//------------------------------//
// Cousins 
// Story: A Bright Little Shadow 
// by Princess OtakuGeek 
//------------------------------//

Grounding wasn't anything new to Spike. When he was younger yet still old enough to take responsibility for his actions, he used to be grounded a lot. For Twilight, grounding meant that he was consigned to being Twilight's personal servant for a certain amount of time without comic books. And with the impending visit of the yaks, he was run more ragged than he usually was during his grounding period.

But he somehow managed to get through, even though it had gotten a little dicey when the prince almost declared war, and now his grounding had been lifted. Feeling very satisfied and ready to catch up on his comics, Spike let out a sigh as he removed his gloves and dropped onto the couch.

"You know the worst part about you being the Princess of Friendship?" He said as he scooped up the first comic he'd touched in almost a week. "The dishes."

Twilight smiled thankfully at him. "Thanks for taking care of that Spike." She thanked him. "After three events in one week, I really needed to relax with a good book."

"You and me both." Spike agreed and he opened his comic and began reading about the adventures of the Power Ponies. As his eyes skimmed over the pages, he started making light conversation.

"It's kinda funny isn't it?" He commented casually. "All these ponies coming to you for friendship advice?"

Twilight looked at him curiously. "What's funny about that?"

Spike glanced up from his comic book and gave him 'seriously' expression. "Twilight let's face it before you came to Ponyville you weren't exactly the best sort of friend," Spike said. "Matter of fact, you used to have a reputation for being a bad friend."

As he returned to his comic, Twilight gave him a look of disbelieving shock. "What are you talking about Spike, I had good friends in Canterlot!" The alicorn argued and Spike was beginning to get slightly annoyed.

"Oh come on Twilight, look at the wall." He said as he gestured to the wall in question. "I don't see any pictures from before Ponyville and look at you now, the Princess of Friendship."

As the dragon returned his attention to his comic book, Twilight trotted up to the wall and as she slid her book back in place, really studied the pictures. Spike was right, the only pictures she had here were of her Ponyville friends and as she thought about it, she really had been a terrible friend. She gasped.

"Oh my Faust Spike, you're right!" She said in horror. "I've been so focused on my studies here, I completely forgot about my old friends! I can't  even remember their names! Do you really think that they see me as a bad friend!?"

"Well, I only meant that you've come so far." Spike offered as a way of placating her increasing agitation. "You're a great friend now and-"

"Oh, I feel terrible!" Twilight interrupted him as she paced around nervously. "I've just gotta make it up to them, pack a bag Spike! We're going to Canterlot!" And make a list of all my friends' names."

Spike groaned. "Me and my big mouth." He grumbled as he shut his comic since he obviously wasn't going to be able to finish it anytime soon. "I'm a simple dragon with simple needs, is it really too much to ask for some time to myself to read my comics? Especially after the long week I've had? Apparently so."

It was about that moment that Spike remembered the third occupant of the castle. "Wait, Twilight!" He called out and Twilight responded with a 'yes Spike'.

"We can't just take off, remember Sombra?" He said. Twilight blinked and facehoofed.

"Of course, we can't just leave him here on his own." She said, worry starting to sneak into her tone. "On the other hoof, we can't exactly take him with us. I need time to reconnect with my friends on my own."

"I could always stay here and watch him," Spike suggested hopefully but Twilight shook her head.

"No, I need you to be with me by my side," Twilight said. "I know don't tell you this often, but I do rely on you. You are my rock when I need you and I need you this time. You know how I can get when I get obsessed with stuff like this. I need you to keep me grounded so things don't get out of hoof."

"You mean Want It Need It bad?" Spike asked and when Twilight nodded he sighed. "Well, when you put it that way. So who's going to watch Sombra? I know you can't ask Ditzy again because the Whooves are still out of town so how about your friends?"

Twilight shook her head. "Fluttershy is still tending to sick animals so her cottage is still quarantined. Rarity is so busy even Sweetie Belle can't stay at her place so she's staying with her parents, Applejack and her family are fixing the damage caused by the yaks on top of the Applebuck season and nopony's seen Pinkie Pie since the delegates left! Plus, it's too last minute to ask anypony else in town!"

As Twilight began to meltdown with worry, Spike considered the options and suddenly had a brilliant idea. "Twilight." He called to get her attention. Once he had it, the little dragon continued. "You know I actually have an idea on who could watch Sombra, but you'll have to trust me."





It was a well-known fact among the palace staff that Princess Luna liked her coffee black and strong. After hours of defending the dream realm plus her own nightmares, the Princess of the Night liked a little pick me up whenever she started the Night Court. There weren't many petitioners due to the late hour, but Princess Luna found that she liked it that way. As the Princess of the Night finished her mug, she settled into her throne in preparation for a long session.

Once she felt ready, she passed her empty mug to a nearby maid and announced the beginning of the Night Court. When the guards opened the doors, they were immediately bowled over by a purple blur that revealed itself to be a somewhat harried looking Twilight. The disheveled looking alicorn made a beeline for the throne while two suitcases and an animal cage floated in her raspberry colored magic and draped across her back was a dark blueish purple mound with gold stars. Once she reached the foot of the dais, Twilight stopped and launched into a long ramble that Luna almost couldn't keep up with.

"Hey Princess Luna, a nice night you did a wonderful job top marks!" She greeted with an all too wide grin and Luna briefly wondered if she was having a mental breakdown. "So I know this is last minute, and when I say last minute I mean really last minute, but my options are limited and Spike suggested that I come to you. It's recently been brought to my attention that there are certain friendship mistakes I need to take care of here in Canterlot and since nopony in Ponyville is available, I was kinda hoping that you could maybe, probably look after Sombra."

As she finished speaking, she lifted the bundle off her back, revealing it to be none other than the colt in question dressed in an adorable pair of hoofsie pajamas and fast asleep. Twilight then neatly stacked the suitcases and laid the slumbering colt on them before tucking a blanket around him.

"I know your probably very busy, but I wouldn't bring him here if I wasn't totally out of options." Twilight explained. "If you can't do it, that's fine. I'll just...uh.....um...-"

With a simple raise of her hoof, Luna halted the tumbling tirade. "You needn't apologize." She said kindly. "Your request poses no such inconvenience and we would be glad to take on this little one."

Twilight's grin melted into a look of relief and Luna swore some of her out of place hairs fell back into place. "Thank you so much Luna!" She said with gratitude then levitated the cage and a few smaller items towards her.

"These are Sombra's pet ferrets, we let them wander around so don't worry about that." Twilight explained as she set the cage down in front of her. "They can get out of it at any time, so it's a moot point to keep them in. We just use it for transportation and naps. Leave the door open during naps."

The next thing Twilight placed was a beautifully decorated rosewood box. "This is Sombra's music box." Twilight explained. "He can't go to sleep without a lullaby and when I'm unavailable, he uses that." Finally, the last thing she placed was a gemstone with runes on it. "And lastly, this is a light stone to serve as a nightlight. Sombra isn't fond of the dark. If there's anything else you need to know, just send a letter. I'll come back for him as soon as I can, bye!"

Before she galloped out of the room, Twilight gave Sombra a quick kiss on the forehead then took her leave. The small show of affection made Luna smile and she mused on how far she'd come since she'd first met Sombra. Shaking herself from her musings, Luna turned to her assistant, a thestral by the name of Moonlit Springs.

"Did you get all that?" She asked and Springs nodded.

"Yes your majesty, lullabies before bed, make sure he has a nightlight and leave the ferret's cage door open." She recited perfectly.

"Thank you, Springs." She said as she gently lifted the bundled up colt towards her and gestured for a small group her guards. After carefully laying Sombra onto the lead guard's back, she gave them her orders.

"See to it that he gets settled in a guest chamber near me and my sister's rooms good sirs." She commanded and they bowed as carefully as they could.

"As you wish your highness." They said then began gathering the colt's things. Once they left the room, Court continued as usual but Luna found herself unable to concentrate for the rest of the night.





Sombra looked around the hallway in confusion. Waking up in a new location had been distressing at first until he remembered Spike telling him that they were going to be staying in Canterlot for a few days. Then he fell asleep while Twilight was flying them there. Now he was trying to figure out where Twilight and Spike were. Or at least figure out where breakfast was.

As he was trotting down the hall, a door opened and out stepped a white unicorn stallion with a golden mane. Once he noticed the little colt, the older stallion approached and leaned down to his level.

"Hello there little one, are you lost?" He asked and Sombra nodded.

"I think I am." He admitted. "I can't find Twilight, Spike or the kitchen."

"What about your parents?" The stallion asked curiously as he glanced up and down the hallway. "Are they nearby?"

"I don't have parents, just Twilight. She's my guardian." Sombra informed him and that was when the pieces clicked.

"You must be Sombra, correct?" He asked and the colt nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Prince Blueblood of clan Blueblood but you can call me Prince."

"Isn't Prince a title?" Sombra asked in confusion and Prince chuckled.

"In most cases, yes, but in my case, it's just my name." He said as he ruffled the colt's mane. "But don't feel bad, you're not the only pony to make that assumption. Because of my name and relation to Celestia, most nobles think that I'm a genuine Prince when really I'm just a noble like them. In any case, I wasn't aware that we were welcoming Princess Twilight, otherwise, I would've made the necessary preparations."

"I didn't know we were coming to Canterlot either until Spike came to me last night and told me we were taking a trip to Canterlot," Sombra said with a shrug. "I fell asleep while Twilight was flying and woke up her in the castle and now I'm lost."

"Ah. Well then perhaps I could help." Prince offered. "I myself was heading to the dining room to join my aunties for breakfast. Twilight and Spike are likely with them already so we'll probably find them there. Or at the very least a few answers."

"Okay, lead the way Prince!" Sombra cheered and Prince smiled as he led the little one down the hall.





Celestia sipped her tea delicately as she read the morning paper. It was a daily routine that dated back centuries to when Celestia listened to daily reports from her advisers and soldiers. It was her way of keeping on top of things and since she'd returned, Luna had joined her in this tradition. Speaking of the night princess, the pony in question entered the room and proceeded to fill her plate with eggs, bacon, hash browns and a strawberry crepe. As she munched on a strip of bacon, Luna filled a mug with her black nectar, coffee. As her sister dug into her morning meal, Celestia set aside her paper and cleared her throat.

"So how was the Night Court?" She asked conversationally and Luna shrugged tiredly.

"About as well as you could guess," Luna answered. "Honestly, I'm truly grateful that my court doesn't receive as many visitors as your's."

Celestia chuckled. "Indeed. Honestly, I wish I didn't have to hear so many petitions daily, half of which are mostly just the nobles whining. Did you know that Lord Golden Facade came to me yesterday to lodge a complaint how, and I quote, 'Duke Purple Heart has more land than me'."

Luna guffawed. "Art thou serious?" She asked and Celestia nodded.

"Completely serious." She answered. "He just stormed into the court and started ranting on how he was entitled to more land than Purple Heart because of his family line and you basically get the idea."

Luna snorted into her coffee. "Sounds like a foal complaining about how another foal has more toys than him."

"And it gets better." Celestia continued. "When it became obvious that he was holding up the petitioners, I started to urge him to finish and leave. Politely of course, but then he launched into a rant how it was basically my duty to listen to his complaints and cater to them. He didn't say that directly of course, but that was the intent."

Luna gasped and almost choked on her coffee. "He didn't." She said with shock and Celestia nodded.

"He did." Celestia confirmed. "Of course I rebutted him firmly, redefining his apparent assumptions, then had him escorted out. I haven't seen him since, but I have no doubt that he'll pop up again with another complaint."

"I honestly don't see why you don't just remove him from his position." Luna humphed. "It would spare you so much headache in the long run."

"I know, but you know the laws," Celestia said. "I can't remove a noble from their position without a very good reason and despite all his whining, that's all Golden Facade does. He maintains his lands, fulfills his duties and hasn't attempted to overthrow me."

"Yes, I suppose you are right." Luna sighed in disappointment. "We really should change that law so that we can remove a noble if we feel they are not suited for the position. At this point, it feels like the more corrupt or bratty nobles use it to their advantage."

"Yes, but there are so many hoops we'd need to jump through to do that." Celestia sighed, exhaustion settling in. "Remember that law is one of the laws that were established when the three tribes first united. It would take months if not years to get that law changed."

"And you haven't started because you're too lazy," Luna said with a knowing grin. "I could get the ball rolling on that if you would like and perhaps if things go right, I could present you with the opportunity to strip Golden Facade of his title as a Hearths Warming present."

"That would be the best gift I could ever receive, thank you, Luna." Celestia thanked her sister and Luna nodded.

"Think nothing of it sister, the foal has come to my court as well so it would be just as much my gift as it is yours," Luna said then smirk. "You know it's actually kind of funny how the public sees thy nephew as the bratty foal of the court when in truth Golden Facade holds that 'honor'."

"Yes, it is an image that Prince has spent years cultivating." Celestia sighed. "Simply to scare off the mares that latch onto him."

"Aye, tis a shame that he is so determined to remain single," Luna said sadly. "I do recognize that he has a good reason for it, but it seems a shame that our nephew cannot actively find love because of the actions of certain madmares."

"It is my hope that one day he can and will be able to find somepony to spend the rest of his life with." Celestia confessed. "He does so want to raise a family and is very good with foals."

It was at that moment to the stallion in question entered the dining hall and began to load a plate with food. "Good morning aunties!" He greeted.

"Good morning Prince." Celestia greeted back with a smile then looked at him curiously when he set the plate down in front of the chair beside him. The reason for this became clear when Prince lifted a familiar colt up into the seat.

"And Sombra?" She greeted curiously then turned to her sister with a questioning look. Noticing the look and the colt at the table, an expression of realization crossed her face and Luna dabbed her lips with a napkin before answering.

"O yes, Twilight came to my court last night asking if we could look after him while she and Spike resolved some sort of friendship issue her in Canterlot that came up," Luna explained. "We agreed and after giving a few instructions left to take care of her emergency. Don't worry, Moonlit Springs was taking notes and I will make sure you get a copy."

"I see," Celestia said evenly. "Unfortunately my schedule is packed and I will be very busy and won't be able to spend much time with him so I suppose-"

"I could watch him." Prince interrupted. "My presence isn't needed in court so I'm free to keep watch over him."

The two alicorns glanced at each other than to Prince who gave them a reassuring smile. "Very well Prince Blueblood," Luna said formally. "We officially charge you with the responsibility of this young colt. Do you accept?"

"I do auntie." Prince accepted and with that they continued on with their meal and making small talk once in a while as they ate until eventually, the Celestial Sisters had to leave. Luna to go take a nap in preparation for tomorrow and Celestia off to fulfill her royal duties. Leave Prince Blueblood and Sombra to their own devices.





"Is it true that you are an arrogant mule?" Sombra asked and because the question was so sudden and shocking that Prince froze for a moment then turned to the colt.

"Who says I'm an arrogant mule?" He asked.

"Auntie Rarity," Sombra answered innocently. "She says other things about you, but I don't understand them and she made me Pinkie Promise not to repeat them. She says she met you at the Grand Galloping Gala where you were quote-unquote 'the rudest, most arrogant, son of a mule'."

"Ah, that explains it," Prince said understandingly. "And what do you think about me?"

Sombra shrugged. "Well since I just met you and the only thing I have to go on is my auntie's account of one encounter with you, I haven't really formed an opinion yet." He said sagely. "Zecora says that we shouldn't be quick to judge anyone because then we'd get the wrong idea, so I take auntie Rarity's opinion of you with a grain of salt."

"This Zecora sounds very wise," Prince said approvingly. "You make sure to listen to her. As for your auntie's opinion of me, well it is true that I wasn't the best sort of pony towards her that night so she has a reason to hold a grudge against me."

"Oh. So why were you such a jerk to her?" Sombra asked. Prince Blueblood glanced around then pulled the colt into his chambers.

"That's a very good question and it's not really something I share often since I don't want the wrong ponies to hear about this, but I feel I can tell you." He said quietly. "You can also tell your auntie if you'd like to but otherwise I don't want you to spread this around."

"You can trust me," Sombra said seriously before going through familiar motions. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Prince smiled in amusement. "What exactly was that?" He asked in curiosity.

"That was a Pinkie Promise," Sombra said proudly. "And nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise or else auntie Pinkie will track you down."

"Really?" Prince asked

"Really really," Sombra confirmed. "You don't want to do that because auntie Pinkie can be where ever she wants or needs to be."

Suddenly Sombra waved towards the window behind Prince and when he turned to look, he was shocked to see a bright pink earth pony mare outside his window. This little fact was unsettling because the window in question was on the third floor, miles from the ground. Slowly, Prince waved back at the pony who gave him a stern look and a salute before vanishing in a puff of smoke from a smoke bomb she threw.

"Was that...?" He started as he recovered from his shock but couldn't finish his question.

"Auntie Pinkie Pie?" Sombra finished for him then nodded. "Yep!"

"I was afraid of that." He muttered to himself then shook his head. "Okay, you've convinced me. Pinkie Promises are more binding than anything in Equestria. Now, the reason why I was a mule to your auntie was because in the past I've had mare troubles. To say the least. Ever since I came of age, I've been harassed and even attacked by mares that want to be my wife. Some are just nobles looking to get a leg up, but the worst are the ones looking to have a fairy tale romance to the point where they've deluded themselves.

I currently have fifteen restraining orders filed against six different mares who can't seem to get a clue that I'm not interested. All of them are these mentally unstable romantics. Some have even attacked genuine marefriends I had on the grounds that I 'belong to them'. So I've given up on romance and do what I can to scare off potential stalkers. So whenever I'm approached by mares with obvious intent to flirt with me, I shut them down to nip any potential stalker in the bud."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense," Sombra said. "Auntie Rarity said that you also spat out auntie Applejack's homemade apple fritter."

"Ah yes, that," Prince said understandingly. "Please understand that I'm not usually that rude even when I'm acting the part. Normally I just eat the food that's been offered to me and then complain quite rudely afterward, but as I was eating the fritter I realized something. Fritters have cinnamon, which I'm allergic to. I had to get the fritter out as quick as possible once I made that realization and I just ran with it. Fortunately, I didn't swallow much so my allergic reaction was delayed enough that it wouldn't affect your auntie's business."

"What do you mean by that?" Sombra asked curiously.

"Well you see Sombra, a few of the common symptoms of a spice allergy are nausea, stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea difficulty breathing and rashes," Prince explained. "I don't get diarrhea, thank Faust, but I can get nauseous, develop rashes, have some problems breathing and sometimes vomit. And if a very important noble like me 'got sick' at a public event after eating one of her products, well I doubt her farm would have much business."

"Oh, then I guess it was a good thing that you spit out your fritter." Sombra mused.

"I find that it is easier to recover from one poor opinion than the scandal involved in giving a noble 'food poisoning'," Prince said with air quotes.

"But it wouldn't be food poisoning, just an allergic reaction," Sombra said in confusion.

"Yes, but it isn't exactly widespread public knowledge and the press here in Canterlot tend to blow some things out of proportion," Prince explained with exhaustion clear in his voice. "Especially the gossip magazines. Say one thing wrong or out of context and they can make you look like a monster before you can correct them."

"That sounds scary." Sombra whimpered.

"It is. Thankfully Twilight isn't as prominent yet so you've got a few years at least before the press starts invading your privacy and blow everything out of proportion." Noticing that he was starting to scare the little guy, Prince figured that a change of subject was in order.

"So what do you like to do in your free time?" He asked and Sombra relaxed.

"Mostly draw and tinker, but I do enjoy games." Sombra offered and Prince grinned.

"Is that so, well then my friend let me introduce you to the best game you'll find on the market." He said then ran to a cabinet where he pulled out several books, sheets of paper, figurines and a pouch. All of which he dropped in front of Sombra.

"Allow me to introduce you to my favorite tabletop RPG, Ponyfinder." He said proudly.

"RPG?" Sombra asked as he examined a figurine.

"Role-playing game," Prince explained. "Basically we create characters and then we play as them and act out a story that is affected by our actions. I started playing role-playing games as a way of releasing my inner self. When you're a noble, there's a certain way you're supposed to act towards the public which leaves you with very few times to be who you are.'

'A guard recommended tabletop RPGs when I vented my frustrations to him one day and I tried it. I've been hooked since and I find myself the most relaxed when I'm playing. Now since this is the kind of game that requires a minimum of three or four players, I usually play with some of the staff when they aren't working and when they are able to, my aunties."

"Neat!" Sombra chirped in interest. "So how do we play?"

Prince grinned. "First things first, we need to create a character sheet for you."





"So what did you two do this morning?" Celestia asked as the four ponies ate lunch in the private Royal gardens.

"We talked a bit and then Prince showed me how to play Ponyfinder," Sombra answered brightly. Luna and Celestia shot him teasing smirks.

"Dear nephew, art thou already corrupting the next generation?" Luna teased playfully. Recognizing the playful jab for what it was, Prince rolled his eyes but smirked all the same.

"Please, I hardly call it 'corrupting' when he enjoys it himself." He said before he took a bite of his cucumber sandwich.

"I'm sure he does," Celestia said in response. "Well I have a two-hour gap before I have to get my snout back to the grindstone, so is the anything you want to do?"

Sombra gave it some thought. "It's a nice day out so, maybe we can just hang out here in the garden." He suggested before a mischievous smirk spread across his face. Gesturing for Luna to come closer, the Lunar Princess leaned down as if to hear what he wanted to say, only to feel his hoof tapping against her cheek.

"Tag, your it." He said before leaping off his seat and taking off. It took the other occupants to register this action, but once they did, Prince took off after Sombra and Celestia flew up into the air with a flap of her wings. Blinking at the other's actions, a devious smirk then spread across Luna's face.

"Well then if that is how you wish to play it, then we shall oblige." She said then took off after the others.





Cadence careful packed the book into the box making sure to add some cushioning. Once she was sure it secure, the alicorn sealed it and addressed it. She'd finally finished it. After pulling an overnighter, she finished the journal and had received her answers. Now she needed to send it to Twilight. She needed to know the truth. So Cadence had bookmarked the entry that she needed to read and packed it into a box to be shipped to Ponyville. As she hoofed it to a servant to be given to be delivered, Cadence prayed to Faust for its swift delivery.





The next few days in Canterlot Castle passed in much that same way. Most of the time Sombra and Prince Blueblood would hang out in the noble's chambers doing things like playing Ponyfinder and other board or card games. Sometimes when Blueblood was meant to be in court, he'd hang out there and watch the antics of the nobility.

When court was finished, Celestia and Luna would eat lunch and hang out with them before they could get to other duties. When it was nice out, they'd play in the garden or go hang out in the town with the royals disguising themselves. When it wasn't nice out and the pegasi had scheduled rainfall, they would all play Ponyfinder together. It was all good and fun, but like all good things, they must come to an end.





As the party wound down and the other ponies took down decorations, Twilight and Spike walked and talked with Moon Dancer.

"I think it's time for us to go Moon Dancer," Twilight said and Moon Dancer smiled at her.

"Thank you for helping me make some new friends." The unicorn thanked. "Even if they are my old friends."

"Your welcome," Twilight said as she pulled Moon Dancer into a hug. "And don't worry, we'll come back and visit soon."

"That'd be great!" Moon Dancer said. "You've still got to teach me that Haycartes technique. And hey, maybe I could come visit Ponyville myself. It sounds like a nice if crazy town."

"That's basically Ponyville in a nutshell," Spike said. "And hey, maybe next time we see you, you can meet Sombra."

"Sombra?" Moon Dancer asked quizzically as she pulled out of the hug. At this point, Lyra Heartstrings answered as she trotted past with a bag of streamers.

"Sombra is this totally adorable colt that Twilight adopted!" She cooed. "He's just the sweetest, cutest little thing you've ever seen. You totally should meet the little guy."

"Really?" Moon Dancer asked with interest. "Already stepping into motherhood huh?"

"Well, yeah," Twilight said with a blush. "He isn't as bad as I thought he would be and I'll admit I've gotten attached. I didn't bring him because I needed time to connect with you guys on my own."

"Well okay then, just make sure you introduce us next time." Moon Dancer said with a smile.

"I will," Twilight promised. At that moment, Spike stepped forward holding out the banged up present.

"Um, Moon Dancer?" He said as held up the bundle of torn paper and ribbon. "It kinda got banged up, but here's a little something I wanted to give you back at your first party."

When the unicorn removed the paper to reveal the picture inside, her eyes began watering again. "I love it Spike, thank you." She thanked him. "I'll see you guys around okay?"

"You will. Take care of yourself." Twilight said and as they left, she turned to Spike and asked him to send a note to Celestia letting her know they were coming to pick him up.



Flashback Begin



"So your aunties are basically Twilight's best friends right?" Celestia asked as she rolled her dice and moved her piece. Sombra nodded.

"Uh-huh, I just felt like they were family," Sombra explained with a shrug as Prince snagged the dice and gave them a roll.

"So what about us, are we family?" He asked as he moved his piece. Sombra nodded.

"Yes, you're my big oldest brother," Sombra said a Prince smiled.

"Well thank you Sombra." He said. "And don't worry, I'll do my best to be a great big brother. Pinkie Promise."

As he went through the motions, Sombra rolled the dice and moved his own piece before passing the dice to Luna who moved her own piece then passed the dice to Celestia.

"And what of us?" The Lunar Princess asked. "Are we your aunties as well?"

"No," Sombra said with a shake of his head. "I can't put my hoof on what exactly you are, but I know it's not auntie. Don't worry though, I'll figure it out."



Flashback End



"I finally figured it out." Celestia and Luna jumped at the suddenness of Sombra's sentence. After they had received Twilight's note, they set about packing his things. When he was all packed up, they had moved to the throne room to wait for Twilight. It was as they were waiting that Sombra had suddenly spoken.

"Figured out what?" Celestia asked, both her and her sister completely lost.

"Who you are in my family," Sombra answered. "I've been thinking about it a lot and I finally figured it out. You are my cousins."

There was a long pause as they took that in then the quiet was broken by Luna when she gathers the colt up into her arms and gave him a hug.

"Oh sweet little Sombra, we would be honored to be your cousins." She cooed happily. Celestia smiled as well.

"Indeed we would." She said. "Always remember if you need anything you can always call on us."