//------------------------------// // Have A Happy Holiday, Pt.1 // Story: Spike's Shadow // by DraconequusMaximus //------------------------------// It had been snowing for the last three days, during which time Sombra had witnessed Spike's extended family file in. A great deal more ponies than Sombra had expected. Twenty-five people in total. Fortunately Twilight's castle was more than large enough for the lot of them. Spike and Sombra of course stayed in Spike's old room, still full of comic books, collectibles, and with walls plastered with posters. In Spike's full size it was quite snug, but cozy enough for the pair of them. Most of their time was spent out of the room anyway, as Spike insisted upon getting Sombra acquainted with everyone. Applejack seemed distrusting of him, Pinkie was an annoying ball of energy that confounded him to no end, Rarity he felt a small amount of animosity towards, and Rainbow Dash outright seemed to dislike him. Twilight and Fluttershy had tried to sway the odds in his favor, though things hadn't gone well as of yet. The crusaders had been the ones that he had associated with the most. Though a lot of it had to do with Scootaloo wanting to spar with him now that he had his powers back. While Scootaloo had no magic, she was unnaturally fast. Using only a small amount of his power it evened out to a fair fight. Although Scootaloo had panicked the first time she accidentally drove a sword into Sombra on a reflex. Sombra had also found Twilight's parent to be great company, as it seemed they shared many interests. Although Velvet's cataloging of dark magic abilities for her records for future magic historians had taken nearly a whole day. Today marked the one week mark before Hearth's Warming. There was something significant that was to take place today, though Spike hadn't told him what. Everyone had assembled around the Hearth's Warming tree, in front of which stood Twilight with a fishbowl full of paper slips. "Okay everybody, let's go over this for anyone new, or if you've forgotten. Everyone takes five slips of paper from the bowl. Each slip has a name on it. The five names you pull are who you get gifts for. This way, everyone only needs to worry about a few gifts instead of one for everyone. I've enchanted them to not give you repeat names, or your own name. There are twenty-three of us that old enough to appreciate the holidays, so it worked out nicely. Everyone will get the same amount of gifts, and plenty of them. That said, if you want to get gifts for Sugar Berry and Frost ask Gilda and Fluttershy what they need, or what sort of toys they like." Twilight explained. Once it seemed everyone understood they went up to the bowl and picked their names. Everyone tried to keep a calm and cool even though some let their opinions show. Even amongst the relatively tight-knit group, there were those that weren't overly familiar with one another, or those that would be difficult to shop for. Sombra pulled his when his turn came around, instantly doubting Twilight's claims of being a random draw. Sombra groaned internally as he looked at each slip of paper. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Spike. She didn't even try and hide how rigged this is. I should have assumed I had an incoming friendship lesson at some point. Sombra sighed in defeat, completely unsure what to get four out of five of his assigned recipients. Spike seemed to have noticed his predicament, having no difficulties reading the slips from his higher vantage. "Oh... Well, if it's any consolation you don't have to get me anything." Spike offered. To his surprise, Sombra got a familiar devilish look in his eyes, "Really? Because it would be such a shame to let your gift go to waste. It's non-refundable, and I put quite a lot of thought into it." Sombra gloated triumphantly. "Oh, well... No sense changing your plans on my account." Spike chuckled. Sombra hadn't planned on telling Spike anything about his gift, but the situation had called for a bit of the smarminess that got Spike's engine humming. Not only that, but now Spike was curious about what his gift was. Sombra didn't normally taunt Spike, but it seemed to do wonders for their relationship if used at the right times. "Right then... This is obviously meant to be your mother's way of getting those closest to you to see me as who I am, more than who I was. I suppose I could be making more of an effort..." Sombra grumbled after the excitement had had a moment to wind down. Spike hummed thoughtfully, trying to figure out the best way to go about the situation. Spike looked to see everyone discussing their plans for the next week. Trying to separate the chatter was a bit of a chore, but one in particular seemed pretty opportunistic. Spike motioned for Sombra to follow him, joining the group made up primarily of the elements. "Well, I was hoping to get everyone's measurements again this year. People can change a lot in the span of a year. Especially the children." Rarity answered, Spike not having heard the question. "Actually, I wouldn't mind commissioning some outfits." Spike added. Rarity looked at Spike, acting as if he had just asked her to find him a mythic relic of a bygone era. "Dear... I would love to, but I don't think I could outfit you with a wardrobe befitting your.... stature." Rarity replied apologetically. Spike chuckled a bit and scooted Sombra forward with his tail. "No, I meant for Sombra. He usually feels more comfortable in clothing, and filling up his wardrobe a bit seems like a good Hearth's Warming gift. And I can't imagine going to any other seamstress or tailor when we've got the best in the world right here. I'll be paying full price of course, no discounts. Even the element of generosity needs a profit margin." Rarity's expression evened out, not really sure how to reply. Though eventually her better nature won out, and she was sold on the idea. Sombra was likewise uncertain, but Spike had done an excellent job roping him into the situation. "I must admit, I am rather fond of the outfit you created for me earlier this year, madame. I received quite a few compliments at the gala." Sombra played along. To his surprise, Rarity looked absolutely mortified. Somehow she looked even paler all the sudden. "You wore that suit I threw together at the last minute to the Grand Galloping Gala?! Oh my... Had I known you needed a gala suit I would have been much pickier about the fabric I used. I should have used something much higher thread-count. This won't do at all... We need to start right away if you're to accompany a gentledrake of Spike's caliber to social events. Meet me in the third floor parlor in two hours, I need to gather supplies from my luggage." Rarity practically demanded. Rarity wandered off, summoning up parchment and pencils and began sketching mid-air. It's as if she was running on auto pilot. She seemed to be aware enough to avoid obstacles, but Sombra was mildly concerned when she headed to the stairs. "Is she always that... driven?" Sombra asked the elements still present. "Basically." Applejack droned. Yupp." Rainbow seconded. Selene floated past overhead, lazily rowing herself along with a hoof. It was a complete and utter nonsense action that defied physics, but Selene was known for that sort of thing. After a moment she dropped out of the air and hit the floor with the grace of a wet dog falling from a third story window. No one was particularly startled by this development, but she picked herself up off the floor pretty quickly. Though when no one immediately acknowledged her presence she eventually began swatting at Sombra's flowing mane as she often did when she wanted his attention. Sombra responded in his usual manner, by using his mane to swat away her hoof like a foal caught stealing from the cookie jar. "Yes, Sister? I assume you need something?" Sombra asked, only mildly annoyed. Rainbow Dash and Applejack seemed to bristle a bit as they saw Sombra perform magic, but the comment about Selene being Sombra's sister proved mildly disarming. Rainbow covertly leaned over to Applejack, whispering to her. "Did you know they were related? I thought Luna made her out of dream goo and pixie dust?" "Ah don't know... But, you gotta admit there's somethin' of a resemblance." Applejack replied uncertainly. Spike heard them, but merely snickered to himself a little. "Lulu wishes to remind you it's still Sunday. It's go time, Brochacho. I'm obviously paraphrasing, but c'mon. I've got new ideas on how to kick your flank~!" Selene taunted. Sombra looked at a clock on a nearby wall, all too aware of his new appointment with Rarity. But he had a duty to see to his previous engagement. "Very well then. Let us adjourn to the grand ballroom on the second floor. I assume Luna is already waiting for us? Otherwise she would have told me this herself." Sombra asked. Selene nodded, sinking backward into a nearby shadow and disappearing a moment later. Sombra sighed and returned his gaze to the others. Twilight and Fluttershy were unsurprised by the turn of events, though Rainbow Dash seemed interested. Pinkie had left towards the kitchen shortly before Selene had even arrived. No one questioned her sudden departure, as her stomach had been quite vocal about her needs. Spike saw this as yet another prime opportunity to get Sombra into the good graces of his family. "Hey, we should go watch Sombra vs. the night shift! He's almost beaten them a few times now. It's awesome. Right up your alley RD. We should get the crusaders too." Spike recommended. Rainbow Dash seemed on board, but Applejack turned down the offer. Ever the hard worker she felt the need to get her gift shopping done as soon as possible. Which made sense, but Spike couldn't help but feel AJ just hadn't wanted to hang out with Sombra. Can't win em' all first try. Spike sighed internally. Sombra was still a bit uncomfortable with the extra attention, but he didn't complain. Instead, he merely waved his goodbye and followed Selene through the darkness. Spike rounded up the spectators he thought would be interested and ferried them upstairs on his back. By the time they made it to the ballroom sounds of struggle could be heard coming from beyond the door. It seemed as though things were well under way. As a precaution, Spike felt it necessary to give the group a quick briefing. The same briefing Luna gave her thestrals that wanted to see the action back at the castle. "Okay, ground rules. You can cheer, but try not to distract them. If something big happens, duck behind me. I'm literally a tank, so don't sweat it. Most importantly, don't freak out. Sombra is immortal, and Luna, Selene, or Nightmare Moon can be pretty brutal. Body parts may be liable to fly, but there's no blood. Sombra can fix himself no problem. We good?" Spike laid down the law. Sweetie Belle seemed concerned, but Rainbow Dash and the other crusaders seemed even more interested than before. The promise of such unparalleled action seemed quite enticing. Spike could relate to both sides, although after awhile he had gotten used to the sight of Sombra being disassembled and reassembled. As terrible as that sounded. As soon as Spike opened the doors, everyone got a taste of what they had been promised. Namely, Nightmare Moon bringing down a scythe on Sombra's neck as his chest threatened to cave in beneath her metal-cloaked hoof. Sombra's head rolled, but it didn't stop. Tendrils of darkness spread out from his mane, and his eyes lit up with bright pink spiritual power and flowing green miasma. It floated in air like a malevolent squid until the tendrils began to thin and separate like veins or roots. In the span of thirty seconds, the micro-tendrils wove together into something resembling a black equine skeleton. In the span of forty-five, he had something like a system of organs but alien shapes of black and glowing pink. Spike wasn't certain, but he got a chill down his spine when he realized he could see what likely acted as Sombra's heart. Remarkably fast for a form so intricate and complex, Sombra had built himself a new body from the ground up in about a minute. Spike had seen him reading medical books as of late, and it seemed their purpose had been revealed. Sombra couldn't help but laugh a bit at the look of pure shock in the Nightmare's eyes. His confidence and the display of regenerative prowess had seemingly shaken her. "You can only behead me or dismember me so many times before I learn to spread my consciousness between the sum of my parts. Quite a learning experience, really. I learned superior body construction too, though I'm still fine tuning it a bit. Actually crafting body systems is difficult, but much more effective than being a solid mass." Sombra smirked. Nightmare Moon smiled and the scythe devolved into stardust, as obviously cutting Sombra to bits was no longer a viable option. "It took me a very long time to learn to recover from something like that in such little time. You've even been improving your physical form and learning as I cut you to ribbons and ground you to paste, all without me noticing. You've a frightening will, and I can honestly say I'm proud of you. But I'm not about to give up just because you've leveled up a bit." Nightmare Moon taunted and complimented in equal measure. "I wouldn't expect you to. Either of you." Sombra countered, mockingly giving the nightmare a care-free sideways glare, as if he were barely acknowledging her. Nightmare Moon assumed it to be a tactic to shake her, but there was something off with the way Sombra had said it. She lit her horn to resume pounding him into the luxurious crystal tile floor of the ballroom, but something caught her attention. "Look out below!" Sweetie Belle screamed from the peanut gallery. But it was far too late. The headless corpse that was Sombra's former body was both no longer headless, and no longer a corpse. There, beneath Nightmare's hoof was another fully formed Sombra. Not only that, but a blade of flowing shadow from his mane pierced straight through Nightmare Moon's abdomen and out her back. She didn't do anything, as she was too shocked to react. But Sombra number two seemed to have more in store for her. The blade of flowing shadow soon divided itself into a pair of hands. In a total state of disbelief, everyone watched as the other Sombra ripped the nightmare in half. In a flash of starlight and shadowy power, Luna and Selene were flung to opposite sides of the room by giant black hands. Without missing a beat, the Sombra that had grown from the severed head formed equally great arms of shadow. He pinned the disoriented mares to the walls, and spared them no time to recover. Spike was just as surprised as everyone, but he still had his wits about him. He was ready to stop the girls from interrupting. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked ready to leap into action, which was understandable. From an outside perspective, it certainly didn't look good. But Spike knew this was personal, and that Sombra, Luna, or Selene wouldn't go too far. The Sombra that was now free of duty dispersed himself into a cloud of darkness and rejoined the other. Sombra was whole again. Though he didn't look any different his power was double what had been holding back the night shift. The only physical change was his eyes. They no longer burned with an intensity as great as before. They were calm, and there was no hate in them. It was as if the momentary act of extreme violence had put him at peace. They were still the magical shade of pink and blue, but they were calm. Sombra seemed to think he had won, and all signs pointed to him being right. Luna began to struggle, but Sombra created another tendril of darkness and sent it into her chest. Luna yelped out of surprise, but it quickly became apparent she wasn't in pain. But her struggling stopped, as did Selene's when he repeated the process on her. "I've been trying to perfect this technique for awhile now for Celestia, but I realized it had other applications. I figured out I couldn't beat Nightmare Moon in a fair fight. I still can't separate myself on cue, but I assumed you would help me there. And, I've got my hands wrapped around your souls. I imagine you're going to have quite a bit of difficulty using any sort of elemental powers, and will find concentrating on unicorn magic quite difficult. I can't do anything else either, but I think I can stand here as long as it takes for the two of you to yield." Everyone stood in perfect silence, and Selene and Luna shared a knowing look. As with most things, they seemed to be of one mind on the subject. "Congratulations, Brother. I yield." Selene admitted first. "Yes, fine. We've been bested..." Luna huffed. After a moment Luna's expression of anger melted away into something like pride. "Six real fights we've had, and you've already got our number... You've got a sharp mind and a versatile ability. There is very little you cannot accomplish, Sombra. Remember that." Luna exclaimed in a bittersweet tone. Sombra released the both of them from their bondage, and sighed in relief. He was very tired, and the act of grappling with not one, but two powerful souls was spiritually draining. Now that he had let go he could feel just how low his stamina was. Sombra slowly made his way to the corner, where it seemed he had discarded his hoodie to avoid it's complete and utter destruction. Sombra looked as though he was about to fall over, but Spike was already next to him as soon as he had wobbled. "Holy crap, Sombra. That was awesome. I can't even tell you what ran through my mind when I saw there were two of you. But... Wow. I knew you could win, but that was bananas. Are you gonna be okay? You're looking kinda drained." Spike asked, rather abuzz with all kinds of emotion. "I... Could use a pick-me-up, if I'm going to keep my appointment with Rarity. If you wouldn't mind?" Sombra asked as politely as he could. "Oh, sure go ahead. It's kinda tingly, but I don't mind." Spike replied. With renewed vigor Sombra launched a shadowy hand into Spike's shadow. As if it were a piece of fabric, Sombra picked it up off the floor. It resisted just a little, but with a smaller series of hands Sombra balled it up. Their was just a small bit trying it's damnedest to stay attached, but Sombra used two of his spectral fingers as scissors and broke the bond. Sombra compressed the ball of semi-transparent shade into a much darker sphere the size of an orange. In a few bites, Sombra had done away with it. Spike shivered a little, but he had a smile on his face. "I could get used to that. Either way, you feeling better?" Spike asked, feeling rather chipper. Sombra nodded, placing a kiss on Spike's snout. "Much. Thank you, Dear. I'll try not to do that too often." Sombra assured him. Having reached their limit, the audience rebelled. The crusaders bowled Sombra over, wanting answers. "Sombra! That was so badass! Can you teach us how to do that?" Scootaloo shouted. "Does it hurt growing a new heart? Can you make two hearts?" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly. "Do you think you could draw me a diagram of where you start with your veins? I just got an idea for a revolutionary new prosthetic limb!" Apple Bloom implored him. For his part, Sombra was only mildly startled. "Er... No, I can't teach it, yes it hurts considerably, I've never tried making extra parts, and I suppose I could take a picture next time. I am very tender at the moment however. I did just grow a new body, and absorbing another equal mass is a bit of a chore in itself. Could you three maybe get off of me?" The crusaders jumped off of Sombra, and Spike helped the downed stallion up off the floor. By the time Sombra had dusted himself off Rainbow Dash and Applejack were at Spike's side. Applejack seemed speechless, and Rainbow was positively ecstatic. Spike hadn't seen her so excited since the last Daring Do book release party she had used her Wonderbolt influence to get into. "Holy-bucking horseapples! I've kicked dragons in the face and flown through hurricane-force winds, but that was some next level shit! Like if you put all the death-metal album covers into a flip-book and they somehow made a movie! I didn't think anybody could beat Nightmare Moon alone. Mad respect." Rainbow Dash praised. She offered him a hoof, which he reflexively bumped with a shadowy fist. "While I'm not much for that genre of music, I will take that as a compliment. If I'm being honest, I was waiting for Luna to do something that defied reason that would get me sliced in half again. Just like the last six times. It just happened to work out this time." Sombra claimed modestly. Sombra felt quite accomplished in that moment, though in truth he felt like he had cheated in a way. Though for the time being it seemed he had bigger matters to worry about. Luna had summoned up a heavy lock-box, and Sombra could feel the power within. It was his prize, which he had actually almost forgotten about. He had been so concerned with actually winning against Luna and his sister that his ultimate goal had taken a back seat. "Oh... Yes. Why don't you hold onto that until Hearth's Warming? I'm far too tired to try and absorb it today, and I need to prepare. I don't know what would happen if I tried and failed... I might get diluted so far down I ceased to be. It could take centuries to recover from something like that if I weren't careful." Sombra requested. Luna seemed a bit disappointed, but she magicked away the cube and it's container. "I suppose it's a wise course of action... Though I really was hoping to see you at your best. Very well. I'll find a more festive box to put it in then. Can't very well give you a gift looking like that on Hearth's Warming." Luna joked. "Oh! Wait! Can I give it to him?! He's on my list, and I have no idea what to get him." Selene pleaded with her wife. Sombra was quite used to being partially ignored by Selene, as she sometimes seemed unable to focus on multiple things at once. "That will be fine, Sister. I really don't need material possessions that badly. The remainder of my power will make a fine gift. However, I will ask that you be the one to wrap it then. I'm sure Luna has plenty of people on her list to think about as well." Sombra compromised. Selene grumbled, but she nodded her acceptance. Sombra and Spike had to excuse themselves soon after, wanting enough time to meet Rarity. The third floor parlor had taken some time to get to, as the tree of harmony wasn't exactly the best architect. The halls weren't laid out all that efficiently, but still they barely made it in time. Rarity had seemingly taken over the parlor, turning it into an impromptu work-space full of material and all the tools of the fashion trade. Even a mare and stallion ponnequin couple. It was hardly a wonder why Rarity had had an army of bags. She didn't leave home without essentially having her home with her. Sombra wasn't one to judge, as he kept all of his belongings in the void of darkness for easy access. Rarity herself was busily sketching away in a diary-like sketchpad. "Rarity, we came as you requested. Are you in the middle of something? We can do this another time." Sombra asked, alerting Rarity to their presence. "Oh, no. Now is just perfect. I was just sort of in the zone. I haven't done much stallion-wear, and I was thinking of expanding. I could use a proper model anyway." Rarity assured Sombra. Without asking, Rarity used her magic to remove Sombra's hoodie. Before Sombra could complain, he found himself being practically violated by tape measures, calipers, and combs. Rarity's invasion of privacy wasn't made with ill intent, but it was a bit too thorough for his liking. Spike however didn't seem at all surprised. Once she was finished she seemed surprised by her findings. "Oh... Well, that's a little unexpected. I had assumed you were quite burly at first glance. It seems your fur is actually just of a great volume. You've actually got a very sensible figure. It's good to know these sorts of things. That way, I can make sure your clothes will be both stylish and comfortable." Rarity hummed as she wrote down Sombra's measurements. Sombra wasn't sure if that was meant to be a compliment or not, but Rarity probably hadn't meant anything by it. Her focus was devoted almost entirely to her craft. Admirable, if mildly annoying. After a moment of waiting, Spike felt a familiar tingle in his gut. A letter, which he carefully caught in mid-air. He wasted no time perusing the missive, looking excited as he came to the end. He quickly burned it away, leaving nothing behind. "Hey, Sombra? Ma just got a delivery of groceries and whatnot to feed everybody and she needs help unloading and taking inventory. You be okay if I go help her? She can't stand to mess with the meats, so it might take a little while. I uh, I sort of ordered a lot of meat." Spike explained. Sombra waved him off, assuring Spike he would be fine. Though Spike could tell he was a bit worried about being alone with Rarity. "Go on, Spike. We'll be fine. If we finish before you I'll simply come find you." Sombra promised. "Alright then... Play nice." Spike joked as he headed out the door. Sombra and Rarity continued on with minimal speaking for awhile. Sombra either okaying designs or suggested minor changes, but eventually the silence began to wear thin on their nerves. Sombra, usually patient and not very outspoken was the first to crack. "So... Forgive me, but I think it may be time to address the elephant in the room. I feel like clearing the air would be the easiest way to begin an acquaintanceship on friendly terms. I could tell you didn't much care for my presence until Spike told you about my need of a proper wardrobe." Rarity looked as though she wanted to contest the claim, but after a few seconds she gave up trying to deny it. "Alright, no. I don't have a very high opinion of you just yet... But It's not like I blame you for being possessed and whatnot. I just think Spike rushed into things with you... He's got his heart broken too many times for someone his age already. He's got a big heart... And I want to make sure you aren't taking advantage of it." Rarity admitted. Sombra actually smirked at the comment, and even began to laugh. This unnerved Rarity a great deal. It actually took a moment for Sombra to recover, but when he did he looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, it's just hilarious. You obviously have no idea exactly what has transpired in the last six months. Protecting Spike, I have broken all of my bones, been paralyzed, stabbed through the head with my own sword, and since my powers emerged it's actually gotten worse. I've been cut to ribbons and ground to paste by explosions. I may be immortal and have excellent healing, but I feel all the pain. "My relationship with Spike is entirely mutual. I will follow him to hell and back, whether he likes it or not. I would give my life for him, were I able. He is my everything, and I owe him a debt that cannot be repaid. But I will try, every single day. He is mine, and I am his. Spike has even requested that I be the one to ask him to marry me someday, as he worries he is rushing me while I only have a year's worth of memories to my name." Sombra summed up. Rarity still seemed a little disbelieving of Sombra's claims, but Sombra reached into his mane and produced the photo album he had received on his birthday. Within it, there were all the photos of their trip to New Griffonstone and his birthday. Though Sombra had been adding since then too. Many pictures were of Spike, Lyra, and Sombra. But there were plenty of pictures of Twilight, Gilda, and Fluttershy, and even some photos Spike had taken. Particularly the photos of Sombra playing with Sugar Berry and Frost taken without his prior knowledge. Despite herself, she had to admit the candids were objectively adorable. "Well. I can't really argue with all this. If Gilda and Fluttershy trust you with their children I'd be a fool not to trust you... And you do seem to be quite civil. I would make a poor element of generosity if I didn't at least attempt to be civil in return." Rarity admitted apologetically. Sombra chuckled nervously, unable to look Rarity in the eye for a moment. "Yes... Well, don't feel too bad. I initially harbored some petty grudge against you, as people have told me Spike had quite a crush on you in years past. While my interests run in other circles, I can tell you are objectively quite beautiful. Conversely, people often tell me I look like a vampire. I suppose I'm just a bit jealous that I can't be everything Spike likes." Sombra revealed. Rarity giggled, but soon placed a comforting hoof on Sombra's. "Dear, you're quite handsome. Spike has refined tastes. I think we'll get along just fine. But, if you do marry Spike I insist on providing you with a tuxedo. Black is traditional, but with your color scheme I'd love to do something different. Lilac perhaps, or maybe a rosy color? How do you feel about pink? Even some gay stallions have a problem with pink, but you seem quite civilized." Rarity inquired, already passing color swatches his way. "I'm quite fine with pink." Sombra smirked. With a quick blink, Sombra summoned up his altered eyes. Rarity seemed momentarily alarmed, but Sombra assured her it was fine. "I know they resemble Dootha's eyes, but they're all mine. By merging my power with spiritualism taught to me by Zecora I achieved some sort of anti-Dootha power. The colors are negatives of the originals. It took some getting used to, but they're quite useful. If I concentrate I can see into people's souls and tell if they're corrupted." Sombra explained. Rarity's interest was clearly piqued. "What does my soul look like? Is it sufficiently fabulous? Can I change what it looks like?" Sombra rolled his eyes, but he nonetheless complied and focused his efforts. "Something akin to a Rarity-shaped pool of water, or flowing silk. It's quite lovely, an exquisite sparkling blue." Sombra described. Rarity squeed in delight, daintily clapping her hooves together in appreciation. "Oh, simply marvelous! I'm so excited~! I should make a new hat to cele-" Rarity was interrupted by the door being kicked down. Standing there was a familiar pink pony with an innocent smile. She had a chef's hate on, and frosting on her cheek. She was holding a large cake in monochromatic color scheme. Sombra hadn't had time to disengage his eyes due to the sudden intrusion, but he closed them now. He had however seen her soul without asking permission. Normally he would have apologized, but he had seen something abnormal inside her. "Happy late birthday, Sombra! I'd have gotten you a cake earlier, but I sort of ate the first five. I was out of the country partying on your actual birthday, and I didn't know you were alive until I got back to Equestria a few days ago. I'm Pinkie Pie, and I hope you like dark chocolate. I asked Rainbow Dash what you liked, but she didn't know. So I just guessed." Pinkie had spoken so fast that Sombra barely registered what she had said. Though the information he had just gained was also so surprising he could hardly think of anything else. "Yes, very thoughtful. A pleasure to meet you Miss Pie. However... Er... Hmm. Would you mind speaking with me in the hall for a moment? I promise you it's of the utmost importance, and in the interest of your privacy." Sombra implored her. Pinkie Pie cast him a side-ward glance like a confused puppy, unsure exactly what Sombra wanted. "Okie dokie lokie?" Pinkie agreed uncertainly. Sombra used his shadowy appendages to take the scrumptious looking cake from Pinkie and set it upon the coffee table. He then escorted Pinkie outside, holding the door for her. Rarity took note of his politeness, though she was still far more curious as to what was going on. Once Sombra was sure he and Pinkie were alone he set about the monumental task of trying to put what he needed to say into words. "To make a long story short, I have the power to see through people and into their souls. Rarity was curious as to what hers looked like, and you happened to come in while I was still using the technique. I saw you, and while I'm very sorry I invaded your privacy, I happened to see... An abnormality. I feel you should be informed of it, if you aren't already." Pinkie seemed mildly concerned, but she genuinely seemed to want to know. "What's wrong? Is it a tuna? Am I going to die?!" Pinkie cried out, grabbing the fluff of Sombra's chest with surprising strength. Sombra facehooved at his own stupidity for having worried Pinkie Pie so much. "No, no, no. Nothing like that, it's just... Well, your soul is a bit unusual. It looks like thousands of little pink and blue bubbles, but inside a giant bubble in your midsection is... a much smaller, second soul. Pure white, undefined, I suppose. What I mean is... I believe you are with child." Sombra explained. Pinkie Pie let go of Sombra and slid back against the wall, all the way down to the floor. She clutched her belly carefully, her eyes full of disbelief. She seemed unable to process for a moment, until Sombra placed a hoof on her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. "Are you alright? Do... Do you want me to leave you alone, or perhaps go get someone?" Sombra offered. Pinkie Pie shook her head, and her smile reappeared. "No, I'm alright. Better than alright! I'm fantastic! I was just sad Cheesy doesn't get to be the first to know. He's in Fillydelphia with his folks, and I can't not tell everyone while I'm here. But I'm sure Cheesy will understand. It'll still be quite a surprise! Ooh. That's a good name. I gotta remember that." Pinkie Pie laughed. Rarity burst through the door and rushed over to hug Pinkie Pie, though she carefully avoided her belly. "Oh goodness, Pinkie! I'm so sorry I was eavesdropping, but this is fantastic! We simply must tell the girls, and I can't wait to be an auntie again~!" Rarity cooed affectionately. Before Sombra knew it, Rarity and Pinkie were gone, off to find people to tell the good news to. Sombra didn't mind too much. Rarity had gotten his measurements, he had finally beaten Luna and Selene, and without meaning to he had brought great joy into Pinkie's life. He was satisfied the day had been an all-around win, but he was very tired. After retrieving the cake Pinkie had put so much effort into, Sombra stepped through a nearby shadow. After a quick jaunt through the darkness none could navigate better than Sombra, he stepped out of the shadow of Twilight's china cabinet. He had gotten permission to place sigils in a number of places, which was helpful considering Spike's shadow hadn't had nearly enough time to replenish just yet. From there it was a short walk to the kitchen, and from there to the meat-locker. Spike had convinced Twilight to let him convert half the ridiculously large storage rooms around the kitchen into a meat locker for him and any carnivorous guests. Once there, Sombra opened the door to find Spike taking meticulous inventory. Despite Twilight's thinly veiled disgust for being near deceased animals she still expected every single item to be accounted or and removed from the list after being used, just like her pantry. "Knock, knock. I have a treat for my hard-working dragon. Though save me a piece, as Pinkie Pie went to a great deal of trouble to make it for me." Spike turned to see a tired, but pleased Sombra. Spike accepted the cake when offered, and with a few practiced motions he took the entire cake, leaving one generous and perfectly cut slice of cake on the plate for Sombra. It was gone very soon, Sombra's slice the lone survivor. Spike had been surprisingly neat about it, and what little mess he had made was quickly licked off his claws. "Dark chocolate with raspberry filling. Nice. Pinkie really is the best baker I know. Anyway, how'd it go today? You and Rarity get along?" Spike asked, eagerly awaiting the news. Sombra chuckled a bit, trying to put his day into words. "Today was interesting. Rainbow Dash seems a lot like Daring, and while she admires my abilities I imagine it will be awhile before we click. Rarity is a bit more my speed, pun not intended. Pinkie Pie... She's very... Bubbly? But I think it will be a little while before I can keep pace with her. Though I think we should go find her. I imagine she's going to want to tell you all about our meeting." Sombra told Spike, a playful gleam in his eye.