//------------------------------// // Revelations // Story: Sombra's Midnight Star // by Twilighted Rose //------------------------------// Revelations (Present) “Did The Regent of Time get the message?” Rainbow Dash watch as his smile disappeared at her words, he turned away. Tears shimmered in the firelight. He opened his mouth once, twice… “S-so, it is true,” Sombra whispered, “Harmony did show you your first life. I thought as much. I will answer your question soon. Just please give me a moment. I-I have to go…” he stood up suddenly. He fled the room. Rainbow Dash quickly set off to follow him. His shadow danced in the torch light as Rainbow Dash raced down the hall. After eternity of twists and turns, she finally caught up to him. She skidded to a stop. There in the middle of white circular room was Sombra. His head was down, and his shoulders were shaking. “Sombra, are you alright?” Dash asked as she slowly approached the distraught demigod. He suddenly looked up and let out a piercing wail. Dash felt the ground shake as Sombra wept to the heavens. “T-this, this room,” He croaked as he stared into the ceiling with unfocused eyes, “This room is the testament of my second greatest failure. I-I come here often to remind myself to never let this catastrophe happen again. And it has not. But I have this feeling that once your friend and my mate Twilight wakes up, it will happen again. And nothing there is I can do to stop it.” “What do you mean?” Dash asked as she sat down next to him, “What catastrophe? Sombra, what are you talking about?” She looked up to his face to find a red liquid coming from his eyes. It was almost like he was crying blood. Panic flooded her veins. For one doesn’t watch the Firstborn cry. He was the one who inspired beings to be their best or the one who struck fear in the hearts of the enemies, but never somepony who admits to failure or fear. What was going on? “Take a look around you, my dear, and you will see what I am talking about,” Sombra sighed, “But to answer your question, yes, he did receive the message. But…” His voice broke, unable to finish what he was saying. Sombra turned his head, showing Dash the back of his head. His ears drooped as he dropped his head in shame. “I don’t understand,” Dash said, “Dal’lak’ar wouldn’t have abandon you!” “My dear,” Sombra said, “he comes only when he is needed the most. He is at the mercy of time. Now go. Look and see. Understand, Miss Rainbow Dash, what I have mourned for more than a millennia and tell me if you can look me in the eye then.” Ω ΩMidnightΩ “Wait what? What is that?!” I screeched as I looked at what Pierre was talking about. There, on my flank was a picture of the beast that I fought with its three feline heads roaring in fury at a purple six-pointed star. It was standing on its two hind legs, which were touching the tip of my hoof, while the five of its paws were reaching for the star. I never had anything like this before, nor have I seen it on a regular pony before. I have only seen pictures on the alicorns. Alicorns tattoo the pictures on their flanks, right? I don’t remember getting a tattoo or anything like this. What was going on?! “Pierre!” I screeched, “What is this? What is happening? Am I sick? Am I going to die? Wha…. Mrfff!” Pierre slapped his paw on my mouth. He shook his head as if I were being too loud and he was trying to get his hearing back. He took a breath. “My Lord’s Lady, what you are seeing is your cutie mark,” Pierre said gently. “It is the representation of your destiny. It is not going to hurt you. In fact, it supposed to help you. It helps you identify your talent and amplify any abilities that are related to it. It also shows other what your talent is. Yes, Midnight, what is your question? You can put your hoof down now.” He said as he took his paw away from my mouth. “If it’s, I mean if it is supposed to help me identify my talent then what is it supposed to be?” I ask as I lowered my hoof, “I mean what heck is that talent?!” “I do not know, my Lord’s lady,” Pierre said, “I am honestly unable to tell you why your cutie mark is of a three headed lion cowering from a star. Though I do know that the six-pointed star represents Harmony. Maybe if we run into her, we can ask her what your cute mark means.” I nodded in agreement. It sounded like a solid plan. But we do have to wait for Sombra to wake up before we can continue. I’m not leaving him behind. “So, what’s the plan now?” I asked as I looked at the blackened land, “There’s no shelter for miles and I really don’t want stay here for much longer. Any ideas?” “None at the moment, my Lord’s lady,” Pierre said, “But I do spy two survivors coming this way.” I strained my neck to see but couldn’t. I was still sort of blinded from those fires I had been staring at awhile back. Dang, I’m tired. “Where?” I asked as I laid my head on Sombra’s back. I could go to sleep here. It would be fine. Nothing bad was going to happen. “Oh, sweet Harmony!” A melodious voice said, “Midnight! Midnight, wake up! You have lost a lot of blood! Sister! Come here and help me!” I felt myself being lifted but I couldn’t move a muscle. I didn’t want to be moved. Why am I being moved? “There is a cave nearby,” An older voice said, “It will be safer there. Careful with her leg, Luna! Make a gurney so we can carry her easier.” “What about Sombra, sister?” Luna asked, “Are we going to leave him here?” Don’t leave him! don’t take me away from him! “Yes, Luna, we are,” Celestia said, “He can defend himself just fine. Now let us be on our way! We do not have time to wait!” Wait! Please wait. Don’t leave him! He’s hurt! Luna, if you leave Sombra I will never forgive you! Please… don’t… leave… him… Ω The sounds of dripping and purring slowly woke me up from my slumber. My broken leg started to scream so I tried to move it, but a weight prevent me from doing so. I looked to find that Pierre was laying partly on my leg and partly on my chest. So that’s where the purring sound was coming from. I didn’t know that Kinkus purr also. Huh the more you know. I tried to gently move him off my leg without waking the sleeping Kinku. He had a small crystal in his hand that emitted a small white light. “Mhhh… what?” It didn’t work. “Oh, my Lord’s Lady, good morrow. It is a pleasure to see that you have survived. Now let us find some nourishment.” He stood up and stretched his arms way up high. It was kinda cute seeing him yawn. “Ummm…. Pierre?” I said uncertainly, “I-I have a problem.” His eyes filled with concern as he stopped stretching. “What is it, My Lord’s Lady?” he said as he laid his paw on my face. “I can’t walk.” “Oh.” “Yeah. And where is Sombra?” I asked as looked around the cave, “I don’t see him anywhere!” I tried to get up, but my leg prevented me from doing so. It was wrapped tightly in a blood-stained cloth with two sturdy sticks holding it in place. Panic started to set in the longer I couldn’t find him. Pierre started to make shushing and purring noises in attempted to calm me down. “He is behind you, but he is still recovering!” Pierre answered with a purr in his voice, “Please settle down or else your leg will not heal!” I did as he asked because I was too tired. “Thank you, Pierre.” I said as I laid back down. Pierre started to fuss around me, moving my legs and somehow procuring a threadbare blanket from somewhere. I honestly didn’t see him going and grabbing it. One second, he was in front of me, with nothing the next… Bam! a blanket in hand and tucking me in. I think that he might have used some magic, but I wasn’t sure. “There you go, my Lord’s Lady,” Pierre said as he patted my side. “All snug and warm. I deeply apologize for not giving you this while you were asleep. I was rushed in finding the materials before we arrived at the cave. I barely finished making the blanket when you woke up!” He started to fidget with his hands as look of worry crossed his foxy face. “I know that Sombra will be fine and has been in dicer situations before, and come out unscathed. That is the reason I worry not for him. But you… y-you… my Lord’s Lady, I worry a great deal. So great in fact, that I have come to the realization that I may have given up one of my tails in worry for you! Please, please promise me you will not do what you did yesterday. You are not immortal like Lord Sombra and could die if you go up against another Void Creature. I fear that if you were to die, though you will reincarnate, that Sombra’s heart would not survive. Promise me, please?” I felt his eyes bore into my face I as looked away. I wouldn’t make promises that I know I couldn’t keep. If Pierre were ever in trouble, I would help him. That just who I am. I help those I trust. Or maybe I would help Pierre because he was so small and defenseless. Sombra wasn’t defenseless. He was more than capable in handling himself in a fight. I have seen it before. He didn’t need my help. He never did. Then why did I run back? He was my master, nothing more, nothing less. I could have been free! I could have run away like he said and been free! Why… did… I… go… back? “Why did you go back?” Pierre asked, breaking me out of my musing. My head snapped towards the Kinku. How…? “What?” I was so confused. Was he reading my mind? Like Sombra does sometimes? Can Kinkus do that? “Why did you go back when you could have run away and be free?” Pierre asked quietly. “I know you are from Harmonia. And that in order to survive in Harmonia you were bound by law to serve the Alicorns. You are little more than a glorified slave. Sombra is your master and I know that he would not blame you if you ran away. If I were you, I would have and I would have never looked back. But you…” he swallowed, “you did not.” He was looking at the ceiling with a deep sorrowful look. The white light cast his face into shadows, making him look like a tragic character. “You, my brave Lord’s Lady, ran back, fought a creature that, for centuries, was believed to be undefeatable and won! Against all odds you won! But why? Why, when freedom was in your grasp, you chose to stay? I just cannot comprehend this! It is inconceivable! So, tell me why?” “I-I…” I stammered. A lump formed in my throat, choking out the words that I wanted to say. I coughed to dislodge it. “I-I h-honestly don’t know, Pierre. I guess I was honor bound to him. I mean, he did save my life twice. I guess I owed it to him. I know I could not show my face to my mother if I left somepony in danger to save my own skin. That is not the way of the Stars. We do not turn our back on those in need.” “Hogwash and Poppycock!” Pierre exclaimed. His eyes flashed with anger. “Do not tell me these lies, unicorn, for I can smell them. They linger like a bad odor in the back of my throat. So do not lie to me again!” “I’m not!” “Yes, you are!” He bared his teeth, “Now tell the truth! It was not because of honor. If it were, you would not have called out to Sombra in your sleep!” His amber colored eyes shined bright gold in his anger. I felt the weight of his anger push me into the ground. I don’t know how to answer this. How was I supposed to answer when I don’t even know! I sighed as turned my head away. In the corner of my eye, I notice that Sombra was lying a few paces away from me. The top of his head was still missing. I started to gag at the sight of only seeing his lower jaw with his dagger teeth sticking out of his mouth. I quickly turned away. I did not want to see that today. Last time I saw him, Sombra didn’t have a head and part of his neck was missing. I guess that Pierre was right. Sombra will survive being beheaded. That’s good. “You are smiling,” Pierre said quietly. “Tell me why you are smiling?” “Because he is going to be okay,” I answered. “There!” Pierre shouted causing me to jump. “A slave would not care if her master were going to be okay. A slave would be celebrating their newfound freedom. You are not. You are smiling at the thought of him being okay. I rest my case. Now answer my previous question.” “Why are you so insistent with this?” I asked. If I could walk away from this I would. But alas I cannot. I’m stuck here with a broken leg and burnt back, which surprisingly doesn’t hurt. How? I can feel the bandages on my back, but it doesn’t hurt. Probably alicorn magic. But why didn’t Luna or Celestia heal me completely with the Ultimate Healing Spell? I guess that they don’t know it. Huh… Where are they now? “You are getting sidetracked,” Pierre said as he snapped his claws in my face. “What was the question?” I asked sheepishly. “What was the true meaning of you going back? And do not say honor.” “But it was! And… and…” “And?” “And… and… AND I COULD NOT BE IN A WORLD WITHOUT HIM!” I scream, “I just can’t--- I-I can’t. Okay? Are you happy? I ran back for my misplaced sense of honor and stayed because I wanted to die. I thought that he was gone. So, what was the point? I’m no hero. I’m a phony. A fake. If I had known about the monster beforehand, I would have run away. But… bu… b…” I broke down, bawling. All the previous events came crashing down on me. The attack, Sombra’s beheading, my near death, all of it. I barely survived! How did I survive? And now I got something tattooed on my flank! A Cutie mark! What does that mean?! Why? I felt a small wing rap around my left shoulder. A soft purring sound started soothed my frayed nerves. “It is going to be alright, My Lord’s Lady,” Pierre said softly. “Everything is going to be alright. Have you ever thought that you might love Sombra?” “L-love? Love Sombra? Me?” I asked, “Loving an alicorn? The creatures that made my life a living hell. Plus, somepony else is in love with him. I can’t compete with her. I will not stand in her way of loving him. How can a mere unicorn slave love her alicorn master?” “Is that too hard to believe?” “Yes!” I yelled, “Yes, it is! The alicorns have tormented me time and time again. I nearly died one time because of them! If it weren’t for Sombra, I would have! If not for him, I would have lost my horn. I would be an… an…” “An? An… what?” Pierre asked. “An outcast,” I whispered, “No better than an earthpony---” “What’s wrong with being an earthpony?” Luna asked, making me jump out of my skin for a second. “They are strong, loyal, and honest ponies who work the land. Without them, most of the population would have starved a long time ago.” I gave her a surprised look. How is it an alicorn was defending the earth ponies when they are no better than dirt? “What?” I asked, “What do you mean by that? Didn’t you know that earth ponies are no better the upon rock which we walk because they have no magic? Why are you, an alicorn, the embodiment of magical perfection, defending the being that your kind walks on a daily basis?” “Because I was raised outside of Harmonia’s propaganda,” Luna said with a smile. “I was raised to see all life is important. From the smallest ant, to the Great Beasts that form our mountains, all life is important. There is and never will be a life that is worth less then another. That is why I defend the earth ponies. And why you should too.” This was insane! An alicorn defending the earth ponies. How…? Well now I have seen everything. That’s it, everypony, my life has been completed and it’s the end of the world. An alicorn actually gives a crap about earth ponies. “Are you okay?” Luna asked as she waved her hoof in front of my face. I gave her a confused look. “Yeah, why?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. I have no idea why she would ask that question. “It is because you had a blank look on your face.” She said as she looked into my eyes. “It was as if you were off somewhere else. Did I confuse you?” I nodded quickly. I had become dizzy from the sudden movement. I really need to think these things through. “I am sorry for confusing you.” Luna apologized, “I was telling you the truth. The alicorns of Harmonia are completely wrong. My kind is supposed to serve Harmony’s creation, not the other way around. But enough of the lecture, Harmony knows that I get enough of them from my sister. Hehe. How are you feeling, Midnight?” “Well, I would be better if I could walk,” I snarked. I don’t like not being able to run away. I’m stuck. “Why didn’t you use the Ultimate Healing Spell on me? It will make my life easier if you do that.” “The Ultimate what now?” Luna asked as a bewildered look crossed her face. “You know the spell that can heal any injury?” She shook her head no. “The one that goes like ‘Hunan blentyn are fy’ no ‘er yf ni’ or is it ‘Ni chaiff dim… dim… di… Gah! I don’t remember! Sombra sang it when I was attacked by two alicorns, and when he did a golden light strings appeared and completely healed me! You don’t know that spell? There was another spell that he had me memorize but I forgot that one also. I had lot of things happened. When Sombra wakes up. I’m going to ask him.” “Well, that is going to be a problem.” Luna said sheepishly. “What? Why?” I ask, worry seeping into my voice. Pierre gave me a side eye glance, but I ignored him. “What’s wrong with Sombra?!” “Nothing,” Luna answered quickly, “It is just that Celestia wants to leave the cave as soon as you woke up. Now that you are awake, we can leave.” “Leave? Leave for where?” “Well to Canterlot of course,” Luna said with smile, “It is where I live with my sister. And where you will be living soon! Is it that not great? We are going to be living together! Yeah!” “What about Sombra?” I asked, “What about when he wakes up?” “Well…. we will be gone before he wakes up, but it----” “No.” “’No?’ What do you mean no?” Luna responded, bewilderment lacing her words. Her head tilted in confusion. “Do you not want live with me?” How do you respond to this? “I am not leaving Sombra, Luna. You and your sister can’t make me. Shut up, Pierre!” I glared at the snickering kinku, “We will continue your interrogation later, Pierre. Right now, I have to deal with an alicorn who think that she knows best. The white know-it-all wants us to leave. Do you want leave, Pierre?” “No, my Lord’s Lady, I do not want leave my Lord’s side,” he answered as he crossed his arms. “Yes, we will continue our ‘interrogation’ at a later time, after we sort out this conundrum. We are not leaving him.” “But---” “No buts. That is final.” Pierre stated matter of factly. “By decree of Harmony herself, Midnight is to stay with Sombra until further notice. Any other questions?” “I do!” I raised my hoof, “How the heck did you know that?” “Sombra told me, My Lord’s Lady,” Pierre answered while keeping his eyes on Luna. “When did he tell you this?” “While you were asleep.” “When?” “Like I said, when you were asleep.” “I KNOW THAT!” I yelled, my frustration was mounting. Why was Pierre being so obtuse? What was he hiding? “You were asleep on Sombra’s back and we talked,” Pierre said, never once looking at me, “Better?” “Quite.” Pierre snorted, his shoulders shaking. Luna’s eyes widen in confusion. I just laughed. After I finally caught my breath, I said, “I am sorry, Luna, this is just a normal conversion Pierre and I have on an any given day. Wait a minute, how long have we known each other, Pierre?” “Three days, My Lord’s Lady,” Pierre answered, “You fell asleep during my riveting discussion on the importance of grammar. You slept for half of the journey. By the way, you have a cute snore.” “THREE DAYS!” I squeaked, “and I do not snore!” “Yes, and yes, you do,” Pierre smirked, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “You sounded like a sleeping kitten with snort. You went,” and with a high pitch sound he went off, “eeehhh*snort*eeehh*snort*” I smacked him the in back of head with my tail, growling. He laughed as he started to tip over. Pierre caught himself before he faceplanted on the stone floor. He laughed so hard while making the “eeehh-ing” and snorting sounds that he was rolling on the floor with tiers in his eyes. “H-help *gasp* me!” Pierre gasped like a fish out of water, “I *gasp* can *gasp* not *gasp* breathe!” “Serves you right, ya dingus,” I mumbled as watched the wheezy Pierre. He had his paws clutched to his chest as he continued to laugh. I will admit, that like his voice, his laugh is very sexy and contagious. I started to laugh along side with him and soon both of us were out of breath, Pierre a lot more. Luna’s lilting laughter joined in with our cacophony of mirth. We would catch our breath through the bouts of laughter. Unfortunately, as soon as we would catch our breath, we would start laughing again. It was a vicious cycle. “Well, I see that everypony is getting along,” a lilting motherly voice chimed in. “What has you lot all twisted up?” “Ah, sister,” Luna gasped in between breathes, “We… have… started… laughing… and… now… we…can… not… stop... laughing….” “I can!” I said with great seriousness, then I burst out laughing again. I swear, Pierre’s laughter was a weapon in disguise. My sides were starting to hurt. I don’t know how long I can keep laughing. Pierre better stop, or else. Oh no, there he goes again. “Well, I am glad that you are having a good time.” Celestia said with smile, “Now, since you are awake, my dear, we can prepare to leave for Canterlot. Now, Luna…” “No.” My words cut through like a knife. Celestia blinked in surprise. Her expression said that this was the first time that somepony told her no. The room was silent except for Luna’s innocent laughter. Pierre and I glared at the white alicorn who had the audacity to think that we were leaving. “No?” Celestia tilted her head to the side, “What do you mean ‘no’? Midnight, I do not think know what I am offering. It is a fantastic opportunity for you. You would be able to perform magic. I would teach you many things by making you my apprentice. Oh! The things you would learn by being my apprentice! Midnight, if you come with me you would never have to worry about alicorns hurting you anymore! Midnight, you would be---” “No thank you,” I interrupted the blabbering alicorn. Luna’s laughter played in the background of my silent fury. I couldn’t believe the audacity of this being! I already have a teacher, by Harmony’s hoof, will you give it a rest! Sheesh! “What? What did you say?” Celestia squinted her lilac eyes. “You heard what I said.” I would not back down. The cave filled with oppressing tension as I stared her down, daring her to make a move. I don’t care if she was an alicorn. I didn’t care if she could destroy me with just a thought. I have made my decision and I am sticking to it. She can stick it up her--- “Why is everypony so quiet?” Luna quietly asked, breaking the silence. Her eyes filled with concern as she looked between the stand-off that was happening. “Are we not on the same side? Why do I feel animosity flowing thick in the air?” “I just told your sister no and she is acting like a typical alicorn.” I said as venom dripping from my words, “As of this moment, I’m just waiting for her to rip my throat out for my impertinence. Your move, Alicorn.” “That is not---” Luna said but Celestia interrupted her, “I am glad you are finally standing up for yourself. Though it pains me to say this it must be thanks to Sombra’s influence. But this not the time for you to exercise your free will. It is time for you to obey. You cannot walk so I will carry you. If makes you feel better, the Kinku stays. That way Sombra would not be alone when he wakes up. Now hold—” “NO!” I yelled. A blazing sensation came from my chest, causing me to scream. It felt like fire burning my heart as I closed my eyes to the pain. A flash of light burned through my eyelids. I heard a cry and a crash followed after. I cracked open an eye. My eyes flew open to find a wall that were a swirling mass of deep purple and black. On this wall was words of silver in a language that was older then time itself. The letters danced and twirled to a song I couldn’t hear. I looked over to Pierre. His eyes were wide, and he was trembling. “Pierre, d-do y-you k-know what this wall is?” I stuttered as looked back at the wall. Luna and Celestia were no where in sight. I turned around, fearing the worst. To my utter, relief Sombra was still there. His head was completely formed but he was missing his mane. He looked like he was just sleeping. That was good. “This not good,” Pierre cried, “this is not good at all! MIDNIGHT, TAKE IT DOWN! TAKE IT DOWN NOW!” “Why?” I asked. Worry began to flood my bone as Pierre started to vibrate with fear. “Do you know what this is? If you do, please tell me now.” In the corner of my eye, I notice a silhouette of cat with glowing purple eyes standing at the edge of the wall. I felt uncomfortable as the unblinking gaze bore into my skin. Pierre once brown eyes was now a stony gray, becoming lighter by the second, “It is called a barrier. A powerful spell. A spell that only a few could cast. The Ethereals. Priests of Void. Conquerors of the Void’s creations. And you, My Lord’s Lady, have just cast it. And only you can bring it down.” The cat smile sharply at his words. It became more opaque as its smile grew. Grey fur stood out dramatically against the swirling wall. The cat lifted its tar-dipped paw to cover its ever-growing smile. A silver arrow wrapped around its wrist. I notice that its hind leg, which it was solely standing on, was also dip in tar like substance up to its knees. Purple claws pierced the stone floor. “My Lord’s Lady?” I barley heard Pierre’s words over the manic giggles of the cat. You are not afraid of me. This is most interesting. A voice stated inside my head. It sounded like the melding of male and female voices. The last one went mad with fear, but not you. You. You are simply curious, a tad uncomfortable, but curious. You are most interesting, Ethereal, most interesting. With those words the cat disappeared with a pop. Pierre’s voice was jumbled under the ringing that had overtaken my hearing. I shook my head to clear the noise. I squinted my eyes in concentration to the spot the cat was. “Piiieeerrreee?” I asked drawing out the words, “Did you see anything weird?” “No, my Lord’s Lady, I did not.” Pierre said, “Is everything alright?” “Yes, everything is fine.” I said waving off his concerns, “I thought I saw something. So, how do we take this barrier down?” I studied the swirling mass and was becoming mesmerized by it. It was so pretty. “Well, I cannot take it down,” Pierre grumbled, crossing his arms in the process, “Only you can do that.” “Ok… How do I take it down?” I asked, “Because you are so knowledgeable.” “I may be knowledgeable, but I am not all knowing.” Pierre said, “There are some things, though I loathe to admit it, that I simple do not know. Ethereals and their magic are just not in the Kinku’s archives. In other words, I do not know how to help you take down the barrier.” He sighed as he leaned back on my flank. He started to rub the space between his eyes. Pierre looked very frustrated at not knowing how he could help. I honestly felt bad. “At least we are not leaving Sombra,” I half heartly joked, trying my best to put a smile on his face. He grimaced. “Yes, but we will not go anywhere any time soon until this magical wall is brought down.” He said as he flicked his wrist towards our current problem, “Nothing is going to come in and nothing is coming out. and if we are not careful, our air supply will run out. From my knowledge this is true. It is an impenetrable dome of magic. Since the alicorns cannot hear us and we are stuck here, it is time for you to answer my question.” His silvery eyes bore into mine as I racked my brain for the answer. But I have a question of my own. And I am not about have it go unanswered. “I thought that you had brown/golden eyes. Why are your eyes silver now?” I asked in hope of stalling until I have the answer to the question I have forgotten. He narrowed his eyes at my question. I think he knows that I’m stalling. I don’t think he is going to give me an answer. “My eyes are silver because of the great fear that is flowing in my veins at the moment,” He said, surprising the heck out of me. “The fear for you, my Lord’s Lady, for your life is in great peril. Because your blood, your flesh, and your spirit can be used in horrendous spells. Spells that can destroy the fabric of reality in a region. Or grant immortality to a mortal, but will be cursed to consume the flesh of the innocents in order to survive. You no longer belong to Harmony. You belong to Void. May Harmony have mercy on the souls who actively seek Ethereals for their flesh for Void, most certainly would not. Void selfishly hoards the Ethereals, according to legend. I do not know why and now I have an incentive to know. I gave you my answer to your question, now give yours. Quit stalling, Midnight.” “What was the question?” I asked sheepishly. Pierre groaned in frustration. I think that he might want to murder me at the moment. “Do you love Sombra or not?” “If love is not wanting the being you care about hurt or wanting them to be happy? Then yes, I do.” I answer, “If love is wanting to be with them and knowing that they are alright? Then yes. If it is being willing to put your life on the line so that they may live another day? Then yes. If love is all those things, then yes, I love Sombra. I love Sombra and would do anything for him.” I sighed as I felt tears well up, “But being romantically in love with him? I can’t. Though I want to be, I can’t. We are two different species and most likely incompatible. Besides, he is my teacher and that would be weird for us to be together. I will be content with having my unrequited love. I recently came to this conclusion when I stood up to Celestia. Why would I stand up for Sombra if I didn’t have some form of love? I also had come to the conclusion that Sombra and I cannot have a romantic kind of love because of everything.” I smiled softly as I looked to the ground, “So I will be content to love him from afar and wait until he liberates me from my servitude. Are you satisfied now, Pierre?” “Most indubitably,” he said with a nod. I gave him a small smile, but I didn’t stop looking at the ground. There’s still the problem with the swirling wall, but I don’t want to deal with it right now. I’m so tired. I want to go to sleep. I guess I’ll use Sombra as a pillow. I mean he is right there doing nothing, might as well make him useful. I scooched closer to his side and got comfortable as I laid my head on his leg. As I closed my eyes, I heard a groan. My head shot up and my eyes widen. I saw and felt Sombra roll over, groaning in the process. His red eyes peaked under hooded eyelids as he lifted his head sleepily. He looked around in confusion. I squealed in delight as I clapped my hooves together. “Ow, Ms. Star, that hurts,” he grumbled sleepily, “Can you tone down the volume?” “Sorry,” I quickly apologized as I lowered my voice. He was awake! He was awake! Thank Harmony, Sombra is awake! This was the best news ever! “Better,” Sombra said, “Now can anypony tell me where we are at?” “My Lord, it is good that you are awake.” Pierre said with a bow, “We currently in a cave in the Andonis region close the Everfree forest.” “We are not in a cave,” Sombra said as he rapped his wing around me, “We are in a barrier created by a distraught Ethereal. We must find out who they are and hide them. I will not have Void blaming me for something else. Now, Midnight, why do I sense that you are hurt. Stand in front of me so that I may attend to your wounds.” He lifted his wing and used it to nudge me forward. I did not like that. I want to go back under his wing again. It’s warm and I feel safe under there. “Well, it is hard to walk when you have a broken leg, so,” I laughed. I hoped that he wouldn’t be mad at me for that. It was technically not my fault. Red magic enveloped me and lifted me in the air. My broken leg screamed in pain as it was moved from its original position. I grimaced at the pain as I was move in front of him. I opened my eyes when I heard him softly sing: “‘Hunan blentyn, are fy mynwes, Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon; Breichiau mam sy'n dyn amdanat, Cariad mam sy dan fy mron; Ni chaiff dim amharu'th gyntun- ‘“ Golden light shone in my peripheral vision as I stared at Sombra’s closed eyes. His smooth baritone lulled me into a sense of peace. I smiled to myself as I listen to him sing. I guess that the only way for me to hear him sing is to become hurt one way or an another. “’ -Ni wna undyn â thi gam; Huna’n dawel, annwyl blentyn, Huna’n fwyn ar fron dy fam.’” The light faded as he sang the last note. We smiled at each other as I felt Sombra take off the bandages. His smile faded as he tilted his head to the side. Then I was suddenly spun around. I heard Sombra growl. “No, no, Midnight,” I heard him say in horror, “what have you done?”