Sombra was in quite the shock as Ornate had pushed him away. He landed on his back, but he was still able to see what happened next. He watched in horror as the shot hit Ornate and sent her to the ground. Her body collapsed to the floor. He saw her chest rise and fall, her last breath leaving her body.
He quickly sat up and ran over to her. He picked up her frail body and gently cradled her head. Her lifeless body was limp in his arms. She was already beginning to get cold. Tears brimmed in his eyes. The only person he ever loved was gone. Forever.
Princess Celestia’s horn cooled down from her magic. She was surprised that Ornate had taken the blow from it. She probably would have tossed the thought aside, knowing she had it coming, but then Sombra ran over to her and held her in his arms. She watched as the tears ran down his face. He sobbed loudly. The big room echoed with his pain.
Celestia’s wings lowered until the tips were touching the floor. She watched as he continued to sob. Tears filled her eyes. The realization of killing some pony was finally settling in. She fell to her knees in agony.
“I’m so sorry!” she cried. “I should have listened!”
Luna walked over to her distressed sister and helped her up. Luna hugged her tight. Celestia hugged Luna back, sobbing on her shoulder. The room was filled with their cries.
“Ornate,” Sombra began between sobs. “I can’t live without you. You’re the only reason I had to live. Now, you’re gone.”
His tears landed on her dress. It was torn and terribly dirty from the chase. Its beauty faded. Sombra knew his cries were in vain and began to stand up.
But before he could, he felt something tug on his fur. He quickly looked down at Ornate. Her eyes were open slightly and they were wet with tears. The smile on her face grew as soon as Sombra looked down. He couldn’t believe it.
Sombra gently set Ornate down and hugged her tight. She happily returned the hug. Celestia smiled a little, thankful she was back. Everyone else was hugging each other.
Sombra let go and looked at Ornate.
“How is it possible?” he asked.
“It’s not,” Ornate replied.
“Then how,” Sombra began to question.
“Your love for each other is stronger than I have ever seen,” Luna interrupted. “There is not only magic in Friendship, but there is also magic in Love.”
Sombra tightly hugged Ornate and spun her around. This had been one of the only times he was truly happy.
***
“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” Celestia announced. “I am proud to tell you that King Sombra is no longer an enemy, but a friend.”
Every pony stomped their hooves in approval. They all stood in front of the Crystal Castle. Celestia and Luna stood together in front of the Crystal Heart with Cadence and Shining Armor on one side, and Twilight and her friends on the other. Sombra and Ornate stood in the front of the crowd of Crystal ponies.
“Sombra has taught me that Love can be more powerful than friendships. I did not believe it when I was told he had been changed to good. I didn’t believe one’s heart as dark as his could ever be softened. But I was wrong. I want to apologize for my actions this week and that I was too harsh in dealing with the matter.”
Celestia looked at Sombra and Ornate and beckoned them to come forward. They walked over to her and bowed. She motioned them to stand.
“Sombra,” she began, “I believe you and Ornate make a great team. You work well together and I could not ask you to part ways. I have given this thought and I think I have found you two a job that you can handle.”
“What is it?” Sombra asked.
“There have been many strange occurrences around Equestria. I want you and Ornate to go and check them out. I think it will be beneficial for you and Equestria to see what is causing all these problems.”
Sombra nodded in agreement. Celestia looked towards Ornate.
“Ornate, I am sorry for what has happened in the past few days and ask you for forgiveness. I believe that if you work hard with Sombra, you may finally find your Cutie mark. Though you may be a ‘blank flank’ for now, I believe that many young fillies and colts will look up to you.”
Ornate nodded.
“Well, without further adieu,” Celestia began, “Let the celebration begin!”
Every pony cheered. Sombra hugged Ornate and spun her around. She giggled in enjoyment. They finally had the time they had been waiting for all to themselves.
***
The party was spectacular. Everypony was enjoying themselves and all the things the party provided was fantastic. Sombra walked down the street with Ornate. They had enjoyed the celebration, but they wanted some time to themselves.
They sat down on the park bench where they had sat before. Sombra sighed. He couldn’t be happier. He glanced at Ornate. She was watching the river. She seemed quite relaxed, despite what had happened earlier.
Sombra leaned close to her and kissed her on the cheek. She kissed his cheek back.
“Ornate?” he asked.
“Yes?”
“I really do love you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I guess what I’m trying to say is… I want to…. Marry you.”
Ornate’s face brightened with red. She looked down a little.
“I love you, too,” she told him. “But I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
“Oh.”
Sombra looked down a little. He was disappointed.
“But,” Ornate added. “If you're patient, then it probably won’t be long before I agree.”
Sombra's face brightened.
“Well,” Sombra began, “I think it’s time to go back to Celestia.”
Ornate nodded and stood up. They walked to the Crystal Heart under the Crystal Castle. Celestia noticed them and pulled a rolled up document from a bag. She used her magic to hand it to Ornate.
“This parchment contains the information you need to know about your first mission.”
Ornate nodded and opened the paper. She and Sombra looked it over. Satisfied, they put the paper away. It wasn’t long before Velvet ran up to them.
“Ornate!” she cried happily.
She hugged her tight. Ornate hugged back. She let go and backed up a little.
“I can’t believe you!” she began. “Hanging out with King Sombra this whole time?!”
Ornate smiled.
“Anyways, I heard about your new job! Where are you going to go?"
Ornate only laughed. She looked at Velvet.
“Wherever destiny will lead us.”