The Rise of King Sombra (Fluttershy)

“It has been a long-time dear brother.” Called out Sombra in a false cheerful tone.

The sound of his voice seemed to have the desired effect of the ‘party’. As he trotted over to the group at an easy pace the crystal guard and Onyx backed away from the frightened mares. Though it was not enough for the young lady and her handmaiden to escape.

Sombra leisurely came to a stop near the young mares and bowed respectfully, “My lady, I apologize for my sudden intrusion.” He raised himself back up and smiled gently. “My name is Lord Sombra.”

The young mare stared at him, a flurry of confusion and fear seemed to have momentarily overtaken her until her handmaiden nudged her slightly. She curtsied, with the cause of the ordeal still in her hooves, but kept her eyes averted to the ground.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you my lord, I am lady Hazelblossom.” The young mare, lady Hazelblossom, whispered. Her voice was so quite that Sombra almost didn’t hear her introduction.

How such a timid young lady had captured such unwanted attention of two crystal guards was puzzling. Lady Hazelblossom was by no means ugly; she was a rather handsome and attractive young lady. Perhaps there was something more to this altercation beyond a small rabbit.

“It has been a while, brother.” Onyx hissed through gritted teeth.

Sombra turned his head toward his brother who seemed to have regained his composure. The social mask and cheerful disposition was back in place and he gave Sombra a confident smirk. “I must say I did not expect to see you on this fine day.”

It was a polite way of Onyx saying he never expected to see him again. Though if that was the game his brother decided to play, Sombra was more than happy to comply, and win.

“A coincidence I assure you, I am here on business.” Sombra replied, he raised his voice as if he were giving a lecture at the university. “Though I was unaware the duties of the royal guard involved accosting innocent ladies”

The mention of such unsightly actions had its desired effect. Mares and gentlecolts passing by stopped and stared at their odd group. Which in turn drew more attention until a small crowd of onlookers formed. If there was anything the high society of the Crystal empire loved more than their gold coin, it was a scandal.

The orange crystal guard was the first to break. He backed away from the group and began stammering out excuses for their behavior. He glanced occasionally at Onyx as if looking for some sort of instruction for what to do. Onyx, on the other hoof, managed to maintain his façade to a certain extent. He kept an easy smile on his face that did not reach his eyes and remained where he stood.

“I believe you are mistaken Sombra.” Onyx matched his tone, ensuring everyone could hear him. “My associate, Golden Hooves, were informed of a rabbit causing problems for the staff in the Sanctuary and are merely here to assist in removing it safely. It just so happened that the lady Hazelblossom came across it first.”

Onyx returned his attention to lady Hazelblossom, smiling roguishly. “If you wouldn’t mind lady Hazelblossom, my colleague and I would appreciate if you would hand over the rabbit then we shall be on our way.”

“I… well I’m not sure.” Lady Hazelblosssom stuttered out; she looked around for an escape once again but the way Onyx stared at her seemed to keep her in place. Like the frightened animal she cradled against her chest.

Well played Onyx. His explanation was enough to cause some of the crowd to lost interest but a few still stuck around to see how the drama would unfold. It was enough to prevent Onyx or his lackey to try anything without it getting reported back to their superiors. However, if this backfired Sombra would not be the only one caught in the crossfire. And lady Hazelblossom looked like the kind of mare who would faint at the sight of physical violence. Not to mention the potential backlash if news of such violence would put an end to his project.

“How very noble of the crystal guard to spend their time chasing rabbits from Sanctuaries.” Sombra turned his attention back to lady Hazelblossom. “My lady, are you comfortable allowing these guards to take the rabbit somewhere safe?”

Lady Hazelblossom just shook her head no. Perhaps she had allowed her fear to prevent her form being able to speak. She certainly was a timid little thing.

“Now hold on!” protested Golden Hooves, he seemed to have regained his composure and was ready for a confrontation. “You can’t just-”

“That’s quite enough, lady Hazelblossom has made it clear that your assistance is no longer required.” Sombra cut in, he leveled Golden Hooves and Onyx with a withering glare.

Sombra had no idea where this sudden urge to protect lady Hazelblossom had come from. She was just a young lady, caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Under any other circumstance he would have cut his losses and left the young lady with his egotistical brother and his incompetent sidekick. But something compelled him to stay. He could not, no, he would not leave lady Hazelblossom with Onyx. Regardless of the consequences.

“My lady, if I may be so bold, would you like for me to escort you and your handmaiden through the gardens?” Sombra offered, he extended his left hoof and gestured down a path that seemed less clustered by their observers. “I would not be able to forgive myself if something were to happen to either of you and I was unable to assist you.”

The look Onyx sent his way would have killed him ten times over if he applied his magic. Yet Sombra could care less. The sooner he got lady Hazelblossom away the sooner he could go back to what he could gather the Anemone flower petals. Then the strange feeling to protect her would go away and this migraine-inducing day could come to an end.

It took a moment for lady Hazelblossom to find her words again. She still seemed unsure of herself or which strange pony she was willing to trust. Then she took a deep breath and looked at Sombra, a determined look in her eyes.

“I would be honored, Lord Sombra.”