Sombra grumbled and watched the night black Gryphon pack her things. He had conflicting emotions about the mage, on one hoof she was the being who trapped him in that weakened form. on the other hoof, she was very caring and mothering towards him. Her nurturing persona was both infuriating and comforting. She was a better mother that his own mother had been. And the Chocolate! whenever he was scared or hurt she gave him chocolate! When she went into town she brought him treats for being a good little colt. He could forgive all her transgressions if he was taught the secrets the Pink Mare used on those delicacies.
She smiled at him. "Hey, Sombra!" She set the compass into her saddlebag. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, just like the last fifty times you asked." He mumbled. He felt something smooth rub against the top of his head. He looked up and saw the Gryphon Hen rubbing her beak on his head. She looked at him with a warm undrstanding gaze that you would expect from an experienced mother. The ends of her beak turned up into a smile. "Do you have to go?" He cursed himself mentally. She was just so caring, it made him want to bare his soul and tell her his darkest secrets.
She hugged him lightly. "Yeah, I do. Tell you what"- She lifted him and set him on her back -"Why don't I take you into town? I'll let you watch me train Discord."
His ears perked up enthusiastically. "And watch the lord of Chaos have his plot handed to him by a mere mortal? How could I resist?"
She bopped his nose. "Language, one does not say 'Plot' ,in the context you used it, in polite company." She spread her wings slightly, not quite to their full extent, and trotted merrily to the balcony. "We say Flank." She took off with a mighty flap of her wings.
Wisdom, as the Gryphon was called, was a sculpture of feline elegance. She was Strong, fast and clever. Sombra had quickly discovered her weaknesses however and was waiting for the perfect chance to use them against her. While she was fast, she also hesitated to strike deadly blows. While she was Strong she also was emotionally vulnerable, she would care for anything that showed the faintest sign of weakness.
She was willing to risk her own life to defend ponies who she cared about, usually using underhanded deceit to do so. If a Pony close to her betrayed her, it could destroy her. He didn't know why her emotions were so weak but he was positive it could be used against her.
But first, He thought as he snuggled deeper into the Hen's fur, I'm going to enjoy watching her fight against an ancient Deity who needs some serious psychological help.
Sombra observed with rapt attention, The two beings before him were simply captivating. They both had opted o take a Bipedal stance and were trapped in a violent dance. Wisdom's movement were smooth and graceful, like a well choreographed dance. Discord's movements were, for lack of a better word, chaotic. He had a magic restraining ring on so he couldn't teleport, but he was still random and bizzare.
Wisdom seemed very calm about the whole situation, the fight was so simple to her, like she expected every movement.
Discord snapped his tail out to strike her side. Wisdom's claw raced to meet it. She grabbed his tail with both hands and swung him around. He cried out in fear as they spun. She brought the Chaos god down and slammed him against the earth. She let out a loud breath and plopped down onto the ground. "Lasted longer this time. Ya been practicing?"
"That's what she said, And yes." He announced proudly. "Luna heard about our fights and know wants me to train with her Lunar Guard."
"That's great!" She hugged him. "Just don't forget your workouts with AJ and RD."
He huffed. "Do I have to?" The Colt was perplexed at how easily the two
She smiled at him. "Yes. Oh hey, Scoots!"
Sombra turned, fully expecting to see another commoner, and saw something that nearly blew his mind. A bright orange Pegasus Filly flew towards them, her fuchsia mane billowing in the wind. Her Cutie mark was a half filled map with a quill, but that wasn't what was so amazing about her. She was flying- Without flapping her wings! The were outstretched at either side of her body but made no movement.
She landed next to Wisdom, admiration gushing from every pore. "Hey Wisdom! I've been practicing."
"Yeah you have! Soon you and RD can practice flying, Magic free." Wisdom ruffled her hair.
The filly pouted. "But it's so hard!"
"You can't depend on magic for everything, there are times when one needs to use finesse." She struck a pose.
"How..wha.. Huh?" Sombra was at a loss for words, this magic was foreign to him. Pegasus Flight without Flight? Does not compute.
"Uhhh... Wisdom? I think I broke Sombra."
The four were sitting in a booth at Sugarcube Corner. Sombra, however, had still not recovered from his shock. There was a feint stream of smoke pouring out of his ears. Pinkie pie bounced over to the table merrily. "Hi Discord, Hi Sombra, Hi Scootaloo, Hi Wisdom. What can I get for you?"
"Carrot cake." Discord announced. Mr. Cake sneezed behind the counter. Discord snickered.
Wisdom rolled her eyes at him and Smiled. "Srawberry shortcake for Scoots, Chocolate milkshake for Sombra, and a sundae for me."
"Okie dokie loki!" She bounced back behind the counter
Scootaloo waved a hoof in front of the colt. "Is he alright?"
"Maybe, wave some chocolate in his face and he'll snap right back."
Sombra's ears perked up. "Someone say Chocolate?"
"Yes indeedy!" The Pink Mare rose up from under the table carrying the treats they ordered. "Here you go!" She deposited each snack in front of their consumer. "That'll be six bits please." Discord snapped his talons and six bits appeared to be caught by Pinkie Pie. "Have a nice day, if you need anything- just say my name and I'm there!" She bounced off again.
Sombra attacked the chocolate milkshake with gusto. Scoots at her cake in a similar manner. Discord and Wisdom shared knowing looks before tucking into their own delicacies.
After they all finished they went their seprate ways, Scoots flying off energetically towards the clubhouse, Discord teleporting off to fluttershy's cottage, and Wisdom walking next to Sombra on their way home. It was silent except for Wisdom greeting strangers as they passed.
"So um," Sombra began. "That magic that Scootaloo was doing..."
"You need wings to do it."
"Yeah but, if you have wings you don't really need to do it."
Wisdom sighed, a sad look plastered across her face. "Nopony ever taught her how to fly, besides it helps her stretch he magical muscle. I teach her the magic behind Pegasus flight and Rainbow Dash teaches her the Physical side. It's a deal we made."
"Sounds neat." He pushed for more information. "So, how does it work?
"Can't tell you. Trade secret. And I happen to know you plan on turning on me."
Sombra stopped, falling behind a few steps. "Whatever do you mean?" He plastered a smile that he hoped looked innocent.
Wisdom's eyes no longer held the happy carefree look. now they only held sadness and disappointment. "Sombra, Are you aware of my Elemental theory?"
He shook his head. A new chance to bug her for more information. Wisdom continued. "The closer a corrupted individual spends with an Element of harmony, the more they begin to express that trait. For example, Discord spending more time with Applejack will lead to him being more honest, the more time he spends with Rainbow Dash the more loyal he'll become." Her eyes narrowed to slits. "You haven't even met them, and I'm sure if you ever did you'll burn to a crisp."
Sombra felt a pang in his chest. Guilt. This shocked him, guilt was one of the many emotions he had no need for. he choked on his next words. "I-I'm s-s-sorry." He felt something warm cover him. he looked up to see Wisdom had draped a wing over his shoulders. The kind look had returned.
She nuzzled him. "Let's go home."