//------------------------------// // Up to Mischief // Story: Catering for the King // by Convict //------------------------------// Catering for the King Chapter 2 Up to Mischief Cadance had only recently realized the predicament they were in; Sombra was back in the Crystal Empire. That in itself should explain everything, but it didn’t. One pony from the public sees him, it’s all over, mass panic. What was Celestia thinking, bringing him here? The shock alone from seeing Sombra alive had numbed Shining’s and Cadance’s rational thought. Luna said nothing. She just joked and mocked Sombra along, like he was an old friend. ‘Luna, did your sister swallow a stupid pill this morning? Sure seems like it, bringing Sombra back here,’ Shining sighed. If he said that, well, he’ll be in trouble. “Princess Luna, I think we should reconsider where Sombra will be staying. I cannot explain the sheer outrage and panic it will bring the crystal ponies once they hear he has returned,” Cadance stopped and turned to Luna, effectively blocking her path. “Yes, I was afraid it’d come to this,” Luna scratched her chin, deep in thought. “I say there are two options. One,” Luna regarded Shining, “Let him stay here in the Crystal Empire and help the crystal ponies fight their fear by demonstrating Sombra isn’t who he used to be. Two,” she glanced at Cadance, “There is an uninhabited property which I own the rights to not far from here, we could set him up there. Of course, you should’ve decided that a long time ago, when my sister sent you the letter.” The property sounded reasonable and seemed like the safest choice. But who will look after him? Surely Sombra couldn’t be left alone, heavens know what he might get up to. “Me, Cadance and a few service ponies could visit him periodically, make sure everything is alright-“ “No no no, Prince Shining Armour. The reformation of a pony requires around the clock attention. You cannot leave him alone in a cottage to fend for himself, it is too dangerous,” Luna tapped the floor with a hoof, shaking her head. “No, either you settle with him, or you let him stay here and cause a public outrage. Soon, news of his arrival with spread to other towns and cities. Lesser ponies will believe Sombra has regained control over the Crystal Empire again, and, as you know, stupid rubs off. Many will come to us, demanding an explanation. We’d rather avoid this.” “I’m sorry, but why didn’t Celestia think of this sooner?” Shining perked an eyebrow, quite distressed at the fact that Celestia was so careless of where to put Sombra. “It was all in the letter, Prince. Did you not read?” Luna shifted her own brow. Cadance sheepishly grinned behind Luna. Yup, burnt it. “Right, I apologize. But if we relocate with him, what of our duties?” Shining glanced at Sombra, the pony who had caused so much trouble and still is without even muttering a word. He just stood there, looking glum in the straightjacket and muzzle. “I will assume temporary control of your duties until Sombra has gained enough of your trust. Upon your return, you will resume your default routines while I visit Sombra. I will do an evaluation of your progress and send my report to Celestia. She will analyse and send additional instructions. Does that sound fair?” “It’s perfect,” Cadance smiled while Shining Armour nodded. Luna could be trusted to watch over the Empire for a while. They’ll make up an excuse for her temporary rule, something among the lines of ‘holiday.’ It always seemed to work. “We’ll take him to the property outside the Crystal Empire.” “Wonderful, this will all go flawlessly. You hear that, Sombra? You get to have housemates!” Luna patted the unicorn’s head. He made the motion of snapping his jaws at her, but it turned out as a nod. “He agrees too. My, this is going well above expectations.” Groan. “Do we need to bring over furniture or something?” Shining asked. “No need, it is already fitted with everything a lovely couple such as you two and an evil king are going to need. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, lavatory facilities and a spacious back yard garden. Oh, it is also located near a beautiful stream, if that matters at all. It is not worthy of royalty, but it will do for the time being. But you should bring your own personal items, the stay will be lengthy.” “That’s no problem as long as Sombra is away from the crystal ponies,” Cadance chuckled. Luna smiled and nodded. Shining explained that he’ll go and ready up some luggage. Why do it yourselves, Sombra thought. They’d be better off with servants doing the heavy lifting. As they laid out their plans, so did Sombra. Quietly soaking up all he could, he already had his plan on how to escape this hold of theirs on him ready. He had to play along as the good reforming pony, for now. Get on their good side, ‘earn their trust’, so to speak. “Stand, Sombra. You do not want me to guide you by a leash, do you?” Oh, he almost forgot; Luna. Kill her second. Yet again he was forced to wait while Shining and Cadance gathered up their personal belongings, something Sombra had taken away from him. His crown, armour and cape, all gone. Even the straightjacket, magic disabler and muzzle weren’t his. What a shame, they’d look good on Cadance while she writhers about. “My!” Luna exclaimed, startling the quiet Sombra. “Ah, our most sincere apologies. Your crown! And, uh, ‘apparel.’ They are all inside the cottage. My sister was kind enough to let us- I mean me- retrieve your belongings. I have found them in quite the peculiar place; the Canterlot sewers!” she chuckled and pet Sombra on the head again, painfully reminding him of the stupid flower still etched on there. If he could he’d bite her hoof off and spit it back in her face, but he was more intrigued by what Luna was doing in the Canterlot sewers. Actually, he didn’t want to know. More than millennia old, but still acting like an oblivious foal. Sombra couldn’t tell if it was an act or if Luna had something seriously wrong with her. He thought his return would stir up some panic between Cadance and Shining Armour, cause them to freak out. But no, they were acting completely normal. Was this what he was reduced to? A pony in need of reforming, no longer a powerful king that everyone feared? He aimed to change that very soon. Cadance and Shining were finally done squabbling in their chambers. Both of them dragged a suitcase on wheels behind themselves. Sombra felt naked, he didn’t have much. “Alright, my little ponies, take a deep breath,” Luna reached out to grab everyone and pull them into a squishy group hug, Sombra included. He protested, but no pony heard him over the sizzling of Luna’s horn. Even Shining and Cadance looked surprised. With a flash of blinding golden light and a feeling of pain like no other. Sombra, along with Luna, Cadance, Shining Armour and their luggage evaporated into thin air. The only thing left of them was a charred scorch mark on the pristine tile floor. “Amateur!” Sombra screamed as the stallion materialized out from thin air, meeting a faceful of dirt. Luna popped out next, gracefully landing on all hooves beside Sombra. Shining and Cadance were flung out. Cadance took to the air while Shining steadied himself with a bit of magic. “Were you trying to rip us apart?! Who taught you teleportation spells?” Sombra whirled to Luna. Her wings flared along with her horn. Sombra’s containment gear was missing, along with the magic disabling ring. Oops. Before Sombra could even realise that he was partially free, one of the suitcases popped out and was sent whirling at the stallion. It tackled him and forced him to roll and slide a couple of feet along the grass, his hind end finally bumping into an oak door. Embarrassing, Luna thought. A quick zap of magic later and the ring was back on his horn. “Mmm, that should have gone smoother. Are you two alright?” Luna turned back to the couple. Shining nodded and so did Cadance. “Perfect, so no pony was hurt.” No pony except Sombra. He was experiencing such strong disorientation he felt like the world was upside down. His stomach churned, he dry heaved, and gasped a moment later. “I thought my... reformation should have been less… less painful,” he commented, picking himself up on wobbly legs. His entire form ached from hoof to horn, how his horn actually hurt was incredible. He wanted nothing but to stretch out right now. “Princess Luna, this house is beautiful! I don’t think you can call it a cottage, it’s huge!” Shining Armour exclaimed, admiring the building in front of him. Sombra groggily turned around and looked. Pathetic, just a very light yellow two storey house surrounded by a white picket fence and flowers. Flowers, urgh! The rose was still somehow in his head! He plucked it off and threw it away, grimacing. “Never, and I mean never, put flowers in mane! Do you understand?!” he seethed at Luna, spittle escaping his clenched teeth. This treatment… it was so foreign. He was used to the high life with everypony under his command, doing whatever he wanted. Being pushed around like this, treated as a commoner… Sombra no likey. “Alright, Sombra, I’ll make it up to you by letting you choose your room!” Luna clapped her hooves together, “There’s two, so pick the one you like most.” “A room?” a room? “A room?! I demand my palace, child! My tower! My Empire! Not some forsaken room in the middle of nowhere! This is a place for mortal whelps, not eternal royalty!” Sombra made to approach Luna, but upon seeing her sparkling horn, he reconsidered. He’d rather not tangle with two Alicorns right now. “Princess Cadance is royalty. She does not mind staying here, do you, Cadance?” Luna looked back with a smirk. “Of course not. I like it, actually. It’s very peaceful compared to the palace,” the pink alicorn drew in a deep breath. “Oh, and the scents are quite the thing, too.” “Gah!” Sombra stomped angrily, half bucking the front door open. Which, fortunately for him, was open. “Children, all of you,” he muttered as he entered the building. Now he will claim the largest bedroom for himself. Once out of earshot, Shining approached Luna. “Your Majesty, I can’t help but feel uneasy. How do we know his magic won’t come back on its own? What if he escapes during the night?” Luna only chuckled. “Do not worry, Prince. The walls of this structure are magically enchanted. Specially so, they allow Sombra free reign around the property, but he cannot leave without your say so. If he attempts to remove the ring or leave the premises, he will be greeted by an electric shock, one powerful enough to freeze him in his tracks. This will allow you to catch him red hooved in the crime and carry out necessary punishment.” “Punishment? What sort of punishment? We’re not torturers, Luna,” Cadance sounded unhappy, but Shining wanted to slap him around a bit. Just a tiny bit for draining Cadance so much during his invasion. “I would recommend starvation or dehydration, but Celestia informed me that it is ‘too barbaric.’ I, however, have read up on some interesting ways of subduing a pony to your command. Mainly, the technique requires either leather or synthetic material whips. You ‘whip’ them in areas where flesh and fat is most present, primarily their backs or rumps until sore or red. There are stages, the first and most common one being resistance. They will try to ignore the pain and shout profanities at you. The second stage, which is the most interesting one, is where the connection between master and slave is forged-“ “Your Highness, please!” Shining waved his hooves at Luna, Cadance stood back and covered her flushed face. Luna’s methods for everything were very… eh, archaic. “You don’t need to go into detail about that. We’re not going to punish Sombra if we’re going to be reforming him, it will only make matters worse.” “Yes, I agree. It is up to you, Prince. You two decide what will become of Sombra if he breaks rules. Now!” “Is it time for the picnic? Oh, I so do not want to miss that. We’ve been planning for weeks!” Cadance perked up. Luna smiled and nodded. “Of course, Cadance, of course. It is truly time for such an occasion to finally occur. But first, let us settle you in and prepare a portable grand feast!” Any more of Luna’s high yielding voice and Shining’s head was going to pop. Did she always speak this loud? Worse than Mom. The interior of the house was anything but plain, it was actually very cosy. Treated and painted wooden walls, soft carpeted floor, brand new furniture, and a fireplace! The living room was the most spacious one, that’s where the fireplace was. The bathrooms weren’t anything special; shower, sink, lavatory. The two bedrooms both had a double bed. Sombra was nowhere in sight. Luna politely asked if Cadance could venture upstairs and bring Sombra down for the picnic and preparation of food, if he was there. No sooner when Luna began conversing with Shining Armour, Cadance was already travelling up the staircase. *** Yes… yes… he can hear one of them coming. Perfect. They’re alone, that will allow Sombra to carry out the first stage of his plan. He will use a little trick one of his ‘allies’ involuntarily gifted him. First, create a diversion, something to hide his true intent. Sombra stood in the middle of the bedroom, back towards the door, and began to stretch. First his neck, forelegs second, back third, and hind legs fourth. He emitted deep satisfied grunts as each joint popped and pivoted. Being cooped up in a cell with steel clamped to his body wasn’t the best method of staying fit. Charming. As much as Sombra’s masculine visuals weighed well above average, he was still Sombra. There was just no going around a fact like that. Cadance stood quietly and watched from the doorway. She still couldn’t grasp the concept of Sombra being harmless. No such term was applicable to him. Could Luna’s magic alone simply render him unable to make use of his magic? If so, where was she when he attacked the Crystal Empire? It would have saved so much hassle. “There is no shame in observing,” Sombra grinned, turning around to face Cadance. She visibly recoiled and almost had the urge to gag. “I was just-“ why did she have to excuse herself to Sombra? “Look, I don’t like this as much as you do. I want to be rid of you, you want to be rid of me. So let us get this over with as quickly as possible, starting by going downstairs and helping prepare some lunch.” “Lunch?” Sombra’s grin disappeared. “You want me to help prepare lunch?” “Remember that Princess Luna is here. If you don’t comply, she’ll zap you, simple,” Cadance took on a smug smirk, one which Sombra furrowed his eyes at. “Don’t start trouble by acting like a foal, just come along.” “Fine! But this is the first and last time I partake in such sissiness. Preparing lunch, pha! Where are the servants to do this for us? No mind! Let us go and prepare this ‘lunch.’” As much as he seemed harmless, Cadance couldn’t help but feel that Sombra was… ‘up’ to something. Where was the swearing, the shouting, the threats of what he will do to them once he was free? It was almost as he was eager to go and help out. “Yes,” Cadance eyed him closely, inspecting his peculiar smile. “Of course. Follow me.” Cadance turned, she couldn’t see him. This was his chance, his only chance to catch one of them alone. How inconsiderate of Shining Armour, letting his wife wander into the chamber of a king. Once she had turned her back to Sombra, he knew this was the time to finally strike back. Sombra stood back, lowered his horn, and shut his eyes. There was interference, an outer force that supressed Sombra’s magical prowess. Sombra sweat with the effort of casting this one little spell that will turn the tables right around. Cadance will fall under his influence and bow to him. No doubt will she be a useful pawn in his escape plan, a trick up his sleeve, an ace. His horn fizzed and popped with a sharp crack. The casting was involuntarily cancelled. Zap! “What… what is…” Sombra’s muscles froze, stuck in a pose of holding his head low. His limbs weren’t responding to his commands. He felt a quick, millisecond long prickling pain where spine met skull on the back of his neck and that was it, no further pain. Just a complete shutdown of his motor skills. “Luna, you…” it had to be Luna, there was no other possible explanation that would make sense. This was Luna’s fault, everything after him being put in a straightjacket is Luna’s fault. “Luna?” Cadance turned, then gasped at the scene before her. “Sombra, what did you… did you try to cast a spell?” “Damn you all… to hell,” Sombra muttered through a clenched jaw. Cadance couldn’t help but giggle quietly to herself at his failed attempt at mischief. “Weak… lings…” “Hush, Sombra. You stay here and think about what you’ve done. Learn from your mistakes. Attacking friends isn’t-“ “You are not… my friends,” he hissed, spittle running down his lip, “You will never be my ‘friends’, you are only wasting your… argh!” something inside him clenched hard enough for him to feel it. His heart convulsed. “L-Luna, you filthy…” Sombra’s expression was so pained Cadance thought he was going to shed tears soon. “I think I should go and get Luna. Don’t move you a muscle! Not like you can… move.” “Argh!” “Indubitably!” Cadance bolted for the stairs, but steeled herself later. With a quick power trot, she found Luna and Shining googling the fireplace. “Princess Luna, Sombra is...” stuck? “He tried to cast a spell and something happened. He can’t move now, and I think that something is hurting him… bad.” “My, oh my,” Luna turned and smiled, “I should have known Sombra would attempt something like this. My mistake for sending you up to him.” “You mean you knew he was going to try something funny? Cadance could have been hurt!” Shining sounded shocked. “Of course, but I would never put any of you at risk if I have not taken the proper precautions. If Sombra has attempted to use magic, his motor cortex is in temporary shutdown, meaning we would not be able to retrieve him for about…” Luna checked an imaginary watch on her fetlock. “Two hours, enough to prepare for the picnic.” “But he can talk,” Cadance had already accepted the fact that Luna is beyond unusual. She would humour her, “Maybe we can bring him into the kitchen so he can watch?” “Oh? Well then, he is a strong willed stallion then. His inferior frontal gyrus of the brain remains functional. I do hold high hopes that he will able to share some advice on my cooking.” Luna… cooking? Like, cooking food that has to be eaten later on? “Celestia help us all,” Shining muttered under his breath. Luna had heard him, but decided not to ruin the moment. “I have a few recipes I am willing to try out. Cadance!” The pink princess almost jumped at Luna’s yell. Why did she have to be so loud all the time? “Yes, Princess Luna?” “We, me and you, are going to embark on a quest of gathering ingredients-“ good, Shining Armour can stay behind and watch over Sombra, -“while Prince Shining Armour watches over our new friend. I doubt the Prince has attained much skill for cooking.” “Hey, I can make food well enou-“ Shining was silenced by Luna’s hoof to his lips. The sparkly blue horse shoe felt especially cold. “Two mares are adequate enough, Prince. If you join us, who will keep Sombra company? After all, he is the guest star of this show,” Luna removed her hoof from Shining’s mouth and gestured for the door. “Let us make haste, Princess Cadance. The ingredients are waiting.” “Yes, of course,” Cadance turned to Shining Armour. “Be careful, Shiny,” she slowly draped her hooves around his neck to pull him into a soft embrace. “Don’t turn your back on him. Heavens know what he might try.” Shining returned the caring gesture. “Don’t worry about me, I’m good. He won’t get the jump on this Captain.” With a chuckle, they parted. Shining was left alone with Sombra in the house. He took a moment to sit down on the sofa to wrap his mind around things and take a little breather. Sombra isn’t like Discord, right? What’s the hope of ‘reforming’ him then? Much less become friends. Friends! With Sombra! At face value that sounded asylum-level insane. Was Princess Celestia insane for even considering this, much less ordering them to carry out the task? Huh. Better than to be left in the dark, wondering if Sombra had actually died or not. With a heaving sigh, Shining finally put his mind at rest and focused on the task ahead; to keep Sombra company. Entering the room, Shining contemplated if whether he should greet him. But, seeing Sombra bowing, in a way, he decided that he’ll try to make his day a little bit better. “Sombra,” Shining began, taking a seat a fair distance away from Sombra. “Crystal Prince,” Sombra hissed back, his eyes searching for the unicorn. “How nice of you to join me. Would you like a drink? Here, I call it ‘Frozen King.’” Funny. “Good to see you’re not a humourless spirit like I thought you were,” Shining leaned back into the chair and crossed his hind legs over each other. “I am an immortal king, destined to his throne. I may have the appearance of an equine, but I wield power beyond your wildest imagination,” Sombra sighed, his frozen expression somehow drooping. “Yet, I am a prisoner of a mere mortal,” his eyes found Shining Armour, “You.” “You wouldn’t be if you just died when you had to,” Shining stated boldly. Sombra’s lips curled. “Is that so? Well, let us see… Crystal Prince, mortal. Princess of Love, alicorn, immortal. Tell me, Prince, what is your opinion on your spouse outliving your worthless mortal life?” Shining’s bewildered expression satisfied Sombra. “That is a topic which you won’t be revisiting. Understand?” a firm, clear order. He had to act like the Captain he was to have some edge over the king. Though the mention of Cadance outliving him… “Clearly,” Sombra chuckled. “If you have any seconds thoughts, feel free to come to me. My abilities can make wishes come true.” “So how is it that you’re not dead?” Shining decided to change the subject. Sombra took notice of that. “Your guess is as good as mine. Seems that the Crystal Heart isn’t what you thought it was. After all, it used to be mine. It didn’t want to utterly destroy its previous owner,” even Sombra wasn’t completely sure. Be it by luck or someone interfering, he is alive. “It doesn’t matter now. We will try and-“ “Reform me?” Sombra laughed. “Go ahead, give it your best try. I would most definitely like to see you fail miserably.” “We have faith in Princess Celestia. If she thinks you can be helped, then we will try. All the crimes you’ve perpetrated aside, I personally think you are nothing but a lost cause. An old king that doesn’t want his throne usurped from under him-“ “You know nought of me, peasant. To me you are nothing, a runt born of weak mortals. But somehow, fate has us working in… eh, mutual correlation,” a grunt later, Sombra attempted to move. No, still nothing. “Curse my luck for ending up with you.” “Mutual correlation, yeah, that’s a mouthful. If it was up to me, I’d dump you off Canterlot’s highest tower and go back home. I’m sure Cadance would agree.” “I do not doubt it.” “Even you can tell she despises you.” “Of course.” Sombra and Shining kept quiet for a few minutes after that. Sombra stared at the floor while Shining shot him occasional glances. When were Luna and Cadance going to return? Shining wasn’t feeling particularly comfortable around Sombra. The ex-king just gave off bad vibes that made Shining’s stomach churn. He blinked. Sombra was nowhere to be seen. How handy were teleportation spells. “Sombra?” Shining bolted from his seat, head spastically shooting about. “Sombra?! Sombra, you stop hiding right now! Sombra!” Shining felt two powerful hooves wrap around his neck and pull him back roughly into the chair. He struggled, tried to free himself of the choke hold, but the muscles bulged and hardened into steel like density, keeping the struggling unicorn in place. His throat was unaffected, just the sides of his neck. Soon, Shining Armour’s struggling slowly weakened until his hooves fell limp at his sides and his eyes rolled back into his skull. Sombra eased off on his neck and slowly descended him onto the floor, rolling him on his side so Shining wouldn’t choke back on his tongue. “Sleep tight,” Sombra muttered as he shifted one of Shining’s hooves under his head and drew out his hind leg so he wouldn’t roll on his stomach. Still breathing, Shining Armour was alive, but unconscious. Sombra wanted to kill him, it would have been easy as this, but not yet, it is too soon for death. First, he had to assume control over him. Force him into being the King’s slave. Then, when his usefulness has expired, he can be disposed of. Sure that nothing would zap him again, Sombra began to cast the previous disrupted spell. Not his own magic, but merely a gift from one of his 'allies.' He wasn't sure of the specifics. So it was Luna that interfered with his magic. Now that she was gone, using magic again was as easy as blinking. His curved horn flared into a brilliant, deep red. Small bubbles materialized around it and began to orbit. Even Sombra himself didn’t know what the spell did, only that it allowed control over the victim. Good enough for him. The bubbles warped, turned inside out, to form small, eye sized hearts that pulsated with pink energy. Sombra, of course, didn’t notice, he was deep in thought and focus. The hearts swirled and swirled with such speed that they became nothing but a blur. A wave of pink light shone over Shining Armour’s body, drawing a twitch from him. Tiny motes of light accumulated around the tip of his horn. One by one, they made contact with it and soaked in. Sombra drew back, opening his eyes that he had shut. They were glazed over in visible bright pink light. Almost instantly the light disappeared and his eyes were restored to factory default; white sclera, red iris, slit shaped pupil. Thankfully, no flames were erupting from the edges of his eyes, a sign that would surely give him away. He had gone it. Sombra had completed the first part of his plan. Now all he had to do was wait for the magic to take effect and develop. Shining will be under his command. Sombra says jump, Shining asks what off what cliff. Now, to make up a story. “Shining has fallen asleep… fell by accident… Sombra was good and did not even touch him, let alone cast a spell that would allow me control over him,” Sombra grinned and chuckled, “Yes, perfect.” Now, onto more important things. A glass of water.