The Heart of Shadows

Chapters

Night to Remember
Escape
New Barring
A Simple Dance
Complications
Face to Face
A Grim Trip
An Awkward Pairing
A Solution?
A Dark Presence
Brother Mezzo
Two Brothers
Heart of Stone
Darkness Emerges
A Dramatic Finding
True Colors
A Heart As Black As Night
Fear's Own Enemy
Love's Last Moments
Imprisonment/Epilogue
Something Different

Night to Remember

Sombra had been sitting by the food table the entire time.

“Well this is turning out to be a real fun time.” He said to himself while stuffing his mouth with a piece of cake.

A young mare came up to him, her teeth chattering with nervousness. Sombra looked at her, he knew what she was going to say.

“Is this seat taken?” she asked while nodding to the empty chair beside him.

“No, but you’re the hundredth pony to ask that question tonight, do yourself a favor and walk away now.” He said taking another bite of the cake.

The mare stormed off clearly upset about the way he had spoken with her.

The great hall was filled with ponies he despised. Growing up, he was always taught to never waste anything. Looking at the hall he was sickened by the scene. All these kings and queens were indulging in goods far beyond what they truly could consume. Sombra finally understood why his father never went to these types of things. The thought of his father made him feel sad, many here said that was the best king of the crystal empire. Other would argue that he was one the best kings in the entire land. He was at times ruthless but in the end he was a gentle soul. What have these rich snobs ever do for their kingdoms? Each one of them never had to work for their thrones they just inherited them from their parents. Sombra's father had to fight for his kingdom, when all seemed lost his father found a way to win. What have these ponies done to earn their spots in power, nothing. Coming here was a mistake he thought, he had better things to do than get angry at nothing. He got up and started to head to the door.

Suddenly a voice called out to him. “Sombra!”

He turned around. “Tia!?” he responded

A young alicorn came running up to him flinging her hoofs around him almost knocking him over.

“Sombra it’s so good to see you again.” The white alicorn said

Was this Celestia? Sombra remembered ages ago that during the great war that he was looked after in Canterlot while his father went with the rest of the allies. During his time he made friends with one of the princesses here but was this really her? The mare standing before him was beautiful beyond imagine and she gave off a sense of comfort. To say the least he was completely star struck.

“Celestia is that you?” He said pulling himself away.

“Yep its me who else did you expect?” She said with a smile.

“Nopony I am just surprised, I almost didn’t recognized you.” He said

“Well it has been ages since we last saw each other, how have you been?” Celestia asked.

Sombra was stumbling over his words. He began feeling a burst of red starting to form along side his checks.

"Good." he said 'Don't forget to ask her the same.' "And you?" he asked very shaky. 'Well do try make it sound less awkward next time'

Celestia giggled like most mare do that age when they know a colt is nervous around them. "I've been doing great Sombra. You know i thought this evening couldn't be anymore boring but then all of the sudden you show up of all places. After all the years of invites why now may i ask?"

He froze in place for he really didn't have an answer for her question. 'Cuase my father taught me that most of these ponies here are scum who never worked a day in their lives yet feel the need to throw expensive parties to satisfy their egotistical selves'. "I thought i would give it a shot. You know, got to be a first for everything" He managed to smile.

Celestia smiled back but then suddenly remembered something. "Um Sombra i know its a little personal but do you really think that attending tonights gala is such a good thing i mean your father's funeral was just two weeks ago." She stopped as the look on his face exposed everything he was feeling at that moment. The look he had was of somepony who had been through a lot and was looking for something to distract themselves for awhile. "Oh." she mumbled

"Yeah well you see the thing is i thought that i would just get away from everything for a while. Just to breathe you know?" Sombra managed to say.

Celestia wrapped around him again in a hug. “I am sorry about your father passing away, it must be hard on you.” She said

Sombra smiled. “You know you’re the first pony to tell me that tonight.” He said

“Really? I am the first?” She said stepping back.

“Yeah sadly but true, everypony here has just ignored the fact that my father had just died. All night ponies have treated me as if nothing had happened.” Sombra said.

“The nerve of them, I swear these days ponies have no moral conduct.” Celestia said.

This made Sombra smile.

“So what have you been up to lately?” Sombra asked trying to steer away from a grim topic.

“Me? Well don’t tell anypony but lately father has me and Luna being trained in all sorts of magic. You would not believe they type of magicians i have seen the last few days” Celestia said with a giggle.

“So the rumors are true huh?” Sombra asked. 'Well so much for steering away from that topic'

Celestia lowered her head a little. “Yes his health is deteriorating faster than the doctors had hoped for.” She said

Sombra stepped towards her. “I am sorry for asking.” He said

“Don’t be, mother always said it was good talking about our problems than trying to deal with them by ourselves.” She said

Sombra grabbed one her forehoofs. “Well if there is anything you need let me know.” He said

Her eyes lit back up, she blushed as she realized that her hoof was being held with his. She slowly removed it placing it to her side.

“So where you heading off to now?” She asked innocently.

“Back home” Sombra said.

“What and miss the special surprise my father has planned?” Celestia asked.

“Look no disrespect to you or your father but this is all just to much for me. I am not familiar with these types of parties.” Sombra said

“Oh please stay.” Celestia begged

Sombra’s ears folded back he was trying to think of an excuse. “I really do have to go, it’s going to be a long journey back to my palace.” He said

“Don’t leave tonight leave tomorrow.” Said Celestia

“I have no place to stay here.” Sombra responded

“You can stay in one of the guest bedrooms. I’ll have the guards prepare you one.” Celestia said motioning a guard over.

“Look Tai, I appreciate the offer but-“ He started to explain. Her eyes got big and watery as if he had just crushed every dream she had ever had. He couldn’t say no to her. “Fine I’ll stay.” He said with a sigh.

“Yay!” she yelp hugging him again. The guard came over and asked what she needed.

“Prepare the guest bedroom number two hundred and thirty six for our dear friend over here.” She said with authority in her voice. The guard bowed and went off. "Come now Sombra shall we have a seat somewhere?" She asked.

The young prince looked around the crowded hall searching for a spot to sit. His old spot was being occupied by a bunch of elegant looking stallions with lush suits.

"Um, I am afraid that there is nowhere to sit Tia." Sombra said looking around.

"Oh, thats okay." Celestia said. "Guard!" She motioned with her hoof.

From behind him, Sombra felt a guard rush past him presenting himself before the young princess.

"Yes ma'am." he saluted.

"Find me and my guest here a place to sit would you?" Celesita asked.

"Right away you majesty." The guard said trailing off.

The guard had cleared off a small table by one of the windows overlooking the majestic Canterlot garden. As the two sat down Sombra caught glimpses of ponies out and about there. The gala was going by as he thought it would, slow and boring.

"So how are things up in the crystal empire, you got that festival coming up don't you?" Celesita asked.

"Indeed i have but never have i imagine that it would be so much work. For my whole life i have enjoyed attending it but never have i actually run it you know?" Sombra said.

Celestia smiled and trailed off for a bit. "Must be lovely up there this time of year, with the wild flowers and grassy plains."

"It is but i am afraid that one such as yourself wouldn't want to live there." Sombra smirked.

"Oh and why is that?" Celestia asked.

"We have a beautiful summer and spring but once winter comes you would freeze your nose off. Most ponies apart from us can hardly tolerate such harsh conditions." Sombra smiled.

"Still i bet it is lovely to see the crystal palace and capital covered with a blanket of snow." Celesita sighed.

Sombra smiled not knowing what to say for he didn't want to come off boring. A sound from the band sent the room into a frenzy of cheers, startling him.

"Oh good they started it." Celestia said clapping her hooves together.

"Started what?" Sombra asked.

"You know the traditional sky ballad dance." Celestia squealed.

Sombra was baffled. "The sky ballad? But that dance, nor music had been used in ages."

"I know right, my father had it requested specially for tonight for some reason." Celestia said looking at all the ponies preparing for the music to start. As the dancers took to the floor she got an idea. "Um Sombra may i ask you something?"

"Yeah go right ahead." Sombra said.

"Will you dance with me?" Celestia asked.

Sombra's eyes grew in horror for if anything he was good at dancing was not one of them. He began sweating, he didn't just want to object out right but he also didn't want to embarrass himself or her.

"Oh Celestia I am not that good at all and I would just look like a fool if I tried." Sombra said nervously.

"Come on now I bet you're a great dancer." She said.

"No for real Tia I am terrible at it." Sombra said.

"Please?" She asked.

Sombra was begging to feel defeated. "I don't even know the first steps to the sky ballad you might as well ask a pony who's blind to do it much less than me."

"It isn't that hard all it is mix between a waltz and the sib." Celesita responded knowing he was running out of excuses.

She got up from her chair grabbing Sombra by the hoof forcing him out of his as well. Sombra began panicking as she guided him to the floor. He wanted to protest but for some reason his mind didn't think of any kind of action. The two made it into the crowed of ponies ready for the dance to begin. Looking around he could see many of the other dancers eyes where on them. He began thinking of a thousand things that could go wrong at that moment. As he desperately tried to remember the steps to the dance the music began signaling the dance to begin.

"You ready?" Celestia asked with a smile.

'I would be more ready to jump off a cliff right now' Sombra thought. 'Pull yourself together Sombra its just a dance how hard can it be.'

Celestia posed him into the position and placed her left forehoof on his shoulder.

'This is imposiible' Sombra whimpered to himself.

"Remember Sombra its one, two, three, turn and repeat thats all." Celestia said sensing his nervous vibes.

She grabbed his left forehoof and held it out. Sombra placed his right hoof above her hip and gulp hoping for the music to start. As the music began he found himself shuffling through the steps slowly but at least it wasn't wrong. The music soon drowned all his worries instantly. He began feeling the rhythm channeling through him as he and Celestia danced.

'Ha i can do it, what was even afraid of?' He thought.

He twirled Celestia around and pulled her back to the orignal position.

"Um Sombra that wasn't part of the dance." She said in confusion.

"Oh i know just adding some moves of my own." He said with a grin.

He began moving faster as the music started to increasing in speed. Feeling a rush of energy he began moving and stepping in ways that weren't common for the particular dance. Celestia could do nothing except follow his lead. Sombra smiled for he didn't remember a time where he actually was having fun dancing. Pacing himself he made sure not to get carried away. Soon the music started slowing down and a signal was let out to notify that the dance had ended. Upon finishing he gazed at Celestia whose white cheeks where red from blushing. Confused by this he looked around to notice that a huge crowd had gathered around the dancing space and apparently the two of them where the reason. All the other dancers had scouted away too leaving a huge space to where Sombra and Celestia were. Had he really made a spectacle of himself? Not knowing what to do he bowed as if he was putting on a performance and thankfully Celestia played along. The crowd clapped as Celestia pulled him back to the table where they were originally sitting.

"Oh Sombra that was amazing." She said taking a seat. " I never knew you could dance like that."

"I am just as shocked as you are Tia." He said with a laugh.

Celestia giggled. "But be truthful, did you know what you were doing out there or did you just make it up as you went?"

"A bit of both actually." Sombra smiled.

The two sat there for awhile carrying on conversation until the room fell to a complete silence.The sound of trumpets sounded off meaning that the old king was about to speak. The crowd of ponies started to gather together. Celestia almost sprung out of her seat grabbing him by the hoof.

“Come this way I'll get us good seats.” She said pulling him through the crowd.

The group entered the great throne room with everypony taking their seats. Celestia lead him to a pair of chairs elevated by the steps that lead to the throne itself. The old king sat on the throne breathing hard for a pony his age, he looked terrible. Everypony in the room buzzed about the condition he was in. Trumpets sounded off letting everypony know that he was about to speak. Celestia was sitting directly beside Sombra leaning her head on his shoulder. Sombra looked around, he was shock at how many ponies were looking at him and whispering. Old king Dawnbreaker stood up with as much strength as he had.

“Friends welcome one and all to tonight’s Grand Galloping Gala!” he proclaimed.

The crowd cheered and clapped at this. He raised his hoofs to silence them.

“Tonight I have a special treat for you, you saw see things that you probably have never seen before. During my time in the swampy south I came across a colt that ran a circus show. Mind you this isn’t just some regular circus but a circus of wonders and amazement. Mares and Gentlecolts it is my privilege tonight to introduce you to SIR GRISWALD AND THE EVERCHANGING CIRCUS!” he yelled.

As he finished the doors flew opened and with it dancers with colorful flags waived high in the air entered. Musicians came in playing flutes and bagging drums as a pony dressed in the manner of a general came marching forward followed by huge tent looking things. His hat was topped with a feather to large for any atonable statement. The music stopped and the lights dimmed down to create a mood.

The oddly dressed pony who as far as Sombra could guess was the ringleader.

“Friends tonight you shall see wonders. Friends tonight you shall see things beyond your understanding. Friends tonight you shall see things that will question you very mind so all I ask you is this, ARE YOU READY?” The ringleader asked.

The crowed cheered wildly and chanted for the show to start. He gave a signal for the show to start. What fallowed was nothing more than an hour and a half of lights, smoke, and overall typical circus acts. It wasn't really nothing new that Sombra hadn't seen before but everypony else including Celestia was enjoying it. He began noticing something strange about certain performers. They had collars and not ones for show business but actually collars. A crackling sound rushed through the air catching his attention. Sombra sat there watching with horror on his face realizing what was going on. Many of the performers were in chains, being whipped playfully by the ringleaders into doing the stunts. Once they where done they were marched back into the giant tents that were on the floor.

“What kind of circus is this?” Sombra whispered to Celestia.

“I don’t know but isn’t it amazing!” she replied.

Sombra looked at her with disgust he couldn’t believe that she could think that this was fun. Seeing the crowd react the same way he wondered if he was the only one seeing it. He closed his eyes hoping for the whole thing to be over.

The ringleader stepped back in the center of the room.

“Now friends what you are about to see is real. You see in the south we have creature that can mimic ponies. Oh yes they can become somepony that you know. They can look like them, sound like them and you would never even know the difference. Tonight I bring one of those creatures. Tonight I bring the creature who can mimic anypony for its named appropriately, give it up for the CHANGELING!” He yelled while two circus colts brought forth a crate of great size. “I bring you not only a simple changeling but the queen of the changelings give it up for the one and only CHANGELINGESS!” he pronounced as he motioned for the colts to open the crate.

Sombra watched as a small young mare looking creature came forth from the box. She couldn’t have been older than Celestia. The crowd gasped for she had holes through her hooves and wings. On top of her odd apperance she had a great number of scars running along her hooves and back. She made her way to the side of the ringleader almost limping.

“Watch now as she becomes anypony who volunteers.” He said

A pony jumped up and down from the crowd. “Oh please make the freak become me.” He screamed causing the room to laugh.

The ringleader used his staff to lift the head of the poor creature to face the direction of the pony. “Now become that pony!” he ordered.

The creature didn’t move she kept looking at the ringleader not saying a word. Sombra became angry for he looked at the staff the ringleader was holding. It had a smooth spear tip at the end that matched the scars on the creature’s body.

“Looks like our queen needs a little motivation folks.” The ringleader said clapping his hoofs together.

Two circus colts came and held down the creature. The audience snickered a bit while the ringleader went around room holding his staff up showing it off to the world. Sombra grew sick as the ringleader stood over the poor creature.

“Change!” he ordered raising his staff up.

The creature looked at him with a stubbern look on her face. The ringleader forced the staff down upon her wing causing it to tear a hole in it. The creature let out a cry as the room filled with laughter. Over and over the ringleader stabbed with staff all over the creature’s body focusing on her hoof that was the cause of her limp.

“Change! I command you to change into that pony!” he screamed drawing blood. Finally the creature began to glow and suddenly it became the pony that had called out. The crowd gasped and remained silent for a few seconds but soon everypony cheered. Then all of them cried out asking the creature to do the same for them. Sombra looked away. How could ponies do this, how could they hurt a creature just for their amusement it was barbaric. Sombra got up to leave heading for the door.

“You sir are next don’t worry you’ll get your turn.” The ringleader said.

Sombra wanted to flat out hit the pony . The creature’s eyes locked with Sombra’s for a split second. Pain and despair were the only things that filled them. The creature soon produced tears and was trying to say something only to be interrupted by the ringleader.

“All right my queen transform into that young dashing colt over there.” He said

Sombra tried to stop it but as soon as he walked forward the creature took his appearance. He froze, the room full of ponies laughed and cheered at this accomplishment. Sombra looked at the creature that had now mirrored him, it had his exact image, he felt very sick. He galloped out the door as fast as he could only hearing the ringleader asking for a new volunteer.

Sombra ran into the courtyard of the grand palace. He almost vomited but was able to keep it down.

“Sombra!” Celestia’s voice called out.

She came galloping up to him. “Oh goodness you’re sick.”

“No I fine, what is wrong with your father?” he asked

“What do you mean?” she asked obviously upset at his question.

“That whole thing was disgraceful to society.” He said

“You mean the circus?” she asked

“Circus? That wasn’t a circus Tia that was sick.” He said angrily.

“Calm down I don’t see why you’re getting so upset about this.” Celestia said.

“Upset, I have every right to be upset did you see how he treated those ponies and creatures, they were slaves Celestia!” Said Sombra

“So who cares its not like he was killing them.” Said Celestia.

“He was stabbing the poor creature!” He argued.

“I will admit that it was a bit much but it’s a wild creature its not like it was a pony.” Said Celestia.

“How do you know it wasn’t, it could probably talk or fly at one time just like me or you. I have a headache.” Sombra said stepping back.

“Do you need some water?” Celestia asked.

“Yes please.” He said softly.

Celestia ran back inside. As he watched her he saw one of the circus colts coming outside to smoke a cigar of some kind.

'Why you no good piece of-' His mind stopped to think for a second. 'I can't just leave this alone i have to do something about it.'

An idea formed in his head. He walked up to the pony.

“Excuse me good sir.” Sombra said

“What!? Oh, yes?” the colt asked.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you were part of the circus that’s preforming tonight.” Sombra said.

“Yeah what about it?” the colt asked.

“Well I was wondering if you could tell me where the ringleader and the rest of your crew are staying tonight. For you see I really enjoyed the show and was wondering if I could by chance hire you all for a festival I am having in a week.” Sombra said

“Well I don’t think you’ll get any luck we got three more gigs after this.” The colt said

“Name your price. I’ll pay seven thousand gold pieces if needed, its really important.” Sombra said.

The colt’s eyes widen with the sound of the amount. “Well sir your luck just changed, come by the Dusty Mare tonight around eleven we should still be there.” The colt said.

“Great! I’ll be there.” Sombra said walking away. “I hope I can pull this off.” He said to himself.

Escape

It took a while for Sombra to be finally alone. He sat in his room thinking about what he was about to do.

'Its the right thing to do. Those poor creatures are suffering and I am going to help them.' he thought.

The clock on the wall struck letting him know that it was ten o’clock.

“Time to go.” He said to himself.

He exited out of the room making his way down the deserted hallway. The palace was empty it was almost in a peaceful state. Only a couple of guards patrolled the great halls none paid any attention to Sombra as he walked towards the door. The guard at the door looked up as the white unicorn approached him.

“Evening Sir, what can I do you for?” the guard asked.

“Well fine sir I was wondering if I could slip out for a bit you know to take a nightly stroll around the town.” Sombra said.

“Sorry but we can’t let anypony out after the curfew.” The guard responded.

“Oh please it won’t take long.” Said Sombra.

“Sorry sir but those are the king’s orders.” The guard said.

Sombra slip out of his coat pocket a small bag, it jingled a bit as he threw it at the guard’s hooves.

“Oh my I do believe you have dropped something.” Sombra said.

The guard picked up the bag. “Well thank you sir, wouldn’t want things like this to go missing, I do recall that it was okay for ponies to go out as long as they are the respectable type.” The guard smiled as he unlocked the door. “Don’t be gone to long.”

“Thank you sir.” Sombra said.

The cold air blasted into his face sending his mane into a frenzy. Everything in the city was asleep except for the nightly watch. Sombra made his was quickly through the courtyard and through the streets. Within the hour he came to a small inn almost at the end where Canterlot’s building were before running up against it’s great walls. An old sign hung that read “The Dusty Mare” swung from being hit by the breeze. Sombra looked around the building trying to find the tents and crates. Poking his head down an alleyway he could make out all the crates that contained the performers stationed behind the old inn. He walked the down the alleyway slowly making sure nopony was there. He heard something talking but it wasn’t anything pony like. He turned his back to the crate and lean up against it putting his ear up to it. The voices that came from inside where a mixed batch of words, he could barely make any sense out of them. Slipping through the crates he came to the center where the crates were organized so that they could be shipped off in the morning.

He knocked on one of the crates. “Hello?” he whispered.

“Who’s there?” a pony’s voice answered back.

“A friend.” Said Sombra.

“I an't got any friends and don’t wish to now leave us alone.” The voice said.

“I am here to rescue you.” Sombra said.

“And how do you intend to do that, sure you can free all of us from our cages but then what?” the voice asked.

“There is a secret tunnel by the old fountain a couple of blocks from here. It's where the city meets the mountain, it use to be an old mine shaft back when Fireskies thought there was gold here. If you come with me I can lead you all to safety.” Sombra said looking at the back door of the inn hoping nothing would come out.

“So you say you can get us to this entrance?” the voice asked.

“Yes.” Sombra answered.

“Well what are you waiting for get us out of here.” The voice said.

“Okay wait one second.” Sombra said while stepping back.

He concentrated his magic to focus on the screws the held the boxes together. Slowly he unscrewed them all opening them up to revel the performers. A small crowd soon gathered around him. Sombra looked around and there at the end of the group laid the changeling. He went over to her.

“Hey don’t worry I am here to rescue you.” He said lowering his head.

She sniffled. “I cant walk, its my hoof.” She said.

Sombra looked at the bleeding hoof. The ringleader must of have been doing this for a long time. The creature looked up at him, tears starting to form in her eyes. It was a look of pure hopelessness making Sombra determined to save them all. Sombra picked her up throwing her on top of his back so that she could ride him.

“There see I will get you out.” Sombra said to her.

He went to address the crowd but before he could say a word the back door flung opened. Two colts were walking casually out talking about something before noticing the crowd standing there.

“Run, follow me though!” Sombra said taking off.

The crowd ran after him as the two colts called out for the rest of their crew and guards to come help. Sombra heard sounds of guards calling out to each other for help. Soon guards started descending upon the group tackling them one by one as they tried to run. Sombra kept galloping, not stopping for anything. Finally he came to the old spot where the mind shaft was but to his horror it was sealed up.

“But, How?” he asked himself.

There was no time to think he quickly ran away from the group and dove into some bushes away from the spot were he had left them. Sombra felt bad for failing to save the entire group but there was nothing he could do. He felt the blood from the creatures hoof starting to run down his back.

“Changeling are you alright?” He asked.

There was no response she had past out. Sombra tried to think of plan. He needed to get her inside the palace without being spotted by the guards. Then it came to him, the memory of him playing in the palace with Celestia. She showed him a secret passage located underneath the brush near the side of the Palace. It leads directly to where now the first floor of guest corridors was located. Wasting no time Sombra darted out of the bushes and kept to the shadows as he made his way through the city. It took some time but he made it where the passage way lied. The smooth wall had a jagged outing that resembled an old doorway. This must be it Sombra thought to himself as he felt along the outline looking for a way to open. He tried to remember how Celestia did; the memory was very obscure in his mind. Then within a split second it came to him, reaching for left corner on the top he quickly pressed in a piece of stone that unlocked the old stone door. It swung open making more noise than he had hope for. Walking inside he guided the door back shut. He sat there for a second for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. As soon as his vision was good enough he began making his way through the old corridors. Sombra never really knew what this old tunnel and door were ever used for all he knew was that it was there before he was born. He came to a set of stairs, which were leading up to another stony door. He unlatched the hinge and slowly opened the door almost being blinded by the torchlights in the hallway. He poked his head out looking both ways making sure that nopony was around. Slipping out and closing the door he began creeping down the hallway hugging the wall. The changeling on his back moaned, she was starting regain her consciousness.

“Hold on we’ll be safe soon.” Sombra whispered.

The creature laid her head back down against his neck letting out a sigh of relief. Sombra climb up the stairs leading to the second floor where his room was located. He crotched as a guard made his way past the top heading in the opposite direction. Taking the moment of opportunity Sombra raced out towards his room just barely getting in and shutting the door in time before the guard turned around to make a sweep. Sombra laid the creature down on the bed then raced to the bathroom to get a rag and some water to clean her wounds. The creature opened her eyes as Sombra stood over her. She started to rise up falling back down once the pain from her hoof shoot through her.

“Easy now you’re in no condition to get up or walk for that matter.” Sombra said pressing the damped rage up against her wound.

The creature let a sharp cry of pain as the rag dug around the wound.

“Shh, there, there, if I don’t clean it you’ll risk getting infected.” He said as he tried as gently as he could not to hurt her. “Do you have a name?”

The creature shook her head to tell him no.

“Everypony has to have a name don’t they?” Sombra asked with a kind smile.

“I am not a pony though.” The creature sniffled.

“Come now of course you are, in fact I believe your more of a pony then some of the ones I have seen here.” Sombra said wrensing out the rag before wetting it again.

This made the creature smile, reveling two sharp teeth almost like fangs.

“Now about that name?” Sombra said while counting to clean the other wounds on her body.

“I have never had one, the only name I have ever had is the one that…that monster used to paraded me around with.” She said.

Sombra looked at her wings, at one time they must have had been a thing of beauty but now all they showed was years of pain.

“How long has he done this too you?” Sombra asked almost angrily.

“Ever since I can remember. He took me away when I was to young, to young to remember my parents. Everyday I woke up at the sunrise and he would be there with that staff he used. Every time I did something wrong he would-.” She broke down in tears, her whole body started shaking.

Sombra set his rag down and crawled up next to her on the bed. He held her close to him.

“Shh he can’t hurt you anymore your safe now, he will never hurt you again I promise you.” He said in a low whisper.

The creature let out a few more whimpers before calming back down. She looked up at him.

“Why did you try and save us?” she asked.

“Cause I felt that what that pony was doing was wrong on many levels, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do anything.” He said.

"But my friends-“ she started.

“They will be free soon trust me but right now I got to focus on getting you to a real doctor.” He said setting her back down and rising from the bed. “The only problem is that I can’t take you to one here.”

“Why not?” She asked.

“Cause they will be looking for you, no the safest place for you would be the palace once we get there and patch you up I can take you back to your homeland. You can finally be free to live amongst your own kind.” He said turning to her with a smile.

She smiled also and was about to say something until there came a knock on the door. Sombra jumped up at the sound and quickly picked her up moving her to the bathtub placing her inside there.

“No matter what don’t make a sound.” He whispered.

She nodded.

He went to the door. “Who in their right mind would be knocking on my door at this hour of the nigh-“ He stopped as he opened the door.

It was Celestia. “Hello Sombra.” She said in serious toned voice.

"Um, hey Celestia um what are you doing up at this time of night?” he laugh hesitantly.

The alicorn looked at him with eyes red with irration. She looked like she had been weeping for quite some time.

"Is ever thing okay?" Sombra asked in a concerning voice.

"No father just had a heart attack." She began crying.

Sombra guided her to sit on the bed and he sat down beside her.

"It happened a few minuets ago and doctors are now with him. I just couldn't bare to watch him in that condition." She sniffled. "Why is this happening to him?"

Sombra felt sadden by this question for nopony could truly answer that. "Well Tia i don't know why but I am sure he will pull through this."

"But what if he doesn't what if he-" She stopped before she finished.

"Hey now there no need to think like that he will get through remember that he is a strong fighter." Sombra said trying his best to comfort her.

She looked at him and managed to smile. "You really think so?"

"I know so." Sombra reinsured.

"Thanks Sombra." She said.

The two sat there in an awkward silence with Sombra eying the bathing room hoping Celestia didn't enter there.

"You know something Sombra I don't get to make much conversations with other ponies outside the palace anymore. But may I say that it feels good talking to you." Celestia said.

"Any time Celestia, I will always be here to listen." He grinned.

She smiled and began drifting off leaning her head on his shoulder again. "Sometimes I think that all I need is some peace and quite."

"We all could use that." Sombra said.

"In fact sometimes I feel that I need to get away from this type of life style. Not that I don't appreciate it but I feel like nopony truly respects me for me." Celestia said.

"I would respect you, princess or not." Sombra said.

Celestia smiled. "Thanks Sombra." She said.

She looked up at him with admiration in her eyes. Not thinking she pecked him a kiss on the cheek. Sombra froze in place not knowing how to react to this action. Feeling that the situation was getting awkward with him not saying anything Celestia blushed from embarrassment.

"Um I think I need to get back to see if father is doing alright." She said hoping off the bed.

"Huh? oh, yeah." Sombra said escorting her to the door.

"Well good night Sombra see you in the morning." She said with haste.

Sombra locked the door leaning his head against it. He was trying to figure out what just had occurred. He walked into the bathing room drawing some water from the sink to wash the sweat off his face. He rubbed the spot on his cheek where her kiss had landed. A small smile crept across his face. Walking over to the tub he leaned down to see the changeling who was now fast asleep. She breathed calmly; he looked at her horn for it puzzled him greatly. Sombra couldn’t tell if it was naturally shaped like that or if it was molded by years of torture. He scooped her up making sure not to wake her and carried her to the bed. Once she was all tucked in he went to the window and took a look outside. The moon shined bright against the cloudless sky. Turning back he settled in the lounge chair across from the dresser. He didn’t like the feel of it or for that matter any Canterlot made furniture it always seemed so stiff. Sombra found a position in which he was comfortable in closed his eyes and soon he was asleep.

Then the thought entered his mind. "How am I going to get this creature out of Canterlot without being noticed?"

New Barring

A ray a light hit his face forcing Sombra to awake up from his sleep. Looking around to the bed he saw the changeling also lying awake.

“Good morning.” He said

“Good morning to you to.” She said with a smile.

Sombra got up and walked over to her. He sat himself down on the edge of the bed.

“Well I don’t know about you but I want to leave as soon as possible but there is one problem.” He said.

“What?” she asked almost concerned.

“I got to figure out a way to get you to my carriage without getting spotted and that is not going to be an easy task.” He said.

“I..I could change.” She said.

Sombra looked at her. “No I don’t want you to ever do that again.” He said.

“No it’s okay, it’s what my kind does naturally it doesn’t hurt me or anything.” She said sitting up.

“Well, that would certainly help lets see what you got.” He said.

The creature closed her eyes and then a green aura flashed changing her into a young golden-colored mare with a silky black mane.

“Ta-da.” She said.

Sombra smiled. “How’s you hoof feeling?” He asked.

“Better but I don’t think I can stand on it.” She said holding it up.

“Don’t worry we’ll get that fixed soon but for now you're just going to have to lean on me till we get to the carriage. I do hate doing this to you and all but I would really like to get going before everypony in Canterlot wakes up.” He said while getting up.

Sombra helped lift the changeling off the bed propping her up with her hurt hoof wrapped around his neck. Both headed to the door slowly and soon they were in the hall heading down the stairs. It was still very early in the morning and the only other ponies that were awake were the guards and the cooks. Sombra and the changeling reached the door only to be stopped by a guard.

“Hope you had a wonderful stay, do you wish to summon your carriage or did you come without one.” The guard asked pulling a book from his pocket.

“Um, yes I did, I would like to summon my carriage to the entrance. It should be under the name Sombra.” Sombra said while trying to balance the changeling from falling to the ground.

“One second Sir and it will be right out for you.” The guard said motioning to others to fetch the carriage.

The changeling stumbled again making the guard notice her.

“Is you date alright sir?” the guard asked.

“Hmh? Oh she’s fine just a little tired from the festivities last night.” Sombra said.

“Oh okay, well I hope you are feeling better Mrs.” The guard said.

A knock came on the door. The guard opened it up and poked his head out. He turned around opening the door wide open for the pair.

“Your carriage is suited up and ready to go, thank you very much for atteneding this year’s Gala.” The guard said with a fake smile as if he had rehearsed the line.”

“Thank you.” Sombra said as the pair walked by and headed down the stairs. Sombra opened the door and lifted the changeling into the carriage. She got settled in and just as he was about to enter the carriage himself a voice called out to him.

“Sombra wait!” Celestia’s voice called. Sombra shut the door to the carriage and quickly turned to see the running alicorn coming towards him. She reached where he was standing. “You leaving already?” Celestia said as if it was a very big deal.

Sombra thought of a quick lie to tell her. “I do wish I could stay but I remembered that I have urgent business to attend to, have to rule my kingdom you know?” He said hoping that she bought it.

“Will I see you again soon?” She asked.

“I afraid I wont be able to come to Canterlot for a while.” Sombra said but soon retracted as he saw the look that came over Celestia’s face. “Hey why don’t you and you’re sister come to visit me at my palace.” He said regretting the words.

“Really? That would be splendid!” she said with glee. “When would be a good time?” she asked.

“Lets make it for the end of this month how does that sound?” Sombra said while taking a step on the carriage.

“Sounds wonderful do have a safe trip, I wish you could have stayed longer.” She said.

“Well I do to but my kingdom needs me.” He said looking at the driver.

“Oh and Sombra thanks again for showing up last night it was good seeing you again.” Celestia said moving forward hugging him.

The hug lasted longer than he really wanted it to. "It was a pleasure seeing you again too Tia." He said.

As soon as she let go he propped open the door hoping for her to take her leave.

“Have a safe trip, I will be looking forward to seeing you again.” She said walking back to the palace doors.

Sombra watch as she entered the door letting out a sigh of relief. “Well it could be worse.” He said to himself.

As he opened the carriage and began getting inside his eyes caught something near the top of the palace. His heart froze as he saw King Dawnbreaker staring down at him from his balcony with a confused look on his face. Sombra smiled from embarrassment and quickly locked himself inside of the carriage. He knocked on the roof and soon they were both on their way.

For the first two hours none of them spoke a word. Sombra was just glad he could take a nap in something comfortable. Soon he was awoken by the sound of a voice.

“How long till we get where we are going?” The changeling asked, she had transformed back into her natural form.

“I say another good four hours.” He said rubbing sleep from his eyes. “You ever been to the artic north?” he asked.

“No sir, I have never been pass Canterlot until today.” She said shyly.

“Well don’t worry you’re going to love it, its nice and crisp up there. Well during the summer times that is” He said looking out the window. “Once we get to my palace-“

“You have a palace!?!” She asked.

“Um yes I am the prince of-“ he started.

“You’re…..you’re royalty!?!” she said curling herself up as if she was afraid.

Sombra chuckled. “Yes I am the prince and ruler of the crystal empire.”

She looked at him. “Crystal Empire?” she asked.

“You never heard of the crystal empire?” Sombra asked.

She shook her head.

“Well the crystal empire was founded by an old alicorn who helped unite all the crystal ponies-“

“Crystal ponies?” she asked interrupting him. “I am sorry please go on.”

Sombra laughed. “You are a curious one aren’t you? Well as I was saying my ancestor united all the crystal ponies into one kingdom. Now crystal ponies are like the regular ponies that you have come to know but with one difference. We shine like diamonds.” He said as if telling a bedtime story to a group of small ponies.

“Can you do that?” she asked intimately.

Sombra smiled at this. He closed his eyes finding the spot within himself where he felt warmth and happiness. His white coat and black mane shined instantly like a stainglass window being hit by the sun. The changeling’s eyes grew wide and her mouth hung opened.

“And I thought I was the only one who could change my appearance.” She said flabbergasted.

Sombra turned back to his normal state. “Well to be perfectly honest it does get kind of annoying after a long period of time.” He Chuckled. "Most keep the form on all the time which to me seems unbearable."

She giggled. “If I could do that I would never change back.” She said.

He gave her a smile and she looked at him intently.

“Fine but last time.” He said turning back into his shining self.

She squealed with joy as if receiving a present.

The rest of the ride up north consisted of nothing but small talk after that. Both of them held very short conversations. Sombra felt it in his blood when they entered the artic north. He really couldn’t explain it, it just shot through his bones whenever he crossed into the tundra. The changeling also began to feel this also sending her into a state of shivering. It was summer time but he forgot that the temperature was still lower than most places in Equestria. Sombra noticed her shivering and removed his coat and give to her. He did reinsure her that once they got to the capital that things would be different. After a long time the carriage came to a stop. Sombra cracked the door open letting in the cool artic air. He smiled as he saw the buildings of his home city standing all around him.

“We are here.” He said with a smile. “Now wait right here so that I can get a doctor to get you some treatment.” He said to the changeling while exiting out of the carriage.

A small group of servants greeted him as he stepped down from the step and onto the pavement.

“My lord how was your trip?” Samuel, his butler asked.

“I will talk about that later get me doctor Winhelm at once and tell him its urgent.” Sombra said.

“Yes sir right away.” Samuel said galloping away.

The sky was grey from what Sombra could tell was a storm that happen earlier. He sat by and waited for the doctor to arrive. Within the time span of thirty minuets the doctor came with two medical nurses with a stretcher.

“Doctor Winhelm at your service.” The pony said with a thick foreign accent.

“Ah doctor I am in need of your medical assistants.” Sombra said.

“Sir? Forgive me but I don’t see anywhere that needs medical attention on your body.” Winhelm said looking over the young prince.

“No, no I am not the one who is of need.” Sombra said opening the door up to the carriage, he held out his hoof as if showing a guest in. “She does though.”

The doctor walked and poked his head into the carriage. He jumped back. “Is that a changeling sir?!?” He asked.

“Yes and her hoof is in terrible condition please can you do anything for her?” Sombra asked.

“Well a changeling isn’t that much different from a pony, body structure wise, have her delivered to my private care center near the hospital and I can see what I can do.” Winhelm said adjusting his glasses.

“She will be there within the hour now please go back to your patients I must have bothered you a great deal to show you this.” Sombra said stepping back inside the carriage.

“No sir it always an honor to be summoned by royalty” Winhelm said turning and walking away.

“Samuel please join me in here wont you?” Sombra said to his butler.

“Yes sir.” Samuel said as he climbed in the tight carriage.

Samuel jumped upon seeing the changeling, which in return caused her to be startled.

“Sam meet um……our friend here.” Sombra said.

“Hello” the changeling said.

“Pleasure to meet you ma’am.” The butler said dumfounded.

“Now Sam I need to take our friend here to Winhelm’s private care units and stay with her the entire time. I will arrive shortly once I make some arrangements got it?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir.” Samuel said.

“Good now I will be back I am leaving you with Samuel, he is going to take you to get your hoof fixed okay?” Sombra asked the changeling.

The changeling nodded. Sombra began to exit the carriage and soon watched as the two wheeled down toward the destination.

Sombra let out a deep heavy breath. He seemed tired all of the sudden but he needed to do some things. He entered his glorious palace, which was draped in all sorts of color banners for the festival. Sombra enjoyed walking into the great throne room, no matter how many times he did it he could help but shake a feel of excitment.

“Order for the crystal ruler has retuned to his natural earth.” He shouted letting everypony know that he had arrived.

The phrase was one of the first things that he remembered from his youth. His father taught him that over and over again drilling him on how he pronounced it.

“My lord we are so glad that you have returned safely to our kingdom.” The head servant said with a bow.

“Good to be back now go and prepare a room, for we have a guest who is to be staying with us for a while.” Sombra ordered.

Several servants went off carrying out the given task.

“So sir we are having a guest, do they require anything special for their stay?” she asked.

“No but I do. Listen up everypony. When I bring my guest in tomorrow I don’t want a single word about her image or what she is, being whispered about got it?” Sombra barked.

Each servant bowed his or her heads acknowledging the order.

“Whatever she asks you to do you do it. Whenever she needs something you better go and get it. This poor creature has been through a life of misery that I can never fully grasp so for the time being I want her to be treated as a queen is that understood?” Sombra asked his staff.

“Yes sir.” They all said in unison.

“Good now dismiss and prepare dinner for tonight.” Sombra said.

“So sir this guest where did you meet her?” The head cooked asked.

“That is none of your concern but if you must know I met her in Canterlot during the gala.” He said.

The room filled with chatter as the group of servants went off to prepare dinner. Sombra went to his throne and threw himself down on it. Oh how he had missed this great chair if he could he would sleep in it.

“Sir um reports have come in from the mine up near Elder’s Grove still no sign of the heart my lord.” A shy mare said handing the prince a piece of paper.

“Well tell Charles that his ponies can stop working and take the next two days off for holiday. We will eventually find it trust me.” Sombra said while resting his head on his hoof reading the report.

“I do hope so sir.” She said walking out the door.

Sombra set the letter to the side and began staring at the ceiling until some other matter of business came to present itself. One after another he listened to the concerns that where happening around his kingdom. The sun began to go down by the time he was done.

“Fetch me my coat and bring me one coat made of the finest white material that we have.” Sombra ordered as he stood up from his chair and started to head for the stairs.

By the time he got down them he was greeted by servants who wrapped the coat around him. They took the liberty of putting the white coat in a bag Sombra liked to walk instead of taking a carriage, he never did like the idea of it. The doors flew open letting in the cool summer breeze. The capital city was filled with ponies on their way home. Each stopping and bowing as Sombra walked by casually as if he wasn’t anypony special. He enjoyed the sights and sounds of his city, with the small ones running around while the grownups tried to get things done it brought a certain joy to his heart. His father always taught him that the love of his fellow ponies would always be the source for a good ruling king. Sombra walked through the market place, which was in its final minuets before closing up for the day. Looking around he waived and smiled at all the ponies he could before exiting that part of town and continued towards the hospital. The sun had almost disappeared as he had arrived at the place; Samuel was standing at the door.

“Samuel what are you doing out here?” Sombra asked walking up to him.

“My apologies sir it’s just that doctor Winhelm is currently working on our guest and I am not to fond of the sight of needles or blood for that matter, not since my retirement.” The butler said.

“That all right, can you tell me what room they are keeping her?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir room twenty three, I will lead you to it myself.” Samuel said opening the door.

Sombra never did like going to the doctors even as a small one or as a colt. The private hospital was only for ponies that wanted to be left alone and who could afford care to great for normally trained doctors. Samuel led him to a small room with only a bed and a couple of chairs. Sombra sat in the chair closest to the bed as Samuel stood by the door. It was a good thirty minuets before doctor Winhelm came by the room.

“Ah good I am glad you are here.” The doctor said.

“How is she doc?” Sombra asked.

“Good, that was one of the most intense repairing operations I have ever done, one mistake and I would have to cut her entire leg off.” WInhelm said wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“Was it really that bad?” Sombra asked.

“Yes the scar tissue around her wounds have been infected for years now, I had to cut out so much of it. I am just glad the infection didn’t get to her bones or else we would have a major problem.” Winhelm said taking the seat opposite to Sombra. "She also had several broken bones in the same area, got those braced up. Also I treated her with many shots for she had many virus in her system. Due to the lack of access of medicine she probably had no doubt. Overall she should be fine."

“What about her horn, is that natural or was that also a problem?” Sombra asked.

“Well as far as I could tell its natural.” Winhelm said.

“That is most curious isn’t it? What do you think of her?” He asked.

“Me? Well I think she is just splined, she didn’t flinch at all when I put the needle in.” The doctor said.

“When will she be awake?” Sombra asked.

“She is currently being transferred back to this room as we speak. Ah here she is now.” Winhelm said standing up as a nurse rolled in a portable bed into the room. “Samuel can you help lift her onto the bed gently please.”

The butler and doctor lifted the changeling and slowly laid her down on the hospital bed. Sombra stood and walked over to the side of the bed. The changeling moaned and opened her eyes.

“How do you feel?” Sombra asked in a low voice.

“I feel terrible but a lot better than before, thank you sir.” She said looking at the doctor.

“It was no trouble at all, now I do suggest that you cannot leave tonight. The brace that I have attached to your hoof will allow you to walk around until you are healed.” Winhelm said.

The changeling looked at her hoof that was covered in a big black shoe looking thing.

“Thank you doctor.” Sombra said handing him a sack of money.

“Always a pleasure to serve you my lord, see you tomorrow to check up on your condition.” WInhelm said to her as he headed out the door.

“Sombra... um when can I get up and walk?” The changeling asked.

“Easy now you heard what the doctor said you can’t move until morning, can you do that for me?” Sombra said.

“Okay, but make sure that you’re here too I want to explore this place I saw so much on the way here.” She said.

Sombra chuckled. “Of course, see you in the morning.” He said walking towards the door."Oh and also i got you a little welcome gift." He said setting the bag by the door. "It's a coat."

The changeling smiled. "Thank you but....what is a coat?" she asked.

Sombra laughed “ Good night, oh Sam I need to speak with you.”

Both ponies entered the hallway. “Sam I need to tell you something.”

“Yes my lord?” Samuel asked.

“It’s about the changeling, she’s not really a guest she is more like a refugee.” Sombra started.

“What do you mean?” Sam asked.

“I sort of freed her from being a slave.” Sombra said slowly.

“You what sir?!?” Sam said looking back into the room.

“It wasn’t like a slave trader or anything it was more of a carnival freak show.” Said Sombra.

“Sir no offence but you could have been hurt or worse. Why did you save only her?” He asked.

“I didn’t I tried to save them all but my plan didn’t work out so well, that’s why I need you.” Said Sombra.

“Whatever you need sir I will do.” Samuel said.

“I need you to track down a group by the name of ‘Sir Griswald and the ever changing circus’ and invite them here. Tell them that you will offer fifty thousand gold coins if they come here. Now go take a party of seven to ten ponies and go to Canterot, the colt said they had three more shows to do.” Sombra said.

“Yes sir but um what if they decide not to come by invitation.” Samuel said before rushing to the door.

"Well then i think a little of your former self needs to do some convincing." Sombra smiled.

Samuel smiled. "Yes sir."

Sombra stood silent for a second, he noticed two night shift guards standing outside. He walked over and opened the door.

“Guards!” Sombra barked.

Both stood attention. “Sir.” They said.

“How would you like to double your pay tonight?” Sombra asked.

The colt’s eyes opened wide. “We would like to but how my lord?” The one on the right asked.

“Simple come inside.” Sombra said. They both came into the hospital following him to the room where the changeling was staying in. “All you have to do is stand here and not let anypony in here until doctor Winhelm and or I return in the morning. Can you boys handle that?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir.” Both said taking a stance by each side of the door.

“Wonderful now if you two don’t mind I am going home to sleep, good evening to the both of you. Oh and come by the palace about your pay in the morning after the doctor and I show up.” Sombra said walking down the hallway and exiting out of the door.

His bed was cold as he laid his head down. The room was lit by a roaring fire, which gave him warmth as he pulled the covers around him. Thoughts rushed through his head as he tried to fall asleep.

“Did I do the right thing?” He asked himself. He turned to face the ceiling and stared blankly into it.

“No matter what happens I am going to show her the time of her life.” He said as he dozed of to sleep.

A Simple Dance

The next couple of days played out just like the first. Sombra would rise from his bed and go down stairs to have breakfast. Every morning Chrysalis would be waiting at the table for him eagerly eating her food so that she could go exploring. He taught her everything he knew about the history of the crystal ponies, who they were and where they came from. This struck Sombra with great pride, he felt a sense of accomplishment as he was introducing some pony to an almost new world. Sombra thought how everypony around him including himself really took their history for granted sometimes. His father always told him that if one were to become a proper crystal pony, one should look to the history of the empire to better present oneself. So he deiced to make Chrysalis the best crystal pony that he could make. With time Chrysalis soon became a book smart pony almost knowing all the historical facts about the empire and it’s race. Many of the regular guests of the crystal palace were stunned to here such knowledge coming from a changeling of all things. The days rolled by and soon it had been over a week and a half since the changeling had arrived and the celebration of the crystal ponies was soon at hand.

“Well sir everything is set for the evening, the only thing left to finish is the food and unfortunaly still no word from your brother.” The mare said.

“Oh thats a shame isn't it?" He said with sarcasm. "Has the dance group found a new mare lead yet though?” Sombra asked.

“No sir they haven’t but that hasn’t slowed them down. Sir Martin has taken the reigns and has reorganized it so that there really isn’t a mare lead this time.” She said.

Sombra leaned his head on his hoof as he readjusted his position on the throne. “Reorganized it eh? I don’t ever remember a time when the summer dance never had two leads.” He sighed.

“Well sir that’s what I was going to tell you.” The mare said.

“Excuse me?” Sombra said.

“It just that well we are thinking about cutting the stallion lead out as well.” She said.

Sombra was stunned "But thats imposible there has to be..."

"I am sorry sir but thats what Martin has told me. With both Sigarda and Bruna being unable to preform there is nopony who could know the dance in time for the ceremony." The mare said.

“Look I don’t care…” Sombra stop as he started to raise his voice. “Look the dance is suppose to symbolized unity throughout the empire we cant just not have any leads. Thats what the whole purpose of it. The heads of the royal family are support to be in it .” Sombra said while rubbing the back of his mane.

“Well sir i believe this year has to be one of those one time things and also.....” The mare stopped talking when she saw the look on Sombra’s face. It wasn’t a look of anger but a look of sadness as if he was just told devastating news.

"I dont want to let everypony down but tell Martin to continue with his way." Sombra sighed.

“Alright sir I shall alert Martin to keep the dance going as is. I am sorry if I intruded on anything.” She said.

“No it’s quite alright, you are dismissed.” Sombra said looking down to the ground.

The mare galloped out the room as fast as she could leaving Sombra by himself.

He sat in silence for a moment before rushing up and walked over to a giant mirror that hung at the end of the throne room. Sombra stared at his reflection; everypony told him that he was a spitting image of his mother. He wished he knew her a little more than the tiny memories he had as a young pony.

Sombra moved his hoof, kicking the ground as if he was trying to stir up dirt. “Pull yourself together Sombra so who cares if there isn't any leads this year it will be all right..” He said to himself. The words felt very bitter as they escaped his mouth. ”Even if I told them to keep me in nopony knows the first steps of the summer ballad apart from the two that are now decommissioned. Certainly it can’t be that hard but who on earth has the time to learn it in such short time.”

He thought. A great knock on the door interrupted his train of thought. “Enter.” He ordered. The door opened and Chrysalis came trotting in with a new brace wrapped around her hoof.

“Ah Chrysalis what did Winhelm have to say about your hoof.” He said returning to his throne.

“Oh it’s healing a lot quicker than he had expected. He said I can take off the brace as early in five weeks.” She said taking a seat at one of the chairs up against the wall.

“That’s great, so you excited about the festival tonight?” He asked.

“I sure am I can’t wait, while I was passing by I caught a glimpse of the completed stage. Oh how it shined in the sun it made it look so unearthly. I can’t wait to see how it shines when the moon reflects off of it.” She said.

“Well I am glad your excited for it, heavens knows that its going to be a stressful night.” Sombra said with a smile.

“So when does it start again?” She asked.

“Ha I swear you asked me that over a dozen times alone today it will start when the sun goes down. Which by judging by it now I would say a good five hours.” He said.

“Ah oh well, it’s going to be splendid.” She said.

Sombra sat for a moment until an idea began creeping in his head. The thought grew and grew until it was all he could think about. “Well it couldn’t hurt to ask.” He thought to himself.

“Chrysalis?” He asked.

“Yeah.” She responded.

“Do you anything about the summer ballad dance?” He asked.

“Why its one of key parts of the festival, it symbolizes the union between the tribes, commoners, and rulers. It also shows all the history of the empire in one grand parade.” She smiled.

“Yes well do you know how it is actually preformed like do you know the steps?” He asked.

“I don’t really know all of it just bits and pieces of it." She said looking at him. “Why?”

Sombra clenched his teeth together before he could utter the words. “Could…you…possible…walk through it with me them?” He said.

Chrysalis face went into complete shock.” What?”

Sombra let out a sigh. “It’s tradition that the leaders of the crystal ponies be the leads in the dance. Ever since I could remember the leads where my father and mother but as you know things have kind of change. Both the mare lead and her back up have suffered a strange sickness and can't preform. Deep down I know that its probably the wisest to leave it well enough alone but I don't to let down everypony. So what I am asking you is that....maybe you would like be the lead? You know what I mean?” he asked.

Chrysalis sat looking at him with a wide eyed expression on her face. It was the expression of disbelief.

Chrysalis smiled hesitantly. “I understand Sombra thats a lot to ask." She said taking a deep breath. "So shall we start.” She said rising for her chair.

Sombra looked with his eyes across the room. “You sure you ready for this?” he asked.

“Yes, now we only got five hours to get this down now come on.” She said pulling him off his throne.

She led him to the very end of the room right up against the door.

“Now are you ready for the first part?” He asked.

“Yep, you?” she asked..

“Yes, all right firstly the whole first part of the dance is nothing but the secondary groups doing their routine. Once the fire twirlers come out to symbolize the warring old tribes that’s were I will come in. After that first four acts you will come in. Now repeat ever thing I do.” He said casually Sombra moved forward and stepped back, jolting his body back and forth. “You keep the rhythm as you do this. One and two and one and two and slowly you move forward very slowly now you try.”

Chrysalis started to repeat the process. He felt happy. ”This might not be so hard after all.” He thought to himself.

Once he was done going through the entrance of the first master tribe leader the dance soon took a complicated turn. There where so many steps that it was hard keeping track of. Sombra kept trying to keep his frustration under control but he was becoming annoyed at how many times he was having to repeat a simple sequence to her. Despite these set backs Chrysalis kept herself trying it over and over again. Once she was done with one set he would make her restart from the very top and then added the next phase.

“Great that was almost perfect that time.” Sombra said while clapping his hooves together.

“Yeah? Well I guess I can do this huh?” Chrysalis said with a short breath.

“Now are you ready for the secondary lead role to come back in?” He asked.

Chrysalis looked up. “Yeah lets do this.” He said.

“Well lets walk through it now.” He said moving in front of her. “Now once the fire goes out the torches with glow blue and that's when the second lead, you will come in. you will take the stance opposite of me. Okay so the whole second tribe alliance sequence is just a standard ballroom waltz. You do know how to waltz right?” He asked.

“What a waltz?” Chrysalis responded.

Sombra laughed. “Okay its not that hard, first the pair stand on their two hind hooves and you use your right hoof and place it on my shoulder and it stays there. I will do the same with my left hoof but above you hip instead, and then the two use their other hooves and extend them out grasping each other. You ready?” He asked.

Chrysalis gulped. “Sure.”

She stood on his two hind hooves while Sombra did the same. He wrapped his hoof and rested it above her hip just like he told her.

“Good, now ready?” He said as he began leading her through the steps.

Chrysalis felt like she was doing terrible but Sombra kept her from stopping.

“You’re doing fine stop worrying about how your doing it and just do it. Free your mind and just go with the flow.” He said.

Chrysalis let go off all that was around her and soon she was starting to get all the steps right with almost no effort at all.

“See you can do this.” Sombra laughed.

Chrysalis watched her hooves. “I guess I need to stop doubting myself.” She smiled back.

“All right after the waltz is done then the presenter will come out with the crystal heart again.” Sombra said standing backwards letting go of her. “You will walk forward and grab it. Then you will hand it to me."

"Then you present it right?" She asked.

“Gotcha. Once I have I present to the kingdom everypony claps and then it all ends with the fireworks.” Sombra said.

“Right, now you think we can do it all?” She asked.

Sombra felt his chest swell with pride. “I don’t know, I am sure we can will you please be a dear and go and tell Martin that I have changed my mind and to prepare the dance as it should be.” Sombra said trotting towards the window.

“Of course I will.” Chrysalis said as she raced for the door. She opened it and closed it before turning around and reentering the room. “Um Sombra what if he still doesn't agree with this sudden change.” She said.

“Hmh? Oh um…” Sombra said gazing out the window but then the thought entered his mind that caused him to smile. He looked at Chyrsalis who was eagerly waiting his word. “Tell him that I have found a mare who is the best dance in all the crystal empire."

Chrysalis blushed. "Yes sir." She smiled.

“If he tries to protest this tell him that it is the decree of the prince. Now go now we got a lot to do in three hours.” He said.

Chrysalis rushed down the stairs almost slamming the door close behind her. Sombra returned to his throne and took in a deep breath as he sunk into the chair.

“Dancing lessons, me, ha.” He chuckled to himself.

As the sun began to set word had spread about how Sombra gave the lead to Chrysalis. Many were outraged at this, but as word spread about how Sombra himself was participating again their anger quickly washed away. The night sky was lit with roaring torches and loud music. Everypony in the empire was there, singing dancing, and generally having the time of their lives. Chrysalis was almost blown away with the whole thing. This was nothing like she never had seen before. She thought she would have been more prepared for this since she traveled to a lot of parties. Maybe the reason for her excitement was that this was the first festival that she was a part of and not the forced to preform for ponies. All throughout the night she enjoyed everything that there was to offer. She didn’t care too much for the jousting tournament but everypony else was so she watched as if she had interest in it. Then came time for the parade of history and the summer ballad. Chrysalis had been rushed to a tent so that she could prepare for the dance. All that the books she read about the outfits never fully detailed how they looked until Chrysalis saw them. The long feathers and war paint almost made her look like a real barbarian. Once she was ready she was lead to a small tent with the opening slightly patched open.

“Well hello there.” A voice whispered from behind.

She turned around and gazed before her. The colt that was standing in front of her wore a great feathery headpiece almost looking like a lion’s mane. She really couldn’t tell who it was until she looked long and hard.

“Sombra?” She asked.

“Yep couldn’t really tell could you?” He laughed.

“I really couldn’t, so you ready for this?” She asked.

“Ha those ponies wont know what hit them.” He laughed. “I swear I haven’t been looking forward to something like this since…goodness I don’t ever remember being excited for something like this.”

“Well I am glad you’re excited, I am nervous as all.” She said.

“Ah don’t worry you will do fine.” He said. The drums echoed letting the ponies know that it was almost time for the dance to start. “Its show time.” He said reaching his hoof at to her.

Chrysalis grabbed and was escorted to a small gathering of ponies all dressed in costumes. Some wearing tribal outfits with masks while other wore more modern day attire.

“All right is everypony ready to go?” Martin asked.

Most responded with agreement to his questions while the rest just nodded.

“Okay so Sombra once you enter with the third group you will be given a staff and your going to use that instead of the torch with fire.” Martin said.

“Okay.” Sombra said rolling his eyes at the safety precaution.

“Chrysalis the ‘Crystal heart’ that we made is fragile so be really careful when you pick it up.” He said pointing at her. “You ready for this?”

“Yes sir.” She said.

“Disgusting changeling.” A voice said.

Sombra whirled around to face the crowd, his eyes burning with rage. “Who said that?” He asked angrily.

A stallion made his way up to the front and got right up to Sombra’s face. “I did and you heard correctly I don’t think a changeling should have the honor of the lead. Much less a spot in the parade at all.” He said shaking his hoof at Chrysalis.

Chrysalis lowered her head a little bit, the words did hurt her feelings.

Sombra stared at the stallion and quickly raised his hoof striking him to the ground. The crowd gasped and took a couple of steps back. The stallion tried to stand up but fell to the ground, his nose gushed with blood.

“Now apologize to her.” Sombra said.

The stallion looked up at Chrysalis and spat blood towards her direction. Sombra drove his hoof into the side of fallen pony.

“Get him out of my sight.” He ordered to nearby guards. “Anypony else want to say something?” He asked.

All shook their heads.

“Good now are we all ready to preform?” He asked returning to his normal state as if nothing had just happen.

“All right everypony to your places we are starting in ten minuets.” Martin said looking at the clock on the tent wall.

The ponies rushed to various places while Sombra went over to Chrysalis.

“I am terrible sorry that he spoke about you like that. I hope it doesn’t bother to greatly.” He said in a low voice.

“No its fine.” She said.

“Well I don’t think it is that kind of stuff bothers me why do ponies have such ignorance within them?” Sombra asked.

Chrysalis sighed. “Sometimes I ask the same thing but hey forget about that we got a dance to preform.” She said perking herself back up.

“Right.” Sombra said smiling at her.

The music started and the torches were waved to signal the first part of the parade to start. Dancers rushed out to the opening to preform the first great tribe war. Sombra took his spot at the front of a group of dancer and soon it was their turn to step out and preform. Chrysalis watched as Sombra and othesr danced, he was doing everything perfect. The reaction to him sent the crowd into a frenzy of screams of joy and clapping. Chrysalis could tell that Sombra was feeding off of their energy and was starting to add a little more things to the dance. Once the sequence ended everypony clapped and cheered as the second act was about to begin. Chrysalis rushed to another opening where she would enter during the fifth act. She couldn’t believe how much Sombra was improvising, he was still doing what the traditional dance required but it was almost a new dance on it’s own. The crowd saw this too but to her surprise they where loving this a lot more. Finally the time came for her to make her entrance. The music changed and began playing a softer piece of music. A mare slowly handed her a makeshift heart made out of rock.

“Be careful and whatever you do don’t drop it.” The mare said.

Chrysalis held the heart with her hoofs and was signaled to make her move. Bursting through the opening she held the heart high in the air for all to see. She thought she was going to be greeted with boo’s but she was instead showered with cheers. Her heart beat fast as she made her way down the ramp and feeling the ground beneath her hooves. Sombra stood at the center waiting for her to make her way towards him. She spun several times making sure she didn’t drop the heart. A colt ran up to her taking the heart as she got to the center. Sombra stood on his two hooves reaching out his upper ones so that they could start. Chrysalis took a deep breath before she too took the positions. Both stood there for a second until the music started to play. Slowly they began making their way around moving in unison with each other. Sombra felt that he was going to mess up but something deep down inside of him told him to look ahead. His eyes locked forward staring into Chrysalis’s own green ones. She did the same as they made their way around preforming the waltz almost unearthly. Sombra couldn’t tell what he was feeling, was this joy or awkwardness? He and Chrysalis didn’t miss a single step. Chrysalis also to felt a sudden jolt of curiosity setting into her mind but she didn’t let it sink in to deeply. The music stopped letting Sombra know that he needed to move on to the next part. Once he let go of Chrysalis he felt a chill roll up his spine. The colt gave the heart to Sombra so that he could make the speech of the old kings. He walked forward holding the heart close to him as he made his way to the front.

“Mares and Gentlecolts of the crystal empire. The crystal heart guides us and stands as the symbol of our undying love for one another. We look today at the history of our kind and rejoice in each other’s company. Forever burning in our hearts to remember the mistakes we have made in the past to insure a better tomorrow stand now and raise your hooves to the heavens and shout for today we live in the better tomorrow!” He shouted at the top of his lungs.

The assembly of well over ten thousand ponies lifted their voices up shaking the very ground around them. Sombra handed the heart to a servant and made his way back to the mass of dancers. He nodded his head to Martin who signaled for the fireworks to begin. The night sky was soon showered with explosives with colors so grand. Chrysalis stood by Sombra as the pair watched the colorful showcase. Once the show had ended both where changed into normal evening attire. The table they were chosen to sit at was laid out with cloths made from the finest silk. Chrysalis had been used to the palace food but there was so many things see had never tried before. As the food was laid out in front of them the other elite ponies began talking.

“Oh that was the most splendid summer ballad I have ever seen.” A pudgy mare sitting across the two of them spoke. Chrysalis wasn’t sure who she was except that she was a wife of a general. “Probably the best ballad ever.”

“Well it was no surprise after all the prince here has dancing in his blood.” General Zardock said with a mouth full of bread. “And you did excellent to Mrs. Chrysalis.” He added.

“Thank you.” Chrysalis said with a smile.

“Oh my yes excellent indeed I haven’t seen such grace in ages.” His wife said. “Where on earth did you learn to dance like that?”

“I really don’t know I just kind of did it.” Chrysalis said timidly.

“Well that is talent if I have ever seen it, what did you think of it Sombra?” She asked.

Sombra stared at his plate not touching his food.

“Um Sombra Mrs. Val just asked you something.” A servant whispered to him.

“Huh? What? Oh the dance, well I think the whole thing was perfect wouldn’t you agree Chrysalis?” Sombra smiled.

“Yes very good.” She said.

The meal went on with almost no real conversation going on. Everypony just sat and carried very light phrases towards each other. Chrysalis hated the silence and she was glad to hear a pony ask something.

“So Chrysalis I hear you’ve become quite the historian, you excited about seeing the dancing star tonight?” Sombra’s head historian asked.

“To tell the truth I don’t know what to feel its just so fascinating. Have you ever seen it Mr. Tidestar.” She asked.

“Once a long time ago when I was young, let me tell you if I had my old eyes I would be watching the sky all night.” He laughed.

The others chuckled along only stopping when the great bells of the palace began to ring.

“It’s time for the closing ceremonies lets go everypony.” A voice called.

The table soon was empty besides Sombra and Chrysalis. Sombra sat with his head resting on his hoof while the other played with the roll on his plate. Chrysalis wanted to say something but it was apparent that something was bothering him.

“Um Sombra are you wall right?” She asked.

“Hmh? Its nothing lets go.” He said with a tired smile.

The pair made their way down to the courtyard where the final closing ceremony was to be held. Both of them took seats as the speech was being made by a small philly who had received the honor. Chrysalis listen with great intentions but she couldn’t help but feel something was troubling Sombra. She kept looking at his as he sat with his head hung forward.

She placed her hoof on his shoulder. “Do you need to see a doctor?” She asked.

“It nothing its just that all of the sudden I feel weak like I just did a bunch of work and my body is worn out.” He said.

“Well it could be through all what has happen tonight and you’re just worn out.” She smiled.

“Yes that could be it but I think I am going to retire for the evening.” He said rising from his chair.

He called out his servant to prepare his bed.

“But you’re not going to watch the dancing star with me?” Chrysalis asked.

Sombra smiled. “Of course I will, just come by room and give a knock when you’re ready to go up on the roof.” He said. “Good night to you all I had a wonderful time.” Sombra stumble on his way up the stares causing everypony around him to stare.“I am all right just a little tired that’s all.” He said.

He never felt so relieved to fall into his bed. After a good solid hour he felt his body regain some strength.

“What in the world was that all about?” He wondered. “I haven’t felt like since the days of military training with father.”

The young prince tossed around in his bed he was annoyed at how he was so tied and now he was full of energy. It was as if something had drained him of life and all of the sudden it was being poured back into him. Maybe sleep would help he thought and besides the dancing star doesn’t come out till midnight so he had a good three hours. All the thoughts on his mind were memories of his youthful days. Everything in his life was being played before his mind. Sombra tried to think of other things but for some reason he couldn’t take his mind off of them. From his time in school to his training to be prince he sat in his bed and thought of everything. The thing that stroke him the most was how the memories felt. It was as if he was relieving them one at a time. Soon the memory of his saving Chrysalis played through his head except this time it seemed more intense than he had recalled. All this was suddenly brought to a halt as a knock came at his door forcing him to rise from his bed.

“Sombra it’s me Chrysalis you still going to watch the star right?” He voice called out from behind the door.

“Yeah give me one second.” Sombra said dressing himself in a night coat . He quickly threw on the coat and then reached for his crown. Before he put it on he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He like the way he looked without his mane pulled back and forced up so he tossed the crown on his bed. He went over and opened the door.

“Ready when you are.” He said with a smile.

Instantly he felt that same feeling of tiredness come haunting back at the back of his mind. He pushed it as hard as he could out of his mind. Chrysalis stood there with a smile on her face.

“We’re feeling better now I see?” She asked.

“Yeah guess you were right I just needed a little rest that’s all.” He said.

“Good I am glad that you are feeling better, sorry if I disturbed you from sleep.” She said.

“No, you did nothing of the short now lets start heading to the roof, we don’t want to miss the star now do we?” He said.

Chrysalis and Sombra walked up the long and lengthy staircase leading up to the roof.

“Why do you have so many stairs in this palace? I know it’s a silly question but I was just thinking about it the other day.” She smiled.

“My father told me that the old ones use to say that to see if somepony is really loyal to their king put a bunch a stairs in’.” He chuckled.

Chrysalis just giggled at this.

The two finally came to a door that swung open to reveal the top of the palace. It was quite the site to see the entire empire in the dead of night. With the wind blowing beastly, Chrysalis was glad she had brought a coat.

“Now according to the size and angle of the pro-grogrenot thorium the star should be about….there.” He said pointing a tad bit to the east.

Chrysalis stared intently at the direction he was pointing in but nothing had accord. Chrysalis leaned against the edge of the balcony and waited for the great star to appear. For the first five minuets nothing happened, then came thirty minuets and still no star. Chrysalis now rested her head on the balcony almost falling asleep. Sombra was doing his best to stay awake also he felt this need to stay awake so that he could tell her when the star came. As the clock began to strike one o’clock something caught Sombra’s eyes. It was small at first coming in from about eastern direction a small light ball started to appear.

“Chrysalis wake up it’s here.” He said.

“What’s here?” She asked.

“The dancing star look.” He pointed.

Her head lifted up and soon the star was almost directly above them. It moved from right to left in the sky hence the name-dancing star. Chrysalis watch as the great ball of fire moved all over the place before resting over the empire.

“Any particular reason it just stops over there?” Chrysalis asked.

“Not really ponies for years have debated the issue but there really hasn’t been an answer.” He said. “Just another one of life’s greatest mysteries.”

The star stood still and began slowly rising up higher and higher into the blackened sky. It began spinning around and around almost making a halo.

“What is it doing now?” She asked.

“Not sure some say it’s the gravity that causes it to spin but even I am not sure about it." He said

" Well all I know is that its beautiful isn’t it?” She asked gazing at the star.

Sombra looked at her and smiled. “It is.”

The rain beat down against the tent making it almost impossible to sleep in it. The colt jumped out of it to find his camp almost flooded.

“Where in the bloody hell is Hawk at?” The ringleader asked.

“Not sure but if we don’t move soon the rain is going to cause are wagons to be stuck.” One of the colts said running up to him.

“Alright prepare to move we got two day till the gig in Manehattan and I don’t want anything else to go wrong this week.” He said.

“There isn’t a gig we got cancelled.” Hawk said coming from the shadows.

“What do you mean the gig is cancelled they are paying us to come.” The ringleader said.

“Not any more every since that mishap in Canterlot nopony wants to see the ‘every changing circus’ unless we have the changeling.” He said.

“That is where you are wrong gentlecolts.” A voice called out.

“Who goes there?” The ringleader called out.

“My name is Samuel and I am the personal butler to Prince Sombra ruler of the crystal empire.” Samuel said stepping out of the darkness.

“Oh really and what would the ruler of the crystal empire want with us?” The ringleader asked.

“He would like to hire your...fine troop for a show.” Sam said.

“Well tell him that the circus is closed and he can shove his crown right up his-“ the ringleader’s mouth was closed by something being wrapped around it.

The lighting revealed an aura of light magic being produced around his mouth

“Come now such language can't possibly be discussed between to colts of honor. Not that you are one I was just being polite. I am sorry but my orders are to bring you back and he said i could do it my way.” Samuel said flicking his head back sending the ringleader to the mud face first.

The rest of the circus colts jumped forward only to be tripped by another one of Sam’s spells.

“Gentle colts if you don’t mind tying these barbarians up please.” Sam said.

Seven colts came from the darkness and began to tie up and move the entire circus so that is could be ready to go.

The ringleader looked as all his carts passed him.

“Now lets take a trip.” Samuel said.

Complications

The weeks began to roll by and nothing seemed to be going right in the land of Equestria. This new threat who went by the name 'Discord' waged chaos against the kingdom of Canterlot all while Dawnbreaker was slowing dying due to his health issues. It was only a matter of time before the old king would pass his crown to his daughters. Sombra was quite relived when he got the letter from Celestia telling him that she couldn’t make the trip to the crystal empire because of the situation. In fact Sombra was just glad to be out of it entirely for he had other things on his mind that didn’t include fighting monsters.

The others things he had his mind on was Chrysalis. Sombra never really had anypony to share views and personal matters until Chrysalis had entered his life. It was almost odd; a creature that he had saved from a life of misery was in fact making his life better. He felt happy and actually grateful that she was there to listen to him. It was not like his servants for they agreed with him no matter what just cause of who he is. He felt that he found something to distract him from the troubled world. Each day he’d wake up and Chrysalis was waiting for him at the breakfast table. Everyday they found new things to do and a million new things to discuss. They would spend hours sitting at a table just talking about the little things in life to huge deep conversations that dealt with heavy issues. The odd pair seemed to do everything together from seeing plays to just walking through the city. Many ponies upon seeing this began to spread rumors about how Sombra was becoming attached to this creature. In which case he denied every little bit of it but deep down inside it was true. He felt that she was always there whenever he needed somepony to talk to it was almost as if he actually had a connection of some sorts.

“Never let a mare get the best of you for they will bring nothing but hell. Don't let anypony in no matter how much you trust them” His father always said to him. Maybe that’s why Sombra had such a lonely life, cause he never got to actually meet others as a normal colt without being told not to do so. So maybe this was his chance to actually connect with somepony outside of being a prince. Whatever it was it made him feel good inside. Sombra hated to admit it to himself but he was slowly developing affections for Chrysalis. He couldn't describe it but it was almost as if he was being drawn to her. It wasn't the fact that she was beautiful, while other were quick to judge. He just felt that she was something that he always needed. Of course he could never let these feelings surface for it would mean the end of his public image. Also he thought that it could drastically destroy his current relationship with Chrysalis and that was something he didn’t want to lose. Besides as far as he could tell Chrysalis felt nothing of the sort about him so it was best to keep it to himself.

Sombra watched as Chrysalis was getting better with each passing day. Her hoof became strong again despite the hallowed holes shooting through it which according to the doctor they didn't matter. The same could not be said for Sombra, everyday he felt more and more tired. His body felt weaker and weaker for some strange and odd reason. It got to the point where he began visiting the local doctors and all told him they could not figure out the reason for his consistent state of unrest. This sent Sombra into a state of weariness, where he was looking for anything to keep himself energized. Nothing seemed to work so he decided to live with it for now.

“Alright there we go good as new.” Doctor Winhelm said removing the brace from Chrysalis’s hoof. “Give a try.”

Chrysalis leaped off the table and placed her newly fixed hoof down with a reassuring stomp.

“It feels fantastic. Thank you doctor.” She said wrapping her hooves around him.

“It was my pleasure my dear so when do you leave for the swampy south?” He asked.

“WHAT?” Sombra said aloud. “I mean excuse me doctor?” He asked.

“Well you did say once she had her hoof fixed you would take her back to her home land right?” He asked looking at Chrysalis.

“You did say that.” She said.

“Um I did didn’t I? Her hoof is all better now isn’t it?” He asked.

“Good as it has ever been maybe even better heck she is ready to climb a mountain if she wanted to.” The doctor laughed.

“Well I guess it depends on when you want to leave Chrysalis.” Sombra said looking at her. His throat twisted as the words came out of his mouth. Pain shot throughout his body but he was normal to this happening.

“I guess I really never gave it some thought I guess the sooner the better right?” She asked.

“Whatever you want.” Sombra said.

“Ah look at the time I have to go sorry for the quick departure but I have other patients that need care. Do come and see me before you leave Chrysalis and may I just say it has been a delight having you as my patient.” He said shaking her hoof.

“Thank you doctor and it has been also a delight having you as my doctor.” She said.

“Ha well at least somepony admits going to the doctor’s is a delightful trip, well farewell to you.” Winhelm said exiting the room.

“We should go now they will be serving lunch soon.” Chrysalis said heading to the door.

Sombra felt his mind go blank as he walked through the hallways by Chrysalis’s side. The carriage ride back to the palace was silent as well. He really never thought about her leaving he just got caught up with her being there to notice the promise he made her. The servants soon served him his lunch and the meal was meet with the same treatment as the rest of the morning had gone until Chrysalis looked up.

“Something wrong Sombra?” She asked. “You’ve been awful quite today.”

His heart began pumping furiously. “Just….tired that’s all didn’t get much sleep last night.” He said.

“That seems to be really bothering you lately hasn’t it?” She asked while she took a bite out of some eggs.

“I just don’t know why I mean I don’t stay up late or anything. I sleep long hours and let’s admit it, I don’t do much heavy work around here and none of the doctors have been any help at all.” He said setting the side of his head down on the table.

“But that one doctor said he might know what’s wrong with you.” She said in an innocent voice.

“Yeah but he wants to crack my chest open like a walnut to poke around my heart.” Sombra said sitting back up. “Just forget about it. So what is on the agenda today Shards?” He asked a mare standing by the door.

“Not much sir, oh you did receive a letter this morning from Samuel.” She said taking out an envelope.

“What? Bring it here I haven’t heard from him in over a month.” Sombra said while rising from his chair.

Shards walked over to him handing the letter.

Sombra took the letter tearing it open and began reading it in his mind. Samuel had the circus under his custody for well over six weeks and was trying to get his way back to empire. It was very hard trying to keep the whole troop of colts together and it was apparent that Samuel was becoming annoyed with them. As for the other creatures of the show they had been freed from their captors. Sombra smiled at this news it would only be a matter of days before his closet servant would be returning back.

“What does it say?” Chrysalis asked.

“Wonderful it says….”Sombra stopped his words. He forgot to tell her that he had arranged for her captors to be brought to him. Should he tell her? She was leaving and there is no good reason to tell her this and besides it wasn’t going to affect her decision. “It says Sam will be back very soon.”

“Oh good I was wondering what ever happen to him. The first day I was here was the only time I ever got to talk to him.” Chrysalis said with a smile

“Yes it will be good seeing him again. So Chrysalis what do you want to today?” Sombra asked while returning to his chair.

“Oh um I was guessing that since I will be leaving soon I would might as well see the famous crystal mines.” She said.

“Now Chrysalis the mines are no place for ponies like us. Each place has its ponies and besides it’s much to dangerous.” Sombra said.

Her eyes grew big. “I just wanted to see them.” She said.

Sombra felt defeated. “Alright we’ll go but we are not going deep inside understand?” He asked.

“Gotcha.” She grinned.

Sombra stared at his plate as Chrysalis left to go upstairs.

“Megan bring me some wine.” He ordered.

“Um sir I think it is a little to early for-“ She stopped as he turned his head around slowly. “Right away sir.” She said galloping off.

He put his face in his hooves and let out a sigh. “Everypony leave me.” He said. The room became empty and soon Megan returned with a bottle of wine.

She began to set up to fill a glass. “Leave it and please excuse yourself, tell nopony to enter.” Sombra said pulling the bottle over to him.

“Yes sir.” She said while bowing.

Sombra waited for her to be out of the room before cracking the top off the bottle with his teeth. Gulping the whole thing at once he barely felt the alcohol take effect on his body.

“Lets go to the mines then.” He said to himself.

The ride to the mines was also a very quiet one. Neither Chrysalis nor Sombra said a word to each other. Deep down Sombra wanted to say something but he quickly put it out of his mind before he found the courage to say it. After a while the sounds of hammers hitting rock began to echo in the air. The carriage came to a complete stop. A huge pony came up to them; he was covered with ash from head to hoof.

“Ah you’re royal majesty what brings you here to our fine operation.” He said removing his helmet.

“Hello Mort, today I am not here on official business but more of a…personal matter.” Sombra said stepping off the carriage.

“Personal eh, well you of all ponies would know if we needed you down here. Unfortunate sir there is still no sign of it.” Mort said whipping the ash from his forehead.

“Sign of what?” Chrysalis said stepping down.

“Oh Mort this Chrysalis, Chrysalis this is Mort he is the supervisor of the mines of the north.” Sombra said.

“Ah thee Chrysalis the changeling I heard a lot about you.” Mort said.

Chrysalis smiled and replied back.

“Ah and to answer your question miss the ‘it’ I was referring to is the crystal heart.” Said the miner.

“The crystal heart you mean the real one? You mean its actually here.” She said looking around.

“Ha so the legends say but we have had no sign of it ever since we have started digging here.” Mort said lighting a cigar and shoving it into his mouth.

“Um if you would please.” Sombra said gesturing to the cigar.

Mort eyes fell down upon his mouth. “Oh sorry sir.” He said throwing the cigar to the ground and stomping it out.

“Don’t worry about it its just I don’t care for the smell of it.” Sombra said.

“Right so what does bring you down here good sir?” Said Mort.

“Well Chrysalis here wanted to take a tour you know see some artifacts and what not.” Sombra said.

“Ah so you want to go exploring in mines do ya?” He said eyeing Chrysalis.

“Yes sir.” She smiled.

“Well let me be the first to warn ya the mines is no place for a delegate creature such as yourself. It is easy to get lost and even worse falling off a sharp cliff. Now you think you can handle yourself?” He asked.

Chrysalis puffed out her chest. “Yes sir I can.” She said.

“Good now go over to that tent right there and sally will get you suited up.” He said pointing to a tent by the side of a great rock.

Chrysalis galloped over to it and before Sombra could move forward Mort stood in front of him.

“Keep a watchful eye on her sir.” Mort said looking around.

“Whatever do you mean?” Sombra said also looking around.

“Many of colts down here are sly beast they will easily take advantage of frail creature like her down in the darkness.” He said.

“Right, I understand.” Sombra said walking forward.

Sombra hated the helmet that they gave him for it was extremely dirty and full of dried mud. He noticed Chrysalis had no complaints with her outfit even though it made her look light brown instead of her natural black. Once they got the proper uniforms on they were lead to a small cave like opening in the hill. Sombra never personally went down in the mines but he wasn’t afraid of the ever-consuming darkness. For long while the pair walked forward only being guided by Mort down a steep slope until they started to see dim lights below them. At last they came to level ground with torches blazing around them and ponies hard at work hammering away at the stone. All stopped what they were doing once they saw Sombra and bowed before him.

“All right lads the prince is just here to take a look around get back to work.” Mort ordered. “Right this way.”

He lead them to another area where ponies where digging up huge crystals and loading them into carts to be shipped off. Mort stopped one just before it passed them.

“This right here is the prize of empire dear, it’s tactium crystal strong enough to make a building out of but flexible enough to bend and mold.” Mort said tossing Chrysalis a piece.

“It’s beautiful.” She said looking into it.

Mort chipped off a piece of another crystal and took the rock from her and handed her the small piece.

“There let that always guide you when it gets dark.” Mort said with a smile.

“Huh?” Chrysalis asked while looking at the small rock.

“Tactium crystal glows when it gest surround in pure darkness.” Sombra whispered. “An old saying among the northern tribes goes ‘when the night sky falls, the earth’s shards will guide us all’” Sombra said.

“Oh that’s incredible” Chrysalis said grasping the rock between her hooves hoping for it to start glowing.

“Come along now we got much to see”. Mort said moving forward.

Sombra made sure he and Chrysalis stayed close he didn’t like some of the looks that were being given to Chrysalis by some ponies. According to his father most of the ponies who mined for a living are descendants of the northern tribes. A brutal and savage race of crystal ponies that were known for their oddness. Whatever it was Sombra didn’t like the looks of some of them. They’re eyes stared at Chrysalis all sharing a sick since of curiosity about her.

“And down there we have the main dredger that pumps up the soil and brings up all sorts of things.” Mort said while standing by a huge table with the sound of rushing water passing in it.

The heavy miner stuck his hoof in it and started to fish around pulling up a hoofful of crystal flakes. Chrysalis went forward and stuck her hoof in it with the same results. She smiled as the torchlight reflected off the shinning rocks.

“Beautiful isn’t it.” She asked holding her hoof out to Sombra.

“Indeed it is, now then Mort where is it that the crystal heart is rumored to be. I want to go there.” Said Sombra.

“Ah that cavern is down this way follow me.” Mort said walking down a set of pony made stairs.

Sombra had been accustomed to the darkness, he remembered playing in basements as a small pony. Chrysalis on the other hoof kept tripping in falling every so often. Sombra tried his best to help support her but he wasn’t always able to catch her. The trio soon came to an underground lake filled with miners hard at work digging around a huge stone. The stone seemed odd to Chrysalis for it shined with a faint blue. This was not like the other crystal stones she had seen around the mine. This one was tall almost the size of the palace itself.

“Watch your step.” Mort said holding his hoof out in front of her.

It took awhile for her eyes to adjust but soon she could see that the trio was standing at the edge of cliff dropping down into lake filled with pure darkness. The water reviled that the great rock continued down beyond her sight deep in the water.

“Water here goes down fathoms one slip and you could sink to the never ending bottom.” Mort gestured with the torch before turning back around. “The great heart stone, rumored to contain the crystal heart itself.” Mort said gazing at the small mountain.

“The crystal heart is in that?” Chrysalis asked.

“Well according to legend.” Sombra said while stepping forward to get a better look at the rock. “It was said that after the first great tribe war the great Markin sealed the heart away deep in the earth so that nopony could use it for evil.”

“Evil? But I thought the crystal heart was a good source of magic.” Chrysalis said looking at Sombra.

“It is but also it serves as a raw magic source, so if one were to use it to boost a spell they could easily use it to create black magic with tremendous power.” Said Sombra.

Chrysalis stepped back a couple of steps so that she could prop herself up against the cavern wall. Sombra and Mort looked on a couple of feet ahead of her and talked about certain aspects of the great rock. Chrysalis felt the wall move slightly behind her and before she could say anything she was pulled back into darkness. Her mouth was being forced shut by something but she could tell what. Her eyes darted in panic looking for light or somepony. She notice a crack where she could see Sombra and Mort still talking but they where several feet away. A noise click and suddenly a dim light shined in her face to reveal a sickly looking pony. His mane and coat were covered with ash and his hoof was tightly wrapped around her snot.

“Well hello there.” He smiled with the light flickering from his horn. “My you are a beauty arnt cha.”

Chrysalis tried to force his hoof off of her but it was no use he was far too strong.

“So ya the pretty little thang that te prince has been messin around with huh? Well I cant honestly say’a I like his choices but he’s always beens an odds one.” The pony said in deep northern tribal accent.

He lifted Chrysalis up pinning her up against the wall. He was right up against her breathing down her neck.

“My looks likes I gets to get something onlys the princes has.” He said forcing her lips to lock with his.

Chrysalis almost vomited at the taste of his tongue inside her mouth. It wrenched with alcohol and cigar smoke. She tried to force him off but he pushed himself forward with great strength.

“Shh close your pretty eyes and let a real stallion show you how it is done.” The pony grinned.

Chrysalis gazed in horror but soon a bright light shinned and the pony was yanked away from her. Falling to the ground she was caught by a pair of strong hooves that belonged to Mort. She looked up to see the opening in the wall was wide-open leading back to the cave with the heart stone. Screams stroke the air and there before her was Sombra standing over the miner sending his hood down upon his head.

Sombra stroked over and over at the unicorn lying on the ground and soon blood began to flow from the miner’s horn. With rage Sombra used his teeth to pull the unicorn up against the wall.

“You disgraceful little heathen what do you got to say for yourself? Huh? Answer me!” Sombra yelled pressing his hoof across the miner’s neck.

“Whats can't a colts have a little fun? Besides what’s wrong with sharing?” The miner said with a laugh.

Sombra felt his blood boil and with one motion he flung the pony down while also sending his hoof into the miners gut. The miner fell flat on the ground not saying a word.

“Mort get this filth out of my sight and have sent to my place immediately.”Sombra said breathing heavily.

Mort moved forward ordering his colts to escort the passed out miner “Yes sir I am so sorry tha-“

“Enough go! Chrysalis are you hurt?” Sombra said walking over to her.

She was down to the ground obviously shaken by her experience. In the back of his mind Sombra remembered a memory from his past where he scrapped his knee. He remembered crying but then his mother held his head against her chest in a comforting him. Slowly Sombra braced Chrysalis up and placed her head against his chest. She was shaking from head to hoof wrapping her hooves around him.

“Hey its alright he’s gone now. He wont hurt you.” He said in a low whisper. “Nopony will ever hurt you again.” Sombra thought in his mind.

“I wont to go now!” Chrysalis sniffled.

“Alright lets go.” Sombra said pulling her in tightly. “Get my carriage ready.” He ordered to a pair of miners.

As they made there way up to the surface Sombra made sure to keep one hoof around Chrysalis the whole time. Once they got back up to the surface the sky had now taken a gray and cloudy look to it. Sombra placed Chrysalis in the carriage before taking his place beside her.

“Sombra please forgive me sir I didn’t know that anypony was still in the pocket sections.” Mort said with fear on his face.

“That will be all thank you I don’t want to be here any longer.” Sombra said.

“Yes sir, I am terribly sorry Chrysalis.” Mort said looking at the changeling.

Chrysalis didn’t say a word; she only sat with her head hung down.

“Go.” Sombra ordered.

The carriage went forward and made a turn to go back to the capital city. Sombra sat in silence but then something inside of him began moving. He quickly wrapped his hoof around Chrysalis pulling her close to him. In response she leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes letting out a sigh. Sombra was cautious about his next move but soon rain began to fall down causing him to act on his thoughts. Removing his cape he wrapped it around Chrysalis propping it up so that her head was sheltered from the rain. Sombra didn’t mind getting wet as long as Chrysalis wasn’t. Chrysalis squeezed in more and more as the rain began to pour from the sky. Soon it was as if the heavens had opened up its river dame. Sombra quickly readjusted himself so that he could act as a shelter for Chrysalis. The carriage began racing towards the city and soon the palace was in sight.

“Hang on we’re almost there.” Sombra shouted over the rain.

Chrysalis looked up at him and smiled before closing her eyes again. Upon entering the city Sombra could tell the sudden storm had taken everypony by surprise. Shopkeepers hurried to get their stands out of the rain while ponies rushed to various building holding up objects to give them shelter. While passing through the center of town Sombra got a quick look at the great clock. It was late in the afternoon much later than he had felt it was. Pulling up to the palace they were both quickly escorted inside away from the freezing rain.

“Lord Sombra we are glad you’re back how was the trip.” A stallion said taking the dripping cape.

“Awful I want that mine working overtime for the next two weeks understood?” Sombra said storming off to the dinning hall.

“Um sir that’s seems a little harsh don’t you think?” The stallion asked.

Sombra stopped in his tracks and turned around storming up to the servant.

“Harsh oh you haven’t seen harsh yet. Listen up! Tomorrow the northern mayor will be brining in a prisoner early in the morning. None of you are aloud to say a word to him. Don’t wake me when he gets here either just lock him away. No food or water is to be given to him until I say so clear?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir.” They wall responded quickly.

“Good now is dinner ready?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir its ready for you and Mrs. Chrysalis.” Said Shards.

Sombra let out a deep sigh. “Good Chrysalis you ready t-“

Before he could finish his word the changeling rushed up the stairs all the way up to the living quarters.

"My what on earth happen out there?” Shards asked.

“Something shocking that’s all. I will check up on her after dinner.” Sombra said walking into the other room.

After awhile Sombra made his way up to Chrysalis room with a tray of food in his mouth hoping not to drop it. He gently knocked on the door placing the tray on the ground.

“Chrysalis it’s me. Can I come in I brought you some food.” He said in a delicate voice.

He pressed the door open with his hoof; it wasn’t even locked much to his surprise. Sombra slowly peaked his head in the door and saw that the room was empty.

“Chrysalis?” He asked storming into the room.

The sound of the rain splattering against rock soon filled his ears. Turning to his left he saw the balcony door wide open with Chrysalis sitting in the rain. Sombra quickly got a blanket and dragged it over to her. The rain hit him as he went out.

“What are you doing out here.” He shouted over the pouring rain.

“I just wanted….to.” Chrysalis just sat there letting the water soak her.

Sombra rolled his eyes and pick Chrysalis up tossing her onto his back like he did the night he rescued her. He went over to coach in her room and sat her down on it.

“Hey.” He said after a long awkward pause.

Chrysalis jumped at the sound of his voice. “What?” She asked sounding confused.

“I brought you some food.” He said bringing the tray to her.

“Thank you.” She said snatching an apple.

Sombra sat beside her on the coach as she devoured the piece of fruit.

“Chrysalis?” He finally managed to say.

“Yes what is it?” She asked.

Sombra couldn’t say a word; he just stared into her green eyes. He felt his heart begging to pump furiously. His mouth began to move but nothing came out. Sweat began pouring out from his pores at a rapid pace.

“Chrysalis, um I just wanted to know if you were all right?” Sombra said. 'Well that sounded stupid didn’t it of course she’s not all right she’s probably upset.' His voice echoed inside his head.

“Yeah I will be all right.” She smiled at him.

“Good, good.” Sombra said. 'Well say something else, tell her about how you don’t want her to go.' His inner voice called out. “Um Chrysalis about this whole leaving business.” He said slowly.

“Yeah.” She said very faintly.

“I mean do really think its time for you to go?” Sombra said rubbing the back of his head.

“Well I do need to live among mine own kind don’t I? I mean don’t get me wrong I love it here but I don’t really belong here.” She said with a forced smile.

Sombra felt a lump begging to form in his throat. “I think that.” He paused.

“Think what?” She asked smiling at him.

His mind came to a complete stop, he had nothing to say. The color to his cheeks soon turned red from embarrassment.

“I think that it’s been wonderful having you as my guest.” He said. 'Well that sounded stupid.' His voiced echoed inside his head again.

“Oh it’s been an experience that I will never forget and one I will cherish all my life. Also just because I will be gone doesn’t mean I cant come to visit right?” She asked.

Sombra felt his body’s temperature rise he had to get out of there. “Um yeah any time.” Sombra said moving towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Chrysalis asked.

“Excuse me Chrysalis but I suddenly don’t feel well I think I need to freshen up a bit”. He said.

“Oh well good night then and thanks for the food.” She said.

“Good night?” Sombra said looking at the clock on the wall. “Oh right good night.” He smiled.

He never felt to relieved to be in his own room. Drawing water from the pump never seemed so easy before either. Soon he sat in his tub completely submerged in hot water. His body relaxed and all pain was gone. After a good thirty minuets he dried himself off and dove into his bed.

He slept calmly and not one time did he stir. Sombra laughed inside of himself he never remembered when he had such peaceful sleep. Then out of the blue he heard a faint knocking noise.

“Who’s there?” he asked while sitting up.

The room was filled with darkness.

“Hello?” he said pulling the covers up to him.

As soon as the words escaped his mouth a pair of green eyes shined in the darkness.

“Chrysalis?” Sombra asked.

The changeling stepped out so that the moonlight from the window revealed her entire body.

“What are doing here its very late at night.” Sombra said.

“I know that’s why I came.” She said sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Came? Came for what?” Sombra asked.

“I, I really wanted you to know something.” She said.

Sombra felt her eyes looking into his soul. “Couldn’t it wait until breakfast?” Sombra chuckled nervously.

Chrysalis also let out a tired chuckle. “Well what I wanted to tell is this.” She said drawing near to him.

Within a few seconds she was right up against him. She gazed into Sombra’s red eyes as she just stood still for a moment. Then with one motion she locked her lips with his.

Sombra felt his whole body tense up but then relaxed. He closed his eyes and began to drift off. Then reality brought him back in.

He jerked away from her. “Chrysalis no.” He said.

“No what, did I do something wrong?” She asked.

“Yes, I mean no, I don’t know.” He stuttered.

“I am sorry if I made things awkward for you.” She said drooping her head.

“No it’s just that I don’t think whatever you where doing is such a good idea.” He said.

“Oh, why?” She asked.

“Cause I don’t think we could ever be that you know.” He said.

“I am sorry.” She said. “It’s just that I never had somepony care for me like you have and I guess I was just reading your emotions wrong.”

“Well not entirely.” Sombra said slowly. “Why did I say that?” He said to himself.

“Hmh?” Chrysalis asked.

“I have had given it some thought to be honest. I mean me and you.” He said in a dry voice.

“And what have your thoughts told you about us?” She asked.

Sombra felt his heart beat. He just stared at her not saying a word. In his mind he kept telling himself that he shouldn’t go through what he was about to say but it was no good. He decided to let go and just accept his true feelings.

“Chrysalis, for as long as I have know ponies have treated me with false respect. Not that they hate me but I know that the only reason why they cared about anything to do with me was that I am the prince of the crystal empire. With you it’s different, with you I feel that you don’t care about any of that. I feel that I can really talk to you about almost anything and you would listen, freely. I don’t know but for some reason I think that has made me grow attached to you.” Sombra said in a rushed manner. “I feel that there’s a special connection between us.”

Chrysalis smiled and scooted closer to him. “You really think so?” She asked.

Sombra regain some of his composer. “Yes I really do.” He smiled.

“Prove it” Chrysalis smiled.

Sombra shook his head. “How?”

Chrysalis placed her hoof around his neck so that his head turned to face her own. “Kiss me.” She said in a low whisper.

Sombra almost didn’t have control over his mind but before he could think he locked lips with her and pulled back. Chrysalis smiled as he sat back. He felt the urge to do it again and much the Chrysalis surprise he kissed her again and began a steady flow. His blood began rushing and his mind began to go black, he was losing control over himself. He pulled back and looked at Chrysalis. Her eyes shined brightly in the moonlight as she sat watching him. The look in her eyes matched his, the same bewilderment causing both of them to draw closer to each other. Sombra wrapped his hoof around her and pulled her close to him as he went in for another kiss.

The hall filled with the coughing of the dying king. Guards stood by the door watching to see what would happen next in the king’s room. Celestia and Luna both stood on one side of the bed as they watched their father sat up to say something.

“Celestia….Luna…please come closer.” The old king said while coughing up a bit of blood.

“Yes father?” Luna asked placing her head on his shoulder like a philly would do in order to feel safe.

“Luna, you remind me so much of your mother when she was your age. Looks like I will be seeing her again soon.” Dawnbreaker said with a painful smile.

“Don’t say that dad the doctors will be back soon.” Celestia said sitting beside him.

“Ah don’t worry I have accepted that this is the end for me but before I go I have to tell you two a secret.” He said wheezing.

“Secret what secret?” Luna asked.

“One that has been passed down the royal family line since the begging of Equestria. The elements of harmony.” He said.

“What about them father? I mean me and Luna already know all about them.” Celestia said.

“Yes you do but there is one thing that you don’t know. This Discord fellow seems to be feeding off of chaos and confusion. It is my personal belief that he is one of the spirits of old. The spirit of disharmony to be precise.” Honder said looking at Celestia.

“Spirit of disharmony? You really think so?” Celestia asked.

“Yes now it is your duty as holders of the elements to protect all things and if he is truly the spirit of disharmony you can use the elements to defeat him.” Dawnbreaker said while coughing.

“But how do we use the elements to-“ Luna began but stopped once her father slipped back down on the bed.

“Celetsia, Luna I love you both with all my heart but I am afraid that its time for me to leave this world.” He said with heavy breathing.

“No dad don’t go.” Celestia said with tears begging to form in her eyes.

“Luna protect the night and the dreams of those who sleep. Watch over them like the stars and the moon do. Never forget that the night is to that of the day and is forever needed in the circle of life.” Dawnbreaker said in a ceremonially tone.

“Yes father always.” Luna said crying.

“Celestia, protect the day and everypony at all costs. Watch over them like a hawk would do. Never forget that protecting the day is the hardest for everything is awake and will be always on the move for it is a part of the circle of life.” He said.

“Yes father I will never forget.” Celestia said.

“It is done, I go now to paradise where I shall remain for the rest of my days. Hopefully one day we shall meet again and be all together.” Dawnbreaker said with a smile.

Both of his daughters sat on the bed laying their heads on his chest.

“I hear your mother calling to me, good bye Luna, Celestia I love you both.” He said.

“Good by father.” Luna wept.

“Good by father.” Celestia said clenching to his robe.

Dawnbreaker looked up to the celling and felt darkness slowly creep over him.

The halls filled with silence as the great king passed away.

Sombra landed on his back, the sweat from his body caused him to shiver. His mind went blank and his body began sending him mixed feelings. He felt shame and happiness, pride and fear, anger and joy all doing battle throughout his body.

“What have I done?” he said to himself.

“What do you mean?” Chrysalis said laying her head on his chest. Her breathing matched his heavy pace.

Sombra’s heart ache and his body began shooting with pain in all his joint.

“Ah!” Sombra cried.

“Is something wrong?” Chrysalis said shooting up while gazing at him.

“Get out.” Sombra panted.

“But Somb-“ She said.

“Get out now! Leave! Get out! Get out!” Sombra yelled while pushing her to the door before slamming it shut and locking it.

He fell to the floor. Looking up he rushed over to his mirror and began staring into it.

“What have I done? I…I shamefully…went and” The words couldn’t finish coming from his mouth. “Oh god I am a horrible creature, one not worthy of being anything above anypony or anything.” He said. “Look at yourself you dirty, disgusting, no good animal you’re not fit to be anything but a loam some piece of garbage”

Sombra galloped to his bathing room where the tub still had warm water in it. He quickly plunged himself in and began scrubbing himself.

“Got to be clean got to erase the memory from my body.” He scrubbed harder and harder. “Its not working. Sleep that’s it sleep is all that I need.” He said jumping out of the tub sending water everywhere. He stumbled to his bed and quickly wrapped the covers around him. Upon closing his eyes all he could see where images of Chrysalis looking at him with her eyes burning with passion.

“Stop it stop it, go to sleep.” He kept telling himself.

It didn’t work and he then began to toss and turn shoving the covers off the bed. All while his body snapped and popped causing him much pain.

“What is happening to me? My body feels like I am going through a wheat grinder.” He cried. “Must get to doctors, must find solution to the pain.”

Sombra leaped out of bed and quickly threw a coat around himself. Upon moving to the door his hooves collapsed beneath him sending the young prince to the floor. The fall was swift but Sombra leaned forward and knocked his head against the nightstand. As he lay on the floor he could feel the blood rushing from his forehead. Everything was going black and pain was coursing throughout his entire body.

“What hell is this? Somepony help me!” He yelled as loud as he could.

Sitting in now a small pool of blood he heard knocking sounds at the door. Before he could say a word his mind went dark sending him away from the world.

Chrysalis sat in her room weeping into a pillow. Her eyes burned red from the tears that she had been producing.

“How could I be so foolish? I destroyed a perfect relationship with the only pony who ever cared about me.” She sniffled. “Why did I have to go in there in the first place?

She heard a commotion outside of her room. Naturally she opened the door and poked her head out. The site before her horrified her to the bone; Sombra was being carried down the hall on a medical stretcher.

“What happen?” She said stepping out of her room.

“Oh the prince has suffered an injury to the head it doesn’t look good.” A mare servant stopped and said.

“Is he going to be alright?” Chrysalis asked with tears begging to fill her eyes.

“I do not know ma’am but don’t worry he is being taken to the doctors right now.” She said walking off.

Chrysalis returned to her bed and buried her face again in the pillow.

“What have I done?”

Face to Face

The pain shot throughout his head as he opened his eyes. Sombra held his hoof against his head. Naturally he could tell that he was somewhere different just by the smell in the air. It was a cold and almost musty kind of scent.

“Where am I?” He asked out loud.

”You’re in the hospital sir.” A familiar voice spoke out.

Sitting up he looked in the direction of where the voice came from. In a chair sitting across from his bed sat a grey unicorn covered in dry mud.

“Sam!” Sombra said with a smile.

“Yes sir it is me.” Samuel said rising from the place he had been sitting. “So I have been gone for little over a month and you end up hurting yourself. I am starting to think you can’t take care of yourself at all.” He laughed.

“Its nothing just lost my footing.” Sombra shrugged.

“That’s not all. I have been hearing of this ‘unrest’ you have been plagued with.” Samuel said pouring a glass of water from a pitcher by the bed.

“Not going to lie to you Sam but what you heard is true. I haven't been sleeping, my body is feeling weak all around buts thats not all. Lately I have been feeling this great pain in all my joints. It starts in my chest and slowly works its way throughout my entire body.” Sombra said stretching his hooves out.

“Have any of the doctors been able to help?” Sam asked handing Sombra the cup of water.

“Bah, if you would call it help then no.” Sombra said gulping down the water. “My head is killing me.”

“That’s what happens when you usually have an head injury sir.” Sam said with sarcasm in his voice.

“Did you speak to the doctor? In fact who is the doctor here?” Sombra asked looking around.

“Not sure sir some chap by the name of Edward. He said that your injury wasn’t to severe but you will have to take some medicine for the pain.” Sam said taking the cup from him.

“Ah don’t care to much for that and besides I don’t need medication, I will be fine.” Sombra said while throwing the hospital covers off of him.

“I knew you would say that so I took the liberty of crushing your medication into the water you just drank.” Samuel said with a smile.

“You really do think of everything don’t you?” Sombra said while stepping onto the floor. His body felt woozy and he stumbled a bit before standing up right.

“Sir may I ask about something else.” Sam said while making sure Sombra didn’t fall.

“Yes of course.” Sombra said.

“I also have been hearing rumors about other things that have been going on. Personal things about you.” The butler said in a dry voice.

“What kind of things?” Sombra asked.

“Forgive me sir but I have heard things about the nature of which you have taken this…Chrysalis is it? Neither way but I heard some nasty talk about how you have become envolved with her.” Said Samuel.

Sombra let out a sigh. “Sam how long have you known me?”

“I have known you before you were even born sir.” Sam said.

“And I can trust you with anything right?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir, it is my duty to protect anything you do.” The butler smiled.

“Deep down inside I have had been feeling things for Chrysalis.” Sombra said in a rather loud voice. “What do you think?”

“Well sir it is not my place to judge personal matters about you. Now if I was your father I would yell and probably tell you to stop pursuing such odd fetishes but I am not going to do that. Personally sir if this changeling makes you feel happy then who cares what any other pony thinks.” Sam said placing his hoof on Sombra’s shoulder. “Whatever you decide sir I will back it up one hundred percent.”

“Thanks Sam I needed that.” Sombra said.

“Oh, and what on earth do you tend to do with these circus colts that you had me drag have way across equestria?” Samuel said while making his way to escort Sombra to the door.

“Where are they now?” Sombra asked.

“In the prison.” Said Sam.

“Hmh, maybe later I will figure something out but for now I am hungry.” Sombra said looking at the clock on the wall.

“Lunch was being prepared before I came here.” Said Sam.

“Good I got things that I need to do.” Sombra said making his way to the door.

The light hit Sombra’s eyes as he stepped out into the mid day sun. He notice that a group of guards stared at him as he made his way to the carriage.

"Careful sir don't want you to fall and hurt yourself again." Sam sad as Sombra stumbled down the stairs.

Sombra chuckled.Then the thought quickly shot to his head.

“Oh god Chrysalis.” He said out loud.

“Hmh sir what about her?” Sam asked.

“We…I don’t know how I am going to face her.” Sombra said hanging his head.

“Oh, well um, I know she was still at the palace when I arrived at dawn but she didn’t want to come with me to see you.” The unicorn said looking above at the sky.

“Good she hasn’t left yet maybe I can try and….who I am kidding.” Sombra said biting his lip.

The ride to palace was quick and soon Sombra was escorted inside to the dining room.

“Here you are sir your favorite lunch.” Sam said presenting the small feast.

“Sam you are covered in mud go and wash yourself off.” Sombra said attacking the food.

“As you wish sir.” Samuel said disappearing into the next room.

Sombra ate in silence, he was trying to figure out a way to talk to Chrysalis.

“More water sir?” A young mare asked.

“No thank you. Um has Mrs. Chrysalis come down for anything?” Sombra asked.

“No sir, nopony has heard from her today.” The servant said bowing her head.

Sombra let out a sigh. “Can you go and request her presence for me.”

“Yes sir right away.” The mare said.

“That wont be necessary.” Chrysalis’s voice shot out.

The pair looked at the door to see the Changeling standing there.

“Good afternoon Chrysalis would you to take a seat?” The mare asking pulling a chair out from the table for her.

“Thank you.” Chrysalis said taking the spot.

Sombra sat in silence while Chrysalis ordered some food and ate in silence as well. Once the food she had request had arrived Sombra notice that he and Chrysalis where the only ones in the room. Sombra tried really hard to think of what he should say. A part of him wanted to break down and cry from the shame he felt. He knew he couldn’t do that but finally as Chrysalis was finishing up her meal he gather enough courage.

“Chrysalis?” He asked in a way a young does when they know they did something wrong.

“Sombra before you say anything I just want you to know that I am sorry for last night.” Chrysalis said in a low tone.

“What?” Sombra asked.

“Yes I read your emotions wrong and you felt confused by my advancement which lead to another advancement and I am truly sorry for it all.” Chrysalis stated.

“But..but..I.” Sombra stuttered.

“You need not say a word Sombra I am sorry.” The changeling said.

Sombra felt his throat twist as he tried to cut in. “Chrysalis it is I who should be sorry.” He said in almost a whisper.

“Well anyway I think I should get my things packed now that I am leaving and all shortly.” Chrysalis said obviously not hearing his words.

He watched in silence as she went out of the room disappearing into the palace halls.

"Blasted why couldn't I speak louder." A sudden pain shot through his body. "Ah, no I have to go talk to her and tell her the truth."

Sombra leapt from his chair hitting the ground galloping. His mind rushed as he rushed through the palace not caring who was in his way.

A delivery pony started walking towards him "Afternoon Sir, I got a letter from-"

"No time be back later." Sombra responded.

He bounded up the stairs almost falling along the way. As he went up he got strange looks from all his servants as if he was mad. Sombra bursted into the corridors charging head first down the hall towards Chrysalis's room. Bursting the door open he obviously startled her. Upon entering he fell to the ground breathing heavily from his rush.

“Sombra are you alright.” Chrysalis said kneeling down to him.

“I don’t want you to go.” He said coughing.

“What?” Chrysalis asked.

“I don’t want you to leave me.” Sombra said taking deep breaths.

Chrysalis stared wide eye at him. “But I thought that-“

"I didn’t mean to come of so brutish about it but its true you did read my emotions right.” Sombra said pulling himself to Chrysalis level. He stared into her green eyes. “Everyday I wake up and think to myself how much my life has changed since you entered it. Nopony has ever made me care for them as much as you do. Last night was really how I felt but I was scared to believe it for what it would bring.” Sombra said hanging his head. “But now I realized that I have to face the truth.” Sombra picked up Chrysalis’s hooves and held them in his. “Chrysalis I love you. I love you so much no words on earth can describe it. You’re my everything and only thing that I have ever felt love for.” Sombra said swelling with passion.

Chrysalis smiled with tears begging to form in her eyes. “Do you really mean that?” She asked.

“With my entire soul.” Sombra said.

Chrysalis shook all over falling into Sombra, embracing him in a hug. The young unicorn felt warmth spread all over his body as he held her close to him. Sombra nudge her off a little bit so that their faces where facing each other. With no hesitation Sombra locked lips with her as if he had been doing it since he was alive. The two sat there for what seemed like eternity, Sombra didn’t care. For the first time in his life he felt complete. A grunt broke the silence and the two snapped around to see Samuel standing at the door.

“Is something the matter?” Sombra asked.

“No sir just checking up on you.” The butler said with a smile. “Hello again Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis blushed. “Nice to meet you again too Samuel.”

“Oh call me Sam ma’am ‘Samuel’ is only for guests to use.” Sam said with a smile.

“Sam get the daily orders from my desk and meet me back in my throne room.” Sombra ordered obviously embarrassed.

The unicorn bowed and was soon gone.

Sombra turned his attention back to Chrysalis. “Well, what shall we do now?” He asked.

Chrysalis pecked him a kiss and rested her head under his chin. “Whatever you want to do.” She said.

Everypony was in shock to see the sight when they entered the throne room. Sitting on the throne was Sombra as always but the thing that surprised everypony was Chrysalis. The changeling was also sitting on the throne cuddled up against Sombra resting her head on his shoulder. Sombra didn’t seem to be phased by this sudden change of appearance. In fact he felt like he had been this way ever since Chrysalis had arrived there. Every time he was alone with her he would kiss her passionately until somepony came knocking on the door with urgent business.

Sombra felt a new energy begging to flow through as the next few days rolled by. There was something different about him that was the only thing he was sure of. He felt alive and energetic at all times. Maybe it was the fact that he had almost nothing to worry about that went on outside his empire. He also thought that maybe it was that he final came out and proclaimed his love to Chrysalis. Either way he was filled with joy beyond imaginative. Everyday he would be with Chrysalis but it was different that before, now he could hold her and didn't have to be ashamed for feeling for her. It was apparent that she felt the same way he did for she would want to do nothing except be with him all day.

A loud pounding came shattering the silence. Sombra sprung from his sleep looking all over the room. It was still dark. The knocking came again making the young prince leave his bed and head for the door. Sombra’s joints popped and sent pain through his body causing to cry out a little bit. He stopped for he hadn't felt the pains in awhile and he hoped they weren't returning. Upon opening the door he saw Sam standing there with a letter between his teeth.

“Good gracious Sam do you ever sleep?” Sombra said rubbing his eyes.

“Only when I want to.” Sam responded.

“What time is it?” Sombra asked looking down the empty hall.

“Six o’clock in the morning sir.” Sam said.

“Well why did you wake me.” Sombra yawned.

“A letter from Canterlot has arrived for you in a speedy fashion.” Sam said handing Sombra a letter with an official stamp.

Sombra ripped open the letter and began reading it. “Oh my” Sombra said out loud.

"What?" Sam

“King Dawnbreaker is dead. His funeral is two days from now.” Sombra said slowly. “Celestia and Luna have request that I attended.”

“Shall I prepare a carriage for your journey?” Sam asked.

“I don’t know if I should go, I mean I didn’t really know him that well.” Said Sombra.

“It would be rude if you didn’t I mean they did send you a letter and all.” The butler said.

Sombra let out a sigh. “Yeah prepare a carriage.”

“Right away sir see you in a few hours.” Sam said closing the door.

Sombra felt sick when he laid back down in his bed.

“Who was that?” Chrysalis asked.

“Just Sam, he had something to give me.” Sombra said curling up against her. “I tell you more about at breakfast.” He said closing his eyes.

Sombra really didn’t want to go to a funeral of all things especially now. He then thought about how he had to go through lost his father and mother by himself. Deep down inside he thought he too would love to have somepony to be there for him during that time. Armed with these notions he quickly agreed within himself that he should go. Breakfast was by far the best Sombra had in a while. Chrysalis sat right beside him munching on a flat pastry as she smiled to herself.

“So what did Sam want this morning?” Chrysalis asked swallowing.

Sombra’s head snapped up as he recalled the letter. “It was a message from Canterlot.” Sombra said whipping his mouth.

“You remember the king of Equestria right?”

“Not really I think his name began with an H.” Chrysalis said looking down at her plate.

“Well unfortunately he passed away a couple nights ago.” Sombra said.

“Oh no, did you know him well?” Chrysalis said looking up at him.

“Not really I mean my father knew him better. In fact I can’t remember a time where Dawnbreaker and I ever had a direct conversation.” Said Sombra.

“Oh, so why did you get a letter notify you of his passing?” Chrysalis asked in her curious voice.

“His daughter, Celestia, sent me it actually. I know her from a long time ago. She just wanted to know if I would come and pay my respects.” Sombra said.

“Are you?” Chrysalis said looking at him.

Sombra smiled. “Yeah, I think it would be for the best I mean it would be rather mean spirited if I didn’t at least show up.”

Chrysalis leaned her head on his shoulder resting her eyes as he thought to himself.

“Hey Chrysalis.” Sombra said in a low voice.

“Yes.” Chrysalis responded.

“Do you want to go with me?” Sombra asked with a smirk on his face.

“Really?” Chrysalis asked obviously shocked by the question.

“Sure I mean it is a long and boring trip.” Sombra said with a growing smile creeping along his face.

“But I mean it’s a funeral. I am not saying that I would like to go but it’s a pretty grim thing to go to.” She said.

“Well afterwards we can go do other things go other places. You must admit it is boring now that you’ve seen the crystal empire in is entirety.” Sombra said wrapping his hoof around her.

“Yeah but I don’t want to seem like I am intruding. You’re the one who got the letter and I literality have never meet these ponies in my entire life.” She said in a timid voice.

Sombra loved it when she acted timidly. He didn’t know why maybe it was because he felt that he could comfort her.

“That’s what I love about you.” Sombra said.

“What?” She asked.

“You’re so cautious and caring for those around you.” Sombra said. He felt her jolt at his words as if he had delivered a terrible message. He pulled away from her. “Is something the matter dear?” He asked.

Chrysalis sat for a second and snapped her head up. “Yeah its nothing just a head ach.”

“So do you want to go with me?” He asked again.

Chrysalis smiled. “Yes.”

“Good cause you were coming if you wanted to or not.” Sombra said sarcastically.

“Excuse me who do you think you are.” She said in a teasing manner.

“I happen to be a prince thank you very much.” He said fluffing his mane.

Chrysalis gave him a playful nudge. “So when do we have to leave?”

Sombra thought to himself trying to recall the letter context. “The day after tomorrow. Probably early in the morning for the service is in the evening.”

“Sounds good to me.” Chrysalis said as she began leaving the table.

“Where are you going?” Sombra asked.

“Um just upstairs to freshen up a bit. Meet you in the throne room?” She said.

Sombra smiled as she exited out the door. He felt something begging to creep along his inner chest. Immediately as soon as he was sure that she had left Sombra let out a cry of a pain. He clenched his chest, which had been bothering him all morning. The noise from the door quickly forced him to regain his composure he didn’t want Chrysalis to see him in agony. Much to his relief Sam came rushing to his side with a covered tray.

“Are you alright sir?” The unicorn said sitting down the tray on the table.

“Yeah just a little bit of heart burn.” Sombra said.

“Now sir the one thing that I always taught you was never lie.” Sam said with a scolding look on his face.

Sombra felt the pain rushing back. “I don’t know what’s going on. For the last few day I hadn't felt the slightest thing of pain but now all the sudden its worse than it was before.” Sombra said.

“Have been to that doctor that I recommended?” Sam asked. Sombra looked the other way. “Of course you haven’t.” Sam said. Pausing for a second Sam went over and got a coat and tossed it to Sombra. “Come on we are going right now.”

“But I..” Sombra stopped as he saw Sam’s face burn with determination. “Fine I’ll go.” He said throwing the coat on.

Sombra once again got the same feeling he did whenever doctors are mentioned. But he was willing to do anything if it meant curing him of these sudden pains. Sam lead Sombra to the edge of the capital to a small building that was in between two larger ones.

“This is it?” Sombra asked as Sam knocked on the front door.

“Yes, now I know it might not look that much but trust me doctor Vig knows what he is doing.” Sam said.

The door opened to revel an old pegasus wearing a lab coat.

“Sam old buddy it has been a while since I’ve seen you around here.” The doctor said. “What do you need this time?”

“Actually I am here for him.” Sam said stepping to the side to reveal Sombra.

“Oh your majesty.” The doctor said kneeling. “Please come inside.”

“Thank you sir.” Sombra said stepping inside.

The house was nothing like the outside it was clean and well kept. Sombra was lead to a room with a large examining table.

“Please make your self at home.” The doctor said moving towards a cabinet.

As Sombra began taking a seat by the window the doctor quickly rushed over to him. “Um if you would sir, take your spot on the table please.”

Sombra made his way to the table and placed himself on it. He felt odd just lying there he wished the doctor would say something.

Suddenly out of nowhere Doctor Vig placed his ear on Sombra’s chest. The sudden move almost sent the prince jumping into the air.

“What on earth are you doing?” Sombra asked angrily.

“Shhh quiet.” Vig said.

Sombra didn’t like how this pony just invaded his personal space but if he could help he wasn’t going to protest.

“Ah there you are.” Vig said removing his ear and darted back to the cabinet.

“Where is what?” Sombra asked.

“The source of the pain.” Vig said digging through bottles of liquid.

"How did you know that I was having pains?" Sombra asked.

Vig turned around. "Just looking at you, you're tired right?"

"Yeah but how are you able to tell what it already is without test?" Sombra asked.

"Trust me, I have been doing this for a long time." Vig smiled.

“Hold on there Momir you’re telling me that you figured out what all this is about. In just a few seconds?” Sam said.

“Yeah its not that hard to pin point it actually.” Vig said holding a glass of liquid up to the window.

“Well what it is?” Sombra asked sitting up.

“Easy, it’s your heart Mr. Sombra.” Vig said.

“My heart is causing all the pain?” Sombra asked.

“Yes and no, you see something is slowly eating away at your body. Bit by bit you feel tired everyday, drained of energy no?” The doctor asked.

“Yes I have been feeling tired lately.” Sombra said rubbing the back of his head.

“Ah good then my theory is correct. You are suffering from a non-physical disease but more of eh, magical disease. You haven’t happened to have dabbled in black magic have you?” Vig asked jokingly.

“No, never in my entire life. I am no where near a master in regular magic either.” Sombra said missing the joke.

Vig frowned at his. "Okay so if you are not the cause then somepony else is or there is magic just attacking you for no reason. Always be careful for those who are around you I always say." The doctor said going through bottles until finding one he liked. "Well this potion will help ease your pain for a while but for a long term solution you need to find a raw energy source.” Vig said handing Sam the bottle.

“What kind of energy source Momir?” Sam asked tucking the bottle in his coat.

“Ah, that is a serious question. Something that can constantly channel healing magic twenty four hours a day. Something that is very powerful, let me see if I can find something around in my archive.” Vig said heading for the door.

“A consent magic source?” Sombra said to himself. “You mean like a source that could generate magic or boost a common spell to make it stronger?” he said out load.

"Precisely a simple source can be made but it takes time and preparation. Also you have to find one that will be powerful enough or else it will all be in vain. In other words we need to find something that isn't easy broken. Maybe there are some old relics I can dig up" Vig said thinking to himself.

Sombra sat there while the doctor was looking through a big book. 'Where can there be a magic source powerful enough to substain magic for great periods of time?' ' Surely theres nothing in the entire empire that could help channel magic as powerful as the doctor was referring to. In fact there is nothing except.' Sombra stopped his train of thought.

"Would you thinking doc?" Sombra asked.

The doctor froze and turned around. “Oh sir, I was thinking about what kind of source we need. It has to be able to control your condition. But things like this can be dangerous."

“Its not like I got noting to lose is it?” Sombra said in a smile.

The doctor stood still for a moment. “That’s what I was going to talk to you about.” He said while sitting by the table. “I didn’t want to worry you but your condition is really bad.”

“How bad?” Sam asked.

“Like I don’t know how you’re still alive bad.” Vig said in a low voice. “You see Sombra this thing, whatever it is literally killing your body and heart.”

“What?!” Sombra shouted.”

“Now calm down.” Vig said.

“What do you mean 'its killing me'? Are you saying that I could die because of this?” Sombra shouted.

Vig sat there and finally letting out his breath he looked Sombra in the eyes. “Yes.”

Sombra felt his head spin and eyes begging to fill with tears. “How long do I go until I need to find a source?” he asked.

“A month not even.” Vig said. “I am sorry, I will be right back.” He said heading to the door.

Sombra sat on the table not knowing what to do.

“Sir?” Sam asked. “I am terribly sorry.”

“Sam.” Sombra said with his cheeks becoming stained with tears. “I am scared.” He said getting up then falling to the floor. His boned cracked as he hit the ground but he was too upset to notice them.

Sam kneeled down beside him and placed his hoof around him. “Its alright sir we will find a way.” He said in a whisper.

“But where are we going to find a source of raw magic that powerful?” Sombra asked.

“I don’t know but we will.” Sam said reinsuring.

Sombra quickly thought to himself. “Sam I have two orders to give to the ponies of the empire.”

“And those are?” Sam asked.

“I want all my archives looking for any relic that may be useful. Anything will be good and I don't care if its dangerous, I want it.” Sombra said in a broken voice.

“Sir Momir clearly said that-“ Sam stopped as he saw the look on Sombra’s face. It was a look that Sam had seen before, it was the same look as the day Sombra's mother passed away. “Yes sir.”

Sombra smiled while clearing his tears. “Also make Mo- Moa-Vig….”

“Doctor Momir Vig sir.” Sam said.

“Yes thank you, make Doctor Vig the palace doctor I want him around at all times understand?” Sombra asked.

“Yes sir.” Sam responded.

“Now get me back to the palace I....I have things to do.” Sombra said heading to the door.

“Sir? Slow down you just had some pretty heavy news dropped on you.” Sam said in astonishment.

“As far as I am concerned I still have a life to live. Also this new doesn’t leave this room nopony can know about this. Not even the Chrysalis, especially her” Sombra said.

“Yes sir.” Sam said reluctantly.

“Good now lets go back.” Sombra said.

Sombra entered his throne room with a weak walk. Everypony in the room was startled by his entrance that he had made. He looked around and saw Chrysalis standing by the window talking to a mare. Sombra didn’t waste any time, he marched forward and knocked the mare out of his way.

Chrysalis was startled by his sudden approached. “Sombra what in the worl-“

Sombra embraced her and began kissing her in front of the entire room.

After a few seconds Chrysalis was able to pull away from him.

“Sombra dear?” She said blushing.

“Yes?” He asked wrapping his hooves around her.

“Are you alright?” Chrysalis asked looking at the stun faces in the room.

“Never been better.” He said with a smile. “Oh James!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

A lime greenish pony came running up to him. “Yes sir?” he asked.

“Send orders for both of my daily sweeps to be given to Sir Rockshire..” Sombra said.

“All of them?” James asked.

“Did I stutter?” Sombra asked eyeing him.

“No sir right away sir.” James said running off.

“As for the rest of you all you can leave for the day except the kitchen staff. Once dinner is done then you can leave. Tommorow I only want the Kitchen staff to return for the day understood?” Sombra said to the rest of the room.

The crowd of servants all looked at each other and slowly made there way out.

“Sombra what’s going on? Why did you send everypony home?” Chrysalis asked.

Sombra twirled her around and let out a laugh. “Do I need a reason?” He chuckled.

“I guess not.” Chrysalis said.

“Good.” He said pecking her lips. “Now what do you want to do today?” He asked.

“Nothing really I thought we could just relax for the day you know.” She said sheepishly.

“Aw, come on there’s something you want to do.” Sombra said.

“Not really I mean not today.” Chrysalis said.

“Aw fine.” Sombra said letting go of her and taking his seat on the throne.

Sombra began humming to himself an old song he remembered from his mother. Chrysalis also sat in the throne curling up against him laying her head under his chin. Sombra reached out and began running his hoof up Chrysalis’s horn.

“What on earth are you doing?” Chrysalis giggled.

“Just admiring.” Sombra said placing his hoof were her horn curved into a jagged shape.

The two sat there until dinner came around. Sombra liked how quiet the palace was without any servants in it. It was as if he and Chrysalis were the only ones there. Of course Sam came by once in a while to make sure that this was not the case.

That night Sombra slept peacefully. He thought about how much life he had to live if he didn’t find a source or the heart in time. Looking down he gazed at Chrysalis sleeping beside him. A thought popped into his head and at first he didn’t think it was a great idea but he soon thought differently.

“I want to spend my entire life with you.” He whispered in her ear.

Chrysalis did not stir from her sleep but Sombra didn’t care. He closed his eyes and began letting his mind wonder.

Next day went relatively fast for Sombra. It was almost too fast for he didn't have a chance to actually stop and enjoy anything. He didn't the reason why but to him that day ended as soon as it began.

The next morning came and soon Sombra was being fitted in a suit of armor with a black shading on it. He had almost forgotten that he was going to attend a funeral.

“Now Sam while I am gone you are in charge alright.” Somrba said standing in the courtyard.

“Sir!?” Sam asked.

“You heard me.” Sombra smiled.

“I did but this is highly unorthodox.” Sam began but quickly stopped. “Yes sir.

“Good now where is Chrysalis?” Sombra asked.

“Right here.” Her voice called out from behind.

Sombra turned to see Chrysalis in a black dress with a lime green trim. He neck was lined with the necklace he gave her. Her hair was done so that it didn’t fall or cover her face.

“You look beautiful.” Sombra said.

“Thanks.” She blushed. “You don’t look to bad yourself.”

“Well of we go?” Sombra said offering his hoof so that she could get up into the carriage. Before he closed the door Sombra turned around and gave Sam a hug. “Good by Sam.” Sombra said as he entered the carriage.

“Good by sir.” Sam said standing bewildered.

As the carriage drove off Sam stood by the door and watched as the sun began to rise. “Thank goodness now I can get some sleep.” He said to himself.

"Sir, um we have a bunch a paper work from the last two days to do." A mare said holding a huge folder.

"Or maybe not." Sam said with a sigh.

A Grim Trip

The wind blew fiercely in the city of Canterlot as Sombra stuck his head out of the window of the carriage. The sun hung low in the coming hours of the young night. Looking off into the short distance he admired how the Canterlot place looked against the evening backdrop. The sounds of many ponies soon began filling the air. He could see that the palace entrance was filled with carriages unloading ponies from all over Equestira.

“Well, we made good time.” Sombra said to himself. He quickly pulled his head back inside and turned to face Chrysalis. “We’re here.” He smiled nudging her softly.

“Good, I was beginning to think that we would never arrive.” Chrysalis said yawning and rubbing sleep from her eyes.

“Had a good nap?” Sombra asked.

“Yep, I didn’t snore did I?” Chrysalis asked.

“Not a sound.” Sombra said. "You sure you're comfortable with all this? I mean it can be nerve wracking." Sombra said.

Chrysalis smiled revealing her short fangs which sparkled in the dimming light. "I think I will be just fine." She said.

Sombra smiled and sat back waiting for their destination. The carriage came to a complete stop and soon a voice was heard outside. Sombra looked down at his hoof seeing the reflection of himself against the armor he wore. Of all the things his father could have past down it was only his armor that he personally had left for Sombra to have. The door opened from the outside reveling the courtyard of the great palace.

“You ready?” Sombra asked Chrysalis.

“You bet.” She said striating her mane a tad bit.

Stepping out into the open Sombra couldn’t believe the amount of ponies that had come for this funeral. Everywhere he looked he could see pegasus, unicorns, and just earth ponies from all over, some where even from different countries. A guard made his way to the side of the carriage.

“Prince Sombra, thank you for attending the funeral of our late and beloved king.” He said in a prestigious voice.

“A grim honor to be here good sir but a honor no less. Shall I make my way into the hall now?” Sombra said stepping down onto the ground.

“Yes sir our seating this evening is unfortunately limited due to the unexpected amount of guest that have arrived. So apologizes ahead if it is not to your liking.” The guard said.

"Oh, I think it will be just fine. Come now Chrysalis." Sombra said.

Chrysalis stepped out catching the guard by surprise.

“And who is this?” The guard stuttered.

“Ah, this is Mrs. Chrysalis. She will be joining me this evening.” Sombra said helping her down.

“Pleasure to meet you.” She said to the guard.

The guard stood still for a second not knowing what to say.

“If it’s all right by you we will head inside now.” Sombra said as he began making his way to the door, escorting Chrysalis beside him.

The palace had a chill hanging in the air. Then again it was a funeral. As the pair walked by Sombra could tell that Chrysalis’s presence was creating a buzz. He led them to a spot by a door so that they could steer clear most of the crowd.

“It’s very lovely in here.” Chrysalis smiled.

Sombra smiled back at her but he wasn’t feeling much joy as he saw a pony walking over to him. His father always said that one could tell a rich colt by the size of his belly. If that was true, Maxwell was the riches pony in Canterlot. He was also very annoying with his chatter and irregular breathing.

“Sombra, so the prince of the north has graced us with his presence tonight.” Maxwell said extending his hoof.

“Indeed I have.” Sombra said in pretend happiness shaking his hoof.

“Ah and this must be the Mrs. Chrysalis I kept hearing about.” Maxwell said with a deep breath.

Sombra stopped in his tracks. “How in Equestria does he know about her?” he said to himself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Maxwell said extending his hoof to her.

Chrysalis politely shook his hoof “Pleasure to meet you to Mr.?”

“Maxwell, Alexander Z Maxwell the twelfth.” Maxwell said bowing his head. “Born in Manehatten raised in Canterlot.”

“Oh you’re from Manehatten I hear it's quite the city.” Chrysalis said.

“Indeed it is. It is majestic to say the least and Canterlot is to as well. For my entire life I have lived in cities, working all day to establish my name. Secretly I am growing tired of the city life and probably going to move to a much quitter place. Maybe that nice new town what’s was the name of it?” Maxwell said looking at Sombra.

“Ah, you’re talking about Rico’s new town. He calls it..... I don't recall but I don’t think the town will stay.” Sombra said with a chuckle.

Maxwell let out a cough drawing much attention to him. “Don’t let him know that.” He said also finding it humorous.

“Sombra dear I am going to get some water do you want anything?” Chrysalis asked.

“Nah you go on ahead, love.” Sombra said regretting he let out that last bit in front Maxwell.

“Pleasure meeting Mr. Maxwell.” She said as she trotted off.

Maxwell bowed politely and both watched her trot off into a sea of ponies. “So I hear you and Mrs. Chrysalis are quite the fancy pair.” Maxwell said in between massive breaths.

Sombra grew nervous at this. “Personally I don’t care for what others are saying but Sir Maxwell if we could keep my personal life out of the conversation.” Sombra said rolling his eyes.

“What I am just telling what everypony has told me.” Maxwell said with a grin.

“And what has everypony told you about me?” Sombra asked.

“Well you see sir, you know the business I am in and just the other day I had to send some delivers to the empire. So some of my colts had a drink in one of your pubs and they started talking to the caretaker. 'So whats the word around the empire' one asked and do you know what the caretaker says? Just that the prince of the empire has taking a changeling in as if it was a real pony. Then that prince has grown a taboo relationship with said creature to the point where one might grow sick just thinking about it.” The unicorn said adjusting his monticule.

Sombra felt himself becoming a little uneasy but he was able to keep his cool. “Really ponies are sick by it you say?” Sombra asked.

“Of course they are. I mean no offence but changelings are relatively new species that have not fully been explained. It is like loving a rabbit or a bear.” Maxwell said with a chuckle.

“I don’t think it’s exactly like that at all.” Sombra said.

“Oh come now Sombra she’s a wild animal. Remember that circus that came for the gala not to long ago, you where here right, anyway they had a changeling to. Except unlike you they knew it was a wild creature and they treated it as such.” Maxwell said.

Sombra resisted the urge to flat out hit the fat unicorn in the jaw for that commit.

“Still you have to admit that Chrysalis doesn’t act like an animal.” Sombra said grinding his teeth.

Maxwell took out a cigar and plopped it into his mouth. “That may be true but one can train a dog to behave. The same can be said for your Chrysalis. Face Sombra what you are doing is wrong in nature and morally. Now if your father were alive he would agree with me one hundred percent-“

Sombra sent his hoof into the jaw of Maxwell breaking the cigar in half and sending the unicorn to the ground.

“My father!?! What in world makes you think he would have a say in the matter. For you to think that my father would actually agree with you is absurd. Never in a million years would my father ever agree with scum like you.” Sombra said clenching his teeth.

The room filled with silence as guards quickly came and circled the two. Sombra looked up to see all faces of terror being beamed in his direction.

“What is the meaning of all this.”Celestia’s voice called out. Sombra froze when he heard her voice.“Sombra?” Celestia’s voice said behind him.

Sombra slowly turned around to see the young princess standing before him wearing a black gown.

He quickly tried to think of an explanation for his outburst.“Celestia I apologize for this incident me and sir Maxwell had a bit of a disagreement.” Sombra said, sweating greatly.

“It must have been something major or else you wouldn’t have knocked him out cold.” Celestia said tending to the fallen Maxwell. “Guards take him to the medical ward immediately.”

The guards carried the fat pony away as rest of the crowd resumed their normal chitchat.

Celestia turned her attention back to Sombra. “Now, its so good to se you again.” She said embracing him in a hug.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again Celestia.” Sombra responded. “I am so sorry for you’re loss.” He said with sympathy in his voice.

Celestia drew away for a moment and looked at him with watery eyes. “Thank you very much Sombra. I was almost worried that you wouldn’t have come. I mean I know you really didn’t know my father but it means a lot to me that you came.”

“Anything for you.” Sombra said.

Celestia gave him a tired smile. “Well if you excuse me I have to get back to the preparations for the ceremony.” She said walking away.

Sombra could tell that she was putting on an act of happiness to hide her grief.

Anyway, Sombra got back to socializing with the other ponies that weren’t terrified of him already and soon Chrysalis rejoined him. After a good thirty minutes a servant came for and told everypony that the ceremony was about to begin.

“All right lets go in.” Sombra said leading Chrysalis towards the door.

Upon approaching the door to the main hall Sombra saw Luna standing by the door greeting ponies as they entered. Sombra wasn’t familiar with Luna, in fact many ponies weren’t. He always remebered when he was young that ponies where always quite whenever Luna was around. She seemed nice but she was not quite as bubbly as her sister. If Celestia was the bright and cheerful as the day then Luna had to be quitter and still like the night.

“Evening Luna.” Sombra said bowing his head in respect.

“Prince Sombra, We don’t think We ever had a proper conversation with you.” Luna said bowing her head in the same manner.

Sombra shook his head, we? Then it occurred to him that she was using the royal we.“I am terribly sorry for your loss.” Sombra said in a low tone.

“Thank you for saying that.” She said. “And may we ask who is this pony that you have brought with you?”

Chrysalis stepped forward and mimicked the way Sombra did. “Hello princess Luna my name is Chrysalis.” She said politely.

“Chrysalis? My that’s a very pretty name and how do you know Sombra. No” Luna asked conversationally.

Sombra stopped right in his train of thought. He wasn’t prepared for a question like that; he quickly tried to think of a story of some kind.

"Oh, me and Sombra meet awhile ago. How long has it been three years or four?" Chrysalis said finishing Sombra's thought.

Luna seemed to buy it.

“If you don’t mind us asking but your horn is quite odd shaped, for what reason?” Luna asked.

Chrysalis looked up to the center of her forehead where her horn had grown.

“We are sorry if we have offended you.” Luna said as she read the expression on Chrysalis’s face.

“No, it's alright I get asked all the time. The fact of the matter is I really don’t. All I know is that I have always had it.” Chrysalis said peeping her cheer back up.

“If you don’t mind Luna we are going to get out seats now.” Sombra said guiding Chrysalis away from the young princess.

As they made they’re way down the aisle Sombra glanced over to the huge crowed of ponies that had already taken their seats. He had never seen so many decorated war veterans, politicians, and overall high-class members of society all in one place. Soon the pair took a few open chairs towards the middle of the huge hall. After a while a stallion cladded in black took to a self made stage to what many expected for the ceremony to begin.

“Greetings to one and all.” The colt said as the room grew quite. “Tonight we are he to remember and cherish the memory of our great king, Sir Dawnbreaker son of Starshine, who is now with the other kings of old. Now many can say what they thought they knew about our beloved king but tonight we hear from the eldest daughter of his royal majesty Celestia the first.” The colt proclaimed as Celestia made her way to the stage. From where Sombra was sitting Celestia looked like an emotional wreck. She barely made it to the stage as her legs shake terribly.

“Mares and GentleColts. I thank you for coming this evening.” She began with a sniffle. “My father as you all would know was a good colt who believed that any was possible as long as we thought it could be done. In his time of passing he told my sister and I something very important. Never doubt the power of faith.”

Sombra’s mind began wondering away form Celestia’s speech and began looking around to find something to capture his interest. He had never been good at sitting still someplace for a long time. By the time he drew his attention back to the stage Celestia had begun sheading tears and was being comforted by the stallion that came before her. Thanking the crowd she went back down and took her spot by her sister who was also begging to show sorrow.

“Now we can begin the passing of the soul.” The colt said ordering the lights to be brought down.

The torchlights began dimming as everypony began standing up.

“What’s going on why is the room dark.” Chrysalis whispered in Sombra’s ear.

“It’s the passing of the old king's soul. In a moment they will bring out a coffin with the king inside and light it on fire. The darkness is to symbolize the world and the flames off the king are representatives of the impact he had made.” Sombra explained.

Sure enough hooded ponies carried in a coffin and place it on the stage. Soon an alter of some kind was also place and the coffin was hoisted up on it.

“Are they seriously about to set it on fire.” Chrysalis asked.

“Yes.” Sombra responded.

“But wouldn’t that smell?” Chrysalis asked.

“No the body has been prepared with herbs so that doesn’t happen.” Sombra said hushing her. “Besides what comes next is what I am not looking forward too.” He said to himself.

“Now the night and day were one in the same with our king. But now they are separate and so they must pass the king on.”

The colt said. “Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are the new keepers of night and day so it is their duty to pass their father’s soul on.”

Two torches were brought to the stallion and soon he was joined by both young princesses.

“Pass him on.” The colt said handing them the torches.

Sombra watch as the both of the young rulers slowly grabbed and brought fire against the coffin sending it into a blaze. Celestia immediately began weeping using her sister as support. It was almost too much for Sombra, he never could handle the sight of ponies in pain. Once the fire began smoldering the colt gave the ceremonial ending and beckon everypony to go. Sombra lead Chrysalis towards the stage despite being forced back by the crowd of rushing ponies. Finally Sombra made it to the spot where Celestia and Luna were standing.Upon seeing Sombra Celestia came over and clung to him and began weeping. Sombra really didn’t know what to say to her so he kept silent.

Celestia finally pulled away drying her tears away. “Thank you for being here tonight Sombra.” She said.

“It was an honor.” Sombra said bowing his head in respect. “Now if it’s alright with you princess we must be going.”

“Going?” Celestia asked. “Already?”

“Um yes, you see we couldn’t find a place to stay and there is a hotel not to far from here.” Sombra said.

“We?” Celestia asked.

Sombra slowly beckoned Chrysalis to stand by his side so that he could introduce her. “Celestia I would like you to meet Chrysalis.”

“Ma’am.” Chrysalis said bowing in respect.

“Chrysalis? That’s a pretty name.” Celestia said eyeing her.

“Thank you very much.” Chrysalis said almost joyfully.

“ Always a pleasure to meet somepony new. Anyway what where you saying Sombra?” Celestia said almost snapping back into reality.

“We are going to a hotel for the night.” Sombra said reminding her.

“Ah yes that’s right. Um when are you leaving?” She asked.

“Tomorrow late morning I am afraid that I have much business to attend to and I imagine you do as well.” Sombra said nudging Chrysalis to not say a word.

Celestia let out a sigh. “Yeah you’re right it seems that business has to be taken cared of first.”

“Alas maybe one of these day we can sit down and have a decent conversation, now if you excuse us we must be going for I am externally tired, Luna.” He said gesturing while guiding Chrysalis to the door.

Once the pair where out hall, Celestia turned to her younger sister. “What on earth was that creature he had with him?”

“Sister that’s not very polite to ask.” Luna said.

“Was it a pony? It sure didn’t look like anything I have ever seen.” Celestia said.

“Well we don’t see how it is of importance.” Luna said walking off.

“Its just that I felt like I have seen her before.” Celestia said to herself.

Sombra lay awake in bed staring into the ceiling. The medicine for his pane hadn’t worn off yet so he was in a relaxed state.

“That was a beautiful ceremony.” Chrysalis said in a whisper.

Sombra stroked her mane with his forehoof gazing down at her. “Your beautiful.”

Chrysalis let out a giggle as she rested her head on his chest right over where his heart was located.

“You seem calm.” Chrysalis said.

“I am always calm.” Sombra said back.

“I mean you seem better now than you have been these last couple of days.” Chrysalis responded.

“To tell you the truth I haven’t felt this great in a while.” Sombra said.

Chrysalis quickly leaped on him cuddling up against him. “I am glad you are feeling well.” She whispered in his ear.

Sombra guided his face to hers and began showing her with kisses. He swelled with passion as the two were laying there. Before he could go any further Sombra began feeling a slight pain within his chest. He tried ignoring it but soon it began spreading throughout his body.

An Awkward Pairing

Sombra shielded his eyes from the morning sun invading the room as he awoke. He sat at the edge of the bed taking in the view of the city from the window across the room. He gazed until he heard a stirring sound come from behind him. Chrysalis’s forehooves wrapped around his neck as she rested her head against the back of his neck.

“Good morning.” He said in a whisper.

“Good morning to you to.” She responded. “That’s a lovely view.”

“Yeah I thought so too.” He said turning around to face her. “You know whats more lovely than that?”

"What?" She asked.

"Seeing your face every morning." Sombra said kissing her.

Chrysalis let out a laugh. "Good gracious you can be so corny sometimes."

"So what if I am? Can't one be a little corny from time to time." Sombra smiled.

"If only your subjects could hear there fearsome prince talk like a school colt writing a love letter to his crush." Chrysalis laughed.

"So where do you want to-"

A knock came at the door interrupting him.

"Who on earth could that be?" Chrysalis asked.

"I dont know, wait here." Sombra said getting up from the bed.

He went over to the door and flung it open to reveal a royal guard standing there.

"Can I help you?" Sombra asked.

"Sir, Sombra is it?" The guard asked.

"Yes that is me what do you want?" Sombra asked again.

"Forgive me I hoped I haven't disturbed you from slumber." He said taking a bow.

Sombra was a little annoyed but he kept himself in check. "No its no problem at all but may I ask why you are here?"

"I have been sent by princess Celestia herself good sir." The guard said.

Sombra frowned for he really didn't want to stay in Canterlot any longer than he had to. "Oh and what does the princess want from me?"

"She has requested that you and your guest have lunch with her today in the posh garden around the hour of three." The guard said nodding,

"But I have other plans already in place." Sombra said glancing back at Chrysalis.

"Sorry thats all that I was to tell you. Also I am to deliver a response to her so what is your response to this invitation?" The guard asked.

"Give me one sec." Sombra said closing the door.

Chrysalis looked at him with great curiosity. "Well that was certainly strange."

"Indeed I thought I told her we would be leaving today." Sombra said rushing over to the window to peer outside.

"So whats the plan?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra turned around and sat on the bed. "I don't know I mean, yeah its nice of her to invite us and all but I thought we would do something different thats all."

Chrysalis scooted closer curling up against him. "You know we could just stop by and all. I mean how long would a lunch take anyway."

Sombra looked at her and smiled. "So you're saying that we should go huh?"

"I don't see why not." She said.

"All right, wait right here." He said getting up and headed for the door.

The guard was still standing there just as before not moving an inch.

"Tell Princess Celestia that we would be honored to join her for lunch." Sombra said with a smile.

The guard bowed his head and trotted down the hall away from Sombra's sight. Returning to Chrysalis he began feeling a sense of pride begging to take over him. His gaze was begging to worry Chrysalis for he was not saying a word.

"Um, hello Sombra you still there?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra snapped back into the real world. "What? Oh, yes well we should begin getting ready to go soon shouldn't we?"

"Why we got a good while before lunch time. We should go out for a walk or something." She said.

Sombra smiled. "Sure lets."

The two strolled around the cities blocks during the early morning watching as the royal city was slowly waking up. Sombra was a little worried about going with Chrysalis to lunch with Celestia. He worried if Celestia would start questioning the changelings origins and that was something Sombra didn't want to happen. Chrysalis started to slow down a bit as the pair came to a square. Sombra continued to walk forward until he noticed that she wasn't beside him. Turning around he saw that she was puzzled about this part of the city.

"Hey, everything alright?" Sombra asked.

"Yeah, its just that this place seems familiar but yet I don't remember ever being here you know?" She said.

Sombra looked around and quickly knew why this sudden confusion clouded her mind. It was the block that was supposed to have the old mine shaft that he planned to help the circus creatures escape. He forgot that she was fading in and out during that time.

"Well I am sure it will come to you later, come now we should make our way to the palace." He said.

The two soon reached the palace which stated to shine in the early day sun. Sombra was approached by the same guard who came to their room. He quickly lead them through the palace and back into where the place opened up to the gardens. Sombra never had been in the famous Canterlot gardens but he was quite impressed from what he saw. They finally came to a small clearing where a table had been fitted for eating and both princesses where already there waiting for their guest.

Celestia spotted the pair and smiled. "Was wondering when you would show up."

"Like the old saying goes. 'Always show up when you feel like'." Sombra pulling a chair out for Chrysalis.

Sombra watched as Celestia eyes begging to study Chrysalis from head to hoof. From what he could tell she seemed to not recognize her. Which if that was the case he could care what would happen next. He quickly took his seat and soon an awkward silence fell over the table. Sombra began breaking out in a sweat.

"So, Chrysalis is it?" Celestia said breaking the silence. "Tell me what part from the empire dose your family hail from?"

Chrysalis smiled. "My father was born in the southern fields of gimstone and my mother was born in the capital itself. That is where I also was born."

Sombra couldn't help but smirked as he saw the expression on Celestia's face. It was a look of disappoint of being foiled of a plan.

"We hear the fields of the empire are quite majestic in the summer months." Luna said much more causally than Celestia.

"Oh if only I could described it in words. Its like looking over a sea of glass just as the late afternoon sun starts to set. Father would always take us every opportunity he could." Chrysalis said.

Sombra didn't know if he should feel grateful that Chrysalis was able to create such a vivid story or scared that she was able to so quickly. Earthier way he wanted her to keep talking.

"Well that sounds marvelous, so what do your parents do for a living. Just thought we would ask." Luna said.

Chrysalis's expression changed a little to a sad state. "My father used to be a general in the crystal army while mother was one of the local doctors"

"Was?" Luna asked.

"Forgive for its not proper table talk but my parents are no longer around." Chrysalis said in a low tone.

"Oh, we are so sorry for asking." Luna.

"No its alright it happen awhile ago. 'Weather the trees lose their leaves or the ground dries up, life still moves on'." Chrysalis said.

Sombra didn't recognized what the quote was from but he could tell it sparked Celestia's interest.

"You're a fan of Sir Rindlim?" Celestia asked.

"Oh yes I have read all his plays and major works but never have I seen them preformed. My favorite one has to be the 'The cold winter's grasp'." Chrysalis said smoothly.

"Really thats my favorite too." Celestia said.

Sombra was begging to ease up a bit at this spark in conversation.

"Hey I tell you what, our theater company here is putting on a production soon of 'winter's grasp'. Would you care to see it tomorrow night?" Celestia asked.

"Why, that would be lovely. I mean if its okay with you Sombra?" Chrysalis said.

Sombra could tell that she really wanted to see the play. Deep down he knew that it probably wasn't the greatest idea but then again crystal empire never had a theater company. So he smiled and nodded his head.

"Sure why not." He said.

"Splendid I will have seats arranged for us, and now I believe lunch is being served." Celestia said.

Lunch went better than Sombra could hope to imagine. Celestia and Chrysalis went on and on about different works by different artist. It was very relaxing to see them engaging in this type of conversation. He also tried to included Luna into the conversation but from what he could tell she wasn't into the theatrics like Celestia was. Once lunch was over Celestia had to go off and take care of certain things leaving them to do what they pleased. Chrysalis insisted on walking through the garden and Sombra agreed. During they're walk Chrysalis soon wondered off without Sombra noticing. It wasn't until he turned fully around to see she wasn't there.

"Chrysalis" He called out.

He began to worry, for he didn't know who else could be walking in the garden. He trotted down a short ways until he came to a clearing where there was a small fountain. Seeing no trace of here he was about to leave until he caught a glimpse of somepony. As he approached he could see that it was Luna. She was causally sitting by the fountain gazing into the water.

"Um, hello." Sombra said.

She quickly jolted and turned to look at him. "Oh, sorry you startled us."

"Forgive me I didn't mean to intrude but have you by chance seen Chrysalis?"" Sombra asked.

"Sorry but we haven't seen her around, did you lose her?" She asked.

Sombra walked over to her. "Unfortunately yes, I know this may seem odd but do you always talk like that?"

"Excuse us?" Luna said.

"Like that, I mean using the 'royal we' I can understand for royal events but you seem to use it all the time." Sombra said.

"We always have been taught that once in the face of other royalty we should speak this way. Unless given permission other wise." Luna said.

"Well whenever you're around me you don't have to use it." Sombra said.

"Thank you." Luna said.

"So I hear that you are raising the night now. Thats got to be exciting." Sombra said.

Luna gave a sarcastic smile. "Yeah its neat and all but its nothing like calling up the day. With the sun blazing and just overall waking everything up just seems so grand."

Sombra tried to think of something else to say to spark a conversation but nothing was coming to his mind. Luna seemed alienated and proceeded to go back to what she was thinking about. He slowly made his way out of the clearing and back into the almost maze like garden. It was quite for most of the time there but he was soon begging to fear that he may not find Chrysalis. Deep down he knew that would be impossible for she had to be somewhere here. Finally he heard something near by. Poking his head around a corner hoping to find Chrysalis he was instead greeted by the site of two random ponies, one a mare and one a colt. From what he could tell they were a couple with both having the same silver coat and almost identical with manes. The mare gave the stallion a kiss on the cheek. He smiled and moved on digging deeper into the garden. He came around the corner and was greeted by a force that knocked him off his hooves.

"Oh, I so sorry I didn't mean to knock you over sir." A sweet young voice said.

Sombra rubbed his hoof. "Its alright I should have-" He stopped in mid sentence when he looked up. Maybe it was just his imagination but he was staring at the same mare he had just seen not to long ago. "Weren't you just over there?" he asked.

"Excuse me sir?" She asked.

Sombra looked around in confusion. "Its nothing sorry again for running into you and all." he said getting up.

"Well sorry once again to you to, good day." She said trotting of in the opposite direction.

He stood there for a second trying to understand if he was seeing right. "Come on now Sombra your mind is playing tricks on you." he said to himself.

After awhile he could admit that he was lost. He deiced it was best to start wondering in circles hoping to find Chrysalis somehow. Leaning against a bush he began dozing off a bit.

"Sombra." Chrysalis voice said.

Sombra jolted and turned to see her standing there.

"Where in Equestria have you been?" Sombra said.

"Me, where on earth did you go?" she said in response.

"I turned around and you weren't there." Sombra stuttered.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Sorry about that but I though you were behind me the whole time. Anyway its getting late we should make our way out of here don't you think?"

"Yeah lets I am growing quite tired of this place." He said.

The two eventually got out of the garden as the sun was begging its natural descent. Before leaving the area Sombra caught a glimpse of the couple he had seen in the garden. Except the scene was much different now, the colt laid against a bush appearing to be suffering form complete exhausted. The mare was kneeling down asking if he was alright. Sombra wanted to stop to see if he could be any assistance but he decided not to interfere with their business. Heading outside the palace grounds Chrysalis suggested that they find some place to eat for dinner. He didn't pay attention to the place she pointed out but once inside he didn't argue about the food. Overall it was good but to much of his surprise Chrysalis didn't eat that much. The look on her face seemed she had eaten an entire feast with just only having one small plate. Sombra didn't know what to think about it so he decided not to question it. Waking up the next day he jolted from the bed gazing around the room.

"Finally you decided to wake up." Chrysalis said leaning against the bathing room door.

Sombra rubbed sleep from his eyes. "What do you mean finally?"

"Its almost seven o'clock at night dear. I tried waking you up but you wouldn't budge." Chrysalis said.

"Really? What did you do all day." Sombra asked.

"Not much, after awhile when I couldn't wake you I decided to take a walk around the town." Chrysalis.

This both alarmed and concerned Sombra. A million and one scenarios began running through his head.

"Oh, also Celestia was in the one of the squares while I was out. She and I had a nice little lunch at this cafe in this wonderful campy part of town. Now please hurry up we got less than an hour before the play starts." Chrysalis said.

Sombra sat there not knowing what to say. Shaking off his awkwardness of sitting there he shrugged his shoulder and began getting ready to go. After a good solid half hour he and Chrysalis headed out to the theater. Upon arriving they were greeted by a guard who escorted them through the theater to a secluded part of theater. Soon they were greeted by Celestia.

"Sombra, Chrysalis I am glad you both could make it." She said.

"Evening Celestia, is it just the three of us here tonight?" Sombra asked.

"Yeah, unfortunately Luna doesn't share my love for plays. So Chrysalis you excited for tonights production?" She asked.

"Very, I think my hooves are shaking a bit." Chrysalis said with a smile.

"Well come on and take a seat the show will start very soon." Celestia said.

The play was a spectacle to behold of course Sombra couldn't follow the plot to save his life. During the duration of the play Chrysalis and Celestia kept whispering about the actors and the scenes in progress. Sombra's mind began wondering off half way through it and soon it was over. Walking out of the theater Chrysalis and Celestia went on and on about it.

"That was just wonderful Celestia thank you for inviting us." Chrysalis said.

"Anytime, say in a couple of months a troupe is coming to preform 'A midnight's love' you should definitely come." Celestia said.

"We shall see but I think for now me and Sombra are ready to go home." Chrysalis said.

Celestia frowned a little. "Aw so soon?"

"Well I got a kingdom to run and now so do you and you're sister." Sombra said.

"Well if I don't catch you both tommorow I wish you a safe journey back to the empire. And may I just say that it was an absolute pleasure meeting you Chrysalis." Celestia said.

"Likewise to you to." Chrysalis said.

"I have to go now as well I hope I see you both very soon." Celestia walking off.

Sombra watched as the princesses walked off into the direction of the place. Returning to their room Sombra laid his head against the head board of the bed.

"Something wrong Sombra?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra looked at her. "Just a head ache thats all."

She kissed on the forehead right below the horn. "There better?" She smiled.

"Better." He smiled.

A Solution?

The rain hammered down on the roof of the carriage causing Sombra to sir from his deep sleep. Peeping out the small window he could see that they had made it to the northern fields close to the empire. It was dark outside thanks to the storm but apart from that he could tell that it was well into the evening. Chrysalis also soon awoke from her sleep also.

“My it is really coming down out there isn’t it?” She said.

“Indeed, I haven’t seen the sky so black ever in my life.” Sombra said.

“Any idea where we are?” Chrysalis asked curling herself up next to him.

Sombra turned to her. “No clue but we should be nearing the capital soon. I mean we left around nine and its has been well over eight hours.”

The carriage came to a screeching stop throwing the pair forward crashing into the opposite wall.

“What in Equestria’s name was that?” Sombra growled angrily. “I will be right back.” He said heading for the door.

Stepping outside the rain swept him away like a rag doll pounding him without mercy. “Why did we stop?!?” He shouted above the rain.

“Sir!” Sam’s voice called.

The butler came into view with a lantern so that he could pierce the wall of water.

“Sam what on earth are you doing here?” Sombra said moving forward.

“What do you mean your only twenty minuets away.” Sam said looking at him then realizing the rain must have blinded his site.

“What I mean was why are you all the way out here, couldn’t stand not having me around for three days?” Sombra said with a smile.

“Ha, well sir I am very glad your back and all I wanted was to make sure you came back in one piece thats all.” The butler said.

"You just can't admit that you missed me." Sombra said jokingly.

Sam rolled his eyes. "The only thing I will miss is all the paper work I have done over the last couple of days. Now come on and lets get a move on Dr. Vig has something he wants to try out

"Where is he now and what on earth does he want to 'try out'." Sombra asked.

“At the palace, Vig has been studying cures for your condition. It hasn't been casuing you great deals of pain since you been gone has it?” Sam said going inside the carriage.

Sombra dove right after him, he was filled with both fear and hope.

The carriage was ordered to start moving and soon they began making they’re way through the rain.

“Yes sir Vig has been hard at work.” Sam said. “He thinks whatever he has concocted will eliminate you're illness.”

"What are you going on about Sam?" Chrysalis asked cutting in.

Sombra froze and stared at the confused changeling.“I cant believe I forgot to tell her all about how dangerous my pains truly are." he thought to himself. "Chrysalis I haven't telling you everything thats been going on with me lately." He said slowly. "The pains that have been plaguing me are much more severe than I could ever imagine."

"I thought they were nothing to worry about." Chrysalis said growing anxious.

"Thats what I thought to but Sam found a doctor who said otherwise." Sombra said grasping Chrysalis's hooves. "What I am about to say sounds scary but this doctor says he will be able to stop it in time."

"What do you mean in time? In time for what?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra let out a sigh. "Vig says that I should be dead and he doesn't know how I am currently alive right now."

"What!" Chrysalis said.

"But its okay cause Vig is going to fix me." Sombra said trying to soften his previous statement.

This proved to be useless as the changeling's body gave way and was thrown into a state of uncontrollable shaking. Chrysalis was soon crying and Sombra tried wrapping his hooves around her. He didn't really know what to say to her. She started mumbling something between her tries but all he could make out was 'sorry'.

"Chrysalis please everything is going to be fine. I am never going to leave you, understand?" Sombra asked trying to calm her down. "Chrysalis please look at me." She looked up, her eyes filled with tears. "Look I was hoping to have this all sorted out before letting you know but I was going to tell you eventually. Right now I am just as scared and frightened as you are but I need you to be strong. Can you do that for me?" Sombra asked.

She stared to speak "But you could...."

"Don't think that way, I am not going anywhere. We are going to get through this together." Sombra said.

She gave him a weak smile letting him know that she was hoping for the best.

"Apologies sir I forgot that she wasn't supposes to know of the situation." Sam said in a low voice.

"Sam its alright I was going to have to tell her anyway." Sombra said. He pecked Chrysalis on the forehead near her horn. "Its going to be alright."

The carriage came to a stop, Sam opened the door and lead the pair to the palace. Sombra was greeted by the shower of rain that fell from the heavens but was quickly inside the warm corridors of the palace.

“Where is Vig?” Sombra said entering through the door.

“Oh hello and welcome back sir.” A servant said with a smile.

“Yeah, yeah glad to be back where is Vig?” He repeated.

“Doctor Vig is in the old study sir.”

Sombra quickly walked away from the servant and began climbing the stairs to the old room where his father use to hold council. He made sure not to leave Sam or Chrysalis behind despite they're lack of speed. Bursting into the room he clearly disturbed the doctor in mid thought.

"Vig I have returned!” Sombra shouted.

The doctor took out a heavy black box and set it on the table. He motioned Sombra to come over to look inside. Sombra hurried over and Vig started to open the box as Sam and Chrysalis entered the room.

"Ah, my prince you have returned finally. Good thing to cause I am pretty sure I got some solutions that might just work." Vig said with a smile.

“Might work?” Sombra responded.

“The solutions. You know the answers that will cure you of you're pain” The doctor said sarcastically.

“Yes I know what you mean but have you tested any of them yet?” The prince said while making a move forward only to be cut off by Vig.

“Well sir nothing has been officially tested on any live organism.” Vig said.

"But you said that you had solutions that may just work." Sombra said with a frown.

“Yes sir but I would highly advice that we don't try anything until morning. Also you must be very tired from your trip.” Vig said biting his hoof.

“Vig, I need you to at least try something tonight, please. I cant keep living like this, is there anything or something minor you could try? Can you at least tell me you can preform some sort of magic spell just to get me through the night." Sombra asked,

The doctor stood still for a second. "Well there is something small I could do."

"Anything will be fine." Sombra said.

Vig paced around Sombra. "It would give me some practice. My lord, tomorrow I want to try a highly controversial procedure that many of my fellow doctors would brush off as mere wizardry. This 'surgery' is nothing more than a spell that will, hopefully show me what the source is of your illness and cure it. Now I don't clam to be a wizard so I think I should try to at least to attempt the spell firstly if you are willing."

"Yes anything just go right ahead." Sombra said.

Chrysalis came up from behind and placed her hoof on his shoulder. "Dear, are you sure this is safe? I mean what if something happens to you?"

"Chrysalis, if this could help cure me by tomorrow I don't care if its unsafe. As long as it work I will take the risks that comes with it." Sombra said.

Chrysalis retreated to Sam's side as Vig took out a heavy leather bound book. He began searching through pages until he came to a spot where he obviously marked the spot.

"Okay, so this is just a small test run nothing major until tomorrow. If I mess up you may have me exiled or if any physical harm is done upon your body I will not protest execution." Vig said in a low voice.

Sombra smiled. "You have no fear of any of those things, now proceeded with our test run."

Vig walked forward so that he could stand in front of Sombra. Reaching within a pocket he pulled out an amulet with the figure of a unicorn on it. It was red, red like a ruby and from what Sombra could tell the rest was silver. The doctor began humming a strange chant and soon the room began growing dim for some unnatural reason. Sombra began growing afraid but he was determined to tuff it out. Vig's eyes began to grow red and soon an aura began forming on his forehead. It was strange, for the aura began taking the form of a horn in the middle of the pegasus's forehead. With flash of his 'horn' Sombra felt the energy of the spell begging to take its affect on him. It was a glorious feeling; so much relief he had never experienced was now flowing through him. Feeding off the energy Vig began focusing on the spell. His horn grew brighter and stronger as he said aloud the ancient spell. Soon he held back his head and finished the spell blinding Sombra with a red aura. The jolt of energy surged through Sombra's body knocking him out cold.

Fire, it was a fire he could from what he could tell. Sombra woke to find that he was sitting in his from room but it seemed different. The colors where all gone and now the once great throne room was black. This didn't bother him as much as the smell that was invading his nose. It was the smell of all kinds of things being thrown onto a great fire. Glancing at the window Sombra forced it open to reveal the entire empire engulfed in flames.

"What, what has happen. Somepony tell what is going on!" He shouted.

Soon flames climb up the palace and engulfed the throne room leaving Sombra in a pit of fire.

“Is he going to be okay?” a voice murmured.

“He will be just fine Mrs. Chrysalis. I don’t know why his body had acted so oddly to the spell.” Vig's distinct voice ran through the darkness.

“Do you think the spell even worked?” Another voice asked.

“I don’t know that was a pretty high level spell I preformed. Anyway it couldn’t do any harm to him, we just have to wait until he wakes up.” Vig said.

Sombra’s eyes slowly opened to blinding light and soon a blurry Chrysalis absorbed his vision.

“Hey you.” Sombra said with a smile.

Chrysalis clench Sombra tightly. “Thank goodness, thank goodness, don’t you ever do something like that again!”

“Don’t worry I don’t think I will need that again.” Sombra said sitting up. “What time is it?” he asked Sam.

“Nine o’clock sir.” The butler said.

“At night?” Sombra asked.

“No you passed out and stayed that way until nine o’clock in the morning the yesterday after the day you came back.” Sam said shaking his head.

“My was I really out that long?” Sombra asked tugging Chrysalis away so he could get up.

“Yes sir you were, slept like a baby. How do you feel Sombra?” Vig said cutting in.

Sombra rolled his hooves around in amazement. “Incredible, I haven’t felt this great since I was a young colt.”

“So it seems the test run worked. But to be safe please we have already prepared for the main event” Vig said.

Sombra flopped back down on the bed with no question. He then noticed that he was in a hospital room instead of his palace. Vig placed his hoof near Sombra’s heart and began making mental notes.

“Well your heart sounds fine that’s a good start but as far as I can tell I think you’re ready for the full treatment.” Vig said stepping back.

"Ready for anything doc." Sombra said with a smile.

“Um dear, you sure you're ready for this so soon.?You did just wake up from being knocked out by the spell mr. Vig is about to use again.” Chrysalis said.

Sombra let out a chuckle. "Don't worry Chrysalis I am sure Vig has adjusted to the spell by now."

Vig stumbled a little at these words. "Um sure whatever you say sir. Everything is already been prepared and all the necessary precautions have been prepared for. Everything is ready to go whenever you are ready.”

“Excellent, I want to proceed immediately.” Sombra said holding his hoof up.

The bed was propped up a bit as a pair of nurses rolled in a transportable medical table. Soon he was wheeled down the hall and soon into the a large open medical room.

“Sunshine, will you be a dear and please close the curtains.” Vig said escorting Chrysalis to an empty chair then taking his by the table. “Sam do you wish to step out, I know you are not to found of any medical operations.”

"I think I will be fine Momir thank you for asking though." The butler said.

Chrysalis stood up and cautiously made her way to Sombra's side. "You sure you want to go through with this?"

Sombra gave a encouraging smile to let her now that he was still going through with it.

“All right lets get started. Last night was just a bit of what I have to preform today so that is why I have found a way to amplify the amulet I will be using. So before we start let me just say a few things. If any part of this operation you feel is hurting you just say the word and I will stop.” Vig said.

"Gotcha." Sombra said.

"Now my prince I need you to take a deep breath and close your eyes." Said Vig.

Sombra closed his eyes awaiting for the doctor to act.

Vig started saying the spell out loud and very slowly, building up to the proper exaction. Sombra took a peaked at what was going on. Vig's strange amulet was glowing with a great red light and soon it began crackling with aura. The doctor kept repeated the phrases over and over until he fired a shot of magic at Sombra. Sombra let out a cry of pain as the magic course through his body eventually resting in his chest.

"Phase one done. Going into phase two." Vig said out loud.

Sombra was hit with another jolt of magic causing him to grind his teeth. This was one of the most painful things he had ever experienced in his life. All the pain he had been feeling was nothing compared to this. After phase two Vig kept announcing phase right after another sending a constant stream of spells. Each one caused more pain than the last almost sending Sombra into unconsciousness. Once phase fifteen was over Sombra began fading out into darkness. He looked over to see Chrysalis clenching her seat watching with anxiety on her face. With that Sombra closed his eyes and let himself go.

The sound of a heart beat soon filled his ears. Opening his eyes he saw that he was back in his throne but it was all black and grim. He quickly sniffed the air, the smell of fire wasn't in the air but he kept hearing a constant heart beat. Looking down on the ground he saw a heart. This heart was made entirely made of crystals as far as he could. It glowed with a light blue glow and it seemed to invite him to grab it. Grabbing it Sombra held it up and looked into its shiny center. At first it seemed that it was any other rock but then something caught his eye. A figure appeared inside the heart. It was a unicorn but its horn was distorted, it had an odd red tent to it seemed almost unnatural. It eyes matched Sombra's red one but instead of the rest being white it was green. It's coat was black as night and it's mane matched. Sombra stared at it until the unicorn locked eyes with him. He couldn't explain but this pony filled him with fear and despair. Its eyes began illuminating a strange purple aura.

"Sombra." It called out in a deep voice.

Sombra dropped the heart upon hearing his name. The heart began violently shaking shooting out a purplish black aura all over the room.

"Sombra we are one" The voice called out again.

"Go away, leave me alone whatever you are." Sombra yelled.

A bright light began filling his vision

"Where am I now?" he said to himself.

Sitting up he found himself resting in his bed. Then it struck him, he felt perfectly fine. No pain, aches, or sore spots all of it was gone. He sat there for a second waiting to see if the pains where to return. After a good ten minutes he leaped out of bed and bounded to the door. Throwing it open he galloped down the hall and stormed the stairs with great speed. It was early into the night so hopefully everypony wasn't asleep yet. Heading to his throne room he opened the door to find it almost empty except for a few servants cleaning it up.

"Hello sir is something the matter?" one asked.

Sombra looked around. "No but I do have a request for a few things."

"Yes sir anything." The servant said.

"Fetch me Chrysalis and Doctor Vig at once." Sombra ordered.

The servant rushed out of the room as he took his spot on the throne. He was grateful that his pains where gone but these 'dreams' he had frightened him more. He knew that it was probably his paranoia but both dreams occurred right after Vig preformed the healing spell. Could the two have a connection?

"Sombra!" Chrysalis voice called out. The changeling rushed up to him. "Sweetie shouldn't you be in bed resting?"

"I am fine Chrysalis, I feel one hundred percent better already." Sombra smiled.

"You mean it actually worked?" Chrysalis asked.

"Yes as far as I can tell but I want to hear it form Vig first." Sombra said."Chrysalis I am sorry for not telling you early but I didn't want you to think that I was going away."

"Its oaky Sombra I understand." Chrysalis said curling up next to him. "Next time tell me when you are being threatened with a life ending condition."

"I promise." Sombra said.

As soon as the words escaped his mouth the doctor appeared at the door.

"You summoned me sir?" Vig asked.

Sombra stood up and walked over to Vig. "Yes I actually wanted to ask you something?"

"Well sir you should be in bed resting I mean lord knows what that spell did to you." Vig started.

Sombra reinserted himself. "Vig the spell worked but I need to ask you some questions."

"It did? Wow I can't believe it actually.....I mean well I knew it would according to my notes. Oh, questions why yes fire away." The pegasus said.

"I had two odd dreams after being exposed to the spell. They were almost nightmarish, is there anyway that the spells could have caused me to create these?" Sombra asked.

The doctor shook his head. "I don't know sir. These spells where created by the wizard Dregstar so there is no telling what all they have hidden in them. If you are continued to be trouble by these dreams just let me know. But I think it was just your body's way of dealing with stress." The doctor said.

Sombra lowered his head. "Thank you, you are dismissed."

"Good night my prince." Vig said walking away.

"Chrysalis." Sombra said.

"Yes dear?" Chrysalis asked.

"Come, I am very tired and don't think I have the energy to get to my room on my own. I know its not proper but could you help me up?" Sombra asked.

Chrysalis kissed him on the cheek. "Sombra I am always here to help you." she said in a sweet voice.

Sombra closed his eyes, letting sleep over take him. Before drifting off the same deep voice from his nightmare entered his head.

"Sombra." it called.

A Dark Presence

Sombra felt himself inside of a dream. Instead of something he had experienced in life or a scene entirely of his creation, he was in a empty dark place.

"Sombra." The voice called out again.

"Who's there?" Sombra called out.

A laughter crackled around him sending chills up his spine. A pair of eyes peered out from the darkness staring directly at him. Sombra froze for it was the same eyes that he had seen in his earlier nightmare belonging to that strange unicorn. Soon the figure stepped out into full view. The unicorn stood tall and pround, its eyes stayed fixed to Sombra.

"Who are you and what do you want from me?" Sombra shouted at it.

"Want? We don't want anything but whats best for us." The unicorn spoke.

Sombra shook his head. "Who's us though and whats best for you?"

The unicorn laughed while lifting its head back.

"Answer me!" Sombra ordered.

This caused the unicorn to violently snap its head back to glaring at him.

"I can smell your fear Sombra but don't worry I am not here to hurt you." It said.

"Then what are you here for?" Sombra asked.

"We don't want anything but whats best for us." The unicorn repeated.

Sombra became angry. "What does that mean? Tell me!"

The unicorn growled and took a crouching position.

"What are you doing?" Sombra asked.

The pony leaped at Sombra in a violent manner.

"NO!" Sombra screamed

He felt a something nudging at him. "Sombra? Sombra wake up." Chrysalis voice called.

The young prince opened his eyes and immediately sat up. "Where? Where am I? Where did he go?"

"Where did who go?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra looked around to see that he was back inside his bedroom. His breathing was heavy and he tried to calm himself.

"Sombra whats wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" Chrysalis asked.

Sombra looked at her. "Yeah I am fine. Just....its nothing, just a bad dream."

"Is it something you want to talk about?" she asked.

Sombra laid back down, his heading hitting the pillow. "I don't know how to."

Chrysalis curled up beside him. "Well tell me what the dream was about."

He swallowed. "I saw this unicorn."

"A unicorn? Was it somepony you use to know?" She asked.

"No, I never had met this pony before but he seemed familiar though." Sombra began. "It was as if....."

"As if what love?" Chrysalis asked.

"Its late Lis and I am really tired. I'll tell you the rest in the morning." He said.

Chrysalis sighed. "Okay." She said while resting her head near his cheek. "Don't worry I will make sure no more nightmares come to haunt you tonight." She kissing him.

Sombra smiled and started to fall asleep. For awhile he rested, feeling the warmth from Chrysalis gave him comfort. Just as he was about to drift off he felt a slight ache started in his hoof. It soon traveled up his shoulder and then began spreading in his chest.

A knock on his door interrupted his sleep and he slowly rolled out of his bed. The sun had barley begun to makes its great climb into the sky by the time he made it to the door. He flung it open to reveal Sam.

"Sam, you better have a good reason for waking me up this early." Sombra said sleepily.

"Sorry Sir but I got a disturbing message from one of our southern forts near Vole valley. A group of traveling business ponies where attacked by a strange creature. Reports from the survivors said that whatever it was that attacked them turned their carts into jello pudding. Then proceeded to make their tools come to life." The butler said with a strait face.

Sombra stared blankly at him. "Sam I don't want to be awoken again by such nonsense. Now if you would please go and tend about your duties."

"Sir one of the ponies claimed that this thing called itself 'Discord'." The butler said.

Sombra rubbed the center of his head where his horn began protruding. "Great, so you're telling me that the most sought after thing in Equestria is right in our backyard."

"Correct my liege." Sam said.

"Alert the colts, I want the capital on high alert. Go now, oh and have Mils and Shara meet me in my dressing room in five minuets with my armor ready." Sombra said.

"Right away sir." Sam said galloping down the hall.

Sombra went back inside his room and quickly snagged his crown. He went over to the mirror to look at his chest. Whatever the pain he felt the night before was gone. Smiling he went over and stood above the spot where Chrysalis rested. Kneeling his head down he kissed her on the cheek.

She instantly shot up knocking him square in the noise. "Whose there?" She asked. Seeing Somrba wheeled back made her get up and rush over to him. "Oh, Sombra I am so sorry."

"No its alright just caught me off guard you did." He said.

"Why do you have your crown on? Are you going somewhere?" She asked.

Sombra shook his head. "Just got to make an exception on one of the southern forts thats all. Didn't want to wake you but that didn't work."

"Sorry about that. Do you need anything before you go?" She asked.

"Yeah, I need you to go back to sleep so that you want fall over later today." Sombra said.

Chrysalis laughed. "Be careful out there."

Sombra gave her a kiss and was out the door. He stormed in his dressing room where the two servants had all the pieces of his armor laid out. It was fast work getting the armor on but he hated how much it weighed him down. He entered the courtyard to find his top generals waiting for him.

"Gentlecolts any reason why you are out here?" He asked.

"Yes sir, Sam put the royal guard and all local forces on alert. We just came to make sure nothing gets near the palace." General Oakpath said.

"Good, very good, now I am going to head to Vole valley now and I am going to investigate this incident. Anypony care to join me?" Sombra asked.

"Get a chariot ready and seven squads of stallions ready now!" A general barked.

Soon shortly the small armed caravan was off and racing towards the southern valley. Sombra sat in his chariot watching the natural landscape pass him by. After a solid hour he began to see the walls of the old fort that stood on the southern slope. The fort was one of the oldest parts of the empire. Built way before the years of the crystal palace. It stood as a symbol of surviving the times. The mighty gate crackled as he arrived at the entrance. With his colts in formation he stepped down and touched the ground of courtyard.

"My lord we are most gladd to see you today." A warrior said.

"Where are they?" Sombra asked.

"Ah, you mean the ponies who where attacked. Right this way."

Sombra was lead deeper into the stony building.

"Now the only ones that can talk right now are two small ones, a mare who's scared out of her mind, and a blind stallion." The guard spoke.

They came to a room where the door was locked shut. Once the door was open Sombra stepped inside.

"Leaves us." He ordered.

The door slammed shut and he turned his attention to the occupants of the room. A pair of small young ponies stared at him with great admiration in their eyes. Both had pale brown coats and each had a different shad of yellow type manes The mare, having the same coat but a black mane, stopped dead cold with her mouth hanging open. In the corner sat an old stallion, his color faded beyond years of exposure to sunlight.

"Hello." Sombra said in a comforting voice.

One of the small ponies slowly walked up to him. "Are you Mr. Sombra?" He asked.

"Yes I am, I understand that you had quite the experience. Can you tell me about it?" Sombra asked.

"Its not good for a young one to speak of such things." The stallion said.

"Father, this is the ruler of the empire." The mare snapped.

"Its alright, if it is not good for a young one to speak why not an elder." Sombra said walking up to him.

"Ah, you see I may not be able to see but my senses give me much more than sight. This creature that attacked my family and the others was of a dark nature. He enjoyed watching us falling into chaos. Almost delighting in the fact that my son in law was injured when trying to take control of the situation. We good sir are but simple ponies and haven't done anything to anypony to deserve such a brutish attack. Now from what the other told me, this creature was not a pony but something unworldly. Me being able to gain that much was able to drive the creature off." He told.

"Forgive me old friend but how did you manage that?" Sombra asked.

"Magic. I use to be a great student in the arts of wizardry. Well until one day I grew impatient and ended up blinding myself. But I was able to fend off whatever this thing was and I was able to keep us safe until a group of guards found us." The old pony spoke. "Let me tell you one thing good sir. Being familiar with magic I could tell that this thing was using powerful dark magic. Nothing I have experienced before in my life." He finished.

Sombra nodded. "Thank you for your story. I wish to have all you friends and family transported to the capital for treatment. Now I must be off."

"Wait." The old one spoke. "There is something else."

"What?" Sombra asked.

"You're in pain right now aren't you?" He asked.

"No." Sombra answered.

The old pony chuckled. "Maybe you don't feel it right now but I do. I also feel a spell trying to cover it up. Almost like a way to relieve you of this pain."

Sombra froze, how on earth could this pony know about Vig's spell.

"Trust me I can sense it. I also can sense the darkness within you pain." He said.

"Father thats enough you don't want to freak him out." The mare interrupted.

"No its okay, what do you mean you can sense the darkness?" Sombra asked.

The old colt stood off his seat. "There is something that is eating away at you. Something dark, something that you haven't been able to get rid of through normal means. It starts off small but then grows larger usually settling right in you chest." He said while poking Sombra square in the middle of his armor.

With that a slight pain rushed through Sombra's chest causing him to cry out.

"Father what did you do!" The mare said while rushing over to Sombra.

"What do you know? Tell me!" Sombra ordered. "How do you know all about the spell and my illness?"

"I can feel it sir." The old colt said. "There is a presence that is close to you, that is causing you this pain. It is infecting you with dark magic. Whatever it is its going to end you if you don't stop it."

"How can I stop it if I don't know what it even is?" Sombra asked.

"Luckily, I know what it is." The colt said.

Sombra waited for the old one to spit it out. "Well?" He said growing impatient.

"I saw this a while ago deep in the southern lands. A colt was greatly tired all the time and was completely drained of energy. Turns out he had been afflicted by a strange creature called.....oh what was its name again." The old colt rubbed his head. "That wasn't it, no it couldn't be that something else. Anyway the creature was naturally gifted with a cruel trait. For in its antonymy it found a way to feed off his emotions. All while being hidden right underneath his very nose but there is something that I am forgetting. How......"

"What? What is that you are forgetting. The creature was able to remain hidden? How? Please you have to remember." Sombra pleaded.

"Forgive but my mind is old and I can recall everything perfectly but I do know this. You are royalty yes? So you must be an alicorn correct." The old colt asked.

Sombra blushed. "Um, sure you can say that."

"Then you are more in danger than. For you see a regular host is just drained with energy but one who is born with magical potential is even more variable to it. You are not the first magical pony I have came across that has had this affliction but thankfully I know a way to find the creature." The old colt smiled.

"Really how?" Sombra said hopefully.

"There is a herb in my bag that with the proper spell can lift all the magic from your body. An addition it will lead you strait to the creature where ever it may be hiding." He said.

"Fantastic, can you perform the spell needed?" Sombra asked.

"I am afraid that my magic skills have long since faded. My powers would do me more harm than you good." The colt said. "But have no fear I have it somewhere around here." He said grabbing his bag. "Ah here it is." He said pulling a slick black leather book out. "In here you will find what is required under the section of healing and it should be the third one."

Sombra grabbed the book and instantly felt something move inside of him. "I don't know if fate brought you before me but I will be forever grateful for this. If this works." Sombra said under his breath. "You shall all be transported over to the capital immediately and I am sorry for you loses."

Sombra quickly resurfaced and was loaded up in his chariot. In no time he was back at the capital. Upon arriving he requested and audience with Vig. He took to have a small lunch in the great dinning room. He remind undisturbed until his ears caught the door opening.

"You wanted to see me Sir?" Vig asked stepping in. "Everything all right?"

"No, unfortunately not." Sombra said.

Vig grew nervous. "Sir please, I am sorry if the spell has had any repercussions on your body. I didn't mean for any of it, you understand right?"

"Vig calm down, you're not in trouble. But while we are on the topic, yes your spell didn't quite work out the way we hoped it would." Sombra said smoothly. "Today I encountered a colt, who may have been sent by the heavens for all I know. He has a gift for magic you see and he was able to tell me how to fix my problem."

"Really well what is it?" Vig asked.

"Well my problem isn't a sickness, its a creature. A parasite from what he described, feeding off the host using natural cruel magic." Sombra said.

"My, I have heard of such beasts but never have I actually any studied them. That would explain why the spell didn't work." Vig pondered.

"Know anypony who could help us understand more about this certain creature?" Sombra asked.

"Well that depends, did this colt give you a name, it would help narrow down a the list." Vig said.

Sombra shook his head. "Unfortunately no, but he did give me something else."

"What?" Vig asked.

"A way to find this creature while removing its dark magic from me." Sombra said reaching into a slit of his armor to reveal the bag of herbs. "Here and also this book has a section in it. There will be a spell that you will use on me to expose this beast wherever it may be."

"Um sir last time I tried a spell on you where out cold. Are you sure this thing is safe and for that matter how do you know this colt was telling you the truth?" Vig protest.

"Vig just do it." Sombra said tossing both things to him.

Vig hesitantly flipped through the book until he came to the spot where the pages where folded. Taking the herbs he sprinkled them in front of Sombra. At first they did nothing but soon they began to glow. While Vig read aloud the herbs slowly started climbing up Sombra's hooves and started to seep into his skin. It was a strange sensation but whatever this was Sombra could tell that it was working, really working. The odd thing was though that was it, no sound of a creature dying or anything just silence.

"Well that was odd." Vig said.

"What?" Sombra asked.

"This book it seems familiar to me, like I have seen it somewhere before but I cant remember where." Vig said.

"Well whatever it is its useless cause I don't see any creature anywhere do you?" Sombra asked with harsh tone.

Vig looked at him as if had seen a ghost. "I am sorry Sir."

Sombra's rage suddenly bursted through his chest, couldn't control himself.

"All you have done, all your 'help' has not done me any good. It took a random colt who I just met this morning to ease my pain than it took you with all your 'research'. A doctor you call yourself yet you rely on petty magic to do your work. NOW GET WHOEVER IT IS THAT KNOWS ABOUT ANY CREATURES THAT MACTH THE DESCRIPTION, NOW GO!!!!" Sombra shouted at the doctor.

Vig stood there with his ears folded back in fear. "Sir....am?"

"GO NOW!" Sombra screamed slamming his hoof into the table.

The doctor scrambled from the room in a great panic. As soon as he left a knocked followed.

"Sir is everything alright?" Sam said entering.

Sombra's eyes began filling with uncontrollable rage.

"No, nothing is alright you idiotic fool." Sombra growled.

Sam stopped in his tracks. "Sir?"

"All my life you have served me yet you despise me don't you?" Sombra hissed.

"Sir I never have cursed you or your name. Now tell me whats come over you." Sam asked keeping his distance. The butler stood several feet away for Sombra had a wild look in his eyes. "Sir are you're eyes alight? There is something green in the right one."

Sombra wiped his eye, seeing nothing he grew annoyed. "Don't try and change the subject."

Sam stood there in fear not knowing what to say. "Sir are you feeling alright?"

"Never been better, why?" Sombra hissed. He paused for a moment. "You know what Sam I do need to relieve myself of some stress actually."

The butler lossen up a bit. "Sure what did you have in mind?"

Sombra smiled cruelly. "I think its about time that I deal with our, guest down in the dungeon."

"You mean those dreadful circus colts sir?" Sam said with a frown.

"Yes, I feel the need to take my anger out on something." Sombra said walking out of the room. " I am going to my throne room. Be there with them within the hour and make sure nopony is in there when they arrive."

"Yes sir." The butler said hanging his head.

Chrysalis trotted down the great corridor looking for Sombra, she began worrying for she hadn't heard from him in a while. She poked her head into Sombra's council room and was sad to see nopony there.

"Chrysalis." A voice called out.

Turning around she saw Doctor Vig coming right for her.

"Oh, hello doctor Vig, is something wrong?" Chrysalis.

"Nothing, nothing at all but may I talked to you for a minute." Vig said.

"Sure." Chrysalis.

"Chrysalis do you remember anything from your early days? Like your parents, family, friends or anything like that?" Vig asked.

"Um, not really." Chrysalis said. "Vig may I ask why you are asking me this?"

Vig smiled. "Just trying to get to know you better, so do you know much about what you are?"

Chrysalis began to grow nervous. "You mean what I am? You mean like creature wise?"

"Yes." Vig.

"Mr. Vig that is highly inappropriate to ask of me and I don't know why you need to know something like that." Chrysalis said.

"Please I don't mean to come off like that I am just as you know, a colt of study and was just wondering. I hope I haven't upset you." Vig pleaded.

Chrysalis was tempted to walk away but she restrained herself. "Mr. Vig, I am what they call a changeling but that is all I know so I hope whatever it is you wanted was given to you." She said walking off.

Chrysalis was disturbed by the encounter but she quickly made her way to the throne room. Upon arriving she saw that Sam was standing by the door.

"Afternoon Sam." She said.

"Sorry ma'am but Sombra has asked that nopony disturbed him right now." He said with dread in his voice.

A cry came out from the behind the door. Chrysalis pulled at the ring forcing the door open.

"Mrs. Chrysalis don't." Sam cried out.

The scene before her shocked her to her very soul. Sombra stood above a colt while a bunch of others sitting on the floors. He looked up when Chrysalis entered. One of the colts laid on the ground, blood was gushing

"Sombra what are you doing?" She said rushing over to him.

Sombra let out a laugh. "Just getting my frustrations out."

"By hitting a defenseless pony." Chrysalis said kneeling down to the broken colt.

Sombra smiled. "Why don't you take another look at that defenseless colt."

Chrysalis cradled the head of the colt and lifted his head up. She couldn't see what Sombra meant because of the blood that gushed from the colts nose.

"Please make him stop." He whispered.

"Yes tell him that you will make me stop, tell Sir Griswald, the leader of the ever-changing circus. Give the colt who made your life a living hell that, that you will grant him mercy." Sombra said.

Chrysalis sat there in horror as she held the the colt in her hooves.

"What are you talking about I have never seen this pony in my entire life. How on earth could I make her life a living hell?" Griswald pleated.

"Its you." Chrysalis said.

"What?" The scared colt asked.

"You, you treated me like an animal. You beat me, scared me, and made me hate almost everypony that I ever had met. You are a monster." She said begging to cry.

Griswald stared at her until the suddenly realization came across his face. "Oh god its you."

Chrysalis stood up and turned to Sombra. "Why, why did you bring them here, why, why, why?" She cried.

Sombra felt something inside of him move. It was odd he felt like he was being drawn to Chrysalis.

"Chrysalis I, I feel like." He stopped.

Chrysalis stormed out of the room before he could finish. He stood there, his head becoming cloudy with thoughts.

"Chrysalis...." He said.

He began galloping after her only to fall and hit the floor. "Sam! Get in here now!"

Sombra breathed heavily, he didn't know how but he couldn't remember anything that just happen. It was as if he had just had a blackout and couldn't remember anything.

"What? What just happen?" Sombra said. holding his head.

Brother Mezzo

The carriage jolted sending the princess into the side door almost knocking it open.

"Uh, for the last time, why is this road so bumpy." She demanded.

The prince looked out the window enjoying the view of his home land. He obviously wasn't paying much attention to his wife. Catching a glimpse of the crystal castle he felt a sudden sense of pride for it looked just as he had alway remembered. His wife noticed this and quickly looked out the window also.

"That castle you grew up in, its such a site isn't?" She asked. "It seems so small compared to the one we live in now though. Seems no changes have been made since the last time we where here."

"I know, still it is my home and I always get the same warm fuzzy feeling whenever I see it. Beside I am glad that it is unchanged, it keeps it from becoming tacky." He said. "Though I wish I could remove that stupid patio on the top. I would of thought he would have gotten rid of it too."

"Well thats what happens when you let your him rule instead of the rightful heigh." She said sarcastically.

"Hey stop that he's my brother, and he was born before i was so he is the rightful heigh." He responded.

"But he's not your full flesh and blood brother so why do you still defend him? He isn't even fully royal blood like you are, I mean you're an alicorn for goodness sakes." She pleaded. "You need to take whats rightfully yours."

"Enough, father gave the crown to Sombra because he was the first born of our family making him the ruler of the empire. Besides if it wasn't for Sombra being named the heigh I would have never went over seas. Think of that, think if I never had met you." He said.

The princess sighed. "I know but it still bothers me that you were robbed of something so grand as being the ruler of the crystal empire."

"I wasn't robbed by Sombra." He repeated.

"Oh thats not what I meant, I know full well Sombra didn't mean anything like that to happen. I was speaking of your father." She said in a tone that had a hint of disgust.

"My father was one of the greatest kings of the crystal empire, it is true that in is time he did some things that weren't honorable." He said bitting his lips.

"Hmh, I am surprise your mother didn't just throw him out after that." She said looking in the other direction.

Before he could answer a small yawn interrupted him. "We will discuss this later." He said. Turning to his side he gazed down at the young filly. "Look whose finally awake."

"Where are we?" She asked rubbing her eyes.

"You're in daddies homeland, the crystal empire." He smiled.

She hoped on him trying to look out the window. "Really? Wow is that the palace you grew up in daddy?"

"Indeed it is, when I was your age I would use to run up and down the halls hours without end." He smiled. "Now I need to discuss something with you." He said.

"Yes daddy what is it?" She asked curiously.

"When we go in you're going to meet somepony very special do you know who?" He asked. She shook her head. "He is very important for you see he is the ruler of this place."

"Wow you mean like a prince, like you?" She asked.

"Yes like me. He is very kind and also very shy so don't ask him a great deal of questions. When we meet him he will tell you his name and you will responded with?" He smiled.

"Hello sir my name is princess Octet." She said with a bowing motion. "Like that daddy?"

"Yes very good but I need to tell you one more thing." He said.

"What?" She asked.

"Do you know how I know him?" He asked as if playing a game.

"No, wait I know did you use to be friends before you came over the seas?" She asked hoping she was right.

"Close but even better. You see the ruler of this place is my brother." He said in a low whisper.

"Your brother?" She asked.

"Yes and likewise he is your uncle." He said.

"Wow, I never knew I had an uncle whats his name?" She asked getting excited.

"His name is Sombra." He said.

"Thats an odd name isn't it?" She asked.

"Octet that is very rude, one does not judge the name given by their parents." His wife said.

"Yes mother." She said.

"She's right you know." She said so that he could hear her.

He gave her a look to cut it out. "Now once we arrive we are going to be escorted to meet him in his throne room hopefully." He said turning his attention back to his daughter.

"But father on other visits the hosts usually greet us in the courtyards." Octet said.

"Ah yes but there is something special about our visit. He doesn't know we are even coming." He smiled.

She let out a gasp of excitement. "You mean we're gonna surprise him?" She asked.

"Yes we are." he said with a smile.

"Now Mezzo are you sure your brother is going to be okay with all this?" His wife asked him.

"I dont see why he wouldn't be, why?" He asked.

"It nothing its just that you always said that he took after your father very closely." She said.

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Mezzo asked.

"Its nothing but you know how your father was when is came to surprises. I just didn't know if Sombra had they same attitude." She said nodding off.

"It will be fine, its going to be fun wait and see." He said giving his daughter a smile.

Sombra laid in his throne not moving a muscle. He let the now cold air cling to his body not making any objections at all.

"Get me out of this armor." Sombra ordered to his servants. The two quickly began tearing apart the pieces of armor that encased their leader. "Sam, I need some water I suddenly don't feel so good." The butler filled a cup and brought it to him. "Thank you Sam, also what did I do today?"

The butler stared wide eyed at him. "What do you mean sir?"

"What happen, how did I get here." Sombra asked.

"You mean you don't remember talking to me in the dining hall earlier?" Sam asked.

Sombra shook his head. "Nope, what did I say."

Sam stood there not knowing what to say. "You said some very nasty things about me sir."

"Sam I am, I am sorry if I said anything hurtful, you must know that I wouldn't mean anything like that in nature to you." Sombra said growing worried.

Sam smiled. "I know."

Sombra puzzeled for a bit while a servant removed his hoof guards. "What else did I do my right hoof is sort of sore?"

The butler frowned. "You gave the ordered to have the prisoners brought in here so that you could......beat on them."

"I did what? Sam you must be joking." Sombra said. "Wait....that would explain why I saw Chrysalis leaving."

"Sir may I also add that you had a wild look about you. Your eyes had an odd line of green in them. At first I though is was something that got caught but you wiped away at it and it stayed." Sam said.

"Green?" Sombra shivered. "What else did I have....."

A knock on the door interrupted him before he could finish. The door open to reveal a servant with a worried look on his face.

"Hello sir, I know the guards were put on alert so I had to inform you that an unexpected chariot has arrived in the courtyard." She said.

Sombra tried popping out of the neck piece but to no avail. "Well tell them to see who it is." He remarked."

The servant had a look of stupidly that came across its face for not doing that. The pony quickly darted out of the room.

"Sam come get this blasted neck piece off please." Sombra asked.

Sam quickly came over and stood above, looking over him. "Alright sir on the count of three. One, two three." The butler pulled with all his might at the hinges on the back of the armor.

Sombra nodded his head forward so that he could give Sam some slack. The peice began coming undone

Sam quickly started to grow red in the face from pressure "Who on earth designed this thing? Oh, thats right, I did."

Sombra used all his strength to force open the piece. This sent Sam flying to the floor face down. The piece flung off and slide to the wall.

"There feel better?" Sam asked still with his face on the ground.

"Yes." Sombra laughed as he helped the butler up.

Sam smiled but then something caught his eye. "Um sir you have a bit of a smug on your neck. Right there." He said pointing to his own neck.

Sombra rubbed the spot. "Did I get it?"

"No it still there, here." Sam said grabbing a cloth and spitting in it.

Sombra took the cloth and rubbed as hard as he could. "There now?"

Sam shook his head.

"Will somepony grab me a mirror." Sombra said.

A servant came galloping in with a small mirror. Sombra took it and looked at the spot. It had a gray shade to it, whatever it was. As he looked closer he could see that it was covering the hairs of his coat. This wasn't any smug at all, something stained his coat.

"Huh thats odd, oh well I get it fixed in the morning." Sombra said. "Now where was I?"

The servant from before reentered the room. "Lord Sombra, the occupants of the carriage claim to be your brother and his family."

"What!" Sombra said.

He exited out of the room and headed down to the courtyard. Opening the door he was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Sombra!" His brother called out.

The alicorn quickly came up and embraced him in a hug.

"Long time no see huh?" He said.

Sombra stared blankly at him. His brother stood there with a smile as big as ever. Mezzo always made him feel bad about himself. He always served as a reminder.

"Mezzo, I didn't know you where coming." Sombra said.

"Well I figured that since I missed out on the festival that I could make it up to you. You don't mind do you?" Mezzo asked.

"No, no its fine just would like to have had a heads up first thats all." Sombra said.

"Great, oh and I brought my wife along if thats okay too." He said turning around. "Oh and Sombra you got something on below your ear there."

Sombra shook his head. He rubbed the spot where his brother said it was. "No I don't."

"Yes you do right there." Mezzo said poking Sombra's fur. "It like all gray and stuff. Same as that one on your neck."

Sombra felt the spot on his neck.

Mezzo went off to the carriage and returned with a little alicorn. She had a pink coat with a bright yellow mane. Also coming forth was his wife matching the small one almost identically.

"Sombra, I hope you remembered my wife." Mezzo said.

Sombra gridded his teeth. "Oh yes the lovely Gavotte its been awhile."

She said nothing to him.

Mezzo chuckled nervously. "Oh and this is my daughter." He said scooting the small alicorn towards him.

Sombra smiled. "Hello there, and who are you."

She stood tall and pround. "Hello sir my name is princess Octet."

"My a princess you say, that very impressive." Sombra said.

She returned his smile. "Thank you sir."

"Now Sombra if you don't mind we are quite famished from our trip and we are in need of some food." Mezzo said.

"Sure I will have something prepared shortly. Also I will have some rooms arranged for you as well." Sombra said leading them into the palace.

"Mr. Sombra is it true that you are the ruler of this place?" Octet asked.

Sombra smiled. "Yes it is my job to rule over the crystal empire."

"Wow, the whole empire thats incredible. So do you live here all by yourself?" She asked.

Gavotte let out a chuckle.

Sombra smiled. "No I have plenty of company here, I have Sam, my subjects, and then there is Chrysalis."

"Who is she?" Octet asked.

"Yes I two must ask that question as well." Mezzo said.

Sombra let out a chuckle "All in good time. But for now lets eat."

The brothers sat down at the table. Sombra ordered for some food to be giving to his guest. Gavotte sat in silence the whole time while Mezzo went on and on about the happens outside Equestria. Sombra was quite enjoying this and he was gladly answering any questions Octet was throwing at him.

"So Sombra, I am very sorry for missing the festival this year for you know the oceans can be unkind to travel." Mezzo said while taking a sip of water.

"I understand, it was wonderful by the way." Sombra said.

"Why do you have a stain on your neck?" Gavotte interrupted.

"Gev please." Mezzo said trying to hush her.

"Did you say something Gavotte? Its perfectly alright if you joined our conversation for once." Sombra remarked.

Mezzo had a look of panic come across his face as the two glared at each other.

Gavotte smirked. "Yes I did say something, I was wondering why you had an ugly grey stain on your neck there."

"I really don't know why its there, I was removing my armor and it suddenly appeared." Sombra said trying to control his tongue.

"That wouldn't be the first time something suddenly appeared in this household." She remarked.

"Sam!" Sombra called. The butler appeared before him. "Would you be so kindly and escort madam Octet out of the room for a minute."

"Go with the pony Tet." Mezzo said.

"Yes father." The princess said.

Sombra watched and made sure that the two had exited the room before he let his words start forming. The door's lock crackled as it locked in place.

"Madam Gavotte is there something you would like to speak to me about." Sombra said calmly.

Her face grew red. "As a matter a fact there is-"

"Listen here now, you gave me this little speech before you know." Sombra said interrupting. "I remember each hurtful word that you said. So no I don't care for what you have to say, again. Nor will allow you to ramble on about it. I was only asking out of politeness."

Gavotte stood up from her seat. "You see here now-"

Sombra matched her actions. "See what? All I see is a conniving little brat who does nothing but insults a pony who has done her no wrong and never had anything against her, until now. I see a pony who would dare insult me on the day of my father's own funeral. A day where everything seemed broken and made worsen by your presence. So what am I suppose to see?"

Gavotte's face burned with anger. "You are not even a alicorn." She said while grinding her teeth.

"And there it is!" Sombra said throwing his hooves up and taking his seat. "Please do go on about everything else thats wrong with me."

"You are not truly royalty, you are not even fit to share the same bloodline as Mezzo. Yet you are the prince and future king here in this gorgeous kingdom. It should be Mezzo who is the ruler of this house, not you. You stole it from him." She said.

"Yes Gavotte you're right. I somehow was able to orchestrate 'robbing Mezzo' before I was even born. I was the mastermind behind it all, I purposely was born to ruin his life. So yes blame me for another ponies actions, we all know thats what your family is good at." Sombra said.

"Both of you stop it right now!" Mezzo said.

The two looked at him, obviously they had ignored his presence during their argument.

"Now Gavotte sit down and hold your tongue. Sombra hush you mouth when it comes to something you don't know fully of." Mezzo said clearly being upset by the two. "I came here not to try and stir anything up but to see my brother. Can't I just ask for you two not to be at each other's throats while we are here?"

Sombra looked down at the floor. He stood back up quickly. "Mrs. Gavotte, I am sorry for what I said. It was out of line and uncalled for."

"Apology accepted." She said looking out the window.

"Honey, is there anything you would like to say?" Mezzo asked.

She stared off for a couple of seconds. "No, nothing at all."

Mezzo let out a sigh of frustration.

Sombra was not having any of it. "Dearest brother, I will return shortly and hopefully we can talk without being uncivilized." He said while heading to the door. "Your room should be ready by now." He said before exiting out of the room.

As the door close Sombra turned around and punched it hard. He was about to say something until he noticed Sam standing by the door. Looking down he saw Octet staring at him.

"Something wrong Mr. Sombra?" She asked.

Sombra let out a sigh of relief and kneeled down to her level. "No just frustrated thats all. Also Octet you don't have to call me 'Mr.' Sombra."

"But thats how I always address ponies unless they are a mare, then it 'Mrs.'." She said shyly.

"Yes and that is a good habit to have but you see I am your uncle. So just call me that okay?" He said.

She smiled. "Yes uncle Sombra."

"Thats better now if you would excuse me I have to go and find somepony." He said.

"Okay." She said.

Sombra went up the stairs towards his cambers. He tried calming himself down from the moment he just had. It was working but once he got to his room his heart began racing up again. Pushing the door open he found the room empty.

"Hello?" He whispered. He he saw a figure laying on the bed. "Chrysalis?"

She was curled up with the blankets shielding her from the darkness. Sombra came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Chrysalis I...I dont know what to say right now." He began. "I feel like I should have told you about them being held here. I was so mad at him for what he did to you I just wanted to him to suffer as much. Except that was the end of it, today I didn't know what came over me today but I lost control over my anger." She said nothing as he went on. "Look you probably are frightened and upset with me right now but I hope you understand that I am truly sorry for putting you through something like that."

She quickly shot up glaring at him. "Why though Sombra? Why would you bring him here? You know what the colt did to me and you knew somehow it would only upset me?" She said breaking into tears.

"Chrysalis I was wasn't thinking about that I was only thinking about getting back at him. Please, I am sorry." Sombra said trying to comfort her.

He waited for her to stop crying.

"You should have just told me." She said.

"I know I should have and I was a fool for not. Can you forgive me?" He asked.

She let out a sigh. "Yes I forgive you but don't ever do anything like this again you understand me? I mean to."

"I understand and again I apologize. Now would you like to meet somepony special?" Sombra asked.

"Who?" She responded.

"Well-" Sombra stopped when he heard a knock on the door. "Enter."

Sam stood in the door way. "Excuse me sir Mr. Mezzo and the rest of your guests have retreated into their rooms for the evening and wish not to be disturbed."

"Thank you Sam that actually gave me some time." Sombra said.

"Time for what?" Chrysalis asked.

"Time for me to warn you about one of the guest." Sombra remarked.

"Oh okay?" Chrysalis said looking at something. "Um Sombra dear you have a something on your neck and something running along down your side there."

"My side?" Sombra said looking down.

He lifted his forehoof to see a grey stain patch, sitting down where his ribs where. First his neck, than behind his ear, and now this? Whats next he thought, maybe his whole body will just turn this color.

Two Brothers