//------------------------------// // Chapter Two: Umbra Ink // Story: Gems II: Dawn of The Princesses // by Pen Dragon //------------------------------// Chapter Two: Umbra Ink Watcher stood puzzled, wondering how this old stallion had told him that Umbra had known that he’d be coming. However, he figured that he’d have to speak with the mare in question to get the answers he was looking for. For Celestia however, she had a suspicious feeling in her stomach that their supposed allied had already known they would be arriving, but before she could even say anything, the old stallion grunted, getting the princess’s attention. “Excuse me ma’am, you and your stallion friend here, will have to wait out here until Master Watcher is done.” The old stallion said, guarding the entryway to the mansion. “What? But we are with Watcher!” Celestia shouted. “Wait! They are with me.” Watcher replied, earning a stern look from the older stallion, but after a moment of silence, the earth pony sighed and stepped to the side, allowing entry for Celestia and Techorse. “I ask that you all wait here in the lobby while I go inform my Mistress of your arrival.” The old earth pony ordered while he left into another room, giving the trio an opportunity to look around and admire the interior, noticing how glossy the hardwood floors were, like they hadn’t been touched at all. The painted walls were covered in art and tapestries from collections that spanned centuries of collecting and commissioning artists. But none of those things were what had caught their attention. “... Gasp…” Was all Celestia could let out, her voice squeaking slightly as she noticed the beautiful tapestries and paintings from centuries of collecting. “I didn’t know they still had these tapestries! These go way back to when I had begun training Twilight! And they’re in great condition!” “Huh? I didn’t know that? As far as I could tell, Umbra got these back a year ago when she sent me photos at an auction she was attending back in New Fillydelphia.” Watcher explained to the mare, admiring the old relic that was the tapestry, before looking at Celestia’s cheerful grin. “Tia I wa-” “Excuse me for intruding you three, but Mistress Ink is ready to see you now.” The old stallion said, glaring at Celestia which was rather odd, but she didn’t seem to notice it as she followed the old stallion in with Techorse and Watcher behind her. They entered the study of the estate, which had not received as much space as anticipated. The windows at the front of the room overlooked a desk littered with parchments and documentation, plus writing quills and fresh ink. A pair of oakwood bookshelves filled with volumes on a variety of topics, including history, magical practices and potion making, gardening, and more were also in the room. Watcher felt unimpressed by the selection, having worked in one of the largest libraries in The Order, but supposed most of the books were actually for Umbra’s recordkeeping and other duties. To him, the room was just another messy office for a busy mare. “Mistress Ink, Watcher and his guests are here to see you now.” He spoke from across the room, noticing the chair turn slowly, only to find that the mare was nowhere in sight. “Excuse me… uh… sir.” “It’s Grey Granite, Master Watcher.” “Okay, Grey Granite, I’m not here to play games, so if you could please just take us to see where Umbra is so we can get to the matter of our current situation.” Watcher replied, unaware of a shadowy figure behind and pushing him to the ground with incredible force, landing on his back only to notice a mare with a dark grey coat and long beautiful black mane and red piercing eyes staring at his with excitement. “Well, well, well, look who’s come to see me! If it isn’t the most stunning stallion on campus! Change your mind about me, Watcher honey? Or did you forget just how sweet we were together?” “H..honey?!” stuttered Celestia whileTechorse facehoofed at the inappropriate display. “U-Umbra, you already know what happened last time at the academy! So please get off of me!” Watcher shouted, his face turning into every shade of red as he struggled to push her off. “Watchy baby, didn’t you say that if you were still single we’d try going out together?” she cooed, batting her long eyelashes hopefully. “C-Come on… This isn’t the time to be discussing this!” He replied, avoiding the mare’s powerful gaze as his nostrils were filled by Umbra’s typical aroma that reminded him of blueberries and peaches. Watcher always suspected it was some kind of an enchantment she kept going that relaxed her “target”, priming them for what comes next. But most likely it was just her favorite brand of common shampoo. “Ahem!” Celestia grunted as she caught the attention of Umbra, who continued to grin as she laid atop of her friend. “Mrs. Ink, we have a lot of important matters to discuss with you and whatever history you may have with Watcher, do try to contain your excitement at the very least.” “My, my, I didn’t think Watcher was the type to bring a side mare with him, but I can’t blame him for being a real stud~” She purred, causing him to groan in embarrassment to which Umbra delighted in. “I suppose I could share him.” “THAT ISN’T EVEN REMOTELY TRUE!!! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF US THIS WAY!” Celestia bellowed at her. “Celestia, please,” Techorse said, trying to make peace. Umbra jumped on it immediately, giving him her unwanted attention, “Ohhhhh, I hardly even noticed you here, Techie! Are you friends with Watchy, too? I’ve still got a long list of mares just dying to make you their beloved hubby! They’ve even sent pictures...” “Umbra this really isn’t the time to be talking about this.” Techorse said, blushing as well just from hearing that rather embarrassing remark, “we need your help.” “You two know each other?” Watcher muttered, “Just my luck…” “Of course! Techorse is a bit better known around here than you would believe, Watchy,” Umbra teased, “in fact we’ve worked together often enough. I do wish you’d attend more of my parties though, Tech… you’re missing out.” “I guess I keep losing the invites,” he said, knowing full well what happened at those parties and why he avoided then. “That just means I have to bring you personally,” she answered, before turning her head back into forced eye contact with Watcher, “now, let’s get on with why you’re here. Why is that again?” “We’re here not because I’m planning on getting together with you. You already know my answer. I’m here because-” “You both are wanted criminals now thanks to our little filly here, correct?” Umbra stated, he expression changing completely. “It’s okay hun, I don’t blame those Order scum for thinking that you are one of the lost princesses. You do have a striking resemblance to Princess Celestia.” “Umbra, she really is one of the lost princesses. I know it’s hard to believe, but I promise that it’s the absolute truth.” Watcher stated, starting from the beginning of what occured at the academy with him intervening in Midnight’s test, running into Celestia that after being expelled and forced to work as a librarian, Pen Dragon’s job offer and the events that would occur once Celestia raised the sun for the very first time, leading them to where they are now. Umbra only looked in awe as she listened to their tale and couldn’t help but smile like a school filly, leaning into the large stallion. “My, my, I never suspected you’d become such a rogue~ Gives chills Watchy~!” “R-right… Anyways that’s pretty much the whole story. You don’t have to believe us Umbra, but you do owe me for that favor I did for you during the fall festival awhile back.” Watcher explained, trying to hide his blushing red face from the dark unicorn beside him, but Celestia seemed to notice it quite well. “Madam… If I may make a suggestion, with them on the run, wouldn’t be wise for them to remain here for the time being, at least until everything calms down.” Grey Granite suggested, soon leaning towards Umbra’s ear and whispered something, that caused the mare to giggle excitedly. “It seems like I don’t have a choice, but to let you two stay here for the time being,” she winked, “it’ll be nice to have such lovely guests.” “Umbra, if I could talk to you for a minute in private in the other room,” Techorse interjected, hoping to help the situation, “I’ve been thinking about something.” “Sure!” she answered, “I do hope it’s what I think it is. Do wait one moment please, while I wrap things up here.” “Watcher, are you sure we can’t just find somewhere else to stay?” Celestia whispered quietly into his ear once certain they were gone, “I’m sure there are others who are willing to help us.” “Look, I know she’s a bit… clingy, mainly towards me, but there’s nowhere else for us to go and when it comes to magic and combat. Nopony holds a candle to her.” Watcher explained, but before he could go on, he soon felt two hooves grab hold of his face and pulled him facing Umbra. “Now that we have all that settled, I believe you owe me a kiss Watchy~” She said, pressing her lips against him. “Mmmph!” Was all the stallion could muffle before shoving the mare away from him. “Seriously! Stop doing that! You haven’t changed at all!” “Hehehe, come on Watcher, try to lighten up a bit… After all we’re going to be spending a lot of time together~” She purred into his ear before trotting off, swaying her hips for him to see while leaving the pair of unicorns speechless. “Now Techie, what was it you wanted to tell me?” asked the mare, the inventor looking more green than he normally did, which was saying something. He regained his composure, “Oh… here, let’s step out for a second.” Once they were out of the room, Umbra laughed as if the sound wasn’t going to carry, “Oh what a stallion that Watcher is, and to think you’re his friend now! Have you told him about yourself yet?” “Not yet, no, he really doesn’t need to know,” answered the stallion, shaking his head glumly, “anyways, I managed to pull them out of The Order’s way, but I’m out of ammunition and a lot of my gear is damaged. I need to go back to my lab and get everything fixed up.” “But you’ll come back, won’t you?” she pouted, teasing him, “I’d hate for you to escape to that gloomy lair of yours. We need you too!” “I promise I’ll be right back once I get some more missiles loaded and replace the broken parts,” he answered, “and maybe pick up a few other gadgets that might come in handy later.” “Then go and get your things, mister,” Umbra smiled back, “but do return quickly. There’s still a matter of picking your sweetheart! I owe that to you.” Sighing, Techorse nodded, “I understand. Maybe someday, Umbra. Thanks.” He turned around to leave, hearing her say, “Oh, and… you will need to tell those two the truth sooner rather than later. If you don’t, I’m going to! They deserve to know.” Stopping in his tracks, he agreed, “I think you’re right. Just need to time it carefully.” Umbra cast a quick spell to open the front door of her estate for him, and the stallion trotted outside for a couple of yards. His saddle opened up, and twin turbofan motors, flat rings with helicopter blades inside, sprung from the saddle’s doors. The motors engaged, and the lift picked the earth pony off the ground, letting him fly into the night sky to go fix the damage from the previous encounter. Closing the door again, Umbra said to herself, “Ah, Techie, you poor thing, you! No matter, all that I need to do is make sure that my two guests are well rested for now.” Later that Evening Watcher couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with Umbra leading him and Celestia to their own guest rooms, it was as if he’d mistakenly walked into the lion's den unprepared. ‘Maybe Tia was right, we could have found someplace else to hide out, but remember that this is for the Princess sake.’ However, he soon felt a hoof press against his chest, breaking him out of his train of thought, noticing Umbra grinning as she opened the door to what appeared to be his room. “This will be your room Watchy, I do hope it’ll be to your liking~” “Heheh… Yeah… thanks.” Watcher said nervously as he entered into his room to find it kinda average compared to the rest of the mansion. Everything was either white or had a rather boring tanish color added, from the dressers, to the covers of the bed, to even the brown radio on the nightstand. “Huh… This is surprising… I thought it would something a lot weirder.” Once the stallion had entered his room, Umbra closed the door quietly and began to lead Celestia down the halls so they would be out of ear shot from Watcher. Giving the dark unicorn a chance to find out what the former princess really felt about her future lover. “So tell me, Celestia? What is your relationship with my Watchy?” Umbra asked, giving the shorter unicorn a coy smile. “The two of us are close friends, why do you ask?” Celestia asked, her brow raised as two stopped in the middle of the empty halls. “Oh, nothing, just curious is all, I mean you are with the most talented and most charming stallion there is, so it’s only natural for me to ask no?” Umbra explained, waiting for the unicorns response. Noticing Celestia’s cheeks turning a light shade of red. “We are only friends!” “Well, either way it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I get him to fall for me. Then nothing else really matters, although like I said, I don’t mind sharing.” Umbra explained, her intentions clear to the princess which caused her to growl in annoyance. “By the way, Watcher’s room… doesn’t have a lock, but don’t tell him that.” “Umbra, don’t even think about going into his room without permission!” Celestia shouted, her horn glowing unintentionally, earning a giggle from the dark unicorn who simply leaned closer to her. “Who said anything about going in without permission~” Umbra whispered. “It sounds like that’s what you had in mind~” Celestia couldn’t help but blush as she backed away from her. “N-No! I would never!” “Well, anyways, this will be your room. Have a good night your Majesty~~ and do keep those naughty thoughts to yourself!” Umbra sang as she trotted off giggling as Celestia groaned in annoyance. “I-I would never…” She whispered as she simply entered her room, ignoring her surroundings and laid down on the large comfortable mattress and tried her best to fall asleep. The Next Day “If I don’t lose this crazy mare this minute… I’m gonna actually die of embarrassment,” Watcher said to himself, short of breath as he hid behind the fountain in the garden. The morning had not been off to a great start by any stretch of the imagination for the unicorn. At approximately five in the morning, while he was all cuddled up under the toasty warm sheets and blankets in his room’s bed, the nightmare began without warning. Like most ponies who choose to just sit in bed half asleep after waking up for the first time at sunrise, Watcher had not a care in the world, burrowing into the softness around him. The warm sunlight from the window, the cold fluffiness of his pillow, and the relaxing scent of citrus fruit. Of course, when that familiar smell hit his nose, the unicorn’s eyes bolted open from his relaxed state instantly, finding Umbra curled over him in the bed, the door to the room wide open! Watcher screamed bloody murder, pushing the lady of the house away from him with his hooves and falling out of the bed with a loud thump on the floor. “Ohhhh good morning, sweetie!” he remembered her saying in that usual obnoxious tone of hers, “You’re finally awake! You know what really gets a pony going in the morning, Watchy?” He didn’t stick around to find out, bolting out the door as fast as possible to avoid any kind of interaction with the psychotic mare. The next hour was a terrible game of cat and mouse, as nopony else was up at 5 in the morning, with Umbra chasing down her desired quarry from room to room, no hiding place was safe. It was as if she could smell his fear. Now, with him trapped in the garden, he regret his choice of trying to hide there next. The rose bushes were tall enough that he couldn’t get through them without getting shredded by the thorns, and teleporting wasn’t really an option either since Umbra could spot magic from a mile away. He’d have to sneak back inside without her noticing and find a place to hang out until she gave up… perhaps the nice safe darkness of the basement? “Where’d you go? You didn’t even kiss me good morning yet!” she teased, searching around in the rose bushes, “are you eating the roses? We have much better things back in the house, you know!“ Watcher took a risk and walked carefully from behind the fountain towards the front door after making sure Umbra was busy inspecting the rose hedges. He managed to get inside, and sealed the door behind him without making a sound. Checking the window quickly, he could still see Umbra lost and confused in the maze. “Phew! Glad that’s over with, for now at least,” he sighed, his back sliding down against the wall, “I really gotta get out of here.” “Why do you want to leave?” asked another pony in the room. Watcher lifted his head and took a look at who the voice belonged to. There was a pegasus mare just hanging out there in the lobby of the mansion, with bright lavender eyes giving him a curious look. Her light teal coat was complimented by a marbled white and blue mane, kept in a shorter bobbed haircut, with the slight curls of the tips of her mane carrying over to her well-kept tail. Based on the accessories she was wearing, three silver earrings pierced through her left ear, and a blue bow on that side of her head to go with it, Watcher deduced it was another one of Umbra’s friends. “Oh, hey, sorry… you’re looking for Umbra, right?” he said, standing up from his awkward position on the wall, “That’s good, means I don’t have to deal with her.” “What’s this about having to deal with Umbra?” chuckled the mare, who raised an eyebrow and flicked her tail curiously, “She doesn’t bite.” Watcher dropped his tone, “Lies.” “Guess I’ll have to take your word for it, since you’ve been running from her all morning,” she joked, a smug look on her face, “it’s been pretty entertaining, I gotta admit.” “Hey, I didn’t choose to have her on my case all the time,” he said angrily, pointing out the window, “that mare is obsessed with me! Now I gotta go hide.” The mare stopped him by spreading her right wing into his path, “Hang on, hang on! I just met you and you’re walking off? Kind of rude, don’t you think?” “Well, I would normally love to chat, but like I said… Kinda hiding from Umbra at the moment. I’ll give you thirty bits to keep quiet about me and I’ll talk with you as much as you want!” Watcher offered, waiting for the mares response, but before she could reply, they heard the sounds of Umbra’s voice echo throughout the halls. “Watcher! Come back please! I even have a bowl of fruit I can feed you personally~” “Crap! Just keep quiet please!” He begged, hiding under the covers of a nearby table. She rolled her eyes and shook her head, Umbra walked up to her right away with the same graceful strut she always used. “Ah! Aura Lace! My confidant and friend, good to see you here again so soon!” she said joyfully, temporarily dropping her hunt, “I take it all is well?” Aura explained, “There’s a few things we need to discuss, need to find my brother first though. I saw him earlier, but you know… he tends to go missing.” “How wonderful! I don’t know what we’d do without your efforts to help Everfree City, Aura!” Umbra replied, her eyes lighting up at the news, “By the way darling, you wouldn’t happen to have seen that hunk of a stallion I’m looking for around here, would you?” “Who Watcher?” she said loudly, a good ten decibels over her normal level, “Hmmm… can’t say I have!” Bless you, Aura Lace! Watcher thought from his hiding spot. The pegasus silently pointed her hoof at the table Watcher was concealed in and stuck a bit of her tongue out playfully. Umbra took the hint gleefully and bounced over to the table, knocking it over with a brazen telekinesis spell that toppled the furniture and left Watcher perfectly exposed. Damn you, Aura Lace! He screamed in his head, looking at the pegasus mare’s teasing expression. Attempting to flee once again, but was soon pounced on by the dark grey mare. “UMBRA, GET OFF OF ME!!!!!”