Queen Umbra was thought to be dead. Unfortunately for Cameron, a human now living in the Crystal Empire, Umbra has returned in flesh and blood...in Cameron's living room. But Umbra is weak and Cameron decides to care for her and find her true intent.
Queen Umbra was thought to be dead. Unfortunately for Cameron, a human now living in the Crystal Empire, Umbra has returned in flesh and blood...in Cameron's living room. But Umbra is weak and Cameron decides to care for her and find her true intent. R63 Sombra Pre-Read and Edited by Izanagi and Stahl
Cameron slammed his door, causing objects throughout his kitchen to rattle. His head was practically steaming as he trudged over to his living room and prepared to flop down on the couch.
“Of all the fucking things in the world, suspended for ‘patient mishandling’,” Cameron grumbled to himself. Cameron was a well respected doctor at Crystal Heart General Hospital. Ever since his sudden drop into Equestria, he continued to do what he did back on Earth in this new world. Today, a filly by the name of Diamond Tiara had broken her foreleg whilst on her family vacation to the Crystal Empire and while Cam was treating her, he knocked her tiara off. She screamed bloody murder and the director suspended him to avoid a hefty lawsuit from the little bitch’s rich father.
On the bright side, at least I have a week to myself, he thought.
But that notion was quickly cast aside as he saw what waited for him in his living room.
A mare, an exquisitely beautiful unicorn mare, lay sprawled on the floor. Her coat was an ash grey and her mane was as black as the night. Her horn was the part that struck Cameron as weird. It was an orange-red color and curved up like a scythe.
He was awoken from his trance as the mare in question stirred and let out a pained moan. Cameron’s instincts kicked in almost immediately as he rushed over and looked the mare over. He put his index and middle fingers to her neck, looking for her pulse. He found it, but it was weak.
“I don’t know who you are miss, but I’m going to get you to a hospital so we can get you fixed up,” Cameron said.
As the word “hospital” left his mouth, the mare’s eyes shot open, glazed with fear.
“NO!” she shouted. A blast of purple energy erupted from the mare’s body and sent a chill through Cameron as he looked down at the mare in shock. The magic looked like it would kill a pony, but since he was human and not as affected by pony magic, it must’ve backfired.
She screamed in agony after she had released her blast of magic.
Cameron decided to obey her wish, he had ample supplies here in his home.
He carried the still whimpering mare to his bed and set her down gently.
Dashing to the bathroom and grabbing his personal trauma kit, he returned and opened the bag, revealing a large amount of tools and assorted medical supplies.
Cameron did a quick look over of the mare, but he saw no bruises, cuts, or anything for that matter. He put a stethoscope to her chest and listened to her heart. It was beating in a steady and normal rhythm as it should.
Then Cameron remembered his talk with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.
“Queen Umbra,” she had said, “was a brutal and unforgivable pony. She enslaved an entire race and then took this entire kingdom into oblivion when she was defeated. After she reappeared with the empire, we put a stop to it by blowing her to ash.”
Cameron remembered the pictures. It couldn’t be. Cadence said she had died.
“Mmph,” Umbra stirred and her eyes fluttered open again.
Cameron was far from afraid, he had the size and power advantage over her in her current state, after all. That combined with his experience in dealing with uncooperative patients made him feel rather confident about his ability to deal with this mare. Still, he had his doubts about facing a demon queen. Her red irises locked on to his own sky blue ones as she blinked at the human.
“Uh, hello,” Cameron greeted the now conscious Queen.
“Who and what are you, creature?” Umbra said, narrowing her eyes at the human, trying to stand up and walk.
“Gah!” Umbra yelped as her legs gave out on her and she nearly fell onto the hard floor. Cameron caught the unsteady mare and placed her back onto the bed.
“My name is Cameron and I’m a human. Why are you in my house, Umbra?” Cameron said gruffly, trying to intimidate her.
“How do you know who I am?” Umbra snapped.
“You’re kind of a local legend around these parts.” Cameron said, trying to maintain his composure.
“I’m back in...” she trailed off.
“Yes, the Crystal Empire,” Cameron finished for her.
“Do they still think of me as evil?” Umbra asked.
“Well duh, you tried to kill them all,” Cameron said, holding a chuckle back.
“That was not myself, but a demon that lived within me. With my last defeat, it was banished from my body and soul. Convincing people of such is probably going to take a long time...” Umbra’s head fell.
“It’s going to take a while to convince me as well. But I’ll allow you to stay here in my home. You are not to leave the confines of this room until I say otherwise. If you even can do so, that would be yet another miracle.” Cameron said.
“Who are you to give me orders?!” Umbra barked.
“The only one who will give you the benefit of the doubt in this situation. Everypony wants to see your head on a stake right now. You’re lucky I don’t throw you to the wolves!” Cameron snapped.
Umbra fell back on the bed, startled by the anger in his voice.
“Nopony has ever stood up to me like that...” Umbra said in shock.
“Consider that a warning. Be grateful of what you have Miss Umbra. You are no longer a Queen and I will treat you as a regular pony.” Cameron said, making his authority known.
“Ok.” Umbra whimpered, still not used anypony being so sharp with her.
“That being said, if you need anything, please let me know. Get some sleep Miss Umbra. It’s getting quite late.” Cameron said, heading for the door.
“But where will you sleep?” Umbra asked curiously.
“I have a very comfy couch. I’ll use that since you’re injured.” Cameron said, grabbing two extra pillows and a blanket from a linen closet.
“Mister, um...” Umbra trailed off, searching for a last name.
“Lovett. Dr. Cameron Lovett.” Cameron said, finding the words for her.
“Thank you Dr. Lovett. I am eternally grateful.” Umbra said, bowing her head slightly.
“Good night Miss Umbra.” Cameron said as he shut the door.
Cameron set up his bedding and flopped on his sofa.
“What have I gotten myself into?” He mumbled to himself.
“I have an evil queen sleeping in my fucking bed. Wait until Healing Horn and Gentle Heart hear about this shit. They’ll never believe me.” Cameron said with a light chuckle.
A loud thump from the direction of the bedroom got his attention.
What the hell was that? he thought.
A dragging noise made it clear as to what was happening.
Cameron groaned in exhaustion and got up. He walked briskly towards the bedroom door and opened it.
Umbra let out a yelp and she would’ve jumped, had she not been dragging herself to the door.
“What in the name of Celestia’s socks are you doing?!” Cameron said as he face-palmed.
“I need a drink of water.” Umbra said sheepishly.
“Then call me. Look, I know I was a bit rough with you earlier, but you are an evil queen-” Cameron said.
“Former evil queen” Umbra corrected.
“Give me proof then and we’ll see about that. Anyways, I need to set you in your place. You are my guest. I can turn you over to my pal Cadence if I so choose to do so.” Cameron said.
Umbra frowned.
“Here, let me give you a hand.” Cameron said, wrapping his hands around her barrel and lifting her up.
Umbra let out a cute little squeak at the contact as she was placed back into the bed. Cameron wrapped the covers over her and retrieved her water for her.
“Thank you Dr. Lovett.” Umbra said.
“You’re welcome Umbra. Good night.” Cameron said as he headed for the door.
Cameron took his shirt off and flopped back on the couch, Cameron didn’t even get to wrap the blanket over him before he passed out.
A harsh knocking at his door woke him from a rather pleasant dream involving him and Gentle Heart. His morning wood was not helping him either.
Dead puppies, naked grandmas, ah there we go... Cameron thought quickly to alleviate his social problem.
Another set of hard knocks made him realize what he had done it for in the first place.
“Coming!” Cameron shouted, making his way to the door.
Opening it, he was confronted by a rather gruff looking Royal Guard pegasus.
“Message for Dr. Lovett.” The pegasus said, handing Cameron a scroll with the Crystal Seal on it.
“Thank you. You are dismissed.” Cameron said, giving the guard a quick salute.
The guard nodded and took his leave.
Cameron closed the door and opened the scroll.
Dear Cameron, Shiny and I would like to have you for tea this morning. We’ve been a bit lonely lately and I thought you could come by and provide some entertainment to make things less dull. If you do decide to show up, I will have a chariot sent at your reply. Cadence
Cameron was a bit torn. He always went to tea when Cadence asked him to. She would figure something was up within the minute he said no. Cameron thought back and remembered that his house had a magical barrier that kept anything inside and outside where it belonged. But Umbra couldn’t walk, or maybe...
Cameron trotted to the bedroom, forgetting to put his shirt on.
He opened the door to Umbra, walking into the bathroom.
“Well you can walk it seems.” Cameron said smugly.
Umbra let out a yelp of surprise.
“Well, I got some of my strength back last night. My head still hurts like a bugger and my magic is useless.” Umbra winced.
“You think you can handle being home alone for a while?” Cameron asked.
“I think so. Why?” Umbra asked.
“I’m going out.” Cameron said.
“How vague. But yeah, I think I can handle it. Have fun with whatever you’re doing.” Umbra said as she entered the bathroom.
“Oh, and as good as you look shirtless, put a shirt on” Umbra smirked.
“Know your place Miss Umbra.” Cameron returned her smile.
Cameron pulled a shirt and pants from his closet and got dressed.
He exited the bedroom and took Cadence’s note and scribbled a hasty acceptance before using his blue crystal necklace to send it.
A few shorts minutes later his chariot arrived and Cameron left, making sure he used his crystal again to activate the magical shield around his house.
Within ten minutes he was at the door of the castle’s main parlor.
Cameron rapped on the door 3 times.
The doors swung open and two Crystal Guards had their spears pointed at his throat.
“PRINCESS! GET OUT OF HERE!” The guard on the right shouted.
Cameron saw Cadence glance over in horror as she saw the guard’s blades pressed to his neck.
“STAND DOWN!” Cadence shouted.
The guards looked confused and did not lower their spears.
“ARE YOU DEFYING A DIRECT ORDER?!” Cadence yelled.
This made the guards take their blades away from Cameron’s throat.
“This human has a name. Cameron is welcome in this castle whenever he likes to be.” Cadence said with authority.
“Yes your majesty.” The guards replied in unison.
“You are dismissed.” Cadence waved a hoof and they left the room, shutting the doors behind them.
As soon as the doors shut, Cadence let out a happy squee and leaped up to give Cameron a death hug.
Unprepared for the sudden attack, Cameron fell flat on his back.
“Oof. Hey there Cadence.” Cameron smiled as he wrapped his own arms around the pink alicorn.
He felt her wings flutter a bit and he saw her turn crimson.
“Very happy to see me?” Cameron smirked.
“You have no idea how boring it is around here these days. There’s nopony except Shiny, the guards, and myself. I needed some company.” Cadence smiled and pecked him on the cheek.
“HEY PAL!” A low male voice came from across the parlor.
Cameron looked over Cadence’s shoulder to see the owner of the voice.
As he expected, it was Shining Armor, looking quite pissed.
“Are you messing with my wife?” Shining said with anger. But as always, Cameron saw his expression falter.
“Yeah, I do it all the time buddy! I make her play doctor with me all the time!” Cameron smiled.
That broke him.
Shining snorted and began to laugh heartily.
Cadence also giggled.
“No matter how many times you use that line, it makes me laugh every time.” Cadence said, getting off Cameron.
He stood up and found a pink feather sticking to his shirt.
“Can I keep it?” Cameron asked.
“Sure. Just make sure you keep it on you. I hear it’s a damn near flawless good-luck charm.” Cadence smiled.
Cameron nodded and went to put it into his pocket.
“Wait! Here.” Cadence said, taking Cameron’s crystal necklace and the feather into her magic. With a bright flash, the pink primary was fused to the platinum chain right next to the crystal.
“Thanks Caddy.” Cameron tucked the necklace back inside his shirt and the feather tickled his chest a bit.
They each found a seat on the parlor’s sofas and began making their tea that was already on the table.
“So how are things Cam?” Shining asked.
“Uhh...Same old same old I guess.” Cameron shrugged.
“I heard about the hospital incident. I don’t hold you at fault. Twilight says that they have quite a bad rep in Ponyville as well.” Cadence said, putting a hoof on his shoulder.
“I figured.” Cameron smiled.
After an hour of talking, Cameron felt something vibrating against his chest.
He looked at his necklace and saw that the blue crystal was now flashing red.
“What does that mean?” Cadence asked.
“It means someone is trying to breach the barrier around my house.” Cameron said in shock as he stood up and began to head for the door.
“Rain check Cadence.” Cameron said as he began to run at top speed out of the castle and to his chariot.
Cameron made the two pegasi fly like fighter jets back to his home. There was only one explanation for why his alarm had tripped, and that was Umbra. He flicked a few bits into the guard’s saddle bag for the rush and unlocked the barrier. As it was closing, he noticed an open window in the bedroom.
“Fucking hell. I gave her one rule,” he groaned in exasperation.
He opened his front door and there sat Umbra with a look of anguish in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” Umbra sobbed as she grabbed his leg.
“What did you do?” Cameron asked, anger laced in his voice.
“I was just trying to see what I could do with my magic. I tried opening the window and my head really hurt. So I tried again and a bolt of magic shot out and hit that barrier. It flashed red and I knew something was wrong, but then I saw that crystal necklace on your dresser glow and vibrate red and I knew that something was wrong and-” Umbra rambled on.
“UMBRA! STOP!” Cameron shouted.
Umbra retreated back a few steps, fearing incoming wrath.
“Are you telling me the truth?” Cameron asked.
“Yes, I promise I am!” Umbra said, her eyes still flooded with tears.
Cameron walked into the bedroom and looked at the open window. The sill had black singe marks on it, which matched Umbra’s story of her overexerting herself.
“Umbra, come here,” Cameron said.
Umbra scampered into the room.
“Did you do this?” Cameron asked, pointing at the burnt wood.
“Yes.” Umbra hung her head.
Cameron knelt down and met her at eye level.
“Are you ok?” Cameron asked.
Umbra was a bit shocked by his shift in tone.
“Y-yes. Why?” Umbra answered.
“Don’t lie to me.” Cameron looked at her sternly.
Umbra looked at Cameron for a moment before her eyes rolled back into her head and she toppled over.
“What the fuck?” Cameron shouted in panic.
The mare convulsed and seized on the bedroom floor as she screamed in agony.
Cameron looked her over, desperate to find what was wrong with her. Suddenly, it became very apparent. A dark, wispy shadow slowly traveled up from Umbra’s forehead to her horn.
Cameron remembered what she had said about demons living inside her and stepped back, unsure of what the magic could do to him. Umbra’s screams only increased in volume as the shadow began to disappear. As it left her horn, Cameron noticed that her horn was losing its curved and red shape and becoming normal, rippling like jello in the process.
“Holy shit,” Calvin mouthed.
As the last of the shadow left Umbra’s horn, her body went limp, her tongue lolling out of her mouth and her horn now completely re-shaped into a normal unicorn horn.
“Umbra!” Cameron yelled as he picked the mare up. He put two fingers to her neck and felt for a pulse but found none.
He listened for breathing but heard nothing in her chest, not even a heartbeat.
Cameron then remembered that magic was used to resuscitate ponies. He grabbed the other crystal necklace and placed it around her neck.
A pink flash blew Cameron across the room and shattered the dresser mirror. Darkness came before he could find the source.
As Cameron came to, he rubbed his throbbing head and looked around. His head spun in all directions like a fucked up gyroscope. Everything in the bedroom was askew, as though a large gust of wind had come into the room.
Cameron’s mind then recalled how he had gotten there.
He looked to the spot where Umbra’s body had been but saw nothing.
Cameron then became aware of a quiet sobbing.
His gaze shot to the window where Umbra sat with a shard of glass to her neck.
“No!” Cameron croaked as he tried to make a move for the mare, but only ended up flopping back as pain shot through his body.
“Cameron?” Umbra sniffed as she looked back at the shattered mirror and the human beneath it.
“It worked...” Cameron whispered.
“I thought you were dead. I couldn’t live without the creature that helped me finish my reformation and gave me the means to protect myself from it,” Umbra explained as she dropped the glass shard from her hooves and galloped over to Cameron’s weak and battered body.
“You saved me, Cameron. I am forever in your debt.” Umbra let another tear fall from her eye.
Cameron dragged himself to his feet and staggered over to the bed. He flopped down and groaned in pain.
Umbra hopped up onto the bed beside him and looked him over.
“Painkillers and bandages coming right up!” She said eagerly as she trotted off to the bathroom and grabbed the pills and gauze pads, along with a glass of water.
“Here,” Umbra declared as she delicately put the pills in Cameron’s mouth and made him drink.
Still without her magic, Umbra would have to treat Cameron’s cuts with her hooves.
Being as gentle as she could, she treated and bandaged the cuts on Cameron’s head, back, arms, and legs.
“Thanks, Umbra.” Cameron smiled weakly.
“Anything else you need?” Umbra asked.
“No, I just need some rest.” Cameron coughed.
“I think I could use some sleep too.” Umbra yawned as she made herself comfy on the bed.
Umbra then made a daring move, she scooted right up to Cameron and nuzzled her head on his chest.
“I’ll keep you safe and return the favor,” Umbra whispered as she began to be lulled to sleep by Cameron’s breathing.
“Umbra.” Cameron croaked.
“Yes?” She replied sleepily.
“I think I believe you now.” Cameron said.
“Believe what?” She asked quizzically.
“The demon thing.” He said with a weak smile.
“Now that you mention it, I feel so pure and happy. It’s as if there’s nothing that can make me as sad and angry as I was.” Umbra said, her voice going up with every word.
“Seems to me that you are rid of the demons.” Cameron said, running a hand through her charcoal mane.
Umbra cooed in approval as she moved her head into the crook of his neck.
“Umbra, I think we’re going to get along just fine.” Cameron said with a small laugh.
All Umbra could do was smile to herself and nuzzle a little closer, relishing the feeling of warmth and joy she felt for the first time in a long time.
As they slept, the crystals that they each wore around their necks vibrated and strained at their chains, trying desperately to make it to the other.
Cameron awoke with the mother of all headaches. It was a constant pounding on the inside of his skull, like a blacksmith’s hammer on an anvil it seemed.
Cameron also became aware of a warm fuzzy blob latched onto his side in the form of a dark grey unicorn mare.
Another slam against the side of his head made Cameron wince in pain. He reluctantly got out of bed to go and find something to alleviate the pain.
Right, that pain potion should work. Maybe Umbra will want some as well, he thought to himself.
He grabbed the bottle from the bathroom medicine cabinet and took a few swigs. He felt all warm and giddy inside for a few seconds and the pain disappeared shortly after.
Cameron trudged back into the bedroom to see the grey mare curled up and mumbling in her sleep.
A twinge of worry crossing his mind, Cameron increased his pace to Umbra, who was now twitching.
“No, please. I’m free from you. You can’t do this. I will no longer be a mere surrogate for your dark ways! What are you doing? No, PLEASE STOP! CAMERON!” Umbra screamed as she shot up in bed, tears falling down her eyes.
“Umbra! Are you alright?” Cameron hurried to her side and put his arm around her.
“Cameron!” Umbra sighed in relief and let her sobs loose upon Cameron’s shoulder.
“Shhh. It was only a dream. I’m here. It’s ok.” Cameron tried to soothe the mare with his words and rubbing his hand up and down her back.
“The dark ponies, they tortured you, they killed you, I thought you were gone for good...” Umbra sniffled.
“Nope, still ticking here.” Cameron smiled.
“My head really hurts,” Umbra whispered.
“I figured it would. Take a few gulps of this,” Cameron said, handing Umbra the bottle.
She did as instructed and took a dose of the pain killers.
“Better?” Cameron asked?
“Much.” Umbra smiled.
Suddenly, her horn shot out a blast of dark violet magic, causing Cameron to duck. The blast harmlessly ricocheted against the wall behind Cameron.
“What the hell?” Cameron asked in shock.
“Guess my normal magical ability is coming back,” Umbra said with a look of worry on her face.
A small pop accompanied by a purple spark sputtered out of Umbra’s horn. It sounded like a deflating whoopee cushion to Cameron and his inner twelve year-old came out in the form of a loud snort of laughter.
“Oh come on, Cameron. It’s as if you are a mere child again...” Umbra muttered, failing miserably to hold back a smile and a giggle of her own.
“Umbra please, that was funny and you know it!” Cameron snorted again.
“Ok, I’ll admit it was a tad goofy if nothing else...” Umbra admitted with a smile that she hid by turning her eyes to the floor.
Cameron noticed this and he flopped down on his back, turned and slid himself right underneath Umbra’s downward turned face. Umbra let out a tiny squeak of surprise but didn’t move away from the human looking up at her.
“Has anyone told you that you have the most beautiful eyes?” Cameron said with a small smile.
“Not of their own free will, they haven’t,” Umbra giggled.
“Well, I guess that makes me the first,” Cameron said as he raised his index finger and brought it to her face.
“What are you...” Umbra trailed off as her question was answered by Cameron’s finger lightly poking her nose.
“Boop,” he said.
Umbra blushed madly and scampered back a few steps.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know it made you uncomfortable,” Cameron said as he scrambled to his knees.
“No it’s not that. You just surprised me, that’s all.” Umbra managed to stammer out, her face still hued a light red.
“Oh, ok.” Cameron smiled sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck.
Out of nowhere, Umbra felt a ton of butterflies drop directly into her stomach as she looked into his faintly glimmering blue eyes.
“Umbra, you alright?” Cameron asked.
Umbra shook herself out of her reverie and scrambled for a response.
“I-uh, yes. I’m quite fine.” Umbra found her answer.
“Ok then. I’ll go get us something to eat.” Cameron said, fighting off his own butterflies. He made to get up but was stopped by Umbra’s voice.
“Cameron, I... can I ask you something?” Umbra directed her gaze to the floor again.
“Yeah?” Cameron said, cocking an eyebrow.
“Would you be willing to stay with me like last night? My nightmares are coming back and I’d feel a lot safer if you were with me. You can say no if you don’t want to,” Umbra asked rapidly.
“I don’t see why not. I’ll do it if it makes you feel better,” Cameron said shrugging, hiding the exact feeling of joy and relief Umbra had within her own mind.
Umbra trotted over to the still kneeling Cameron, wrapped her forehooves around his shoulders and hugged him, resting her head on his bulky shoulder.
Cameron was taken aback by the gesture, but gladly returned the hug as he wrapped his own arms around her back and drew her closer into the hug.
Umbra felt the sudden animalistic urge to kiss him right then and there, but she knew that could potentially ruin her relationship with the caring human.
Meanwhile, Cameron was fighting his own urge to run his hands up and down her silky smooth fur. Eventually, the pair separated despite their bodies screaming to do the opposite.
“You hungry?” Cameron asked.
A grumble of Umbra’s stomach answered that question for her.
She giggled and Cameron couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Cameron rose to his feet and made his way to the kitchen with Umbra hot on his heels.
“Any requests?” Cameron asked.
“Hmm, now that you ask, it’s been awhile since I had a nice salmon fillet,” Umbra said with a lick of her chops.
“I like the sound of that. Grilled or seared?” Cameron asked the unicorn as he opened the fridge to find the fish he had purchased.
“Grilled, please,” Umbra answered quickly.
“As you wish, my queen.” Cameron mock bowed to her as he pulled out the fish.
“I can whip up a salad if it’s no trouble to you,” Umbra offered.
“Sure, but don’t you need your magic for that?” Cameron pulled fresh vegetables and lettuce out of the fridge and placed them on the counter.
Umbra found the knives easily and tried to get it with her magic. The handle glowed a deep violet and it slowly lifted out of the wooden block.
“Cameron! Look!” Umbra shouted in glee as the knife now completely slid out of its slot in the block.
Cameron spun his head around and saw the knife hovering in the air above the counter.
“Nice work there, Umbra!” Cameron smiled.
Just as he acknowledged her work, her horn sputtered and sparked as the aura around the knife petered out and it clattered to the counter.
“Buck!” Umbra shouted in frustration.
“It’s ok, I’ll take care of the salad,” Cameron offered.
“Fine. I was so close, too. Celestia damn these curses and magical weakness!” Umbra cried out in despair.
Cameron got down onto one knee so he was eye level with the beautiful mare.
“Umbra, you are beautiful, kindhearted, sweet, and most importantly, you have a will of forged steel. You’ll get it eventually. I know it. Just sit back and relax while I’ll take care of dinner,” Cameron instructed her as he ushered her to the living room and its ultra comfortable couch.
Umbra did as Cameron told her and laid down on the couch. Umbra shivered as the true chill of the early spring air hit her fur.
Cameron noticed this as he pulled a blanket down from the top of the cushion and wrapped it around her. He gazed into her sparkling red irises with nothing but care in his eyes.
Kiss me dammit! Just bucking kiss me already! Umbra’s mind screamed, but it did not get its wish as Cameron rose and returned to cooking.
As she lay on the couch, she watched the human work with suppressed awe at the speed of his cutting, dicing, and chopping.
Umbra also became aware of a tune she had heard him hum some times previously, but she heard the same tune coming out as words this time. Though she herself knew not what the words meant, she knew that they were words nonetheless.
The tune was somber yet powerful enough for Umbra to begin swaying her head to the tempo of his voice. The sound reminded of when she attended the Crystal Opera before her corruption. The way the voices of those ponies would worm into her ears and make her lose track of everything that bothered her in the world. Soon enough, her faltering magic was the farthest thing from her mind as the power of Cameron’s voice was felt even in her chest.
She even tuned out the smell of grilling fish in favor of hearing his tune being belted out. Cameron seemed to have forgotten that she was in the other room not fifteen feet away from him.
However, all good things had to come to an end. As the last words came out of his mouth, he finished plating their food and then...silence.
“Umbra?” Cameron called into the living room.
“Coming.” Umbra reluctantly got up and trotted over to the kitchen table to see the meal Cameron had prepared.
“Go ahead and eat. I’ll clean up,” Cameron said as he turned on the sink and began washing the dishes.
Umbra simply nodded and began to dig in. The salmon was the best she had eaten in what seemed like eons, and the way the oils and spices mixed into the salad made it the most perfect meal Umbra had ever consumed.
Soon after she finished, a wave of exhaustion hit her like a ton of bricks. Umbra knew she needed some rest and got out of her seat. Night had already fallen.
“I’m heading to bed, Cameron,” Umbra said with a yawn.
Cameron had just sat down to eat his own dinner.
“Alright. Good night, Umbra,” Cameron said as he dug into his own meal.
As she got into bed, Umbra couldn’t help but feel alone and afraid of her surroundings. She had a right to be so, after all. A former tyrant and fearmonger that ruled over an entire empire that still regarded her as a threat. The demons that lived within her could return at any moment. She shivered at the last thought.
Cameron, I need you. Please... Umbra whimpered in her head.
A faint pink glow made Umbra open her eyes and look down at her chest. The crystal Cameron had given her was glowing a bright pink and tugging at her neck towards the bedroom door.
In the kitchen, Cameron’s own necklace was doing the same thing as he was cleaning his dishes.
As he finished, he followed the crystal’s directions to the bedroom. As he opened the door, he saw Umbra’s necklace doing the same thing as his own and then drop a split second later.
“Y-yours too?” Umbra whispered through the darkness.
“What is going on?” Cameron asked to no one in particular.
“I called for you in my head and my necklace started doing that,” Umbra said faintly.
“Are you ok?” Cameron asked.
“No Cameron, I’m not,” Umbra admitted.
“What’s wrong?” Cameron asked, puzzled and worried at the same time.
“I’m scared. The ponies around here hate me and would kill me at first sight. There are demons that could repossess me at any moment. I need you. You make me feel safe and sound again. I have been deprived of those feelings for too long and I can’t live any longer without them!” Umbra shouted in anguish.
“Umbra. What? Why?” Cameron asked in total confusion.
“Cameron. Please! I don’t feel safe without you around!” Umbra cried once more, tears now welling up in her eyes.
Cameron went over to the bed and put his arm around Umbra as the tears made dark streaks down her face.
“Love isn’t based off of who helps you in times of need, Umbra,” Cameron said.
“I know that you dumb buck!” Umbra let her coarse language fly out carelessly.
“Look Cameron, I know in every fiber of my being that these necklaces didn’t do what they just did for no reason! What else could it be?” Umbra probed Cameron.
Cameron hadn’t really thought about what the crystal did other than let him know about his house and the like. The concept of it doing more than that was a tad farfetched to him, yet somehow, it made perfect sense.
“Wow, I never really thought about it that way,” Cameron said, scratching his head in thought.
“It lead you to me regardless of what it is. Is that enough for you to let me spend the night with you?” Umbra asked.
“Sure. I’ll do it, Umbra.” Cameron sighed as he rubbed her back tenderly.
Umbra let out a cry of joy and pounced on the human, causing him to topple over backwards onto the bed.
It happened in a flash; their lips met for a split second before they separated in a gasp.
“I’m so sorry, Cameron!” Umbra squeaked in embarrassment.
Cameron just laid back, shocked at the contact as his stomach churned and filled with tiny butterflies. His hand absentmindedly rose to his lips and he touched them lightly.
“Cameron?” Umbra looked at the human, quite puzzled by his actions.
Cameron suddenly grabbed Umbra and pulled her under the covers with him following close behind her.
She lay there, her face mere inches apart from his own.
Umbra went in again, letting her lips touch his own for a few brief moments before she felt him press back into the kiss.
As they separated after a few seconds, they returned each other’s gaze and smiled.
“Good night, Cameron.” Umbra whispered, lifting her hoof and returning his earlier boop on the nose.
“Good night, Umbra. You’re safe and sound as long as I’m around,” Cameron said as he wrapped his arms around Umbra and pulled her close as she buried her head in the crook of his neck.
A loud series of knocks awoke Cameron from the best sleep he had gotten in weeks. Realizing they were coming from his front door, Cameron grumbled and got out of bed, making his way to the door. Umbra let out a tiny whimper at her source of warmth leaving her side. A small smile crept to Cameron’s face as he looked at the still sleeping Umbra. Cameron approached the oak front door and opened it slightly. It was blown the rest of the way open by a pink alicorn pouncing on Cameron like Hobbes. “Cammy!” Cadance squealed. “JESUS H. TAP DANCING CHRIST, CADANCE!” Calvin screamed as the alicorn hit him in the chest with a bone-crushing hug. Cameron fell to the floor with the princess still wrapped tightly around him. “Sorry.” She grinned sheepishly as she planted a kiss on his forehead. “Well at least you didn’t injure me. Nearly gave me a heart attack, but I’m still ticking.” Cameron smiled. Then IT hit him. He heard Umbra’s quiet hoofsteps in the bedroom slowly approach the doorway. He remembered who was just twenty feet away and now probably awoken by the commotion in the foyer. It was too late to do anything. Umbra was as good as dead. Umbra rounded the corner and her gaze fell upon Cameron, still wrapped up by the Princess of Love. Umbra’s face became one of pure terror as she saw the one she feared the most attached to his body. Cadance looked up and saw the former queen staring at her, a single tear running down Umbra’s right cheek. “Cameron? Who’s your new marefriend?” Cadance asked, a sly smile on her face. Cameron’s mind faltered. Had Umbra’s appearance changed that much? “I...uh...she’s-” Cameron tried to sputter out. “She’s smokin is what she is!” Cadance said in a crude manner. “You sound like a single stallion at a bar, Cady,” Cameron said. “Well come on, Cam! She’s got your other necklace on! What am I supposed to think?” Cadance said, getting off of Cameron’s body, allowing him to stand. Cameron rushed over to Umbra. “Umbra, I have to tell her. It’s best we get this out of the way as quickly as possible,” Cameron whispered in her ear with a sense of urgency. “What the buck? No way! I don’t want to die!” Umbra hissed. “Sorry Umbra, but I have no idea how else to deal with this. I won’t let you die, you mean too much to me, despite how briefly we’ve known each other,” Cameron said before turning around. “Wha-wait? What?” Umbra’s mind reeled at his final words. “Cadance, this is Queen Umbra,” Cameron said firmly. “Very funny, Cam. What’s her real name?” Cadance rolled her eyes. “Queen Umbra,” Cameron said again. “The joke is getting old, Cam, what’s her name?” Cadence said, her tone becoming more annoyed than amused. “Queen Umbra. Formerly Queen of the Crystal Empire,” Cameron said without faltering. Cadance opened her mouth before looking at Umbra’s form shaking in a mixture of fear and anger behind Cameron’s body. It really is her, isn’t it? Cadance thought to herself, But she looks so different. Her horn and eyes are normal except for those red eyes of hers. By Starswirl’s beard... Cadance’s eyes shot to Umbra’s flank and saw the purple crystal heart emblazoned there. “Cameron, step away from her,” Cadance ordered, powering up her horn. “No,” Cameron said, keeping a stoic look upon his face as he gazed into Cadance’s eyes. “CAMERON, MOVE SO I CAN KILL THIS TYRANT ONCE AND FOR ALL!” Cadance shouted in a mixture of anger and annoyance. “No. She’s changed, Cadance. However, if you do not believe me, you’ll just have to kill me too,” Cameron said, his tone cool as ice. “SHE HAS YOU UNDER SOME SPELL! PLEASE JUST MOVE!” Cadance yelled. “She has not the slightest ability to use her magic. She can barely lift anything, much less use a mind control spell on me,” Cameron continued in the same emotionless and icy tone. Cadance cast her aura on Cameron’s body, attempting to move him out of the way. Cameron’s crystal flashed and Cadance’s spell died out instantly. “What in the...” Cadance looked at the necklace in bewilderment. “I just used the magical killing field part of this here security system. You will not harm Umbra so long as I am alive to do so. Then again, killing your best friend would be an act your people would never forgive,” Cameron said with the same smooth and unfaltering tone as before. “Cameron, why?” Cadance said, a look of shock and utter bafflement on her face. “Why, Cadance? Because Umbra has changed. Her body and mind that were once controlled by demons are finally free from their grasp. She was merely a surrogate and nothing more. She reminds me of myself as a teenager. Someone who was doing as commanded by others until they figured out that they needed to do the right fucking thing and free themselves from another’s thinking to make their own destiny,” Cameron explained. Cadance flinched at Cameron’s harsh language. It began to make sense to the alicorn finally. Umbra had no control over her actions. That would explain the evil aura that surrounded her eyes and the way her horn became curved and sharp as she ruled. Those were the marks the demons had created upon her body. “Cameron, Umbra...” Cadance whispered in shock and understanding. Cameron felt Umbra’s head rest on his back and a few tears soak through his shirt. “Cadance, come here.” Cameron motioned the pink alicorn over to him. Cadance approached warily. “Umbra, please.” Cameron gestured for Umbra to come out from her hiding spot behind Cameron. Slowly, she emerged and her red and tear-irritated eyes locked with Cadance’s own. “Princess.” Umbra gave a bow to the alicorn and a tear fell to the floor. “Umbra, I’m sorry I didn’t see that the glow that the demons cast upon you had disappeared. I feel terrible for shrieking in such a manner and ruining your peace with your-erm-special someone.” Cadance said, her voice wavering a bit. “Special someone? Oh...um...” Umbra stammered, unsure of how to respond. “I guess I better leave and let you two resume what you were doing.” Cadance smiled. Cameron stood up and grabbed Cadance by the barrel and hauled her into the living room. “GAH!” Cadance yelped in surprise. Cameron set her down and looked into her eyes. “Cady, thank you.” Cameron hugged the pink alicorn. Cadance, unsure of how to respond exactly, returned the hug. “I ought to get going. Shiny will be worried. How about we talk over tea tomorrow?” Cadance offered. “That sound fine,” Cameron replied. “Oh, and Umbra is welcome to tag along with you. Just make sure she stays out of sight. I’m sure you know why.” Cadance smiled back at Cameron before she made her way out of the house. Cameron walked into the foyer and saw no sign of Umbra. Worried, he popped his head into the bedroom and saw Umbra with her head buried in a pillow. “Umbra? You ok?” Cameron asked as he approached the unicorn. Her answer came in the form of her head shooting straight up and looking at him. In a flash, Umbra lept up and had latched herself onto Cameron’s chest, flinging him backwards into the wall. “Jesus, Umbra!” Cameron shouted in surprise. “Cameron Lovett! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!” Umbra yelled at the top of her lungs. Cameron could only stare back in shock at her words. “Y-you love me?” Cameron stammered. “Cam, I know it’s been less than a week since we met, but you’ve given me so much and cared for me like nopony has ever done before! I know in my heart that we are meant to be!” Umbra shouted. “Umbra...I...I-” Cameron had no clue how to word this properly to the mare latched onto him. “What?” Umbra’s grip slackened as she looked at Cameron with a curious expression. “Umbra, how would you know what love is without being with a bunch of stallions first?” Cameron asked. “I-I don’t understand-” Umbra stuttered. “Umbra, what I’m trying to say is that love takes time to find. It’s not just something you stumble upon when you meet someone,” Cameron explained further. “I don’t understand-” Umbra tried to say before Cameron cut her off again. “Umbra, you can’t waste your time with me. I’m not your special somepony. You need to go out into the world and find somepony else, not some human doctor that would make you worse off socially than you already are!” Cameron pulled Umbra off his body and lightly tossed her to the side. “Cameron? What? I-” Umbra was cut off for the third time as Cameron continued. “UMBRA, I’M NOT THE ONE FOR YOU! If we were to get together, it would only end in anger, bitterness, and strife. None of which I want in my life. And what if I try to take you out? Have you ever thought that the people of this empire haven’t exactly forgiven you yet. You’d be dead within the hour. Where would that leave me? With another fucking hole torn clean through my heart!” Cameron yelled, his anger and anguish showing as a vein in his neck throbbed. Their tea time Umbra’s eyes welled up with tears as she pushed Cameron out the door and slammed it in his face. Cameron let out a scream of pure rage as he opened the door and stormed out of the house into the chilly night air. He made his way to the local park and sat down under a large tree closing his eyes as tears streamed out of the corners of them. Memories came flooding back to him like a tidal wave of grief. The smile The laugh The skip The gun The shot The bullet wound The ring upon her finger that now shone with her own blood as it clutched her now still chest. His scream of anguish as she lay there dying on the ground of a damp alley. These memories were all too fresh in Cameron’s mind as he began to sob with his head in his hands. He felt so guilty turning Umbra away like that, even though he had felt it as much as she had. That feeling of butterflies whenever she was around, the way his heart soared when he was close to her and felt her silky fur underneath his fingers. But he couldn’t bear to lose another love as he had before. Meanwhile, Umbra sat screaming, her anguish matching Cameron’s own as she repeatedly smashed the pillow with her hoof. He was holding something back from her, but she didn’t know what it was. She let out one final cry of sadness before falling silent and succumbing to exhaustion. She knew that Cameron was the one without having to meet any other stallion. They fit together like a puzzle. Yet, Cameron couldn’t seem to solve that puzzle, or he had given up on it.
Cameron still sat with tears rolling down his cheeks as his mind continued to flash images of his lovely fiance Sarah and her sudden death those many years ago. He could never fill the gap that she did in his life ever again. Then something popped into Cameron’s head. A quote he remembered his professor saying to him as he graduated medical school. “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” Never would Cameron have ever thought that Carl Sagan’s words would help him until now. He rose to his feet and wiped the tears away, knowing what he had to do. Cameron closed the door behind him and walked to the bedroom. Swinging the door open, he saw Umbra’s body heaving with sobs. He rushed to her side and picked her up, making her let out a shrill cry of surprise. “Umbra. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to make you sad, I was afraid I could lose you like I did with my last love. But only love can fill that hole. A love that I realize I have for you.” Cameron said, wiping away Umbra’s tears and looking into her sparkling red eyes. Without another word, their lips met as they each pushed into the kiss further with equal force. As they broke apart, they looked at each other with forgiveness and relief in their eyes. “Cameron, promise to not keep any more secrets from me,” Umbra said as she looked at Cameron. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Cameron said, making the well known gesture of the Pinkie Promise as he leaned in to kiss the unicorn again.
