“I’m sorry brother, but Da says I’m not old enough to go get the book by myself.” Sombra trotted beside his brother as he walked down the street, biting his lip as the Prince glared in irritation at Sombra, and grumbled under his breath. They passed a small group of kids sitting in a side street.
“What’s so special about this book you had to get it ordered and delivered here? You have five copies of the same book in the Empire’s library.” The Prince opened the door and entered the bookstore.
“This one is the Equestrian edition, it has fifteen new spells!” Sombra put a slip of paper on the front desk, and the pony brought over the book, taking the money as he handed it over. Holding the book in his magic, Sombra beamed, hopping after his brother as they began the trip back to the castle.
“Sorry,” a filly spoke as she accidentally bumped into Sombra, and walked away quickly. Sombra patted his clothes, and knew his money had been stolen. Turning, he chased after the filly, the Prince trotting behind him. It wasn’t his money that had been lost.
“Hyah!” Sombra pounced on the filly and held her down with body his body and a small portion of magic. Rummaging through the filly’s pockets, and taking back his pouch of money, nodded with a smile as he stepped away from the filly, still holding her down with his magic. The filly stood up, but found herself unable to flee as Sombra glared at her.
“That was rude! Why’d you go and do that!” Sombra flinched as the filly spat at him, and glared with burning hate. It was only then he realised he could see her ribs showing through her coat.
“Oh sure, like you’d know what I’ve been through. My parents abandoned me on the street! Do you know how hard it is to survive without a family? The orphanage barely feeds us, and you have to gall to ask WHY? You’re just a noble prince, you could NEVER understand how much everyday hurts when you go to sleep on the cold, hard crystal.” Once more the filly tried to spit at Sombra, who blocked it with a levitation spell. Sombra looked seriously at the filly his own age, and closed his eyes for a moment, and bowed.
“I see.” Sombra opened his eyes, releasing the magic as he dropped the bag of money beside the filly, and turned. The Prince snorted, and led the way out of the clearing.
“You need this money more than I. I apologise about the fact I already spent some on a book.” Sombra turned the corner and followed his brother back toward the castle. The filly paused, blinked, and ran out into the street.
“Why are you doing this, I just robbed you. You should be angry!” The filly saw Sombra pause and glance back, giving her a warm smile.
“Everyone deserves a second chance,” he spoke, turning to head on his way.
Sombra marched down the street toward the bookstore, proud to be finally old enough to walk the path alone. It had taken some convincing, but eventually the King had agreed. It had certainly helped his case when Sombra demonstrated he could defeat one of the guards in combat.
Sombra paused, feeling eyes on him, and turned, seeing a familiar face looking slightly less hungry, and a lot more curious. Sombra paused, and turned, looking fully at her. After a moment, the filly entered the street, and tossed the empty bag at him, hitting him in the face before it plopped onto the ground.
“Don’t think because I used it that I forgive your family for making us orphans live in poverty! Even with that money rationed we’re still starving most nights! And don’t think a bag of money is going to change things. I don’t need your god damned sympathy!” The filly leaned in and glared openly at Sombra, who once more regarded her seriously for a moment.
“Follow me,” he spoke, and turned, setting off at a brisk walk. The filly tilted her head and blinked, before deciding to see where this was going. Trotting after Sombra, she widened her eyes as she realised Sombra was taking her to the castle.
“Are you insane? I can’t go in there!” The filly watched Sombra turn, and looked at her with a very adult expression.
“Follow me,” he spoke again, and continued on his way. The filly bit her lip and growled, following after Sombra. As they reached the guards, they bowed their heads toward Sombra, but did not block his way. Ascending the castle to the throne room, Sombra bowed before the King. The filly blinked and panicked for a moment, mimicking the action.
“Rise my son, what is your issue?” The King gave his son full attention, even as the guard huffed in annoyance as he was used as a table, papers dumped in his hooves. Sombra rose and approached his father, stopping a few steps away. The filly slowly followed, looking around nervously.
“There is an orphanage that is in desperate needs of funds, repairs, and food. I am disappointed you have not resolved this sooner father.” Sombra’s ear flickered at the sharp intake of breath from the filly. This colt had just insulted the King! The King raised an eyebrow, and leaned forward.
“Very well my son, and where will you find the funds for this venture of yours?” The King waited patiently as Sombra looked away and frowned, thinking it over carefully. Turning back, he bowed once more.
“I ask thus: reduce the amount of servants and five course meals we receive at the castle. Just because we are royalty does not mean we should live like it.” Sombra bowed once more, before standing tall before his father, staring directly into his eyes. The King leaned back, and smiled for a brief moment, before it was gone once more. Turning, he took the paperwork from the guard, and began signing it once more.
“Consider it done. Guards, escort my son down to the orphanage with the appropriate documents for the orphanage to sign.” Sombra bowed once, and the guards stepped away from the King to grab the paperwork. As soon as they returned, Sombra began to make his way out of the castle. The filly followed mutely behind.
“Why are you going to such efforts for me?” The filly blinked as Sombra slowed to fall in line with her, and give a warm smile.
“I dunno, maybe I just like you,” he spoke, speeding up to once more fall in line with the guards in front. The filly’s eyes widened, and a light blush fell on her cheeks, before she narrowed her eyes and pouted.
“Don’t think this means I like you back royal flank face! Cause I DON’T!” Her shout drew some eyes, but all relaxed as Sombra snickered up the front, trying to hide his smile as the filly glared at him.