The halls were empty, as they typically were this time of night. The few guards that patrolled weren’t particularly interested in this side of the castle during the darkest hours. It wasn’t as if there was much to protect over here, though I knew they were prone to wandering, just in case.
Not that I was too worried about being caught, I knew the routes and even had a few excuses ready for if I was. I doubt anypony would suspect me of doing anything shady, I was Princess Twilight’s ace student after all, and nopony knew of the secrets I held. There was no reason to suspect anything.
Though, as I quietly entered the throne room, careful as to keep the large door from creaking, I realized that I was probably about to look like I was losing my mind.
Waiting to hear the door latch, I took a deep breath, turned to the empty room and then promptly shouted, “What is wrong with you?”
Laughter erupted before me, but I stood unflinching and unimpressed as Sombra materialized on the throne. The shadows in the room rippled, a view that would’ve terrified me moons ago, but was now something I’d grown used to.
“Nothing wrong with a little fun, now is there?” He asked with a grin, oh so proud of himself, “You all shouldn’t have left yourselves open.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be trying to keep your existence secret?”
“Pah.” He waved a hoof in doubt, “Twilight’s too much of a skeptic to believe in us.”
“Okay, maybe not her, but what about the others? What if they had suspected something?”
At that, Sombra made a face. I wasn’t sure what he was feeling, perhaps uncertainty? Though I wouldn’t doubt my teacher’s lack of belief without solid evidence, a few of her friends might have been a bit more suspicious. Pinkie, and perhaps even Mother, certainly felt as if they’d be more aware of strange happenings.
“No one suspects anything,” Sombra assured. Somehow, I didn’t believe him, but I didn’t get the chance to question him before he changed the subject, “But enough of that, what have you been up to recently?”
I’d let the change of topic slide this time.
“Making friends, doing some studying, learning new spells,” I answered, “Not much to say, I’m afraid. I did get one of my friends into a rather interesting hobby though.”
Sombra tilted his head slightly, “And what would that be?”
I suppressed a grin, “Ghost hunting.”
“Ah, so this is just a game to you?” He said it in good humor, a small smile of his own hidden as he hopped out of his seat, “So how many of these new friends were hunted down then?”
“I can assure you that all my Ponyville friends are among the living.”
“If you say so.”
His ears twitched, and he turned away to someone unseen. They must’ve said something, because Sombra returned in kind, though his voice was less than a whisper. He even faded a bit as he spoke, leaving me to myself for the moment. This was all well and good, because I knew there was something else I’d wanted to talk to him about, but in my earlier frustration I’d completely forgotten about it.
“Everything alright?” I asked, once his attention was back on me.
“Yes, just keeping track of the creatures outside,” He waved a hoof, dismissing the topic, “Anything else worth noting? Any interesting scenery, perhaps?”
“Sorry, just Ponyville, Canterlot, and Everfree.” I knew he was a bit curious about locations, I imagine it would be hard not to be when you’re stuck in an eternal prison, “I have been trying to figure out a new spell, though I haven’t quite figured out how to work it yet.”
His ears perked, “What sort of spell?”
“I’m trying to figure out a spell so I can see spirits!” I exclaimed it happily, but Sombra’s good mood seemed to have gone at what I’d just said. I couldn’t be sure why, but I tried to reassure him, “It’s so you don’t have to exert so much energy. I thought you’d be happy to know this.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’d rather you not. It’s something of an invasion of privacy, plenty of spirits haven’t revealed themselves to you for a reason.”
“I know, but-”
“Luster Dawn.”
I silenced myself, lowering my head. How did he manage to sound so much like Mother with that tone of his?
“Delving into the specifics of death is not something a mortal among the living, such as yourself, should be doing. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sombra.”
Temptation to rebel against his orders was strong, but both Mother and Princess Twilight had already taught me well to not focus on what you can’t control. Be it time, or in this case, death, it was not mine to meddle with. Though, unlike time travel, I had a reason to be curious about spirits.
I’d think about it.
Silence befell us for the next few moments, the happy reunion somewhat soured. I tried to think of something else to say, before Sombra faded away for the night, but other than talk of Ponyville, I had nothing. Perhaps I could tell him about my friends and I’s trip to Everfree, I’d dismissed it earlier but he could still be interested.
“Did you want to hear about my trip to the Everfree Forest?”
Sombra’s ears perked, but his gaze seemed to avoid me entirely. Did he need to rest? He probably had exerted a lot of energy earlier.
“Or not. I guess we can talk tomorrow?” I turned to leave, but Sombra rushed in front of me, motioning the other way.
“Behind the throne,” He demanded, “Hide.”
“What?”
“Hide.”
His tone was serious, so I obeyed. Rushing behind the throne, my tail barely swished around before I heard the room’s large doors swing open. I needed to come up with an excuse for why I was in here, quickly. But I had to know who had barged in first. Hopefully Gallus was running a late shift, he always seemed agreeable.
“I think it’s about time I consider retiring.”
That was not Gallus.
“Don’t be an idiot, you’re like this every year.”
That was not Gallus either. I did know both voices, though I wasn’t thrilled to hear them.
“And every year I get older, don’t I?” Deadbolt shot back, tone aggressive, “It’s only natural to want to quit, especially when nothing ever happens anymore.”
“And leave your wife and children to a fate of homelessness?” Flicker Fade asked, an innocence to her voice that didn’t seem to fit. There was a silence from her before speaking again, assumedly from an inaudible response from Deadbolt, “What? Do you really think you’re going to make a living growing mushrooms?”
“Oh shut up, you and the rest of the kitchen staff buy them in bulk every couple of weeks. It’s gotta count for something.”
“Princess Twilight requests we purchase them, and I’m betting she does it out of pity. We hardly manage to use up half of them before they rot.”
“Then use them faster. If you haven’t noticed, produce is prone to rotting.”
Someone sighed beside me, and I jumped at the almost-realization of being caught, before it clicked that the voice had only been Sombra. I couldn’t see him right now, but I could feel his chill, and hear his faint whispers.
“This is an incredibly mundane conversation,” He said.
I mostly agreed with him. There was a surprising amount of tension in such an argument, and I was beginning to wonder if I should make myself known. I still had to come up with an excuse, perhaps I could just say I was admiring the stained glass in the moonlight?
Ugh, no. That was just dumb, but it was the best I could come up with. It was incredibly difficult to think with those two arguing behind me. Maybe they’d just leave? What were they even doing in the throne room, were they just here to argue?
“Look, even if I were to retire, I wouldn’t be forcing Bella to give up her farm,” Deadbolt explained, “I just want to get out of this city, not force my wife to give up her talent.”
“Fascinating words from the Unicorn who lies about his own talent.” There was the sound of a magic blast, and a surprised yell from Flicker, “Stop that! Do you want to destroy the throne room?”
“If it gets me fired, maybe.”
Sombra growled beside me. It’s a bit of a surprise that he hadn’t tried to scare them off yet.
“Are you really still going to complain about that?”
“Yes!”
Another blast of magic, and another cry of surprise. I was torn between running out and yelling at them, and hiding further. After the sound of hooves against what I could only assume was another pony’s body, I chose the latter, wordlessly begging Sombra to do something.
He still didn’t.
“Get over yourself, Bolt! It’s been what, twenty years? And you’re suddenly feeling guilty now?”
“No!” He answered far too quickly, though I had no idea what he was even guilty of, “How are you not?”
“Because it’s in the past,” Flicker scoffed. I could practically see her tail flicking. “I’d have thought you of all ponies would be grateful after all this time. I mean, you were awfully quick to go after Bella, once everything was settled.”
“I was comforting her.”
Flicker laughed. Sombra growled. I trembled.
“Oh please, you wanted her, didn’t you?” I heard hoofsteps, they didn’t seem too close, but Flicker was definitely moving, “But protective ol’ Jackie wouldn’t let you have her, would he?”
Jackie? Who were they talking about? It couldn’t have been Applejack. I knew her well enough, and this story didn’t quite feel like one she was a part of.
Another growl from Sombra, and I felt like he knew something.
A sudden yelp, followed by an echoed crash, and I barely suppressed a yelp. Deadbolt had just shot a blast of magic again, hadn’t he?
“Can’t you just stay quiet?” He shouted.
Can’t you just go away? I thought
“Why, afraid you’re gonna get caught?” Another blast, and a playful giggle from Flicker, “As far as anypony knows, he ran off years ago. You’re happily married to that dirty little farm pony, and no one suspects a thing.”
What were they talking about? There were some implications there I didn’t like.
For some reason, Deadbolt didn’t respond. Not with words or with magic, though even without looking, I could tell that Flicker was egging him on.
“Aw, are you sad?” She mocked him in a baby voice, and I heard his magic spark, “Do you miss your fwiend? Do you want to talk to the Pwincess of Fwiendship about it?”
Oh, I hate her a lot more just for that.
Deadbolt responded much more calmly than I would have, though what he said was less than expected, “Don’t act like it was my fault, you had just as much to do with his death as I did.”
Death?
“And yet it was you who finished the job. Now, tell me again, where did you hide the body?”
Body? Did she…
No.
“That’s none of your business.”
Oh no.
“A bit of a shame, really. I’m sure Jackie’d have made some fine fertilizer.”
Oh no.
My hooves covered my mouth as I gasped, horrifyingly aware of what and who they must have been talking about, but it wasn’t enough. Flicker and Deadbolt went silent, and I closed my eyes as a quiet expletive escaped Sombra. I couldn’t help but relate to that.
“Someone’s in here,” Deadbolt said, voice cold.
“Oh, now what gave you that idea?”
“Shut up, before I silence you myself,” He threatened, getting a snicker from Flicker and another hushed gasp from me, “Reveal yourself!”
Hoofsteps began to approach me.
What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
“This is all your fault,” He spat, no doubt toward Flicker as she snickered again, “Reveal yourself, this instant!”
Deadbolt’s voice was closer. I tried to hide, I tried to squish myself as far against the throne as I could, eyes closed. There was little doubt that he was going to kill me. I was going to die. I knew too much.
“Don’t scream.”
My eyes shot open at Sombra’s voice, but I didn’t get the chance to question him as a loud thud sounded beside me, and I fell.
I might have screamed.
Though that’s probably fair when you’re falling down a death chute.
I’m falling so fast it’s so dark-am I on a slide?
If I’d had any thought of analyzing the situation, I actually didn’t because the fall was over about as quickly as it had begun, and I opened my apparently closed eyes to see absolutely nothing. Because I was trapped alone in a pitch black room.
This was not reassuring to me, not after learning that I’m residing in the castle with a couple of murderers who wanted me dead now too. I’d yell at Sombra if it weren’t for the fact I was afraid of revealing myself, and I had no idea where he even was. I have no idea where I am.
Should I move? Would Deadbolt or Flicker Fade follow me? Did they know about this trap door? Was this the basement? Are there bloodthirsty spirits down here?
I decided it was worth the risk.
“Sombra?”
I was greeted with silence.
“Sombra?”
There was a shift in temperature, and I felt a draft. This was not a good time for theatrics, Sombra.
“Are you Luster Dawn?”
The best thing I can describe the noise that came out of my mouth would be ‘squeak’. That was not Sombra, this voice was far too gentle. I was hesitant to answer, but what was the worst that could happen?
“Yes?”
“How wonderful!” The voice was suddenly cheery, which actually did nothing to calm my fears, “King Sombra has mentioned you a few times. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“I wish I could say the same, but I can’t really see you in the dark.” Reluctantly, I ignited my horn. It did nothing to reveal the spirit talking to me, but it did reveal my location. It looked like a dungeon. “Who are you?”
“Oh, right!” The spirit formed, a pale yellow doe with wings and claws. A Peryton. “My name is Eucalyptus. I’m bound to the dungeons, so I can’t really go too far from here.”
This was a lot to take in. Mostly the fact I was actively talking to a creature I’d thought was a myth just a few months ago, albeit the spirit of one. It was a little bit awe inspiring, and I wanted to ask her so many questions, but now was not the time.
All I managed to get out of my mouth was a simple, “It’s nice to meet you too.”
Eucalyptus faded, probably to conserve strength, but she continued to talk with me, “What are you doing down here?”
“It’s a long story. Can Sombra come down to the dungeons?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“I kinda need him right now.”
“Oh! I’ll go fetch him.”
The chill faded, and I was left in silence again. Nopony had come down the death chute thus far, so I was probably safe, but I was still trapped in the dungeons all alone. Of course, Eucalyptus probably wasn’t the only spirit down here, but I wasn’t exactly eager to meet more of the creatures that died in the dungeon. Chances were good that a few of them would be less than friendly.
What was I even going to do when I got out? Did Deadbolt and Flicker Fade recognize my scream? Was it even safe to leave the dungeon? Nopony used it anymore, but if anypony did, it would be a murderer, right?
Were there dead bodies down here?
Nope. Not even thinking about it. Disgruntled spirits were one thing, I am not going to think about rotting corpses.
I didn’t want to be down here. But I didn’t want to be up there, either. Somepony wanted to hurt me now, why wouldn’t they? I knew something that I wasn’t supposed to know.
“Dang it, Sombra, where are you?”
I didn’t feel safe. I needed somepony to make me feel safe, and Sombra did that.
It was so tempting to shout, to call out to anyone, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to stay hidden, I had to try and stay calm. I was failing at that last one.
“Luster!”
Oh thank Twilight.
“Sombra!” I couldn’t see him, he hadn’t fully formed himself, “Where are you?”
“I’m here.” I felt his chill, and it calmed me slightly, “I’m right beside you. Are you okay?”
“Not really.”
“I figured that much, you’re crying. How about physically?”
“Crying?” I wiped my eyes with my arm. Sure enough, it came back damp, “Physically, yes.”
“Good. Follow me.”
He formed beside me, just enough so I could see a shadow in the darkness. It was rather ominous, but knowing it was Sombra reassured me immensely. There was no telling how capable he would be against somepony alive, but his presence alone was enough to get my heartrate down.
I still didn’t feel entirely safe though, what was I supposed to do when we got back out? I couldn’t just go to bed, I needed to tell somepony about what I heard.
“I need to tell Princess Twilight about what just happened,” I whispered.
“No.”
“What? But we have a murderer in the castle! What if he tries to-”
“That’s not what I meant,” Sombra interrupted, “You’re just not going to tell her anything yet. I’m sure it’s tempting, but I need to settle something else first.”
“But what if they go after somepony else?” Like Princess Twilight’s friends, Lil’ Cheese, my parents, “They’re all in danger!”
“They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”
He stopped at a wall, either passing through it, or just fading away. I paused at it, dimming my horn, unsure what to do.
“Sombra?”
“I’m still here,” He confirmed, “This wall is a trap door, but I don’t want you to activate it just yet. I’m going to fetch someone to escort you to your room.”
“Who?”
“The only pony that can help us in this situation.”
He was gone before I could question him further.