Umbra awoke with a gasp. His breathing was heavy and he was covered in sweat. Umbra's heart pounded in his chest.
Waking up like this was becoming a recurring thing.
Sombra's words echoed in his head, "Your dreams will be tormented without restraint by fear."
No doubt his dream was Sombra's work. Umbra remembered what he saw in his dream. Pinkie Pie snapping her head all the way around. The empty holes in her head that drained blood down her face. Her stained red hooves that suggested she clawed her own eyes out. In the end it turned out to be him without eyes.
The memory sent shivers down Umbra's back, goosebumps forming along his legs. He felt sick to his stomach as he remembered the sounds of her neck cracking and snapping.
The unicorn shivered and shook his head. He didn't want to think about it any longer.
Umbra looked out his small window. The forest was dark and misty. Above the thick forest canopy, Umbra could see stars shining against the night sky. The full moon illuminated what it could and sent shadows across the forest floor.
Umbra sighed. It was the middle of the night. He had only been asleep for a couple of hours.
He didn't want to go back to sleep though. Sombra certainly wasn't lying when he said he would fill Umbra's dreams with fear.
Umbra hated admitting it to himself, but he knew he was afraid of what might be in his next dream. His last dream wasn't too bad but that didn't mean they would all be like that.
He looked at the white knife in the floor. It stared back at him. An unusual feeling came over him as they stared at each other.
Umbra shook the thought away and stepped outside, sitting just outside his little shelter. He looked out into the forest. He noticed how calm everything seemed. The only noise was that of the tree branches swaying in the breeze. The forest floor danced with the shadows of the branches and the glow of the moon.
Everything was so peaceful.
The forest itself was very dark. Umbra couldn't see very far past the trees around him. He thought about what was beyond the darkness. Predators, monsters, other ponies: the darkness could be concealing anything.
That didn't bother him though. He didn't care that a monster could possibly be watching him, waiting for the right moment to strike. He didn't have the energy to care anymore.
Umbra found a peace of mind in the quiet forest, a sort of serenity that came from his surroundings. The glistening stars overhead, the abundance of life around him, the peaceful silence, everything made him calm.
Being alone in the dark forest made him content. It gave him time to think. Time to reflect on himself and what he was doing.
Without anypony around, he felt as if he didn't have to hide who he was. It was like a mask. A mask that hid who he really was and showed what would be accepted.
Every time he met somepony, they wouldn't be meeting him, they would meet his mask. The mask would tell what they wanted to hear, what would be acceptable to them.
Yet what was underneath that mask didn't change. No matter what his mask showed, he wouldn't change underneath. Underneath, he was still Umbra.
He wondered how long the mask would last. How long it would be until his mask cracked and fell. How long until they could see through it. When they saw what was underneath was the very reason he needed the mask.
Umbra needed it because what the mask concealed wasn't acceptable. Umbra, son of Sombra the evil dictator and king of shadows, wasn't acceptable.
He knew that, and he knew that if he was discovered beneath his mask, he would meet the same fate as his father.
Umbra sighed. "Nopony must ever know who I really am," he told himself.
He would wear his mask to keep it that way.
It was for the best.
At least, that's what he told himself.
Time slowly marched forward, and Umbra spent most of it enjoying the undisturbed tranquility of the forest, losing himself in the wonders it had to offer. He watched as the shadows danced on the forest floor with every sway of the trees in the wind. He marveled at the number of stars visible in the beautiful night sky.
Ultimately he was alone, though it did not bother him. He was perfectly content on his own with only the world to keep him company.
For several hours, he sat outside his shelter and thought quietly to himself, enjoying the peace of the forest. A sharp pain in his belly shook him from his trance; he still hadn't eaten anything. Umbra knew he wouldn't make it much longer without food. He had searched the forest and found nothing. This time, he would go scrounge around Ponyville. He stood up and started for the town, hoping the Pinkie storm was over.
***
Umbra's quick search turned into mad forage. He found nothing around the buildings along the edge of Ponyville. While he needed to find some food, he still needed to remain out of sight and that meant he had to stay around the edges of the town.
After another hour of futile searching, Umbra noticed several organized rows of trees behind a white fence that ran alongside the town. The rows stretched several acres across rolling hills and fields. Upon closer inspection of the trees, Umbra saw tiny buds in the branches. If these trees are budding, maybe some of them might already have fruit.
The thought convinced him to hop over the fence into the orchard. He looked through the tree branches as he walked for any sign of fruit. He searched tree after tree and found nothing. He was so focused on the trees that he didn't notice the first rays of sunshine appear in the sky.
After what seemed like an hour of staring at empty trees, Umbra finally found what he was looking for. A single apple hung in the tree before him. Even in the darkness, Umbra could clearly make out its distinct ruby color against the green leaves on the tree.
He stared at the red fruit that hung a couple feet above his head. A great wave of joy and relief came over him now that he had finally found some food. It had been four days since he last ate; his desperation had finally come to an end.
The first thing his mind told him to do was to grab the apple and eat it right away. Umbra was quick to comply, standing on his back legs and reaching for the fruit. A thought popped into his head as he tried to grab his prize.
"This orchard must be owned by somepony. Wouldn't that make this stealing?"
Umbra's hoof paused in the air, he fell back to all four hooves. His conscience had a point. The orchard was fenced in, it probably does belong to someone. Taking the apple would be stealing.
Umbra sighed. He knew theft was wrong and he would feel guilty about it. Given the circumstances however, Umbra thought it was justifiable. He was on the edge of starvation, he needed that apple.
He stood on his hind legs and reached for the apple a second time. It was just a few inches away.
"Just a bit more..."
He reached as far as he could, his hoof brushing the bottom of the apple.
"HEY! What do ya think yer doin?!"
Umbra gasped, losing his balance and collapsing to the ground as the voice cried out to him. He looked up and saw the dark outline of a pony in the distance. The figure was hunched over and slow as it walked towards him. Its voice hoarse and aged as it yelled.
Only one thought crossed his mind.
Run.
Umbra jumped to his hooves and ran as fast as he could away from the pony. Over his shoulder, he could still hear its shouting.
"Don't let me ever catch you back here again, ya good fer nuthin' varmint!"
Umbra made a beeline for the fence, not once looking back. He hopped over it and ran straight into the town. As he ran down one of the streets, another pony came into view.
Skidding to a halt, Umbra looked for any other place to go. He spotted an alleyway between two buildings just across the street. A stack of empty crates lined one of the walls. Perfect. Umbra darted into the alley and collapsed behind the crates.
The stallion lay on the ground with his heart thumping loudly in his chest. He panted and felt the pain in his stomach slowly return, only this time it was much worse. It was unbearable. Umbra found himself writhing on the ground as the agony continued. It felt like somepony had kicked his gut in.
His heart rate and breathing soon returned to normal but the pain remained. All he could do was clench his belly as it ached and throbbed.
After what seemed like an eternity, the pain faded away, leaving a sore and defeated unicorn slowly breathing on the ground.
Umbra sat up in the alleyway, his spirit broken. He knew his body wouldn't be able to bear another episode like that. If it happened again, it would probably kill him.
The stallion looked up at the sky. The stars and the moon had retired and left room for the early morning rays of the sun to fill their place. The clouds glowed orange with the sunrise as did the sky itself.
Umbra looked back towards the ground and two light green orbs filled his vision. His ears were assaulted by a deafeningly high pitched voice.
"Hey mister! What'cha doin back here?"
Umbra screamed and jumped to his hooves. One of his legs bumped into the bottom crate, sending the stack tumbling on top of him.
Underneath the pile of crates, Umbra heard another voice speak up as well. This voice had a similar high pitched tone but was heavily accented.
"Sweetie Belle! What'd ya do this time?"
"It wasn't me."
"We heard a scream, did you sneak attack someone?" a third voice excitedly asked.
"Uh, kinda, I guess," the first replied.
The box over his head shuffled a bit before lifting away, shedding light over him. The new light revealed three young ponies standing around his exposed head. Each foal wore a hooded black suit that left only their eyes uncovered. Umbra could however see a small white horn sticking out of one of the hoods and a pair of orange wings protruding from another suit.
The one closest to him removed her hood, unveiling a pale white unicorn filly with a swirled, purple and pink mane.
"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to scare you like that," the white filly spoke in a guilt filled voice. Umbra could tell by the expression on her face and the look in her green eyes that she was sincerely sorry.
"It's alright. I think I might have overreacted a little bit," he replied with a small grin. Umbra thought he could hear one of the other foals muttering something about his scream being heard from across the town.
The other two removed their hoods, both of them were fillies as well. One of them was a pale yellow with light orange eyes and a red mane. The other had a shaggy purple mane with matching purple eyes and orange fur.
"Ah don't think Ah've seen ya 'round Ponyville before," the yellow filly stated.
"Yeah, I don't recognize you at all," the orange pegasus added.
The little unicorn's face lit up and she gasped. "Are you from the Crystal Empire? Rarity told me all about it and-"
"No!" Umbra loudly cut her off, making the three fillies flinch.
"I mean... I'm uh... not from around here." he added in a much softer voice and a sheepish grin.
The three foals looked at each other before the unicorn spoke up again.
"Oookay...anyway, my name is Sweetie Belle and this is Applebloom and Scootaloo," she said pointing to the other two who waved at the mention of their names.
"Let's help him out," Applebloom directed.
Umbra himself had forgotten he was still buried underneath a pile of crates. The three fillies each shifted some boxes away, making room for him to stand. As they worked, Sweetie Belle asked him, "So, what's your name mister?"
Realizing he still hadn't told them his name, he quickly informed them. "Oh, it's Umbra."
He stood up and stepped out of the mess. They stared up at the unicorn that towered above them with awe in their eyes.
"Wow, you're really tall, Umbra," Scootaloo said while tilting her head all the way back.
"You might even be taller than Big Mac!" Applebloom added.
"I know! We should introduce him!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, beaming all the while. "We could also show him around town while we're at it!"
Umbra's heart sank. The last thing he wanted to do was meet any more ponies. He didn't feel at all ready to introduce himself to the rest of the town. He also didn't know if anypony else knew about Sombra.
"That's a great idea Sweetie Belle!" Applebloom agreed.
"Maybe we can get our cutie marks as tour guides!" the little orange pegasus added.
The three fillies got together and yelled in unison.
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TOUR GUIDES YAY!!!"
Umbra cringed at the deafening battle cry, his ears flat against his head. Before he could regain his senses and before he could object, Umbra found himself being dragged into the street.
The three fillies pulled and pushed him down the street. He didn't offer very much resistance; he didn't have the energy to do so. All he could do was submit and walk with them.
The quartet passed several ponies in the streets. To his surprise, none of them were at all surprised seeing three young girls in black costumes leading a tall stallion through the town. The biggest reaction they got was a soft chuckle from an empathetic pony.
The group passed out of the town and ran along the edge of the Everfree forest. A small cottage built into the side of a hill came into view. Umbra remembered seeing it when he first entered the forest. Last time the modest house was dormant and inert. As they approached it, nothing about the place seemed inactive. There were animals everywhere. Creatures and fowls of all shapes, sizes and kinds loitered about the small cottage. Umbra wondered how anypony could live with all the chaos.
Umbra looked ahead of the group where they were headed. The fillies were taking him towards a short bridge that transversed a gentle stream. On the bridge ahead, Umbra spotted a pale yellow pegasus mare with a long light pink mane. She sat calmly across the bridge with a forehoof dangling off close to the water, letting the breeze swing it back and forth.
Umbra realized the three fillies were headed right for the pegasus.
"Oh no..." He didn't want to meet anypony. He had plenty of excuses to use but the real reason was he didn't know how to socialize with other ponies, let alone a mare.
Umbra opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Applebloom. "Hey there Fluttershy!"
Umbra sighed to himself, there was no escape now.
"What're you doing?" Scootaloo asked as they approached her.
"Oh, hello girls," the gentle voiced mare said without looking away from the stream. "I've just been enjoying this beautiful day."
"Sounds boring," Scootaloo stated flatly. Fluttershy only chuckled and smiled warmly at her.
"And how have you three been today?"
This time, Sweetie Belle was the one to answer. "We've been doing great! We even made a new friend today!"
Umbra didn't know what to do, he didn't even know if he had been noticed yet. His only thoughts were to remain quiet and let the situation handle itself.
"Really? Who is it?"
"Well, why doesn't he-" Applebloom and Scootaloo started pushing Umbra, much to his surprise, towards the yellow pegasus. "-introduce himself?"
"He?" confused by the filly's words, Fluttershy stood up and faced the group. Umbra put on his best fake smile as the mare turned around. Upon seeing the grey unicorn towering over her, Fluttershy gasped and shrank under his awkward gaze, seeming to forget the three fillies entirely. Umbra was almost twice her size and it seemed she felt a little intimidated.
Scootaloo elbowed Umbra in his gut, prompting him to speak. "Go on!" she whispered loudly. "Tell her your name!"
Umbra looked back at the timid mare who acted as if she could hide completely behind her long pink mane. The extended silence made him uncomfortable so he finally gave in and spoke.
"Uh, hi...I-I'm Umbra," he sputtered out, his voice cracking as he spoke. His words only made the mare shrink further behind her mane.
"Um...hi," her voice was barely audible above the peaceful reticence in the clearing. She never made eye contact with him as she spoke in a near whisper.
A long silence followed leaving Umbra awkwardly staring at the mare who only poked at the ground with a hoof. He didn't really want to be in this situation and it seemed like she didn't either.
"Maybe I can get out of this." Scootaloo jabbed him a second time in the ribs making him wince. "Oh right, them."
"Uh, nice to meet you?" Umbra tried again.
Her only response was an indistinguishable mumble. The only looks she would give were a few side glances through the pink mane that covered her face.
Another long and awkward silence filled the air.
The three fillies all sat off to the side of the confrontation, each looking back and forth from pony to pony, hoping for something to happen. They glanced at each other, silently agreeing that this was a bad idea. Impatience boiled and rose until finally spilling over.
"Oh for the love of Celestia!" Scootaloo yelled in agitation. The sudden eruption from the filly caused both Umbra and Fluttershy to flinch and look at her. Quick as a flash, the young pegasus darted over to Fluttershy and stood next to her.
"Umbra, this is Fluttershy-" she darted to Umbra's side. "-Fluttershy, this is Umbra. Now that everyone's been introduced, lets go!"
Scootaloo began pushing Umbra towards the town. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom shrugged and waved their goodbyes to Fluttershy. They followed the large unicorn being pushed by the small, enraged pegasus back into the town. The yellow mare was left alone, still trying to comprehend what had just happened.
Umbra sighed. He was a little disappointed that he couldn't talk with the mare but at the same time glad that he got to leave that awkward situation. This socializing stuff was tough. It left him feeling not at all better than he felt before if not worse. Being alone was much easier and a lot less distressing.
"Maybe my father was right. Maybe I can't live amongst these ponies." he thought discouraged.
Umbra kept his eyes on the ground at his hooves as he was taken through the town. He lost interest in the pedestrians that might have been staring at him as well as wherever he was being dragged. He just wanted to go leave, to be alone.
***
A large cylindrical building came into view as the group rounded a corner. Large glass windows ran around the building on each floor. The pointed top had to be at least five stories high.
The group approached the front doors where a light brown mare stood looking over a clipboard. She wore glasses and a white collar around her neck that gave her an intelligent appearance. The mare's reading was interrupted by Applebloom.
"Howdy mayor!" she shouted across the courtyard.
The grey maned earth pony looked up from her papers and searched for whoever summoned her. As she caught sight of the three fillies bouncing toward her, a warm smile spread along her face.
"Well hello, children," she spoke with a gentle yet strong voice, the voice of someone who knows how to lead. "What brings you here today?"
"We're giving our new friend a tour of Ponyville! He just moved here!" Sweetie Belle excitedly said as Umbra walked up behind them. The mayor looked up at him. He was afraid the same thing would happen as it did with Fluttershy. The mare opened her mouth to speak and Umbra braced himself for whatever would happen next.
"Oh! You're new in town?"
Umbra nodded without a word.
"Well sir, welcome to Ponyville! I'm sure you will find things here quite well." Her sincere smile made Umbra really feel welcome. For the first time, he felt comfortable around another pony.
"I'm the mayor of this fine town and you're at Town Hall!"
"Hey, I was gonna tell him that!" Scootaloo piped in with disappointment.
The mayor giggled and apologized to the frustrated pegasus before continuing. "So what's your name, sir?"
"U-Umbra," he said, still a bit nervous.
"Well Umbra, I hope you enjoy your stay in our wonderful town!" She turned back to the three fillies, "I have some business I need to take care of, why don't you three show Umbra around the marketplace?"
The three fillies nodded in agreement and started leading Umbra away before the mayor called out to them again.
"Oh, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle! I was meaning to ask if Applejack and Rarity had returned yet."
"Yeah, they got back a few days ago from some place called the Crystal Empire!" Sweetie Belle informed her.
Umbra's ears perked up at the sound of that name. He listened intently though he tried hiding it to keep from looking suspicious.
"The Crystal Empire? I've never heard of it. I hope the trip was safe. Have the others returned as well?"
"Yeah they all got back a couple days ago. Mah sis told me all 'bout it! They helped save the city from an evil dic-tate-er er something like that." Applebloom informed the mayor as well as the eavesdropping unicorn.
"Really?" the mare asked surprised.
"Rarity said his name was uh, Sombrero, I think," Sweetie Belle added while scratching her chin in thought.
"That's not it! Rainbow Dash told me it was Sombra," Scootaloo corrected.
"Yeah that was it!" Sweetie agreed.
"Sounds interesting! Maybe I can get an interview with some of them for the paper," the mayor suggested. "Would you happen to know where any of them are?"
"Um yeah, Applejack is at the farm," Applebloom told her.
"Rarity is in her boutique!" Sweetie Belle piped in.
"I think Rainbow had to go to Cloudsdale for an emergency," Scootaloo informed. "But we know Fluttershy is relaxing outside her cottage!"
The four continued their conversation as Umbra's eyes widened. "Fluttershy was in the Empire and helped defeat Sombra?" Realization hit him like a punch to the gut. He thought she had seemed familiar. Now he knew why. He had seen her along with the other five odd ponies in the Empire. "They all got on the train which must've taken them...here."
Another punch to his gut.
There were six ponies in Ponyville that had been to the Crystal Empire. Six ponies that had possibly seen Sombra. If they had seen Sombra, they could easily mistake Umbra for him. To Umbra that meant there were six ponies he needed to avoid at all costs.
"Who are they though?"
Umbra remembered all the names the fillies had mentioned. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. That was only four. What about the other two? He would have to ask whenever he got the chance.
He thought about his introduction to Fluttershy. "Did she think I was Sombra?" She never reacted like other ponies would if they saw Sombra. She didn't give any hints toward that either. Was there a possibility that she never really saw Sombra? "If she was in the Crystal Empire while Sombra was there, how did she not see him?" Umbra would never know.
"Oh, I'm sure it'll be the best story since the changeling invasion, maybe even the story of the century!" the mayor exclaimed before turning to Umbra, shaking him from his thoughts. "It was nice to meet you, Umbra. I hope you enjoy your stay!"
"Oh... Yeah um, thanks," he said with a forced grin. His mind was more focused on trying to find out the last two ponies he needed to avoid.
"Take care now the four of you!"
She waved to the group before picking up her clipboard and resuming her business. The trio of fillies dragged Umbra down another street. Town Hall disappeared from sight as they ventured further into the town.
Umbra thought about how he would find out who else went to the Crystal Empire. He decided to ask the three girls.
"Uh, out of curiosity, who else went to the Crystal Empire?" he asked cautiously.
Applebloom was the first to answer. "Well ah know Twilight and Spike went with 'em."
"Don't forget Pinkie!" Sweetie Belle added.
"Oh yeah, and Pinkie."
Umbra's heart sank. "D-did you say Pinkie? As in, Pinkie Pie?" He hoped they meant someone else.
"Uh yeah, Pinkie Pie," Applebloom answered sounding a bit confused.
"Oh..." He was afraid of that. Pinkie Pie as well as the other six had been in the Crystal Empire while Sombra was defeated. Not only that, but they helped defeat him as well.
That explained why Pinkie asked if she had seen him before. For some lucky reason however, she didn't confuse him for Sombra. It was the same with Fluttershy. If they were both there, why did they not see Sombra in him?
Whatever reason it was, he needed to stay away from each of the ponies they had named. He wouldn't be able to live in Ponyville if any of them saw him.
Even the first pony Umbra met in the town, the first real friend he ever had, needed to be avoided. It was for his own good that he needed to stay away from Pinkie. He wasn't very happy about that.
"Hey look who it is!" Applebloom shouted, shaking Umbra from his thoughts. She pointed a hoof towards a pony across the street.
Several gold rings ran around her neck and a foreleg. Two large golden earrings dangled from her ears as well. The choice of jewelry wasn't the most peculiar thing about the pony however. Her coat alternated between black and white in the form of stripes that covered her body. Umbra could not tell if she was white with black stripes or black with white stripes. Either way, he had never seen a pony like this.
The three fillies ran after the strange pony. All except Sweetie Belle who was held back by Umbra.
"Hey!" she yelled. "Let go of me!"
"Sorry, but before you go and introduce me to that pony, I just wanna know something," Umbra spoke in a hushed voice. Sweetie Belle looked up at him and nodded understandingly. "What kind of pony is she? I've never seen anypony like her."
"Oh!" she giggled. "You've never seen a pony like her because she isn't a pony! She's a zebra!"
"A what?"
"She's really nice to everyone. She's the only zebra in Ponyville."
Umbra thought about her being the only zebra here. "She's the only one different. Kinda like me. I'm a bit different from the rest of the town. I wonder how the town reacted when she first got here."
Sweetie Belle started tugging at his hoof. "C'mon! You should meet her!"
Umbra sighed and let the little unicorn pull him over to where the other fillies had gone. Scootaloo and Applebloom were already speaking to the zebra by the time they got there. She looked up at Umbra as he approached.
"These fillies tell me of a new pony with quite a large physique. I assume you are whom of which they speak?"
Umbra's mouth dropped as he's heard the zebra talk. Her unique vernacular left him at a loss for words. Even her voice had a strong foreign accent that he had never heard before.
"I'm sure you've heard this question anew," the zebra began. "Tell me, who exactly are you?"
"I-I'm Umbra," the large introvert said with a trembling voice.
"Well Umbra, welcome to Ponyville! You are going to love it here, I'm sure you will."
Umbra smiled, he could tell the zebra was being sincere. He wasn't sure why, but it felt good to be talking to somepony.
"Thanks. Everyone I've met has told me I'd like it here. I think I might believe them now," he said truthfully.
"I apologize, I've forgotten to introduce myself. My name is-"
"Zecora!" a loud voice out of nowhere interrupted the zebra. A voice Umbra knew, one that he was hoping to avoid.
"Hi Pinkie Pie!" Sweetie Belle greeted.
"Hey everypony! What's going on?" Pinkie trotted up to the group.
Umbra was getting worried. He hoped she wouldn't see Sombra. Even though nothing happened the day before, he was still apprehensive.
"Have ya met our new friend, Umbra?" Applebloom asked.
"I sure have!" She giggled, turning to Umbra and winking. "I see you're already making friends. I told you you would!"
"Ha ha y-yeah," the stallion chuckled nervously.
Pinkie scooted next to Zecora and wrapped a hoof around her shoulder. "Well Zecora is the nicest zebra in all of Equestria."
"Didn't you say she was an evil enchantress?" Scootaloo asked flatly.
"That was before we knew who she was and it was wrong of everypony to make assumptions about her from her appearance."
Umbra's ears perked up at that that. What she just said was the whole reason he left the Crystal Empire in the first place. He looked like Sombra so he was treated as such.
However, if everyone knew who he really was, would they still treat him like Sombra? Maybe if he told them everything instead of hiding it they would understand. If they didn't though, he would be cast out at the least. He wasn't sure if he could risk it.
Maybe Zecora went through the same problem. He needed to find out how she handled it.
"I must get going, I still have some materials I need to obtain. It was very nice to make your acquaintance Umbra, we should meet again," Zecora said with a bow.
Umbra returned the gesture with a warm grin. Pinkie stepped in and spoke. "Yeah, I gotta get going too. The mayor asked to speak with me!"
"Alright. It was good to meet you, Zecora. And good to see you Pinkie."
The group exchanged their goodbyes and each went their own way. Before she left however, Pinkie threw her arms around Umbra and pulled him into a tight hug, taking him off guard. She whispered into his ear as she held him, "Thank you for yesterday, Umbra. I won't forget what you said to me."
Pinkie Pie released the shocked unicorn and smiled warmly at him. "Bye everypony!" she exclaimed as she bounced off towards Town Hall.
Umbra watched her hop away. A pleasant feeling grew in his chest. He felt as if he really helped the pink mare, as if she really cared about him, something he had never felt before. "Is that what having a friend is really like?" A grin spread across his face. "Maybe being around these ponies isn't all that bad."
The three fillies began pushing Umbra again. "C'mon Umbra. We still have a lot of the town to tour!"
"Alright. What was that hug about?"
***
The sun hung directly overhead, beating its rays down upon the residents of Ponyville. Three fillies happily led a new and peculiar unicorn through the streets. They took him to nearly every landmark and informed him, in as much detail as they could, what each place was. Sugarcube Corner, Ponyville Hospital, Golden Oaks Library, the train station, nothing was left out.
All Umbra could do was follow the fillies as they walked through the town. Luckily for him, there weren't very many ponies around and those that were paid him little to no attention.
He was dreadfully tired. Walking through the entire town was murder on his already sore legs. The three fillies seemed to be overflowing with energy. Throughout the entire tour, not once did they slow down. Umbra was worried they might run him into the ground.
After walking through the town park, the group ended up in the marketplace. The fillies abruptly stopped in the center of perimeter of stands. Umbra watched as they searched about them, scanning the perimeter, looking for some particular pony. He didn't know who they were searching for but he looked around anyway.
Umbra noticed the multitude of ponies around him, all of them going about their own business. None of them seemed to care or even notice him in the market. To them, he was just another individual in the crowd. Not a potential threat that they should be afraid of as the crystal ponies believed.
He looked down at the three fillies still searching the marketplace. None of the other ponies around were at all troubled by their presence. They were treating him the same exact way. They treated him like a normal pony, even if that meant they just ignored him.
For the first time, Umbra actually felt safe in the town, around other ponies. He felt like a normal pony. A new confidence began to grow inside him. Maybe he could actually be a normal pony. It might be easier than he thought.
"There he is!" one of the fillies chirped, breaking Umbra from his thoughts.
The three fillies shot off towards the market stalls, Umbra scurried after them. They were approaching a small cart that was being towed by a large, crimson stallion. What really caught his eye however, was the merchandise in the wagon. Several buckets sat in the cart, each of them full of bright red apples.
"Hi Mac!" Applebloom announced as they neared the wagon. The stallion looked up at the sound of his name being called. His facial expression never changed. Even when he saw the four ponies approaching, he wore the same stoic expression.
Umbra stood behind the three fillies, trying his best to stay unnoticed. He couldn't take his eyes away from the apples not ten feet away from him.
"What're y’all doin up so early?" the red earth pony asked the trio of fillies. He looked at the black suits they sported. "And what the hay are ya wearin?"
Applebloom was the first to speak up. "Well, we got up to do some early mornin crusading and these are our ninja costumes!"
"We were gonna get our cutie marks as ninja assassins!" Scootaloo added while pulling her hood up and striking a kung-fu pose.
Mac hummed in acknowledgment and said with a smirk. "Ah hope y'all didn't assassinate anypony, did ya?"
"No, but we did meet somepony new!" Sweetie Belle excitedly told him.
"Oh right! Mac, this is our new friend Umbra!" Applebloom said while pointing to the grey unicorn behind her.
"Eh-what? Huh?" The sound of his name brought Umbra back to his senses. He noticed the four pairs of eyes staring at him.
"...Umbra, this is Big Mac. Big Mac, Umbra." Applebloom introduced the two stallions, gesturing at the both of them.
"Howdy," Mac said, taking a few steps forward and reaching out a hoof. "Macintosh Apple, pleasure to meet ya."
Umbra took a hesitant step forward as well. Their hooves met and they shook, Mac's grip significantly stronger than his own. The small grin on the red stallion's face looked kind and sincere. Umbra answered it with one of his own.
"Umbra's new in town and we were giving him a tour of the town!" Sweetie Belle interrupted in her overly energetic voice. "We also wanted to see if he was as big as you, Mac."
"Oh yeah! Umbra, come stand over here," Applebloom commanded as she and Scootaloo pushed him over to Mac's side. "Now both of ya, stand up straight!"
Umbra complied with the yellow filly's demands. The three crusaders looked over the two stallions, silently comparing and contrasting them. After a minute of inspection, Scootaloo finally spoke up.
"Well, to me it looks like Umbra is a bit taller but Mac is definitely thicker."
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle both nodded in agreement. Umbra had a few inches on Mac, however, Umbra was all around much thinner. Mac had big, powerful muscles in his legs along with a healthy roundness to his barrel. Umbra on the other hoof, had long slender legs and an especially skinny belly.
"Is that right?" Macintosh said while looking at the rising sun. "Ain't it 'bout time y'all got ready fer school?"
All three of the fillies eyes widened simultaneously as they realized the time. Without a word, the trio bolted off leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. Macintosh chuckled to himself as he watched them disappear out of sight.
"Ah apologize fer any trouble those fillies caused ya," Mac told Umbra knowingly as he turned back to his wagon. "They gotta lot of heart but tend ta get a bit carried away."
"Oh, it wasn't that bad. The tour was uh... very informative," Umbra said, feigning a smile. The earth pony didn't seem to be convinced by his act. Instead, he gave Umbra a flat look. Umbra could only look away and awkwardly chuckle in response. "Heh heh...yeah."
Mac rolled his eyes and returned to his cart. As he begun unloading the cart, Mac tried to conceal his glances at the new pony. He noticed the several cuts along his legs and back. Mac also took note of the gash in his ear. He wondered what could have happened to cause those scars. Mac felt bad for him and thought he could use a friend.
"Hey Umbra, would ya mind helpin me set up these here buckets?"
The unicorn agreed and moved the buckets where ever he was told. As he picked up each container with his mouth, the sweet scent of apple filled his nostrils. The pleasant aroma made his mouth water and his stomach growl. Embarrassed, Umbra tried to hide the noise by pretending nothing was happening.
Macintosh however, noticed the loud grumbling of the working unicorn. After the two had finished unloading the apples, Mac offered his thanks. "Thanks fer the help. Would ya like a few apples?"
Umbra's mind objected.
"I shouldn't. I tried stealing from his orchard not too long ago. Helping him out should just be an apology for earlier. I can find another way to get food."
"Sure I'd love some!" Umbra declared as his conscience facehoofed itself.
Mac grabbed three apples from the buckets and tossed them over to him. Umbra looked at the red fruit at his hooves; his heart exploded with joy. Without hesitation, he dove into the much needed food. The aching pain of hunger left his body as he ate.
"Oh sweet mother of all that is everything, that's so much better."
Mac watched as the new stallion ate with all the grace of a rabid bear.
"So," Mac began. "Where'd ya say you were from?"
Umbra paused and with a mouth half full of apple answered, "I uh... I didn't." He continued devouring his food.
The red stallion shrugged, "Fair enough. Well what brings ya to Ponyville? It's not like there's very much of anything 'round here. Ya got family here?"
Still eating, Umbra shook his head.
"Looking fer work?"
Another shake of his head answered the question.
"There's gotta be a reason fer ya then, what is it?" Macintosh pressed.
Umbra gratefully swallowed the last of the three apples, leaving nothing but the stems behind. "Well I guess I'm just looking for a better life," he answered honestly, not able to look the farm pony in his eyes. As he spoke, images of Sombra and the suffering crystal ponies flashed across his mind, making him shudder. "I-I'd really rather not talk about it."
Mac nodded. "Ah understand, ya don't have to talk bout it if ya don't want. Besides, it's all in the past and nopony will care bout that."
"I wish that was true..."
"Come on now, what could possibly be that bad?"
An idea came to Umbra's mind. "I could do it. I could tell him right here. Tell him who I really am. Take off the mask." Umbra looked the farmer in the eye. Mac's face showed concern and a want to help, inviting him to share his story, inviting him to share his burden so that it might lighten the weight.
"He said nopony would care. He could help me. I don't need to do this alone. All I have to do is tell him. Take off the mask..."
Umbra sighed and spoke up. "You're right. It doesn't matter."
Mac placed a sympathetic hoof on his shoulder. "Don't worry Umbra, there are good ponies here. You'll have no problem at all making a life for yerself. "
Umbra thanked the stallion for his support. He was disappointed that he couldn't bring himself to tell Mac. "Maybe next time."
The marketplace around him suddenly became dark. Both ponies looked up at the sky and noticed thick storm clouds rolling in front of the sun. The area continued to darken as more black clouds filled the sky.
"Don't seem like the weather ponies are doin their job," Mac said as a few drops of rain fell around them. "Ah guess I better pack up before it starts comin down."
Mac began returning the buckets of apples to the cart, Umbra decided to help him. All the other ponies around did the same with their own stands and carts. The usually calm farmer's market became a beehive of activity with ponies rushing about, trying to avoid the rain.
As they packed, Macintosh asked him a question. "What've ya been doin' lately?"
Umbra had to think about that. He really hadn't done much at all, at least not in Ponyville. "I...I've pretty much just wandered around town and the Everfree."
Mac paused and stared at him in disbelief. "You've been going in the Everfree forest?" Umbra awkwardly returned the glance and nodded. "Ya know a carriage was attacked by some timberwolves by the forest just last week."
Umbra was shocked but tried to hide it. "Really?"
"Eyup. Ah heard nopony got hurt but the 'wolves trashed the wagon and threw it in the forest."
The new information hit Umbra hard, he was starting to rethink staying in the Everfree. It explained why his makeshift home was there in the first place as well as the scratches and marks. The bottom line was that it wasn't safe in the forest and it wouldn't be smart to go back. He would have to find somewhere else.
A loud clap of thunder shook the grey stallion from his thoughts. He looked at Mac who still wore his indifferent look.
"Ah guess we better get going," he said as he locked the cart to his harness.
The two big ponies trotted their way out of the market and through the town, the rain continuously falling harder all the while. Eventually they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and marched down the muddy road to the barn. Umbra opened the door for Mac to pull the cart through before closing it behind him.
Macintosh lit a torch near the door that gave the dark barn some light.
Umbra sat next to a stack of hay as Macintosh pulled the cart to its place in the barn. The long walk through the rain and mud was tough. A wave of fatigue washed over Umbra as he sat there. The day had been long and tiresome, leaving his body weary and sore. His eyes became heavy and his body lost its poise. His head slowly drooped as consciousness finally left him.
***
Macintosh unhitched his harness from the cart. He looked over the buckets of apples, checked the wheels, and made sure the cart was secure. The storm had left the cart dripping wet and covered the wheels in mud. After a quick cleaning, the cart was returned to its original state.
Satisfied with his work, Mac smiled at the cleaning job he did. He remembered that he wasn't alone however. Mac turned from the cart and found his guest lying on a stack of hay. His eyes were shut while a loud snore escaped his empty mouth. The unicorn's legs were draped over the side of the hay, completely motionless.
Mac chuckled at the sight of Umbra fast asleep. The new pony was one of the skinniest unicorns Mac had seen, no wonder he's so tired. Macintosh decided to let the pony sleep, he could wake him when the storm ends. Until then, he still had some chores left to do in the barn.
***
Every few minutes or in between chores, Mac would come to check on Umbra who would occasionally stir in his slumber. The sound of rain hitting the roof let him know that the storm continued outside.
A misty gust of wind blew through the barn as the door opened and a pony walked inside. From his work, Mac heard the door close and the sound of hoofsteps on the ground.
"Howdy, Mac!" the new arrival called out in the unmistakable voice he knew all too well.
"Afternoon, Applejack," Macintosh turned to see his sister trotting in the barn. He offered a genuine smile which she returned. Applejack looked over at the dozing pony in the corner.
"Who's that?" she asked as the sleeping unicorn began to violently shake. The pony's breathing quickened and he rolled back and forth on the hay stack.
"Uh...is he alright?"