//------------------------------// // The Grand Galloping Gala // Story: A Glimmer of Hope: The Beginning // by Mewrilah //------------------------------// “I really appreciate you doing this for us Rarity,” Nick smiled as the white mare took his measurements. She had called each member of the herd by themselves so each of them would be surprised by her choice of attire for them. “It’s not a problem Nick,” she smiled in return. “It’s not everyday that one gets to create an ensemble for a royal couple. Well, save for Cadance’s and Shining Armor’s wedding! Even with the horrible interruption of the Changeling invasion, it was one of my fondest memories. Speaking of weddings, when do you three intend to get hitched?” “Um,” the wolf was baffled at her question. That was another reminder, he’d never be able to go any further in his relationship with Twilight and Luna. Tying the knot, would only make things harder. Rarity gasped. “You mean you haven’t even given it a thought?” “Well, you see Rarity,” Nick sighed. “I don’t think any of us are really ready for that next step in our relationship. Both Luna and Twilight seem happy to be in our dating phase, neither one really bringing up the idea of getting wed. However, I know that if the topic does come up, our decision won’t be quick. A wolf dating two princesses is a lot to grasp. Being betrothed will probably cause an uproar.” Rarity frowned in understanding. “I suppose you’re right, darling. Still, by the way Cadance described the love all of you share, it would seem natural for you all to make it official.” “Well, just know if that day comes, I’m sure Twilight and Luna would be delighted to have you create their wedding gowns.” That left the mare with a gigantic grin, at which Nick reminded her they still needed their Gala attire first, to which Rarity immediately resumed her work. “Are there any requests for your suit Nick? Before I start sketching it out?” “Well, first off, can I see what exactly a suit for a pony looks like? I know most of you don’t wear clothes, and in Canterlot it was really hard to judge how comfortable the ponies wearing them were. I’m kind of a hands on wolf, need to feel the fabric, and if you have a spare can I try it on?” “Why of course Nick!” the seamstress beamed. “I have a few suits around here that were some of my early works that might fit you better than the stallions I originally made them for.” She ran into her clothes closet and floated out three tuxedos, which for being early works looked ready to be sold. He stepped into the first one, a simple tailcoat, and found it to actually fit quite snuggly. He tried on the regular next and ended with the full piece suit, pants included. “Well, for sure I don’t like the full piece, it will be impossible to dance in,” Nick joked. “I never took you for a dancer,” Rarity remarked. “Then again, I didn’t take you for a singer either, and I still remember that one night you sang all of Ponyville to sleep. Would you mind singing for the Gala as well?” “I might consider it. Maybe it would be a nice way to break the ice,” Nick now playing out the scenario in his mind. “Sure, why not. I’m sure Luna and Twilight wouldn’t mind.” Rarity clopped her hooves at his decision. “Now, let’s finish these measurements.” Nick lay in his bed, this time he and Luna were sandwiching Twilight. Both mares were asleep, but as usual with the wolf, other thoughts clouded his mind. It had been a week since his “encounter” with Sombra, and he couldn’t help but wonder: What was going to happen at the Gala which was now a few days away? It was cliche, the villain always appeared right when the hero was at his highest point. But why would Sombra give him forewarning? It didn’t make sense. Grragh. I need to take a run. He teleported out of bed, grabbed his satchel and then teleported outside. Judging by the moon’s position in the sky, it was around 3am, what Nick would consider his sweet spot. Luna usually was fast asleep by this time, meaning he could go on his runs without her worrying. The first time he allowed her to run with him, otherwise she wouldn’t allow him to leave. They took a quick jog around the forest, Luna remarked how it had changed so much since she was banished, and now how it had become more peaceful since Nick arrived. She even went as far as to say that once Nick took care of the hydra, they could turn it into a national park, where ponies could see the Tree of Harmony themselves and maybe make an effort to restore her old castle. Nick asked where he would live then, and Luna just smiled. He could chose to live with her or Twilight, although she recommended Twilight, as she didn’t want Nick to have to deal with the nobles once they announced their relationship. Plus, he was more comfortable with Ponyville so she’d rather have him in a familiar setting. Lastly, she reasoned that, even though Twilight was an Element of Harmony, she still needed protection. She had yet to set up her own royal guard, and who better to be her captain than him? He was already intimate with her, taking away the awkwardness of the arrangement, and he had proven himself and would prove himself the best choice after banishing the darkness. That conversation took place a few days after Sombra had revealed part of his intentions. His “training” with Discord wasn’t as successful as he hoped. The draconequus taught him a spell that was similar to his force field spell, but acted more like a shroud, weakening magic around him. However, even with the draconequus barely trying to possess him, the shroud still wasn’t enough. It didn’t help with the fact that Discord didn’t take Nick’s dilemma seriously, helping him only once in that time frame. “You could ask your lunar marefriend for help,” he smirked. “After all, that way she won’t be able to see your dreams.” Nick refused, as then Luna would ask why he needed to protect himself from possession and then everything would become known. He ran past the manticore’s den, remembering what the creature had told him in his dreams. There’s always a choice. He sighed. “After the Gala, I’m telling Twilight and Luna the truth.” The day had finally arrived. The herd was busy making their own preparations: Luna helping out around the castle, Twilight doing her hair and makeup (despite Nick telling her she didn’t need it) and our hero trying out how to tell his two marefriends the truth as well as preparing for his debut. He was able to ask the local DJ and her marefriend, if they could compose a song he knew. He told them he could sing the lyrics, but didn’t know the actual notes. Both eagerly accepted, especially knowing that the wolf was doing it for Princess Twilight. He did make them swear to secrecy to not let the alicorn know. Nick hadn’t been this excited since … prom. He had to remind himself that that night wasn’t going to happen again. He was going to be with his loves, dancing the night away and then he would tell them… “Tell them that I’m going to die,” he whispered softly. “I … I can’t do that to them. Not on what is supposed to be a fantastic night. I will tell them the other parts, how Sombra appeared, and that I think after I defeat the hydra I need to start facing each of the villains.” He could tell he was nervous if he was speaking aloud to himself. “Just go with the flow Nick. Ad lib like you have been all this time, it’ll work out.” Able to calm himself down a bit, he continued his preparations, making sure to straighten his tux and comb his fur. The time arrived to pick up his dates, they both agreed they would be at Twilight’s castle, Luna would join her after everything was set in place in Canterlot. Nick hummed a tune as he carried two bouquets, violets for Twilight and roses for Luna. He knocked on the door and was met by Spike, who was dressed up in a tux and top hat and. “Looking good Nick,” the dragon held out a balled up claw, which Nick paw bumped. “Twilight, Luna and Starlight are all finishing up. They’ve been at it all day.” Nick chuckled at that. “I’m sure Rarity spent all day getting ready too,” he added. The mention of his crush caused Spike’s eyes to widen. “She doesn’t need to. She already is perfect.” “The same could be said for Twilight and Luna,” Nick smiled back. Spike stuck his tongue out at that. “I’m fine with you dating my best friend Nick. But keep all your lovey dovey stuff to yourselves.” Before any more small talk could be made, a cough came from one of the hallways. Standing there were the mares, and Nick couldn’t help but stare at his dates. Starlight and Spike excused themselves to let the herd examine each other. Twilight wore a sleeveless royal purple dress, that tapered off on the ground. With it Rarity had made her a star dazzled necklace, her cutie mark in the middle. She had curled her hair and added some light eye shadow. Seeing Nick stare at her, made the alicorn blush and smile a bit. He then looked to her left, at Luna. She had a navy blue dress which blended in with her fur. Her sleeves enhanced her sleek body, snuggly clinging to her forehooves. Her ethereal hair had been straightened, tied with a bow at the end. She wore her crown and other regalia, completing the look. She smirked at the wolf. “Well, if it isn’t our brave, handsome, noblewolf,” Luna spoke, drawing Nick out of his trance. “I didn’t believe you two could look any more gorgeous,” he replied, hugging them both. “I got you these,” he added, floating each bouquet to its mare. Both mares smiles widened at the sentiment. “My favorite snack for later? You spoil us too much Nick,” Twilight sighed, inhaling their scent. “So, are we ready to head to the Gala?” “Yes!” the two mares practically cheered. “Alright, after you, your hignesses.” The herd stepped out into the brisk night air. “Another perfect night as usual Luna,” Nick remarked. “Too bad most of it will be indoors.” “Well, we could have our own private party in the gardens. Just our herd, with no paparazzi or ponies to interrupt,” Luna winked at both of them. “Sounds like a plan,” Twilight said in a sultry tone. “We still need to get to the Gala though.” Saving conversation, the group headed towards where their carriage awaited them. Of course they couldn’t help but get a few stares and hushed whispers from the townsponies. They expected it though, and smiled at them to give the suggestion that they all truly were happy with their arrangement. Arriving at their courage, Nick wasn’t surprised at all that it was exquisite. After all, he was dating two princesses, something that never had happened before. It also was a few years since Cadance and Shining got married, so it would make sense the ponies would make a big deal about two of their princesses finding love. Nick voiced his observation to his dates once the carriage started moving. “Tis the perks of winning our hearts, Nick,” Luna giggled at his slight discomfort. “Everypony will be watching your every move, and will be quick to call you out when you step out of line. Trust me, that’s a major reason for me staying in the castle.” “I want to be recognized for saving Equestria, not courting two lovely princesses,” Nick pouted. Twilight kissed the wolf on the cheek. “We don’t always get what we want, sweetie.” “Nah, I think I got EVERYTHING I want,” the wolf smiled, hugging his marefriends tightly. “Having to fix my posture is nothing if I get to be with the both of you.” “So how are we going to announce our herd officially?” Twilight asked. “I’m sure some ponies will already know when we leave the carriage together, but are we going to make the announcement before the festivities begin?” “You’ll just have to see my love,” Nick said cryptically. “When Nick says it like that, then it’s definitely going to be good,” Luna smiled. The carriage ride didn’t take much longer, and soon the group had arrived at the palace. Of course the first thing they saw upon leaving the safety of their transportation was paparazzi. Apparently there had been a rumor going around the castle that two of the princesses were fighting over a mystery colt. Even the ponies were shocked to see Nick with the two princesses as the photographing took a brief halt, before the crowd erupted with questions. “The wolf ate the princesses’ consort!” “No you fool, the wolf is the princesses’ consort.” “Ooh, how scandalous! ‘Princesses court lowly wolf, uniting two species’ It would make the perfect front page cover.” “What if he’s a wolf prince? Then you just insulted another nation’s leader.” “Alright, that’s enough,” Nick barked out at the ponies, grabbing their attention, quills at the ready. Nick smirked at that. “If you want to know what my relationship is to the princesses, you’ll have to wait for the Gala to start. Now if you ponies will excuse us.” After they were out of earshot from the crowd, Luna grinned at Nick. “Nicely done. You’ll be fine as a prince.” “Nah, I don’t lead,” he shook his head. “I just was tired of their absurdity. ‘Prince of the wolves’ hah. Also, I wanted us to enjoy our night, not be bogged down by annoying reporters.” “I can second that,” Twilight leaned against his side. They climbed up the grand staircase, to a proud and eager Celestia. “Good evening sister, Twilight and Nick. Rarity sure did an excellent job on your attire.” “Thank you Tia,” Luna replied. “I’m sure there will be much to discuss after our announcement.” “Then I won’t keep you three waiting,” the princess of the sun smiled. “You three have your own table near the dance floor as per Nick’s request.” Both mares looked at the smiling wolf. “Thank you Celestia. Come on girls, our public awaits!” The confused mares just followed Nick. “Nick,” Twilight spoke up. “You do know that the Gala is more of a standing party right?” “Yeah, I know that,” he replied still smiling. “Then why would you ask Princess Celestia to reserve a table for us? We already will stick out as a herd, let alone be the only ones with a reserved table.” Nick stopped, which made Twilight realize how she phrased that last part. “Nick, I didn’t mean to-” The wolf stopped her there, kissing her on the lips. “It’s alright Twilight. I’m nervous too. We all just have to stick together. By showing the ponies we are happy together, they can’t really say anything against our arrangement.” He nuzzled both of them. “Are you sure you weren’t a leader back on Earth Nick?” Luna asked as the group continued down the hall. “You have the temperament and diction of one.” He chuckled at that. “I avoided people, remember? Well, we’re here. Remember, no matter what happens, I love you both.” They entered the ballroom and as they told the announcer their names (although it wasn’t really necessary for the two princesses) already most of the room noticed the wolf among them. “Announcing Princesses Luna and Twilight along with their consort Nick!” All of the room fell silent, as the three proceeded into the room, hushed whispers breaking out among the guests. They all stood tall and took their places at the table. Nick started the conversation, telling both mares how excited he was to be at a party. Soon they were all laughing, smiling and above all relaxed in the situation. “I’ll go get us some drinks,” Nick excused himself. The two mares giggled as he left. “I can’t believe I was still worried about what other ponies would think of us,” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I would do anything for the both of you.” Luna pulled Twilight closer. “As would I. You both have done nothing but encourage me, your patience never faltering. No way in all my life could I see this arrangement happening, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” “Dear guests,” Celestia announced, quieting the room. “I’d like to welcome you to this year’s Grand Galloping Gala.” Luna and Twilight looked at each other. “Where’s Nick, he’s taking a long time with those drinks,” Luna mused. “I’m sure as many of you noted, we have a special guest tonight,” Celestia continued, smiling at Luna and Twilight. “However, I’ll let him introduce himself.” As she finished talking, a piano, along with the wolf were teleported to the stage, followed by Octavia with a cello and Vinyl with her DJ equipment. As it would be harder for Nick to play the piano with his paws, he used his magic instead, which was easier as he just had to think the tune of the song in his mind. [Musical Intro] It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside. I’m not one of those who can easily hide. I don’t have much money but, boy if I did. I’d buy a big house where we all could live. He stepped away from the piano, his magic continuing to flow over the keys. He made his way to his mares. If I was a sculptor, heh, then again no. Or a wolf who makes potions in a traveling show. I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do. My gift is my song and this one’s for you. He was now at their table, both of them smiling warmly. And you can tell everypony, this is your song. It may be quite simple but, now that it’s done. I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind. That I put down in words, how wonderful life is, now you’re both in my world. He gestured for them to both stand and follow him to the stage. Nick sat back down at the piano, both mares sitting next to him. I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss. Well, a few of the verses, well, they’ve got me quite cross. But the sun’s been quite kind, while I wrote this song. It’s for mares like you that, keep it turned on. He was now smiling, looking each mare in the eyes. So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do. You see, I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue. Well anyway, the thing is, what I really mean. Your’s are the sweetest eyes, I’ve ever seen. That caused both mares to blush and smile that much harder. And you can tell everypony, that this is your song. It may be quite simple but, now that it’s done. I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind. That I put down in words. How wonderful life is, while you’re both in my world. He then lifted both mares up, bringing in his muzzle closer to theirs. He had cast a spell to amplify his voice, so to finish the song he was going to be a little more intimate. I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind. That I put down in words. How wonderful life is, while you’re both in my world. As the song finished, he whispered an “I love you” to both of them. The crowd erupted in applause, everypony seemed to be happy that the princesses had found love. The mares stayed on stage after the applause died down, Nick stepped forward to formally introduce himself as well as the herd. He talked about how he was found by Celestia, parts of his encounter with the Tree of Harmony (he didn’t want to cause a fuss about how all the villains were gaining power), how he met and fell for both Luna and Twilight. He allowed both princesses to state anything else they wanted, Luna spoke more as to handle most of the political technicalities. Once everything had been settled for the moment, Princess Celestia took over the rest of the announcements before allowing the guests to continue on with the Gala. The herd breathed a sigh of relief, so far so good. Nick thanked the musicians, and headed off with Twilight and Luna to grab some hors d'oeuvres and talk with some of the party goers. Many congratulated them while some nobles asked when they planned on getting married. They handled that question just as Nick told Rarity, they still needed some time before taking that big of a step. They didn’t give a timeframe, that would just be setting a deadline, so they concluded that Equestria would know, at the latest, a month in advance. Since the princesses had found a love interest, they had the privilege of the first dance. Nick, always thinking ahead, planned for the song to be long enough for him to spend a bit of time with Luna and Twilight separately, going along with the guideline that Luna went first due to her age, something she wasn’t too proud of. The band started up and soon the pair was gracefully crossing the dancefloor, both knowing from their lessons how quick they were on their feet. She wrapped her neck around him, sighing in content as for a rare moment in her life somepony else could take the lead. Soon after she was returned to normal, Celestia had arranged lessons for her to get adjusted into the Equestria that Luna now found herself in. Unfortunately for her, most of her teachers were frightened to correct her when she did something that was outdated or didn’t hold the same meaning as it did currently. Celestia herself was too busy to keep up with her sister’s progress, the main time they ever talked was exchanging places or eating together. Tia found Luna’s old Equestrian cute, a way to express herself. After Twilight had actually helped her, she took on more burdens, night court actually had ponies that would petition her. Even after the initial buzz had died down, she still had to take the responsibility of any late night meetings as well as patrolling the Dreamscape. Now, she had some of that burden lifted off by the wolf that held her in his paws. While Nick couldn’t actually help her with her duties, he was an open ear, graciously allowing her to vent at him, being a shoulder to cry on, and sometimes even offering suggestions of what he would do in her position. She reluctantly swapped places with Twilight, enjoying Nick’s companionship so much, but knew it was Twilight’s turn and that they would be dancing with each other later. As Twilight wrapped her hooves around Nick’s neck, a flood of memories flashed before her. Her initial reaction to meeting Nick, their sessions before he revealed everything, him getting injured, hearing from Luna that he loved both of them and telling her friends and family that they were in a herd. She smiled, leaning her head on his chest. They had spent time practicing how humans danced, mainly since Twilight was curious and after seeing how humans danced, told Nick that the only difference in the two were that ponies mainly stayed on all fours. Building up some endurance to stand on her hind legs and perform some amazing moves would be worth it. And amaze they did, whereas with Luna, Nick kept things nice and simple, with Twilight they used the whole dancefloor, him lifting her up in his paws, spinning her and as the song ended, dipping her deeply before drawing her into a kiss. As Nick now switched with Luna, he couldn’t hold the wave of happiness and contentment that was now rushing over him. That is until one noble in particular decided to confront him. “I don’t care if Auntie or Princess Twilight take an interest in you, you will never be more than a filthy mongrel.” Nick turned to the noble, and just from the looks of the stallion he knew he was stuck up. The smug look on his face, his perfectly kept mane, even his outfit was as absurd as the pony who wore it. “Ugh, even your fur is all mangly. Honestly, how’d they let a mutt like you in the castle.” Nick just chuckled at the stallion’s false bravery. Take him out of his element and then would he be as rude. “What’s so funny?” the pony asked, disgruntled, his attempt at belittling the “commoner” failing. “I’m insulting you, or maybe you’re just too stupid to realize that.” The wolf just stared at the noble, making the stallion fidget in nervousness. “Why are you doing this?” Nick simply asked. “Doing what?” the stallion was now more confused. “These insults. I haven’t done anything to you, I don’t even care about power. Unlike you, I actually want to help Equestria with its problems, not only to benefit myself when I feel like it. Who are you anyway? Never seen you around the castle.” By now the dance had finished, and a crowd had formed around the two, including Twilight and Luna. They agreed to let Nick handle this, otherwise their intervention would only fuel Blueblood more. So far it seemed the wolf was handling the pompous noble rather well. Blueblood gave an annoyed harumph. “I am Prince Blueblood, one of the most powerful nobles in Auntie Celestia’s and Luna’s court. Would figure somepony like you wouldn’t have heard of me.” Nick was now getting into the spirit of the debate. “Sounds like you’re taking advantage of your relationship to the princesses and now trying to clear your conscious by blaming me for doing the same.” A few in the crowd snickered at the truth, some applauded, frustrating the prince even more. “Well, at least my parents came from a lineage of royal blood, not like your parents who probably had to work just to live in the slums.” Nick’s demeanor drastically changed, his once hazelnut eyes changed a crimson red. The fur on the back of his neck stood up and he took a crouching position. Everypony, including Twilight and Luna were stunned by the sudden changed and watched on, not sure on what to do. Blueblood gulped, seeing as he had took it too far was now trembling in fear. Everything moved in slow motion for Nick, but for the crowd, it was a blur of black, white and gold, thankfully no red. Sombra wanted to slit the stallions throat, but Nick was able to hold off the villain and aimed for his mane. Without even taking a moment to face the crowd, Nick teleported away, leaving his marefriends in disbelief, an aghast crowd and a whiny Blueblood. “My mane!” “What do you want Sombra?” Nick growled at the ghostly image. For some reason, maybe to show much stronger he was, Sombra decided to take his own form. “Nopony cared about that stuck up brat,” Sombra laughed. “You’d be even more of a hero, removing him from this world.” “I’m not a cold blooded killer,” the wolf snarked back. “Each enemy I’ve defeated has either attacked me or put my life at risk. I’d finish you off had I not made that promise to you.” “Oh, so you plan on keeping that promise?” Sombra seemed amused. “What promise?” Twilight and Luna asked from behind them. “Oh, you haven’t told them yet?” Sombra smirked. “Well, I guess I’ll leave that up to you. See you later, Nick.” The figure faded with an evil chuckle. “How long have you two been standing there?” “Long enough,” Luna stepped forward. “Why was Sombra here Nick?” “He’s….” Nick started, not wanting this to be the way they found out. “A part of me.” “What do you mean a part of you?” Twilight worried. “Not just him, all of the darkness is linked to me. I didn’t have this revelation until a week ago, when I was talking to Discord.” “He knew before us?” Luna questioned. “It’s not like I planned for Sombra to possess me at that time,” Nick’s mouth moved faster than his brain. “He was able to possess you!?” Twilight gasped. Nick just nodded. They both probably didn’t want anything to do with him now. Why would they? He was just as evil as the villains he was preparing to fight. After some silence, he spoke up, his voice faltering. “I … I feel so stupid for announcing our herd,” he managed to get out. “I don’t want to put you two in danger because of our relationship. Even training with Discord, I still can’t resist his possession. I have Sombra believing that I will continue to train so he can get stronger as well in order to keep you all safe. I’m not even sure if there is another way around it. You can tell Blueblood he’s right, I don’t belong with the both of you. I’m sorry for keeping this from the both of you.” Nick was about to teleport when he felt a pair of hooves on his shoulder. Well a hoof from each princess. “You’re wrong Nick,” Twilight smiled weakly, still trying to process the news. “While I’m not happy you kept that from us, I can understand your concern for our safety. But remember, both of us have faced him and we understand just how powerful he is. We’ve seen how Sombra can try and make a pony feel despair, he had a mirror that did just that. For me, however, I had Spike to help me and pull me back from the illusion. That’s your problem, Nick. You’re trying to do all of this by yourself, when you have us, the Elements and everypony else behind you.” Luna smiled. “Twilight’s right Nick. Any task can feel overbearing when you’re alone, but with others to share that burden, it is more bearable. You may be able to deal with the creatures of the Everfree by yourself, but each villain is much more complex, cunning and determined. I had my sister when we faced them and Twilight her friends. You don’t have to worry about our safety, after all, it was us who taught you how to defend yourself.” Nick just stayed there, debating whether to tell them the rest, that he couldn’t have them helping as he would die and didn’t want them to see that. “We do have good news though,” Twilight tried to brighten up the mood. “Cadance and Shining Armor had their foal. We can all go together to the Crystal Empire and worry about Sombra later. As long as you aren’t training, he can’t get stronger.” “No Twilight,” Nick sighed. “I’ve already spent too long preparing. You saw that Sombra was able to materialize in front of us. He already has enough power to do that. I need to slay the hydra and start dealing with each villain. I’d advise you all take precautions going up there. Who knows if he’ll take that opportunity to strike.” “Why do you have to be so stubborn?” Twilight huffed. “We can’t undo what has already been done. At least with you there, we’d be able to fend off Sombra.” “What if instead he tries to free Tirek? Or recruit Chrysalis?” Nick replied. “Then we’ll think the coast is clear, but when we get back to Equestria, they would have already taken over. I would love to go with you guys, but this is my mission. To stop the spread of the darkness while I can.” Luna stepped in between her herd. “That’s enough, you two,” she scolded. She looked at both of them. “While I’d hate to admit it, Nick is right. If all of us are away from Equestria, Tirek might be able to escape Tartarus again or Chrysalis can plan another invasion. Leaving him and Discord behind to deal with them would be better than just leaving Discord here alone. However, if any new developments come in Nick, you will let us know immediately. Now it is getting late. I suggest we retire to my room and talk further in the morning.” “You still want to be with me? After knowing I am linked to Sombra?” Nick couldn’t believe it. “You may be linked to him Nick, but you are not him,” Luna replied, pulling him closer. “I would assume that was Sombra that decided to show Blueblood who he was dealing with?” Nick just nodded his head. “But you were able to restrain him. If Sombra had full control over you, you’d be a murderer right now. Instead the only wounded thing of Blueblood’s was his dignity, which may have done him some good. The other ponies were startled at first, but once we calmed them down, they agreed he had it coming. Let’s not spoil this wonderful night any longer worried about what has happened. We can’t change the past, only our actions towards the future.” “Alright Luna,” Nick smiled before turning to Twilight, who rushed him and held him tight. “You’re stronger than him Nick,” she whispered, looking up at him. “No matter what you do, we will still love you because anything bad that you do, we’ll know is Sombra not you.” “Thank you, Twilight,” Nick held her tight as well. “I appreciate hearing that from you.” “Now that that is settled for now, shall we retire for the night?” Both nodded and with a quick glow of Luna’s horn they were teleported to her room. They all got ready for bed, teasing each other as they did, before contentedly flopping on the bed. A small snuggle fight later and they were fast asleep, including Nick. So exhausted from that night, they didn’t notice the dark figure on Luna’s balcony, observing their rest. “Well, Nick, it seems like you’ve managed to overcome so many challenges, just like you did on Earth. The question is: how long can you persevere?”