick around. what i thought was the light aka heaven opened behind me and, not really having any other options, walked into it. turns out it was kinda like heaven, or at least, some version of it, anyhow. Turns out, i was in Equestria, at least thats what Celestia told me. And thats when my new life began. I mean sure ive read Harry Potter but, even those books dont compare to this! Of course, due to me being basically an alien species, Celestia thought it best for me to be in the castle, for both the ponies and my own safety. I did have to agree, i really didnt feel like dying again. Still, it wasnt too bad. I mean sure, Luna was having trouble intergrating back into society after her 1000 year banishment, luckily me and celestia were there to help her. Well..mostly Celestia. As i was still asjusting to equestria as well. So we were basically her students in that regard. Like twilight was, who is now currently in Ponyville, that village below the city in the valley. Even though she absolutely did not want to go. Celestia gave her a gentle push in the right direction as it were, and i tried to help. which ended with me accidentally getting launched through a window, unfortunately landing on a few passing guard ponies in the process. But thats a story for a whole other time. Anywho. It was a sunny morning as the sun rose up from the horizon, a signal to everpony that it was time to start a new day, well, almost everypony. Did i mention i wasnt a morning person? Yeah, well im not. At. All. “Ugh..just five more minutes..” i groaned out, covering my face with the blanket. I then felt the blanket being pulled off me by magic, which annoyed me even more. “Why cant you let me sleep?” I asked. “Cause you sleep till noon. Up and at em, Alexander.” Celestia said. “You can call me Alex, ya know.” i said, getting up and slipping on a pair of shorts and a shirt. “I could, yes.” She said. “Then would you?” I asked. “Nope.” She answered. I sighed and got up, slipping on clothes and heading to the dining hall, where breakfast was already on the table. I sat down next to Celestia and began to grab food and put it onto my plate. “I never knew humans had such big appetites.” She said. “Not all of us do, but i sure do!” I said, and began to dig in. She chuckled before starting to eat herself. At that moment, the doors opened and three ponies stepped in. I already knew two of them. Luna and her midnight blue fur and hair, same as celestia only representing night rather than day, it fit pretty well overall. She tended to be the more quiet one of the two of them, didnt mean she wasnt as capable. And then there was Blueblood. He was the epitomy of spoiled, to put it lightly and he was just a jerk in general. Yeah if you couldnt tell, i dont like him very much. As for the third..ive never seen him before now, he of course must live here, but i guess he just doesnt leave his room much. Something seemed off about him, however, as if he was missing something. Still the most striking feature was his eyes, as they were a emerald like green color, unlike Celestia’s magenta or Luna’s deep blue. It was interesting. Luna sat down across from me, Blueblood right next to her, and the unknown one next to me. It was then i smelled something, and it wasnt the food either. It was like i was spice shop, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne and more all hit me, and i wondered where or who it came from. Thats when i realized it was coming from the stallion sitting next to me. I found it abit odd but i didnt question it, i mean actual magic existed here so.. We continued eating, Celestia and Luna discussing what i assumed was politics and other things, blueblood had finished already and left to..do whatever it was he does, and the mystery stallion was still eating, but it took me a moment to realize that he was taking tiny glances at me. I wanted to ask what he was doing, but i figured that probably wouldnt help the situation. It wasnt until the stallion left that i was alone with Celestia and Luna, and now i figured id ask some questions. “Who was that stallion? I havent seen him before.” I asked. “Oh, that was Sombra, Alexander. He’s been living here for a quite a while, ever since i found him and was able get him back to health.” Celestia answered. “When was this?” I asked. “A long time ago, way before you came here.” Luna answered. “Well..can i get the whole story?” I asked. Luna looked to Celestia, who nodded. A long time ago, in a kingdom known as the crystal empire, a young mare named Amore ruled, spreading love and joy through out it, and everyone in equestria shared in it as well. Though, one stallion did not feel such love and joy, and his name was Sombra, the son of unknown parents, but from what we know, his parents were always on business trips, so he was watched by their next door neighbors. He was a studious colt, always looking for new knowledge on anything he could get his hooves on, and Queen Amore took him as her pupil. As he grew, his thirst for knowledge did as well, and he wanted to learn more forbidden magic, but Amore was firm in her decision of refusing. He soon left the empire and went off into the wilds of Equestria, some believing he’d never return. Years passed, and the Crystal Empire flourished. Then, one day, Sombra returned and soon went to Queen Amore, to show her what he had learned on his travels. But she only saw him as a monster of the stallion she once knew, and as a result he- “He killed her?” I asked. Celestia nodded in response before continuing. And thats when he took over as ruler of the Empire, turning the citizens into his slaves and even taking control of them to become his soldiers. If no one stopped him, then he’d take over all of equestria. So we did. We were able to banish him, though before we did he placed a curse on the kingdom, making it disappear, and should it ever return, he would as well. But something else happened, something we werent aware of until we found him. He had been split in two, not literally but more..spiritually, as it were. “So he became like..Yin and Yang?” I asked. “We do not know what that means.” Luna answered. “Like good and evil, essentially.” I said. Luna nodded in understanding, before she took over. His evil, or his shadow, had been seperated from his physical form, and had become banished in the frozen north, as for his physical self, it ended up in the Cave of Harmony, trapped within crystal, but still alive..somehow. Our sister had felt a sort of magic emenating from that cave that wasnt what normally came from there, and thats when she found him. We still do not know how he ended up there or who put him in the crystal, but when he finally woke up, he apologized profusely for what he had done and he has been living here ever since. I was stunned to say the least. I mean, i didn’t how to describe what i was feeling. “We’ve been trying to encourage him to make friends but he’s been stubborn, to say the least.” Celestia said. “Maybe i can try? I mean it’ll give me something to do since im kinda stuck here.” I asked. “Hmm..we believe you can try, but as our sister has said, he is a stubborn one, alexander.” Luna answered. “Well i’ll fight stubborness with stubborness!” I said, heading out of the room. “How long so you think it’ll take he’ll fail?” Celestia asked. “We give it a week, tops.” Luna answered. Author's Note {Hey everyone! This is officially the start of my first story on Fimfiction and i hope everpony enjoy’s it, even if it may not the best}
Chapter 2‘What a strange creature it is.’ Sombra thought as he made his way down the hallway, his hoofsteps muffled by the carpet lining the middle of it. The morning light poured into the castle through the large windows that adorned the wall, allowing also for a view of Canterlot itself, and even some bits of the valley below if you focused hard enough. He had heard of a new resident in the castle, but it wasnt until this morning that he was able to see it. To have a mane, but no fur and be able to walk on two hooves was not something entirely unheard of in Equestria, as there were minotaurs. Though unlike them he didnt have fur covering his body or even hoofs or horns, though he supposed those strange paws were his hooves, in a sense. It didnt seem hostile, however, which put the unicorn at ease somewhat. At least he wouldnt have to worry about it hurting anypony. Still, he wanted to be sure it wasnt a threat, regardless of how it acts around others, and the best way to do so was to hit the books, and see whatever information, if any, could be found on it. It was a worth try at least. And, even if he didnt find anything on whatever the creature was, whatever he did find would (hopefully) make it easier to understand it. He walked to the library, opening the door with his magic and stepping inside, closing the door behind him as he did so. He immediately got to work, using his magic to pull several books off of different shelves and set them on one of the nearby tables. He then trotted over and sat down in the cushioned seat and using his magic once again, pulled the topmost book off the pile and in front of him, opening it and beginning to read through it. No matter how long it took, he would find what he needed to know. He had done it before, why would or should now be any different? Seemingly hours passed in a blink of the an eye, as the clock located on the far wall of the library chimed as the minute and hour hand reached midnight. He silently groaned and rubbed his eyes as he closed the book he was currently reading, setting it aside next to the small pile of the books he had managed to read. He levitated the quill out of the inkwell and put the cork back into it, setting both of the items into the appropriate spot on the table, before he got up, yawning but not trying to be loud. He hadnt found any information on what species the creature was, the closest thing to it would be the Minotaurs, though there really werent many similarities between either of them, minus them being bipedal, and the fact his use their hooves or in the creatures case, paws to hold things. He would have to continue his research tomorrow, right now however, it was time for sleep. He trotted to his room, and once inside plopped himself onto his bed, falling asleep as soon as he touched the matress. He groaned, tossing and turning before he sat up, his eyes becoming blinded by the sunlight pouring into his room. He shut them immediately, before reopening them slowly, letting them adjust to it. Thats when he heard somepony knocking on his door. He figured it was likely Celestia, as she usually woke him up in the morning, or at least attempted to anyway. He got up and trotted over to the door, using his magic to open it. However, when he did, the creature was standing there, a small smile on his face. “Why are you here?” He asked, irritableness evident in his voice. “Well i noticed you missed breakfast and well i brought you a plate so you wouldnt go hungry.” It said, lifting up a plate of haysh browns, toast and scrambled eggs. “And why couldnt Celestia have brought it to me?” He asked. “She had Day Court directly after breakfast, so she asked me to.” It answered. He simply ‘hmm’d’ and levitated the plate out of its hands using his magic before he closed the door. Before the door actually closed, the human put its paw in the way. “Do you need anything else? Juice, milk, fruit?” It asked. “No. I am fine with what i have.” He answered. The creature moved its hand and the door closed all the way. “If you need anything else, let me know!” The creature said from behind the door. He trotted back over to his bed, sitting on it as he began to eat the food. He contemplated what he was going to do today, as Celestia had Day Court and Luna was likely asleep as she always slept during the day. ‘Maybe hanging around that creature may help me understand it better.’ He thought as he continued eating. He soon finished his breakfast and left the cleanish plate and utensils on a small table next to the door, so the maids knew to pick them up, before he opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him. What took him by surprise was the fact the creature was standing next to the door, as if it was waiting on him. “Why were you waiting?” He asked. The creature shrugged. “If you need me, and i honestly hope you dont, i’ll be in the Royal Garden.” He said. He trotted down the hallway, heading for the Gardens. Once he was outside, he trotted over to a nearby oak tree and sat down beneath it, sighing to himself as he felt a soft but cool breeze blow past making the tree and its branches sway. He took in the peaceful environment, closing his eyes and without realizing it, he drifted off into sleep again. Not that he could help it, staying up till midnight will do that to you. However, he was abruptly woken up by somepony sitting down next to him. He opened his eyes abit and looked to beside him, and who else would be there but the creature. ‘Of course..’ He thought. “Oh hey, i didnt see you.” It said. He didnt respond. He was actually doing his best to ignore it, hoping it would go away. “You alright?” It asked. He still didnt respond. “If you dont wanna be disturbed-“ it said. “Look. I know what your trying to do, and i would appreciate it if you would stop.” He said. “What do you mean? Im not-“ it said, before he got interrupted. “Your trying to be my friend.” He said. “Is that such a bad thing? Everyone deserves at least one friend.” It asked. “Well i dont need nor do i want any friends. So just stop.” He answered. He soon after got up and trotted away, leaving the creature alone as he went to somewhere he could be alone and not be bothered.
Chapter 3The next few days after were..interesting to say the least, despite the fact that it was pouring down rain non stop, forcing everyone to stay inside. Not that it bothered the unicorn that much if at all. After their conversation from the previous day, it seemed the creature had given up trying to be friends with him. At least he had some breathing room, so that was something at least. He was at this moment, sitting in his bed and listening to the rain as it pounded against the windows and watching the grey clouds moving at a snails pace across the sky. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock at his door, so he got up and trotted over to the door and opened it with his magic. Standing at the door was the creature, or as he had learned from Celestia was called a human. “You do realize i havent missed breakfast, don’t you?” He asked. “I know but i wanted to be nice is all.” It answered. He wanted to yell at it, tell it to go away and leave him alone, but he decided against it, as the human hadnt exactly warranted an outburst like that. He just simply took the plate of food from it without a single word. ‘Why is it trying so damn hard to be my friend? Wasn’t it listening when i said i didnt want any friends?’ He thought as he ate his breakfast. He knew the answer to that, so why did he even think of the question? He sighed to himself as he finished eating, he set the plate down on the small table before he left the room. He trotted down the hallway, not really having a destination, as he couldnt really go outside due to the pouring rain, but at least he could kill some time. The rain pattered against the windows in an relentless torrent as lightning flashed followed by the loud rumble of thunder. Thats when he heard a loud crash from a nearby room and decided to see what or who caused it. He stopped at the door and opened it with his magic, taking a look around. Apparently from what he could see, someone had dropped a few plates and cups onto the floor, making small shards of glass go everywhere on the carpeted marble floor. He wondered who dropped them and where that someone went, till he heard a whimper like sound coming from nearby. Trotting over to where it was coming from, he saw it was the human, huddled up and shaking like a leaf. “Why are you hiding?” He asked. Not that he actually cared, he was just curious. “I got scared by the thunder, so i ran and hid..” it answered. He chuckled at that. “Its not funny! Im terrfied of loud noises!” It said. “And i thought only foals were afraid of such things.” He said. “Im not a kid! Even adults have fears!” It said. He didnt respond and simply walked away. ‘I do agree, adults can have fears, but its better to face them than to let them gain any power over you.’ He said. Your one to talk about that, arent you? His eyes widened. He hadnt heard that since- Did you really think you were truly rid of me? No one is truly rid of the darkness they hide, and that is especially true for you. ‘What in tartarus do you want?’ He thought. Cant i wonder what my weaker half is doing? ‘You deserve to freeze to death.’ Harsh. Of course, youve been just as harsh to that human, havent you? ‘He’s been trying to be my friend. I dont need friends.’ A laugh echoed in his head. YOUR one to talk about that. You did have friends at one point, or do you not remember? ‘I DO remember them, but they left me behind.’ Because they saw the monster you had become and shall always be. He could have and probably would have continued arguing, but there was no point in it. ‘Why dont you consider working with me instead of atagonizing me?’ He heard another laugh. Are you really crawling back to me already? ‘No. Since i doubt i’ll ever get rid of you, im thinking you come to our side and save the trouble of getting your ass kicked.’ Once again, another laugh rang out, only it seemingly turned into a cackle halfway through. Man, i havent laughed like that in a long time! ‘I was being serious’ Oh i know, thats what makes it even more funny. ‘Your incorrigible.’ At least you admit it. ‘I was talking about you.’ And im a part of you, so your talking about yourself there. He groaned. He really didnt want to deal with this right now, excluding his growing annoyance from the human, of course. ‘Fine. If you dont want to listen, then go.’ You really think that will just get me to go away? He didnt answer. Ignoring me? Really? He still didnt answer. Real mature. He heard an annoyed growl. Fine. Be the immature one. He felt his shadow’s presence fade, though he knew they were still connected, and that it would likely be back. Before he could take a sigh of relief, the human was kneeling in front of him, a sort of worried on his face. “You ok?” He asked. Sombra made a sort of ‘hmmph’ noise before answering. “Im fine.” He answered. “You sure? You seem abit upset.” The human answered. Ok. He will admit that the humam had a point in that regard, but could he honestly blame him? Well, if the human actually knew what he was going through, then he probably wouldnt. “As i just said, im fine.” He said. He trotted away, leaving the human alone. Why was he trying so hard to be his friend? That question had came up in the unicorns head several times over the past few days and yet he had been unable to come up with an answer. There had to be a reason why he was so stubborn about it, surely. He possibly could have asked the human that question, but he doubted he would get an answer, or at least an answer that would satisfy his curiousity. He shook his head as he walked down the hallway, he didnt need to let this get to him. Maybe Celestia would allow the human to go into Canterlot or even Ponyville soon, and then he’d be out of his hair. And maybe he would make friends of his own and leave him alone like he asked. He could only hope after all.
Chapter 4It seemingly was a normal day in equestria, the rain having finally stopped, revealing a bright blue sky but not a cloud to be seen, and Twilight and her friends were on their way for a visit to Canterlot Castle, though only Twilight new the real reason why they were going. She hated lying to her friends but she couldnt exactly say they were going to see a human for the first time. She found the human interesting on many levels, besides the fact he was taller than most ponies, besides Celestia and Luna of course, and that he was an entirely new species, which of itself heralded research. Soon enough the train stopped at the station, and the six mares and spike stepped off and onto the platform. Canterlot hasnt really changed much since Twilight had left, as it was only halfway through the summer season, which meant the city was filled with both stallions, mares and their foals as they did their daily shopping and such. They walked outside of the station and began the trek up to the castle, hooves stepping on the cobblestone street as more ponies went to and fro around them. “Wowie! This is Canterlot?” Pinkie asked as she hopped her way in front of them. “Calm down sugarcube, we aint even to the castle yet.” Applejack said. “Besides the beautiful castle, Canterlot is where the most richest ponies in equestria live.” Rarity said. “Eh, i dont really care for all that smancy fancy stuff, i just want to know why Celestia asked us here.” Rainbow said. Twilight acted like she didnt know, though she wasnt very good at it. “I have no clue, she just sent a letter saying for all of us to come to the castle.” Twilight said. “The letter actually said-“ Spike tried to say, but Twilight put a hoof over his mouth. “Anyway, lets get up there, i dont think the princesses want us to be late!” She said as she trotted ahead, having put spike on her back using her magic. The others looked at each other with concerned looks on their faces. Meanwhile, in the castle, Celestia was sitting in the throne room, waiting for her pupil Twilight and her friends to arrive, her mane floating as it always did, as if the wind was blowing, despite the fact no windows were open in the room itself. At that moment, the door opened and she expected twilight and her friends to enter, but instead a few guards and alex entered. “Let me guess, he tried to sneak out again?” Celestia asked, alex looking annoyed. “Yes your majesty.” One guard said. She sighed and placed a hoof onto her forehead. While she could not really blame him for wanting to go out into Canterlot, this had been the fifth time he has tried this and it was starting to get on her nerves. “Leave us.” She said, and the guards left, closing the door behind them. “So.” She said. “I’m not sorry.” He said. He really wasn’t either. “I did not expect you to be.” She said, rubbing her head with her hoof. “So you understand why i try to sneak out, then?“ he asked. She did understand why, though that did not mean it was not irritating. “Alex, we have talked about this-“ she said. “Actually, its been less of ‘talking’ and more of you lecturing me, and i never get a word in edgewise, and i am not a child Celestia. You dont need to shelter me from the rest of Equestria like im helpless.” He continued. “I know your not.” She said. “Then why treat me like i am?” He asked. She was about to answer, but alex cut her off. “And do not even try the ‘younger than me’ speal.” He said. She sighed in annoyance. “What do you want me to say then?” She asked. “You should already know.” He answered. “Alex, you know-“ she said. “Then why cant i go with Twilight? She can make sure nothing happens!” He said. “I understand that, but what if she wasn’t around?” She asked. “Then i could handle it myself!” He answered. “What if you couldn’t? I know your an adult Alexander but you can’t do everything.” She said. “Oh and you can? Just because your princess does not mean you can dictate my life! Your not my mother or my older sister!” He said. “And what would they say if they were here? Hmm?” Celestia asked. Oh hell no. Oh. Hell. No. Alex felt his blood boil. Normally he was a pretty calm and happy person, but he did have a temper like a lit stick of dynamite. “Don’t. You. Dare.” He answered. “Don’t i dare what?” She asked, “You know EXACTLY what your doing.” He answered once again. The guards heard the argument outside, and wanted to intervene, though none of them really wanted to face a pissed off Celestia. Though im sure nopony would want to face her pissed off, regardless of the situation. It was at that moment, that Twilight and the others walked in. They of course could hear the argument between the man and the alicorn, all but one of the mares, and spike, had a confused look on their faces. “Their at it again, aren’t they?” Twilight asked. The guard nodded in response. “Um sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “You girls wait out here, i’ll go in and see whats wrong.” Twilight said, opening the door slightly enough so she could go in. When she got in, what she saw was both not and exactly what she was expecting. Luna was standing in the middle of the room, with both Alex and Celestia raised up in the air by her midnight blue magic, with magic hand’s put over both their mouths, so all she could hear from both of them was muffled. “Which one started it this time?” Twilight asked. “From what we could hear, Alexander tried to sneak out again, and thats when the argument started.” Luna answered. Twlight looked up and to both Celestia and the human. “What am i gonna do with you two?” She asked, her hoof on her head. “Mmmph!” Alex said. “Luna.” Twilight said. She nodded and lowered Alex to the ground, removing the hand over his mouth. “Thank you. And secondly, i was hoping that maybe i could go to Ponyville with you, Twilight, i mean, if its ok with celestia.” He said. Twilight looked up at Celestia for a moment, going from her to Alex in a back and forth motion, going into thought. “Well..i would not mind it myself, but its not my decision to make.” She said. “Luna, you would you please?” Twilight asked. She nodded and lowered Celestia as she did him. Celestia sighed before talking. “I’ll think about it. But dont pester me either, or else it’ll be no.” She said. The human nodded and after a few minutes of calming down the others were allowed in. Everypony hoped it would go well. Emphasis on hoped.
Chapter 5A lone car is seen driving down the road surrounded by mountains on one side and on the other side were grasslands and the occasional old barn or cows peacefully grazing amongst tall haybales. It wasn’t an abnormal sight, even in rural Ohio, but it would make you take a second glance if you saw it. the passengers of the car were silent, but a sense of sadness and dread hung over them like the plague, though they tried to seem happy, yet it didn’t change the mood. The car soon pulled off onto a left turn driving through a large wrought iron gate, the name on said gate read: St. Adam’s Cemetery {Est. 1885} the car parked in the mostly empty lot and they all got out, each holding something in their hands. They ranged in age from 18 years old to 70 years old, all of them being either related to or friends of the grave they were visiting. “Come on everyone, im sure they’ve missed us.” The second oldest woman said. Everyone in the group nodded and they began to walk into the cemetery, along a concrete path, until they took a turn and began walking on the grass, stopping in front of a small granite gravestone. Inscribed into the gravestone was the persons name, date of birth and date of death. It read like this: Alex. J. Greyson 1996-2019 “Mom, its ok. You don’t need to hold it in.” a woman says, placing a hand on her shoulder. The woman let her tears fall onto the grass, not caring about anything else. She missed her baby boy, and she wished he was still here. “I miss him too mom, i know there was nothing we could do but we were with him through all of it, and i know alex is appreciative regardless.” The woman said. She sniffled and wiped the tears away before answering. “I know, Emily, i just..you were there for your brother more than i was..” she said. “Mom, you raised both of us by yourself, no thanks to dad, while you were working night shifts at the hospital, your an amazing mother, and alex loved you just as much as i do.” Emily said. Their mom set down the flowers, as did emily and her friends, and the elderly lady and man, their grandparents, set charms for good fortune and peace on the grave, before setting three sticks of scented incense, which were set in a traditional burner as they lit the incense sticks and said prayers over them. Their grandparents grew up in thailand, and though they weren’t religious themselves, they followed the funerary rights for family members to the letter, not only to show respect for the departed, but to also show they would love them even into the afterlife. “He’s in a better place now..” Emily said. They all nodded and once they said what they wanted to, they left. Back in equestria, though, it was the middle of the night, a dark blue sky full of stars laid above everything and everypony, who were currently sleeping in their beds. Twilight and her friends were sleeping in the guest rooms in the castle, them meeting me for the first time having gone..relatively well, they all, minus twilight and spike, asked alot of questions, most of which i could answer, but when asked about my family.. Yeah the tears started flowing, and honestly i was abit embaressed. While yes, i have certainly cried before, it felt somehow different now. I guess cause i wasn’t crying cause of pain, i was crying of my own volition. Since i couldn’t really fall asleep, i decided to go for a walk through the gardens. i walked through the halls of the castle, being as quiet as possible, as i did not want to wake anyone up, plus i was trying to avoid the guard patrols, as they would likely escort me back to my room if they caught me. I couldn’t blame em, as they were likely following Luna’s orders. Of course i then remembered that she was awake at this hour, though she was likely in Night Court. Though i didn’t realize at the time that something was following me. however before i could even get to the door someone dropped down, hanging upside down from the ceiling by their tail, their face in front of my own. I jumped back and landed on my butt, but didn’t scream as i did not want to wake anyone. “Oh, sorry, did i scare you?” I looked up at him with a mix of a scared and angry look on my face. “You did. Why were you following me?” He gave a sly sort of smile and i noticed he had fangs. “I wanted to make sure you weren’t trying to sneak out again, your quite known amongst the guards you know.” I stood up and dusted off my legs. Bear in mind i was only in my boxers and a t-shirt at this time. “Well, do you blame me?” He put a hoof to his chin in thought for a moment or two. “Not at all actually, i can understand being stuck here everyday must get boring.” “You have no idea how right you are..um..” “Oh, my apologies, i forgot to introduce myself. I am called Nightshade, private of the guard under Princess Luna.” “Nice to meet you, also, why are you hanging upside down?” He gave a small chuckle and smiled again, his fangs more visible now. “Im a bat pony.” “Bat..pony?” The stallion gave another smile and released his tail, and he landed on his hooves. “Yes, though i can tell from your expression that you likely do not know what a bat pony is i assume?” I nodded in response, kneeling as i usually had to with most ponies, though now that i was over the initial shock, i noticed his eyes were a light lavender color, and seemed to sparkle in the moonlight that came in through the windows. So he explained it, and the fact that most bat ponies eat fruit. Which made feel abit less nervous around him, thank goodness. “So, how about that walk?” “are you afraid that i’m gonna try to sneak out again?” “Luna and Celestia gave the order for the guards to be on watch after all, can’t be too careful.” I sighed, he did have a point. “Alright then.” We then headed outside, the moon shining above us, so at least we didn’t have to worry about not being able to see. “So what do you do during the day?” “Sleep.” “Wait you sleep during the day?” “All bat ponies do, we’re nocturnal after all.” “That..makes sense actually..where do you guys sleep anyway?” “Honestly, as long as we can hang upside down, it can be anywhere really.” “I wish humans could do that, but the blood rushes to our heads.“ I pointed to my head, giving a tired shrug. “I’m sure thats not the only place blood rushes to.” He gave a sly sort of smile after he said that. It took me a moment before i realized what he meant, which made my face heat up. “Seriously? You went there?” “Come on, we’re both guys here, no need to be so embaressed. “Ok yeah but still..” He let out a light chuckle. “I didn’t know you could get so flustered that easily.” I didn’t say anything back, as i was trying to get myself back under control. We soon stopped and sat down under a tree, laying back against the trunk, the tree itself was positioned near the westward wall of the gardens, giving perfect view of the castle and the surrounding area. “The castle is beautiful, isn’t it?” We both looked up, watching the sky, above us, covered in stars. “It is. Wish i could see more than just the castle though. I mean i understand why Celestia is keeping me here but, i just..” “I get it. You hate being confined, and i’m sure Celestia understands that as well.” “Then why doesn’t she at least, i don’t know..take me out into Canterlot at night, when everypony’s asleep?” “She has a reason for everything she does, maybe she has a reason for not doing that.” “Fair point..” I still hadn’t given up with being friends with Sombra, which was still in a stalemate, though i hoped i was getting through to him regardless. I was brought out of my thoughts by nightshade gently tapping shoulder to get my attention. “So, what were you into before you came here?” “You mean hobbies and stuff?” He gave a nod in response. “Well, quite a few things actually.” “Anything specific?” I gave a shrug, there wasn’t really anything worth talking about, at least i thought so, anyhow. “Well besides my love for science and reading, nothing else really pops into my head..well, except maybe fencing.” “Fencing? You don’t seem like the fencing type to me, no offense.” I gave a chuckle. It was true, people always told me i didnt have the figure or skill for it, but i never let it get to me. “I haven’t actually trained any, i was going to after i healed fully from my heart surgery but..we all know how that went.” “Maybe Shining Armor can teach you a thing or two, he’s trained most of the new recruits.” “Shining Armor? Who is that?” That name did sound familiar, maybe somepony mentioned it before, but who and when i couldn’t think of. “Shining Armor, he’s twilights older brother, and captain of the royal guard, well, the day guard anyhow.” “I’ve wondered why Twilight didn’t want to go to ponyville, guess thats why, can’t really blame her.” “Would you want to leave your family behind somewhere-“ It was then that the realization hit him, and he made sort of teeth sucking sound putting a hoof to his mouth. “Oh..right..” I felt tears come to my eyes, but i wiped them away with my arm. “Yeah..” There was an awkward silence for a while after that, neither of us wanting to say anything and we both understood why. I then stood up, telling Nightshade that i was going to bed, and scurried off. “Good job Nightshade..you had to say that didn’t you..?” As i was heading back, i felt a warm breeze blow by and i looked up at the stars, when i did so a shooting star flashed by before disappearing. Even despite me being an adult, i still made a wish on it. I know it seems stupid but i just felt like i needed to. Id always do it as a child, wishing for something i knew wouldn’t happen, but i always held out hope for it, regardless. I sighed before making my way back to my room and collapsing on the bed, falling asleep as soon as i touched the matress. the world soon melded into a starry night, on top of a tall hill with a tree planted at the top, the sky was full of stars and three people could be seen sitting on the grass watching them ”Mommy! Mommy! Look, a shooting star!” A little boy jumped up, pointing at it, a smile of joy on his face as a girl huffed beside him. ”now Emily, your brother did see it first, don’t worry, you’ll get your chance.” the boy closed his eyes and made a wish, opening them again a few moments later ”what did you wish for?” ”i can’t say! Or it won’t come true, emily.” the woman gave a tired smile as she watched her children stargaze. She didn’t care for it herself, but she loved seeing them happy, so she didn’t mind coming out here with them. ”Hey, its getting late, the kids have school tomorrow, Rachael!” The voice belonged to a man who stood at the bottom of the hill ”we’ll be there in a minute, dear! Come on kids, its time for bed.” When she said that, both of them groaned. They didn’t want to go to bed yet! “But mommy!” they both said that at the same time, giving a puppy dog eyed look up to her ”its late and you two have school tomorrow. But i promise me and your father will bring you out here again.” the trio soon joined the man at the bottom of the hill, and headed back to their home as the stars shined above them. I remember this. it was one of only few happy times we had with him. one of the only times he was ever a father to us. Luna couldn’t help but wonder as she gazed upon the dream, her hoof beneath her chin in thought. was it truly a dream? Or a purposely forgotten memory of a better time? She’d have to show Celestia this later. Right now though, she had her duties to attend to..
Chapter 6Alex was currently sparring with Shining Armor, both holding wooden practice swords. One in hand, the other with magic. The week prior, Alex had asked Celestia if Shining could train him on how to swordfight, not mentioning going to ponyville, but he likely had that in mind whenever he asked. She summoned Shining to the throne room, and after some explanation from Celestia and introducing themselves, the princess asked the man to wait outside while she and Shining talked, which he begrudgingly did. Once allowed back in, they both agreed to allow it, but she herself would be there to oversee it. Though the man was bummed abit when he learned they wouldn’t be using actualy swords, but wooden practice swords, scuffed and chipped from years of use by the new guardsmen. ”You’ve got to get the basics down before we can get to real thing.” Shining had said that when he brought the swords out to the gardens on their first day of training. Over the next week, Shining saw alex improve with learning basic technique drills he had assigned him, and then decided to start the man on basic combat. The human wasn’t a master, not by any means of the word, but he was learning, and at a rather fast pace at that. He was at least impressed, though he knew his student had a long way to go before he could be at his own level of training. The human’s current outfit consisted of his hair being tied into a short ponytail, he suggested it so his hair didn’t get in his eyes, a grey sleeveless tank top and a pair of blue shorts, which where made by Rarity after she took his measurements. These were because it was supposed to be very hot and sunny, and even despite knowing he’d likely get sweaty and dirty, he’d rather not have him collapse from heat stroke. His hands were also bandaged, to keep splinters from digging into them, as the swords were old after all. The sounds of wood hitting wood, labored breath and the thumps and thuds of foot and hoofsteps could be heard in the gardens as the duo were in combat, and even though it was only training, neither held back and gave it their all. Sombra, Celestia and Twlight had decided to watch, the only reason Sombra had came along was cause there was really nothing to do. can you leave me alone? As if. But, i will admit, that man is..interesting. The human? Really? what? I can be interested in other things. I do have a life outside of you. your stuck in the frozen wastes, what is there for you to do anyway? ..don’t remind me. Why are you interested in him anyway? I can’t stand him myself, figured you’d feel the same way. ah yes, is it because he’s been trying to be friends with you? Sombra heard a chuckle echo through his head. yes. I’ve told him multiple times i don’t want friends yet he hasn’t quit! Even so, you have to admire his tenacity. Reminds you of yourself, doesn’t it? Sombra felt a chill go down his spine making his eye’s widen and he shook his head. when i was his age, yes, though i doubt that he’ll make the same mistakes i did, though he can’t actually use magic, thank the ancients. your only 29 genius. He’s 23. Sombra became confused upon hearing his shadow’s statement. how do you know that? I didn’t know that. He looks about 19 to me. His soul is like an open book. You already know whats going to happen, yet it’s still interesting nonetheless. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t suspicious, the umbrum could tell something was up, but didn’t know exactly what..yet. But he guessed it wasn’t good, though anytime darkness was involved, it was never a good thing regardless. his light is rather..radiant. Although given his personality and sweetly sickening kindness, it makes sense, at least to me. What surprises me is that he doesn’t seem to have friends besides the princesses and celestia’s pupil. so what? his darkness, on the other hoof..its rather..powerful, unlike yours it has a tone of sadness and pain, physical pain to be more exact. physical pain? Oh yes, its quite interesting actually, i’d tell you myself but why spoil the fun and ruin the secret? Sombra frowned. What was that man hiding that he hadn’t told anyone? Also, if your thinking of taking his body- He heard a snickering chuckle cut him off before he could finish his sentence. oh believe me, i’d love to have a more physical form to call my own but..his light is just too..off putting for my tastes..it’s just too bright, with an air of naivety to boot. Though, i thought you couldn’t stand him? So why should you care what happens or has happened to him? Sombra paused for a moment, trying to think of an answer. you do care, your just too afraid to admit it to yourself. shut up. i don’t hear you denying it, now do i? Sombra stayed silent after that. When he turned his attention back to the human and shining, he saw the man on one knee, the sword stabbed into the ground as he had both of his hands on the hilt. His body had small patches of dirt and grass stains though it seemed most of it was on the tank top and shorts, though the feet and lower legs were covered in dust and just as many grass and dirt stains. Shining trotted up to him, holding out a hoof, which he took and slowly stood up, picking up the sword a moment after. “You did good today, Alex.” The human gave a tired smile. “Thanks Shining, i do try my best.” “So i’ve seen, though i am impressed by your progress over this past week. Most of the new trainees take a few weeks just to get the basic’s down before even moving onto combat training.” “I’m a fast learner, at least when it comes to some things.” “Keep it up, but don’t shirk off going over the exercises between our lesson’s or even when your by yourself.” He gave a small smile as the man walked off, going to take a shower to clean off. “He’s learning quite well, maybe in a few years, he’ll be as good as shining.” Celestia gave a nod, before turning her head back towards shining, who had picked up both swords with his magic. “As long as he keeps at it, i’d say you are correct, Twilight.” She looked over at Sombra, but she realized he had left, though didn’t know when as nopony had looked over in his direction till now. Meanwhile, Alex entered his room, slipping off his clothes and setting them in a nearby hamper. He did fold them up so they’d fit better, plus it was easier on the maids and butlers, that way they didn’t have to do it themselves. Every little thing helped after all. Once that was done, he picked out a clean outfit to wear, boxers included and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. he turned the bath on to let it warm up, grabbing a towel off of the nearby rack as well as a bottle of bubble bath solution. The label on the bottle said it was strawberry scented. Opening the bottle and sniffing it, it really did smell like strawberries, but it wasn’t the artificially made kind of scent either, it actually smelled like the fruit had been plucked off the plant and put into the bottle itself. This being Equestria, it made sense they wouldn’t do things like humans would..well in a manufacturing sense anyhow. He poured some of the bubble bath, only about a full cap of it, and swayed his hand in the warm water to get the bubbles foaming. Once that was done, he carefully stepped inside and slowly laid down in the tub, keeping his head above the water. As he lay there, his mind began to wander, as it usually did when he was in a quiet and peaceful environment. He closed his eyes and relaxed, not realizing he was slowly sinking into the tub, until he got a noseful of water which made him shuffle up and grab a washcloth to wipe the soap off, making sure none of it got in his eyes. He soaped up his hair, diving under the water with closed eyes to wash said soap out, then washed his body off, getting the washcloth wet to help him. Once that was done, he got out of the tub, pulling the stopper and letting the water drain, which after doing so he washed the tub to make sure the foamy bubbles left behind went down the drain as well. He grabbed the towel and dried himself off, rubbing the towel on his hair to make sure all of it was dried, then tossed it into a hamper hanging on the door. He then got dressed and slipped his feet into a pair of sandals sitting next to his bedroom door, opening the door and walking down the hallway and headed outside. When the human entered the gardens, the only one around was Sombra, lounging underneath a large tree near the castle wall. He smiled and walked over to him, sitting down next to him. The unicorn opened an eye upon noticing someone had sat down. “How many times must i tell you?” “Tell me what?” “You should know already. Unless your either just that stubborn or idiotic.” “Look i’m just trying to be nice-“ Sombra growled in an annoyed tone. “I don’t care. I’ve told you and told you, yet you refuse to listen.” Sombra had gotten up and began to trot away back towards the castle. His tone of voice, which was full of both anger and venom, something he hadnt heard him have before, but it still brought a feeling of fear over him, yet the man felt it even down to his soul. Is this fear what the people of the Crystal Empire felt after Sombra took over? “Sombra-“ he had begun to walk towards him, holding a hand out as if to reach for the umbrum. Though he wasn’t able to actually get close, as he was struck by a blast of magic straight to the chest, which knocked him back and made him slam his back into the trunk of the tree, making several leaves fall and the limbs shake, as well as knocking the air out of the human’s lungs. He gasped for air, and saw Sombra with likely the most angry expression he had seen him have, his eye’s having this strange purplish aura around them, seeming almost like smoke and his horn smoking with a ruby red aura. “S-s..” He wasn’t able to finish his sentence, due to the fact he was struggling to regain his breath. “Don’t. Even. If you even come near me i won’t hold back next time.” Sombra then trotted away, leaving him alone as he tried to regain himself. He layed there for celestia knows how long, till he regained enough strength to sit up, though trying to stand up resulted in his falling back against the trunk. Once he was sure he regained enough strength, he slowly stood back up and tried to make his way back to the castle, but fell onto his knee before he even made it halfway there. He slowly staggered back up, only barely getting back onto his feet before he passed out and collapsed onto the ground. When he regained conciousness, the faint beeping of a heart monitor as well as distant voices filled his ears, and he tried to sit up, but felt woozy and fell back against the apparent hospital bed the man was in. “Where..?” “Your in the medical wing, Alexander.” “Luna?” He then noticed the princess of the night standing near the hospital bed, her midnight blue mane flowing in some kind of invisible wind, and her eye’s were holding this look of concern in them. “Who else calls you that? “Your sister.” She gave a small chuckle, smiling slightly as she did so. “True, but she is not right around right now, is she?” It was then he noticed it was nighttime outside, though it seemed to be a new moon, as he could barely see anything outside, other than the stars twinkling, which also meant Celestia was likely sleeping. “Fair point.” “You know, the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up soon, have you thought about attending?” “I’m not really one for those fancy events.” “and why is that?” “I just..i don’t do well around crowded or loud as hell area’s.” “Is there a reason?” He shuffled uneasily in bed. It seemed to be a touchy subject, based on that reaction. “Look, its nothing to worry about Luna.” She gave a sort of worried look but decided not to push the subject. “Anyway, you should get some rest.” The man nodded but before she left, she looked back at him, giving him the same worried look as before, though it almost had a motherly tone to it. The man got up out of the bed after he was sure she had left, and he went outside his room and walked down the hallway for a quick bit of excercise, since he had likely unconcious all day. He did see a couple of the night doctors, but let them know that he was only taking a short walk to stretch his muscles, which they agreed to, but then it was back to bed. He normally would’ve argued but they knew what was best, and since the man was under their care for who knows how long, it would be advisable to do what they told him to. He reached a hand into his shirt and pulled out a locket, which had gotten burnt when he got blasted by Sombra’s magic, leaving a blackish char mark on it and even some on the chain, clicking it open and revealing a smallish photo resting behind the glass inside, which was cracked, though that happened a while before he even ended up in equestria. It was a photo of himself, his mother, and his sister, all three of them much younger than they were now, Emily being around 6, and Alex being only 3, with their mother’s age, at least he guessed anyway, around her early 30’s. He closed it and put it back into his shirt, and turned around, heading back to his room before the doctor’s worried. ”Your really homesick, aren’t you?” The mans eye’s widened and he turned around to where the voice was coming from, and saw a figure in a long black hooded trenchcoat standing where he was just a few moments ago, yet something was off. The figure, whatever or whoever it was, was seemingly fading in and out, becoming as solid as he was one moment and then translucent the next, as if he was fading into and out of existence. “Who are you?” The figure, completely ignoring his question, began to walk towards the man, passing straight through him, making a harsh chill go down his spine. The figure then stopped and turned its head to back towards him. ”You are not yet ready.” “Hey wait!” He ran towards him, but before he could reach the figure, they vanished entirely, leaving the human dazed and pretty confused about what just happened. “Mr. Alexander, are you alright?” The man turned his head as one of the doctors had trotted over to him. “Oh, yes i’m ok, doc.” “Are you sure? If anything’s wrong you can tell us, and we won’t tell Celestia, doctor-patient confidentiality.” Alex looked back to where the figure stood not a moment before, but shook his head. “I’m ok, i just want to get back to bed.” “Alright.” The doctor helped him get back to his room and into bed, before making sure everything was in order and left to let him rest, shutting the door as he did so. He rolled over in bed, laying onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. Who the hell was that? And what did they mean by “you are not yet ready?” As he closed his eye’s and fell back into sleep, he had a feeling of dread overtake him, not unlike the fear that had done the same earlier. he just really hoped he wouldn’t see them again.
Chapter 7“I never thought i would wear a tuxedo till my wedding day.” “Well, there is a first time for everything, Alexander.” I was looking at myself in a large floor mirror, making sure i was at least presentable for the Gala. Though, compared to most of the ponies that were going to be in attendance, i was basically Cinderella, except without the fairy godmother, the talking mice or the pumpkin carriage. “I know, its just surprising is all.” I could see Luna smiling behind me, herself already having gotten her dress, which was the same color as herself, with lighter blue accents, as well as sparkles, which likely imitated the night sky she had dominion over. Her hair was also styled, having curls and it seemed to be brighter than it usually was, but was as always flowing as if being blown by an invisible wind. “So, what exactly is this Gala like?” “It was started to celebrate the completion of Canterlot centuries ago, and it is much like the Summer Sun festival.” “Hmm.” Luna frowned abit before trotting up to beside me. “Is something troubling you?” I sighed, but took a breath before answering. “Yeah, actually.” “Is it about what happened with Sombra?” I looked down at the floor abit, but gave a small sort of nod in response. “I deserved it..” “Alexander-“ “No i did. I annoyed the hell out of him trying to be his friend! I should’ve just given up before i even started.” “Alexander. While it is true that you brought it on yourself, sombra should not have reacted in that way, he caused harm to somepony else, and that is something that we shall not stand for.” “But i deserved-“ “You did not deserved to be harmed in such a way!” I actually flinched back from that, i had never heard Luna yell before, and it honestly terrified me. It brought back..bad memories. “We are sorry, we did not mean to raise our voice.” “I-its ok, Luna.” “We did have a talk with him, and for his punishment, we decided that he shall not attend the gala, and that his magic be..bound, so he cannot use it.” I gave a small nod in response. “Now, let us get going Alexander.” I did a last minute touch up on my hair, before we both headed out and to the grand staircase in the entrance hall. As we arrived, guests were already coming in, dressed in tuxedo’s and dresses of all shapes and colors. “Hey luna?” “Is there something bothering you again? “Not exactly, but i do have a question.” “And what is your question?” “Have you..noticed anyone or anything odd lately?” “I can’t say that i have, why do you ask?” I thought back to that night in the medical wing and that person in the black coat. ‘You are not yet ready..’ Those words still hung in my mind, and i’ve been trying to figure what they mean, yet i had come up with nothing. “No reason, just wondering is all.” “There is no need to lie, Alexander, but we will discuss it later, for right now, let us enjoy the evening.” I nodded. I should’ve known she wouldn’t let it slip past her, hell she was like a pony lie detector. “Princesses! Alex!” I turned and smiled, seeing twilight and her friends enter, wearing gowns that matched with their colors as well as the elements of harmony. I ran down the steps, kneeling down and hugging her, joined a moment later by the others. “Where’s spike? I figured he’d come with you.” “He’d rather stay home, but anyway, i’m surprised your attending it.” “Eh, i figured it’d be a good way to meet the ponies who live in canterlot.” “I’m sure Celestia will let you go into canterlot soon, Alex.” “I hope, or i’ll pull a rapunzel down one of the towers.” After another hug they went on their way into the ballroom, disappearing into the sea of guests inside already. I decided to head outside, to try to get away from the loud noises, finding the gardens had gathered some guests as well, but not as many, thank celestia. It was as beautiful as it always was, which was one of the reasons why i loved coming out here, well, that and hanging out with Nightshade. “Alex!” I smiled seeing Shining trotting towards me, so i kneeled and pulled him into a hug. “Surprised to see you up so late, shining.” “Eh, i’m mostly here to help the night guard, but what im surprised about is seeing you here.” I chuckled, smiling and shook my head. “You aren’t the only one.” “I was actually heading into the ballroom myself, i just had to make sure the night guard were at their proper posts.” “All work and no play, huh?” He chuckled at that, his mane moving as he did so. “What can i say? I’m a busy stallion.” “Fair, though if i were in your position i don’t think i could handle it.” “One day you may be able to, never sell yourself short, Alex.” “Maybe, but lets cross that bridge when we get to it.” “Anyway i hope to see you inside.” Shining then began to trot away, heading towards the ballroom. I was about to head back in myself, until i felt a strange chill overtake me, and turned around quickly. Yet, nothing was behind me, except for that odd statue i always saw when i came out here, but that was a good ten feet away. I let out a small sigh, before heading inside. The ballroom was beautifully decorated, curtains hung along the top of the room, chandelier’s with multicolored crystal’s hanging from and shining from the light they gave off, and the sounds of ponies talking and mingling amongst themselves. “And who might you be, dear boy?” I turned towards the voice, and kneeled down to face them. “My name’s Alexander, but who are you?” “You may call me Fancy Pants, mister Alexander.” I internally chuckled at being called mister. “Its nice to meet you, sir.” “I hope i don’t offend you by asking this, but are you related to any minotaur’s by chance?” “I’m not really sure, actually.” Though i could understand why he’d ask, since both humans and minotaurs walk upright on two feet, well hooves in a minotaur’s case. As a waiter went by, Fancy Pants levitated two drinks, handing one to me. “Oh, thanks.” “Its no issue, really.” Fancy took a drink of his, but i didn’t take a drink of mine, as i wasn’t much of an alcohol drinker, but soda on the other hand, that was a different story. “I haven’t seen you around Canterlot much, do you get out often?” “Unfortunately no, Celestia is afraid i’ll get hurt.” “And why would she be afraid of that? I gave a shrug, being careful not to bump into anyone walking by as we both sat down at a table. “You’ll have to ask her that yourself.” He finished his drink, levitating another one to him as another waiter went by. “I’m sure she has a good reason, she has everypony’s best interests in mind after all.” He wasn’t wrong, all things considered, but i must of gotten lost in my thoughts, as it took me a moment to realize Fancy was trying to get my attention. “Oh, sorry Fancy, i must of lost myself there.” “It is quite alright, we all lose ourselves to our thoughts sometimes.” “Happens to some more than others.” “That is quite true, but it can be a welcome respite, don’t you agree?” I nodded, letting out a small sigh. “Are you alright, Alexander?” The noise of the room was getting to me, making my brain start to go haywire, even despite the conversation i was having at the moment did nothing to drown it out. “I need to get some air, i’ll be back.” I got up, heading out of the ballroom and into the main hall, seeing no one was there besides myself, no surprise, seeing as how everyone was enjoying the gala. “Alexander, are you sure your alright?” I turned, seeing Fancy had followed me out, apparently i didn’t hear him trot towards me. I couldn’t try to lie to him either, i wasn’t a very good one to begin with, so i knew that was a no go option. “No, i’m not, Fancy.” His expression became more worried after hearing me say that. “Do you wish to talk about it?” I simply gave a nod, and we both walked over to the grand staircase that lead upstairs, and sat down on the first few steps of it. “Just take your time, dear boy.” “Ever since i was little, i hated being in loud, crowded places, it made me go crazy and panic.” “Oh dear, that explains why you looked so nervous, i thought it was because you were talking to me.” I gave a smallish chuckle, a smile forming on my face. “But then, why come to the Gala?” “I wanted to try to make friends, and meet the ponies from outside the castle.” “Oh, because you haven’t been allowed outside yet, correct?” I nodded again, taking a moment before continuing. “As you probably saw, i’m not good at making friends.” “It’s tougher than you think it is, i mean, look at me, for example.” I raised my eyebrow in confusion. “I’m a part of Canterlot high society, and i have an entourage of ponies at my side, everywhere i go, waiting to hear what i have to say about something.” “And do you consider any of them as a friend?” Fancy shook his head, which make his monocle fall off, but i picked it up for him and he levitated it back into place. “Thank you, Alexander, but i doubt they consider me a friend, as they most likely think of me as one of those celebrity ponies you see on those films in Applewood.” “Applewood? What is that?” “Oh, right i guess you wouldn’t know where that is, its the home to Equestria film industry as well as its celebrity population.” “If its anything like Hollywood back where i came from, then i think i can understand what its like, then.” “But why not live there instead of here?” “I prefer the quiet life as compared to the hustle and bustle.” “But i do wish to ask you something, if you’ll hear me out.” “Well, what is it?” “Well, if you ever do get to leave the castle, i would like to show you around Canterlot, if you are ok with that, that is.” “Sure, i wouldn’t mind.” “Excellent! But i must say it is getting quite late, so i think it is time for both of us to ‘hit the hay’ as they say.” I nodded, not realizing how tired i really was till now. “It was nice meeting you Fancy.” “It was quite nice meeting you as well, Alexander.” He got up and trotted away, but gave one last smile to me before he left the room, heading out the front doors, closing them behind him. I yawned, and headed upstairs, going to my room, and upon getting inside i got into my sleeping attire and got into bed, falling asleep a few minutes after i did so. I opened my eyes and saw i was standing in one of the castle hallways, still wearing what i usually did when i went to sleep, had i sleepwalked out here? I hadn’t done since i was about 4-5 years old and had grown out of it, at least i thought i had. But that would be something to figure out later, right now i had to get back to bed. I walked down the hall, and tried to open my room door, but found it was locked, which was rather odd, as i never locked it. “Great, now what?” I was likely going to have to ask Luna to help me unlock the door, as my key to it was inside my room, in my bedside drawer. That’s when i heard sobbing coming from down the hallways, though i didn’t know if anyone else could hear it, but it didn’t seem like it. “I better go see if someone needs help.” I walked down the hallway, the sound of the sobbing becoming louder but yet not clearer, as i couldn’t tell who exactly was the one doing it. It certainly didn’t sound like either of the princesses, that i knew. Rounding the corner, my eye’s widened as i saw one of the night guard on the floor, pieces of shattered glass covering the floor around him. when i got closer, i noticed he was covered in bruises and his armor was dented in several places. I let out a small sigh of relief seeing it wasn’t nightshade, and i put two fingers against the guards neck, thankfully feeling a pulse every few seconds. “At least the guard’s ok, Luna would’ve have a cow if they weren’t.” Speaking of, where was she? Hell, where was Celestia? Surely they would’ve heard the guard fighting someone and come out to investigate it, yet they haven’t. Something really wasn’t right here. I stood up, being careful to not get any glass stuck in my feet, and continued down the hallway’s, the moon outside shining brightly, casting everything in a pale whitish blue glow. It felt strangely cold as well, not enough to make me shiver, but enough for me to know it was there. Where was everyone? Did something happen while i was sleeping? “Huh? Is that..sombra?” I had never seen him cry before, i’ve seen him mad before, but this was new, and honesty, it made me sad seeing him like this. I walked up to behind him, and kneeled down onto the carpeted floor. “Sombra? Are you ok?” He turned his head towards me, tears in his eyes. “I don’t need your help. Have you forgotten what happened before?” Like i could ever forget that, especially having been literally scarred from it. “I just heard you crying and was wondering if you are ok.” “As i said i don’t need your help or your sympathy.” I frowned abit but he didn’t seem to notice and stood back up. “I’ll go get Luna, she-“ “No!” I stepped back abit almost tripping over myself. “I told you i don’t need your help!” Before i could even react, a blast of magic was fired my way. “S-sombra-“ Another blast was fired at me, barely missing me, hell the wind from it ruffled my hair. “How are you able to use your magic?!” He fired another blast, and i ran away from him back down the hallway, but he ran after me, and was actually keeping up. I kept dodging the blasts he fired, until one hit me square in the back, making me cry out in pain and tumble across the carpeted floor. The magic sparked all over my body, making me go numb and unable to move, as i saw Sombra trot closer to me. “S-sombra..” He charged up his magic, making his horn go a crimson red. “Goodbye.” He fired the charged up magic at me, i closed my eyes and prepared for the impact.. Yet it didn’t come. Opening my eyes, i saw sombra and the magic blast was frozen, yet i was still able to move, somewhat. “I think that’s enough of that for one night.” I turned my head towards the voice, seeing Luna standing beside me. “Luna! Whats going on? Did something happen?” She shook her head, looking down at me. “You haven’t realized yet i see.” “Realized wha-“ My eye’s widened as it finally hit me. “This is a dream, isn’t it?” “Well, more of a nightmare, but you are correct regardless.” “But this didn’t feel like a dream..nightmare, it felt real.” She nodded, using her magic to help me up to my feet. “Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish a dream or nightmare from reality, Alexander, you are certainly not the first it has happened to.” “But let us move to a more peaceful setting, shall we?” I nodded as the setting changed to a peaceful lake surrounded by forest, with the full moon shining high in the night sky, the stars surrounding it, yet shining in equal measure. “Its beautiful.” “I’m glad you like it, Alexander.” I sat down, Luna sitting down beside me. “Is there something you wish to talk about?” I suppose i should’ve seen that question coming, given what’s just happened and all. “I just feel awful about what happened, Luna. I’ve had nightmares ever since it happened and-“ He wrapped a hoof around me, pulling me close to her, to where i was leaning against her side. “I just wish i could apologize to him.” Though it wasn’t hard to tell how i was feeling, especially lately, and especially for somepony like Luna, given what she’s been through. She understood more than i thought she did. “Someday you will be able to.” She wasn’t wrong, of course, I just wished it was more sooner than later. But if i tried to right now, it probably wouldn’t end well, even despite the fact he couldn’t use his magic. “Thanks for helping me, Luna.” “It is no issue Alexander, it is my duty to help ponies while they sleep.” “But im not a pony.” “You are a resident of Equestria, which means i have a duty to protect you, as does my sister.” Was that why they were so protective? Or was it something else? “What if you or celestia are the ones needing protection?” She looked up at the night sky, as if looking for the answer there, before she did answer. “If we were ever in need of it, then we have faith in not only you, but twilight and her friends as well.” “Im not as good a swordsman as shining, Luna, at least not yet. I have years to go before im at his level.” “While that may be true, you have still learned enough to defend yourself or anypony else.” I mean i did know the basics, even some intermediate techniques, but i’ve never been in a situation where i’d need to fight outside of training. “But what if i can’t, what if i fail you and celestia, what if-?” I had felt tears come to eyes, feeling a few fall down my face as so many scenarios played in my head, almost like a reel of film in an old styled film camera. She nuzzled the top of my head, which i found abit odd but didn’t say anything about it, as i felt her wing gently wipe them away. “You can, Alexander, as long as you remember that we will always be with you, even if we aren’t beside you.” I smiled, sniffling. “T-thanks Luna.” She smiled as well, before we both started to stargaze, every once in a while Luna would point out a constellation to me, and explain what it meant in equestrian terms. I suddenly started felt tired, which was odd as this was a dream and i was asleep. “Whats..happening?” “It seems that daytime is upon us, but do not worry, Alexander, we will be able to speak like this again soon.” I felt the world around me fade into nothing, luna vanishing from sight in a haze as light began to fill my vision, till i opened my eyes, and sat up in bed. I saw that the covers had been kicked off of me, likely due to the nightmare. It wasn’t really a surprising sight at this point. I fumbled around and grabbed my glasses off of the bedside table, putting them on and then getting up out of bed. “That was a nice dream..at least the part with luna anyway.” It reminded me of the talks me and mom would have whenever i was upset or disheartened, which back then was alot, maybe more than i’d like to admit. I shook my head at the thought and took a shower and got dressed for the day, heading down to breakfast. The only ones there when i arrived were Luna and Celestia, Sombra not being there didn’t surprise me in the least, as we were trying to avoid each other for..more than obvious reasons, but Blueblood not being there certainly did. Did something happen at the Gala after i went to sleep? “Ah, good morning Alexander, how did you sleep?” Luna had a small smile on her face as she glanced at me. “I did have a bad dream but..thankfully i had someone watching over me to help with it.” I saw from the corner of my eye luna’s smile grow lightly, which made me smile. I didn’t want to admit it, at least out loud, but i thought of both of them as moms, of course i couldn’t replace my real one, i never could or would, but- -i suppose having a mother figure never does hurt, right?
