//------------------------------// // Lost Causes. [5] // Story: Stories in Stone, Lost Empire // by TDR //------------------------------// Stories in Stone Lost Empire By TDR Lost Causes. [One Year ago Tall Tail,Western lands of Equestria, bordering the Diamond Dog lands. ] A hill sat among giants. The rocky outcropping could scarcely even be called that in truth. It seemed little more than the piled remnants of an avalanche that lay piled in a valley tucked deep within a mountain range surrounded by forests. It was leagues from any sign of civilization, though this stony hill was of great interest to a large number of creatures. Four such creatures stood just inside the treeline of the forest watching the hill for any signs of life,waiting patiently for something. The ground rumbles a little and a fifth figure, a small diamond dog , emerges from the ground nearby shaking off the dirt and grit of his tunneling fluffing out his vest and the pair of patches marking him a member of the Diamond Dog forces as well as a member of the 42nd. Looking up at the four gathered he was clearly not thrill to be there. “Report.” questions one of the figures. “Dig teams have sealed off all tunnels leaving the site. A few targets were encountered and neutralized or avoided. No sign of alarms have been heard and all exits have been sealed as ordered. We have full control of under mountain.” Tunnel Rat barks out softly. The beat of wings was scarcely heard before the sixth figure lands in their midst folding her wings across her back as she stares out at the rock pile. A blue pegasus stallion lands lightly behind her nodding to the group. “Air space is covered too. The overcast skies are offering a perfect cover for my squads and the pegasi you brought. “ Dusty states looking back at Breezy who nods. “We're ready when you give the word Princess.” “Tis not my call at this point Regent. We are merely here to aid in this task, not control it.” Princess Luna states glancing down at the gray unicorn next to her, who simply shrugs. “You told me to play nice princess. So I am.” Jer'rahd grins back turning to look at the last figure watching the mountain. “Besides part of our deal with your wife was to make sure nothing happened to you out here. So that comes before my desire to simply start busting heads.” The large diamond dog figure with them chuckles patting the last figure on the head with a amused growl. “Worry not pony, you only have one wife who do this to you. A dog has many and when all of them decided to nag at once..... Even a god is fearful.” The large white Diamond Dog God, Grimjaw, smirks shifting in his crystalline armor and looks up at the hill. “ Still we would not know of this place save for your ponies hunt. That make it your call pony. Give the order Pony, and we shall begin.” “It's already started Lord Grimjaw. We are here to finish this.” Shining Armor states his horn glowing as the spell takes hold, and next words boom over the rocky hill and the entire valley. “ALL UNITS, MOVE IN ON THE HIVE!” =========================================================== [Current Day] “Alright Apple blossom, Dandelion, Butterscotch y'all ready for this?” “Yes aunt Applebloom.” the three foals chant. The colt and two fillies sit there smiling though Butterscotch seems more than a little annoyed at the large floppy ears on his head, particularly since they keep falling over the yellow and cream colored colt's blue eyes. “Alright now let's do this like I showed yah.” Applebloom states pulling on a pair of pink bunny ears. “Okay” The foals chime again following along as their mother's sister hops over the first pitcher of water. “A, beeee, ceeeee, deeee, eeeee ,f ,geee.....” The quartet bounced between the water pitchers dressed in bunny outfits and singing loudly and energeticly though highly off key. The adopted apples kept up with their much larger aunt as she hopped around in a circle over the pails. Apple blossom following the instructions perfectly her little red feathered wings beating rapidly to help her flutter over the top of the pitchers her dark blue hair pulled back and tied with a great big yellow bow just like her favorite aunt's had been in all the younger family photos. The lime green coated Dandelion hopped along happily as well, the little peach maned unicorn seemingly rather happy to pretend that she was a bunny. Only Butterscotch seemed annoyed, though it was really all show, as he tried to be tough and prove he wasn't really enjoying himself. Applebloom was cheered up considerably watching the foals bounce around with her. Normally they would be clustered around Fluttershy, but she had sent the mare into town to pick up some specific pots for the preparation. Dash was off training and both Mac and AJ were in the field setting up the buckets after the zap apple trees had sprouted. Granny would have been the one to handle this if she was still around, but with her gone it fell on Applebloom this year to make sure the harvest went off perfectly. A light cough caught her attention and she winced visibly seeing a pony she had expected, but really did not want to see, standing nearby. “Alright you three keep going, ah want another three choruses.” AB stated. “Can we sing Twinkle twinkle little star instead?” Butterscotch complains. “Nope the water only likes ABC's” Applebloom states. “But it's the same song.” Whines the foal. “No but's, do it right or they'll be no jam.” she points out as Butterscotch sighs continuing with the others as Applebloom walks away towards the stallion. She had been able to avoid talking to this stallion for a long while, and after the conversation last year she really did not want to speak with him, though there was not much a choice in the matter. “Errr good morning Mr. Rich. Ah didn't expect you til later today.”Applebloom mutters with a forced smile. The older stallion stares at the mare coldly. Applebloom was easily a apple or two taller than the older pony was yet she felt he was looking down at her as she would a apple louse. “I am simply here to check upon the progress for my end of this business Miss Bloom. “ the stallion states with a voice cold enough to freeze a mug of hot cider solid in seconds. “ With Ms. Smith gone I wanted some assurance that that you would be able to handle your portion of the deal.” “Errr yeah... ah did last season's batch on my own, Granny jus pointed out what was needed. Ain't no problem at all.” Applebloom tries to respond cheerfully though withers under the stallion's gaze. “Did you now? I thought the quality was lacking last year. Thankfully no one else noticed. “ Filthy Rich snaps. “I expect that to improve this year Miss Bloom.” “Jeez Filthy, cut the girl some slack already. I thought last years crop was was pretty good myself.” chuckles another voice, as a figure saunters out of the shadows. The tall red stallion was easily the same height as Big Mac though much less bulky. His left hoof was black all the way up to where the limb joined his body. His right side was a criss cross of black fur and white scars that ran from his jaw to his cutie mark, a trio of silver arrows crossed in the middle and facing down with hearts as arrow heads A knowing, if smug, smirk rested on his face part of it covered by the long mane of black hair that hung over one eye until he flicked it back with a hoof in a showy fashion that would have been more in fitting with Rarity than him. Crystal blue eyes regarded the two as he trotted up. Applebloom looked up and grinned wide. “RHEDE! Are the twins here?!?!?!” AB asked as she bounced on her hoofs a few times as Rhede sighed. “Oh sure AB I'm doing great, was a bit of a trip, but I'm fine, thanks for asking, how are you?” “Oh right, sorry, ummmm, so how are you?” Applebloom questioned sheepishly Her bouncing ceasing a little as she droops her ears a little. “Oh yes that was heart felt. Wolf and Fox are with Velkorn at the house, we came back with Fluttershy she's got the pots for you too. Go on ahead, I'll watch the foals and catch up after... what ever they are doing is finished.” Rhede sighs as Applebloom takes off for the house more than happy to get away from Filthy Rich. “Mr. Pelt.” Filthy states as Applebloom runs off. “Filthy.” Rhede holds up a hoof. Yeah, yeah, I know you prefer Rich. I would prefer you not to torment the poor girl. It's been six years since it happened. Are you going to hold that over her forever?” “I am speaking with her Mr. Pelt. For what she did to my daughter I am surprised I am able to do that without wishing to strangle her.” “She did you a bit of a favor in truth. Considering who your daughter was tormenting.” “Do not think I am like the rest Mr. Pelt. Mr. Kaisur and the Princess do not frighten me. At most I would have had to speak with them and perhaps punish my daughter after she apologized to their child. That option was taken away quite spectacularly though wasn't it?”Filthy Rich snarls. “This is the best you will ever get from me when I am forced to deal with her Mr. Pelt. I am aware of how she was punished as a result and I do not find it fitting enough at all. That filly nearly killed my daughter. What would you do if some one hurt one of your children?” Rhede's look darkens. “ Mr. Rich I can assure you. You don't want to know what I did the last time some one hurt one of my kids.” Rhede lets that linger a little before sighing. “I'm not asking you to like her. I'm asking you to try to be a little less intimidating and perhaps a bit more civil. Failing that you could always send some one else to check up on the harvest this time of year. That would remove any chance you would have to encounter her at all.” “I may have inherited a good bit of my wealth from my father, but I do not shirk the duties I take upon myself. My father always came to check on progress and I shall continue to do the same. Likely I will be the last who does this since my daughter refuses to come any where near this place so long as Miss Bloom is here. So I shall be overseeing this venture until I am no longer able. I regret that I come off as cold Mr. Pelt and I bear none of you any ill will. But I cannot look at Miss Bloom with out seeing the vision of my only child strapped into a hospital bed for most of a year because of her.” “I regret I consider that understandable.” “If that is all Mr. Pelt. I have other business to attend to today. Good day.” Filthy Rich states turning to head back down the path away from the farm, leaving Rhede alone with the three foals still singing loudly and off key. ================================================================== [One Year ago Tall Tail,Western lands of Equestria, bordering the Diamond Dog lands. ] “REINFORCE THE NORTH FLANK! “ shouts Shining Armor, his spell booming as he tries his best to ignore the two ponies trotting along with him towards the main entrance of the hill. The rest of the troops swarmed the mountain moving in small squads. Most of the Diamond dog forces were moving in from below and a number of griffons were making their way into some of the cracks and crevices in the upper parts of the hill. Several squads of ponies pushed ahead of him spreading out though the maze of the hive. All had been instructed to avoid the throne room and any contact with either Chrysalis or Sombra. Those two would be his job along with the pair accompanying him. He had expected to fight something sooner or later but with Princess Luna on one side of him and General Kaisur on the other Most of the changelings had opted to run the other way. The few that did get close enough were smacked down in a matter of moments by one or the other. He grumbled lightly turning off his spell as they enter the hive proper, leaving Grimjaw to command the forces outside. One of the not so bright changelings slid down the wall becoming a groaning lump on the ground. Shining twitches glad these two were at least trying not to kill them out right....still though....the pair were rather brutal. “Huzzah that makes twenty points.” Luna chimes. “Princess I yell at my soldiers for taking a point tally, I am not doing that with you.” Jer'rahd sighs. “You are just mad because you are losing.” Luna chuckles sticking her tongue out at him. Jer'rahd rolls his eyes, though he smirks none the less as the trio move deeper into the hive's twisting tunnels, making sure nothing got close to Shining. The white unicorn clearly getting more and more annoyed at his protection. “You do realize I can fight. Major Rose has been training me nearly nonstop since the war.” Shining grumbles. “Yep” Jer'rahd comments. “Tis part of the deal we have with Princess Cadence. She only agreed to our request so long as you returned unharmed.” Luna states. “I still don't like this deal. You realize what sort of trouble this will cause for every pony down the line?” Shining whines. “Shouldn't cause any. By the time anyone finds out, it will be too late to do anything about it.” Jer'rahd points out. “You both should know better than that. But if Cadence agreed then I’ll stand by it. Despite my protests. Now then, according to the scouts we should be nearing the main chamber soon. I can deal with Sombra's creations and keep him occupied, you two...... “We know the plan colt.” Jer'rahd sighs. “We helped make it.” “If you are going to pretend to be under my command then at least you could pretend to call me by my proper title.” Shining grumbles his eyes widening as he realized the Princess of the Moon was one of the ones he was being short with. “Right then. Let's go.” Shining states pressing forward quickly as Jer'rahd blinks curiously looking after him. “Princess what exactly is his title since he married a Princess?”Jer'rahd questions. “Well I think it may be Lord, Sir, or even Prince. Though in all honesty it is mostly based on what Cadence prefers. If she took up the proper mantle of Empress of the Crystal Empire he would be Emperor. At the moment she prefers Princess however which makes him one of the former.” “Lovely, any way I can skip getting any more new titles?” Jer'rahd sighs. “Of course not. Tia is already considering making ribbons or medals for each of the ones you already possess.” Luna smiles following after Shining as Jer'rahd groans. ============================================================== [Present day] The twins, Wolf and Fox, stared up at Apple Bloom as she made crazy faces and strange sounds at the pair of them trying to get the two to smile. The two foals took more after their mother than their father, for all purposed being adorable little bundles of black and white striped fluff like all zebra foals. Granted both had their fathers piercing blue eyes rather than their mothers amber ones and the colts stripe patterns were exactly the same as well something that Zecora had mentioned was unusual though not unheard of. Applebloom sat back with a huff looking down at the two zebra foals on the rug before her, the pair stared back at her almost condescending as if they expected better of her. “Ah can't even get them tah smile.....” Apple Bloom whines. Fluttershy chuckles softly as Velkorn smiles. “Do not fret about my little boys, to tell the truth they just enjoy noise.” Velkorn sighs looking down at the black maned pair as they continue to stare at their cousin. “Noise?” Applebloom questions though she runs off digging in the cabinet a moment before she digs out a coffee can and fills it with a few apple seeds before closing the lid over it and returning to the twins. She shakes it a little letting the seeds bounce around in the tin. Velkorn winces lightly at the noise though both the foal's tiny ears perk and they stare eagerly at Applebloom as she shakes it again [“They have been quiet all day and now this.”] Velkorn mutters to herself. [“Sorry about that, I just wanted to see them smile or laugh.....”] Applebloom mutters back as Velkorn smiles. [“Not bad, your grasp of zebra has improved a great deal since last time I was here. Is my niece still teaching you?”] [“Big Mac too. When Dash doesn't drag him off for something else.”] Applebloom grins watching the two foals struggle to reach for the jar giggling at the rattling sound as they try to climb up Applebloom to get to the can she held. [“Does Zecora know you are back in town?”] [“If not she likely will soon. She always seems to know when to show up somehow.”] “Ummm if it's not too much trouble could you maybe speak in pony? I'm afraid I don't speak zebra.” Fluttershy interjects. ====================================================== [One Year ago Tall Tale,Western lands of Equestria, bordering the Diamond Dog lands. ] The stone door leading to the main chamber explodes inward sending changelings flying, scattering across a crudely carved throne room of some sorts. “Ding dong mother bucker!” Luna chimes out happily, as Jer'rahd and Shining both face hoof. “Princess, please don't repeat what Bleu yells out when she breaks in some where.” Jer'rahd sighs. “it doesn't make sense when she says it , and it makes even less when you do.” “Is it not customary to shout something when bursting into a place? It has been a while since I have raided any where. Perhaps I have forgotten the proper approach to it. Should I try again? There must be another door around here some where.” Luna smirks. “Found you.” Shining snarls. Luna and Jer'rahd look across the dust, and now rubble filled room to a pair of thrones carved of red and green crystal dominating the center of the chamber. The green one was empty, though the other held a gray unicorn with black scales and a crimson horn. The stallion sits calmly despite the explosion his head propped up on a hoof, his green eyes opening to regard them, a purple aura flickering from the edges. “I expected you lot years ago.” King Sombra states with a bored tone. “Surrender Sombra, you can't win.” Shining shouts out. “See that's something better to shout out, properly dramatic too.” Jer'rahd mutters as Luna nods in response. “Fine, I surrender.” Sombra responds with a shrug. “We will defeat...., wait what?” Shining states completely thrown off by Sombra's agreement. “I agree to the surrender. With a few conditions mind you, only two really. It does no good to just agree to giving up.” Sombra drones on slipping out of the throne his hooves clicking on the floor as he moves closer looking at the three of them with out any real emotion. “What terms?” Luna questions as both she and Jer'rahd move to either side of Shining. The Princesses eyes remained on the Love Cursed King while Jer'rahd continued to scan the room for any sign of Chrysalis. “I want your assurance colt that no harm will come to my wife's subjects. As you are currently Prince of the Empire you have the power to do just that. I wish them to receive the same protection you give your own subjects.” Sombra drones on ignoring the two flanking Shining. “A fair request. If surprising.” Luna states. “You are aware by now of what was done to us by Avaiana, with her destroyed there is little reason for us to continue hostilities.” Sombra states. “We already have a number of the changelings under guard....” Luna begins. “I did not ask for you to take them in Goddess of the Night. This is for the Prince.” “And if he doesn't?” Jer'rahd questions. “Then the fighting will continue. We will likely loose, but the cost for your own will be high.” Sombra states flatly. “Well colt? You have a chance to end this now.” “Fine. Those terms are agreeable.” Shining responds. “I want your word colt. I wish for them to be to be cared for as if they were your own. All of them. From the eldest changed Diamond Dog to the youngest pupa.” Sombra snarls. “ I would have you stake your life or honor on it. Which ever you value most.” “You are pushing it Sombra.” Shining retorts. “You want a near bloodless victory, I want my subjects to live. Now swear, the longer we talk the more on both sides die.” Sombra growls. “There is a trick here....” mutters Luna. “Fine then, If it will end this, I swear on my life I will do what I can to see the changelings are as protected as my own family.” Shining snaps. “Is that enough for you Sombra?” “Better than I actually expected to hear from you colt. You worded it much better than I could have hoped and with a Princess and a renowned figure as witnesses. I doubt even if you were not trustworthy you would not break that word now.” His horn glows lightly before fading just as quickly. “My golems are passing on the order to stand down to the rest of the changelings. There may be a few hold outs, but most will follow my command.” “You sure about this colt? There's a lot that can go wrong in deals like that.” Jer'rahd mutters. “Cadence and my sister were already looking over a way to use the Crystal Heart to try and restore them. This is just something else that was going to happen any way. Though I didn't expect to be welcoming them into the Empire until after they were changed back.” Shining sighs. “You claimed two conditions Sombra and while one is agreed to you have not yet stated the other.” Luna questions. “I expect it has something to do with your self and your queen.” “Indeed.“ Sombra says with a sigh looking back at the thrones. There was a puff of black smoke as the King whirls, lunging at Shining. He didn't make it more than a few paces before Luna had blasted him out of his shadow form with a spell and Jer'rahd had driven the Waning Moon though his torso stopping him a apple's length from where Shining's own drawn sword would have finished him. The half dragon grins, coughing a spurt of blood on the ground at Shining's hooves. “My second stipulation is that you bury me with my love. I cannot live with out her again.” Sombra wheezes looking up at Shining with a last gasp. “ Do not break your vow to me Prince of the Empire. “ The Love Cursed King coughed a last time before the glow faded from his eyes. =================================================================== [Current day] Zecora grins stepping out of her house, her tail flicking back to pull her door shut. There was a certain feeling she had begun to associate with her aunt and her children when they were near, and that faint tug was a little stronger today. Likely they were either in Canterlot or at Sweet Apple Acres already. And since they always went to the farm when they came back to New Canterlot, if they were not there now, they would be soon. Zecora chuckles always happy to find an excuse to see her little cousins. A sudden surge sent her stumbling a bit as it stopped her cold, her tail wrapped around the door handle tighter as she looked around in shock. Something was happening. The zebra mare turns pushing back into her home, shutting the door behind her and slipping free of her saddle bags she searched for the feeling again. She let her disguise slip, black stripes turning red , like the black coloration had been washed off like dust. It was stronger in here. She needed something that was already in her home? She cursed her power, having lost count of how often she did so. She was always annoyed at the vague hints it gave her most times, but something this strong was surely important enough that it required her focus. She had once thought to ignore her feelings and things had turned rather bad for her in the zebralands because of it. Likely only she and her mother remember why she fled, but by the same token that hardly mattered now. Now where was it? Cabinet? No. Alchemical table? No. Brewing stand? No. It was never the brewing stand, she risked the nether getting that blasted golden rod and she never used the thing she made with it. Even as a goddess she viewed that trek as a waste of time. Curio cabinet........ Yes? She turns moving to the wall pushing a few masks away from the a large shelved box hanging on the wall. Her horn glows red as she opens the glass door looking over the assorted contents on display. The shadow box was filled with assorted small items she had acquired on her travels. There was nothing of any real importance here. Nothing that should trigger her power at this level. A purple scale from Spike, some golden ring that she had taken from a rather twisted little Diamond Dog after a contest of riddles, a copper bell with the logo for a casino in Las Pegasus, a moon rock from her mothers last trip visiting there, a dried starfish from her trip to Tahiti, truly a magical place, A phoenix feather, a small jar with a lock of hair from Elvis Prancly, and various other pointless bric-a-brak. She rummaged around in the shadowbox before another twinge made her pause and she pulled free a glass marble about the size of a ponies eye, wrapped in steel wire and connected to a chain like a necklace. She lifts the glass bauble up to the light, looking at a small brown seed resting within. This? This was what had set her off? This was nothing, a artifact of a bygone age that would never return. But if this was it, then that would mean..... A wide grin crosses the zebra's face as she felt the tug in another direction. One that went where she wanted to go in the first place though she could feel it was to a different pony than her relatives this time. If she was correct about the seed, it would be a very interesting couple of years for everyone. And one young pony in particular. She puts her disguise back on, picking her bags up again and tucking the necklace securely into one of them. She had to be sure however, her ability had only steered her wrong once and even then it had been the proper path to choose. She now had another reason to visit the Apple farm, one that did not involve her aunt. She steps out the door muttering to herself as she set out to be the bearer of potential bad news yet again. “Fate has something in store for you Applebloom, will it bring your desire, or lead to your doom?” ======================================================== [One Year ago Tall Tale,Western lands of Equestria, bordering the Diamond Dog lands. ] Jer'rhad looks back at the still form of Sombra laying on the ground in the throne room. Shining had removed the half dragons cloak and used it to cover his body before going to speak with a small group of Guards at the door. It seems Sombra had been telling the truth about the surrender. There were a number of changelings who still fought, drones predominately, and a few who were found to be trying to protect young Changelings. The information was a little surprising to all three of them despite having been told that the creatures bred true. Both he and Luna took the time to look around the room and spotted a small sunken alcove in the back wall at the same time. They also spotted the female changeling watching them at the same time, though Luna's magic was the first to grab her and pull her out of her hiding spot. The changeling was a smaller one, perhaps once having been a pegasus mare or even born a changeling, it was hard to tell with out a rather invasive study. She was unarmed though both of them had seen the creatures shape their own limbs into spikes and blades. “So should we ask this one?” Jer'rahd wonders. “Indeed. It is clearly not one of the fighters, perhaps it is one of the smarter ones.” Luna sighs, neither of them quite felt right about Sombra's end, nor what it likely meant. “ Where is Chrysalis?” The changeling froze in Luna's magical grip it's eyes widening as it slowly pointed back into the gap in the wall it came from. “Shining, The bug says she's this way.” Jer'rahd states. “Right … let's go finish this then....”Shining sighs. “ Put her down Princess I doubt she would be a problem even if she wanted to be with you two here.” Luna looks at Jer'rahd who shrugs. “Tis best you do not get complacent just yet. There are still dangers here.” Luna scolds. “I'm aware Princess. But we both know what Sombra said and what it means. Take us to Chrysalis.” Shining orders the changeling, as Luna lowers it. The small creature steps away from the group and turns moving rapidly down the path into the rock. The trio follow with Luna taking the lead followed by Shining and then Jer'rahd. Shining glances back at Jer'rahd as they follow a relatively winding path. “ With as protective as you are I am surprised you are letting her lead.” “She's tougher than I am really. “Jer'rahd responds. “ Besides I've got no issue with watching her flank.” “I can hear you you know. “Luna calls back. “And?” Jer'rahd responds with a chuckle leaving Shining to mutter about getting set up for that one. The trio follow the changeling to a large chamber ,lavishly decorated with silks and ornate furniture, two open archways on either side of the room were blocked off with some hanging silks. A massive bed rests in the center of the room with a large mirror and a few cabinets and dressers against the far wall made of carved wood and decorative silver.. Luna moves off towards a door to check it out while Jer'rahd moves to the other. The changeling moves up to the bed pointing at it before slipping back to the far wall closer to Luna, trying her best to not make any sudden moves around the trio. Shining steps closer to the bed his eyes narrowing as he looks down at the figure on it with a sigh reaching up to rub his hoof against his temple. “Found Chrysalis. She's dead.” Shining states looking down at the changeling queen encased in red crystal. Her body was heavily scarred and sunken in, the wounds were old, likely from the fight with Aviana nine years ago, though she looked like she had been wasting away during that time. “How long?” Jer'rahd questions ignoring the bathroom he had found. “Th.... three days.... The queen never recovered from her conflict, despite all that our King did for her. She passed three days ago after.......” the small changeling started before a wailing cry rose up from the room Luna had entered. The small changeling darted in after the Princess followed by Jer'rahd and then Shining who wondered briefly how the gray unicorn had crossed the room so quickly. Shining slips into the room, it was much more garishly decorated , with bright colors and images of birds and balloons painted haphazardly every where . A smaller bed rested in the center of this room and this is where Jer'rahd and Luna both stood looking at the figure in it as the Changeling mare bent over the bed making small shushing sounds. Jer'rahd looks up at Shining wincing a little meeting the other unicorn's gaze with a bit of worry on his face. Shining moves forward looking down at the bed and the tiny black carapace covered and red maned changeling foal that lay squirming on the bed. “Our Queen died giving birth, and our King died with her, yet his body continued. His name is Prince Metamorpho.” the changeling mare mutters softly. Luna narrows her eyes staring at the small colt. “ He is a godling.” she turns looking at Shining. “This is what Sombra meant when he asked you treat them as your own. Why he was amused with your wording.” “I think my wife is going to kill me.” Shining mutters.