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// Day 50: Cutie Mark Map 
// Story: Changeling Trust 
// by Nightmare Rift 
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Styx's POV:
I beat the girls out of bed this morning and am making them peanut butter pancakes for breakfast. I hear footsteps come down the stairs, I turn, expecting it to be Mystel. Instead I turn directly into Sombra's chest. I take a deep breath in and look up into his eyes. His eyes hold a deep, brooding, but lustful look. One of which I don't dare to stare at too long. I quickly step backwards but only proceed to run into the stovetop. Sombra steps backwards and turns around to go wake up the girls. I don't dare question what that was about, as I don't want to face him, and need to finish making breakfast. Basil slithers in the kitchen window with a mouse he caught, I know this is for me, as he already ate. I gently take it from him and swallow it whole. This is a routine he does two times a week, and in return, I promised to take him with me wherever I go next. He goes and curls up in his bed on top of the fridge. 

I finish making all the pancakes and yell for the girls and Sombra. Mystel comes running into the kitchen and plops herself right into her seat. Shortly after Sombra comes in with Orla on his back, still looking sleepy. After all, she is still a baby, being only 3 years old. Being so young Orla can't quite feed herself, so we feed her, and Mystel helps her eat her lunch at school. He levitates her into her chair, goes to sit next to her, but before doing so he looks to me. A look of uncertainty passing across his face. I nod my head in reassurance, as he has never fed her before. I have always done it, until today, when Sombra wants to try. Thank goodness Sombra has a horn, for his hooves are shaking so bad, I'm not sure he would be able to feed her by hoof. I look at Mystel to see that her eating has slowed and she is watching Sombra intently. I rest my hoof on her shoulder, letting her know it's okay. I quietly start eating, reminding Sombra that he too needs to eat. I only ever have one pancake as the girls provide plenty of positive emotion for me. The girls often don't feel their emotional hunger, but feel greater physical hunger. 

We finish up breakfast just in time for my wings to start glowing, great. Just what I needed, a friendship quest when I have to take Basil, the girls, and … Sombra. "Styx, why is my cutie mark glowing?" 

Orla, who is now mostly awake says, "You have to go on a friendship quest!" 

"She is right Sombra. Which also means we get to take the girls, and I have to take Basil. So shall we go to Twilight's castle to see where we are going?" 

"I guess I don't have a choice do I?" Sombra grumbles out. 

"Nope, neither do I so we might as well go." 

We make our way to the castle to see only Twilight and Starlight waiting for us, whilst also starring, completely dumbfounded at the map. I look at the map and see why, we are going to the Crystal Empire. Nope, can I turn around and go back home now? Of course not, my wings are glowing. Four symbols glow above, and then we are adding plus two ponies and a snake. "So, Twilight, any news from Cadence or what?" 

"Nope, but I guess let's get this show on the road. To the train station!" 

"Yay, train time!" shouts Orla excitedly from Sombra's back. 

Orla has never been on a train, let me say that trains are fascinating for a 3 year old filly. Mystel has been on a train once, but is still also fascinated by it. About an hour long train ride later, we stand at the station in the Crystal Empire. It is nearing night so we head straight to the castle to get settled in. Sombra and I are sharing a room, and the girls are also sharing. We head to bed, knowing tomorrow we must sightsee with the girls, but also deal with the friendship problem.