Babysitting a Princess

Chapters

Chapter One: Getting Things Done
Chapter Two: A Terrible Idea
Chapter Three: A Not so Bright and Sunny Day
Chapter Four: Cleanup on Aisle Everything
Chapter Five: A Not So Good Waste of Time
Chapter Six: Not so Sweet Visit
Chapter Seven: A Weird Encounter
Chapter Eight: An Early Pickup
Epilogue: The Uncomfortable Ride Home
Prologue: The Sun’s a Rising

Chapter One: Getting Things Done

King Sombra is currently in the process of cleaning the dishes, and the entire kitchen floor. Reason… ? He just got back from Somnambula’s village from a vacation, and he got sand all over himself and the floor too… . Also because he just ate some food because he was hungry. Well… , technically it wasn’t a vacation; as he had to return so that way he’ll expect someone… . Knowing or not who, he wasn’t happy about it. But either way he was okay with it; as long as it doesn’t go too bad once this mysterious pony arrives… . At least.

“Okay… “ Sombra said while he’s preparing to clean up the kitchen floor. “I can do this… . I can sweep this area, and the rest of the castle without so much as getting a single grain of sand anywhere else… . Okay now… . Let’s do this… .” He then took a deep breath, and began sweeping.

Soon he was actually almost done, when suddenly he heard a small knock on the door. Curious as to who it could be, he started to approach. Unfortunately, due to the fact that there’s still some sand on the floor, it made it all grainy and slippery… . And because of that, Sombra began to slip, and fall with a thud.

Hearing what happened, the mysterious stranger at the door gasped, asked; “are you alright?” and then magically teleported themselves inside the castle.

Groaning in pain, Sombra attempts to get up, and see who it was that intruded into his home… . But before he could, he heard the voice again; this time sounding familiar, and it said; “are you alright Sombra? What happened to you?!” Realizing who it was, Sombra looked to a small pony with a white coat, swirled purple mane with blue streaks, and a backpack to her back, before asking whilst still in pain; “F-Flurry Heart? W-what’re you doing here… ?” Flurry Heart sighs, and then responded; “I just wanted to see if you were okay, and… . I miss you.” Sombra chuckles, but with a slight cough due to the fall he had, and then asks; “that’s really sweet and all… , but what’re you really doing here? Surely it couldn’t be because of that reason… , right?” Flurry Heart whimpered, knowing the true answer to that question, and then sighs before replying back; “it’s mostly that… . But it’s also because my parents wanted you to babysit me… . Again.”

Sombra then got up in a flash; already feeling much better, and then asks; “seriously… ? I mean… , aren’t you a little old by now to be babysat?” Flurry Heart sniffled and whined a little before saying; “yeah… . But they won’t listen!” Sombra then knelt down; still feeling slightly sore, and then says; “there there… . It’s alright. You’re fine… .” Flurry Heart then swatted his hoof away, and says; “no it’s not!” in a slightly raised voice. Sombra then got up, and said; “eh that may be… . But so what? It’s not like that they always do this… . Right… ?” Flurry Heart sniffled and looked at him with tears running down her cheeks a little. Realizing what that meant, Sombra replied; “oh… . You’re serious… .” Flurry Heart then nodded, and knelt down to cry and sniffle softly.

Sombra then sighs, approached her, knelt down to her level, and said; “hey hey… , it’s okay… . Look. At least you’ll be able to hang out with me. Right?” Flurry Heart sniffled, and then looked up to him whilst nodding; “uh huh… .” Sombra then replied; “right!” and patted her back. “So it’ll all be fine… ! And besides… . It’s not like that things’ll get any worse… . Right?” Flurry Heart sniffled, then nodded whilst saying; “okay…” and wiping her tears away.

Sombra then proceeded to pick up Flurry Heart, and then asked; “would you like something to eat in the meantime? I got something good that I can cook up for you. Would you like that?” Flurry Heart nodded; “uh huh… .” and then hugged Sombra because she’s still feeling bad. “Okay… ” he replied. “Let’s get ya something to eat… .” But before he could, he took one step, and slipped… ; this time not falling down. Looking at Flurry Heart, Sombra then said; “let’s watch our steps… .” and then looked down at the floor. Flurry Heart agreed, and nodded her head in agreement. With that, Sombra tried again, and proceeded to walk to the kitchen, but slowly this time… .

After eating their meals, Sombra then asked; “you wanna do something else now?” Flurry Heart nodded, and got off her seat. Sombra did too, and noticed something peculiar about what she’s wearing… . Snickering, Sombra asked; “you’re still wearing those… ?” Flurry Heart looked towards him with a smirk, then says; “hey, if I’m wearing these, then don’t make fun of me! Otherwise I’m making you wear them while you’re asleep. Understand?” Sombra chuckles, and then says; “whatever you say baby princess… .” and proceeds to pick up Flurry Heart. With that, she playfully punched him; which didn’t hurt, and then she says; “got ya!” in a slight toddlerish tone. With that, Sombra replied; “now you’re getting it!” and proceeds to raspberry Flurry Heart, which caused her to squeal with laughter.

But before he could stop, he then heard a slight hissing noise, and looked down at her diaper. Realizing that she just had an accident, Flurry Heart looked down in shock, and then looked back at Sombra with slight embarrassment and a look as if she’s gonna cry. Sombra chuckles, then says; “it happens, right?” and raspberries her again before stopping. Flurry Heart laughed at that, and then nodded; “yeah… , it does… haha.” Sombra then says; “let’s get this taken care of… .” and proceeded to walk with Flurry Heart to his room so he could change her.

After changing her, Sombra then took a look into Flurry Heart’s backpack. Seeing as she’s gotten a lot of supplies; (a mixture of toddler and big filly stuff), he then asked; “so, what do you wanna do now… ?” Thinking about it, then having an idea, Flurry Heart gasped; “I got an idea!” and took Sombra by the hoof. Something tells Sombra that this day has only just begun… .

Chapter Two: A Terrible Idea

Sombra is just frowning while looking at himself in the mirror. Reason? Simple!

“I… hate… you… .” Sombra said as he’s currently dressed up in a over the top puffy dress, and had some makeup on his face… ; non toxic of course just in case Flurry Heart were to accidentally ingest some if she were to use it on herself as well.

Flurry Heart was giggling to herself, and then replied; “oh it’s not so bad… . It’s actually kinda funny! Hehe.” Sombra sighs, not wanting to get mad at Flurry Heart for doing something childish, and then says; “you know what… ? Let’s try something else… , okay? Cuz I don’t think that I can handle one more game of dress up like this… . Trust me.” Flurry Heart whined while looking sad, and said; “oh you’re no fun… .” and uses her magic to turn Sombra back to normal… ; while also putting the dress and makeup kit back in her backpack. How does she hold a lot of stuff inside is up to debate.

Sighing and rubbing his face, Sombra said; “so… . Since you apparently have made me look ridiculous… ; in my opinion… . What do you wanna do next?” Flurry Heart didn’t answer as she then began crying; thinking that for starters… ; Sombra is mad at her. And secondly… ; she’s feeling bad for having her fun of dress up disappearing just like that. Sombra sighs again, and begins to pick her up. “You’ll be fine… . You’re not exactly a baby anymore… , but it’s okay.” Flurry Heart was hitting the air as she was picked up. After she was placed on one of Sombra’s shoulders, she began to hit Sombra; though it didn’t hurt. Unfortunately the reason why is because she hitted one of Sombra’s armor pieces without realizing it, and it hurt… .So with that, Flurry Heart said; “owie… .” and began sucking on her injured hoof.

Sombra saw this, smiles, and pats her back while rubbing it to help Flurry Heart feel comfortable. She then glared at him, and said; “don’t get used to it… .” while still having her hoof in her mouth. “Eh… , fair.” Sombra shrugs as he’s still carrying Flurry Heart.

Flurry Heart eventually calmed down, sighs to calm herself down once more, and then she says; “c-can we play something else… ? I promise I won’t make you look girly… .” Sombra snickered, and says; “hey… . It’s not the worst thing that happened to me. If anything… , Tirek looked a lot more girly than me when Cozy Glow gave both of us a makeover too.” Flurry Heart gasped, and then asked; “she did? Why?! You hate makeovers!” Sombra sighs, chuckles, and then says; “eh… true… . But I was too distracted to even notice because I was laughing my flank off to Tirek’s girlish attire, hahaha.” Flurry Heart laughs also, but softly though… , as she’s starting to feel a little bit tired for some reason… . She soon followed with a yawn, and fell asleep on Sombra’s shoulder while still having a hoof to her mouth.

Seeing this, Sombra smiles, hugs Flurry Heart one last time, and then says; “sweet dreams little princess… . It’s gonna be a big day tomorrow… .” before walking to Flurry Heart’s room in his home to tuck her into bed.

Chapter Three: A Not so Bright and Sunny Day

Flurry Heart and King Sombra are fast asleep. They’ve had a rough day yesterday, and are secretly hoping that both of them will get a good day together for once. But unfortunately, they’ll soon find out that it won’t be easy as expected… . Only time will tell… .

“I’m so tired… “ Sombra said as he’s starting to wake up. “It’s been like what, four days since I last saw you?” Flurry Heart woke up with a yawn, and said; “twy five… . And… .” Flurry soon paused as she then winced and put a hoof to her back before saying; “owie… . Dat huwrt… .” Sombra shrugged, and then said; “maybe next time, you get a spa day with Rarity. It’ll help with backaches.” before stretching, heard his own back crack, and then continued by saying; “ow… . Yeah… . Spa day it is then… .” and then both Flurry Heart and Sombra collapsed back onto Sombra’s bed since they haven’t gotten off yet due to being asleep recently.

Sombra began dreaming of a life with Queen Chrysalis surprisingly… , as he’s probably having feelings for her… . Or not… . Who knows… ? And as for Flurry Heart… , it depends since she’s four or five after all… .

Flurry Heart is in the guest bathroom brushing her teeth, and getting Sombra to help her with going potty since she doesn’t know how to take her diaper off to do so; despite the fact that she’s done that plenty of times as an infant and went diaper-less temporarily.

After that, Sombra went to his own bathroom to get ready for the day by showering, brushing his teeth, and also closing the door so he could have his privacy because he needs to go to the bathroom too.

Eventually, Sombra and Flurry Heart met each other in the kitchen, and went to get breakfast together; since Flurry Heart was playing with her toys to pass the time while it was Sombra’s turn to get ready for the day… . And also because she was feeling bored…. . That’s all.

“Sombwa?” Flurry Heart asked in a slight baby tone. “What’s dewre to eat?” Sombra sighs, and replies; “I don’t know kid… . Would you like some cereal?” Flurry Heart looked to the only cereal box in the kitchen, and says while wincing; “looks yucky… . Yuck!” Sombra sighs again, and replies back; “well what else do you want? Cuz that’s all I got.” Flurry Heart whimpered, and then looked at Sombra with slight baby pleading eyes; “can you get me some ceweaw? Pwease… ?” Sombra sighs once more; knowing that it’s the last thing he wants to do because of Flurry Heart’s notoriety in Ponyville, and states; “fine… . But we’re going there just to get some food, and that’s it. Got it? And no extras! Not even a toy… . Understand?” Flurry Heart nodded; knowing the stakes in all of this, and replies; “okay… “ before getting close to Sombra and hugging him. “Pwease don’t be mad at me… .” Flurry Heart said whilst looking at him with baby eyes and hugging him. Sombra sighs, chuckles, and then replies with; “we’ll see if you behave, okay?” After that, he petted her head and booped her nose; causing her to giggle and smile. With that, Sombra said; “ready?” before picking her up. Flurry Heart nodded, and pointed; “let’s gwo… !” whilst looking like a determined adventurer. Sombra chuckles in reply, and says to himself; “I’m sooo gonna regret this… ,” before heading out to pack some stuff, and leaving with Flurry Heart.

Chapter Four: Cleanup on Aisle Everything

King Sombra and Flurry Heart are currently inside the Ponyville grocery store. How is there even one to begin with… ? Well… , just imagine the toy store from the “Flurry of Emotions” episode, but instead of toys, it has groceries, and anything else you would need whilst grocery shopping… .

Anywho, Sombra is currently pushing a cart, with Flurry Heart in the cart’s child seat since she’s still too small to be left alone without one… . And not to mention that Flurry Heart still has the same body appearance as before when she was still an infant… . Also not to mention that it’s a precaution for just in case Flurry Heart were to be taken away, or worse… ; Flurry Heart sneezes, and her magic goes haywire because of it… . Other than that, she thinks it’s comfortable to sit down on the cart’s child seat, and not just because it’s due to her diaper making the seat feeling cushioned, and such… .

“Okay… “ Sombra said to himself. “What kind of cereal would Flurry Heart like to eat… . Cuz I really don’t want her to get into a sugar high, and run all over the place… hehe… . But… . I also don’t want her to have something that she doesn’t like… . Hmm… .”

Sombra was currently pondering on what cereal to get for her, when suddenly Flurry Heart tugged on Sombra’s arm, and covered her diaper with her hooves while wiggling her backhooves; signifying that she needs to go to the bathroom. Sombra paused, blinked, and then said with surprise and slight disappointment; “I thought I already got you to go before we left… ? You still have to go… ?!” Flurry Heart nodded; albeit whimpering now because she feels like that she couldn’t hold it in any longer… . Sombra, in a panic, looks around for a bathroom, but couldn’t just yet because he’s not familiar with the store’s layout, and where everything is and or located… . He then turns back to Flurry Heart and asked; “do you think maybe you could hold it in long enough while we look… ?” But before she could respond, a noise can be heard as she was going number one in her diaper… . And unfortunately, Flurry Heart began to grunt and whimper a little as she was clutching her belly while beginning to go number two as well… . Hearing and seeing this, Sombra sighs, and then says; “don’t worry about it… . Accidents happen… .” Soon afterwards, Flurry sniffled; signifying that she was finished, and yet was ashamed of herself because of what she’s done… . Without so much of a warning, she began to wail out and cry due to her embarrassment, and because she felt like that she did something bad that’ll possibly warrant out a punishment from it… . Not wanting to have Flurry Heart cause a scene due to her embarrassing act, Sombra picked her up from the cart, and then went to look for the restroom so he could change her. Luckily for him, it was located in the backrooms; as any store would point out with a sign that reads “restrooms”, or something else along those lines with an arrow pointing in the direction of where to go to find it. Seeing this, he followed the sign, and eventually went inside the restroom without so much as a second thought… . Also luckily for him it was unlocked too; saving him the embarrassment of having to ask a store clerk if he could have the keys to the restroom whilst having a baby that wasn’t his own in dire need of a new diaper.

Sombra was washing his shadow hands in the restroom sink while Flurry Heart meanwhile was whimpering whilst sitting on top of the restroom’s changing table, and trying her best not to cry anymore since the situation was over and done with… . However though, she felt like that it isn’t just yet, and looked towards her friend with slight tear filled eyes, and asked; “a-am I in twoubwe… ?” Hearing this, Sombra threw away the paper towel he was using to dry up his shadow hands, sighs, looks towards her with a solemn expression, and then says briefly with a smile; “let’s just say… , that the next time I take you to go potty, you make sure there’s nothing left in there, okay… ?” Sombra then tried his best not to laugh at the joke he unknowingly just made, then snickered from failing to contain it. Flurry also got the joke, and began to smile while laughing too.

Soon afterwards, Sombra clapped his shadow hands together, and then asks; “you wanna go back out there so we could get your cereal… ? Or should we just wait until you’re actually finished with going to the bathroom?” Flurry Heart nodded, and said; “the second one… , just in case.” Sombra nodded, said; “okay… “ and picked her up. “Let’s make sure… “ before smiling, and carrying her to one of the nearby stalls so that way he could help her to make sure that there’s nothing left for just in case she might have another accident. Afterwards, Flurry Heart nodded, signifying that there’s nothing left, after trying to go number two again, then going number one a little more, and then grunting to make sure that she’s completely finished with doing both, and sighing in relief afterwards, which also signified that she’s truly finished. Sombra smiles, pets Flurry’s head while saying; “good job.” and then cleaned her up while also putting her diaper back on her before picking her up again and flushing the stall they were using… . Flurry smiled, and leaned her head against Sombra’s shoulder as a sign of a thanks, and it’s also because she knew that her hooves were dirty due to being the one that flushed the stall she was using… . After washing up again, Sombra and Flurry went back outside to continue shopping.

After waiting at the checkout line, the cashier then grabs their groceries one by one, and begins scanning each of them one at a time with her magic; which almost counts as a scanner for scanning grocery tags, and such.

Sombra looked at Flurry Heart, and then asked; “you feeling okay now?” Flurry Heart nodded and smiled at him. “Okay… “ Sombra responded back. “That’s good… .” However though, before the final item could be scanned, Flurry Heart felt a tingle in her nose, signifying that she’s gonna sneeze. Realizing this, she tried to hold it in… . Yet unfortunately her toddler body wouldn’t allow it, and eventually she let it all out with a big “achoo!” along with some magic due to the force of the sneeze.

Seeing the entire place now a big giant mess, Sombra looked towards the cashier, gestures some kind of apology, and then says; “we’ll best be on our way out now… .” and slowly pushed the cart away whilst also grabbing the groceries that are now put into bags. The cashier nodded, and waved goodbye before passing out on the ground from sheer shock.

Once outside, Sombra and Flurry Heart looked towards each other, and then Sombra began to say; “let’s not speak of what just happened to anyone other than each other… . Understood?” Flurry Heart nodded, and said; “agreed… “ whilst looking a bit nervous because she thought that she was in trouble because of what she’s done. Sombra looked nervous too, because he thought that he was in trouble as well, and then he nodded back before saying; “alright then… . That’s good.” And then continued pushing the cart to where the cart station is at so he could return it, and also so that way he could quickly get out of the area with Flurry Heart and their groceries in tow… .

Chapter Five: A Not So Good Waste of Time

Sombra and Flurry Heart are sitting in the castle’s library, blankly staring at whatever whilst lounging on the chairs since they’re still thinking about that “incident” at the grocery store, and neither of them wanted to talk about it… . Actually… , none of them wanted to talk about it… . So that’s why they’re doing this in the first place… .

Eventually it proved to be a bit too boring, so they both just decided to grab a random book from the shelves, and began reading their own stories to pass the time.

“I’m starting to regret this decision… “ Sombra began as he’s currently reading a story that definitely wasn’t age friendly due to violence portrayed in this story he’s reading. As for Flurry Heart, she’s asleep; probably due to this fairytale book she was reading, which can be shown by a fairytale esque cover on the book. Seeing this, Sombra chuckles, closes his book, and goes to put Flurry Heart to bed so that way she’ll nap and such. Afterwards, he went back to the library, and continued reading the book he was reading before. It still wasn’t exactly okay to continue reading it, but he still did it regardless because of boredom. Eventually, like Flurry Heart, he passed out too.

With both ponies asleep again, they’d figure that it’s gonna be okay from there on out, right… ? Oh how they couldn’t be more wrong… .

Few hours later… .

“Ugh… , my head… .” Sombra said as he’s delirious and a little sore from sleeping in a recliner. “What happened last night… ?” Sombra was basically… “trashed”, for lack of a better word. And he seems to appear as if he’s about to collapse; or pass out, then collapse from the pain he’s in. But before he could, he then regained composure as he then saw the entire library in ruins, and asked; “what happened here… ?!” to himself.

Flurry Heart eventually woke up as well, and then looked all around her with wide eyes as she then saw the entire bedroom that she was sleeping in all messed up; like as if it’d been hit by a tornado, despite the fact that the pegasi control the weather, and that they’d never do something like that around a public place… . Let alone near a single home in particular… . Regardless, Flurry Heart was shocked, and a bit dumbfounded.

Eventually, like usual, she thought that it was her fault again because she’s quite aware of her; for lack of a better name, “alicorn sneezes”. And so with that, she began to cry in shame of herself.

King Sombra soon heard her cries, and ran towards the noise that Flurry Heart was making; thinking that maybe she gotten hurt, or was getting hurt by something, or someone that broke into the castle, and was responsible for this mess. Without hesitation, he broke through the guest room door, and saw Flurry Heart safe and sound in her bed; albeit with debris everywhere due to the destruction that occurred with no possible explanation.

Based on assumption, King Sombra approached Flurry Heart, and then asked with a slight joking manner; “did you have a nightmare or something… ? Or was it a bad case of the sniffles?” Sniffling, and just assumed also, Flurry Heart responded with; “ba-both… “ whilst also wiping her nose with her hoof. Sighing, Sombra replied with; “eh don’t sweat it. I’m sure that there’s a good reason for this… . Right?” Flurry Heart shrugged, but then looked at him with a quivering lip, and asked in a slight baby/toddler lisp; “am I in twoubwe?” Sombra chuckles, then says; “I don’t think so… . Now cmon. Let’s get out of this room, and then go see if Pinkie Pie is available! What do you say?” Flurry Heart gasped with excitement, but then her stomach started growling. Hearing this, she then looked to him with sad eyes, and then began to whimper; confused and or worried as to whether she could be sick, hungry, gassy, or needing to go potty. Not thinking too much of it, Sombra replied with; “eh… what’s the harm?” and picks up Flurry Heart to take her out of the room. “Let’s visit Pinkie… !” and then left with Flurry Heart to go to the bathroom first just in case she needed to go before visiting Pinkie Pie… . And also to make sure that her other needs are met as well before helping Flurry Heart pack for the trip.

Sombra and Flurry Heart are both wearing saddlebags, and traveling to Pinkie Pie’s bakery. But before they could continue with their trip, Flurry Heart tugged on Sombra’s cape, and then asked with a slight worrying tone; “do- do you think that I’m a bad filly… ?” Sombra paused in his tracks, turned to look at Flurry Heart, and then asked with a slight chuckle; “no, why?” Flurry Heart sighs in defeat, and then says; “never mind… “ before continuing onward. Sombra sighs, stops Flurry Heart with a shadow hand on her shoulder, and then says while kneeling down; “let’s just say that you’re a little out of control, and that’s why I’m babysitting you! So that way your magic will be under control, and so that way I could change your stinky butt too! Should you have another accident that is.. .” Flurry Heart giggled at that comment, and then said; “okay!” before bouncing onward with a smile to continue walking. Sombra sighs while falling behind her, and then says to himself; “this is not gonna end well… .” before catching up to Flurry Heart, and continued walking with her to Sugarcube Corner.

Chapter Six: Not so Sweet Visit

Flurry Heart and Sombra are inside Sugarcube Corner. Now usually it would’ve been packed to the brim with so many customers, and almost filled to the brim with so many cakes that are being delivered. But since it’s the weekend, it’s empty.

“So your parents said that you’re staying with me for a week? And they didn’t even tell me?” Sombra said with slight questioning and because he’s a little bit stunned as he now remembers as to what’s being said in the entire letter that he received a while back. “Eeyup… “ Flurry Heart replied while nodding her head without breaking eye contact, but not looking at anything in particular. Sombra sighs, says; “this is gonna be a long week… .” and then went to walk to the front counter with Flurry Heart.

The Cake Twins are currently in their old play area, playing with some of their old baby toys. Reason being is that both of them really missed foalhood, and that they wished that they could experience it all over again… . That, or something that Pinkie said about Pumpkin Cake’s sneezes vaporizing everything within a certain radius… . Hence the burn mark on the ground. Whatever it may be, it wasn’t fun, for any of them to experience.

“Hiya!” Pinkie said as she sees her two best friends approaching her. “What’ya doing here Sombra?” Sombra just sighs in response, and then says; “in all honesty, we’ve really needed to cool off/take a break because we’ve been having some problems with each other.” Pinkie blinked and looked concerned in response before asking in a concerned tone; “problems? What problems?” Flurry Heart sighed as well, and then says in response; “the kind of problems that, unfortunately… led to a wrecked store, and… um… .” Flurry Heart then began to blush as she doesn’t wanna reveal anything anymore than she’s comfortable with sharing.

Pinkie Pie is now frowning due to her curiosity, and then asks; “aw cmon! Please… ? What happens next?!” Sombra sighs once more before finishing for Flurry Heart; “she had an accident… . Again… .” Flurry Heart nodded to Pinkie with a blush, and then continued by saying; “a-and also I’m staying with him for… , a week. Hehe… .” Pinkie and the Cake Twins all shouted; “what?!” in surprise. Pinkie then exclaimed; “b-b-but why? Why a week?! D-Don’t they know that Sombra was taking a vacation for a week to Saddle Arabia?!” Sombra sighs again, and then says; “oh… big time… . But yet, they too had to get busy for a week with meetings and diplomats… . Mostly for bandit awareness. And the rest is for other personal problems involving the Crystal Empire… and its safety.” Pinkie nodded in return, and said; “okay… “ whilst looking a bit down now due to the mood in the room. She then cleared her throat, and without a beat, became all cheery again before asking; “so! What would you two be having today?”

Flurry Heart and the Cake Twins are playing with some plushies, while Pinkie and Sombra are chatting and conversing with each other. It seemed like everything was going smoothly from then on… . At least until… this happened.

Crash

“Um… hello… ?” a certain mailpony said whilst on the ground due to crashing and breaking down the front door from flying clumsily, again. Sombra got up, picked them up from the ground, and then asks in a slight concerned tone; “yes Derpy? What’s the matter?” Looking hesitant; even though her eyes are crossed, Derpy then retrieves a letter from her saddlebag, and then nods solemnly before leaving without a second thought or glance. Looking a bit confused yet concerned, Sombra then opened the letter, and then began reading it through before having wide eyes due to what’s being said in the letter. Seeing this, Flurry Heart then asked; “what’s wrong?” before approaching King Sombra. Looking up from the letter in shock, Sombra said in a slight shocked tone; “I-I think I’ve been robbed… “ before clutching the letter in a very shocked state.

Chapter Seven: A Weird Encounter

Sombra and Flurry Heart arrive to see the entire castle even more in ruins than it was before… . Decorative banners in shreds, wood splinters everywhere, and last but not least, an entire decorative chandelier in shambles; along with some other debris too.

“What… happened… here… ?” Sombra asked in shock and horror; amazed and yet stunned that the entire castle; (which was his by the way), was now in ruins and trashed… . Whomever could’ve done all this must’ve been one messy, or one clumsy burglar… . Either way, he’s not happy.

“When I get to the bottom of whoever did this, I am gonna lose it!” Sombra said in anger. Flurry Heart nodded too with an angry look as well, and replied with; “yeah! Nobody messes with my fwiend!” Sombra suddenly smiled with a snicker, and then said; “aside from Discord of course.” Flurry Heart began to smile and laugh, before replying; “yeah… . Exactly. Haha!” They both then laugh because they’re remembering the countless times that Discord pranked their pals, and sometimes Flurry Heart’s family members… .

Eventually it was abruptly cut short by a crash. Frightened, Flurry Heart hid behind Sombra, and whimpered; “w-w-what was that?” Sombra chuckles, grins, then says; “I think it’s our little burglar friend… “ before using his magic to conjure up a baseball bat hologram, and says while wielding it; “let’s give them a nice warm welcome… “ before approaching to where the noise came from slowly. Flurry Heart followed as well; cowering in fear, yet with horn glowing at the ready; just in case the intruder were to blindside Sombra somehow… .

Sooner or later they arrived at the source of the noise to find a strange, and yet familiar looking creature. Realizing who it is, both Sombra and Flurry all sigh and groan as they really don’t wanna deal with whatever “this” is… . So with that they both hid their weapons away, approached the being, and then Sombra asked; “alright Discord, what gives, hmm? Why’re you here?” Discord was apparently knocked out; as he was sprawled out while lying in a cradle full of debris.

Not wanting to deal with this any longer, Flurry Heart went to the kitchen to get something, returned with a sippy cup of water, gives it to Sombra to allow him to open it, and then Sombra used it to splash water onto Discord’s face; causing him to wake up. “W-w-w-w-what’s happening?” Discord exclaimed as he’s sputtering from being awoken like that. Sombra then approached Discord, and then said; “I don’t know, you tell me… . You’re the one that broke in here and ruined my castle. See?” He then gestured as to where all the destruction was… even the one that Discord was lying on. With that, Discord blushed, stammered an apology, and snapped his claw to turn everything back to normal, and left from embarrassment.

Sighing since they’re now both feeling bored, Sombra and Flurry Heart both went to do separate things, and vowed to meet each other again should the need arise.

Few hours later… .

Sombra and Flurry Heart are eating dinner together, albeit with one minor difference… . The Cake Twins are here, and so is Pinkie Pie. Reason… ? Possible dinner plans, just visiting, it’s a mystery.

“So Pinkie… “ Sombra began as he’s pausing to eat for a bit. “What have you been up to lately? Aside from being in Sugarcube Corner of course.” Pinkie then blushed with a smile, and then replied; “just making sure the Twins don’t fight each other while I’m watching the place, hehe… .” Sombra nodded, then said; “that’s fair. No worries… .” and then went back to eating.

After dinner, Pinkie, Sombra, and Flurry Heart then went to the castle’s living room, so that way the Cake Twins can be entertained somehow… . Since of course, there’s not that much to do in Sombra’s castle. The Cake Twins first suggested that they just go out of the castle and explore together. They all agreed at first, but eventually denied the Twins’ request; on account that they knew when the moon was gonna rise, and the sun is gonna set. Then Flurry Heart decided to take an early bedtime. Again, everyone agreed at first, but eventually denied that request since it was still too early into the night, and that none of them felt tired yet. Flurry Heart was eventually given a fruit flavored popsicle, and patted on the head as a reward for following in her parent’s hoofsteps… . And the Twins got some too due to their whining from not getting one as well.

Few more hours later… .

“Ugh… “ Sombra said as he’s gotten a raging headache. Why does he have a headache?
It’s simple… .

“Remind me to never do ‘that’ again… okay… ?” Pinkie said as she’s placing an ice pack on top of her head. “Got it!” The Twins replied as they both nodded their heads; agreeing that Pinkie should’ve never done what she just did, again. What exactly did she do that caused her and Sombra to both have headaches… ? That’s an easy one.

Hours before the incident that unfolded… .

“Alright! Are you ready Pinkie?” Sombra said as he’s rubbing his shadow hands together. “Ready!” Pinkie responded as she’s looking determined. With that, Flurry Heart and the Cake Twins waved some colored napkins in the air, and chanted; “on your marks… ! Get set… ! Go!” And with that, the ice cream eat off has begun. Yes you heard right, the ice cream eat off.

Now… as some, or most readers would’ve believed, they’d think that this was all Pinkie’s idea, right? Actually… that’s wrong. Now… as mentioned before, the gang were all thinking as to what they should do before the ice cream eat off suggestion. Sombra then said that maybe they should do a gladiator battle, but with wooden weapons and pillows as shields of course… . But they all eventually declined as they soon found out that there wasn’t any pillows in the castle that could’ve proved useful into using for their little game… . Not to mention that they looked expensive looking, and are just for decoration. So they just avoided all that.

Next, Pinkie has came up with the idea for a snow day inside the castle! But again, like usual, the group all declined it for various reasons… . The main one being that Sombra only knows shadow magic and basic alchemy. He doesn’t even have a clue on chaos magic, and or on how to wield it without actually backfiring on him… . So with that, they digressed. Eventually it came to what transpired… . Snap! “I got it!” Sombra said after he snapped his shadow fingers as he’s just thought of something. “ice cream eating tournament. You in?” Pinkie then smacked her hoof on the table with a determined look, and said; “I’m in… !” while also smiling with the look.

Which now brought the group to that ice pack predicament. That’s all… .

Three hours later… .

“I’m sleepy… “ Flurry Heart whined. Poundcake just shrugs, and then says; “so what do you want? We can’t exactly tuck ourselves in… . Could we?” Pumpkin Cake placed the book that she was reading down on the couch, got off the couch, and then said; “no.. we can’t. On account that the only grownups here are taking the only rooms in the castle to rest up.” Pumpkin Cake then tried to take deep breaths; as she’s starting to feel cranky from still being awake past her bedtime. Poundcake yawns and then says; “I’m just gonna go ahead and sleep on the couch. You coming with?” Because of what her brother said, this gave Pumpkin Cake an idea. “I’ve got it! Wait here.” After that, she teleported away with her magic, and soon reappeared with some blankets and pillows. “Let’s make a bed on the floor and sleep together… . What do you think?”

Poundcake is tapping his chin due to slight hesitation, but then Flurry Heart walked to Pumpkin Cake with slight tears in her eyes, and then hugs her. Pumpkin Cake sighs, pats Flurry’s back, and then looks towards her brother before saying; “please hurry Pound… . I don’t think she’ll enjoy staying up any longer… yawn. And neither will I.” Poundcake sighs, then says; “fine… “ and then walks to begin setting up the makeshift bed. “But this is only for tonight. Got it?” Pumpkin Cake nods, and then pats Flurry’s shoulder before looking towards her, and says; “let’s go to bed, okay? We’ll see what happens tomorrow. Okay?” Flurry nods, says; “owkay… “ and then starts sucking on one of her hooves because she’s feeling sleepy. Pumpkin then shook her head, says; “you little baby… “ and then walks with Flurry to help Poundcake set up their bed for the night.

Chapter Eight: An Early Pickup

Sombra, Flurry, and the others are in their respectful sleeping areas because of a bunch of things that happened in the previous chapter.

Flurry Heart and Poundcake were sleeping together; unbeknownst to anyone, Pumpkin Cake sleeping on the couch because she felt comfortable there for some reason, and as stated before, Pinkie and Sombra are in separate rooms sleeping, and also recovering from their ice cream headaches due to a little competition that they didn’t think was a bad idea until it was too late. Regardless, everyone is asleep, and are just overall having a good night’s rest… . Well… at least until a certain royal couple decided to do something rash after they woke up… .

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Empire… .

“I miss our baby… !” Cadence wailed out as she’s currently crying from having empty nest syndrome; despite only being away from her daughter for just only five days… or less… . And also despite knowing that she sent her off to be babysat too. But yet, like always… after a few days or so has gone by, she’ll soon always miss her baby, and pick her up early; much to her husband’s dismay.

“Cmon honey… “ Shining Armor said as he’s currently not in a good mood from another one of Cadence’s episodes. “She’ll be fine. Sombra and Flurry Heart are perfectly fine together… . They’ve been through way worse than babysitting. I’m sure that she’ll be fine.” Cadence; not having it, angrily states due to her episode in full effect; “you don’t know that! What if something bad were to happen to her under his watch, hm?! Have you ever thought of that?” Shining Armor; not having any of what Cadence is experiencing, looks at his wife with impatience, and then says; “hey, look! King Sombra has proven that he can be trusted over and over again… . I mean; he did actually help us twice you know.” Cadence; knowing that her husband has got a point, sighs defeatedly, and then says with a solemn expression; “you’re right honey… . I’m sorry… . Can you ever forgive me?” Shining sighs also; having learned to just grin and bear whenever she gets into an empty nest syndromes state over having her daughter being away from her for just a few days, chuckles, and then says; “I forgive you… . Now cmon! Let’s go visit our daughter!” Cadence was about to follow, but stops, and says; “but wait… .” Shining stops and turns to look at her. Cadence then continues with; “w-what if I decide to take her home with us?” Shining just brushed it off and says; “relax baby… . I mean, what’s the worst situation that they have gotten themselves into.. ? Huh?”

Meanwhile, back at Sombra’s Ponyville castle… .

“Ooohhh why I let you talk me into this… ?” Sombra said before hurling into a bucket. “I’m sorry… . I… “ Pinkie began to gag before continuing; “I-I didn’t know that it was gonna be that bad... .” Pinkie then began to barf into her own bucket.

As for the Cake Twins and Flurry Heart, they were just sitting happily in their own seats at Sombra’s breakfast table, eating some breakfast cereal while the grownups get themselves sick all over the place; (not literally since they have buckets).

“Mmm!” Pumpkin Cake said before swallowing her food. “This is pretty good! Where’d you get this from?! And what’s it called?!” Flurry Heart just giggled, and said; “it’s the same cereal that my mama and dada used to get for me when I was little… .” Poundcake raised an eyebrow, and asked; “when you were little?” Flurry blushed, then replied; I still am… . Hehe… .” Poundcake nodded, then asked; “and what’s the name of it… ?” Flurry Heart said; “oh!” before realizing that she didn’t get into specifics, and just said; “it’s the cereal that had little marshmallows and food coloring on it to make it tasty and pretty… !” After a few more seconds of not explaining what it’s called again from bouncing a little from hyperactivity, Flurry Heart just said; “it’s called hooves and hearts cereal!” Poundcake just nods, and says; “ooohhhh. So that’s what it is… .” Flurry nodded, and continued eating her cereal. Pumpkin Cake then giggled a bit, then says; “why’re you so hyper about it?” Sombra said from afar; “because it has sugar in it’s marshmallows; while the cereals in the cereal are healthy for her; despite the food coloring! You know?! Something… .” Sombra barfs into his bucket before he could finish his sentence. Poundcake said; “oohhh” again, before saying; “balanced and tasty… . I get it now!” Sombra flashes a shadowy thumbs up before getting sick into his bucket again.

Few hours later, at the front of Sombra’s castle… .

“Ready… ?” Shining said as he’s looking at his shaking wife; knowing full well that she isn’t ready just yet to confront her daughter once more for in the case she decides to take Flurry Heart back home early… .

Cadence with shaking hooves, just shrugs it off and says with a stammer; “n-n-no… . I-I’m good… . I-I promise… .” Shining just sighs, and says; “okay… .” before approaching the door, then asking; “but if you do decide to take Flurry Heart back home early, then you can just forget about those macaroons that you’ve enjoyed so much.” Fearing the loss of her favorite treat, Cadence nodded and saluted in quick succession; worried that her husband might actually go with his word.

Inside the castle… .

“Wow that was rough… .“ Sombra began as he’s relaxing on the couch with Pinkie Pie next to him. “You’ve said it… . *phew*.” Pinkie Pie replied back as she’s exhausted from barfing all day. Or what seemed like all day; despite it isn’t.

Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door. Confused and concerned as to who it could be, Sombra got up from the couch, and approached the door. But before he could answer it, Flurry Heart got out from one of the rooms that she and the Twins were in, and followed behind Sombra before she was stopped by him. Looking through the peephole, Sombra groaned; knowing who it was, and said while opening the door; “guess what Flurry Heart? Looks like your… .” Flurry Heart cut him off by saying; “mama! Dada!” before flying and almost tackling both of them with a hug in the process.

“I see that you two missed her very much… .” Sombra said whilst leaning against the door frame. Both parents blushed, and nodded their heads sheepishly. Flurry Heart just giggles, and just hugs both of them tightly while snuggling both of their faces with her own.

Soon after the hugs and snuggles, Flurry Heart released them, then Sombra asked; “so what brings you two here? Picking her up early again?” Shining Armor smirks, smiles, nods, then crosses his hooves while turning to look at his wife. Without so much of a thought, Cadence sighs, then says before blushing at the end of her sentence; “I have empty nest syndrome, hehe.” Flurry Heart just shrugs, then gave her mom hugs again before saying; “it’s okay. I would’ve missed you too; if I wasn’t having so much fun.” Sombra chuckles, then says; “too much fun I might add.” This prompted Flurry to turn to approach Sombra before hitting him on the upper arm. Sombra chuckles with a smile, then says; “ow kid… . That hurt!”

Not wanting everyone to stay outside, Shining clapped his hooves together, then says; “okay everyone… . Now… who’s ready for a movie marathon at Sombra’s house?” Sombra, Flurry, Cake Twins, and Pinkie all shouted; “we are!” before returning inside to start the festivities.

The end

Epilogue: The Uncomfortable Ride Home

Flurry Heart and her parents are riding the crystal speed train back to the crystal empire. Flurry Heart had a lot of fun being babysat by Sombra, and she often does feel bad for having him change her for whenever she had an accident or two… . But what really made her feel bad, is whenever her own mother wouldn’t stop crying about being separated from her for too long. Of course, Flurry Heart just assumed that all parents were like that sometimes… right? Well… .

“Okay mama, you’re fine… . I’m here now! Dere’s no need to cwy no more… . Owkay… ?” Flurry Heart said, trying to act all cute, yet convincing. However, this doesn’t satisfy Cadence in the slightest, and she just continues to cry whilst hugging her while also babbling on and on on how she misses her very much, and that she’s glad that they’re together again.

Shining Armor however, was just about to lose it because he’s dealt with this before, and has eventually grown sick and tired of it. “Honey… . Please don’t do this anymore… . Your daughter is back with us, yay… . But in all seriousness, could you please stop with your empty nest thing? Our daughter is back with us, and we’re almost home. Okay?” Cadence stops crying, sighs, nods, but still continues to hug Flurry Heart. Shining Armor sighs as well, and says; “let’s just hope our house is still standing by the time we get back… .”

The castle lies in ruin… . Burn marks, puddles of a unknown substance, unknown debris, and a few holes too. Why… ? Here’s why.

“My popcorn machine!” Flurry Heart yelled out as she then saw the popcorn machine going out of whack, and shooting popped corn everywhere… creating those holes.

“Surprise… !” Both of the parents sheepishly said as this was supposed to be a welcome home gift up until that point.

And with that, the popcorn machine wrangling event is on!

The end

Prologue: The Sun’s a Rising

King Sombra is currently in his room; looking at all of the amazing decor and such with awe and amazement. Reason is because he’s vacationing in Saddle Arabia. “Okay… “ he began. “This is really nice… .” He was really enjoying the look of his room at a hotel that he was staying in for the night… . It was a weekend trip, so he wasn’t staying long. However, he wasn’t able to convince Somnambula if he could stay the night with her for the weekend when he’s on vacation there; as no one really knows where Somnambula lives in… . Like if she’s either living in an actual pyramid like a pony world pharaoh, or as a fellow villager in one of those small, yet surprisingly spacious stone carved houses. So with that, he chose the latter, and went to a hotel to check in for the weekend. “Okay… “ he said to himself. “After I unpack, I’m just gonna go shower or so… . And then I’m gonna go explore. Alright!” he said as he clapped his shadow hands together… . “Let’s do this!”

However… before he could do so… there was a knock on the door. Figuring out as to who it was, he looked at the small peephole that’s in the door, and then opened the door; seeing a grey coated pegasus with yellow mane, and wearing a postal uniform. Knowing who it is, Sombra said; “hey Derpy! What brings you here?” Without saying anything, she hoofed him a letter, and then flew off. Feeling confused, Sombra blurted; “I guess I’ll see you soon… I think… .” With that, he closed the door, opened the letter, and starts reading its contents.

Sighing, knowing who it was that sent the letter, Sombra groans and said; “you have to be kidding me… ? Now?! While I’m vacationing… ? Cmon!” After that, he takes a deep breath to calm himself down, and then says; “eh, no matter… . It’s probably nothing… . I’m sure I can handle whoever is gonna visit me at my home… . It’s fine… .”

Oh if only he knew what’s in store for him once he arrives back home in Ponyville… . Only time will tell… .