It was a dark month for the residents of Canterlot. News had spread about Princess Luna becoming romantically involved with one of the royal guards and many gave their congratulations to the happy couple. Tia had been most happy for Luna as well as Sombra. Even Discord was happy and proud for the loving couple.
Now why is this sad you ask? Two weeks ago, they finally were moving the griffon rebel from their prisons back to the Griffon colony so that he could be punished their own way. There was a small mistake. The Griffon’s had cut the rebel’s bonds in order to place him into chains and he lashed out. He maimed several guards and killed three others.
Luna’s romance was among the casualties. She found out from Sombra when he walked in holding a bloodied helm and tears in his eyes with a mournful expression. There were no words to be said as Luna broke down, crying out for her fallen love.
Three days later the funeral was attended by all the royal guards he worked with, along with Sombra, Tia, Luna, and even Discord. They all stood around the coffin, all draped in black clothing. Luna was unable to cry by then and she floated flowers onto the coffin silently before some ponies used their magic to float the coffin into the ground.
It was a dark day for everypony as the last of the dirt was piled onto the coffin. all the others left leaving only Tia, Sombra, Discord and Luna standing at the gravestone of the guard marked.
Here lies Golden Shield
Royal guard to the Princesses
Gave his life to protect them and make sure no harm befell them.
Love to Luna
Friend to all
May he rest in peace
Sombra put a hoof on Luna’s shoulder and took a shaky breath in before saying. “Luna, I am... So sorry that this happened.”
“It isn’t your fault.” Luna said quietly.
“No, if you are going to blame anyone, blame me.” Sombra said sadly. “I shouldn’t have let him go on that mission.”
“He wanted to go, and he was a guard, you couldn't have stopped him either way.” Luna said. Sombra just sighed and shook his head before gently wrapping his hooves around Luna and bringing her into a loving hug.
“I am still sorry for what happened. If it makes you feel any better, the griffon was... Dealt with.” Sombra said turning slightly green. “He’s not going to harm anypony else again.”
“That doesn't make me feel better.” Luna said. Sombra sighed sadly and looked over head as a wave of clouds began to form. He reluctantly let Luna go and stood up properly.
“Come on Luna. Let’s get back home.” Sombra said gently.
“If I hadn’t listened to you about finding a boyfriend, this wouldn’t hurt.” Luna said, standing up and slowly walking away. Sombra's shoulders slumped slightly and he shook his head before giving the headstone one last glance and a small salute before he followed Luna as Tia and Discord followed silently behind them.
“She is just really sad.” Celestia whispered.
“Nooooo, really?” Sombra snarked looking at Celestia with his head hung and a sad tone to his eyes. “If I hadn’t been pushing that stupid idea into her head...”
“It isn’t your fault you wanted her to be happy Sombrero.” Celestia said, using his full name the second guardian had given him.
“Please don’t call me that.” Sombra said as they all walked to the castle.
“Look, Sombra, there was nothing you could have done. You weren’t on that mission and you couldn’t have seen into the future.” Discord said trying to cheer him up.
“That doesn’t help Discord...” Sombra mumbled as he looked at Luna, seeing her depressed. The group of royalty were soon in the castle taking off their funeral garments. Sombra magicked his clothing off and donned his armor again as he walked back to the throne room. He walked over to the throne and stood there with his stoic expression. Luna and Tia walked in and took their seats on the throne as the storm began to take effect.
There was no talking or joking about like usual as the trio sat in the throne room. But the silence was broken when a guard walked through the throne doors and straight up to the princesses.
“Your Highnesses! I have urgent news from our patrols!” He exclaimed with a small look of panic on his features.
“What is it, Sharp Shooter?” Celestia asked as Luna stared off into space while looking out the window at the rain.
“The patrols have found a city in the tundra miles from the city! They said it looked abandoned, but there were noticeable signs of attack. It may have been the griffon rebels from before and we simply didn’t know of them.” The guard said.
“Is it safe for us to search it?” Celestia asked.
“It may be, but I would strongly suggest a few guards just to be safe.” The guard said nodding.
“I will lead the search party.” Sombra said immediately and looking at Celestia. “I shall be taking my best soldiers with me just in case. We will be back soon.”
“I wish to see it.” Luna said, getting out of her stupor.
“Luna you should stay here. I will be back to tell you that it’s safe then you can go see it.” Sombra said as he began to walk towards the exit.
“I still want to go and see it.” Luna said forcefully. Sombra stopped and locked his gaze with Luna as it became a match of glaring. There was a rather eerie silence in the throne room before Sombra finally spoke up.
“Guard, go get the carriage ready. I believe we are going to be having a guest.” Sombra said as he looked away and walked out of the throne room while the guard sprinted off to get things ready.
“You sure you want to do this Luna?” Discord said as he hung from the ceiling.
“Yes I’m sure, I want to see this city.” Luna said looking up at Discord.
“You know he is worried about you, right?” Discord asked.
“I know he is worried, but I still want to see it, he can’t stop me.” Luna said, getting off her throne and using her magic to teleport some stuff to her.
“It’s not the fact that he can’t stop you, it’s the fact he may try.” Discord said hopping from the ceiling to the floor.
“He can try, but it won't work.” Luna said walking out of the room.
“Like I said. It’s him trying that worries me.” Discord said sadly as he walked over to the throne and sat next to Celestia. “Where did the two fun loving foals those two used to be go?”
“Hiding under the guise of a princess and a guard that wishes to protect his little sister.” Celestia said.
“...I just hope it all works out in the end.” Discord said hanging his head in sadness. “This family is going to break apart soon if we don’t work things out.”
“I hope it does too.” Celestia said as day court started.
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Sombra walked alongside the carriage as it was being pulled and surrounded by five other guards. Soon the sight of a large towering city, seemingly made of crystal, became apparent. The group approached the city and looked upon the large arch that was the entrance before the guards unhooked themselves from the carriage and Sombra opened the door.
“You sure you want to be here?” Sombra asked for most likely the hundredth time.
“Yes I am sure.” Luna said, stepping out of the carriage. Sombra just sighed and took his small group of troops to surround Luna and they all began to march into the city. It was as if it was a ghost town of nothing but dust and the occasional ray of sunlight skittering across the crystal roads.
“This is kinda creepy.” One of the guards commented as he looked around.
“The griffons raided this city, how else is it supposed to look?” Another hissed.
“Shut up all of you!” Sombra said as his head jerked to a road to the left of them. “Did anyone else hear that?”
“Hear the silence of the city?” Luna asked dryly.
“Shush!” He hissed looking at Luna before his ears swiveled around. They perked up in a single direction before he began galloping towards the massive castle a block away from them. The guards were stunned for a moment before they all began to follow closely behind. Soon they all arrived at the castle as Sombra looked around with a face of determination.
“Okay, search this lower floor, I am going up a floor.” Sombra said as he walked to the stairs and disappeared as all the guards shrugged and began to search the lower floor. Luna walked away from the guards who were engrossed in searching the lower floor and followed after Sombra.
There was an eerie silence as Sombra sneaked around the upper flooring, his ears swiveling around to pick up any noise. Occasionally his ears would snap in a direction and he would follow whatever he was hearing. This carried on before he walked into a room and went under a bed.
“What are you doing?” Luna asked as she watched him. Sombra let out a small yelp before the bed rose an inch or two off the floor while he groaned. After that there was a small giggle that followed his groan. Sombra pulled himself out from under the bed while a small pink alicorn filly with Magenta, Purple, and Creamy yellow striped mane crawled out after him. The small filly hid behind his legs while he rose up and rubbed his head.
“Ow...” He said looking at Luna with an annoyed expression.
“What?” Luna asked.
“You made me smash my head into that bed.” Sombra said before he turned back and picked up the small filly in his arm. “What are you doing up here anyway?”
“I wanted to look with you.” Luna said shrugging.
“Yeah well, I found somepony.” Sombra said turning back and showing the small filly curled up in his grip.
“She is so cute!” Luna exclaimed.
“Easy! Don’t scare her! Lord knows how long she has been hiding.” Sombra said as he put the filly on his back and watched her yawn. He smiled a little and began to walk out of the room. “Come on, let’s get her out of here.”
“Ok.” Luna said, walking out after him. The guards had found no one else in the palace as Sombra walked back down. He told them to send word for a few more search parties to scour the entire city for anypony else before he walked back to the carriage and got inside with the sleeping filly in his arms. Luna got in after him and two guards latched themselves on before they began to head back to Canterlot.
“Poor little girl...” Sombra said looking down at the filly. “I wonder how long she has been in there hiding...”
“Couldn’t have been too long, she doesn't look starved.” Luna observed.
“Still must have been terrifying for her.” Sombra said shaking his head. “But here is something interesting. She is like you and Tia. Both wings and a horn.” He gently used a hoof to extend one of her wings before he retracted it back against her side.
“That is interesting, how old do you think she is?” Luna asked.
“Oh I don’t know... Four, maybe five?” Sombra said looking at Luna. “But that’s not important. What is, is where are her parents.”
“I don't think they made it.” Luna said quietly. Sombra just sighed and took off his cape before wrapping the filly up in it before looking at Luna again.
“This is one of the drawbacks of being a guard I guess.” Sombra chuckled quietly.
“Saving fillies?” Luna asked.
“Naw, saving fillies with no parents.” Sombra said frowning slightly before looking at Luna. “And then being the one to tell them.”
“I think she might already know, we don’t know if the griffons killed them in front of her or not.” Luna said.
“Don’t you think we would have found them searching for her? No one just leaves their kid to fend for themselves.” Sombra said as he quietly stroked the little one's mane. “Let’s just see what Tia wants to do. She may want to keep her close because she is an Alicorn.”
“Alright.” Luna said before silence fell for the rest of the ride.
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The trip was mostly silent, save for Sombra’s sudden quiet snoring as he fell asleep. When they arrived, he levitated the filly out of the carriage and onto his back under his cape as he got out before Luna got out as well. Soon the trio was walking back to the throne room.
“I am telling you this, I am going to be sleeping like a rock later...” Sombra mumbled as he let out another yawn.
“I am too.” Luna said. The three walked into the room to see Blue Hoof complaining about something again. Sombra walked by him and glared at him making him stop talking.
“Tia, we have some urgent news.” He said as he turned to Celestia.
“What is it? Did you find anything at the city?” Celestia asked as her bored expression turned to one of interest.
“Yes we did. But I would rather not it be shown in the presence of this... Fine Gentleman...” Sombra said grinding his teeth.
“But I was not done req-” Blue Hoof was about to complain as Sombra, Luna, and Tia all glared at him. “Eh heh he.... I will just be going now.” WIth that the arrogant pony turned tail and skidded out of the room.
“Tia, before we tell you anything, we didn’t find much. Only one thing and this is it.” Sombra said as he floated the bundle off his cape over and onto Celestia's lap.
“Oh? And what exactly is-” She stopped when she uncovered the filly from the cape and looked as she opened her eyes and stared at her.
“She was the only one we found.” Sombra said mournfully.
“Its better to find one, then to not find anything at all.” Celestia said as she patted the filly’s head. The little one giggled happily before she looked around in awe.
“This isn’t the crystal castle...” The little filly squeaked looking around the room.
“No it isn't, this is Canterlot castle little one, and you’re safe now.” Celestia said soothingly.
“But where is Mommy and daddy?” The little filly asked looking at Celestia with her big eyes.
“Uhhh... Let me ask you something first, do you know what happened before you were left alone?” Celestia asked.
“Well...” The little filly began. “I was just playing in my room when mommy and daddy came in all worried about something and told me to go to their room and hide. So I was rushed in there and went under the bed before I heard somepony yelling and something being dragged away. They must have been pretty upset because I heard stuff falling and breaking for a while...”
“And just like that my heart died...” Sombra muttered.
“I feel sorry for being right...” Luna muttered as she sat in her throne.
“Well little one... Your parents won’t be coming back, they...Wished for us to take care of you from now on.” Celestia choked out. The little filly merely looked up at her for a moment before realizing what she had said and began to tear up. she covered her eyes with her hooves and slowly and quietly began to sob into Celestia’s fur.
“Yeah, I just died....” Sombra said lowering his head so he was practically dragging his head along the ground.
“It’s ok, it's ok, you're alright.” Celestia said soothingly as she rocked the filly in her arms.
“Shall I send for the servants to prepare a room?” Sombra asked as he struggled not to start crying himself.
“Yes please.” Celestia mouthed as she rocked the filly. Sombra only nodded and walked over to the door and quietly telling the nearest maid about what they needed. She nodded and walked off and Sombra walked back.
“The room shall be prepared in a little bit.” Sombra said.
“Ok.” Celestia said before looking down at the filly, “Can you tell me what your name is please?” She asked.
“C-Cadence...” Cadence whimpered out as she kept her head in Celestia’s fur.
“Thats a pretty name.” Celestia said quietly. There was silence in the throne room before a maid came and told them of the room being ready.
“Shall I take her, or would you like to?” Sombra asked looking at Celestia.
“I think I will take her, is that ok with you?” Celestia asked, looking at the filly. Cadence only nodded as Sombra pointed to the maid outside.
“She’ll take you to the room.” He said plainly.
“Ok.” Celestia said as she used her magic to lightly take Cadence off her chest and onto her back, then walked after the maid.
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The maid, whose name was Clean Dust, brought Celestia to the room where Cadence would be staying and looked at the filly sadly as she continued to sniffle on Celestia’s back.
“This is the room, its close to your bedrooms so you can check on her, I have to go now.” Clean Dust said as she trotted away. Celestia sighed and opened the door before using her magic to put Cadence down on the already made bed.
The little filly only sniffled a bit more as she slumped onto the bed.
“Cadence.” Celestia said as she walked over to her. The little filly only looked up at her with puffy and red tear filled eyes.
“I am sorry about what happened, but you are ok and we will keep you safe.” Celestia said, lightly putting a hoof on Cadence’s head.
“P-promise?” Cadence asked slightly whimpering.
“I promise.” Celestia said before taking her hoof off Cadence’s head and backing away from the bed. Cadence sniffled a bit more and wiped her eyes clear of the tears before giving a weak smile.
“Thank you...” She said.
“Your welcome.” Celestia said quietly. The little filly quickly walked off the bed and over to Celestia before she hugged Celestia’s leg tightly as if she didn’t want to let go before looking up at her.
“Tell the nice blue pony and the weird grey metal pony I said thank you too, pwease?” Cadence said.
“I will tell them.” Celestia said, smiling slightly. The little filly smiled widely before letting go and going over to the bed and jumping up onto it and walking over to the pillow before laying down and yawning. Celestia silently said goodnight before she left the room and kept the door open before walking back to the throne room.
“How is she?” Sombra asked as Celestia walked back to her throne.
“She is better now, and she told me to say thank you to you and Luna.” Celestia said sitting down.
“Heh... That’s sweet.” Sombra said smiling slightly.
“The cutest thing was that she thought you were made of metal.” Celestia said smiling. Sombra just tapped his armor covered chest before saying.
“What are you talking about? I totally don’t look like I am made of metal!” Sombra joked while rolling his eyes.
“Hey guys!... What the buck? I am gone for two minutes and there is a new alicorn filly in the house?” Discord said as he floated out of the floor.
“You were gone longer than that.” Luna said.
“Well it felt like two minutes.” Discord huffed as he crossed his arms.
“The filly’s name is Cadence, and she told us that her parents are...gone.” Celestia said quietly.
“Oh... Well I guess we all have something in common then.” Discord said sadly.
“Our parents aren’t dead Discord.” Sombra said.
“That is true. But still. Let’s just make sure the filly is taken care of alright?” Discord said looking at all of them.
“I promised her that we would Discord.” Celestia said
“I want to see what Cadence says when she sees you.” Luna said thoughtfully as she looked at Discord.
“Oh she will get a laugh outta me.” Discord said rolling his eyes. “Probably scream in fright.”