Exhaustion was one that plague many for various causes. But the cost of devoting so much time and energy, and emotion, takes a tole on the mind. Nothing some rest can’t fix, says every pony ever. Luckily things were sorted out quickly and without issue, though the uncertainty still tugged at Twilight’s thoughts.

Celestia was not able to be present herself, though representatives from the court arrived yesterday afternoon to evaluate the prisoner, King Sombra, and then shipped him to the magic maximum security prison in Canterlot. He kept the same expression the entire time, though entirely emotionless expression, Twilight suspected something sinister as they locked eyes more than once. But now he was gone, and it was a massive weight lifted of the princess’ shoulders.

Now her new distraction walked in the door, blocking the blue Pegasus from passing as she took up the entire doorway. Grinning back at Rainbow with her large fangs, Mud continued to the sink, carrying on her back more dirty dishes covered with scraps and leftovers. The kelpie grew a few inches taller, over the last couple months, while having no effect on the “rest” of her body, and the reason was shown right in front of her.

Mud took the spot beside Pinkie, taking one plate, licking it clean, and sliding it to the earthpony who dipped it in the sink to clean it better. The kelpie had just eaten several large servings during dinner, along with dessert, turns out it wasn’t enough. Twilight thought about this, and wondered if nutrition directly impacted her growth spurts, or something else.

The princess reclined on the table, Applejack sitting the other side.
“I wish I could’ve gotten more time to study her when she first came, but now I don’t think I’ll ever get back to it.”

Apple Jack glanced over, seeing Pinkie pry a plate out of Mud’s jaws. “She likes ya quite a bit, and always has a ball when ya visit. Maybe she can go up there to Canterlot and stay a while.”

Twilight gazed into the distance, thoughts struggling to form.
Applejack helped it along.

“Well, y’all are gonna be off to Canterlot fer princess stuff, Tall Dark and Dumb’s gonna have to go somewhere for them friendship lessons.”

Twilight looked at her, slowly catching on. “Like, one takes Sombra, the other has Mud?”

Starlight who was reading a letter with coffee in hoof, glanced over at the conversation. “Now that sounds good, anything really to get that ‘garbage disposal’ out of my castle.”

Twilight grinned at the 'my castle' comment, and looked back at the kelpie being described.

Applejack chimed in “She won’t be used to the city right away, should take it slow.”

Mimicking an playful and mischievous look, Twilight rubbed her hooves together. “Oh, I know, just imagine a creature of her capabilities wreaking havoc in a small confined city. It’d be terrible.”

Mud had finished the dishes and was now sticking her head in the fridge, licking leftovers out of one of the containers. She stopped after the one, whimpering as her limit caught up to her. The creature turned around and dropped onto Starlight’s lap, resting her head against the pony’s chest.

The unicorn ran a hoof over the messy brown mane, giving a sigh.
“Yeah, ponies better lock their fridge.”

Celestia was uncertain about the whole plan, partly wanting to deny permission altogether. However, this was her student, the very capable alicorn that saved Equestria with her friends many times in the past several years. The court hearing lasted only a day, ending in approval for Sombra’s transfer to Ponyville.

Twilight did not have Starlight by her side to give the news right away, so letters were sent a week prior to the King’s arrival. This also gave time to reorganize the invites and prepare the tests that Mud will be in. With all things starting to look up, Twilight felt slightly better.

But her excitement for the next couple weeks were soiled by one single thought.

Your friends will be without the sixth element, and alone with him.

Darkness clouded her mind once again, but this time with anger. She turned to peer from between some large columns to see the royal guards circling a barred cart, Sombra sitting inside it covered with shackles. His face showed only mild annoyance, watching the ponies mill around him.

Twilight felt her ears flatten, grunting angrily, she spread her wings to glide down. Sombra looked up as the princess landed and walked up calmly. The guards noticed, but paid no mind.

Twilight held her glare to the prisoner, standing in silence. Sombra hardly moved, only returning a more bored look.

“Just because I won’t be around doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.” Her malice was clear in her voice.

But Sombra was not amused, “Can you tell your guards to hurry along, I don’t particularly like long travel.”

His tone enraged Twilight, leaving the alicorn to grit her teeth as he went on complaining.
“Trains, carriages, boats, even airships. I’d rather stay in my palace.”

The guards moved into formation, ready to head out to the prisoner transport platform. Twilight noticed them and finished her threats.
“Well, you’re not in your palace, and you’re going to the Castle of Friendship under heavy guard to make sure you don’t cause any trouble.”

She leans in close enough to smell his musty fur, “And if I hear anything about you hurting my friends, we’re taking you out.”

Sombra said nothing after that, and the tumbrel started off along the concrete castle grounds. Twilight left alone to look on as it rounded a corner, disappearing from view.

I hope the Girls’ll be okay…

Author's Note

yes, i be bullying Somby like that.
Yes, it is out of love :3
yes, it will happen again.