No Second Chances

by MayhemMoth

Rating: teen
Tags: Luster Dawn, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery, King Sombra, Twilight Sparkle, Death, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character
Length: 14741

It's not easy, keeping the truth of the dead secret.

Luster Dawn, Twilight's most faithful student, is a studious young mare who knows far too much about the afterlife & keeping secrets. Recently, she's uncovered a new secret, a rather dark one that she can't talk about, as speaking of such a secret puts her own life at risk.

Sombra, former tyrannical king of the Crystal Empire, is the King of the Dead, dedicated to saving his subjects from the curse of the afterlife. Under his rule, they are not allowed to reveal themselves to the living, though he has made an exception for Luster. Unfortunately, this has put both her and others in danger.

Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria, is unaware of these secrets, the dead within her castle, or her student's meddling in their afterlives. Surely, these secrets can't last forever? Especially when it begins to threaten the ones she cares about?

I didn't leave room for text on the cover art, oops

Published 2020-09-18 03:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2022-01-01 00:42:29 UTC

1: Sombra

Sombra

Time works strangely when you’re dead.

There was still the concept of day and night thanks to the regular settings of the Sun and Moon, but the overall passage of time had become irrelevant. The dead didn’t age, didn’t hunger, and though we were affected by some sort of lethargy, we never truly slept. Our senses were all dulled, or nonexistent, and most could never actually remember how long we’ve been dead.

And though I distinctly remembered my own death, painful and violent as it was, I was one of many who couldn’t remember how long ago it had happened. The fact I spent the first few years of my afterlife in a blind rage certainly didn’t help.

Of course, none of that mattered anymore. Once I accepted the fact I was dead, I truly learned the meaning of the saying ‘what’s done is done’. And quite frankly, what was ‘done’ was my life, and my reign of terror. Surprisingly, I had accepted that much quicker than expected. Because another thing I’d learned in death was that the other creatures of the accursed Canterlot Castle had suffered much worse fates than my own. Fates they hadn’t deserved.

I was talking with one such pony right now.

“Do you think she’s happy out there?” She asked, head tilted innocently as she gazed outside, watching the ponies in the garden finish their work for the day, “Do you think she grew up to be happy and healthy, and even had some foals of her own?”

“But of course,” I nodded, staring out the window with her, “I’ve heard tales of your little one, of how powerful her cries were even as the tiniest of foals. Even if you’re no longer with her, I’m sure your daughter is out there with a wonderful family of her own, safe and loved and happy.”

The pony, a pale green mare who would’ve still been considered a filly by today’s standards, smiled happily. She might’ve even cried tears of joy if she could have. I wanted to be happy with her, to continue telling her that her beloved filly was out in the world living happily with her own family, but even with as many times I’ve repeated these assurances, there was a painful truth to it.

I was lying.

Her filly had never cried at all.

Though I’ve heard her side of the story many times, the other spirits had been sure to tell me of her plight, as they’d been there to witness it. They’d heard her scream, they’d heard her cry, and worst of all, they’d seen the corpse of that tiny foal, born too soon as she left her mother’s dying body. It was a horrible thing to even think about.

“I hope she comes to Canterlot some day,” She said, “I’d love to see what she looks like.”

I nodded, not able to say anymore. I wouldn’t even know if her child would’ve still been alive, she seemed to have died centuries ago, but I couldn’t say that either. Wasn’t it ironic how I’d been a liar and manipulator in life, but now found lying painful?

It was strange how much things could change, but I could never dare to tell the truth now, the truth didn’t matter when you were dead. A mother who died in childbirth did not deserve to hear that her child perished with her, not when the belief that they were alive kept her from turning into something mournful. After all, in my time in helping my subjects I’d learned that it was acceptance that helped the dead move on, and a loving mother would never accept that her baby was gone.

I tried not to dwell on it, gazing back out the window. The garden was laid out before us, the labyrinth of hedges and flowers outstretched like a rainbow as far as the eye could see. To any pony wandering the halls, it was a lovely sight they took for granted. For my subjects and I, it was a reminder of what we could no longer reach.

Sometimes I wondered if there were more spirits out there. I knew at least one of my subjects had died in the garden, and could wander between it and the castle at will, but those of us who had perished within its walls were stuck. I’ve heard rumors that a powerful enough spirit could possess the living and escape, but most who had tried weren’t strong enough to succeed, and having had enough of the danger, I forbid any more attempts.

My duty was to protect them, and revealing our existence by possession of all things was far too risky for every being involved. I’ve already broken my own rules by befriending the Princess’ student, and then ever so foolishly allowing my subjects to befriend her as well. I suppose I missed being alive, and having somepony around who could still experience such wonders made me drop my guard.

Well, that and her insatiable curiosity. She was so curious about us, and though she had agitated me at first, I grew to enjoy her antics.

But of course, Little Luster was gone now. Not from the land the living, thank goodness, but from the castle. That meant she was out of reach and out of contact, and I couldn’t remember how long it had been since she was last here with my ignorance to time. It couldn’t have been too long, the same guards that patrolled the halls when she was here still walked them today, and none had shown any obvious signs of aging.

It felt like far longer than it was, and though I hated to admit it, I missed her nightly visits. Even with my subjects, the throne room felt empty at night.

“King Sombra? Did you hear me?”

I shook my head, clearing the memories away as I snapped back to my sad reality. The sun had lowered significantly since I had first started staring outside, and the spirit beside me had become understandably concerned.

“I’m sorry,” I said, putting a hoof to my head as that accursed phantom fatigue began to overtake me, “I must have gotten distracted.”

Did my mind always wander this much? I can’t remember. The spirit came forward, lowering my hoof before placing her own on my forehead, as if checking my temperature. We both knew it wouldn’t do anything, but the gesture still felt like it meant something.

“You’ve used up too much energy,” She said, shaking her head. I couldn’t remember her name. Did I even know her name? “How many others have you tried to help today?”

I shrugged with a grunt, “It doesn’t matter who I try to help if I don’t successfully help.”

She took her hoof away, crossing her arms like a disappointed mother and saying, “Well, you’re not gonna help anypony if you drive yourself to vengefulness!”

“But-”

“No buts,” She jabbed a hoof into my chest, an action that might have made me flinch had I been alive, though her voice softened, “We all love you Sombra, and though we appreciate what you’re trying to do, it’s more than obvious you’re overdoing it. You need to take some time to rest, you’re still one of the fresher spirits, remember?”

I frowned, unsure on what to argue back. I’d been dead for at least two decades, or at least I think I have been, though that was still little more than the blink of an eye to some of the others. After all, prior to my reign, there was at least one Pegasus who’d been haunting this castle for nearly a millennium.

“You haven’t been dead for that long either,” I argued. It was a weak one, and possibly untrue. She jabbed me again.

“Rest. Now.”

Rather immaturely, I stuck my tongue out at her, but I did as I was told. Staggering to my hooves, I bid her a grunt of farewell, and made my way to wherever the halls took me.

‘Sleep’ was a thing that I no longer partook in, and for some reason, I actually missed it. Resting was something a little harder to describe, it was as if we just stopped existing for a brief while. I would still be unconsciously aware of the noises around me, and if needed, one of my subjects could rouse me, but overall it was what death should truly be.

Quiet. Peaceful. Undisturbed.

Something that none of us had the gift of truly knowing.

I wandered the halls blindly, mostly unaware of my surroundings. I didn’t have to risk crashing into anything or anybody, I could phase right through them with little more than a shudder on their behalf, though I usually tried to avoid it best I could. Right now I was too far into exhaustion to care. I just needed a nice, quiet place to rest, where neither the living or my own subjects could disturb me.

“King Sombra?”

I didn’t even try to keep the frustrated snarl from escaping me, raising my head to see just who exactly decided to disturb me at the worst possible moment. Unsurprisingly, it was the one spirit who, despite being one of the many subjects I’d sworn to help, also happened to be my least favorite one to be around. A dirt brown Earth stallion, and the only pony to die in this castle after me, right at the cusp of the transition of royalty.

With my current fog, I couldn’t remember his name, but I could remember that we both disliked each other.

“What do you want?” I demanded.

He stepped back, as if worried I’d snap at him. I wasn’t sure if I could blame him, he’d seen first hoof what I could do when I was alive. That fear meant it took him far too long to speak again, and I was about to turn tail and ignore him before he finally spoke.

“It’s about Deadbolt,” He said. I couldn’t actually remember who that was, or even if they were one of my subjects, “He’s been acting rather odd around Flicker Fade, and it’s making me nervous.”

“I’m not exactly in a position to remember who either of those creatures are,” I muttered. The stallion pawed a hoof.

“Deadbolt's a guard, and Flicker Fade's a castle chef, remember?” He asked. I shook my head. “Flicker's a Pegasus, and Deadbolt's a Unicorn. They’ve been working here since before you took over. I used to be Deadbolt’s friend up until…”

He trailed off, and I remembered enough. Though the stallion’s name still eluded me, I remembered why he was here, and it was all because of an unfaithful partner. Still, we were limited on what we could do about this, and I had to remind him, “You know we can’t do anything about that, right? We’re not to be meddling in the lives of the living, no matter the circumstance.”

His tail swished, a worthless gesture of a feeling that served little purpose anymore, “But what if we did? We could bring him to justice, we could keep him from wronging anyone else! I just don’t think-”

I stamped my hoof, hard enough that even the living could hear the faintest echo of the resounding thump, “We can not bring him to justice, because we have no proof! Materializing before anyone to claim that another wronged you is nothing more than a recipe for disaster, and an assumed illusion! Do you even know where your body is located?”

He didn’t. Very few of my subjects knew of what became of their oh so glorious meat suits. Typically, death was traumatizing enough that small details like that were irrelevant, most were too busy being emotionally unstable and lost. And to add insult to the stallion’s injury, as far as I remembered, no one actually knew he was dead.

“You materialized before Luster Dawn,” He argued.

Between my exhaustion and growing impatience for his insolence, that was the tipping point for my frustration. I practically launched myself at him, fangs bared as a feral cry escaped me. He barely had time to move, and I pinned him down, his terror bringing a familiar and almost intoxicating feeling inside of me.

“What mistakes I have made compare little to the one you wish to make,” I whispered. I could feel my form dissipating, fading back into the unstable mishmash of shadow I was when I had first woken up, “And though I may not be able to stop you from making it, let it be known that if you do reveal yourself to the living just for the sake of justice, I’ll be sure to make the rest of your afterlife an absolute nightmare.”

Evidently, I was still very much an unstable spirit. I had every intention of saving every creature I could, but sometimes, especially under such severe duress, I would revert back to that near vengeful form. It always made me feel even worse.

On the plus side, it got the stallion to back off. I removed myself as he nodded, slowly reforming back into what I was supposed to be, though everything was even more muddled than it had been before. I was even beginning to forget what I’d been so furious about.

“I would appreciate it if you would pester me later,” I muttered, swaying, “I need to rest.”

It was evident, I was sure, and he wordlessly nodded again. With that, he finally left, and I continued on my quest for peace. I wandered the halls even more blindly than I had before, phasing through everything and anything, desperate to find a silent room to rest in. There were so many around, yet they weren’t right, and I wandered much further than I should have.

Eventually, I found a room. One that, from the looks of things, had been abandoned for weeks. It was still well furnished, with a bed and shelves, covered in books and photos of ponies. There were a lot of them, the most notable a photo orange stallion and a pink mare, a small & familiar filly with a pink coat and sunshine hair between them, who’s name suddenly eluded me.

I wanted to remember. I tried to remember. But I was just so tired, and everything was so foggy and frustrating and oh I hated how hard it was to remember anything when I was in such a state. I hated how hard it was to control emotions, how hard it was to cling to the memories that had made me who I was, how hard it was to remember myself.

I hated being dead.

But I couldn’t change that. There was no last ditch curse to keep me alive, and no manipulative Chaos Lord to resurrect me for his own selfish gains, just the constant reminder that I’d made the worst possible choices in life and was forced to endure this fate.

I’m so tired.

At least I’d used this opportunity to help others, instead of hurt them. I couldn’t remember why I made that choice.

I’m so, so tired.

Curling up in the corner, I tried to rack my brain for memories. Of what, I wasn’t sure, but I got little more than blurs and words that meant nothing to me. I’m sure they’d come back, they always did. I think they did.

Why am I tired?

I wish I could remember. Nothing feels right, if I can feel anything at all.

I’m fading away now.

I’m sure I’ll be back soon.

Author's Note

Ask and ye shall receive.

Important to note, this story will also be first person like Days of the Dead, but as you can see it won't be entirely from Luster's point of view. It'll switch between her and Sombra, each chapter named and labeled to reflect who it is, while also making things a bit more fun to write.

2: Luster Dawn

Luster Dawn

Canterlot was always so beautiful at dawn.

I could see it from here in the train, illuminated by the rising sun, its light gleaming off the marble spires and golden eaves of the kingdom. Its many waterfalls were lovely as well, the sun’s light bringing about so many rainbows as it rose beyond the horizon. It was a wonderful sight, and one I hadn’t had the pleasure of viewing in months.

I’d missed it.

Though as beautiful as it was, the city itself wasn’t what I was missing, I missed my life from before. The library, my private lessons with Princess Twilight, my secret nightly rendezvous. Many things I had talked about on the ride here, and the one that I had kept secret, instead thinking about overnight as I slept restlessly.

Hopefully we’d be able to talk tonight. My parents had planned to stay over the holiday, so I should have a few nights to speak with the spirits again. They were my friends too, after all, and I had to make time for them. Especially Sombra, he was by far the one I was closest too, and the one most willing to talk. I’m sure he’s managed to help a few of them while I was away. Of course, I’d be sad to see them gone, but I knew it was for the best,

“I take it you’re excited for the visit?”

Turning with a surprised squeak, I was face to face with Mother. Had she been there the whole time I’d been reminiscing?

“I could have sworn you were still sleeping, what are you doing awake so early?" I asked.

Mother laughed, brushing through her hair with a comb as she said, “After years of running that school, I think it's an ingrained habit to wake up early. And really, you might not believe me, but this is almost late for me. I try to rise before the sun does. Did you sleep well?”

I began to nod, then decided against it, shaking my head. I hadn’t slept well, and there was no point in lying about that.

“I take it you were too excited to be visiting again?” She asked. This time, I did nod, and she smiled, “Understandable. I’m pretty excited too, it’s been so long since I’ve actually been able to talk with Twilight, and I’m sure your father will be happy to hear about Flurry’s recent magic studies. It’ll be a busy couple of days, I’m sure.”

I nodded again, wordlessly. I’d forgotten that Princess Flurry Heart was to be there as well, though I wasn’t sure why. Neither Princess Cadance or Prince Shining Armor were scheduled to arrive, so maybe Flurry was simply visiting her aunt? Perhaps she needed a break from her siblings, I know most ponies find them annoying, though I’ve never had a brother or sister of my own.

“Is Father awake as well?” I asked.

Mother nodded, “He’s being lazy about it though, lying in bed and reading his book. Says he won’t have time to read at the castle, so he’s trying to finish it now. I suppose I can’t blame him, though I do wish he’d comb his mane for once.”

I stifled a giggle, “You’re beginning to sound like Grandma.”

The face Mother made at that comment got that giggle to escape, and with that she looked at me as if insulted.

“I really wish you were wrong,” She said, “Maybe I’m getting old.”

“Maybe just a little,” I quipped, unable to hide the cheeky grin making way to my face. I meant it in good fun, of course, Mother was far from elderly, but it was hard not to poke fun at her sometimes.

“Well, you better watch yourself then, because it won’t be long until you’re my age,” She shot back, leaning forward to place a quick kiss on my forehead, “Now get ready, alright? It won’t take much longer to get to the city.”

“Yes Mom,” I nodded, giving her a quick nuzzle back. She smiled at the gesture, heading back to her and Father’s room, right next to mine.

Grabbing my own brush, I began to comb through my mane, watching the sun rise as we approached Canterlot. It hit the train about when I got my ponytail in, its warmth bringing a feeling of comfort as it engulfed me like a hug.

It would probably surprise no one to know that I love the daytime, dawn especially. It was in my name, after all. Sunlight was warm and welcoming, and reminded me so much of Princess Twilight. She may rule over both Day and Night, but I only ever really spoke with her under the light of the sun, while meetings under the light of the moon had been reserved for someone else.

I sat in that sunlight for the rest of the train ride, embracing its warmth as I thought about what this holiday might entail. I hoped it would be peaceful, and perhaps a bit informative, since it’s always nice to learn something new. Not that I’d be upset if I didn’t learn anything, it might be nice to have a relaxing break, but I’d like to try and learn a thing or two.

After all, I had a few spells in mind that I’d like to test. I’m sure those results may teach me something.

The train lurched, and I was pulled out of my thoughts, as well as my bed. The muffled voices of more than a dozen creatures began to fill my ears, and I knew we were at the station. Quickly bagging my loose belongings, then checking over the room to make sure I hadn’t forgotten any, I slung my bag over my back and followed my parents as they made their way past my room.

It was both overwhelming and relieving to finally exit that train. There were so many creatures, from Yaks to Kirin to Ponies, waiting to board their own trains or welcome their visiting family. It was certainly the busiest I’d seen any train station in a while, which was saying something, because Canterlot was always busy.

It was so much more active than Ponyville, though it wasn’t as annoying as I’d expected. Because as much as I’d enjoyed being in Ponyville again, and as much as I appreciated my new friends, there was something I missed about Canterlot. Not just the wonderful sunrises, nor the hustle and bustle of the grand city, but the memories it contained. Memories about what I’d learned, memories about my days with Princess Twilight, and of course, memories of the secret I’d been hiding for all this time.

Okay, so there was a little bit of guilt, but it was for the greater good. Besides, who would believe me if I said I talked to ghosts anyway?

Lost in my thoughts again, I bumped into something. For a moment I was worried it was another creature, and that I’d be dragged into an apology that would spiral into a conversation, but to my relief it was simply my mother.

“I can’t remember, was someone supposed to meet us here?” She asked, looking to Father. He was looking at a sheet of paper, one that I was hoping was a letter and not a map, “It’s not as if we can’t make it to the castle on our own, but I’d have thought Twilight would have sent Gallus at least.”

“Well, the train did have a bit of delay, perhaps whoever she sent went back to the castle?” Father suggested, folding the paper and shoving it into his bag, “Maybe we’ll run into them on the way.”

To my relief, we were finally on our way to the castle. If I had to wait any longer, I might have abandoned my parents and went on my own, if at least to get away from the busy platform. I’d done it many times before, and knew the best shortcuts, so I probably could have made it there before them. Oh, I was so excited to get there, I almost wanted to race!

But I didn’t, for courtesy’s sake. This was a holiday after all, and Princess Twilight wanted all three of us there, so it would be more polite to arrive together.

When we were finally at the castle, we were greeted by two guards, and their captain. They were probably the only three active outside right now, and I knew each of them by name, though Gallus was the only one I’d spoken with on more than a few occasions. He had been one of the first students at the School of Friendship, so Mother and Father knew him well.

“Sorry about not picking you up,” He said, leading us inside, “Planning for the Festival of the Two Sisters is always a bit hectic, Princess Twilight always wants each one to be the best, so we’ve been helping her out.”

“She knows she could call us for help? I’m sure the others have dropped by, right?” Mother asked. Gallus nodded.

“Pinkie and Fluttershy dropped by for a bit, but they had to leave again. The others have also been busy, but I’m sure they’ll all try and make time to be here on the day of the event,” He answered, stopping in front of the throne room door, “You may want to brace yourselves for this.”

He pushed open the door and announced us, but before any of us got the chance to say hello, a high and excited whinny interrupted us.

“Uncle Sunburst! Auntie Starlight! Luster!” Flurry squealed, shooting over and embracing us all in her wings and arms. Somehow, she managed to lift us all, but I suppose that’s the sort of strength Alicorns have, “I haven’t seen you all in so long!”

“Hello, Flurry Heart,” Father greeted, “It’s nice to see you again, how have you been?”

“I’ve been wonderful! When Auntie Twilight told me you were visiting, I just knew I had to come over, and it’s nice to get away from all that nonsense in the Empire. Charming has been driving me crazy!”

Well, looks like I was right about the sibling thing.

“That’s very nice,” I said, shifting uncomfortably in her grasp, “But could you please put us down, Princess?”

“Oh, sorry!” She practically dropped us, though it was hardly a fall at such a short distance, and she blushed in embarrassment, “Sometimes I forget my own strength.”

“And perhaps a bit of self control,” Twilight added, approaching at a much more casual pace than her niece before stopping beside us, looking to me specifically as she said, “And no need to be so formal, Luster. We’re friends here, not princesses, and it’d just be a mouthful to say our full titles.”

“Yeah, no need for all that stuff right now, it actually gets pretty annoying,” Flurry agreed, brushing a strand of mane out of her face, “But enough about that, you guys are gonna be here for a few days, right? You should probably settle in real quick, would you like me to show me to your rooms?”

Mother and Father nodded. I shook my head.

“I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. My old room is still up, right?” I asked. Twilight nodded. “I can just take my stuff over there, if that’s alright?”

“That works just as well,” Twilight agreed, turning back to her throne and the paperwork beside it, “Come to the dining area once you’re finished, they should be making breakfast, and we’ll be able to talk more over that. Sorry I couldn’t offer a better greeting.”

“It’s fine, we all know you’re busy,” Mother assured, before following the overly excited Flurry Heart.

This finally left me on my own, and I was more than excited to make my way down the other side of the hall. I was very hopeful for this Holiday, and so ready to see what I could learn, and to catch up with both Princess Twilight and King Sombra. It would still be a while until I could see the latter, but maybe if I were lucky I’d catch a glimpse or hear the whisper of one of the spirits.

I stayed alert as I listened for them, glancing at every mirror on the chance one would glimpse back through them. The foals were particularly playful and seemed the most likely to greet me even by day, and though I didn’t want to encourage them to reveal themselves, I began to hum a soft tune in the hopes of one humming back.

Much to my disappointment, none of them showed themselves. I suppose it wasn’t too bad, they were simply obeying their king’s law, but it was still disheartening.

“Fine, be that way,” I whispered, quickening my pace. At least I could hope to see them tonight. “And I was hoping at least one of you would have missed me.”

“And who exactly are you talking to?”

I froze in place, a bolt of panic welling up inside me, because the voice I just heard was somepony who was very much alive. Racking my brain for an excuse, I turned around far too quickly and smiled awkwardly at the cobalt Unicorn in front of me.

“Deadbolt,” I greeted, “I was just, uh…”

I really didn’t have an excuse, and I couldn’t lie. I took that as a sign I may have spent too much time on the Apple Farm recently, but in my defense, Sugar Belle made some good fritters. At least Deadbolt didn’t seem overly concerned by my anxiety.

“You’re still a weird kid,” He said, walking by and patting me on the back with an armored hoof. I flinched back at the contact, “What’re you doing back in Canterlot anyway? I thought Princess Twilight dropped you off in Ponyville on a permanent friendship mission.”

“You do know she and my parents are friends, right?” I said, stepping away as I hid a shudder of disgust. I hated being touched without warning. “And the Festival of the Two Sisters in a few days. Shouldn’t you be outside, guarding the castle?”

“Nah, I’ve got the indoor shift today,” He grinned, leaning his spear against his shoulder, “Gives me plenty of time to waste, and it’s boring as sin.”

I nodded with a hum, mostly just wanting to get the conversation over with. I didn’t want to waste any more time getting to my room and then to breakfast, but I also didn’t want to turn my back on Deadbolt. I never did like him, I always thought he was always so lazy and uncaring of his job, I don’t even know why Princess Twilight kept him around.

Why did he even have a spear, anyway? The guards almost never carried weapons in broad daylight, it was hardly necessary. All it did was make me not want to turn my back to him even more, and I wasn’t sure why…

“So where are you off too?” He asked, “Or, were. You don’t seem to be going now.”

“My room,” I answered. I almost added onto ‘around the corner’ but opted not to. The last thing I needed was to be followed by him.

He didn’t seem to get the memo. If anything, he approached me.

“Well, need an escort then? I can take ya,” He offered, patting himself on the chest, “I can assure you that nothing will bother you with ol’ Deadbolt around, and It’ll give me something to-”

CRASH

Deadbolt jumped back, spear at the ready as he turned in the direction of that horrible noise, only to step onto the busted mirror on the floor. Something flashed inside it, and though I knew what it was, Deadbolt suspected nothing.

“Blasted maids, can’t even place the mirrors in the right spot, and now I gotta fetch one to clean it up,” He hissed, shaking his hoof to make sure no shards had embedded in it, “S’pose that means you’re on your own then, Lust. Not that you mind.”

I didn’t mind. I wanted him to go away. I also wanted him to not refer to me with such a horrid nickname.

“Please never call me that again,” I said, not even bothering to hide my annoyance.

He shrugged, running off with the intention to yell at the first maid he found. I felt bad for whoever it would be, but at least he was out of my hair. I really just wanted to get to my room now, and then head straight to breakfast.

“You’re welcome for that, by the way.”

“Eep!” I jumped back in surprise, practically doing a 180 in midair as I turned to see who was behind me now. Except this time, no one was there, and at the lack of anything I felt a cold shudder run down my spine.

To a normal pony, that would be a sign of unease. To me, it was a sign of comfort.

“Oh, thank you,” I said, glancing at the mirror shards. A flash of brown and green shone within them, and I knew it to be one of the spirits, “Jack Pine, was it?”

A quiet hum. I took that as a yes. I remembered him well enough, he was always a bit less caring if anypony saw him, and I knew that frustrated Sombra.

“Have you and the others been well?” I asked, “How’s Sombra?”

“Define ‘well’, because I don’t think that’s what this is,” He said, and I recoiled a bit at his tone. I suppose that wasn’t the best to ask, but some spirits took it better than others, “Sombra is Sombra. Insufferable, crotchety, overly focused on the others. You probably won’t see him tonight.”

He must be resting, and though I understood I was still disappointed, “Perhaps tomorrow then. Thank you.”

Jack Pine hummed again in goodbye, and I continued on to my room. It was just as I left it, if not a bit dusty. I guess the maids hadn’t come through in a while, but that was okay. I’d always been put off over the fact they’d come into my room to clean up, so I’d get to it later.

Tossing my bag onto my unkempt bed, I looked at my shelves. I should think about taking back some of my things. I hadn’t gotten the chance when Princess Twilight had taken me back to Ponyville, considering she had just teleported me, though it was partially my fault for not saying anything. Not that there had been any sort of urgency to get my photos of course, and most of my personal items had duplicates back home with my parents.

Something shifted behind me. Why was it always behind me?

“Luster?”

My ears perked, and my hair stood on edge as I turned to see a rather dim and dark mass behind me. It hardly resemble any solid shape, and its voice was hardly a whisper in my ear, but I immediately knew who it was.

“Sombra? What are you doing in my room?”

For a moment, silence. Then, the mass shuddered, and a word on the wind simply said, “Tired.”

“Ah.” I suppose an abandoned bedroom would make a good resting place, “Well, go back to sleep, okay? I just came in to drop something off.”

A quiet noise. I wasn’t sure if there had been a message in it or not, but the shadow faded and the room seemed to warm. With that, I quickly and quietly exited my room, rushing past the mirror shards in the hallway and down the quickest path to the dining area, all while thinking about what had just happened.

I supposed I was going to have to be extra quiet tonight, though it was probably going to be a bit awkward knowing there was a dead king in my room.

Then again, I could only imagine how awkward it would be if I didn’t know.

Author's Note

I have yet to upload anywhere yet, but you can find a quick ref of (living) Jack Pine here, though I'll likely be redrawing him with the rest of the relevant spirits.

Deadbolt has not been drawn yet, but I'm working on him and will post a ref of him and the others in a blog post once all relevant OCs have been introduced.

3: Awaken

Sombra

Dark. Silent. Nothing. Something?

Maybe. There was a noise somewhere. Music? It was soft and distant. At least I think so.

I? I. I’m something. I’m someone. Or, I was someone. I don’t think I’m anyone anymore. Who was I again?

“Sombra.”

I remembered that name. It was a name spoken with an array of emotions. It was spoken with contempt. Hatred. Fear. But occasionally it was spoken with something lighter, something hopeful. Was that me? Was I Sombra?

Yes. I was Sombra. I had to be.

I twitched. I stretched. The room I was in began to brighten, the quiet chime of music awakening me. Trickles of sunlight peeked through the curtain and onto where I lay, but they provided no warmth. Toward that light I lifted myself, floating upward until I looked out that window and into a grand city. There were creatures all over, and I set a wispy hoof onto the glass. It was clad in armor.

My head tilted at the sight, the action reminding me that I was made up of more than just that hoof, and I removed it from the window and turned to look around the rest of the room. It seemed to be someone’s, but certainly not my own. It was decorated in a way so unlike what I assumed were my own tastes, a mess of hair care products on the vanity, a box that seemed to be creating the melody I could hear, as well as many photos of creatures I didn’t know taped to a mirror.

A mirror that I wasn’t reflected in.

“What?”

I stepped back, confused. My voice sounded strange. Quiet almost. As if it wasn’t mine. As if it wasn’t real.

Was I real? Why wouldn’t I be?

Approaching the mirror, I set my hoof on that. I still had no reflection. Somehow, that was starting to concern me less. This was normal for me. I don’t know how or why, but something within me knew that I wasn’t supposed to have a reflection. Because I wasn’t real. At least, not anymore.

Blinking, my memories began to return. Memories of causing pain. Memories of being in pain. Memories of ponies and creatures and-

“Luster Dawn.”

That was one of the ponies I remembered, probably because I was staring at a picture of her right now. Was this her room?

I turned away from the mirror and toward the door, phasing through it as I began my trek to nowhere, down what seemed to be an endless hallway.

Yes, this was normal for me. This was my life. Or rather, my afterlife.

I was dead.

Putting a hoof to my head, as if such an action would help, a grumble escaped me. This always happens. I would rest, I would awaken, and I would have a brief moment of panic as my mind fails to put pieces into place. At least everything was coming back to me now, slightly quicker than the last time, clearing my mind as well as it could in my phantom state.

First of all, I needed to remember what had happened prior to my decision to rest. Who was the last spirit I had spoken to, and did I fade away as I was speaking with them? I don’t think so, I was usually pretty adept with keeping my form as long as I wasn’t enraged, and my rage was considerably less volatile now than it was before.

Humming quietly, I dug through my memories until I found what I was looking for.

Lullaby. Jack Pine.

Those were the spirits I had spoken to that night, even if the conversation for one of them was rather unpleasant. Perhaps I’d see them tonight in the throne room? I wasn’t planning on searching either of them out right now. Tragic deaths aside, neither were what I would consider a priority in saving. Both were lucid spirits, very unlikely to turn vengeful. Of course, I would still speak with them occasionally, but neither had quite reached their point of moving on.

For the most part, I was okay with that. Lullaby had long since given herself the duty of caring for the foals in the castle, which was a relief to me, while Jack Pine simply had no intention of moving on yet. So while they were here, and while they had their reasons to stay, I would not put too much time into truly helping them quite yet.

The mystery of that night resolved, I continued my walk soundlessly. The halls were bright with sunlight, but empty. This disappointed me somewhat, because with my renewed vigor and current lack of duties, I was hoping to play with some of the princess’ visitors. It looked quite active outside, so there were bound to be a few creatures roaming these halls, right?

Stopping beside a tall window, I gazed out at the sun above, trying to determine the time of day. It was high in the sky. So neither morning nor evening. Perhaps it was midday? That seemed like the perfect time for the living to be wandering around, so where were they?

As if on cue, I heard a murmur down the halls. Possibly one of my own ponies, but with nothing better to do, I thought it worth following. I was free until nightfall, when I could return to my throne.

The circumstances of my death notwithstanding, I still got my victory. Princess Twilight just didn’t know that, and likely never would. So, in a way, I still won. Truthfully, I still hated the victory, but what’s done is done. I have more important things to attend to now.

Rounding a corner, I found what I assumed to be the source of the murmurs. A pair of foals, one a pale blue and one a bright pink, whispering to each other. Unsurprisingly, they were a pair of my own ponies, huddled together under a table. They hadn’t noticed me.

“Planning on making a bit of mischief, little ones?” I called out. The two of them jumped, the pink one buzzing her little wings as if about to take off, but her companion flopped over her to keep her in place, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Struggling out from under her partner in crime, the filly was quick to defend herself, “There’s some ponies arguing down the hall! We just wanted to prank ‘em is all.”

Now that they mentioned it, I could hear some more squabbling in the distance. Not that it was anything that mattered to me, or to these foals for that matter. Perhaps their prank would shut these ponies up, but I had to be sure it wasn’t something risky.

“What sort of prank?”

“Dunno,” The filly shrugged, I couldn’t quite recall her or her friend’s name right now, “Maybe tripping them. It was Pollywog’s idea.”

Well, that solved one problem.

Pollywog responded by elbowing her, “Nuh-uh! That idea was yours, I wanted to push one of the vases over!”

She elbowed him back, and he turned to bite her, but with the stamp of a hoof I got them both to stop.

“It doesn’t matter whose idea it was, you both know better than to cause property damage.” I would hope they do anyway, the problem with young spirits is they’re always stuck with whatever attitude they may have died with, including rebellious, “Every now and then is fine, but not so often that we risk being caught. We’re ponies, not poltergeists.”

Well, they were ponies as far as they were aware. I may as well be a poltergeist when at my most unstable. Or when Princess Twilight was around. Not that she ever thought of my outbursts and general misconduct as anything other than a draft in the old castle.

It was insulting, really.

“Is there something we can do?” Pollywog asked, interrupting my bitter thoughts.

I shook my head briefly, not in refusal as much as to clear those thoughts before answering, “Yes, you can follow me. Other than those obnoxious ponies down the hall, I haven’t seen hide nor hair of anypony in the castle.”

“That’s probably because it’s a holiday!”

“A holiday? Which one?”

“No idea, I just heard some ponies talking about it.”

“I hope it’s not Hearth’s Warming,” The filly interrupted, “I’d hate to miss presents and treats. My grandma always makes special cookies on Hearth’s Warming!”

Though my knowledge of modern holidays was brief, I still flinched at her words. Thankfully neither she or Pollywog noticed, and I ushered them over to me as I continued down the hall. With nothing better to do, I decided to follow them to the quarrelling ponies, the three of us silent all the way. The foals put effort into this silence, sneaking as quietly as they could while I simply followed along behind, my metal laden hoofsteps already silenced by fate.

Previously faint before, the muffled voices of the living eventually made themselves known. It was mostly hushed whispers, assumedly silenced so as to not get heard by any other being. How long had they been here?

“So what was it they’re arguing about?”

“Shh, they’ll hear you!” Pollywog hissed, “Katydid heard them first, arguing about some dumb grown up stuff probably. We just know they’re mad at each other.”

“How very informative.” My eyes might have rolled, but I wasn’t entirely paying attention to my actions, so who really knew? At least I was reminded of the filly’s name now.

The voices grew closer, their tones and pitches being made known. I somewhat recognized them, and a bitterness grew within me.

“Perhaps I could whip up a concoction for us to share? I could spice things up a bit.”

Ah, the first coherent sentence to be heard, and I was already disgruntled. How fun.

“Suggest something like that again and the only ‘concoction’ is going to be my hoof against your teeth!”

Certainly sounds spicier than whatever the first one was suggesting.

Turning a corner, we were met with the sight of the two ponies, still bickering with each other for some reason. Yep, I recognized them well enough. The two of them have worked in the castle for years now, somehow still under employment despite Princess Twilight’s dedication to trusting everypony even if they didn’t deserve it. A flicker of a memory and I was reminded that one of them certainly didn’t deserve to be walking free at all.

This castle was absolutely crawling with murderers.

Hiding my disdain as well as I could, I asked, “So, what’s the plan here?”

“Well, since we can’t scare them by breaking something, maybe we could throw something at them instead?”

Normally, I would be opposed to this. Today, I was feeling generous.

“Only if it’s something small, but good luck finding anything.”

The foals giggled quietly, each scrambling behind me to search for ammo. I ignored them as they went, sure they’d be on their search for a while, and focused on the ponies in front of me. Their argument was none of my business, but what’s the point of being invisible if you can’t eavesdrop?

“Still not interested,” The murderer spat, his horn sparking as he turned away from the Probably Not Innocent Pegasus beside him. I didn’t like the way she looked, especially not with her tail elevated like that.

“Oh please, you’d really choose that simple little Earth mare over me?” She flicked her tail. I rolled my eyes. So much for ‘equality’ in present Equestria. “Or are you still trying to compensate for the past? Still caught up in that lie of protecting her?”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what? Isn’t it better to let sleeping ponies lie?”

Oh. Well, didn’t I wander upon something interesting? I stepped closer, only looking away briefly to confirm that the foals were nowhere in sight.

Murderer’s horns sparked. “Bold words for someone who seems to refuse to do the same, how about we both forget it?”

“Of course. Which is why you should give her up for me.”

Despite his sparking horn, she slammed against him, pinning him to the wall and leaning her face close. Murderer’s previous annoyed expression turned to one of disgust, while Not Innocent Pegasus gazed at him with a horrible little smile that made me want to create the concoction Murderer was so hopeful for.

How lovely. Not only are they a suspicious duo, they’re a suspicious duo having an affair.

I hate the living.

She leaned her face closer, right into his ear as she whispered, “Come on now Bolt, just one more time. Can’t have your little secret getting out, now can we?”

Murderer’s horn sparked harder. Perhaps I should intervene? As interesting as it would be to learn more, there was always a possibility he’d strike again, or the two of them would do something even more unsightly together. Right in the open halls, where a pair of foals was set to meet up with me again.

Alright, that’s enough eavesdropping. Leaning forward, my snout was right against the mare’s ear, not so close that she could feel my chill, but close enough that she would feel what I was about to do. I didn’t truly breathe, if there were lungs within my form, they’d stopped working long ago, but I could still do this.

Huffing into her ear, I forced a cold breeze into it that made her shriek and push Murderer away. He stumbled to the side while she shook her head, all the while oblivious of my presence.

Murderer shook his own head, perhaps more upset at what just happened than Not Innocent Pegasus, “The hay was that for?”

“What was that for?” She scoffed, hoof over her ear as the chill continued through her body, “What was this for? You didn’t have to shoot an ice bolt into my ear!”

“I don’t have ice magic!”

“Don’t lie to me!”

“You’re the liar here!”

I hated these two even more, with every word they spat. They made the foals’ petty squabbles seem like an educated debate.

“You so need to get a better grasp on magic,” Not Innocent Pegasus mumbled, flicking her ear, “And a better grasp on mares. She’s so plain, I still don’t know how you can like her.”

“She doesn’t force me against the wall, for one thing,” Murderer mumbled back, “Don’t you have a lunch you’re supposed to be making?”

“I’m better at my job than you are at your job, it’s already done.”

“Ugh, then go get an early start on dinner, will you? The Princess has about a dozen mouths to feed, might as well start early.”

“And miss my time with you? I don’t think so.”

She leaned forward again, and my own ears pinned in frustration. My trick was supposed to have run them off, yet they continued to stand here and flirt despite the apparent hatred one of them contained. I needed another plan.

“Yeah, no. Bella’s stopping by with the kids soon, and we’ll be watching the sunset together. You can stay as far away from them as possible.”

Not Innocent Pegasus grinned a grin I didn’t like, “Or perhaps I can stop by as a little surprise? I’m sure they’d love me.”

The discomfort I felt in her tone was nowhere near what Murderer felt, if his lightning fast actions of creating his promise of hoof and teeth were anything to go by. Not Innocent went back with a cry, though she quickly recovered with an enraged glare. A bit of blood dripped from her lips, though it looked as though her teeth stayed intact.

Murderer stood over her, his own enraged glare piercing into the Pegasus before him, his horn sparking dangerously.

“Go anywhere near my children, and I’ll kill you.”

“I’d just like to see you try.”

They left without any more interference. This was good, because for some reason it seemed as thought the final bits of their conversation had frozen me in place and left me dazed. I hadn’t even seen them leave, or I didn’t remember seeing them leave.

Why did that happen?

What was I doing again?

A scramble of tiny hoofbeats behind me, and I recovered. I turned to see Pollywog & Katydid running back, the latter with a shard of glass in her mouth. The sight sent a pang of worry throughout my form. Not for their physical safety, we were all past the point of that, but for the fear that somepony might have seen a suspiciously floating shard in the air. How did she even have the energy to carry that as far as she had?

Thankfully, she dropped the shard as she and Pollywog skid to a stop beside me, both little faces scrunching up in annoyance.

“Aw, where’d they go?” She asked.

“Off to do some more grown up stuff,” I shrugged, earning another scrunched face of disapproval, “Of which I am actually free from, right now. Would you like to join me on a walk through the castle?”

At least until I can pawn the two of you onto Lullaby.

“Ugh, fine.” Pollywog kicked the shard, a tiny tink sounding around the empty hallway, unheard by anything alive, “But only if there’s something fun to do where you’re going.”

“We’ll see, won’t we?”

Turning without looking at the two of them, I began my slow trek down the halls. Unsurprisingly, I heard their hoofbeats again, and was quickly joined by my tiniest entourage yet. Who, for the first time since I encountered them today, were finally quiet.

Doubtful that’ll last, but I’ll take what I can get.

With no destination in mind, we wandered. I’d had my fun with the living today, it was best to save my strength for more important things, and I had nothing to do until nightfall. Most of my subjects hid away during the daylight, or chose this time to rest. There was no use in the daylight when you couldn’t speak with most, or they were scared of your presence.

Though, other than those two from before, it was strangely quiet. Even on a less busy day, there’d be more ponies around. Delegates and friends, an array of creatures big and small, some of which I’d never even seen myself.

Ears twitching in a search for sound, I asked, “What holiday did you say it was again?”

Katydid responded, “We didn’t.”

“Right.”

It probably wasn’t one I knew anyway. It seemed as though they were always adding new ones. I was still trying to piece together the origin of ‘Nightmare Night’ and ‘Hearth’s Warming’, though this seemed to be neither of those. There were typically more tacky decorations lying around for those, but right now the walls were bare.

A sudden twitch of an ear, and a voice was caught. Quickly, I turned, the foals following after as we silently made our way down the hall. Now down a much wider and grander hall, I caught more voices, beyond a large and open doorway. Knowing which room it was, I finally understood the silence.

It was lunchtime, the Pegasus from before had mentioned that. The faint scent of a meal graced my senses, but left me feeling nothing but a faint desire for what I could no longer have. Ignoring it and hoping the foals didn’t feel the same, I peeked around and into the doorway.

If I had growled, neither Pollywog nor Katydid noticed.

The table was full. Princess Twilight on the furthest end, her friends seated down the table. The ones who’d had a hoof in my death, the not-so-little dragon, the young Crystal Princess, plus a few more that I either didn’t know, or knew too well. Luster Dawn, seated between two older ponies who I could only assume were her parents. They were all chatting and laughing, their meal nearly done, underappreciating such a mundane thing...

But as nice as it was to see Luster, there were two other ponies of note in the room. A duo I never expected to see again, and the reason for sudden excitement.

The ponifications of the Sun and Moon themselves, Celestia and Luna. They sat right beside the princess, Celestia sitting as tall as she had a thousand years ago, while Luna seemed more reserved. Only one of them was bothering to speak.

I still didn’t understand why they’d abdicated their throne, they had been so powerful. Rulers of the celestial bodies, bringer of light and life, more than a step above the pathetic little purple one they’d left in their place.

Even I would’ve been a better choice than her.

A bitterness was bubbling within me, about things that couldn’t be changed. It was hard to keep that feeling within, that burning rage that becomes a part of you when you’ve been murdered.

“Little ones,” I announced, getting my entourage’s attention, “Would you perhaps like to play another prank?”

They agreed unanimously, and I grinned, nodding my head to motion into the room.

“Go crazy. How about you knock over one of those chairs?”

They bolted, right under the table. I wasn’t sure what they planned to do under there, but I let them go, common sense be damned. Princess Twilight didn’t believe in spirits anyway, and with as many years as she lived in these walls undisturbed, neither did Celestia. I wasn’t sure of Luna's stance, or the princess’ other friends, but I knew the few who were aware of me wouldn’t rat me out.

The casual chatting was cut off by a yelp, and a thud as I caught Princess Twilight falling to the floor. Such impressive strength for such tiny spirits. Celestia was the first to offer Twilight a hoof, but I wasn’t about to allow that.

“Try knocking some dishes down!”

The living couldn’t hear me, my voice was less than a whisper to them. The foals however, heard me loud and clear, and it didn’t take long for one of the princess’ friends to shriek as the table bumped below her, knocking her glass over. She shot back as the liquid trickled toward her.

Princess Twilight was up in an instant at that, her head nearly colliding with Celestia’s as she looked toward her screeching friend, shouting, “Rarity, what’s wrong?”

“There’s something under the table!” She shouted, forelegs wrapped around herself, “It nearly ruined my dress!”

“Oh sorry,” the one in front of her spoke up, ducking beneath the table and pulling out… A foal? And not one of mine either, “Lil’ Cheese dropped Boneless #6, and he wanted to get him back!”

“I was playing with my friends!” He shouted, rather excitedly.

I wasn’t sure if he was talking about his toy, or my ponies. I supposed it didn’t matter, if this was the same little one I remembered, he’d noticed me when he was smaller. Foals were always so much more observant than adults.

The white one, Rarity, said something back at that, but by that point I’d already tuned her out. I chose instead to approach the one pony in this room I could speak to, sneaking up behind her and leaning beside her and whispering, “Hello.”

Luster screeched in surprise, covering her mouth as all attention turned to her. I couldn’t help but cackle, seeing her ears go back in annoyance as she screeched again, much quieter, into her own hooves.

“Luster, what’s wrong?” Princess Twilight asked, having only just righted her chair. I decided to walk up to her next, “Is something the matter?”

Refusing to remove her hooves from her face, she muttered truthfully, “I have awful friends.”

“Hey, don’t say that, I’m sure your friends are very nice,” Twilight assured, “If you’re having problems with them, just talk. I’m sure you can work something out.”

She went to sit down. I rushed by Luna to stand next to the chair.

“Idiot.”

I kicked the chair out of the way, allowing Princess Twilight to relive her downfall again.

Once again, I let a cackle escape me as I just barely avoided her brushing against me. How sad it was that this entertained me as much as it did, but it is what it is. I almost wished she wasn’t so sceptical.

I stepped back as more than just Celestia ran to Twilight this time, making sure their almighty ruler hadn’t died, or something. She’s sturdier than the lot of them, why are they so concerned?

Well, Luna wasn’t. In fact, I’d only just noticed she wasn’t even looking at Twilight. She was looking toward me, and upon staring back, it seemed as if her gaze met mine, but that couldn’t be possible. I stared right back, trying to read her, but her expression was unreadable. Uncomfortably blank, even.

She couldn’t see me, could she? Nopony could see me unless I made an effort to be seen. I wasn’t doing that right now, but she was staring far too intently. I wanted to test something.

I stuck my tongue out.

And then I ran away.

I didn’t even bother checking for a response from Luna, rushing past Pollywog and Katydid. They were probably feeling about ready for a ‘nap’ by now anyway, though I figured they’d be stubborn about taking one. Still, their energy was spent, and they shouldn’t cause any more problems for the living.

Wait.

Something was behind me, I could hear it.

It… Couldn’t be, could it?

I turned. I see exactly who I expected to see, galloping after me.

Well, time to run faster.

It would’ve been great if there were more creatures in the halls right now, this probably looked ridiculous, I wonder how the others feel. Better yet, I wonder how she’s going to feel when she barrels right through me, because she’s catching up quick.

Actually, you know what? I should just stop right now.

It pains me to know that I won’t see her face when she- Oh sweet shadows.

Personal verbal experience has taught me that the living don’t quite like the way it feels when a spirit touches them. It makes them shudder with a deathly cold feeling within them, and though I’ve felt my fair share of physical contact, I can’t say the same for when the contact is sudden.

I think I know how the living feel now.

Luna shudders along with me, though she turns with a rage in her demeanor as she demands, “What are you doing here?”

Bitterness from earlier gone, I reply quite casually, “I think I should ask you that.”

She jumps at me again. We both shudder, and a hint of that frustration is back.

“What?”

She jumps again, magic blazing. The same result. I’d be amused if it weren’t so uncomfortable.

“Enough of your tricks!” Her magic sparks stronger, an uncontrollable rage in her voice, “Reveal yourself, or I-”

“I’m dead, Prin- Luna. You can’t hurt me anymore.”

Her magic sputters with wide eyes. She almost looked upset, “Dead?”

“I didn’t know you could see ghosts.”

“Most ponies don’t.” The rage is gone, replaced by melancholy, “It’s not exactly something I talk about. Even Celestia thinks I’ve ‘grown out of it’, so to speak.”

“Can you see all of us?”

She nods, “Yes.”

“And for all those years, you never did or said anything.”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

She didn’t elaborate. She didn’t need to. I knew of her banishment, even if I had slept through it. Overhearing history wasn’t hard, but Luster had taught me so much more. I wasn’t sure if I sympathized with or pitied Luna.

“Does Twilight know you’re here?”

“No.”

“Does anypony know you’re here?”

I hesitated, but eventually nodded.

“Who?”

I chose to stay silent. Luna sighed.

“I suppose death would be lonely, but I don’t think you should get too attached.”

The bitterness was within me again, “You have no right to lecture me on what I can and can not do in my afterlife.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But I’ve seen what happens to spirits after so many years of loneliness. I fear that it would only get worse if you get too attached.”

Once again, I gave no response. Not out of stubbornness, but out of uncertainty. Being able to talk to spirits, Luna was sure to have befriended some, but so few from that long ago remained. I’d helped them first, or they’d gone vengeful. Their names had already long slipped my mind, fleeting memories like so many other things.

One still stood out among the others, however. A certain Pegasus that I’d taken everything from, yet had saved in the end. He’d been alive back then.

“Angelite. You knew him.”

She flinched at the name. It was just a painful memory now, from a time that we’d once both been familiar with.

“He’s gone now, I helped him.”

Her head shot up in surprise, and maybe a bit of anger, “Helped? But you-”

“Yes, I know. I know that it’s my fault that he met the fate he did, and it may very well be my fault that he died the way he did.” The admittance pained me, but I was a millenia too late to change anything, “But what matters now is that I ended what I’d begun. He’s gone, he’s finally at peace.”

“How do you know that for sure?”

“I don’t. But it’s what I want to believe.”

Luna stared at me, conflicted. She’d been hard to read earlier, but now there was too much to her. I couldn’t tell if she was sad, angry, relieved, or anything. It could’ve been all of them, I’d never be able to tell.

It was times like these I missed my magic, ponies used to be so easy to read.

“I’m dead, Luna.” I had to repeat it, for myself more than her, “King of the Dead. I’ve made it my duty to save all of them, even if it leaves me to the same fate they’d have without me. For everything I’ve done in life, this is my retribution.”

“Is it really retribution if you’re helping them?”

“I don’t know, Princess, is it?”

She flinched at my words, unable to speak. Perhaps she knew what I’d learned, perhaps she knew what I didn’t, and I’d just hit a sore spot. It mattered little in the long run, there was no use dwelling in the past.

Even if the past haunted me.

Her ears twitched suddenly, and I even caught a sound. Turning around, I had expected to see either Princess Twilight or even her sister approaching, but the steps were far too faint to be someone of their stature. Faint, and forever young. I turned to Luna.

A look of horror was upon her face, still unable to come to terms with the cruelties of the world even after seeing them herself. I couldn’t say I blamed her, even I had become world weary from seeing them every day.

The two skid to a stop beside me, Katydid shouting in frustration, “Hey, why’d you run off like that?”

“I didn’t want to get caught,” I replied simply, not even looking at her. My gaze continued to rest on Luna, her wide eyed stare focused on the two little ones, “But I suppose I lost that game.”

As if the two hadn’t noticed her before, both foals joyously greeted her, surprisingly by name. I wasn’t sure if it was because of familiarity with the castle, or if they’d died much more recently than I’d thought.

Luna jolted back at their voices, turning away, “I’m sorry, little ones, but I have to go.”

She walked away quickly, in the direction opposite of the dining hall. Which meant that somepony would probably be rushing out to find her soon, much to my annoyance.

Pollywog tugged at my cape, “What was her problem?”

Finally looking down at the two, I shrugged, “Stressed about the holidays, I suppose.”

“Did she say what holiday it was?” Katydid asked, “Did you remember to ask?”

“Must’ve slipped my mind,” I answered, earning a frustrated pout from the two, “Probably a boring one though. You two would’ve remembered otherwise, right?”

“Oh, yeah! We know what the good ones are!”

“That’s what I thought,” I smiled, making my way down the hall, to wherever it took me, “Come now, little ones. We’ve had our fun, it’s time for you to return back to Lullaby.”

“But I don’t want to!”

“Perhaps she knows what today is?”

Eyes widening in realization, the two took off down the hall. I had no idea if Lullaby was in this direction, or even currently awake, but I slowly followed after with the shake of my head.

Forgive me Lullaby, I can only tolerate foals for so long...

4: Reunion

Luster Dawn

The halls were empty, as they typically were this time of night. The few guards that patrolled weren’t particularly interested in this side of the castle during the darkest hours. It wasn’t as if there was much to protect over here, though I knew they were prone to wandering, just in case.

Not that I was too worried about being caught, I knew the routes and even had a few excuses ready for if I was. I doubt anypony would suspect me of doing anything shady, I was Princess Twilight’s ace student after all, and nopony knew of the secrets I held. There was no reason to suspect anything.

Though, as I quietly entered the throne room, careful as to keep the large door from creaking, I realized that I was probably about to look like I was losing my mind.

Waiting to hear the door latch, I took a deep breath, turned to the empty room and then promptly shouted, “What is wrong with you?”

Laughter erupted before me, but I stood unflinching and unimpressed as Sombra materialized on the throne. The shadows in the room rippled, a view that would’ve terrified me moons ago, but was now something I’d grown used to.

“Nothing wrong with a little fun, now is there?” He asked with a grin, oh so proud of himself, “You all shouldn’t have left yourselves open.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be trying to keep your existence secret?”

“Pah.” He waved a hoof in doubt, “Twilight’s too much of a skeptic to believe in us.”

“Okay, maybe not her, but what about the others? What if they had suspected something?”

At that, Sombra made a face. I wasn’t sure what he was feeling, perhaps uncertainty? Though I wouldn’t doubt my teacher’s lack of belief without solid evidence, a few of her friends might have been a bit more suspicious. Pinkie, and perhaps even Mother, certainly felt as if they’d be more aware of strange happenings.

“No one suspects anything,” Sombra assured. Somehow, I didn’t believe him, but I didn’t get the chance to question him before he changed the subject, “But enough of that, what have you been up to recently?”

I’d let the change of topic slide this time.

“Making friends, doing some studying, learning new spells,” I answered, “Not much to say, I’m afraid. I did get one of my friends into a rather interesting hobby though.”

Sombra tilted his head slightly, “And what would that be?”

I suppressed a grin, “Ghost hunting.”

“Ah, so this is just a game to you?” He said it in good humor, a small smile of his own hidden as he hopped out of his seat, “So how many of these new friends were hunted down then?”

“I can assure you that all my Ponyville friends are among the living.”

“If you say so.”

His ears twitched, and he turned away to someone unseen. They must’ve said something, because Sombra returned in kind, though his voice was less than a whisper. He even faded a bit as he spoke, leaving me to myself for the moment. This was all well and good, because I knew there was something else I’d wanted to talk to him about, but in my earlier frustration I’d completely forgotten about it.

“Everything alright?” I asked, once his attention was back on me.

“Yes, just keeping track of the creatures outside,” He waved a hoof, dismissing the topic, “Anything else worth noting? Any interesting scenery, perhaps?”

“Sorry, just Ponyville, Canterlot, and Everfree.” I knew he was a bit curious about locations, I imagine it would be hard not to be when you’re stuck in an eternal prison, “I have been trying to figure out a new spell, though I haven’t quite figured out how to work it yet.”

His ears perked, “What sort of spell?”

“I’m trying to figure out a spell so I can see spirits!” I exclaimed it happily, but Sombra’s good mood seemed to have gone at what I’d just said. I couldn’t be sure why, but I tried to reassure him, “It’s so you don’t have to exert so much energy. I thought you’d be happy to know this.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I’d rather you not. It’s something of an invasion of privacy, plenty of spirits haven’t revealed themselves to you for a reason.”

“I know, but-”

“Luster Dawn.”

I silenced myself, lowering my head. How did he manage to sound so much like Mother with that tone of his?

“Delving into the specifics of death is not something a mortal among the living, such as yourself, should be doing. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Sombra.”

Temptation to rebel against his orders was strong, but both Mother and Princess Twilight had already taught me well to not focus on what you can’t control. Be it time, or in this case, death, it was not mine to meddle with. Though, unlike time travel, I had a reason to be curious about spirits.

I’d think about it.

Silence befell us for the next few moments, the happy reunion somewhat soured. I tried to think of something else to say, before Sombra faded away for the night, but other than talk of Ponyville, I had nothing. Perhaps I could tell him about my friends and I’s trip to Everfree, I’d dismissed it earlier but he could still be interested.

“Did you want to hear about my trip to the Everfree Forest?”

Sombra’s ears perked, but his gaze seemed to avoid me entirely. Did he need to rest? He probably had exerted a lot of energy earlier.

“Or not. I guess we can talk tomorrow?” I turned to leave, but Sombra rushed in front of me, motioning the other way.

“Behind the throne,” He demanded, “Hide.”

“What?”

“Hide.”

His tone was serious, so I obeyed. Rushing behind the throne, my tail barely swished around before I heard the room’s large doors swing open. I needed to come up with an excuse for why I was in here, quickly. But I had to know who had barged in first. Hopefully Gallus was running a late shift, he always seemed agreeable.

“I think it’s about time I consider retiring.”

That was not Gallus.

“Don’t be an idiot, you’re like this every year.”

That was not Gallus either. I did know both voices, though I wasn’t thrilled to hear them.

“And every year I get older, don’t I?” Deadbolt shot back, tone aggressive, “It’s only natural to want to quit, especially when nothing ever happens anymore.”

“And leave your wife and children to a fate of homelessness?” Flicker Fade asked, an innocence to her voice that didn’t seem to fit. There was a silence from her before speaking again, assumedly from an inaudible response from Deadbolt, “What? Do you really think you’re going to make a living growing mushrooms?”

“Oh shut up, you and the rest of the kitchen staff buy them in bulk every couple of weeks. It’s gotta count for something.”

“Princess Twilight requests we purchase them, and I’m betting she does it out of pity. We hardly manage to use up half of them before they rot.”

“Then use them faster. If you haven’t noticed, produce is prone to rotting.”

Someone sighed beside me, and I jumped at the almost-realization of being caught, before it clicked that the voice had only been Sombra. I couldn’t see him right now, but I could feel his chill, and hear his faint whispers.

“This is an incredibly mundane conversation,” He said.

I mostly agreed with him. There was a surprising amount of tension in such an argument, and I was beginning to wonder if I should make myself known. I still had to come up with an excuse, perhaps I could just say I was admiring the stained glass in the moonlight?

Ugh, no. That was just dumb, but it was the best I could come up with. It was incredibly difficult to think with those two arguing behind me. Maybe they’d just leave? What were they even doing in the throne room, were they just here to argue?

“Look, even if I were to retire, I wouldn’t be forcing Bella to give up her farm,” Deadbolt explained, “I just want to get out of this city, not force my wife to give up her talent.”

“Fascinating words from the Unicorn who lies about his own talent.” There was the sound of a magic blast, and a surprised yell from Flicker, “Stop that! Do you want to destroy the throne room?”

“If it gets me fired, maybe.”

Sombra growled beside me. It’s a bit of a surprise that he hadn’t tried to scare them off yet.

“Are you really still going to complain about that?”

“Yes!”

Another blast of magic, and another cry of surprise. I was torn between running out and yelling at them, and hiding further. After the sound of hooves against what I could only assume was another pony’s body, I chose the latter, wordlessly begging Sombra to do something.

He still didn’t.

“Get over yourself, Bolt! It’s been what, twenty years? And you’re suddenly feeling guilty now?”

“No!” He answered far too quickly, though I had no idea what he was even guilty of, “How are you not?”

“Because it’s in the past,” Flicker scoffed. I could practically see her tail flicking. “I’d have thought you of all ponies would be grateful after all this time. I mean, you were awfully quick to go after Bella, once everything was settled.”

“I was comforting her.”

Flicker laughed. Sombra growled. I trembled.

“Oh please, you wanted her, didn’t you?” I heard hoofsteps, they didn’t seem too close, but Flicker was definitely moving, “But protective ol’ Jackie wouldn’t let you have her, would he?”

Jackie? Who were they talking about? It couldn’t have been Applejack. I knew her well enough, and this story didn’t quite feel like one she was a part of.

Another growl from Sombra, and I felt like he knew something.

A sudden yelp, followed by an echoed crash, and I barely suppressed a yelp. Deadbolt had just shot a blast of magic again, hadn’t he?

“Can’t you just stay quiet?” He shouted.

Can’t you just go away? I thought

“Why, afraid you’re gonna get caught?” Another blast, and a playful giggle from Flicker, “As far as anypony knows, he ran off years ago. You’re happily married to that dirty little farm pony, and no one suspects a thing.”

What were they talking about? There were some implications there I didn’t like.

For some reason, Deadbolt didn’t respond. Not with words or with magic, though even without looking, I could tell that Flicker was egging him on.

“Aw, are you sad?” She mocked him in a baby voice, and I heard his magic spark, “Do you miss your fwiend? Do you want to talk to the Pwincess of Fwiendship about it?”

Oh, I hate her a lot more just for that.

Deadbolt responded much more calmly than I would have, though what he said was less than expected, “Don’t act like it was my fault, you had just as much to do with his death as I did.”

Death?

“And yet it was you who finished the job. Now, tell me again, where did you hide the body?”

Body? Did she…

No.

“That’s none of your business.”

Oh no.

“A bit of a shame, really. I’m sure Jackie’d have made some fine fertilizer.”

Oh no.

My hooves covered my mouth as I gasped, horrifyingly aware of what and who they must have been talking about, but it wasn’t enough. Flicker and Deadbolt went silent, and I closed my eyes as a quiet expletive escaped Sombra. I couldn’t help but relate to that.

“Someone’s in here,” Deadbolt said, voice cold.

“Oh, now what gave you that idea?”

“Shut up, before I silence you myself,” He threatened, getting a snicker from Flicker and another hushed gasp from me, “Reveal yourself!”

Hoofsteps began to approach me.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

“This is all your fault,” He spat, no doubt toward Flicker as she snickered again, “Reveal yourself, this instant!”

Deadbolt’s voice was closer. I tried to hide, I tried to squish myself as far against the throne as I could, eyes closed. There was little doubt that he was going to kill me. I was going to die. I knew too much.

“Don’t scream.”

My eyes shot open at Sombra’s voice, but I didn’t get the chance to question him as a loud thud sounded beside me, and I fell.

I might have screamed.

Though that’s probably fair when you’re falling down a death chute.

I’m falling so fast it’s so dark-am I on a slide?

If I’d had any thought of analyzing the situation, I actually didn’t because the fall was over about as quickly as it had begun, and I opened my apparently closed eyes to see absolutely nothing. Because I was trapped alone in a pitch black room.

This was not reassuring to me, not after learning that I’m residing in the castle with a couple of murderers who wanted me dead now too. I’d yell at Sombra if it weren’t for the fact I was afraid of revealing myself, and I had no idea where he even was. I have no idea where I am.

Should I move? Would Deadbolt or Flicker Fade follow me? Did they know about this trap door? Was this the basement? Are there bloodthirsty spirits down here?

I decided it was worth the risk.

“Sombra?”

I was greeted with silence.

“Sombra?”

There was a shift in temperature, and I felt a draft. This was not a good time for theatrics, Sombra.

“Are you Luster Dawn?”

The best thing I can describe the noise that came out of my mouth would be ‘squeak’. That was not Sombra, this voice was far too gentle. I was hesitant to answer, but what was the worst that could happen?

“Yes?”

“How wonderful!” The voice was suddenly cheery, which actually did nothing to calm my fears, “King Sombra has mentioned you a few times. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“I wish I could say the same, but I can’t really see you in the dark.” Reluctantly, I ignited my horn. It did nothing to reveal the spirit talking to me, but it did reveal my location. It looked like a dungeon. “Who are you?”

“Oh, right!” The spirit formed, a pale yellow doe with wings and claws. A Peryton. “My name is Eucalyptus. I’m bound to the dungeons, so I can’t really go too far from here.”

This was a lot to take in. Mostly the fact I was actively talking to a creature I’d thought was a myth just a few months ago, albeit the spirit of one. It was a little bit awe inspiring, and I wanted to ask her so many questions, but now was not the time.

All I managed to get out of my mouth was a simple, “It’s nice to meet you too.”

Eucalyptus faded, probably to conserve strength, but she continued to talk with me, “What are you doing down here?”

“It’s a long story. Can Sombra come down to the dungeons?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“I kinda need him right now.”

“Oh! I’ll go fetch him.”

The chill faded, and I was left in silence again. Nopony had come down the death chute thus far, so I was probably safe, but I was still trapped in the dungeons all alone. Of course, Eucalyptus probably wasn’t the only spirit down here, but I wasn’t exactly eager to meet more of the creatures that died in the dungeon. Chances were good that a few of them would be less than friendly.

What was I even going to do when I got out? Did Deadbolt and Flicker Fade recognize my scream? Was it even safe to leave the dungeon? Nopony used it anymore, but if anypony did, it would be a murderer, right?

Were there dead bodies down here?

Nope. Not even thinking about it. Disgruntled spirits were one thing, I am not going to think about rotting corpses.

I didn’t want to be down here. But I didn’t want to be up there, either. Somepony wanted to hurt me now, why wouldn’t they? I knew something that I wasn’t supposed to know.

“Dang it, Sombra, where are you?”

I didn’t feel safe. I needed somepony to make me feel safe, and Sombra did that.

It was so tempting to shout, to call out to anyone, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to stay hidden, I had to try and stay calm. I was failing at that last one.

“Luster!”

Oh thank Twilight.

“Sombra!” I couldn’t see him, he hadn’t fully formed himself, “Where are you?”

“I’m here.” I felt his chill, and it calmed me slightly, “I’m right beside you. Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

“I figured that much, you’re crying. How about physically?”

“Crying?” I wiped my eyes with my arm. Sure enough, it came back damp, “Physically, yes.”

“Good. Follow me.”

He formed beside me, just enough so I could see a shadow in the darkness. It was rather ominous, but knowing it was Sombra reassured me immensely. There was no telling how capable he would be against somepony alive, but his presence alone was enough to get my heartrate down.

I still didn’t feel entirely safe though, what was I supposed to do when we got back out? I couldn’t just go to bed, I needed to tell somepony about what I heard.

“I need to tell Princess Twilight about what just happened,” I whispered.

“No.”

“What? But we have a murderer in the castle! What if he tries to-”

“That’s not what I meant,” Sombra interrupted, “You’re just not going to tell her anything yet. I’m sure it’s tempting, but I need to settle something else first.”

“But what if they go after somepony else?” Like Princess Twilight’s friends, Lil’ Cheese, my parents, “They’re all in danger!”

“They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

He stopped at a wall, either passing through it, or just fading away. I paused at it, dimming my horn, unsure what to do.

“Sombra?”

“I’m still here,” He confirmed, “This wall is a trap door, but I don’t want you to activate it just yet. I’m going to fetch someone to escort you to your room.”

“Who?”

“The only pony that can help us in this situation.”

He was gone before I could question him further.

Author's Note

Originally, I'd wanted to add an illustration into the story, but I also wanted one more update before the year ended. So here it is, one last chapter of the year, for our favorite Cliche but Not Quite a Murder Mystery.

I'll add the illustration once it's finished (And will mention it in a blog post, most likely). Here's hoping I can write more next year!