> Soaring Shadows
>  by Asterid
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue: Who Am I?


Mrs. Cherilee walked into the single classroom of Ponyville elementary and looked out over her students. Most of her little ponies were looking forward to a bright new day of school. A few, like Scootaloo, Rumble and Button Mash were restless, looking froward to the day being over, even though it had just begun. 

“Good Morning class,” She called, a smile on her face.

“Good Morning Mrs Cherilee,” The class replied, a few stragglers calling later than the others.

“So, today we are going to begin working on a very special project before we move into family appreciation day in a couple of weeks,” Cherilee started, “Your all going to be doing research about your families and giving a presentation in front of the class. Please make sure you be sure to include any influential or historically significant members. Also, we would like to make arrangements for at least one member or your immediate family to be in attendance for Family Appreciation Day.”

Class continued as usual for the rest of the day, with Mrs. Cherilee focusing on Science and Math that day. Once the school bell rang, the students ran from the small classroom like rats deserting a sinking ship. A particular trio of students left together, headed towards the club house at Sweet Apple Acres that served as their base of operations.

“This project is gonna be so much fun,” Applebloom drawled, “I bet I can get all kinds of information from Granny Smith and Auntie Golden Delicious. There’s got to be lottsa famous apples in our family tree.”

“Oh, please,” called a certain stuck up, pink Earth Pony, “My family is way more famous and influential then your Podunk hillbilly family would ever think to be.”

“And let’s not forget the poor, orphan chicken,” said her partner in crime, a steel grey Earth Pony filly with glasses and pearls, “No family, no history, can’t even fly. Let’s see her make a presentation out of that.”

As the cruel fillies walked away laughing, Scootaloo froze in her tracks, tears streaking their way down her muzzle. Even though Rainbow Dash called herself her sister, they weren’t really family and Scootaloo wouldn’t be able to use her. Before she knew it, she found herself hugged by her best friends.

“Don’t let those two get to you, Scoots,” Sweetie Belle said, using her hooves to rub the space between Scootaloo’s stubby wings.

“Yeah, there’s got to be some way to find out infermation fer ya,” Applebloom chimed in.

“But how,” Scootaloo asked, leaning into the embrace, “Ms. Tenderhoof doesn’t have any information in my file at the orphanage and nobody around town even remembers the day I was left there as a foal.”

“Ah know,” Applebloom cried, “Ah think Twilight might be able to help you. I over heared her talking to mah sister the other day. She said that she found an old spell that helped Spike find out who is folks were. Maybe she’ll be able to use it for you.”

“You think so,” Scootaloo sniffed, trying, and failing, to regain her tough filly attitude, “I mean, she’s a big important princess now.”

“Not so important that she stopped doing Twilight Time with us,” Sweetie said with a smile, “Come on, lets got to the castle and see what she can do to help.”

A hopeful smile on all their faces, the three fillies made their way through town to the Palace of Friendship. Coming up to the front gate, the trio were lead inside by Twilight’s new butler, Major Domo. As he guided them through the castle to the throne room, he poignantly ignored the snickers and laughs coming from behind him. Arriving in the massive throne room, Major Domo opened the door and called out to everyone inside.

“Misses Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to see her royal highness Twilight Sparkle.” He shouted before motioning the girls to enter. As soon as they crossed the threshold, he closed the door behind them.

 All eyes in the room turned to the three fillies. They would have felt more self-conscious if it was anyone important, however the only ones there were Twilight and her friends, the other Elements of Harmony.

“Sweetie Belle? Girls. What brings you here?” Rarity asked, a teacup held in the field of her magic.

“We had a favor to ask Princess Twilight, if she’s not too busy,” Sweetie Belle replied sheepishly.

“I always have time to help you girls,” Twilight replied with a smile, motioning for the girls to come closer, “And how many times do I need to tell you, I’m just Twilight. You don’t need to keep calling me princess or highness all the time.”

“Thank ya kindly, Twilight,” Applebloom replied, “See we were hopin’ you’d cast that fancy schmancy spell you cast for Spike so he could find his folks for Scootaloo. We got a big project from Mrs. Cherilee and Scootaloo aint not gonna be able to complete it without some serious help.”

“What kind of project would need something like that, girls?” Twilight asked.

“Well…we have to research special or influential members of our families,” Scootaloo said, bracing herself for denial, “And since I’m just some flightless orphan with no history whatsoever-“

“Enough of that squirt,” Rainbow Dash called, “I mean, I may not be blood, but I might as well be your big sister. That’s got to count for something.”

“Not to Mrs. Cherilee,” Scootaloo said, her ears flat against her head and her muzzle pointed at the ground, “She’s gonna hold everybody to the same level. Which means since I haven’t been adopted, I can’t use you Rainbow Dash.”

“Well, that’s just not fair,” Pinkie Pie said, her mane deflating, “You’ve got a super special awesome pony who treats you like a big sister and five amazing aunties. How can Cherilee not count that.”

“Because those pain in the plots Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon complained.” Applebloom said before receiving a glare from her sister.

“Applebloom, where in tarnation did you learn to talk like that?” Applejack asked, glaring at the little filly.

“I heard Big Mac say it before,” She replied scratching the back of her head, “It’s true though those to make everyone’s lives horrible.”

“Regardless, darling, it is not good for a lady such as yourself to use that kind of language,” Rarity said, before glancing at Sweetie Belle, “And I had better not hear you use that kind of language young lady.”

“Twilight…”Fluttershy said, tapping her forehooves together, “I know you might think this is cheating…but Scootaloo really needs your help.”

“Your right, Fluttershy,” Twilight said, charging her horn and facing Scootaloo, “Now, this won’t hurt a bit.”

Flinging a small burst of lavender magic at the orange Pegasus filly, Twilight focused on the special spell she had created to help her Draconic son find out if he had any blood relatives. Before long, the corona of purple energy leapt off of Scootaloo and splattered across the Cutie Mark Table. Before long, two symbols begun to begin to rise out of the tabletop. The first was a crystalline quill pen and inkpot. The second drew gasps from the older mares, especially from Fluttershy who promptly passed out.

Rising next to the Cutie Mark of what the girls assumed was the crisp image of a crystal sword thrust through a golden crown. The Mane 6 knew this Cutie Mark all too well. It was the Cutie Mark of the Tyrant of the Crystal Empire, The Shadow King of the North, Sombra. Summoning a quill and inkpot with her magic, Twilight scribbled a quick letter and sent it off with a burst of magic.  

“What was that?” Scootaloo asked.

“We know who your father is,” Rainbow Dash said, “But how is a little up in the air.”

“The how is easy,” Pinkie Pie started, earning curious glances from the ponies around her, “See when a mommy and daddy love each other very much they give each other a super special hug that makes a baby!”

“Pinkie!” Shouted Rarity and Applejack, “Fillies present!”

“Ah, please sis,” Applebloom said, waiving off her sister’s protest, “We’re 14 summer old. Mrs. Cherilee taught us all about sex months ago.” 

“I think what she meant, darling, was how was Sombra able to have a child when the Crystal Heart blasted him out of existence.” Rarity said, fanning herself with a conjured bamboo fan.

In a flash of green energy, a letter floated to the tabletop with Celestia’s personal seal.

“What’s it say, Twi?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We’ve all been called to Canterlot,” Twilight answered, “The girls included. Everybody get packed. Celestia’s private train is arriving in an hour.”
> Where Were You?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1 – Where were you?


Celestia sat at her desk rereading the note she had just received from her former protégé, Twilight Sparkle. She had just sent the youngest of the Four Princesses of Equestria a royal summons for herself and all her friends, stating their presence was required in Canterlot. She had managed to buy some time before they arrived, but she would need to work fast. Charging her horn, Celestia concentrated as hard as she could and released the teleportation spell, summoning her still sleeping sister to her room. Luna landed on the marble floor with a thud, her sleep mask still in place as she continued to snore, little drops of drool escaping her lips on every exhale.

Really, sister, Celestia thought, You could sleep through a manticore stampede and be none the wiser.

“Sister,” Celestia called gently, “Time to get up.”

“mumble mumble…pancakes…” Was the only response form the Princess of the Night.

“Luna, wake up,” Celestia said more firmly, “I need your assistance and time is of the essence.

“If the sun is still up,” Luna grumbled, charging her horn, banishing her sleep mask and summoning a large cup of coffee, “The world better be ending.”

“Not quite,” Celestia replied with a smile, “But, there is a matter which requires our immediate attention.”

“There’s very little you wouldn’t be able to handle on your own,” Luna replied, becoming more alert with each sip of the life-giving liquid, “What could possibly require us both.”

“There is someone we need to speak with and it will require the combined magic of both of us to accomplish it.” Celestia replied, pressing a small button on the underside of her desk, “Hang on tight.”

Without any further warning, both Diarchs of Equestria fell through a large trap door built into the floor, landing on a large fun slide. As they spun and corkscrewed through the bowels of the castle, Celestia held her forehooves over her head laughing maniacally while Luna sat straight faced, taking the occasional sip of her coffee.

As they reached the end, The Princesses found themselves in Celestia’s private magic lab deep beneath the dungeons. Beakers of neon-colored liquids bubbled over small burners as books on nearby shelves seemed to reorganize themselves and shuffle at random. Walking past the various apparatuses, Celestia led Luna to a large vault door with warnings written in every language known to Equestria.

“The Dark Vault?” Luna asked, setting her coffee cup on a nearby table, “What are we up to, sister. Tis a place of hate and suffering the likes of which would make the Keepers of Tartarus cower in fear.”

“I know, Luna,” Celestia said, undoing the many magical locks on the vault door, “However there are two items we must withdraw from here.”

“And those are?” Luna requested.

“Starswirl’s Tome of Forbidden Spells,” Celestia said, removing the final seal and opening the door, “And the horn of King Sombra.”

“The Horn – WHY in this or any of the other 9 realms would you have the horn of Sombra!” Luna shouted, instantly using the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“To ensure he was never able to be resurrected.” Celestia answered, retrieving a black bound book from a shelf just inside the doorway.

“And what do you intend to do with it?” Luna demanded, stomping her hoof.

“Resurrect him,” Celestia deadpanned.

“YOU WHAT!?” Luna shrieked.

“He has information that is needed,” Celestia said, turning to face her sister, “Twilight and her friends will be here in a few hours and I intend to have those answers that are needed before they get here. Now, are you going to help me or not!”

Amazed by level of emotion her sister was showing, Luna could only nod her head in agreement as the two of them continued further into the vault. Arriving at a trio of cylindrical tubes, each was large enough to fit a pony and filled with blue liquid. On the left was the slumbering body of Queen Chrysalis. On the right was the magically drained form of Tirek. In the center tube was a twisted piece of crystalline horn which radiated an intense red light. Tapping her horn against the glass of the center tube, the liquid drained away and the shard of horn fell harmlessly to the ground.

“Sister, he is a monster. Irredeemable and unconscionable.” Luna begged, “What could be so important.”

“He may be the father of the filly known as Scootaloo,” Celestia said, wrapping the horn in the aura of her magic, “And by law, if that is true, he is eligible for the chance to earn his freedom.”

Leaving the Dark Vault, the two Princesses once again secured the locking mechanisms before going to a side room. Magical symbols were carved into every surface, glowing a deep blue. Using her magic, Celestia carved a circle into the floor, double ringed in runes and magical symbols. Placing the horn in the center of the circle, Celestia gestured for her sister to stand by her side.

“While I power the containment circles,” Celestia instructed, igniting the energy in her horn, “I need you to draw him back to life. Once that is done and he answers our questions, we can work on containing his evil.”

With a surge of magical energy, the rings of runes and symbols surrounding the horn shone brightly and began to spin counter to each other. Igniting her own horn, Luna focused on the magical signature of the Former King. Chanting in a long dead language, Luna pulled and struggled, jockeying for control of Sombra’s soul. With a fierce grunt, Luna mentally pulled as hard as she could and dragged him back to life.

Lying before them, surrounded by the strongest magical barriers known to Magic itself, was Sombra. But at the same time, it was not the same monarch that the Princesses remembered sealing away in the ice. Where as Sombra was formerly a massive Unicorn stallion, the being in front of them was a Pegasus they didn’t recognize. His grey fur was lighter, not the dark almost black they were accustomed to. His Cutie Mark remained unchanged, but as he opened his eyes, the princesses realized they were an intense icy blue as opposed to the blood red they had come to hate.

“Celestia, Luna,” The Pegasus asked, his voice a rich baritone laced with a faint Northern accent, “You look so much older. What has happened?”

“You know us?” Luna asked.

“Of course, I know you,” Sombra said, “Though it is a distant relation, we are family. Why do you act as if I were a stranger?”

“Sombra…”Celestia said, “What year is it. Truthfully.”

“It is the 30th year of the rule of your mother, Queen Cosma.” Sombra said, stretching his wings, “You should know this.”

“That was over 1000 years ago,” Luna whispered, “What was the last thing you remember?”

“Before or after I was ‘selected’ to become host to the Umbrum,” Sombra asked, his head hung low.

“Before?” Celestia asked confused at his question.

“That would be the court magicians summoning me to their lair under the east tower of my father’s palace,” Sombra growled, “Where the carved off my wings and sacrificed them to the Umbrum to transform me into that…thing. After that there are only flashes…horrible things I was forced to do in the name of the Darkness.”

“Forced?” Luna demanded, “What do you mean forced! You are the single most despicable creature in Equestrian History.”

“No,” Said a voice, deep an slimey, “That would be me.”

“Who are you!” Celestia shouted, “Show yourself!”

Slowly, a deep, maniacal laugh began to echo through the chamber. Rising as shadowy mist from Sombra’s own shadow was the terrifying form of The Shadow King, his horn glowing red.

“I am the monster you feared.” He said, “I am the villain. Not this mewling coward.”

“I am confused,” Luna said.

“We are bound by deep magic from before the creation.” The Shadow King said, “You dragged him back from the land of Death, and I hitched a ride.”

“Then I will send you back where you belong!” Luna shouted, launching a blast of fiery energy at the shadowy being.

“No!” Sombra shouted as the blast launched both himself and the Shadow King against the wall of the barrier.

“That shouldn’t have happened!” Luna shrieked, as she saw a massive wound appear on the Pegasus’s body while the Unicorn remained untouched.

“Told you we were linked,” The Shadow King mocked, “He’s leaking pretty bad here, might need to get him patched up.”

“Sister, I will continue powering the containment circle,” Celestia commanded, her eyes beginning to glow a fiery red, “While I do that, I need you to go outside, teleport to the infirmary, and retrieve Dr. Dire Need before returning.”

Nodding to her sister, Luna rushed from the room and disappeared in a flash of dark blue light. Glaring at the vile monster locked within the magic circle, a deep growl began to come from Celestia’s throat.

“You are truly the vile monster we accuse you of being,” She said coldly, falling into the Royal Canterlot voice, “You purposefully provoked my sister into attacking you, knowing that Sombra would be injured instead of yourself. Why!”

“I was bored,” The Shadow King said nonchalantly, buffing his forehoof on his chest, “Now, why did one who is nominally my equal decide to resurrect me from the land beyond.”

“There are answers that we need from you,” Celestia hissed, her mane becoming a raging inferno.

“And what makes you think I would be amenable to answering your questions,” He asked, “You imprisoned me within the tundra of the far north for over a thousand years. Your protégé killed me when she activated the crystal heart. Then, you drag me from the cold harsh eternity where I tormented this worthless excuse for a stallion for over three years. So, I ask again, why would I help you?”

“Because…” Sombra wheezed, the open wound on his chest gushing blood as he struggled to his feet, “And with no horn to bring us back…we will both be gone forever.”

“You would give your lives for these…Equestrians?!” The Shadow King scoffed, “They seek to conquer our kingdom, to grind us beneath their hooves and make us subservient to their will.”

With a flash of light, Luna arrived outside the room again, a bewildered female Unicorn held firmly in the grip of her magic.

“I apologize for the delay, Dr. Need was less than compliant with our summons.” Luna said.

“You dragged me out of a consultation with Prince Blueblood,” The Unicorn in question said, “I told you I would be along shortly.”

“And we said it was an emergency and that you were being summoned by our sister to save a life.” Luna growled.

As the Doctor ignited her horn and turned toward the obviously injured Sombra, he held up a hoof to stop her.

“I refuse any treatment until this…demon agrees to answer whatever questions he is asked.” Sombra wheezed. 

“You would die and leave your daughter an orphan?” Luna asked, shocked at the stallions reaction.

“My child died…a thousand years ago…when this monster killed her and her mother.” Sombra said, collapsing to the ground as the pain become too much.

“Who said I killed them?” The Shadow King laughed, a superior smirk on his face.

“I saw it happen as you banished the Empire.” Sombra cried, tears streaming down his muzzle.

“What you saw was the two of them fading into the shadow of my magic,” The Shadow King taunted, “I banished them through time and space.”

“Where did you send them!” Sombra shouted, lunging at the shadowy monster.

Before the injured stallion was able to attack his inner demon, The Shadow King dematerialized and returned to the shadow he was created from. With a pained shout, Sombra collided with the side of the magical barrier, a large smear of blood hanging in the air before it burned away.

“I believe I can answer your questions Sombra,” Celestia said, “Please let the doctor treat you. Luna, please open the tome and find Starswirl’s Ritual for Demon Binding.”

Receiving a nod from both Sombra and Luna, Dr. Dire Need began layering the many spells needed to close the wound on Sombra’s chest, healing the skin and regrowing the fur in short order. Collecting the spell book in her magic, Luna began leafing through the ancient pages until her eyes fell upon the spell in question.

“We need the creatures true name,” Luna stated.

“You will never get it from me.” The Shadow King laughed, safe from the confines of Sombra’s shadow.

“Somnumbula,” Sombra said, “The last thing I heard when he was summoned was his name, Somnumbula of the Somber Shadows.”

“Somnumbula of the Somber Shadows, I, Luna Princess of the Night and Custodian of the Moon, do hereby bind your essence and being to the Stallion known as Prince Sombra of The Crystal Empire,” Luna commanded, her magic tracing tribal symbols into the air as they wound themselves around Sombra’s Forehooves, “His word is your command, his life yours to protect, from now until the end of his days. SO MOTE IT BE!”

With a stamp of her hoof, the magical symbols became white markings tattooed into the grey fur on Sombra’s legs. In a flash of light, Somnumbula was dragged into existence as similar symbols were branded into his legs.

“Thank you, Luna,” Celestia said, turning to Sombra, “Dear cousin, if I remove the barriers, will you consent to a civilized conversation with us at our table for a meal?”

“I would be delighted,” Sombra said, kneeling to the Equestrian Diarchs, “I do hope though that this conversation will entail the location of our family.”

With a nod, everyone left the room and found themselves enveloped in the dual magics of Celestia and Luna before being transported to the throne room. With a short salute, Dire Need left the room to return to the infirmary as the Prince and Princesses left the throne room through a side door.

“Radiant Sentry,” Celestia said, motioning to one of her day guards, “When Princess Twilight Sparkle and her retinue arrive, please lead them to the royal dinning room to meet with us.”

“Ma’am,” said the Unicorn in question, snapping a sharp salute.

Walking through the palace to the dining room, the three royal Ponies exchanged small talk before arriving at the opulent dining room. The large table had room enough for at least fifty ponies, twenty-five to each side. Walking to the far end of the table, they each took a seat on one of the large cushions set on the ground behind each place setting. Ringing a small bell at her side, Celestia summoned her royal servers who cam in bearing hot tea, cakes and cucumber sandwiches.

“To business, dear cousin,” Sombra said, carefully taking a teacup using the primary feathers of his wing, “Please, tell me where my daughter is.”

“It happened roughly thirteen years ago,” Celestia began, nibbling a small piece of cake she had served herself, “A mare was found on the outskirts of the town of Ponyville, a foal held tightly to her barrel. She was severely injured and was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late for her. The only thing we were able to get from her was the foal’s name, Scootaloo.”

“Equestrians…” Sombra grunted, “The correct pronunciation is Scoatalow. In the language of the Empire it means precious one. Breaking Dawn and I were always told we would be unable to have children. When Scoatalow was born, we thought it a miracle and treated her as our greatest gift. Did she live?”

“Yes,” Celestia said, “She was placed in the Tender Care Orphanage in Ponyville and has been living there ever since. Had I known she was your daughter, I would have attempted this sooner so you would be able to meet.”

“Why was she not adopted?” Sombra asked between bites of cucumber sandwich.

“From what she has told me, it is due to her being unable to fly.” Luna said, “I have become close to her and her friends over the years since my return.”

“I am to assume that there have been no Crystal Pegasi that were able to teach her?” Sombra asked, “It is a very different process as we are heavier than non-Empire ponies.”

“Then I am glad you will be there for her to teach her what is needed.” Celestia said with a smile.

With a knock at the door, the Court Crier walked in along with two trumpeters.

“Announcing, Her Royal Highness, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and Duchess of Ponyville, along with The Elements of Harmony.”

Rising to his feet, Sombra bowed to the mares as they entered before walking up to Twilight.

“I do not believe we have been introduced,” He said, putting on his most charming smile as he took her hoof and missed it gently, “I am Prince Sombra, second born son of King Darkest Knight. It is a pleasure to meet you.” 

“How unfortunate that you would be named after a sadistic, xenophobic monster who tried to enslave an entire empire,” Twilight growled, “And how unfortunate that you have the same cutie mark as that monster.”

Charging her horn, Twilight blasted Sombra across the room where he soon found himself embedded in the far wall. As he slumped to the ground, a shadowy corona slowly receded back into the ground.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia shouted, drawing her former student’s attention, “What is the meaning of this!”

“I could ask you the same thing!” Twilight shouted back, flaring her wings, “You’re sitting here drinking tea with a walking war crime!”

“Twilight, Celestia, please calm yourselves and everything will be explained,” Luna said, wrapping both her sister and friend in the aura of her magic before forcing them to a seat at the table, “Girls, if you would care to join us.”

Shaking his head to clear away the disorientation from the attack, Sombra carefully walked back to the table and took his seat once again as well. All of the Mane 6 chose to sit on the opposite side of the table from him.

“I apologize for my actions, Princesses, however, Sombra is a villain.” Twilight said, “And then to have him begin…flirting with me…I lost my temper.”

“Believe me, if I was flirting with you, you would know it, Princessa,” Sombra said, a hard expression on his face, “I do need to correct you though. The beast known as Somnumbula is a monster and a villain. I am merely a pony used in a sacrifice to an Eldritch deity.”

“And what proof do you have of that?” Applejack shouted, slamming her hoof on the table, “You look mighty similar to that brain washin’ varmint.”

“Similar, but not the same,” Sombra said, fluttering his wings, “Somnumbula is a Unicorn. I am a Pegasus. I lost a great many things when he was inflicted on me.”

“Enough of this,” Rainbow growled, “I got only one question for you, scumbag. Where were you! Almost 14 years your daughter has been alone. What do you got to say to that!”

“That…is something that pains me to know end,” Sombra replied, covering his face with his hooves, “A lot of this story is so fantastical it is hard to believe, but on my honor as a Prince of the Crystal Empire, it is entirely true.”

And so, Sombra told the story of his possession, the exile of the Crystal Empire and the banishment of his family by Somnumbula. The girls were quick to question this had it not been for the interjection of Celestia and Luna.  He went on to tell of his death and subsequent resurrection as well as the ritual forcing Somnumbula into his control.

“Ladies, I know that you have no reason to believe me,” Sombra finished, “But, I have been brought back by my cousins Celestia and Luna in the hopes that I could be redeemed. That redemption starts with my daughter. So please, tell me, where is my darling Scoatalow.”

“Who the Tartarus is Scoatalow?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh, oh, oh, I know,” Pinkie said, bouncing in her seat, “That’s probably some like super special Crystal Empire way of saying Scootaloo’s name!”

“It will take some getting used to, saying this weird Equestrian version of her name,” Sombra said, “But yes, I am speaking of my daughter Scootaloo.”

“Well, your Highness,” Rarity said, “She’ is currently-“

Without warning, Rarity found her muzzle wrapped in the magical aura of Twilight’s power. Glaring at her fashionist friend, Twilight fixed her most intimidating glare at the stallion.

“Why should we trust you,” She asked, “This could just be an end run to gain your freedom by using a filly that my friends and I have come to care about deeply.”

“What would you suggest, Princessa,” Sombra said, bowing to Twilight, “Ask what you will of me and I will do it.”

As the girls and the princesses began shouting at Twilight, she slammed her hoof on the table top before letting out an ear piercing whistle.

“Enough!” She shouted, before addressing Sombra, “Fluttershy, I want you and Rarity to collect the fillies and take them home. After you are securely away, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie and I will leave on a different train going to Ponyville. Sombra will be staying at the Palace of Friendship and will only have monitored visitations with Scootaloo. Should I decide he is being honest and is capable of doing so, he will once again become Scootaloo’s primary caregiver. Until he has received my personal recommendation, not Celestia’s or Luna’s, but Mine, she will remain at the orphanage. Is that understood.”

“If this is what I must do to once again become part of my daughter’s life, I will agree to whatever provisions you request, your Highness.” Sombra said, “She is more important than my freedom would ever be.”
> The Long Hard Road to a New Start
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2 – The Long Hard Road to a New Start

Sombra sat in the opulent splendor of Celestia’s private train car, his relaxed posture a complete opposite to the those riding the train with him. The four strongest members of the Elements of Harmony; Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Princess Twilight Sparkle, all sat on edge, hateful glares fixed on their faces. The Unicorn guards stationed at each of the entrances stood stoically, spears held within the aura of their magics. 

“Tell me, Princessa,” He said nonchalantly, “Is it just my presence that offends you or has the beast hurt someone you know personally?”

“Really.” Twilight said coldly, “We’re gonna do this now? Ok, yes to both actually. I personally find most villains repugnant and you personally endangered the lives of both my brother and my sister-in-law.”

“I have heard tell from my cousins that you are a very intelligent mare,” Sombra said, placing the tip of one of his wings between his eyes, “Is it really so hard to differentiate between the scholar prince you see before you and the monstrous tyrant that was thrust upon him?”

“That’s the second time I heared ya call yerself that,” Applejack said, narrowing her eyes, “Back in the Crystal Empire, ya’ll kept spoutin off that you was King Sombra. But, now yer sitting here sayin yer a Prince. ‘Sgoinonhere?”

“Do you truly want to know?” Sombra asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, it is a long trip back to Ponyville,” Rarity said, “So, please, do tell.”

“If you insist,” Sombra said, sitting up straighter and puffing out his feathers, “My father was King Darkest Knight. My mother was Queen Ever Dawn. I was the second born son after my brother Spell Jammer. He was destined for the throne, not I. I was to become guardian of the Imperial Archives. However, the court sorcerers decided that more power was needed to ensure the line of succession was secure. So they took a dagger and cut off my wings, which were used to summon Somnumbula. And then I was trapped in a living nightmare by that daemon, who drove me to enslave the empire. When my cousins banished him to the frozen north, he banished my wife and daughter to Ponyville thirteen years ago. And this is where we find ourselves, with six of the most magically powerful mares in all of Equestria wanting my head mounted on a wall. So, you tell me, where do we go from here.”

Before the others could respond, Rainbow climbed off of the bench seat she was one and got nose to nose with Sombra.

“Where we go is back to Ponyville,” She growled, poking him in the chest, “You can go back to Tartarus where you belong and out of my little sister’s life!”

“Ms. Dash…Scootaloo is the last piece of my family that I have left,” Sombra said, his eyes weary, “As I stated in front of you all as well as my dear cousins, I will do whatever is needed to be allowed to become her father. So, if the six of you decide I am to be held in the deepest, darkest part of Princess Twilight’s dungeon, I will accept that decision. If you require me to fly around town twelve hours a day wearing a pink tutu, I will do it if it means I can be the parent I was meant to be.”

“Ooooo that sounds like fun,” Pinkie said, pulling a cupcake from deep within her mane, “I know, you can be the new delivery pony for Sugar Cube Corners.”

“I don’t think that’s a wise idea Pinkie,” Twilight said, “And as much as I would love nothing more than to lock you away for the rest of time, I will give you the same second chance that Discord was offered. Only you will be on a much shorter leash. You will be living within my Palace and will have monitored visitation with Scootaloo once a week. Finally, as part of you probation, you will be joining the Twilight guard where you will be monitored for the entirety of your shift.”

“I will prove my worth in your service, Princessa,” Sombra said, bowing to Twilight, “I know I am in no position to make demands, but may I make a request.”

“I will…consider your request,” Twilight said, tenting her hooves.

“Will you allow me to meet my daughter today?” Sombra asked, tears welling in his eyes as he kneeled in front of her, “I will accept this being my one visitation for the week, but she deserves to know her father.”

“She deserves a father that is not a monster…” Dash whispered under her breath.

“Dashie, enough.” Twilight said, “It will be far too late once we get into town for you to meet with Scootaloo. However, I am not some heartless monarch. Tomorrow morning, I will arrange for her to join us for breakfast.”

“You have my thanks, Princessa,” Sombra said, taking her hoof and kissing it.

“I…why do you keep calling me that,” She squeaked, a blush flaring on her cheeks.

“Because it is who you are,” He replied, a cocky grin on his face, “And maybe I actually am trying to flirt with you.”

As her face flushed, Twilight began shaking before she lashed out with her forehoof, knocking the unlucky stallion into unconsciousness.

“Jerk!” She shrieked, before kicking him in the side.


********


By the time Sombra returned to consciousness, her found himself lying on his back in a cart as it trundled over the cobblestone street, the pony pulling it along whistling a happy tune.

“Oh, what hit me,” Sombra asked, holding his head in his hooves.

“That’d be Twilight,” drawled a deep, male voice, “Hear tell you was getting mighty fresh with our Princess and she had to put you down.”

“I know I have been out of touch for…a while, but do mares typically assault you when you flirt with them?” Sombra asked, standing up and leaning over the top of the cart.

Pulling the cart was the largest, stallion Sombra had ever seen, his candy apple red fur almost glowing in the moonlight, a draft collar around his neck, a large green apple for a cutie mark.

“Name’s Macintosh,” The pony said, “Mah friends all call me Big Mac though. ‘Sfar as the mares, most ah the ones I know usually just blush and stutter when I talk to ‘em. ‘Ceptin mah sister’s friends that is. Swing’n a little high go’n after a Princess, doncha think?”

“Her being a Princess has no consequence,” Sombra said, stretching his wings, “She is an intelligent, attractive mare and I find myself drawn to her.”

“Got nothin to do with her bein the one callin the shots about your young’n either right?” Mac asked, steel creeping into his voice.

“I see that my daughter has a great many ponies ready to protect her from the big evil monster,” Sombra laughed, “No, Big Mac, despite the dark and evil reputation my inner demon has garnered, I would not play upon the affections of a beautiful mare. I do want my daughter back, but I will earn that.”

“Yer right,” Mac replied, “She does have lot a folks looking out fer her. Iffin’ me and my kin coulda taken that sweet little filly in I’da adopted her in a heart beat.”

“I know I will have a chance to meet her tomorrow,” Sombra said, resting his head and forehooves on the top of the cart, “But, I wish to know more about her. There has been so much I have missed out on.”

“She’s rough and tumble, cares about her friends somtin fierce,” Mac said, turning onto the main road through town, “Her and her friends have tried everthin’ under the sun to get their Cutie Marks, but they ain’t got ‘em just yet. And it hurts her more’n anything that her disability keeps her on the ground.”

“Is that what every pony has been telling her?” Sombra growled, anger creeping into his voice, “She is not disabled. As a Crystal Pony, her body has a different type of magic than most Pegasi. It is just one of the things that I will teaching her.”

“What else ya gonna teach her, How to Conquer the World in 10 Easy Steps?” Big Mac joked.

“Macintosh, you are a good stallion,” Sombra joked back, “I really don’t want to have to kill you.”

As the two stallions laughed into the night, they eventually pulled up in front of the Palace of Friendship.

“Looks like we’re at your stop, Sombra,” Mac said, nodding towards the palace gates, “Hopin’ you have a nice night.”

“You as well, Macintosh Apple,” Sombra replied, leaping out of the cart and landing gently on the ground below.

As Sombra trotted up to the Palace gates, Mac continued down the road towards the homestead. Taking the knocker in the grip of his wing, Sombra knocked twice before waiting for someone to answer. Before long, the left-hand door opened wide, a bright blue Earth Pony mare in a maid’s outfit standing in the doorway.

“Hello there, ser,” She said with a bow, “How may I help ye?”

“Good evening, Miss,” Sombra said with a bow, “I believe I am expected, my name is Prince Sombra.”

“Deary me,” She replied, giving a quick curtsy, “Apologies, yer highness, forgive me. I am her highness’s lady’s maid, Leaf Dancer. Princess Twilight has requested to meet you in the library, if you’d follow me please?”

“Please, lead the way,” Sombra replied, entering the palace.

Several crystalline hallways later, Sombra found himself in front of a non-descript door, two spear wielding Pegasi on either side.

“Am I to assume Princess Twilight is inside?” He asked.

Receiving a nod from the stallion on the left, his partner pushed the door open gently with his wing. Walking through the opened door, Sombra found himself surrounded on all sides by bookshelves, large tables spaced throughout the high-ceilinged room. Twilight herself lay on a large cushion in front of a roaring fire, a large purple, leather bound book held in the aura of her magic. Gently setting the book to the side, Twilight looked up and gave him her most neutral expression. 

“Sombra, please, sit. Tea?” She asked.

“Thank you, Princessa.” He answered, sitting on a second cushion before picking up a small teacup with his wing.

“I would like-“ They both began, before stopping short.

“You first, Sombra,” Twilight offered.

“No, I insist, ladies first,” Sombra stated.

“Of course,” Twilight huffed, “I would like to apologize for my actions on the train. I am not used to stallions…flirting with me and I may have overreacted to your advances.” 

“I happily accept your apology,” Sombra said with a smile, “Please, accept one of my own if I offended you in any way with my forwardness. I find it hard to believe though that you have never been approached by anyone. You are attractive, intelligent, magically gifted. Frankly, it boggles the mind.”

“That…is not something I feel comfortable discussing with you yet, Prince Sombra,” Twilight said, hiding her blush behind her teacup.

“But, you feel you will be comfortable someday,” Sombra said cockily, a grin on his face, “That is progress at least. At least this time I’m not receiving a hoof to the face.”

“The night is still young,” Twilight joked, raising an eyebrow, “I know it is getting late. While I keep much later hours, I will not require that of my guests. If you would like, one of the guards outside will guide you to your quarters.”

“I would greatly appreciate that, Princessa,” Sombra said, draining the last of his tea, “I wish you good night and may Luna guide you to sweet dreams.”

“You as well,” Twilight said, finally allowing herself to smile.

As Sombra left the room and closed the door behind him, Twilight poured herself another cup of tea as she let her mind drift to the day’s events.

He is a very persuasive stallion, one part of her mind thought, and handsome too boot.

Yes, and he will use that to try to get his way and lead me into the darker path of magic, another side countered.

He seems trustworthy enough, came a different, shyer side of her mind, I hope he can be the father that Scootaloo needs.

Would it be so bad to give into the darkness… whispered a darker, almost slimy voice within her mind, Your already quite gifted in shadow play.

I will never give in to that power, Twilight shouted within her mind, I’ve kept you at bay for this long. And I will continue to deny you until the end of my days.

Slamming her hoof on the ground, a soft pulse of magic washed over the ground. Centering her mind, Twilight picked up the book she was reading and flipped back to the section she had been reading; How to Reunite a Broken Family in 3 Easy Steps. 
> Guess Who's Coming to Breakfast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3 – Guess Who’s Coming to Breakfast

Sombra awoke from his first peaceful night’s sleep in over a thousand years to the sight of a grinning, pink, Earth pony mare standing over him, a crazed look in her eyes.

“Can I help you?” He said, slightly afraid.

“Sure can, Sombry,” She replied, jumping on the bed he was currently resting on, “Get up, come on, come on, come on. Today’s the most super specialist importanterific day in the whole wide universe.”

“I do not believe importanterific is a word,” Sombra replied, narrowly avoiding the bouncing bundle of happiness, “Who are you anyway?”

“Ermagersh!” She exclaimed, grabbing his hoof and shaking it like a mad mare, “We weren’t introduced last night were we. I’m Pinkamina Diane Pie, but my friends all call me Pinkie Pie. I’m the Element of Laughter! I’m here to help plan the Here’s Your Daddy Breakfast Party!”

“Well, it is nice to meet you, Miss Pie,” Sombra said, struggling to sit up, “Would you mind terribly if I got out of bed first?”

“Sure, Sombry,” Pinkie said as she began bouncing around the guest Sombra had been given.

“How in the name of the creator are you this active this early in the morning,” Sombra asked, dragging himself out of the bed and looking out the window, “Celestia has just started raising the sun.”

“Oh, I know, but see Twilight and Spike get up really early to have breakfast and Dashie is going to be picking Scootaloo from the orphanage after she finishes her morning Weather Pony duties and the other girls will be here soon too and we need to make sure that there are all kind of goodies for everybody and I wanted you to help.” Pinkie somehow managed to say in one breath.

“You are a very special mare Miss Pie,” Sombra deadpanned before walking into the adjoining bathroom, “Give me a few minutes to freshen up and I will accompany you to the kitchen.”

Taking a few minutes to splash some water on his face, Sombra dragged a brush through his jet black mane and tail before completing a quick preening of his storm grey wings. Satisfied that he would presentable, not just for his daughter but the company of Princess Sparkle and her friends, Sombra exited the bathroom and followed Pinkie Pie through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle. Arriving at the expansive kitchen that Spike lorded over as his own little kingdom, both Sombra and Pinkie began working together to make various breakfast foods. Pulling a large bowl and a skillet out of a low cabinet, Sombra began mixing up a thick, sweetened batter before turning to the pink mare.

“Miss Pie, you wouldn’t happen to know if Princess Twilight would have any cheese on hand?” Sombra asked, placing the skillet over a low flame on the stove before placing a small bit of butter in it to melt.

“Cheese?” Pinkie asked, tilting her head to the side, “For breakfast? I mean there’s cheese Danishes but we don’t have enough time to make those.”

“Oh no, these are a Crystal Empire Specialty, Syrniki,” Sombra replied with a smile, “They are these fluffy little pancakes made with sweetened cheese. They…were a favorite of Scoatalow’s mother.”

“You loved her a lot, didn’t you?” Pinkie asked, her hair deflating slightly as she pulled a small block of farmers cheese from the refrigerator.

“As a second son, I was free to follow my heart,” Sombra said, a tear rolling down his muzzle, “Dawn was a student at the Imperial Magic school. We met in the archives one day and it was like seeing the sun rise for the first time. She was smart, funny, beautiful. And she never let me get away with anything. She was the other half of my soul.”

“That’s so romantic,” Pinkie said, throwing her forehooves around Sombra, “I can see why your so attracted to Twilight.”

Sombra’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as his wings shot open with a loud :flumph:

“Princessa Twilight and I have just met,” Sombra denied, trying not look at the pink mare as a blush spread across his face, “it would not be right for me to be attracted to her.”

“Oh Sombry, you’re so old fashioned,” Pinkie giggled as she began mixing up a batch of strawberry muffins, “But that’s a good thing because you need to be Scootaloo’s daddy before you can even consider getting her a new mama. Just be the good stallion you say you are and everything will work out just fine.”

Silently, the two continued cooking, preparing food for the large group that would be meeting up in the palace.



********



Scootaloo rolled out of her bed in the orphanage and began busying herself with making her bed and cleaning up before her mentor came to get her for the all-important breakfast party where she would finally meet her father. A thousand thoughts and feelings kept bouncing between the little orange filly’s head and heart.

She was happy to learn that her dad was alive, even if he wouldn’t be able to take her in right off the bat. It was even cooler that he was some dark super strong prince. She didn’t know how to feel about him being a tyrant and a villain though. And a small, tiny part of her wanted to curl up in a hole and cry when she realized that her amazing mentor Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be able to take her in. 

A light knock on the door roused the young filly from her thoughts. Turning to the door, she slowly opened it to find the smiling face of Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Squirt,” Dash said, ruffling the filly’s magenta mane, “You ready for your big day today?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Scootaloo replied, “Do…do you think he’ll like me?”

“This Sombra…he’s not as bad as the one we fought in the Crystal Empire,” Dash said, guiding the younger Pegasus through the halls of the orphanage, “If this isn’t all an act, he might just be a decent guy.” 

“If he isn’t, do you think maybe you-“ Scootaloo began before Dash interrupted her.

“Scoots, we’ve talked about this,” Dash explained, trying not to sound irritated, “I can barely take care of me and Tank. And half the time Fluttershy is having to remind me to do that. Celestia only knows why she has stuck around all this time.”

“Maybe because she likes you?” Scootaloo giggle.

As Dash’s wings snapped to attention, she whirled around and stared at the filly with eyes like saucers.

“What makes you say that!?” Dash almost shrieked.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Scootaloo teased, “Maybe the fact that she has tons of pictures of the two of you. And that autographed poster of you. Oh, let’s not forget her life size Rainbow Dash Wonderbolts plushie.”

“How do you know all this!?” Dash whisper-screamed, lifting the filly up with her forehooves.

“She supervises every couple of Crusader sleep overs,” Scootaloo giggled, “We spend the night there like every two weeks.”

“Why didn’t she say anything,” Dash mumbled as she set Scoots on the floor and turned to leave the orphanage, “Anyway, back to what I was saying. I’m not mature enough to be your mom. You need someone like Applejack or Twilight. I’m more the cool older sister type that helps cover up for you when you wanna sneak out to silly your special somepony.”

“Alright,” Scootaloo pouted, “But, you still gotta teach me all kinds of tricks once I can fly.”

“Deal,” Dash said, laying a wing over her little sister, “Good news is, according to your old man, its gonna be easy getting you to fly.”

“Wait, WHAT!” Scootaloo shouted, her tiny wings buzzing to life and launching her a few feet in the air.

“Ooops, sorry to ruin the surprise.” Dash said, grinning innocently, “Yeah, see, since you’re not an Equestrian Pegasus, you have to learn to fly differently than I can teach you. Once you’re up there though, your all mine rookie.”

“Ma’am, Yes, Ma’am!” Scootaloo replied, giving her a mock salute.

“Come on,” She replied, kneeling down, “Climb on. It’ll be faster to fly to the palace.”

Squealing loudly, Scootaloo climbed onto Dash’s back and made herself comfortable between her wings before bracing herself for Rainbow’s typical takeoff. Launching herself high into the air, Dash was conscious of her tiny passenger as she rushed towards the large shimmering palace on the other side of town. Landing a few minutes later at the Palace gates, she saw the rest of her friends, as well as the remaining members of the CMC walking up the well-trod, paved path leading to the entrance. 

“Well, howdy there Dash,” Applejack called, “Glad to see you got the guest of honor her in one piece.”

“Oh yeah,” Dash said, flashing her trademark cocky grin, “Precious cargo on board, wouldn’t want her getting hurt. Her dad might try to blow up the world if she so much as chipped a hoof.”

All of the girls stared, giving Rainbow Dash a look that said ‘really?’. 

“What?” She asked, “it’s a joke. When you give me that look, it means it’s a joke.”

“We are not amused,” Rarity sniffed, looking down her nose at the Pegasus.

“Um…maybe you could try being nicer to Mr. Sombra…pretty please…if it’s not to much trouble.” Fluttershy said, trying not to meet her crush’s eyes.

“Ok,” Dash said, walking over to the butter yellow mare and laying a wing over her back, “For you Shy, I will try to keep the snide comments to a bare minimum.”

Being in such close proximity to her (not so) secret crush caused a fierce blush to spread across Fluttershy’s face. Leaning in closely, Dash whispered gently to her oldest and best friend.

“Scoots told me your secret,” She whispered with a grin, “Guess there’s somethings we need to talk about, eh?”

“I guess there is…” Fluttershy replied, ruffling her feathers.

Slowly, the large crystalline doors opened and Major Domo stepped out, a gentle smile on his face.

“Ladies, Princess Twilight Sparkle would like to bid you welcome and ask that you follow me to the Dining Room.” He said, gesturing with his forehooves to enter, “Miss Pinkie Pie and Prince Sombra have been working to prepare breakfast for everyone and will be finishing momentarily.”

“Lands sakes,” Applejack said, walking passed the snobbish Unicorn, “’Taint no reason ta make such a fuss. Coulda done all this at Sugar Cube Corner.”

“While I would not be impertinent enough to question her highness in this matter,” Major Domo sniffed, lifting his muzzle into the air, “She may have thought that the reunion of Prince Sombra and his daughter should be handled in a more official capacity.”

Turning away, he silently began walking through the palace with the Mane 6 and the CMC hot on his trail. After a few minutes, the group finds themselves entering the dining room. A large table dominated the center of the room, room enough to seat 8 ponies on each side, with an additional place setting at each end. Twilight was seated at the head of the table, a small tea cup held in the aura of her magic, a small bell set in front of her on the table. Seated to her right was Spike, followed by Pinkie Pie. Seated to her left was Sombra.

“Announcing The Elements of Harmony accompanied by the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Major Domo called before rushing off.

“Girls it’s so good to see you,” Twilight said, standing up and motioning for Sombra to join her, “Scootaloo, there’s someone I would like to introduce you to.”

Leading the little orange filly towards the much larger stallion, Twilight walked over to join the rest of her friends. 

“Hello, detjonys, do you know who I am?” Sombra asked, sitting on his flank.

“You’re King Sombra,” Scootaloo answered, gulping, “The super evil pony who tried to take over the Crystal Empire. And your also my dad.”

“Well, you’re only partially right, young Scoatalow,” Sombra said, giving her a gentle smile, “My name is Prince Sombra. I have no interest in ruling anywhere. And I am very proud to be your father.”

“If you’re so proud to be my dad,” Scootaloo sniffed, tears forming in her eyes, “Why weren’t you around? Why was I left alone. WHY DID YOU ABANDON ME!”

“If I tell you my story, will you listen?” He asked, getting down to her level, “It is not a happy story.”

“I don’t need a fairy tale with a happy ending,” Scootaloo replied, wiping her eyes on her foreleg, “I need the truth. And I’m putting a lot of faith in a stallion that I just met to tell it to me.”

“Very well,” Sombra started, “Over 1000 years ago, your grandparents, King Darkest Knight and Queen Ever Dawn ruled the Crystal Empire. Your uncle, my elder brother Spell Jammer, was next in line for the throne. I was to be the protector of the royal archives. Your grandfather’s court sorcerers had other plans and used dark magic to bind a demon to me. When your cousin’s Celestia and Luna banished me, the demon sent you and your mother forward in time to thirteen years ago. You survived, your mother…was not so lucky. When Celestia was informed that you were my daughter yesterday, She and Luna brought me back from the dead. And now we find ourselves here.”

“So…what now?” Scootaloo asked, “Am I going to come live with you?”

Before Sombra could answer, Twilight walked over and laid a wing over the filly.

“It’s not quite that simple, Scootaloo,” She said, “Sombra still has a lot to make up for before he can become your primary caregiver full time. He has agreed to become part of my personal guard while he is here in Ponyville and will be having supervised visitation one full day a week until I have decided he is no longer a danger to you or others.”

“That’s no fair,” Scootaloo shouted, stomping her hoof, “I find out my dad is alive and you only want to keep him from me.”

“Detjonys, please be calm,” Sombra said, laying a wing over the filly, “I promise you, even with the limitations imposed by Princessa Twilight, I will be the best father I can be for you, on my honor as a Prince.”

“Please be real…” Scootaloo whispered, throwing her hooves around Sombra’s barrel, “If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.”

“This is real,” Sombra said, a tear rolling down his muzzle as he held his daughter close.

“Ugh could you be any more disgustingly sweet,” Said a shadowy voice as the marks on Sombra’s legs glowed a light blue.

“Who said that!” Twilight shouted, recognizing the Shadow Kings voice.

“Go ahead and show yourself Somnumbula and do try to behave,” Sombra said, easing his control on the Shadow King just slightly.

With a dull pop, Somnumbula leapt from Sombra’s shadow, his iron clad hooves ringing against the crystalline floor. A glowing collar of blue energy was wrapped around the shadowy Unicorn’s neck, binding him to the symbols on Sombra’s legs.

“Boo!” He shouted, rising up on his hind legs and flaring the crimson energy in his horn.

“Down boy,” Sombra commanded, his words forcing the Shadow King to his knees.

“That…was impressive.” Twilight said, silently analyzing the level of power needed to keep a being like Somnumbula in check.

“Thank you, Princessa,” Sombra said, winking at Twilight before turning to Scootaloo, “Scoatalow, allow me to introduce you to my darker half, the Umbran Somnumbula of the Somber Shadows.”

“Is he like my dad too?” Scootaloo asked, tilting her head to the side.

“More like the creepy uncle nobody talks about.” The Shadow King replied, struggling to get to his feet before collapsing back to the ground.

“We don’t talk about Bruno.” Pinkie said to no one at all.

“Pinkie, who the Tartarus is Bruno?” Applejack asked.

“I just said we don’t talk about him, AJ.” Pinkie deadpanned.

“Why don’t we all settle in for the wonderful meal Pinkie and Sombra prepared for us today,” Twilight said, taking her seat, “If he can behave, he is welcome to join us.”

“Whatdaya say Mr. Creepy Uncle,” Scootaloo teased, getting nose to nose with the shadow king, “If you behave, maybe dad will let you have a little more freedom.”

“Hmmm, lets see,” Somnumbula snarked, “Be good and share some sugary snacks with six mares who want me blasted back to the primeval darkness that created me or go hide in your daddy’s shadow where I can quietly plan my eventual escape. Tough call.”

“Enough of that,” Sombra said, tightening his grip on the Umbran again, drawing him back into his shadow.

As everyone took their seats, Twilight picked up the small bell in her magic and gave it three fast rings. Without warning, a small door in the corner of the room opened and four Unicorns entered, 2 stallions and 2 mares each holding large platters of food in their magic. Setting them down along the middle of the table, everyone seated at the table was in awe of what Pinkie Pie and Sombra had been able to cook. The cheese pancakes Sombra had made sat right in the center, a large jug of blueberry syrup parked next to it. There were fried eggs and haybacon, toast and jam, fruit salads and any number of pastries. Pots of coffee and tea were set out along with large carafes of orange juice and apple cider.

“I must say, I am very impressed,” Rarity said, placing a croissant and some fruit on her plate before pouring herself a cup of tea, “The two of you truly made all of this by yourselves?”

“Yeppers Peppers,” Pinkie said, piling several pancakes and a couple of eggs on her plate, “Sombry is a genius in the kitchen?”

“Really, Darling,” Rarity said, casting an approving eye at the Stallion, “A handsome prince, devoted father, and talented chef. Very impressive.”

“Simmer down there sally,” Applejack said, helping Applebloom get some food, “That there’s out of bounds no matter how you slice it.”

“Hey, dad, what are those little pancake things?” Scootaloo asked.

“Those are a specialty from the Crystal Empire called syrniki,” Sombra replied, “They are little sweetened cheese pancakes. They were a favorite of your mother’s.”

 “Can I try them?” Scootaloo asked shyly.

“By all means,” Sombra answered, lifting his hoof and making the platter float towards them. After placing a few on Scootaloo’s plate, he returned the plater to the center of the table before floating over the blueberry syrup. Seeing the dumbfounded looks on everyone’s faces, Sombra shrugged his wings, “What? Do I have something on my face?”

“You just levitated those,” Twilight stammered, “Without magic. That’s impossible.”

“Not impossible,” Sombra laughed, “Just different. This is what makes Crystal Pegasi different. We do not fly by commanding the air around us like you Equestrians. We defy the earth and control gravity itself. With enough training, we can lift other things like I just did.”

“Is that why I have so much trouble flying?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, you are a Crystal Pegasus,” Sombra said proudly, “After breakfast we can go outside and I can teach you a few things. It’s gonna take practice and hard work though. You ready for that?”

“Hard work is my middle name,” Scootaloo said proudly, “Just try to keep me out of the air.”

“That’s good to hear,” Sombra said, wrapping a wing around her small frame, “But truth be told, your middle name is Sapphire. Scootaloo Sapphire Dawn.”

“You named me after some sparkly blue rock?!” Scootaloo questioned.

“You were our greatest treasure, Scoatalow,” Sombra said, giving the filly a gentle nuzzle, “Never doubt that your mother and I loved you.”
> Just You and I, Defying Gravity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4 – Just You and I, Defying Gravity

As the last of the food was eaten and the dishes cleared away by Twilights near limitless number of unseen servants, Scootaloo tapped her hoof against her father’s barrel, trying to get his attention.

“Yes, detjonys?” He asked, looking down into the large shimmering eyes of his daughter.

“Can we go outside and have our first flying lesson,” She asked, giving him the dreaded Puppy Dog Eyes, “Please, Daddy?”

“Ack!,” He replied, mocking a heart attack, “Tone down the cuteness, little one. If it’s alright with Princessa, we can go outside and have our first lesson.”

“Please, Twilight? Please, please, please?” Scootaloo begged, directing her gaze at the resident princess.

“Celestia, that look should be illegal,” Twilight scoffed, “Yes, of course you can. Do you mind if the rest of us join you?”

“Yay! Yes, come one lets go. Come on, come on, come on.” Scootaloo said, practically bouncing in place.

“Come along everyone,” Sombra said, leading the young filly out to the front lawn of the castle, “Best we redirect all of this energy in a more fruitful direction.”

Directing Scootaloo to base of a nearby tree, Sombra sat on his flank and gestured for Scootaloo to do the same.

“Now, Scoatalow, the first thing I want you to do is close your eyes and clear your mind,” He instructed, “We are going to have you tap into your magical core. Once you feel the energy, let it expand around you, don’t try to direct it yet.”

Closing her eyes, Scootaloo tried clearing her mind but the excitement of meeting her father coupled with the exhilaration of finally learning to fly kept distracting her. Scrunching her eyes tightly, she began taking deep breathes in and out, eventually quieting her mind enough to begin to feel the pull of her magical core. Finally forcing her way beyond the final internal hurdle, she felt the energy of her core erupt from within her as it expanded through pathways she didn’t know existed. Unknown to the filly, a dazzling corona of dark blue energy surrounded her body, emitting small sparks of static electricity.

“Well done, detjonys,” Sombra said, causing Scootaloo to open her eyes, “You truly are your mother’s daughter with that much magical potential. Now, let go of your hold, and let your magic recede.”

Following his instructions, Scootaloo closed her eyes again and forced her magic back down. Feeling the new warmth fall away, Scootaloo lay down on the cool dirt beneath her, panting softly.

“Relax and breathe little one,” Sombra said, nuzzling the orange filly, “The first time usually takes a bit out of you. It gets easier with time.”

“Tha…that was awesome,” Scootaloo panted, before shaking and standing up straight, “Ok, lets do this.”

“Really? Not feeling any fatigue?” Sombra asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Nope, I’m good, I got this!” She shouted, hoof pumping. 

“Ok, summon your energy again and this time focus it through your hooves,” He said, demonstrating it for her, “Imagine that there’s a small invisible platform underneath you…”


********


As the girls watched from a respectable distance, Applejack took note of the look on Twilight’s face as she watched the large stallion interact with the small filly. AJ could see a slight smile appear on the lavender mare’s face as the feathers in her wings fluffed up unconsciously. Walking over to her friend, AJ leaned in and whispered to the princess.

“Bit for your thoughts there Twi?” She said with a smirk.

“Bit might not get you much,” Twilight replied, “He’s very calm and patient with her. It’s also interesting to see a different school of magic firsthand.”

“Yeah, he’s definitely showing he’s got potential to be a good Pa to that little filly,” Applejack said before grinning at Twilight, “He’s pretty easy on the eyes too, dontcha think?”

“Applejack,” Twilight hissed, “That is completely inappropriate.”

“Oh please, Miss Princess,” AJ scolded while wiggling her eyebrows, “Unless your barn door swings the other way, t’aint nothing wrong with admitting he’s a fine-looking piece of eye candy.”

“Yes, but he’s in my custody until I’ve cleared him,” Twilight replied with a huff, “It wouldn’t look good for me to be…appraising him like a piece of cake. Maybe when things have changed and he has proven he has reformed, if he’s still available I could consider the possibility of asking him out.”

“That there’s a lot of maybes and possiblies and could bes,” Applejack snorted, “That’s assuming that some other enterprising mare won’t see how good he is with his youngin’ and snatch him up quick fast and inahurry. I mean, he looks plenty strong. He might be able to help out plenty around the farm.”

Giving the orange farm pony a scandalizing look, Twilight turned bright red before scuffing her hoof. 

“Just because I said it was inappropriate right now doesn’t mean it always will be,” Twilight said, flaring her nostrils as her wings flared, “Yes, I can admit he’s acting like a good dad right now, but I need to make sure it isn’t just that, an act. Also, I won’t deny that he’s got that dark, northern prince aesthetic going for him that is very appealing to some ponies.”

“And would you be one of those ponies, Princessa?” Called a deep irritating voice from overhead.

Looking up, Twilight saw Sombra and Scootaloo leaning over a low flying cloud they were resting on over her head. Embarrassed by her admission, Twilight tried to do her best impression of Fluttershy, trying to hide behind her mane.

“Did you know he was up there.” She hissed at Applejack.

“You betcha,” The Farm pony said with a laugh.

“Stupid meddling Earth ponies…” Twilight mumbled under her breath.

“Hey Twilight, come on up here with Daddy and me,” Scootaloo called, “There’s plenty of room~”

“Now, now, Scoatalow, I believe Miss Applejack has embarrassed the Princessa enough without your help,” Sombra said, as he stood up on the cloud, “Lets take a little flight to that cloud over there by the tree. We’ll see how long you can stay in the air before you tire out.”

Rising gently into the air, both father and daughter slowly and gently began moving through the sky towards a different cloud away from the rest of the mares and fillies.

“That wasn’t nice Applejack,” Rarity scolded, “It was simply barbaric behaving like that.”

“Simmer your bustle there Rarity,” Applejack said, “Fer one thing, you yerself were starting to make goo goo eyes at that there stallion. Fer another, if that feller knew that Twilight here was interested, he might be able to admit to hisself at least that he has feelings for our little Princess here.”

“Oh he’s definitely interested~” Pinkie Pie called in a sing song voice, “We were talking earlier and we started talking about Scoot’s mom and then I brought up Twilight and he blushed really hard and his wings shot out like WOOSH and I told him that he needs to focus on being a good daddy to Scootaloo before he could even think about trying to have Twilight be her new mama.”

Hearing the explanation from the cotton candy colored mare brought a fierce blush to Twilight’s face. 

He does like me, Twilight thought, secretly glancing at the retreating father-daughter duo in the sky.

He’s got a nice flank too, purred an appreciative voice within her mind.

And he’s acting like such a good dad, giggled a voice showing the same level of excitement as Pinkie Pie.

“Time will tell if things get that far girls,” Twilight said, hiding behind her hair again.


********


As Sombra and Scootaloo flew gently through the sky, Sombra’s thoughts kept drifting to the attractive lavender mare who quite literally held his life in her hooves. Landing on a cloud floating gently over a nearby tree, He rolled onto his back looking at the clouds passing overhead, a move that was soon mirrored by his amazing daughter. For a few minutes they lay there in a comfortable silence.

“Soooooo,” Scootaloo said, finally breaking the quiet moment, “you have a thing for Princess Twilight, huh?”

“That…is not something you need to worry about right now young lady,” Sombra said, trying to hide his blush, “What about you, any young colts or fillies that I need to meet?”

“I…Rainbow Dash says that mushy feelings make you weak and distract you from other more important things,” Scootaloo quoted, a light blush shading her own cheeks.

“You put a lot of importance on what the blue mare thinks, correct detjonys?” Sombra asked, sitting up.

“Well, yeah,” Scootaloo said proudly opening her tiny wings as wide as they would go, “She was the first one to tell me she thought my tricks on my scooter looked cool. She inspired me.”

“Then perhaps you should look down there,” He replied, pointing over the edge of the cloud.

Looking over the edge, Scootaloo saw Rainbow Dash lying on her back, resting her head on Fluttershy’s rear hooves as the butter yellow Pegasus fed her jellybeans. The look of pure adoration on both mare’s faces was clear even from the distance between the large group and the cloud Scootaloo was resting on.

“She looks so happy,” Scootaloo said with a giggle.

“Yes, it looks like it,” Sombra said, wrapping a wing around the filly’s back, “Do you think she’s still as impressive?”

“Of course, nothing’s gonna change how I feel about Dash,” Scootaloo said, “She’s my big sister.”

“Then you know that having feelings for another pony does not make you weak,” Sombra said, nuzzling her, “If anything, it makes you stronger having that special some pony in your life.”

“There’s a colt at school,” Scootaloo admitted, her blush returning in full force, “He’s an Earth pony named Brick Breaker.”

“Does he know your interested?” Sombra teased, raising an eyebrow.

“No, every time I try to talk to him I feel all squiggly inside and I start stuttering and falling over myself,” She replied, hanging her head, “He must think I’m a huge dork.”

“I had the same problem when I began courting your mother,” Sombra admitted, “I felt so foolish every time she was around. Then I actually worked up the courage to talk to her and everything just kind of feel into place. You should give this Brick Breaker a chance to know the real you.”

“I will,” Scootaloo said, a devious smile on her face, “But only if you give Twilight a chance too.”

“Who’s to say there’s anything between Princessa Twilight and myself?” Sombra asked.

“I might be 14,” Scootaloo scoffed, “But I’m not blind. You smile when you’re thinking about her and she watches you when she thinks no one’s looking.” 

“Well…be that as it may,” Sombra stuttered, “Princessa has made it abundantly clear that she feels such a relationship would not be appropriate until she has judged me to be reformed. I can agree, from a leadership point of view, that it would not look good for a prisoner to be courting his warden.”

“Doesn’t stop you from flirting with her.” Scootaloo groused, folding her forehooves over her chest.

“Your very blunt for one so young,” Sombra said with a laugh, “I guess I will need to work hard to show that my reformation is not a temporary thing.”

“Well, to quote my unofficial big sister, ‘Anything worth doing takes hard work, commitment, and at least 20% awesomeness.’” Scootaloo said with a giggle, “Can I ask you something serious though?” 

“You, be serious?” He joked, “Who are you and what have you done with my daughter.”

“Oh haha, Daddy,” Scootaloo said, a smile on her face, “Can we talk to Twilight about you helping me with my Family Appreciation Day Project. I know she’s giving you a visitation day every week, but the project is due in 2 weeks and I want to know everything about our family that I can learn!”

“We can talk to Princess Twilight about that,” Sombra replied, “Would not want my Scoatalow to do badly.”

“There’s…there’s one other thing I want your help with Daddy,” Scootaloo asked.

“What’s that, detjonys?” Sombra asked.

“I want my school stuff to show my real name,” She replied shyly, “I…I want everyone to know me as Scoatalow Sapphire Dawn.”

Hearing his daughter say those words filled Sombra with a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. So much so that he lifted the filly into his hooves and hugged her tightly.

“I would be very proud to help you with that,” Sombra said, his voice cracking, “I know you are starting to get a good hoof on flying with gravity magic, but will you let your Daddy carry you this time?”

“Of course,” Scootaloo said.

As Sombra knelt down, Scootaloo gently climbed onto his back and made herself comfortable between his wings. Wrapping her forehooves around his neck, she held on tightly, not wanting to fall off.

“Brace yourself, little one.” He said, leaping off of the cloud and gliding gently to the rest of the group.

Landing gently and letting the filly climb off of his back, both father and daughter walked up to the resident princess, hopeful looks on their faces.

“Princess Twilight?” Scootaloo asked.

“Scootaloo, you don’t need to call me Princess,” Twilight answered, “We’re friends. How can I help you?”

“I wanna have my records and stuff updated to show my real name,” Scootaloo asked.

“That’s a big step,” Twilight said with a grin, “I mean I can talk to Mayor Mare. Might need to send a message to Celestia to let her know there’s another Princess that’s living in Ponyville though.”

“Wait, WHAT?!” Scootaloo shouted, leaping into the air and hanging there.
> Non-Chapter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Ya'll,

I'm still alive and still writing this story, things have just been a little hectic as of late. I'm trying to find a work-life balance so that I can continue writing these amazing stories that you enjoy reading. Please Read and Review to keep feeding the beast. 

Love Ya'll,
Asterid
> Family History and Other Fun Subjects
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5 – Family History and Other Fun Subjects

The first week of Sombra’s “rehabilitation” had fallen into a comfortable pattern. He would be awoken every morning at five am and taken to the training salle to begin drilling with his fellow guards. As a Crystal Pegasus, his unique use of gravitational forces allowed him to begin learning not only the standard Pegasus combat style but also how to use weapons like a Unicorn. After a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and fruit, the guards would then be stationed around the castle on a rotating basis. After a late afternoon lunch, Sombra would typically be instructed to personally guard Princess Twilight as she “tutored” the fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. All of this was a thinly disguised reason for Sombra to help Scoatalow, as she asked to be called, with her Family Appreciation Day project.

He had told her stories of her grandparents’ lives, ruling the Crystal empire a thousand years ago. He regaled her with tales of epic battles where the Imperial soldiers fought hoof, horn, and wing against the fierce raiders of the Northern Caribou tribes. He even embarrassed her with stories of his own love story with her mother, all under the watchful eye of Twilight Sparkle. 

After being dismissed for the night, Sombra would walk the three fillies home, usually stopping at the orphanage last so as to spend just that little bit of extra time with his daughter. Before returning to the castle for the evening, he would typically wrap the orange filly in a tight hug before kissing her on the forehead and wishing her sweet dreams. Stopping at Sugar Cube Corner just before closing, Sombra would usually get himself a small slice of berry cake and a cup tea for his dinner before retiring back to his quarters for the night. 

As dawn lit the morning sky on Saturday, Sombra was allowed to sleep in on the weekend as part of his schedule rotation. A small knock at his chamber door woke him from a pleasant dream of happiness and family. Grumbling softly, the dark stallion crawled out of bed before walking to the door and opening it.

“If someone isn’t dying, I will be very upset,” Sombra groused before seeing Twilight waiting at his door.

“I do not believe that tone or attitude is deserved, Prince Sombra,” Major Domo said, “Her highness has requested your presence in the throne room as soon as you are ‘presentable’.”

“Thank you, I will be down shortly,” Sombra replied, gently closing the door.

After quickly straightening his mane, tail and feathers, Sombra quickly made his way down to the throne room and waited to be announced. As the guards waved him in, he entered quickly and knelt before the raised throne Twilight sat upon. 

“You requested my presence, Princess Twilight,” He said.

“Yes, Prince Sombra,” Twilight said, looking down from her throne, “As you are Scoatalow’s father, you are needed to finalize her name change.”

“I would be glad to help my daughter, princessa,” Sombra asked with a smile, “Have you heard back from Celestia about there being a second princess in Ponyville?”

“She hasn’t responded yet,” Twilight replied, stepping daintily from the dais and walked up to the stallion, “There shouldn’t be an issue though. Come along, Sombra, we need to collect Scoatalow before we go to the Mayor’s office.”

As the Princess continued walking out of the room, she left a stunned Sombra in her wake. Rushing off to follow her, Sombra tried to keep his erratic heartbeat under control.

“Must we be so formal, princessa,” He asked, finally catching up to her.

“I believe we have been a little too familiar as of late, Prince Sombra,” Twilight said, trying to be as stern as she could be, “I have also been overly lenient in regards to your allowed visitation with your daughter. So, a little formality is needed I believe.”

“Have I don’t something to offend you, Princess Twilight,” Sombra asked, stepping into her path.

Taking a deep breath, Twilight sat on the ground and tried to compose herself.

“No, you haven’t Sombra,” She sighed, “But, there has been talk that I am too close to both you and your daughter considering I am your warden.”

“There may be over a thousand years since I have been around the court,” Sombra said with a grin, “But tongues will continue to wag over the juiciest of pieces of palace gossip. You should pay no heed to idle chatter.”

“But if idle chatter is heard by the right people, I would no longer be responsible for your redemption,” Twilight said.

“Do you really think my cousins will overrule your decision?” Sombra asked, “This is an issue concerning your citizens, not theirs.”

“But Celestia was my teacher,” Twilight said, a slightly crazed look in her eyes, “Her approval is the most important thing.”

“Princessa, my cousin does not want to be placed upon the pedestal you’ve placed her on,” Sombra replied, “I mean, I could tell you stories about what she was like back when she was a little pink haired filly who dreamed of going on grand adventures.”

Seeing the large stallion laughing at her former mentor caused a scandalized look to appear on Twilight’s face.

“Let’s hurry up and pick up Scoatalow,” Twilight growled, as she stomped off towards the orphanage, “My son is coming home today and I wanted to meet him at the train station.”

“Oh yes, the young dragon who helped thwart Somnumbula’s attempt to retake the empire,” Sombra said, “Truly a hero after my own heart.”

“Are you being sarcastic or trying to insult my son?” Twilight hissed.

“I would never insult a child,” Sombra said, “You, your friends and your son showed great courage in defying that tyrant and I am proud to have met you all.”

“I am having a very difficult time understanding you, Sombra,” Twilight scoffed, “When we defeated you in the Crystal Empire –“

“I think that is the key issue here isn’t it, Princessa,” Sombra said, “You never defeated me. You defeated the twisted monster that was thrust upon me. I admit that we have only truly known each other for about a week at this point, but am I really so similar to him.”

“You aren’t,” Twilight conceded, “In fact, over the past week, I’ve seen that you are a hard worker, caring father, and a good stallion. I’m beginning to think that I may have misjudged you.”

“Just beginning?” Sombra said with a smirk.

“Yeah,” Twilight joked back, stroking a wing along the stallions back, “Can’t be too easy on you now, can I?”


 



********


Sitting at her desk, working through a large stack on non-urgent correspondence, Celestia looked out the open window, enjoying the beautiful day. Picking up a small scroll from her favorite protégé, Celestia carefully broke the seal before reading over the small letter. As the Solar Diarch set the letter aside, she smiled for a few seconds before the impact of the words became clear. Focusing her magic, Celestia once again forcibly summoned her sister. Luna landed with a muffled ‘thump’ on Celestia’s large bed as she popped awake, pulling the sleep mask from her face.

“What new emergency can only be handled by us personally, sister,” Luna asked, glaring at Celestia.

“Your snark is neither needed or appreciated, Luna,” Celestia scoffed, “I need you help though. Twilight is about to make a life changing mistake and we need to stop her. And since Spike is not supposed to be getting home until later this afternoon, I will need you help powering a teleportation spell to get to Ponyville.”

“What has your neurotic not-daughter done this time?” Luna asked, shaking her head to clear the cobwebs.

“Scootaloo has requested the Twilight help her assume her birth name,” Celestia answered, ignoring Luna’s playful jab, “And they are going to Mayor Mare’s office this morning.”

“And this is a bad thing how?” Luna asked.

“Sootaloo’s true name is Princess Scoatalow Sapphire Dawn,” Celestia replied, a near manic look in her eyes.

“And this is bad a bad thing because…oh. OH!” Luna exclaimed, “We have to hurry. What do you need me to do?”

“Synchronize your magic with mine.” Celestia replied, “We will need a lot of power to reach Ponyville from here.”

Charging their magical powers, their multicolored auras began shifting and swirling until the sisters disappeared in a flash of light. Reappearing in an equally impressive flash, the sisters found themselves in the crumbling ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters.

“We may have missed the mark just a bit, dear sister,” Luna said, flaring her wings, “I believe we may want to fly the rest of the way before it’s too late.”

“Agreed, Luna,” Celestia replied, extending her own wings, “I shall fly to town hall while you fly to Twilight’s Palace. Hopefully one of us will find her before it’s too late.”

Leaping into the air, the two sisters soared towards town before separating and flying to their agreed destinations. Zeroing in on the conical spire of town hall, Celestia flapped her wings as hard as she could, intent on keeping Twilight from making the greatest mistake of her young life. Diving through air, Celestia landed with a thud on the front porch before bursting through the double doors.

“Princess Celestia!” Called the lime green Earth pony mare seated at the reception desk, “How wonderful to see you-“

“I apologize for being short with you, my little pony,” Celestia answered, raising a wing to silence her, “But, I have little time to waste. I must ask, has Princess Twilight Sparkle, Prince Sombra and the filly named Scootaloo come in today?”

“Oh yes,” The receptionist said with a smile, “They should just be completing their meeting with Mayor Mare. Her office is just down the hallway there.”

“Thank you, I will show myself in,” Celestia said with a nod before rushing down the hall.

Coming to a large double oak door, Celestia burst into the office only to see Mayor Mare placing a small stamper back into her desk.

“Celestia, cousin, how wonderful to see you on this most beautiful day,” Sombra said, placing a wing gently around Scoatalow, “The mayor has just finalized the paperwork for young Scoatalow to take back her birth name. Please, join us to celebrate this most joyous occasion.”

“I’m too late…” Celestia whispered, “Sombra, Twilight, I must ask, what does Scoatalow’s name change paperwork say exactly.”

“I can answer that,” Scoatalow said, her tiny wings fluffing up as she stood up straighter, “I am now Princess Scoatalow Sapphire Dawn.”

“Just as a I feared,” Celestia replied before turning to both Sombra and Twilight, “I am sorry to say this, my friends, but you have made a most dire of mistakes. There is an old law, instituted after our parent’s deaths, that states a Princess may not be placed in the care of an orphanage and must be raised by a member of the peerage. Young Scoatalow cannot return to the orphanage any longer. As such, it will fall to either myself, Luna, Twilight or yourself, Sombra, to raise her.”

“Did you know this, Sombra?” Twilight hissed, turning on the lone stallion in the room.

“Whoa, slow down, Princessa,” Sombra said, raising his forehooves, “This is all news to me. I give you my word as a Prince of Equestria that I had no idea this law was in place. I wanted to earn my redemption, not just in your eyes but in the eyes of all of our people.”

Staring into his eyes, Sombra felt like Twilight Sparkle was trying to look into his very soul. 

“I believe you, Sombra,” Twilight huffed before getting down to Scoatalow’s level, “Your old enough now, Scoatalow, to have a say in this matter. So I’m going to ask you, take a minute and decide, who would you like to take care of you.”
> Foundation for a Happy Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6 – Foundation for a Happy Family



Scoatalow sat on the hard wood floor of the Mayor’s as she weighed Twilight’s words. She was the one that would ultimately decide her own fate, which scared her more than a little bit.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are both out, she thought, they live all the way in Canterlot. And Princess Cadance is all the way in the Empire. Only way I can stay here in Ponyville is if I pick Twilight or Dad. 

“I…I think I have made my choice,” Scoatalow stuttered.

“And what have you chosen, my little pony?” Celestia asked. 

“I’d like for my dad to be my guardian,” She replied, moving to stand next to the dark stallion. 

“Are you sure, detjonys?” Sombra asked, getting down to her level, “Princessa can provide for you far better than I can. I might call my self a prince, but I haven’t a bit to my name or a place to call home.”

“I don’t care about any of that, popochka,” Scoatalow said, standing on her hind legs and placing her forelegs against Sombra’s barrel, “We could live in a shack on the edge of the Everfree forest for all I care as log as it’s with you.”

Hearing his daughter’s words, Sombra lifted the filly into her forelegs and held her tightly as his large body was wracked by sobs.

Leaning over to her prized student, Celestia whispered gently to the younger princess.

“Can you truly tell me, Twilight, that that stallion has any evil within his heart or intends to hurt that filly?” She asked.

“No, he is innocent of the wrong doings done by the beast he was possessed by,” Twilight said, “But what will happen now? He’s not wrong about his current situation.”

“Well then, it’s a good thing a generous young mare recently moved into a very large castle with plenty of room,” Celestia said with a grin, “Especially when said mare and stallion have both expressed an…interest in each other.”

“Princess, are you trying to set me up…on a date?!” Twilight hissed.

“Oh no, Twilight,” Celestia giggled, “I would never try to impinge on your sisters-in-law’s specialty. I’m merely pointing out how you can assist a roguishly charming single male and his equally adorable filly.”

“Laying it on pretty thick there, Princess?” Twilight said, before turning back to the heartwarming scene, “Um, Prince Sombra?”

“Yes, Princessa?” sombra said, shooting her a sly smirk as he set Scoatalow on the ground, “How can I help you.”

“I would like to let you know that I have made my final decision regarding your reformation.” Twilight said in a regal voice.

“Twilight, please don’t send my Daddy away,” Scoatalow cried, “He’s a good pony, even if he has to put up with Uncle Somnumbula all the time.”

Celestia looked at Sombra Incredulously, mouthing the words ‘Uncle Somnumbula?’. Waiving her question of with a flip of his wing, Sombra mouthed back ‘Later.’

“Do not fear, little one,” Twilight said, trying to emulate her former mentor, “Your father will be safe and sound. I was simply going to ask the two of you if you would consider moving into the castle with me.”

“That’s moving fairly quickly, isn’t it Twilight Sparkle?” Called a new voice from the doorway.

Turning at the sudden interruption, everyone watched as Princess Luna seemed to glide into the mayor’s office, her head held high as her ethereal midnight blue hair swayed in the non-existent breeze.

“In the olden days, a mare would need to be courting a stallion for at least a year before even thinking about moving in together,” She joked, moving to stand next to her sister, “have things really changed so much in a thousand years?”

“I…it…you…” Twilight stammered, a fierce blush tinging her muzzle bright red, “It’s not like that Princess Luna!”

“Then please, Princessa, do tell,” Sombra asked, claiming a spot next to the flustered younger princess before laying a wing possessively over her back, “How is it exactly?”

Twilight tried to center her thoughts, but the muscular warmth of Sombra’s side was slowly working through her defenses. Looking down, she found herself locking eyes with Scoatalow, the young filly striking as cute a pose as possible, her large pink eyes glistening as she clasped her hooves under her chin.

“Does this mean you want to be my mom, Twilight?” She said, tilting her head to the side.

Cuteness levels exceeding maximum safe levels, Twilight thought, initiating Escape plan GTFO.

“Eeeep,” Squeaked the young Alicorn as she disappeared in a flash of lavender light.

“I think we may have taken that a step too far, cousins,” Sombra laughed, “However, there is something of importance I do need to ask.”

“What is that Sombra?” Luna asked.

“Before Scoatalow was born, Dawn and I had put a few items away in my private vault beneath the Imperial Palace.” Sombra explained, “For the most part, they are small trinkets belonging to her mother and grandparents. But more importantly, we also stored the regalia we had made for Scoatalow as well as my own. I would like permission to retrieve them.”

“Sombra, I love you dearly, but I must ask,” Celestia asked, a panicked look on her face, “Cousin, have you lost your mind! You want to walk into the Imperial Palace, filled with guards who will want to kill you on site, to reclaim your crown and publicly declare that you have birthed an heir. If I had realized you were this suicidal, I would have just given Twilight guardianship of your daughter.”

“You misunderstand me, Celestia,” Sombra said, wrapping a wing around Scoatalow, “I do not wish to claim the crown as I am not the king. And Scoatalow is not my heir as I have no kingdom. I merely wish to collect my personal possessions and those meant for my daughter. If it would make everyone involved feel safer, perhaps Twilight and her son Spike could be persuaded to accompany us. Surely having four heroes of Equestria so close at hand would put everyone’s minds at ease.”

“There is logic to his words, sister,” Luna said, “it would also serve as a good bonding moment for them.”

“And by them you are referring to Scoatalow and Sombra correct?’ Celestia asked.

Luna did not answer, save for a small smile and tilt of her head.

“I will send a letter to Cadence and Shining Armor before I speak to Twilight,” Celestia huffed, before turning to Mayor Mare, “For now, we have some more paperwork to fill out for this lucky little filly and her father.”


********


Twilight reappeared at the train station, trying desperately to get her blush and heartbeat under control before she was supposed to pick up Spike after his trip to Manehattan for Powercon. The convention had only lasted a week, but the young Princess had never been away from her son for more than a couple of days, and even then, he was under the watchful eye Big Mac and Granny Smith. 

I wonder what I’m going to tell him about everything that’s been happening, Twilight thought, still struggling to get her blush under control, I hope he doesn’t mind a couple of additional ponies living in the castle.

Before long, the gleaming Ponyville Express came into view, a shrill call coming from its whistle. As the train came to a stop, a thick cloud of steam rushed out of the engine as it ground to a halt. Workers both on the train as well as in the station began rushing back and forth, unloading luggage and helping passengers disembark. Soon, Twilight could just barely see the top of Spike’s head as he made his way through the crowd. In the three years following Twilight’s accension, Spike had had his first growth spurt, now standing almost eye to eye with the older mare’s in his life. As the crowd parted, Spike walked up to the lavender mare, pulling his suitcase along behind him. 

“Welcome home,” Twilight said, leaning forward to nuzzle him.

“Thanks, Mom,” he said with a grin, wrapping his arms around her neck to give her a hug, “So, I miss anything important while I was in Manehattan for a week?” 

“Oh, nothing much, just a normal week in Ponyville,” Twilight said, “Sombra’s been fully pardoned.”

Letting go of the embrace, Spike took a step back and cocked his head to the side. 

“I…what?” He asked.

“Come on, I’ll explain on the walk back home.” Twilight said, wrapping a wing behind the young dragon’s back.

The two walked in silence for a few minutes before Twilight began explaining everything that had happened while Spike had been away, from Sombra settling into his new role as a guard to Scoatalow’s family history project, culminating with the tense moment at town hall.

“So, let me get this straight,” Spike asked, ticking things off on his claws, “You made the mistake of changing Scoatalow’s name and making her a Princess-“

“Lower case p,” Twilight said, “There’s a difference.”

“Ok, moving on from that,” Spike said, his eye twitching slightly, “Then, Grandma Celestia shows up and explains how you jumped the gun and screwed up royally. So, you give a teenage filly a difficult choice about which royal is gonna take care of her and she picks her dad. Which means you had to pardon Sombra. And then you offer to have him and the little orange typhoon move into the castle. That about sum it all up?”

“Very concise description,” Twilight said, her mane and tail beginning to frizz as her eye twitched, “And now im panicking because mfmurfmrm.”

“What was that last part there,” Spike asked with a smile, “Was that even Equish?”

“...grumble grumble…” Twilight said, scuffing the dirt road.

“Jeez, this is like pulling teeth,” Spike asked, draping an arm over her back, “You can tell me, Mom.”

“Fine, want me to say it, I’ll say it,” Twilight shouted, going into full panic mode, “I’m attracted to Prince Sombra which has me more than a little flustered and now he’s gonna be living with us and I’m going to be seeing his stupid, handsome face everyday.”

“Feel better getting that off your chest?” Spike snarked, “Good, now I gotta ask, how is that different than any other day since Prince Mucky Muck came back from the dead.”

“Difference is I can’t hide behind my wall of ‘I’m your warden and can’t kiss your stupid, handsome face.’” Twilight said with a huff.

“Mom, ick,” Spike gagged as the sound of rapidly approaching hooves began, “I don’t need to hear about you wanting to make out with Sombra, just, no.”

“Oh please, like you weren’t floating around on your own little cloud after your pulled your head out of your plot about Sweetie Belle,” Twilight said with a smirk, “By the way, incoming Sweetie missile.”

“Incoming what now?” Spike asked before he was tackled to the ground by a white and purple blur.

“SPIKE!” Squealed said blur, as it and the dragon rolled along the ground.

As they came to a stop and the dust cleared, Twilight smiled as she saw her star pupil Sweetie Belle cuddling with her son on the side of the road.

“Spikey, I missed you so much,” Sweetie Belle said, nuzzling the young dragon, “I wish I could have come with you.”

“Don’t worry about it, a ghra,” Spike said, kissing the young mare on the cheek, “Your studies are important and Mom knew you needed to test yourself in the tournament. So, how did you do?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Sweetie said with a scowl.

“None of that,” Spike said, lifting her chin and kissing her gently, “Come on, get up offa me and we’ll go to that café you love and talk about it.”

“Oh, I see how it is, spend time with your marefriend,” Twilight said mockingly, “You two go enjoy yourselves. I’ll take this back to the castle.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Spike said, helping Sweetie Belle up and walking off with her.

“That son of mine,” Twilight whispered with a smile as she wrapped the suitcase in her magic before heading off to the castle.