Chapters “It’s been a week since the wedding,” I said pacing back and forth in Fluttershy’s living room.
“Yes, it has, what are you so worried about?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Nothing! But, is it too soon to call Twilight and ask her if I can talk to her?” I said that too fast, she’s not going to believe it's nothing.
“Well, it shouldn’t be, but isn’t it a little concerning to Sombra that you always want to be around her?”
Crap! I haven’t thought this through. “I mean, it shouldn’t be, Twilight has always been an honest mare, why would she be dishonest now?”
“People can change, but if you want to talk to her so badly, then you should do it.”
“Mama! Look what I can do!” said Harmony, Fluttershy’s daughter, as she galloped over.
“What is it sweetie?” Fluttershy responded, turning so she was facing Harmony.
Harmony smiled then flapped her little wings until she was about 6 inches off the ground. “See me mama! I can fly!”
“Wonderful! Go show papa, he’d love to see you fly.” Fluttershy giggled.
“Alright!” and with that, Harmony galloped outside, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Anyway,” Flutttershy turned back to face me, trying not to move too much. “Go talk to her, I’m sure she’d love to see you.”
“I will, thanks Fluttershy!” I said as I walked over to her, and lightly hugged her.
“You’re very welcome Luna.” Fluttershy said as she kindfully accepted the hug.
“Do you want me to get Discord on my way out? I think you might need some help moving until you give birth.”
“That would be appreciated, thanks,” Fluttershy smiled.
I walked out of her cozy little house, and I saw Discord with Harmony. “Discord, Fluttershy might need some help.” I winked and stretched my wings in preparation to fly.
“Alright then, thank you for stopping by!” Discord waved and started walking inside with Harmony.
“Thank you for having me!” and with that I took off. Seeing Fluttershy and her family had been nice, but it only increased the ache of the want for my own family. There was only one pony I would want to share that with, but of course, she had gotten married, so she was off-limits. My mind started to wander, thinking about Twilight, her with that.. Monster. [I gritted my teeth. It may be contradicting, since I had been one myself, but that was a different side of me, Sombra didn’t have that. He was only Sombra, there was no “dark side” to him, it was just him, and that was his only form.
I landed at the castle entrance, and took a deep breath before walking towards the door. There were two guards at the door, they must’ve been new since I hadn’t seen them before.
“Hello, I’m here to see Queen Twilight Sparkle,” I said.
“Do you have an invite?” said the bigger, yet shorter brown stallion.
“No, I don’t. I just came here to talk.”
“I think you have to have an invite to come in, sorry.”
“Dude, let her in. That’s Princess Luna, I’m sure she’s not here to hurt Queen Twilight or King Sombra,” said the lanky orange stallion.
“Oh, sorry Princess,” the brown stallion bowed. “You may go in.”
The orange stallion opened the large doors with his magic.
“Thank you,” I bowed. “Have a nice day.” I walked in and the doors closed behind me.
I remember these halls, going through here is like muscle memory. The beautiful, large colored windows let in light of different color. I stopped just before the door into the throne room. I sighed, and opened the doors.
“Luna?!” Twilight gasped. She had been reading, like she always was.
“Hey Twilight,” I bowed.
“No need to bow silly, I’m not uptight about that.” she walked down to pull me into a tight embrace. I didn’t want to let her go, but all good things had to come to an end.
“What do you want to talk about?” Twilight asked as she summoned me to follow her onto the balcony.
“Nothing in particular,” I looked at the ground. I felt selfish, but I couldn’t help it.
“Well, that's ok. We can find something to talk about. Anything to get away from royalty talk.” she sat down. “Where’d you come from? I thought you had already flown off with Celestia.”
“I decided to stay. At least for a little while. Celestia stayed too, she has just been in the house we’re staying at, relaxing.” I sat down beside her. It may have been too close, but friends sit close, right?
“Oh, well that's great! It means I can still see you ponies,” she smiled. She had a very pretty smile.
“Yes, I’m glad I get to see you.” Maybe a little too glad. “So what have you been up to?”
“Well, obviously I have my duties as queen to fulfill. I don’t know how you ponies did it.” She looked out into the distance, where she would eventually set the sun. “Since it hasn’t been terribly busy, I’ve gotten to spend a lot more time with Sombra. He’s very sweet, and I think soon enough he’ll be good enough where he doesn’t have restricted magic!”
I stared at my hooves in horror. Without restriction? Was she crazy? He could do whatever he wants with her if that happens.“Well that's great!” I said trying to sound convincing.
“I know! Then it’ll be perfect! He will be free, and we can enjoy our lives!”
She’s never this excited, yes, she can be excited, but her talking about him like this, makes me feel like something’s up, but what can I do.
“He’s perfect Luna, you have to get to know him.” she looked at me. “Are you ok?”
I lifted my head up and put on my “I’m ok” smile. “Yes, Twi, don’t worry about me.” we were inches away, I could smell the perfume she had, roses, it was different, a more mature scent, but still nice. All good things come to an end, because Sombra had walked out to the balcony to join us.
“Well, hello Luna. I wasn’t aware you were coming,” Sombra walked over with a tray of teacups and tea. “Good thing I brought an extra cup.” he smirked.
“Thank you honey. You know you don’t have to make tea everyday.” Twilight got up to rub Sombra’s snout with her own.
“It’s no problem, really.” He started pouring tea into the three cups. “Here you go Luna.” He lifted the cup with his magic and I instinctively took the cup with my own.
“Thanks,” I looked in the cup and sniffed the tea. Some sort of herbal blend.
He gave a cup to Twilight and then lifted his own, Twi had put her wing around Sombra, but I tried not to pay too much attention to it. We drank our tea in silence, all that was heard was the rustle in the leaves from the breeze.
“I should get going, I don’t want my sister to worry.” I said, putting down my cup.
“Alright, it was nice seeing you Luna. I hope I see you again soon.” Twilight said, getting up to hug me.
“Yes, it was nice to see you,” Sombra said. It sounded like he forced out the word “nice”, but it didn’t bother me, I didn’t want to see him anyway.
“Goodbye,” I waved with my wing. I began to wall back through the halls to the entrance doors. Nothing had changed since I was here last, except for the smell. It smelt different, older, but I’m probably imagining things. I looked at the windows with the art and history, still, nothing changed. I hope Twilight will be ok, I don’t really trust Sombra, but she seems happy, and that's all that matters, right? I hadn’t realized how fast I’d been walking and I almost ran into the doors. I opened them and got ready for flight. That's all that matters, Twilight’s happiness. With that in mind, I lifted off and headed towards the house.
“When did she stop by?” Sombra motioned towards Luna, flying away.
“Not that long ago, why,” I said confused.
“I was just wondering. I feel like you spend more time with her than with me. I am your husband. I just want you safe, and honest to me.” he emphasized the word “your”. I didn’t like when he did that, it meant he didn’t trust me.
“What? We’ve spent almost every minute together since our marriage, you can’t get mad every time a friend does a surprise visit. You should not be so controlling.” I didn’t want to seem mad, but that's how it came out.
He walked in front of me and lowered his head so our eyes met. “You should stop seeing Luna, you got that.” he whispered.
“Yes Sombra.” I was in a daze, he wasn’t using magic against me, right? He wouldn’t, he has to love me for real, it’s not fake.
“Good. Now lets have you set the sun, and we’ll go inside.” he smirked.
“Yes.” I stood up and went to the edge. The way he said that, I didn’t like it, but he can’t do anything to hurt me, I think. With that, I used the strategy and power that Celestia and Luna had taught me. Luna.. Why didn’t he want me to see her? It's not like she likes me, or we’re screwing around. I shook the thought and finished setting the sun and rising the moon.
“Lets go inside now,” I turned and smiled towards him. He stared into my eyes, and I got dizzy again. I walked over to him and leaned lightly on his flank, and we walked to our room. It was a big room. That was usual for royalty. Big, luxurious, over-the-top things. The bed had red drapes around it, they had always been tied up against the bedpost, I wonder if they could close, and why you would close them. I took off my shoes and crown, and set them nicely in the drawer I always kept them in, nothing new. I pulled the white comforter back, so I could get under them and sleep.
“Are you hungry?” Sombra asked me.
“No. Thank you for asking though.” I had replied without any real thought, I just wanted to try and sleep off this daze I felt.
“Alright, I’m going to grab something, don’t fall asleep too fast.” he winked and walked off.
I laid down, and I felt as if I was under a spell, but who could have put it on me? Luna would never, she cares about me too much. Sombra, I don’t think he would. After all, we are married and we trust one another, so there would be no reason for him to do so. Whatever, sleep always helps. I pulled the comforters over me and curled up. I was just about to doze off until I heard his voice.
“Twilly, you’re not asleep, are you?” Sombra came over to see my face.
“Shhh, I want to sleep. Leave me be,” I grunted and turned over.
He got on top of me and rolled me onto my back. “Are you sure Twilly?” he whispered.
“Sombra.” I sighed, I just wanted to sleep, is that too much to ask? “I’m exhausted, and I want to sleep, can’t you just be a listening husband?” I rolled onto my stomach and shoved my face into my pillow.
“Come on Twilly. What did you do today that was so exhausting?” He had gotten over to his own side of the bed. “Did Luna do it to you? Is she the reason you’re so tired? You’re screwing around with her, aren’t you.”
“No, why would I screw with her, I just married you.” I turned to face him, but I didn't quite look into his eyes.
“I don’t know. All you did today was read, and then Luna came to ‘talk’ with you. There is nothing exhausting that you did today.”
“I- my head is spinning, and I feel dizzy. I didn’t feel that way until after you realized Luna showed up. So I have a question, are you controlling me. I don’t think you are, but I need to ask anyway.”
“Why would I control you. It was probably Luna. She is the reason you feel this way, so you can’t trust her, got it.” he got closer to look into my eyes.
“Yes, she is the reason I feel this way.” I replied. Although, I don’t think it was me responding, but I know I don’t have a disorder, so I’m probably just tired.
“Now, do you want to do anything before we sleep?” He kissed me. He wants something out of me, but I’m not sure what.
“No babe. I just want to sleep.” I closed my eyes, the dizziness was overwhelming.
“Oh, alright.” He turned away from me with a sad face. I had never seen that face on him before. I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not, because he had turned away.
“What do you want.” I was losing patience, I just wanted to sleep, but I want to make sure he is ok.
“I want to do something.” He turned back towards me, with a smirk.
“Don’t tell me..”
“Please,” he pressed his nuzzle against mine, “we haven’t done it because you’ve either been too busy, or you said ‘let’s wait’.” he mocked.
“Not tonight, I don’t think I have the energy to do it.”
“I’m tired of waiting, Twilight,” he was growing mad. “I’m sure you’ve done it before.”
“I haven’t, I’ve never had time for that.” I didn’t want to open my eyes, I was just starting to feel better.
“Lies! There is no way that Luna is over this much, and yet you’re not screwing around with her! I won’t believe it!” he started yelling, not yet at full volume, but still loud.
“Why would I do that! I would’ve never gotten with you if I was screwing with her!” I was sitting upright, screw being dizzy, I needed to prove my point.
“If you weren’t, you would have already done it with me.” he glared.
He was trying to guilt trip me, I knew it. I wasn’t going to give in easily. “Go find another mare that’ll give you the pleasures you want if you're so worried about it. I’m sorry I have responsibilities.” That wasn’t entirely true, I wasn’t really busy, I just said I had stuff going on to avoid it. It’s not that I don’t like him, I just feel I need to be sure.
“Maybe I will then!”
I looked at the sheets. I was at a loss for words. He had been mad in the past, but this was a different type, why? I’m not sure.
“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “Just most couples aren’t holding back, or waiting and waiting and waiting.”
“I know.” I didn’t dare look up.
He then pinned me to the bed, one hoof on my chest. “Look at me,” he said. I gave in to it, I looked at him.
“You want to do it,” he stared into my eyes, I got dizzy again. The urge grew suddenly, I had never felt this way before.
“Yes, of course,” I smiled.
“Then it's settled.” He locked lips with me. It was violent, but with passion. It felt.. great.
I woke up early. I typically don’t, but I needed to talk to Celestia. I got out of the warm bed I had been in, it was nice, not having an extravagant room. Just a simple blue sheeted bed, with a simple wooden bedpost. I walked out into the living room, Celestia was up. Of course she was, she enjoyed the daytime.
“Good morning sister,” Celestia said, turning around.
“Morning.” I said. She could tell something was up, your sibling always knew if something was wrong, that's what happens when you grow up with someone you spend all your time with.
“What’s up Lu, you look sick.” she had gotten up to feel my forehead. “You’re not hot. So is something bothering you?”
“I’m fine, but I do wanna talk to you.” I walked over to the pillows that were on the ground and sat on one. Celestia had done the same.
“What’s on your mind Lu?” she looked at me.
“It’s about Twilight. I feel like something is up between her and Sombra.”
“What could be up with them? They just married, and Twilight says he is adjusting greatly, and that he might be able to be off of restriction.”
“Tia, do you really believe that Sombra could change.”
“Well, of course. You changed, and look at you now” she smiled. She didn’t get what I was trying to say.
“Yeah, but I feel like Sombra is using her, that’s all.” I started fiddling with a loose string on the pillow.
“I see. I think you’re overreacting, but thank you for telling me. Anything else on your mind?”
I stopped to look back up at her. “How do you get rid of feelings?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” she looked baffled.
“Like, if I were to like someone in a ‘I want to be more than friends’ way, and I couldn’t be with them, what do I do?”
“Hmm. Well, I would suggest talking to this somepony, and seeing how they feel about it.”
“And if this somepony is married?”
“Why are you- oh, I see, you like Twilight, that's why you're asking about Sombra, and feelings.”
“You caught me.” I said sarcastically.
“Well, dear, that is complicated. Again, you could always confront her about it. When Sombra isn't around, obviously. Maybe it’ll help.”
“I will. Thank you sis,” I got up and hugged her.
“Anything for you Lu.” she accepted the hug.
I went back to my room, and put on my shoes. I did step back from ruling, but I still wore them because they were comfortable. Now, of course, metal isn’t very comfortable, but it reminded me of happy memories, that was why it was comfortable. I put on my crown, and walked into the kitchen. From there I grabbed a cupcake, made by Pinkie Pie and her kids, ate it, then trotted outside. I stretched my wings and breathed in the morning air, I could see the pegasi push the clouds away to reveal a bright sun. I took off for flight, looking down at the houses as the filly’s gallop off to school, excited for the new day. I smiled. I saw the stallions kiss their mares goodbye, and head off to wherever they worked. One day, I thought. I saw the castle, and I started my descent to the ground. I trotted up to the doors, it was the same guards as yesterday.
“Hello boys,” I smiled. I was in a great mood, and I had a good feeling about today.
“Hello princess Luna,” they both bowed. The lanky orange stallion opened the door.
“Thank you,” I bowed, and walked in. I got to the throne room faster than I usually did, and opened the doors. I saw Twilight sitting in her chair, she looked exhausted.
“Hey Twi,” I trotted up and bowed.
“I was wondering if you wanna go into town with me today.” I looked at her.
“No. How could you mess with me yesterday, and then pretend nothing happened, and want to hang out with me?”
“Twilight, I have no idea what you're talking about, did you sleep at all last night?”
She stood up. “Don’t play dumb with me Luna! I felt perfectly fine all day yesterday until you showed up. After you left I felt awful! I can’t believe you would do that.” she was upset.
“Twilight, I’ve done nothing! Why would I do that to you?” the more she got mad, the more I was confused.
“You got some nerve. Why should I believe you. Why should I believe that you didn’t use magic on me, hm?”
“I care about you way too much to even think about using my magic against you. I think you should get some sleep, then come to terms that it was Sombra who did it.”
She gasped. “You think Sombra, my husband, would use magic against me? You’re delusional Luna.”
“I’m only saying this because I love you! I wouldn’t even have come if I didn’t love you! So I’m telling you this now, whether you're in the right headspace or not. I love you Twilight, and I’m sorry I didn’t act upon it sooner, because now you've turned against me, because of him.”
“Sombra was right! You just wanted to take me away from him! Leave now, before I get the guards.” She glared. This wasn’t normal, but she gets her way, and I respect that.
“Have a nice day Twilight,” I bowed and walked off. I had to hold in my tears. Why would she believe Sombra over me? Whatever, it was obvious she wasn’t in the right headspace, maybe I come back after she’s gotten some real sleep.
I opened the doors to outside, almost crushing the two guards. I took off flying. I couldn’t hold back anymore, I started crying. I’ll find a way to get her out of his trance. I know I will, I”ll read every spellbook. I’d rather die than let her be with him for the rest of her life. I stopped midair, debating whether I should go to Celestia, or talk to somepony else first. I could go to Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack and Rainbow Dash lived. It would be nice to see them, I haven’t talked to them in a while. I started heading towards the farm. Once I went into the property lines, I lowered myself. I typically love the smells here, but my crying had clogged up my nose. I landed just before the doorway. I walked over to the old barn door, and knocked. I heard hoofsteps inside coming towards the door. The orange mare had opened the door.
“Well hello Luna. Are you ok?” said Applejack. I remembered how much I missed her accent.
“I’m not ok, I came here to talk, is that alright?” I asked.
“Of course ya can sugar. Dash! We got company!” she yelled down the hall.
“Well, who is it?” Rainbow Dash walked in. “Oh, hi Luna,” she smiled.
“Hey,” I tried to smile, but tears came up again and I started crying.
“Sugarcube, don’t cry, come on in. Come talk.” Applejack nudged me towards their living room. It was small, and was decorated with green and orange tones. I laid on the ground and buried my head into my arms.
“What’s wrong, I’ve never seen ya this upset,” Applejack sat beside me, brushing my hair down with her hoof.
“Sombra is what's wrong,” my tears wouldn’t stop.
“What about Sombra? I thought he was all fine with Twilight.” Rainbow Dash walked in questioning.
“He-he..” I couldn’t seem to get the words out.
“Shhh, it’s alright, you talk when you’ve calmed down sugar.” Applejack got up. “Goldie! Come down here please!”
“Coming mother!” I heard a voice, a colt’s voice. It must’ve been one of Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s kids.
“Here. What do you need, mother?” I picked my head up. He was a caramel colored colt, with a yellow mane like Applejack, but had a rainbow on the back, like Rainbow Dash. He had Applejack’s hat, which was a little too big.
“Can you stay with her, I need to get ya siblings.” Applejack asked.
“Of course mother,” he smiled and walked up to me. “My name is Golden Delicious.”
“Well, hello there. I’m Luna.” I tried my best to put on a smile, but it didn’t work.
“You don’t need to smile to try and seem like you’re fine. I can see that something is troubling you.” Golden said. I respected that, he had learned well from his parents.
“Well, I have to go. I would’ve asked Dash to stay with ya, but she can’t stay still for 5 minutes before she wanna go do somethin’.” Applejack laughed.
“Hey!” Dash exclaimed.
“You’re comin’ with me Dash.” Applejack said.
“Fine. Don’t get into any trouble while we’re gone.” Dash looked specifically at Goldie.
“If anythin’ the twins’ll get into trouble, and that’s why we’re pickin’ em up.” Applejack rolled her eyes teasingly.
“Yeah, yeah. Bye bud.” Dash ruffled Goldie’s hair.
“Bye y’all. We’ll be back!” Applejack said and the two mares walked out the door.
“You have a very good family,” I said.
“Yeah, I couldn’t feel happier. Now, do you want anything?” Goldie asked.
“I’m ok, thank you.”
“Alright, well if you need to talk, I’m here. I’m very good at keeping secrets.” he smiled.
“I bet you are,” I chuckled. Talking to younger ponies was easier, for the most part.
The caramel colt started staring at my hair, in amazement. “Your hair is pretty. How did you get it?”
“Well, most princesses, once they rule, they become more powerful, and in Equestria, your hair floats.”
“Wow. That's so cool!”
“Yeah, it's pretty cool..” I thought about Twilight. It stung, and I winced.
“Are you ok? Are you injured?” he got up and walked around me, looking for wounds.
“No, I’m all good, just memories,” I teared up again.
“Don’t cry!” He went over to my side and laid next to me. He pressed his soft flank against mine, trying to comfort me, I guessed. I didn’t realize how tired I was, because I could feel sleep creeping up on me, but I wanted it to come, so I gave in.
I was running. Running from something. It felt like my legs were giving out, but I had to keep going, but why. I slowed down to look back. It was Twilight, although it wasn’t her. She was a darker, duller color, and had red eyes. The eyes reminded me of Sombra.
“Twilight?” I said.
“You betrayed me Luna, I thought I could trust you!” she hissed. This wasn’t her.
“I never have!”
“Leave, before I get Sombra in on this.” she smirked. That wasn’t her smirk, it was Sombras.
“I’ve done nothing!” I was growing anxious, I just wanted her safe, and it was obvious she wasn’t.
“You used magic against me to try to get me to turn on Sombra, so you take me away from him!” she yelled. It appeared that she had been ripped in half, revealing Sombra. He laughed.
“You’re a fool. You’ll never get Twilight, not until I get what I want.” he growled.
“What do you want?” I got in a stance ready to attack.
He walked over to me, and whispered, “You’ll see.” he leaped on me.
I woke up with tears and a scream. I was still in the barn of Sweet Apple Acres. I gasped to catch my breath.
“Are you ok?” Goldie had gotten up from the side of me, he looked at me with worried eyes.
“Y-yeah. How long have I been sleeping?” I asked him.
“For a couple hours.” Dash trotted in. “You good?”
“Yes. I’m going to head over to the house.” I tried to get up but my knees wouldn’t hold, I collapsed.
“You’re not goin’ anywhere in that condition,'' Applejack said. She walked over to help me onto her couch. She grabbed a blanket to lay over me.
“I’ll be fine. I need to get to Celestia.” I said, my voice was hoarse.
“How about you stay here for the night, and if you're better in the morning, you can go.” Applejack was stubborn, so I didn’t continue arguing.
“Fine.” I groaned.
“Good,” Applejack smiled.
“Who’s that?” A little filly waddled in. She was pretty, a very light blue coat with a rainbow mane. The only difference between her and Dash was her eyes, they were green like Applejacks'.
“This is Luna, and she’s staying here for the night.” Dash said.
The filly gasped. “Wow!”
Applejack chuckled. “Be nice, she’s goin’ through a hard time right now.”
“I will mother,” the filly walked over, mesmerized. “You’re pretty.”
“Thank you, what’s your name?” I propped myself up.
“I’m Serene Skies,” the filly smiled.
“That’s a pretty name, and you're pretty too,” I did my best smile I could manage.
“Thank you!” Serene jumped on the couch next to me.
“You’re welcome.”
I heard a playful scream, and laughter came after. Two more fillies appeared from the hall, laughing. Both of them were a caramel color, but one had a short rainbow mane, without the green, and the other a long yellow mane, with blue and green stripes going through it.
“And there’s the twins,” Dash said. “Come here, we want you to meet someone.”
“Who?” the rainbow maned colt said.
“Luna,” Dash said. The twins were instantly intrigued, they walked over. “Say hello and your names.”
“Hello, I’m Rouge,” the rainbow maned colt said. He wasn’t shy at all.
“Hi, I’m Apple Pie,” the filly said, behind her brother.
“Hello to you too,” I tried to smile again. Faking was hard.
“Well, would you look at the time,” Applejack looked at the clock on the wall.
“Aw man,” Rouge said.
“Yep, time your y’all to go to sleep.” Applejack gathered all of the filly’s, but Golden Delicious stayed.
“Can I stay here with Luna?” Goldie asked.
“If it's alright with Luna, then yes.” Applejack walked off with the fillies in front of her.
“May I stay with you, please.” Goldie looked over at me.
“Yes, you can,” I said, laying down.
“Yay!” he hopped on the couch and curled up next to me.
Pressing his soft flank up next to mine, he sighed and instantly fell asleep. I was no where near tired, so I decided to think about what had happened in my nightmare. Sombra wanted something, but what? He had the throne, because of Twilight. They said that he'll be over of surveillance over his magic soon. He has the power, money, and everything he'd wanted in the past. So what else. He has an alicorn wrapped around him, but maybe he wants another one. He wouldn't be able to get Cadence, Celestia, or me. We'd find out and banish him immediately.
My mind wandered to Flurry Heart. The alicorn-born filly. She is a very strong filly, that was proven at birth. She has grown to control herself more, but it still gets the best of her at times. To be honest, she could be stronger than some of us if she really tried. So maybe... I shuddered at the thought. There is no way. He is in no way a father figure.
Maybe I'm just overthinking.
