“You know, I never knew you could cook.” The dark alicorn rested on a blanket while she smiled, watching her friend as he grilled over an open flame. “I would have thought you would have abandoned such things long ago after becoming a king.” The dark stallion chuckled as he kept tabs on the food.
“And I would have thought you would have known me better by now.” His magic reached into a satchel to grab a spice and dash a little onto the red meat. Both had found out about their secret appetite once at a summit, both hungry and sick of vegetables and stumbled into the kitchen at the Crystal empire to grab some forbidden food. They startled each other and tried to feign ignorance at what that cooking smell was but soon laughed and shared in a basic meal of lamb in a field far away from others.
That was a catalyst for their friendship to blossom.
“You’re burning it.” Luna chuckled and got up with a stretch, going over to help the stallion. “I am not, shoo shoo!” He laughed as she took the fork from him and picked him up in her aura, setting him on the blanket with a huff. She smiles and sits down to turn the meat slowly, a freshly killed rabbit that Sombra had so bravely caught for dinner while she had to contain her laughter at his muddy face and goofy smile of triumph.
“Tis true what they say about stallions; they cannot cook to save their life.” He stuck out his tongue when she wasn't looking and earned him a smack with a pillow, causing him to laugh more and fall over. He smiled up at the sky as he thought back to when he used to be intimidated by the lunar mare before becoming friends over shared interest, his fascination with the stars and hers with crystals and magic. It was almost impossible to make time to see each other nowadays with all the new ponies and trade routes being established, but that ended up being the beauty of it all.
Apollo was more of a diplomat than her kin so Luna was left to her own devices most of the time anyway so whenever she knew they were heading to the empire, she was as giddy as a filly. Sombra was in much the same boat most of the time, being a newly appointed king so he could do as he pleased as long as he attended the more important meetings. They had agreed on a secluded place just the two of them knew of, after getting rid of the guards of course, and found themselves in a grove that was warm and protected from the wind and cold.
He watched her as she served up two morsels, a side of potatoes and some wine to wash it down, a gentle smile as he took his plate. “Thank you, m’lady.” A tail to the face as she laid down beside him with a snicker.
“Oh hush, I just saved what you almost burned.” They ate in mutual silence, sipping wine as they talked about their weeks respectively, one complaining about their sibling or the other talking about how boring court was that evening.
“And the mares, oh my stars, I had never seen so many suitors in one place!” Sombra fell onto his back with a sigh of exasperation, folding his front legs over his chest. “It's madness; I have just become king and already the council is breathing down my neck asking for an heir, it's… Gross.” After a moment of silence, he looked over at Luna and sat up.
“You okay? You’re usually not this quiet…” The lunar princess was watching the horizon, the sun going behind snowy peaks and casting the world into twilight for a moment before sighing, resting her head on her forelegs, her tail curled around herself. Sombra watched her before moving over and resting his head on her back gently.
“You still bummed out about that, huh?” A nod as she shifted to drape a wing over his back, the chill of the cool air getting to him. He licked her cheek, causing her to lift her head. “What was that for…?” Her voice sounded far away, devoid of its usual cheerfulness. He shrugged and looked to the side, unsure how to answer. Most of the time, he would crack a joke or do something stupid to make her laugh, but something about her being like this made it difficult to find something she could laugh about. She shifted, sighing and rested her head on his back, something she rarely did.
“It's just… My brother…” She started slowly, putting her thoughts in line. “He can already raise the sun all on his own and what can I do? I can barely lower and raise the moon on my own without passing out from exhaustion…” She nuzzles into his fur, enjoying the closeness of another for a moment before her brow furrows. “I hate how talented he is… I hate how perfect he is, I hate him…”
Sombra brushed his tail along her back. “You don't hate him, Luna, you’ll be just as powerful as him one day, I know it. You just need to practice more and then-” Snow exploded close to him, making him stop completely before she got up with a huff, horn aglow with magic.
“It's not that simple! Gods, you’re so… So… Ugh!” She tossed a blast of magic into the snow, narrowly missing before slumping back to the ground. “It's not just the moon, Sombra… It's the stars… I wanted to paint them, to make them just perfect and show everyone what i can do, but they just…” She swallows hard, her throat closing up from a coming sob, tears in her eyes as she stares at the celestial bodies. “If it was just the moon, I could do it… I could be like my brother… But the stars just won't listen to me, some refuse to move for me.” Her wings droop at her sides as she allows herself this moment to cry, to show weakness.
A comforting arm wraps around her and holds her as she sniffles, burying her face into his chest. Seeing his best friend in such distress and feeling helpless, this was all he could offer, a comforting shoulder to cry on as he put his own thoughts in order before speaking.
“You… You are a strong, hard working mare, Luna.” He tried to keep himself composed, to show his friend a side of him he never let anyone else see. “I sometimes look to the night sky and see a new constellation or a star out of place and I can't help but smile…” He lifts her chin gently, smiling into her teal eyes. “I smile cause I know my friend, the princess of the moon and night sky, is hard at work to show everyone what a beautiful painter she is.” He gently turns her to face the sky, smiling.
“Show me. It's just me, no one else, show me what you can do.” He watches her with a warm smile as she wipes her tears away, staring at the clouds and the sky as the colors start to change.
“Okay…” She stands, him watching from a distance as she finds a clearing she can stand in. Taking in a breath of the cool, crisp air, she lights her horn, raising her wings slowly towards the heavens. Sombra watches in a sort of awe, feeling privileged to see this side of the lunar goddess, a sight he had rarely seen till now. When Apollo or Luna usually raised the celestial bodies, it was done in private, away from prying eyes, but recently, the solar monarch had started a celebration to commemorate the rising and falling of the sun. The summer sun celebration, a festival that both marked the turning of the seasons and to remember the finding of alicorns once more.
Luna took in a breath and focused. It wasn't until recently that she had started to move the moon on her own, her brother had to help her a few times, but now that she was getting older and stronger, Tia helped less and less. First, she had to coax the stars out of their slumber and awaken to begin their movement and then came the hard part. Coaxing the moon, or Tsuki she liked to call her, out of her slumber was harder. Ponies often associate the lunar body with mischief and silliness, a playful spirit that didn't listen to anyone, but somehow the siblings were able to do it with ease.
Most nights that is.
Luna focused her magic, guiding Tsuki out of her bed and gently nudged her on her way after a bit of effort, much like a mother to her child to rise for the day, or night in this case.
Sombra watched with a wagging tail and a beaming smile, watching his friend work her magic, not really caring how it worked but just to show that he was there in support, nothing more. He watches as the moon, a full moon, rises over the mountains where the sun had gone to sleep, and starts illuminating the inky blackness of the sky. C’mon, Luna… You can do it. He contained himself, barely, simply waiting to celebrate with her as the moon moved higher and higher into the sky until it stopped and he jumped up to cheer only to stop.
“Luna!” He caught her before she hit the ground but he could tell she was exhausted. Her wings hung at her sides, her breathing was ragged and her heartbeat was quick. He listened to her chest for a moment before grabbing the blanket in his magic and made a makeshift pillow, resting her head on it as he grabbed the wine bottle.
“I've got you, I've got you. Deep slow breaths…” He emptied the bottle before scooping snow and ice into it, holding the bottom over the campfire to melt it. “You did good, girly…” he smiled the whole time, trying to keep her calm as possible. “You did a good job… The night looks amazing.” Once the water was cooled, he brought the bottle to her lips, letting her drink it slowly before she took it and gulped the rest down.
“You go-” he didn't get to finish. Her lips were on his. His were on hers. His mind went blank for a moment before he gently melted in the kiss, her velvety soft lips against his felt… Right somehow, like this was meant to happen. They stayed like that for a long moment before she gently pulled away and smiled softly at him, a goofy grin on his face.
“That… Was for dinner.” She giggled at him and nuzzled his chin as his tail wagged happily, clearing snow away with it as he helped her off of the ground. She stretched out her wings and looked at him with a gentle smile before beaming at the night sky. “Told you I could do it, ha~!” She squealed like a schoolgirl and bounced around in the snow as he watched her, a new flutter inside his heart at the dark blue mare. His cheeks warm, he got up and made his way over to her as she sat back down, smiling up to the sky. He sat beside her and gazed upwards, smiling, not as wide, but smiling nonetheless as his tail curled around hers and hers around his.
“I knew you could…”
* * * * * *
Over the next few weeks, Luna and Sombra become closer as friends, sometimes Sombra would stay at the royals' castle or Luna would snuggle up to him in his castle. Sombra had spent the last few weeks at war with himself.
On one hand, he was over the moon about the kiss and felt like he could take on the world, he felt invincible. He saw his friend in a new light, and he wasn't sure if she saw the same, but he would rather keep this a secret than ruin their friendship. On the other hand, he wasn't sure what to make of it, the intimacy they had gotten into, nothing further than light teasing and cuddling but there was something there.
While he was holding court, back at the siblings castle, tensions were high.
“I just want to be thorough, Lulu. You can never be too careful with these documents.” Apollo and Luna were sitting in his room by the fireplace, snuggled together as they had some downtime between their sleep cycles. Apollo kept pointing out some flaws in scrolls or papers that Luna had signed months prior, a habit that irritated the younger mare to no end, just wanting to spend time with her brother.
“And I keep telling you, dear brother of mine, that it's fine.” Luna nuzzled into her brother's natural warmth, half asleep under his wing. She had a terrible time sleeping that evening and just wanted to relax. Guess that was out of the question.
Tell him to let it go. It's not like we haven't changed laws before. He's being uptight again. Nightmare said in the back of her mind, mulling over what to do once she was at Sombra's. I thought it was his favorite thing to do, pass laws and be absolutely boorish. She stretched out on a couch inside Luna's mind, making her groan and sit up.
“Oh hush, night, please. I just want to relax…” Luna moved Apollo's wing and went to the fireplace to add a log, rubbing her temple a little. “Apollo, she is right you know, it's not like we can't change it at a later date. Let's just relax and enjoy each other's company before I have to go to court.” She turned to her brother with a smile, but soon frowned. He had not heard a word, too engrossed in reading. She huffed and trudged back over, laying down and, rather roughly, placed her head back onto the solar stallions back.
“Ouch, Luna.” Apollo gave her a harsh look. “Do you have to be so rough? Just sit there and relax, I don't mind fixing your mistakes.” Mistakes. Mistakes?! Oh that's it, lemme out! I am going to kick his ass. Night got off of her couch as Luna bit her tongue, hard enough to draw blood, the coppery taste brought her calm, a little bit anyway.
“Brother, please, I just wanna spend time with you… you’re so uptight sometimes.” She felt him tense for a moment, the quill in his magic snapping before catching fire, the scroll set down as he turned his head to look at her, a darkness to his eyes.
“Excuse me?” Apollo’s warm soothing voice had now abandoned him turning into a hot burning coal which threatened to burst into flames the second anything flammable came near. Luna was now the kindling, stepping too close to the fire and she was about to be roasted.
“I work all day sorting out the paperwork, attending parties and fraternizing with the locals, you think I don't want to relax?” As he spoke, the scrolls and papers burst into flames, the entire room heating up as Luna tried to back up as slow as she could, a rabbit stuck in a wolf's den now. “All I ever want to do is have one day, one day where I would love to spend it with my little sister, I'm exhausted all the time. But sure! Lets forget the important things we have to do as rulers and just go gallivanting off into the sunset, carefree.” He was standing to his full height, towering over the smaller, meeker mare, a dangerous fire in his eyes.
For a moment, neither one of them moved until Apollo took a breath, the fire of his mane and tail cooling itself before he went to the fireplace. Luna watched him with bated breath, waiting for some sign that he was indeed calm; she had seen the side of him that was known for destroying entire cities in the past and was less than eager to meet it, again. She saw him slump into the fireplace, watching the logs crackle, nothing but the sound of them hissing and popping before he turned, the fire in his eyes tempered.
“I'm sorry, I'm just…” He swallowed before standing up a bit straighter, the calm mask returning to him as he stepped to his young sister, nuzzling her head. “I have too much to do, too many duties to take care of and that is even with your help.” He rested his large hoof under her chin and met her gaze, a look of panic in her eyes before she leaned into his comforting touch, hesitantly.
“I… It’s okay…” She leaned into his chest, letting his wings wrap around her form, the warmth comforting her a little bit as Nightmare blanched a little in her mind. You have got to be joking, right? He gets all pissy and butthurt and you… I… Oh my stars. She huffed and sat back on her couch as Apollo nuzzled into her sister's smaller frame. It had been a long time since he had let his anger show like that, the frustration of everything just building up and coming out against his one best friend in the world. He felt her tremble a little, her smaller form pressing against his legs as he nuzzled between her wings.
“No, it's not. I shouldn't snap at you, I just… I should be more patient with you… it's not your fault you fell for the king of the north, I wanna trust him and welcome him like a brother… but i…” He took a slow breath, holding her close.
“You… don't like that I'm with Sombra, do you?” She looked up at him, searching his face for something. Ever since her and Sombra had gotten together, she had noticed that her brother often conveniently had something to do or was busy on days where she wanted them all to hang out and chat.
“I'm just worried about you; I want to protect you and whatever Sombra is…” He trailed off, searching for the right words before he felt her move away from him.
“What do you mean, ‘whatever he is’? Is nothing I do ever gonna be good enough for you? You are not trying to protect me, you’re trying to control me, again.” She narrowed her eyes as he tried to take back how it sounded, blanching as his mind raced for ways to calm his sisters down. But the damage was already done, the evening was ruined and now both siblings stared each other down with a dangerous fire in his sister's eyes.
“Luna, now you know what i meant-”
“Do i? Ever since I started dating again, you have been so controlling. ‘Luna attend this, go here, do that’. We are supposed to be equals but… Oh my stars, you don't trust me.” She watched him, his face one of disbelief, mouth agape with nothing to say in response before she turned to the balcony.
“I'll be with Sombra if you want to apologize.” She took off to the empire.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, in the crystal empire.
It was proving to be a longer court session than anyone wanted, including the king himself. It wasn't a hard thing to accomplish, but he still was as bored as a puppy without a toy, and frankly fed up with everyone yelling overtop him.
“I say the border to the south is more important to protect, you never know when the other nations will attack us, or if the windigos will return.” One general would say.
“No no, the northern border needs to be reinforced, the walls need to be replaced and new towers erected to watch for anyone approaching from Canterlot. I don't trust those Royals as far as I could throw them.” The council members laughed before a thundering crack resounded in the throne room as everyone turned to Sombra, the arm of the chair cracked in two as he got up.
“I will not have the princesses' names taken in vain, especially in my presence, ever.” His horn sparked threateningly as he looked at each of them in turn. “They are nothing but good allies and friends, I will not have you all mock them in such a way, period.” One of the generals got up with a smile.
“Oh? And what will you do, my gracious king.” He spat the last word with contempt. Sombra looked at him, scowling. General Heartsop, one of the most ruthless and demanding commanders in the army, a living relic.
“Seems to me that our king has a soft spot for the rulers to the north, a crush perhaps? Or something… More?” The others murmured to themselves as the king moved to stand, growling deep in his chest but the general continued to go on. “Seems to me that you have been neglecting or forgetting one itty bitty detail, my liege. You still have yet to marry, and we all know you can't be a king without a queen, right?” He looked to his fellows as some nodded in agreement.
“You know that i have been busy with duties that are more impo-”
“More important than marriage? Then an heir? Your majesty, with all due respect, your fling with the princess has been nice to see you as happy as you have been in years, but it's time to settle down and choose.” The general approaches Sombra with a knowing smirk, effectively having backed him into a corner. His horn crackled darkly, magic making the room darker for a moment as the lanterns and crystals flickering in response.
“You should remember who you are addressing, General…” Sombra said darkly. “I am the king, I can make these decisions on my own, in my castle.” He moved closer, nose to nose with Heartstop. “You will remember your place… Or i will have you-”
Suddenly the doors were thrown open, several guards filing in after a tall, dark mare with blue hair, horn and wings with stars in her mane…
“Luna… Everyone is dismissed.” He gave the general a glare before going to her side, the generals and council members flabbergasted, but before they could put in a word edgewise, one look from the lunar goddess was all it took to shut them up. Sombra nuzzled her neck soothingly as Luna watched them, nightmare was watching them with those dragon eyes of hers, daring anyone to challenge her. No one spoke, no one moved as King Sombra left with her.
General Heartstop watched the doors close, his mind racing as a wicked smile formed on his muzzle. “This… It is a turn of events, gentlemen…”
He walked with her to his room, her in tow as she seemed to be sulking every time he looked back to check on her. Her hair, normally bright and happy, was now listless and limp, almost dragging along the ground. Even her smile, her beautiful face, was turned down as he stopped at his doors, a pair of guards bowing to the both of them as the pair entered.
He closed the doors with a gentle click, making sure the spells he put in place were still untampered with as he watched her. She plopped down on the dark cushion, removing her crown and shoes unceremoniously as she sparked up the fire, tossing a few logs into it. He chuckled and walked over to the bed, pulling a box out and pulling a bottle of wine out and some candles.
“How princess like.” That earned him a pillow to the face and made him laugh more. He went over, pouring two glasses and offering one to her before laying down beside her and sipping his glass. She took hers and swirled the drink, watching the dark liquid as she leaned up against him.
“Oh hush you, like you've never had bad days…” She finished the first glass in one gulp and held it up for a refill. “Family is stupid.” He filled it halfway, watching her while she stared into the fire, sipping her second glass. Her hair seemed a bit listless, wings drooping by her sides as he nuzzled her neck affectionately, earning him a soft purr.
“Tell me, dark princess, what seems to be the matter with your brother this time. Bad fight?” He drapes a blanket over her back as she snuggles up against his broad chest, curling her tail around his.
“You could say that…” The glasses were left on the night stand as she told him all about what had transpired between her and her brother, leaving out the bit with nightmare, but he nodded the whole time, listening closely. Internally, nightmare was grateful for his calm voice, his steady hoof stroking her back soothingly as Luna told him everything she wanted to. Once everything was out on the table, he laid with her against him, a blanket over them both by the fire as she rested her head on his back.
“You know, I never once asked how your hair stays up like it does, and the flowing mane thing? Is it like… A special shampoo or something?” he played with her mane as she giggled, laying on her back with a smile at him, his hoof going through her hair. “It's soft and kind of smells like…” He took some of it in his magic and sniffed at it with a hum. “Blueberries? No! Vanilla. Is that what space smells like?” A pillow to the face as they both giggled, her sitting up and pecking his cheek.
“Do you mind if I use your shower? I think I got some sap on my coat.” Luna got up with a stretch, him admiring how her wings spread out at her sides before he smirked and pulled her back down against his chest, smothering her neck in light kisses as she squealed, laughing with red cheeks, her wings tickling his sides.
“Nope! You gotta pay the price to use my shower, m’lady~” He held her firmly, yet gently in his arms as she squirmed, trying to get free with red cheeks.
“S-Sombra, stop it, I'm in no mood for games…” She sat in his hold as he nuzzled her neck gently as she huffed, fidgeting a little more. “P-please Sombra, let go…” Oh, he has gotten bold hasn't he~? I like him~. Shut. Up. Night. Help me out of this!
He gave a gentle squeeze and she turned to look at him, her fur darkening a little bit. “I said stop, Sombra…” Seeing her face and how serious she was, he let go a bit embarrassed now.
“Oh, sorry… I was just-” click. Somehow, she was already in the bathroom, leaving him to wonder what he did wrong. Now he felt like a kicked puppy, trying to piece together what exactly he did that made her upset. He was just trying to make her laugh… Right?
Luna stood under the hot water, letting it run over her body and soothing her sore muscles.
“You should be nice to him, you know. He’s just trying to help.” She glanced at the mirror, night sitting on the counter's reflection with an innocent look.
“Or, and here me out, you should give him a chance. I'm just saying, he’s a nice guy. A little immature at times and I can't stand the way he eats chicken, ugh, but nice. And in case you haven't noticed, sister, he likes you. Like, like you, I mean c’mon now.” She inspects her hoof nonchalantly as Luna rolls her eyes, turning in the shower to clean off her wings.
“He’s just a friend, yes he’s nice but- wait… Did you say he likes me?” She looked at the darker mare nods, smiling from ear to ear with a toothy grin, sharp teeth and all.
“Yeah, it's kind of obvious. The way he looks at you, the way he sticks up for you, the way he was playing with you earlier? He has the hots for you, I'm telling you, and my intuition is never wrong. Would I lie to you?” The dark mare hopped off the reflection countertop and moved closer to the door, seeming to try and listen. “I bet he's trying to figure out a way to apologize. Candles maybe? Oooo, or he could be headed to the kitchens and makes you a nice romantic dinner~”
Sombra made his way outside, a bag and a lantern in his magic as he searched for something in the snow, a very particular plant. His mind was racing as he tried to piece together what he wanted to do for his friend… He stopped. Could he really say that they were just friends anymore? Had that line been crossed and he failed to realize what was happening? No, he was just busy and they were friends. He was searching for a flower in the cold of the north to cheer up his… Friend…
He spotted it buried by a lone tree before setting the lantern aside.
“Nice evening isn't it, King Sombra?” He nearly jumped out of his skin as he looked over to the new voice.
“Lord Apollo… What an unexpected and… Jarring surprise.” He dusted snow off his cape as he approached, his pure white coat camouflaging him perfectly if it wasn't for the gold armor that shone with the light from his torch. His hair was done up in a messy bun, bits of it flowing on their own, his necklace strangely absent as he watched him approach, hus gaze focused on the mountains.
“Oh, do forgive me, I forget that I blend into the snow rather well. That is my fault.” He smiled down at him, an edge to his voice he couldn't quite place. Something about seeing him in just his golden shoes and nothing else made his skin crawl but he smiled as best as he could, heart racing.
“No-no no, that’s my fault. I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings… What brings you here…?” He watched him as he dug out the flower with his magic, gently brushing off the snow from its blue petals. Apollo bit his tongue upon seeing the familiar flower, a twinge to his heart bu the smiled as warmly as he could muster.
“I seem to have misplaced my sister, do you know where she might be? I'm afraid we got into a bit of a spat earlier and I wanted to apologize…” There it was again, that… something about his gaze, the way his eyes seemed to see through into him as he tried not to listen to the voices in the back of his mind telling him to run.
Something’s wrong…
“I uh… She did stop in for a little bit, actually i think she said she was going to head to… the…” He started to sweat, feeling as though the very sun was bearing down on him as the taller stallion stepped closer, snow melting away rapidly before Apollo leaned his head down close to his ear and spoke softly, barely a whisper.
“I would be… very careful with your next words, King… After all, you still have yet to marry and have an heir, right? It would be a shame if something happened to your… Precious jewels.” He shook in place, swallowing as he looked at him sideways, his eyes shrinking to dots at what he saw. He had never felt such raw, primal fear like this before, such raw and unparalleled power was on full display and it took all of his strength just to stand.
Before he could utter more than a sound, he stood back up with a warm smile, the heat gone.
“Anyway, I should let you get back to… Whatever it is you’re up to. Busy day you know.” He spreads his large wings and takes off with a single, powerful thrust upwards that nearly knocks him over. For a moment he couldn't breath until air returned to his lungs violently, coughing as he stood there in fear.
“W… what the hell was that…?” He checked to make sure his jewels were still intact before taking the lantern and the flower and raced back to the castle.
A chill ran up nightmares spin, a presence that she hadn't felt in a long, long time, looking to where it was going before Luna finished up her shower with a soft hum.
“Nighty, you okay?” Night turned and smiled softly, nodding, not trusting herself to speak. She hopes beyond hope that what she felt was because of Luna's mixed emotions towards Sombra, or perhaps because it was a full moon… A full moon?
“Wait, Luna, you can’t-”
“Luna? You're almost done?” Sombra's voice called, causing Luna to smile and finish drying off with a quick spell, looking into the mirror to fix her mane up just right before looking to Nightmare, tilting her head a little. “Oh, I'll be fine, don't worry.” She kissed the mirror right where the dark mare's forehead would be and headed out of the bathroom before stopping with red cheeks.
“Sombra…”
The dark stallion smiled warmly at her, the room lit with candles, a nice dinner set up in front of the fireplace, a bottle of champagne set in a bucket of ice. His hair was slicked back, a bouquet of flowers in his magic as he smiled at her, blushing as he fidgeted a little bit.
“I um… I just realized that this is the two year anniversary of us being friends… I wanted to do something nice, y-you know, to show how much you mean to me… as a friend.” His cheeks were as dark red as he could possibly be, hers reflecting the same shade back as they looked at each other for a long moment before she went over, taking the flowers in her magic. She sniffed them, enjoying their soft floral scent before looking at him, the light from the candles reflecting in her beautiful teal eyes.
“Luna… I…” He stepped closer, putting the flowers aside as she watched him, cheeks still red hot. He swallowed and looked in her eyes, taking her hoof in his tenderly. “I… I know I am a fool, a fool who hasn't figured out how he feels yet or where his life is going… I know that you and I couldn't be more different from each other and…” He paused to gaze into her eyes as she watched him, her cheeks just as red, her tail wagging behind her a little.
“Yes…?” She asked breathlessly, searching his face for anything that said this was a dream, that this was real.
“Luna, i… I think I love you…” It was said now, it was out there, he really said how he felt.
This was it, the moment he was hoping and dreading for a long, long time. Ever since he first laid eyes on her all those years ago, ever since hearing her laugh or seeing the effort she put into the night sky, he loved her. He loved her from the moment they kissed, that night playing over and over again in his mind until it burned up inside his heart. He would think of her often, fondly even when the council pushed for him to marry, but no more.
He stepped closer, almost nose to nose with her now. He could hear her breath hitch, her wings fluttering ever so softly. His heart was racing.
“Sombra… i…” She was lost for words, how she felt towards him, nightmares words swimming around in her head and before logic could catch up with her, she leaned closer and gently brushed her lips against his, her wings brushing against his neck as he leaned in, kissing her as gently and sweetly as he could.
She closed her eyes, her wings fluttering as her heart soared, nothing else in the whole world mattered except this moment. Not court hearings, overbearing brothers, or the pressure of being a princess. Right now, all that she cared about was this stallion and how gentle he was being with her. He was a strong colt, his gentle yet commanding voice, the way he carried himself even when she was distressed she knew she could count on him. She mentally kicked herself for being so blind to it before now, but the signs were all there…
“Mmmmmm…” She rested a hoof on his chest and gently broke the kiss, though neither of them wanted to. “I… I think I love you too, Sombra…” She smiled into his eyes before nuzzling under his chin as his tail wagged more as he returned the gesture.
“You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear you say that, Luna…” He smiled more, resting his head on her neck for a moment before he noticed something was off. He lifted his head off her neck and noticed for the first time that she was taller than him. Quite a bit taller than him, almost as tall as Apollo was, but more than that, he saw how dark her coat had become, the way her mane and tail looked was more… Smoky than before, much more purple too.
“What’s the matter…?” Even her voice was different now, much smoother and… Grown up sounding, if that was possible but what shocked him more than anything else was her eyes. Though still teal, they now were more dragon-like with the sclera a light blue in color and purple eyeshadow to accent the iridescent orbs.
“You uh… You got taller.” He watched her as she looked at herself and seemed to panic a little, turning in place as he moved the table out of the way, his face a mask of calm as he waited for some kind of explanation.
“O… Oh my, I um… I didn't mean to interrupt you two, believe me, i had no intentions of doing anything like that, i-i guess because it's a new moon, it just kind of happened and i-” He placed a hoof on her lips as she watched him, the now shorter stallion looked her over before smiling.
“So… Still Luna, or…?” He removed his hoof with a gentle calmness to his voice. Internally, of course, he was freaking out. But after being threatened by her older brother, he was kind of taunting fate at this point so, what the hell right?
“N-no, sorry… I suppose I should introduce myself, I am Nightmare, Luna's twin sister.`` She gave a little bow, spreading her wings a little bit as he nodded slowly, watching her as she lifted one leg and then the other as if testing out her limbs like she had been asleep for a long time. “I really, really did not mean to interrupt you two, this is a wonderful gesture, trust me, she is freaking out right now.” They shared in a giggle as he smiled warmly.
“Well… Would you care to share dinner with me? Can’t let this all go to waste, right?” She smiled gently and nodded.
Over the course of the next few months, Sombra had figured out how to balance the two mares, putting the moon cycle up in his room so he could plan accordingly. When it was Night’s turn, they would sit and talk or take a stroll around the grounds at night and enjoyed each other's company. When it was Luna, he was nothing but a gentle colt, being kind and showering her with affection, flowers and the occasional sweet treat in the form of chocolates or fruit. He was still scared of Apollo and what he might do to him, but that didn't stop him from seeing her whenever he was in canterlot for business.
One night, he had planned on taking Luna to dinner and a show, but somehow misplaced the tickets in his room. Luna, of course, had some last minute paperwork to do, but said that she would try and hurry.
That's when he first met the overprotectiveness of the solar stallion.
“C’mon, where are you, you stupid tickets…” It seemed like he had searched everywhere at this point but he was still determined to take his girlfriend to dinner. He heard the door open and shut, assuming it was Luna, he didn't pay any attention to it until he found the tickets. He grabbed them in his magic and got up off of the floor.
“Hey, I found the…” His heart sank into his chest. Lord Apollo stood in the room with him, towering over him with a neutral face, a predatory look to his eyes as he took the tickets in his own magic, the king giving no resistance whatsoever.
“Hello King Sombra.” The tall stallion walked towards the bed as Sombra swallowed, hard, too afraid to move anything but his eyes, following the white stallion and the tickets floating in his aura. Apollo looked around lazily, twirling the tickets slowly in his magical grasp.
“Going out tonight? Dinner and a show, hm?” He side-eyed the shorter colt, that same terrifying look in his fuchsia eyes, seeing those eyes have such hatred and power behind them. Here was the most, one of the most, powerful royals in the world and he was absolutely petrified.
Prince Apollo watched the king, keeping the tickets beside him with a stoic look to his face. “I'm so glad my sister found someone to show interest in… Though I am concerned about who she picked. I am only going to say this once, do NOT interrupt me.” Apollo watched him as he nodded dumbly. “I will do whatever it takes to keep my sister safe, from whoever or whatever I must, understand? I will be keeping a close eye on you, so you better keep on your best behavior now… we wouldn't want any unforeseen accidents to happen to you, now would we?” He grinned toothily at him, much like a wolf to a rabbit, the usually peaceful and fatherly look now replaced by that predatory stare.
All the king could do was nod as the white stallion got up.
“Good boy. Now, you two should get going. I believe the show will be starting in less than an hour, and you wouldn't want to be late now… Would we?” Apollo watches him with a fatherly smile as he leaves the room, the gentle click of metal sliding in place dropped Sombra to his stomach as he tried not to throw up. The sheer power coming off of him… I could hardly move… if that's what I'm marrying into… he stopped. Marriage…? Why am I thinking about marriage? We only just started dating… Nerves shot, he got up from the floor and headed out.
After dinner and the show, he walked with Luna, tails interlocked as she enjoyed some ice cream, one of her favorite treats but she could tell something was wrong.
"Sombra? You alright? You seem out of it tonight… Did you not enjoy the show? Or maybe dinner wasn't to your liking?" She studied his face, seeing him looking off in the distance she wasn't sure he heard her so she ran her wing along his back. That brought his attention to her and he smiled tiredly at her.
"I'm alright… just… I need to tell you something, I'm just not sure how…" They found a bench to sit down on, dusting it off with his tail first before she sat down. "It's been on my mind for a little bit and I guess it's just been bugging me is all…" Sitting down beside her she nuzzled his neck.
"You can tell me anything, you know that…" she watched him as he gathered his thoughts.
"I… I have to go away for a while." He swallowed. This was hard. "It's not me breaking up with you, I just… the council has been insistent that I need to expand my training to hone my skills… maybe meet some new dignitaries or something, I don't know. I don't want to go, but I have to…" He stared at the grass, his mind racing. "I'll be gone for a few months, maybe until winter, I don't know when I'll return…" He steeled his nerves before looking at her.
A warm smile and a gentle nuzzle to his neck. "As long as I know you're safe." He nuzzles back, curling his tail around hers. "Apollo Does it all the time, I understand. Just promise to write to me or let me know via mirror that you're okay?" A pang of guilt struck his heart but it had to be done; if he stayed much longer, who knows what the alabaster alicorn would do to him or his stallionhood. He hated lying, at least a partial lie, but it made him sick to think of betraying her trust.
"I promise." He caressed her cheek, smiling gently into her beautiful teal eyes. "And if I'm gone for longer, I'll let night kick my ass alright?" That earned a giggle from her and a peck on his lips.
"Deal."
After a few days together, Sombra and Luna said their goodbyes at the train station.
"I'll write, every moment I miss you…" He brushed a lock of her hair back behind her ear gently. She leaned into his touch, afraid to see him go.
"... I expect a lot of letters then." She half-heartedly said, looking into his emerald green eyes as she tried not to tear up. I will miss him too… tell him I wish him safe travels. She smiled a little and kissed him, curling her mane around his neck a little bit.
Behind her, she heard Apollo clear his throat and step up. "The train is leaving, dear sister…" He watched the couple with a bit of a sad heart. He couldn't help but feel a little bad for making him do this, a little remorse in his heart at seeing his sisters so sad but it had to be done. He would need all the time he could get to find out just exactly what this stallion wanted with his little sister.
Sombra gave Luna one final hug, clinging to her as he looked over her shoulder to Apollo, a mask of indifference towards him, but he knew that if it was just him, he would smile that awful smile. But now, he had to be brave and strong for his love, his everything.
"I love you…" He kissed her once more before boarding the train.
It had been 3 months since Sombra had left. In that time, Luna had grown almost to the same height as her brother, standing just a few inches under him. Her mane had turned starry blue, her coat closer resembling the night sky in color, a deep blue that gave her an exotic look. It got to the point that stallions were asking for permission to court her from her elder brother, who tried nudging Luna to marry or at least date these possible suitors. She of course indulged a few of them, receiving many gifts of flowers, chocolates and jewels, but she turned them all down after the second date.
Apollo was of course less than pleased, but he let his little sister explore other stallions, maybe one of them would catch the lunar mare's interest, but he wouldn't push it. The sun god, in the meantime, had gotten with a few stallions and mares himself, many offering their heart and loyalty but none captured his fancy and often resulted in more than a few heartaches.
As he was sipping his tea one morning, he received a letter marked with a special sigil. Upon seeing it, he immediately opened and read it before getting off of his soft cushion in front of the fireplace and made his way to his sister's bedroom to listen. She was still asleep, good. He headed to the balcony and took off, gliding with the gentle breeze of sunrise, the sun welcoming him with a warm radiance as he softly smiled.
Good morning to you too, Sol. I'll talk with you soon, I have some business to attend to. The sun seemed to shine a little brighter, a beam of light following him along as he glided to the Crystal Empire and angled himself towards the train station.
It was too soon, far too soon for him to return, he had hoped he had more time to persuade his sister… A grin on his face, he landed on the receiving platform and smiled warmly at the passersby, some bowing in respect as they passed him. He had to keep himself composed as he walked up to the ticket booth, ducking a little bit to greet the Ticketmaster.
“Good morning, would it be alright if I had the schedule for the next arriving train? I'm expecting someone.” After getting over their initial shock, they gave him one with a beaming smile and a tilt of the hat, him smiling and winking before turning away. I love being a prince. He glanced towards the rising sun, it was just past 10 o'clock and after checking the train list, he went a little pale in the face. The next train was supposed to arrive soon, very soon.
He didn't have a lot of time.
Back at the castle, Luna was waking up a little bit, having heard her brother by her doors before hearing her leave. She decided she would try to follow her sibling but Nightmare told her otherwise. Whatever Apollo was doing was her business, so they should stay out of it; recalling how Apollo reacted to her journal when they were younger. Deciding to agree with her sister, Luna went to get ready for the day, giggling to herself at the inside joke; She was nocturnal after all, hardly ever being up any sooner than nightfall, and resulted in her being a little grouchy.
After having a quick breakfast, banana smoothie with chopped and grilled chicken, she took off from her balcony and headed to the badlands, home of the dragons. Dragons often got a bad reputation; breathing fire, eating gems and meat, stubbornness and the noise often made them less than ideal friendship candidates, but Luna grew up with them. She had several scars to show off how she had done hand to hand combat with them, all in good fun of course, nightmare loved the dragons too.
There was at one point a meeting between her and the dragon lord at the time, offering his only son as a prize for completing a string of challenges and Luna passed all of them with flying colors, but turned down the dragon prince because she was still too young to marry. The dragon lord was less than pleased, but accepted the fact. Soon forgetting about the whole thing and welcomed her back into the clan with open arms.
As she landed in the center of the active volcano, she looked for any sign of the clan. It had been a few years since she had visited and Nightmare was itching to spar with someone who wouldn't go down in one punch or give up too easily because of her status; here, she could do and say as she pleased with little to no consequence. She could let her hair down as some would say, walking around as her wings shifted to a more comfortable place on her sides.
Seven months prior, somewhere to the far east
Sombra was thrown back, skidding with a groan of pain. Definitely a broken rib now along with the concussion forming in the back of his head but he was determined not to lose this fight. The onlookers were watching him, judging him harshly as he was brought down again and again as a test of his physical strength. A ring was placed on his horn to keep him from using his magic, adding to the challenge while he dodged and parried with quickness but he was slowing down; the last few weeks of grueling work and brutal exercises was affecting his movements.
“You must be quicker, king of ice. Faster, more ferocious like a tiger.” The tribe's leader was watching from up in the stands, the area cleared out except for a few other warriors, clansmen and chieftains. This was part of his advanced training, General Heartstop was standing to the side with a barely contained smirk. Sombra ducked under a spear, sweat dripping off of him as his muscles burned, bruises more and more visible with every new whack of the spears, made of light wood that was as strong as steel. He hoped it would be over soon.
One stick to his back sent him to the ground, panting from the exhaustion, his whole body quivering as if struck with cold. “I… I’m done… No more, please… I can’t…” His breathing was ragged, every fiber of his being screaming in agony as he rolled onto his back. “I yield… no more today…” the warriors moved away, putting poles and spears away as he lay there defeated. Everything is on fire… I'm getting stronger, but at what cost…?
The chief came up and helped him stand, holding him steady as healers came over to help fix his more serious injuries. “You are improving, but you can't progress any further until you remove the blocks inside your mind.” He emphasized by touching his staff to Sombra's forehead. “Once you clear those away, you will improve greatly. For now, salves and rest. I will have my daughter bring you food.” Healers wrapped his sides with a cooling salve to help his ribs, limping to his hut as he bade the others a good night, carefully laying down on his mat.
Straw and pelts never felt so comfortable in his life.
Chief Otis had given him a small hut, yet comfortably warm at night time, a small fire to one side kept the temperature above freezing. Coming to a warmer environment than he was used to was taxing and hard to acclimate his body to, passing out from heat exhaustion in his first few days. It also didn't help that the tribe was partially nomadic, moving where the water was most plentiful, which meant sharing it with the large predators and wild game as well.
He stretched out a little, hissing in pain. “Damn rib…” he checked the bandage as a knock came. “Enter.” He looked up and blushed a little bit as the chief's daughter, Zeva, came in with a warm smile and a tray of food on her back. She was a little shorter than him, maybe a head shorter but she was built strong like him. Her mane was done in a mohawk that was braided down one side, her stripes lending to her more exotic nature and mysteriousness as she set the tray down.
“I hope my father didn't break your appetite.” She made her way over and laid down next to him to check on his wounds, touching his tender muscles gently as she was able to. “A few bruises, minor cuts and abrasions… That broken rib will make training harder for you if it doesn't puncture your lung first…” He was lost in her voice, soothing and comforting while she examined him. He was not infatuated with her, but she was a delight to be around, often sharing stories or sitting with her at meals around the bonfires.
She was training to become a shaman, a healer that would travel the land to spread the zebras' knowledge of potions and healing salves. They could make concoctions that healed anything from a chipped tooth to a broken leg, some even claiming to have the ability to bring ponies back from the dead, but that was touching on forbidden magic. He jumped a little bit, wincing from the pain as she watched him.
“Ow…” She had brushed her hoof along his side and touched the sore spot above his ribs along his back. She gave an apologetic look as he laid his head down, eyes closing as she worked a sweet smelling salve into his fur.
“Sombra… How could you be unmarried?”
He blinked at the question. “Who says I'm not?” He lifted his head to watch her face, a bit of an amused smile on her lips. “Are you zebras always this forward?” He tucked his tail around himself as she moved to apply more of the sweet stuff to his back legs.
“Why hide behind a lie when the truth is better to hear, no matter how harsh it may be?” She paused to side eye him, his face turning a visible red color as he looked away. She adjusted herself to lay beside him, resting her head on his back carefully. He relaxed again as he let his head lay back on the soft mat, his mind now racing. Is she flirting with me…? No… Maybe? Ugh, mares are so complicated… He looked to the window, the moon waning in the sky as he sighed a little bit.
It had been 3 months since he left the borders of the edge of equestria, his heart longing for the softness of his girlfriend, missing the way she would kiss his forehead while he slept at night before going to night court. He missed the long conversations about nothing as they would lay together and admire a new constellation she made or complain about their duties. He missed how she always managed to make time for him even on his bad days, she would sit and sip tea as he ranted about this or that, never once judging him for how he felt about his duties.
“You miss her, don't you? Your friend.” He nodded as she nuzzled between his shoulder blades, tensing up a little before relaxing at the stimulation. “I sometimes hear you talk about her… She means a lot to you, doesn't she…?” He nodded a little bit before lifting his head up and rested it on her back, letting himself relax.
“... I hope one day that my grandchildren's grandchildren can spread the knowledge of potions, roaming lands I have only heard about from your stories, king of snow and ice…” She nuzzled into his neck as he looked at her with a gentle smile. The thought of them becoming friends, growing older and wiser together, maybe he could… he tossed the thought from his mind. What was he thinking? He had only known this mare for less than 3 months, besides, he had a girl waiting for him to return…
“That sounds like a wonderful thought, Zeva.” He nuzzled her cheek affectionately, tenderly like he had done for Luna when she was tired and falling asleep. “I hope we stay friends… Hey, how about this. I promise to come visit when my training is over and maybe you could come see the Crystal Empire one day.” She started to nod off against him, soon falling asleep as he brought a pelt over and wrapped it around them both carefully before resting his head down himself.
Life here wasn't so bad.
Nightmare laughed, having downed another mug of ale as another dragon forfeits, his face red with the alcohol getting to him. "Well, that didn't last long, did it?" She balanced the mug on her nose as others laughed or slapped backs. Her return to the clan was a bit rocky, but soon they welcomed her with good food, merriment and ale.
Dragon ale was some of the strongest, most delicious ale that money could buy or steal if you were brave enough. Or stupid enough that is. She held up a tankard made of carved wood to ask for a refill, her cheeks a soft pink color against her black coat. A night like this was needed; cooped up in the castle doing boring meetings with boring people and doing boring duties was, well, boring. She smiled at the sweet smelling drink, the foam dripping down the side lazily as she sipped it slowly, the warmth hitting her belly and warming her body.
Apollo would kill her if she knew where she was right now at this time of night but she didn't care. Apollo Could shove where her precious sun didn't shine for all she cared. As she drank the cold liquid, she looked around the cave with merriment and joy, all sorts of dragons partying and having a good time.
This is what the night had to offer, good food, good friends… How many had she had? 5? 7?
She set her mug down and stood up, the room spinning as she gripped the table with a groan. Some tried to offer her more drink or food that made her mouth water, but she looked to the cave entrance and winced. It was a few hours before sunrise, she had been out all night partying and was in for an earful from her older brother no doubt, but first she had to get back home…
She landed on her balcony with a bit of a wobble but managed to keep upright. She hoped that no one saw her and that she could sneak into bed to lay down for a few winks, sleep off the headache that was already coming. She shook her head, bad idea, the balcony swaying underneath her and she hugged the railing with a groan.
“Where have you been?” A light flicked on, hurting her eyes as she looked to the fireplace, a blur of white sitting there before her eyes adjusted to see Apollo laying there with Luna’s paperwork she was supposed to get done. Nightmare stood a little straighter and attempted to walk to the bed without tripping; maybe if she just focused on the bed and nothing else, she would seem tired and not drunk.
“Out. Since when do you stay up this late?” She tripped over her own shoes, falling to the floor, her royal rump in the air with her wings sitting at odd angles and her crown crooked. She couldn't stop the giggling from escaping her, nor did she have the energy to care as Apollo picked her up in his too bright gold magic and brought her to the bathroom, setting her down at the toilet, hugging the porcelain with a grateful sigh.
“You reek of alcohol.” Apollo said as he sat down beside the dark mare, rubbing her back soothingly. “I promise not to be upset if you tell me where you were.” Night thought for a few moments before puking into the bowl, groaning with a bit of protest as her brother helped as best he could; if she told him where she was, she would have to deal with the clan being upset with her. If she told him a lie, she wouldn't remember in the morning what she had said…
“You’re a terrible liar…” Night slurred, half mumbling her words. The alabaster colt watched his young sister for a moment before resting his head back against the sink. She was right, he had a terrible poker face when it came to his sisters, never could keep himself from lying to them especially in recent years. A rift was dividing the co-rulers, one he hoped to negate before it got too big but first he had to keep Night from drowning in her own puke.
“C’mon, up. Let's get you cleaned up for bed.” He tried moving the dark mare with protests and shooing motions from his sibling. “Come on, Night, up. I will push you into that shower if it-”
“You’re not mom, leave me alone…” Neither moved or said anything for a long moment, sitting in uncomfortable silence. It had been many, many years since their parents disappeared without a trace after they had matured into teenagers all that time ago, neither one wanted to acknowledge the fact that other than each other, all other alicorns were unheard of or some bastard race all their own.
“You’re right… I'm sorry…” Apollo watched as Night got up from the floor and stumbled a little to the shower, leaning on the wall as the solar stallion helped to clean her fur, gently rubbing his sister's leathery wings. It was still strange to see how different she was to Luna, even though they shared a body, it was night and day almost literally. When she first met Nightmare, he was afraid of her; the dragon eyes, bat wings and the darker physique was… startling to say the least. His mother would scold him for berating on his sister and their shared body, telling him that he needed to be loving and supportive.
No matter how different she was, she was still his baby sister.
“... Do you miss her?” Night muttered tiredly into his neck. Apollo had to resist the urge to touch the mark of a certain chaotic being, covered up by his necklace so it wasn't so visible, a silvery scar from her bite mark. How many years now? 3, maybe 400 years since that day? Some nights he woke up in a cold sweat, or he could hardly sleep because of the guilt that plagued his mind, telling him that what he did was wrong. What they did was wrong, imprisoning him for what, trying to help, to fix things? She didn't deserve to be turned to stone like that, the elements…
“No… I don't miss her…” he watched the fire as it crackled, softly popping from the slightly damp log. He put on a brave face before, he’d do it again… For the sake of his kingdom.
“Not even a little bit? You loved her, didn't you?”
“Night…”
“How can you say that, as if it was a matter of duty what we did, something that was needed… I miss her too, she was a good friend.”
“Nightmare…”
“You can't just sit there and pretend that everything is fine, you loved her. What we did, don't you feel a little bad? I-”
“Of course I miss her… There isn't a day that goes by that I don't. What we… What I…” He swallowed the ache in his chest, his heart beating loud in his ears as he laid there as still as he could before taking a shaky breath. Eris, the goddess of chaos was his first friend, his first best mate through thick and thin and was eventually his… He closed his eyes, thinking back to that night, the smell of the fresh cut roses, the struggle he had opening a bottle of wine… the way she looked in the moonlight…
He shifted, using his wings to move his sister off of him before grabbing a blanket to cover her, heading to the door.
“I should go… I have court in the morning…”
“Brother, i-”
The door shut behind him, cutting off whatever Nightmare was about to say, tears steaming off of his cheeks as he made his way to his room. How dare she bring her up, how dare she tell him what he should feel. Just because she’s head over heels for some guy… He tried not to slam the door, his guards didn't need to be afraid, but he went to the balcony with tears streaming down his face with steam rising from his cheeks. Why did it have to hurt this much, the pain of losing someone so close to him? He had a right to feel however he wanted, he sacrificed so much for them, so much he had missed out on so that they would be safe and now…
His eyes narrowed to the crystal empire. It was his fault. He started it all, the rebellious nature, the late nights playing catch up with his sisters paperwork, the drunk alicorn sleeping in her sisters bedroom all of it. If he just got rid of him…
The tears stopped, a smile forming on his perfect face. Oh yes, if he got rid of him, his sister would listen again, she would be happier for it. The smile grew to a wolfish grin, a glint of malice in his eyes as he watched the aurora in the clouds, a wicked idea forming as he went to his desk, sitting down to write a letter.
General Heartstop woke up with a stretch, the straw and pelts under him were rather nice to wake up on. The sun shone through and greeted him, his charcoal coat welcoming the warmth with a smile as he got up. He fixed himself up, looking in the mirror to adjust his hair as his dark blue eyes adjusted to the light. He turned to look at himself, smiling as he picked up a silver necklace with the symbol of the sun, the solar stallions cutie mark perfectly replicated to show where his loyalties lie.
He remembered the day he gave him this necklace, a task for his most majestic radiance. He wanted him to keep an eye on the new ruler, at least at first that's what it was, soon turning into him becoming a general to persuade the regent of the crystal empire to whatever he needed.
He put on the necklace and cast a spell to make it turn invisible but still felt the weight on his chest, a constant reminder that he was watching him.
He made his way outside, the sun warming him as he looked around the village, nodding in greeting to passersby, he went to the training area. Sombra rose before sunrise and insisted on training before it got hot out. Heartstop on the other hoof rose with the sun and went to bed with it, a scowl on his face. No respect for the one who made all this possible, selfish brat. Entering the area, he couldn't help the smile on his face as the ‘king’ was knocked on his ass again and again while he watched, concern creeping into his mind.
If Sombra kept this up, they would head back in a month or so, much sooner than what Lord Apollo had in mind for the king. He had to make up more and more things to tell the chief to keep Sombra here for longer, first telling him that he needed to get stronger, then it was telling the chief that maybe expand his knowledge of other things. He even convinced the war lord that Sombra was unwed, a king needed a queen after all.
After the fourth time knocked over, Heartstop stepped in. “Alright, that's enough. You’re overworking yourself; that rib won't heal if you keep breaking it.” He touched Sombra's side with his hoof, the monarch wincing in pain. “See? Have you even eaten yet or did you wake up too early this morning to enjoy a meal for once, your majesty.” He really could care less, but Apollo was counting on him. “C’mon, let's get you patched up and some food in your belly.”
They went to the food tent, a hot breakfast already waiting for them. After they each grabbed some food, Sombra, after Heartstop insisted, went to get patched up while the general sat down to eat. His mind was racing as to what he could tell Sombra or the chief why they needed to stay longer when a letter popped up in front of him, immediately recognizing the symbol stamped on the red wax seal.
He opened it carefully, taking in the lavender and vanilla scent of the Lord before reading quickly.
Dear General Heart
I know it has been a while since you and I have spoken, no doubt missing our talks by the fire, but I ask for your assistance once more. King Sombra must become stronger by any means necessary, more training, magic, potions, something to keep him there until winter has come and gone here. I fear that if he is to come back now, he won't be well equipped enough to handle my sister, she has grown not only in size but power as well. I am afraid that if he does not grow himself, his heart will be broken, and I would rather not deal with a vengeful king if I can help it.
Love is a very powerful thing and a mare scorned is one thing, but a stallion who loses his love? That is a force to be reckoned with. Keep him there, keep him busy, I will see you once the spring thaw is over.
Yours, Apollo.
He kissed the letter with a wide smile on his face, beaming with pride. His Lord has given him another task, a new assignment to follow and he would not fail. He read it slower, drinking in the words as if he said them directly. He quickly put the letter away as Sombra came up, rebandaged and a tray of food in his magic.
“What was that? A letter?” The king sat beside the black stallion and started eating, eyeing the nervous stallion. “You alright? You’re sweating…” Heartstop nodded and turned to his food, suddenly becoming very hungry and wolfing it down, Sombra raising a brow at him but shrugged it off. Some generals were weird.
After downing a mug of water, Heartstop took a breath, coughing a little. “Mm… Yeah, yeah it was a letter from…” Think, think… “My mother. She’s excited for my sister, she’s having a baby girl. I'm gonna be an uncle.” He grinned a little too wide, hoping that his strange behavior justified the fabricated lie. He made a mental note to write to his mother and his sister to send off to show that it was indeed just his family keeping tabs on him. Hoping that the king bought it, he excused himself and got up, taking the food tray with him as he quickly left before Sombra could ask anything else; he wished for the fourth time that week that he was a better liar. His brother, the poor bastard, was a better liar, so much so that he was the first one in the family to actually get away with stealing from the crown and paid dearly for it.
He rushed back to his hut, shutting the door quickly before taking a deep, shaky breath. He had to get his breathing under control, he had to, he couldn't afford to pass out now. He stood there shakily with a hoof over his heart, touching the silver pendent and taking solace in the fact that he had someone to keep him grounded, sane even. Without his guidance… he shuddered at the thought.
A month had come and gone, but Sombra was now content with his new strength, his power had increased since living with the zebras and he was ready to head home. Heartstop made his way to Sombra's hut, knocking once before entering as he looked around the room, the king had already packed his things and was ready to head back.
“I almost have everything put back the way it was, what about you? Ready to head back to the Empire?” The stallion smiled at the shorter general, who watched the king closely.
“Are you sure you want to head back so soon? I know 4 months must be a long time since seeing your girlfriend, but still… There’s nothing else they could show you, or teach you?” He was shifting in place now, uncomfortable with the power shift in the room, Sombra's aura pressing against his like a physical presence as he averted his gaze. He knew something like this would happen, but he didn't think the king would actually succeed like this. If he had known what all this training would do, he wouldn't have suggested it in the first place, he might have gone so far as to tell Sombra that he should have just gone to the frozen mountains in search of a monk or something and hoped he died along the way.
“Zeva says I can tell the difference between plants with just a smell, I can lift three times my own body weight with one arm and my magic is strong enough on its own even without training. I think I can protect Luna now.” He put his hair back in a bun and looked at the short stallion. Heartstop was now backed into a corner; it was true that Sombra was now more powerful than when they arrived but now he ran the risk of disappointing the solar goddess, his pillar, his-
“Excuse me, gentlemen, but we require your assistance.” The chief entered the hut with a neutral face. “We have run out of water and need to dig a new well. I know you have plans to return before the end of the next moon cycle, but since the two of you possess magic…” he glanced at Sombra first, the stronger of the two, something Heartstop noticed and had to keep from scowling at the old stallion.
“Of course, with both of us helping it should only take a few hours instead of a week.” The king smiled warmly, following him outside as Heart stood there in disbelief. Maybe this was what he needed, to take a break from manipulation and just do some physical labor for once.
Author's Note
Let me know how this chapter feels, having some issues with continuing the stories, but other than that, ejoy chapter two!
